Preview: Fashion’s Night Out hosts stylish events all around North Texas

by Louiseza Sanderson of The Assignment Desk, DFW

• Tweet
• Email
• Print
• 1 Comment

The Galleria boasts a quarter of a mile long runway, the longest in North America.

If only for a few days, it actually feels like fall in North Texas. And this week is a good opportunity to do some serious fall fashion shopping on Thursday, September 8, during the celebration of Fashion's Night Out.

In its third year, Fashion's Night Out (FNO) is an international, annual event that brings designers, celebrities, and shoppers together in a celebration of all things style. Its purpose was initially to stir consumerism and to make fashion and shopping fun again. Now it's a great opportunity to get fall fashion tips and don a sassy pair of heels.

Plenty of events in North Texas are worth your time, and we've compiled a list of the evening’s most stylish destinations. To help you pinpoint which items should be on your must-have shopping list, we spoke to Dallas fashion maven Jan Strimple to get her take on what’s in for the season.

As one of the premier shopping areas in north Texas, NorthPark Center is a no-brainer for a FNO celebration. From 6 to 10 p.m., stores will host in-store events with mini makeovers to freshen up your look. NorthPark is a great place to look for zany prints to mix and match with bold colors. A nod to the funky fashion of the '80s, Strimple says when mixed carefully, a bright color pallet and fun prints can keep a fall/winter wardrobe from getting drab.

Highland Park Village’s FNO celebration boasts gourmet food, runway shows at 7 and 9 p.m., and in-store events throughout. Of note, Ralph Lauren is pairing with the American Heart Association for a night of purposeful shopping. Strimple says monochromatic pallets will be big. To keep it interesting, be on the lookout for varying textures, especially those using hombre effects.

Uptown’s West Village has a preview of Nicole Richie’s House of Harlow vintage-inspired clutch line at L. Bartlett. Stop by Ro2 Art for a trunk show by jewelry designer Elle Schuster. And Lure Salon has FNO swag bags -- a must-have. While perusing the streets of this open air shopping center, be on the lookout for lace. This isn’t your grandmother’s lace, though; Strimple says that when paired back with leather or tweed, it takes on a less demure, but still very sensual look.

If you’re looking to stay north of IH-635, Neiman Marcus at Shops at Willow Bend will be your spot. There will be runway shows spotlighting what’s hot, including a men’s fall trend supporting the Lone Star Ride Fighting AIDS Organization. Afterwards, stop by the “Red Room” lounge: The in-store restaurant will be transformed into a swank little spot for the night. Strimple urges men to continue to explore their creative side this season. Even if a metrosexual style isn’t your style, take cues from the more daring dressers. A word to the men from Strimple: “Women care far more about what guys wear.”

The Galleria in Dallas hosts its own runway shows at 6 and 7 p.m. At a quarter of a mile long (and six minutes to walk!), the show will feature the longest runway in North America. After the shows, guests will be able to strut down the cat walk and live out their own fierce dreams. Strimple says to look for tortoise prints and leg wear -- leg wear will be big this year.

Strimple is producing the runway event at the Galleria, and she'll also be shelling out some fashion advice. She started modeling at the age of 13 and has since worked with fashion icon Bob Mackie, John Grambling of the Frost Brothers stores in San Antonio, and has had her hand in many of the areas charity fundraising events. She's got more than 40 years in the business under her well-heeled feet.

So what do you say: Need some retail therapy?

Tweet