Fashion Night Out

Last year, to kick of Fashion Week in NYC, the City had the first Fashion Night Out. Stores all over Manhattan stayed open late, offering late shopping-some with discounts, hors d'oeuvers, free drinks, and the occasional star.

Last night was the second. But, I get ahead of myself. My dad goes to Asia a couple times a year, and when he does, he usually has time to meet for dinner. Last night was one of those times. We met him at an Asian restaurant in Hoboken and spent some time with him before he had to be back on the plane. It is always nice to see him when he comes thru here.

I drank four or five glasses of water during dinner. When we left, I went next door to Starbucks to use the restroom before going into the city. Pumpkin Spice Latte is back, so I had to have one. I got on the train, planning to get off at 33rd St at Macy's in the City. I could only make it to 23rd. I ran into a deli to beg to use the restroom. After agreeing to buy a soda, I was permitted to go downstairs and find the restroom. Upon leaving the deli, I made my way to 5th Ave to find something going on for the evening. I didn't think it would be difficult, and I was right. But first, another pit stop. This time a pizzeria. And I ignored the signs that said "Restrooms for Customers Only." Back onto Fifth Avenue, I followed the lights. Oh, no, wait...one more stop to check out the Best Buy restroom. Water is good for you, but it doesn't allow you to walk very long without stopping!

I didn't really know how late the stores would be open, but I assumed it would be at least 9:30. Since it was almost 8:30, I knew I needed check out some stores, if I was going to do that. I went into Banana Republic because a sign on the sidewalk beckoned with promises of 25% off all sales. The sign made me enter. The Prosecco made me stay. I'll be honest-the table at the front of the store seemed to be out of drinks, so I searched. There was another table upstairs, so once I was well hydrated, I made my way two flights down to the Men's department. When I finished my wine, I continued up the Avenue. I joined a crowd outside Sephora to see what was going on in a window. Absolutely nothing! I wondered if Sephora hired people to look in the windows just to stop passers-by. If they didn't, it's a great idea.

After Sephora, I went into Lacoste and then Armani Exchange where I picked up a t-shirt for Danny. And there, on the right, was Versace. Another drink! This store was packed with people. I'm not sure if it was the bar or the clothes, but it was full. I eventually made my way to the room in the back, and jostled for a position at the bar. Just as I got to the bar, I heard the bartender say he was out of glasses. A guy next to me picked up a shot glass and a napkin, wiped it out, and held it up to the bartender to fill. Times like this make me laugh at the rich. Where I come from, it is not OK to use someone else's glass to get free booze. Moments later, more glasses arrived, and my patience paid off. I was given a strong drink and made my way back to the front of the store. When I finished my drink, I knew it was time to find another restroom, but I was on Fifth Avenue amid high fashion boutiques as far as the eye could see. This could be a problem. But there, on the corner was the St. Regis Hotel. Nice place. Classy restroom.

The night was winding down, but the last stop on the tour was Bergdorf Goodman. The store itself was closed, but the windows with live models were amazing. I watched the models in the window for a few minutes, then crossed the street and listened to a jazz band in front of the Pulitzer Fountain. From there, I walked thru Central Park and up 30 more blocks to the restaurant where Danny works. I am looking forward to seeing what next year holds.