Attack of the Fashionistas

Fashion's Night Out officially kicks off New York's Fashion Week. But in actuality, it was created to revive consumer habits in a sleepy economy. Profits must have been good, because now cities such as Miami are enjoying their own FNO with an annual evening of celebrity designer appearances, extended store hours, runway shows, and swag bags. So this Thursday, save the local economy by burning through the plastic in your wallet. If you don't start spending, be prepared for a War of the Worlds-style stimulus intervention. Economist Paul Krugman recently told CNN that a fake alien invasion might be in order to end the current economic slump. In lieu of faux little green men, here are the best places to spend cash at Miami's Fashion's Night Out. At the ritzy Village of Merrick Park, FNO lounges will feature DJ Ess & Emm, and you can score a photo-booth shoot with any purchase over $25. Expect dozens of in-store events such as an Ocean Drive pop-up shop at Neiman Marcus and a cupcake feast at Betsey Johnson. Farther south, at the Falls (8888 SW 136th St., Miami), a launch party for the UK line Lipsy London at Bloomingdale's and a therapeutic oxygen bar, which will offer -- wait for it -- flavored air. (What? Shopping knocks the wind right out of us.) At Dadeland Mall (7535 N. Kendall Dr., Miami), Miss Miami USA 2012 Melissa Ramirez will be in attendance, and two FNO shoppers will win makeup and hair makeovers. In North Dade, sip champagne and enjoy beats by DJ Johnny the Boy while you shop at Chloé at Bal Harbour Shops (9700 Collins Ave., Bal Harbour), starting at 7 p.m. At nearby Yves Saint Laurent, sip more bubbly and gobble up macaroons. And if you drop almost $2K for the new YSL handbag, you'll score free YSL sunglasses, a scarf, a beauty kit, and an official Fashion's Night Out T-shirt. Meanwhile, Aventura Mall (19501 Biscayne Blvd., Aventura) will host celebrity stylist Danny Santiago as well as a vintage fashion exhibit. The first 150 shoppers who spend more than $150 will receive an FNO tote bag designed by Miami fashion design student Melanie Figueroa Nieves. Admission to all FNO events is free, but the whole point is to spend some dough at checkout and avoid a fake martian attack.
Thu., Sept. 8, 6 p.m., 2011