It seems every day brings another story of natural disasters or global economic catastrophes. While world leaders may be stalling and losing sleep in search of solutions, what better way is there to combat the looming unemployment reports or the ripples of the debt crisis than to engage in the time-honored and therapeutic tradition of shopping? This Thursday, Georgetown will host D.C.’s Fashion’s Night Out, designed by Vogue magazine and the Council of Fashion Designers of America “to celebrate fashion, restore consumer confidence, boost the industry’s economy, and put the fun back in shopping,” according to the event website, with sales and special promotions taking place at over a hundred D.C. stores.
While Fashion’s Night Out might seem geared towards a certain demographic, Georgetown’s FNO includes events, entertainment, and special shopping exclusives that may appeal to people oblivious to the latest fashion trends. For the social justice-minded, FNO features shopping for a cause, selling T-shirts and tote bags in support of Labels for Love, an organization that pledges to raise awareness and funds for women’s and children’s organizations in D.C. and around the world. On the other hand, the reality TV junkie, or the girl who has had her wedding planned since age five, will particularly enjoy watching, “Get Hitched at G’town,” a competition that will take place throughout the span of the night. Things may get rough as 50 couples fight for their dream wedding.
Fashion’s Night Out also provides the perfect excuse to step into your favorite store or boutique, as retailers will be offering endless perks from free makeovers to one-on-one styling advice—with cocktails and sugary treats, to boot. Be sure not to miss BCBG offering 20 percent off full price items and a special gift with purchase, free makeovers and the District’s best eyebrow waxer at Bluemercury, and For Your Home’s Jewelry Trunk show featuring Turkish treasures at 50 percent off. Lastly, the “Kiehl’s Karnival” features D.J. Sterofaith alongside games, raffles, free samples, and a slew of unbelievable Kiehl’s discounts.
Alongside these “splurge-inspiring events,” many Georgetown restaurants have also partnered with Fashion’s Night Out in an effort to keep patrons’ stomachs full as they empty their wallets. Attendees can, for instance, indulge in some “Fashion for Nutella” by showing a receipt from a FNO retailer in exchange for a free nutella crepe from Crepe Amour. Or they can sample treats from the latest bakery attempting to encroach onGeorgetown Cupcake’s cupcake turf by munching on some mini-cupcakes from Sprinkles. FNO has also turned Friday night into a perpetual happy hour, with the “Skinny Girl Night Out” cocktail event at Potomac Wines and Spirits, all night happy hour at Sequoia, and specially priced cocktails at Morton’s Steakhouse.
FNO even goes above and beyond its expectations to entertain with a literal beacon of hope—a hot air balloon over Georgetown. And to top it all off, try not to get sucked into the event’s climax: a non-violent flashmob.
