Social KC: Fashion's Night Out

The Country Club Plaza, the Power & Light District and Zona Rosa are the shopping centers in Kansas City that will be participating in this year's Fashion's Night Out.

What is Fashion's Night Out?  It was a "movement" started several years ago to help boost the declining sales in retail (at least, that's what I remember reading last year......)  Taking place on the Thursday during New York Fashion Week, cities across the globe celebrate their own version of Fashion's Night Out.  

On to the good stuff.  Last year, my sister and I visited the Country Club Plaza and had such a good time (I even considered flying her in for this year's festivities.)  Let's just say that the CCP captured my heart (and my loyalty) that night, and it is my destination for next Thursday night.  A quick run-down on just a few of my favorite stores and what they have planned:

First stop, 

Helzbergs Diamonds - receive a free pair of pearl earrings (free pearls? yes, please!) just for coming to Helzberg Collections, (one pair per customer while supplies last) plus, 10% of all sales donated to the local Make-A-Wish Foundation 

Halls - from 5-10 p.m., see hot fall styles (come see how I styled an Oscar de la Renta top!) DJ Mike Scott, score gifts-with-purchase (from Habitual Denim, Rag & Bone and more), and register-to-wins (from Marc by Marc Jacobs, Mulberry, Frye, Laundry, Persol, Eileen Fisher and more!)

J. Crew - shop, eat, and a free FNO surprise when you spend $100 or more

H&M - DJ (because when does H&M not have a DJ?), giveaways, get 30% off your favorite item, enter to win a chance to attend a private performance by Lana Del Rey

Burberry - champagne (oh wait, I don't drink!) appetizers and a free gift with purchase.

Kaplan's Fabrics - If I can make it in time, a 7pm fashion show with designs by local designers, seamstresses and students of Cherry Barthel. After the show, discuss how to turn your fashion ideas into a reality with seamstresses and designers. Create your own scarf - choose fabric, hem it in the store and take it home. Drawings for a giveaway.

Kate Spade - complimentary Mini Indulgences from Seasons 52, plus great giveaways and discounts (and come on, shopping!)

Michael Kors - a handbag giveaway? don't mind if you do!

N Valentino - they had me at cupcakes, plus 20% off contemporary men’s and women’s collections, plus custom fittings from Paige Premium Denim, Joe's Jeans, Hudson, Rich and Skinny and AG

Panache Chocolatier - Chocolate samples, iced tea, coffee (the BEST European Truffles, ever!)

And if you plan to stay for the eateries......

Gram & Dun - (the best meatballs ever!) After Party 9pm-midnight. Get your invitation at Standard Style for one glass of complimentary champagne and Happy Hour Prices.

The Melting Pot - $5 chocolate fondue (from 9-10:30pm)?  How could anyone refuse??

For a complete listing of CCP events, visit countryclubplaza.com.

It's a Girl Thing: Recap

I know this is wildly outdated, but I'm going to post it anyway. 

What I wore:

Shirt: Ralph Lauren

Necklace: Target

Dress: Nine West (see similar here.)

Bracelets: Target + Target

You know the women's shoe department is good when it looks something like this:

Dresses (oh be-still my beating heart; dresses merchandised by color.)

They had dresses brought in just for this event:

 I couldn't leave without trying one on....... 

Dress: no longer available

Shoes: Zara

And I had to treat myself to one of Christopher Elbow's Caramel with Fluer de Sel chocolates. I die. 

I love everything about Halls.  I love that it's a department store with everything (I mean that; I dare you to find something they don't have.)  I love the way the fragrance and cosmetics department smells.  I love that they have a spa (I just found that out!)  I love that they carry Manolo Blahnik and L.K. Bennett (see shoe department.)  I love that the store associates feel like family.  I just......love Halls.

p.s.

Social KC: It's A Girl Thing, Halls Plaza

I'll be there.  Will you?

p.s. I love this mint....I am so ready for summer!