Vogue Fashion’s Night Out

> Chanel and Dior – Glasses of champagne for customers. Expect quality. They’re French fashion houses.
> Swarovski – Glasses of Sangria to accompany all the sparkles.
> Wanted Shoes – Fairy floss! The Sydney Fashion Blogger was also making an appearance at the store. Follow her on Instagram, the girl can dress. She’s the perfect example of how to mix high end labels with cheaper ones.
> Scattered throughout the other stores were adorable little appetizers, finger foods, cocktails, fairy floss, and ridiculous amounts of chocolates, macaroons and fun sweet treats.

I completely understand that designer threads are a luxury that many of us can only dream about, but the beauty of the fashion industry at the moment is the rise of the chain store. It’s no longer about whose name is on your tag; instead it’s all about being original and individual. Macklemore has bought thrift shopping back in a big way and the little black dress can be worn so many ways that it’s no longer reserved for the Holly Golightly’s of the world. That’s what FNO is all about: Showing that style can be affordable and that no look should be outside of your budget. This is where high Street brands really made a statement. Topshop, Zara and Sportsgirl all gave perfect examples of dressing within your budget and still making a personal statement.

While exploring I also came across the wonder of the beauty department. It was a delicious sight to behold: makeup artists everywhere, giving beautiful people make overs and making them even more beautiful. The lines were insane! A couple of shops had instore manicures and pedicures as free gifts with purchase. Sportsgirl has even introduced an entire permanent table in their Pitt Street store dedicated to experimenting with nail art. The beauty department at Myer has makeup artists at MAC and Illamasqua working overtime. They showed happily how to blend, create the perfect winged eyeliner and perfect lipstick application to maximise lip shape and fullness. It’s really incredible. If you ever get a chance, go and have a chat to the makeup artists in the Beauty Department. They’re great to talk to and many times will be able to give you small make up lessons for free. MAC charges about $90 for your makeup being done by a pro, and then you’re able to put the $90 towards buying some of the products they use on you.

Now gentlemen, I now speak directly to you. Ever heard of a man called Chuck Bass? Walk into a room full of ladies and say ‘Chuck Bass!’ and I guarantee you many a woman will swoon. Obviously, this is the effect that you want to have on people – make them weak at the knees. Like a Bass.

FNO catered to you. The various designers and brands also showed time and time again that a classic, tailored, well cut jacket is going to take any normal outfit and make it excellent. We also saw how it’s the smaller details in your ensemble that really pulls together a strong, tailored and masculine look. Think matching your belt to your shoes and cufflinks to your watch. Your socks should ALWAYS be the same colour (or similar) to your shoes. The shirtless, ripped Calvin Klein underwear models roaming around also made quite the statement and taught a valuable lesson – we’re big boys now. It’s no longer acceptable to be wearing anything you wore in high school and there should be no more than the waist band of your underwear showing. If you’re in doubt, think – What would James Bond do?

So there you have it!

Fashion, Food and Fun. It’s a near perfect combination! It’s also a valuable lesson – You don’t have to spend ridiculous amounts of money to look good. We’re so spoiled for choice in terms of labels and shops and all you need to do for inspiration is go outside and see what the daring are doing.

What are you waiting for? Get to it! Fabulous is just around the corner…

(Seriously – there’s a Westfield around every corner now, go hit it up.)