Looking Good, Birmingham: Fashion's Night Out

My gal pal Sonya and I at Birmingham's Fashion's Night Out

One night a year people all around the world get together to party in the name of fashion. This global shopping event, known as Fashion's Night Out, was first launched in 2008 and coordinated in the U.S. by Vogue magazine, the Council of Fashion Designers of America, NYC & Company and the City of New York. It's been called “the best fashion party in history."  And last night the party made its way to Birmingham. (You can read my preview story on Birmingham's Fashion's Night Out here on Magic City Post.)

The Magic City made me proud with its celebration of Fashion's Night Out. I was very impressed that style mavens had options. Instead of there being a single event at one shopping mall, there were specials at the Summit, Colonial Brookwood Village and at a number of locally-owned boutiques in downtown Homewood. 

My gal pal Sonya and I decided to go to the Summit for the evening. We left with a goodie bag full of samples from fragrance and cosmetics counters at Saks and got a great deal on some purchases at Juicy Couture. J. Crew was giving out free gourmet popsicles from Steel City Pops and I nearly fainted when I saw the cupcakes from New York City's Magnolia Bakery at Belk. 

Megan LaRussa discussing some of fall fashion trends

Belk also featured a special presentation by Megan LaRussa of Southern Femme on fall fashion trends. Three of the key style statements you'll see this season at Belk are: My Fair Lady, Town and Country,and Vivid. 

Layering a peplum dress with a feminine silk top is an easy and elegant way to achieve the My Fair Lady look. Add a metallic clutch and you're ready to hit the town. 

"Every woman should own a metallic clutch," LaRussa said. "It's a great way to take your look from day to night." 

The My Fair Lady Style Statement

If you're into the Town & Country look, LaRussa said Ralph Lauren is the brand for you. And if you've been skeptical of the colored jeans trend, try a pair in an autumn hue. 

And, of course, you can't go wrong with tall boots over skinny jeans. 

The Vivid look is all about mixing and matching colors in fresh, new, and unexpected ways. So be bold and sport a teal jacket with a red top and a neon clutch. 

I left Birmingham's Fashion's Night Out with many ideas on how to update my wardrobe for fall, but what's more important is that I left feeling good about my city. My friend and I had so much fun at this event proving to me once again that Birmingham really does know how to show a girl a good time.