In what will be the greatest cooking demonstration in the history of time and space, Sonja Morgan, part of the Real Housewives of New York gaggle, will make an appearance at Macy's on Thursday night to promote her new toaster oven cookbook. Yes, you read that right. The single greatest member of an increasingly depressing and ill-mannered cast (e.g., Jill Zarin and that terrible lady who made millions shaving vaginas) will be in the city this week to sign copies of her latest book about cooking for royalty (et al.) using a toaster oven. Really, a goddamn toaster oven. This is what, among so many other qualities, makes Morgan a budding lifestyle genius.
Thursday's appearance is all a part of this year's Fashion Night Out. In addition to Morgan's appearance, Cirque du Soleil characters will run around the department store in full costume, Vince Camuto’s new line of attire will be on display along with free food and food (note: booze and credit cards are a terrible mix), and local blogger Blair Eadie from atlantic-pacific.blogspot.com will "style an informal modeling presentation filled with her of-the-moment looks and unexpected details, then share tips and tricks on how to create fashionable head-to-toe looks."
But you should go for Sonja alone. She arrives at 7 pm on the cellar level. To bide your time until then, please watch this helpful video on how she prepares Toaster Oven Chicken Parmigiano. (Gary Danko and Chris Cosentino, you both have much to learn form Ms. Morgan. Obviously.)
Happening in Union Square from 5-10 PM this Thursday, Fashion's Night Out celebrates "fall fashion where stores stay open late, provide refreshments and entertainment and give guests a preview of their new fall lines." Here is a list of all the alleged high fashion going on in Union Square:
AllSaints (140 Geary St.) will have a special guest DJ set by Shane King to jump start your evening. They will also be showcasing their new fall line and offering a digital flipbook of the night’s events as well as complimentary drinks.
Allen Edmonds (310 Sutter St.) will be hosting a new product launch of their new “Rough” and “Independence” collections and will serve wine and cheese to nibble on. The “Rough” Collection offers a new take on the classic street shoe, and the “Independence” Collection is an ultra-premium line of shoes for executives and professional men. Several other exclusive, new styles will be available for preview and pre-order, and shoppers will receive a complimentary pair of cedar shoe trees for each shoe purchase.
Arthur Beren Shoes (222 Stockton St.) wants you to pamper yourself, so they will be offering a $100 gift certificate toward a manicure or pedicure with any purchase of a designer handbag from the hours of 6-8 PM. Refreshments will also be served for the evening.
Babette (361 Sutter St.) will keep doors open until 9 PM, so guests can snack and shop all evening! Babette's newest collection will be shown, while guests sip complementary wine and nosh on tasty hors d'oeuvres. All customers who visit the store that night can enter to win $300 gift certificate. To top things off, designer Babette Pinsky will be on site all evening.
Banana Republic Flagship Store (256 Grant Ave.) will be celebrating FNO with the debut of their new Fall collections and mini makeovers. From 5pm-8pm relax with a nice glass of wine, enjoy makeovers with Body Shop’s new fall products for eyes, cheeks and lips and snag some free samples! Guests can also take advantage of their style experts, who can help advise you on fall trends, flattering fits and the perfect outfit for any occasion.
Bottega Veneta (108 Geary St.) will stay open late and serve in-store cocktails. FNO will be the luxury Italian accessories vendor’s first celebration in their fabulous new expanded storefront as well as the launch of their first women's fragrance. Although the official U.S. launch date is September 15, Union Square has been specially selected for a preview in honor of FNO.
Cole Haan (324 Stockton St.) is doing a shopping, sweets & sweeps event. Guests will be entered to win a new pair of Cole Haan shoes every month for an entire year. In addition, new fall arrivals will be available for purchase, including two special edition Maria Sharapova Air Bacara Ballets that are available only in select stores.
Fashionphile (153 Maiden Ln.) is the world's largest and most trusted source for pre-owned luxury handbags. On FNO, guests can check out their assortment of high-end luxury goods and indulge in a free self-serve candy bar. Fashionistas also get a free gift if they bring a gently loved designer handbag for consignment.
Gucci (240 Stockton St.) will be extending their hours to 8 PM. Sparkling wine and a special cocktail will be served between 6-8 PM. Guests who purchase $500 or more in merchandise will receive an official Fashion's Night Out tote during the 2-hour period.
Macy’s Union Square (170 O’Farrell St.) has a full line-up of events with special activities on each level of their flagship store. On level 1 characters from Cirque du Soleil’s newest show Totem will be roaming around in full costume, and Sunglass Hut will have live models with the latest fall fashions on hand. On Level 2, Vince Camuto’s new line of Ready to Wear will be on display along with sips and sweets to keep guests shopping all night long. Level 3 will feature Blair Eadie from atlantic-pacific.blogspot.com, who will style an informal modeling presentation filled with her of-the-moment looks and unexpected details, then share tips and tricks on how to create fashionable head-to-toe looks. The coup de grace of the evening will be a special appearance by Sonja Morgan from Bravo TV's The Real Housewives of New York City. At 7 PM on the cellar level, she will demonstrate how to create gourmet meals in a toaster oven, followed by a signing and meet and greet.
Marc Jacobs (125 Maiden Ln.) will be giving visitors free circus-themed tote bags with fragrance inside while supplies last. Their window display will be circus-themed as well, and they’ll be selling a special FNO clown t-shirt.
MaxMara (175 Post St.) will showcase a special window installation to celebrate fall fashion.
Neiman Marcus (150 Stockton St.) will provide an opportunity for guests to see the hottest fall fashion trends on models throughout the store featuring their newest collections including Victoria Beckham, Joseph Altuzarra, Tom Ford Women’s, Christopher Kane and Rachel Zoe. Unique works by Academy of Art University designers will also be on display. Stylists from Cinta Salon will be on hand for hair consultations, and there will be a Hanky Panky thong decorate it yourself station, where guests can deck out their own pair of Hanky Pankies. Refreshments from Popchips and Mission Minis will be served.
Saks Fifth Avenue (384 Post St.) is collaborating with local fashion bloggers to create a full evening of fashion, technology and fun. From 6 to 8 PM the store will buzz with energy and activity as guests enjoy music, refreshments, makeovers and a fashion display. On the main floor a guest DJ will be spinning music and refreshments will be passed. Customers will be able to indulge in treatments and get makeovers before getting a picture taken by a professional portrait photographer. The 5th Floor will be transformed into a bloggers lounge with fashion displays created by bloggers. Several local fashion writers will be invited to participate in styling the installations. DJ Vaughn will be spinning music and guests will be encouraged to vote for their favorite fashion installation. At the end of the event, a winning blogger will receive an award.
Spectacles (177 Maiden Ln.) carries everything from Cartier to Chanel to vintage to small European family owned frame lines. From 5:30 to 7 PM, they will be offering free single vision lenses with a frame purchase. Guests will also enjoy refreshments and classic vinyl on the Spectacles turntable.
Thomas Pink (255 Post St.) will be serving up glasses of Chandon Rosé and offering customers a unique gift with purchase. Customers who spend $200 that evening will receive an attractive and colourful collar bone pouch.
Ugg Australia (437 Sutter St.) will be presenting their new Fall 2011 Line, which combines high fashion and luxurious comfort. UGG Collection is handcrafted in Italy and stands as UGG Australia’s first venture into the world of high fashion footwear and handbags. The new line captures rugged beauty and exquisite comfort, combining it with premium Italian materials and styling. Also on preview during FNO, will be UGG’s new men’s collection in collaboration with New England Patriot quarterback Tom Brady. The line features a wide variety of stylish, yet comfortable men’s footwear. While perusing this new lineup, guests will listen to tunes by a live DJ, taking song requests from live tweets, enjoy an interactive photo booth, and a be refreshed with a selection of cocktails and light bites.