The World is Your Oyster (For One Night Only)

© Flickr / Tim Green

The mall may be a symbol of bleak urban sprawl, but here in Miami, the malls are anything but bleak. Good thing too, because Miami’s killer malls are where it’s at for Fashion’s Night Out (Friday, September 10). All the big luxury shopping Meccas are getting in on the act with the Village at Merrick Park, Bal Harbour Shops, Aventura Mall, and their retailers, who will be offering drinks, food, gifts and deals all to benefit local charities (and the bottom line).

Some events are better than others, though, so we’ve scoured them all to come up for your best bets for Fashion’s Night Out.

Village at Merrick Park, 6-9 p.m.

FNO at The Village at Merrick Park is all about indulgence. Food and drinks will be a’flowing and the couture will be a’bundant. Start at the Elemis Spa soothing station on the Garden Level for a beauty consultation and then head straight to Gucci for drinks and a whiff of their new fragrance, Gucci Guilty. Gucci’s light on the discounts (um, there are none) but they’re giving away the official Fashion’s Night Out t-shirt, which benefits the NYC AIDS Fund, with every purchase.

The best giveaway of the night has got to be the handbag giveaway at Diane von Furstenberg. Everyone who makes a purchase receives a gift and a chance to win the bag.

The only real discounts of the night will be at Banana Republic, which is offering a 25% discount on purchases of $100 or more, and Lisa Todd, which is offering at $75 gift card with the purchase of $250 or more.

End your night on a sweet note and stop by Godiva Chocolatier, who will be offering samples of their fall collection. Who knew Godiva had a fall collection?

Bal Harbour Shops, 7-10 p.m.

Imagine the best slumber party you could ever attend – ever. Got it? Chances are you've dreamed up something akin to what Bal Harbour Shops are putting on for Fashion's Night Out. You will have fun, you will act silly, you will get your nails painted. 

Start at the Chanel Nail Bar to get a complimentary mini manicure and to take a gander at Chane'ls three new fall-fabulous nail colors – Khaki Brun, Khaki Rose and Khaki Vert. Then, head over to Nieman Marcus where you can strut your stuff on the catwalk for a chance to appear in Social Affairs Magazine. Next, hit Salvatore Ferragamo to check out the new – highly anticipated – W Bag, and customize your very own.

If you spend enough money (a portion of the proceeds go to charity, so why not?) you can take home all of your goodies in the Green Garmento bag, which is free with purchases of $500 or more.

Aventura Mall, 6-9:30 p.m.

Northernmost Miamians can head to Aventura mall for a whole lotta love on Fashion's Night Out. First, make sure you stop by the Concierge Center an “official” Aventura Mall shopping bag, which contains...drum roll… a $10 Aventura Mall gift card, a certificate for free valet parking at the mall, and a certificate for a complimentary glass of champagne at The Grill on the Alley, Grand Lux Cafe or Ocean Prime.

Walk through the mall, and you’ll find your favorite stores getting into the FNO spirit (most will have a DJ spinning and champagne flowing). Others are offering gifts and discounts. Your best bets?

Fill your gullets with stores offering just champagne and then hit up the stores with the deepest discounts – Zingara, who will have chocolate served by “hot” (they emphasize, hot) waiters in board shorts, and a 25% discount on all items, as well as a gift with purchases over $300; Banana Republic is hosting a private styling event, Fashion at Work! And is offering 25% off purchases of $100 or more; Harmont & Blaine, the upscale preppy house is cutting to the chase and offering 30% off their entire store.

Miami Design District, 6-10 p.m.

The urbane among you can head to the Design District for cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, and live music. The district is short on gimmickry (you will probably not get your nails painted) but Fashion's Night Out is a great time to see what's new in the coolest shopping district in our fair city.

And if you absolutely must get your nails done, stop by Salon Gilbert on 34th Street and Miami Avenue. They do a great job.