New York native designer Jonathan Simkhai will be in the Hub this weekend to preview his fall 2013 collection at Louis Boston. The CFDA Fashion Incubator participant will be on location to chat with attendees and walk through his samples Saturday, from 11 a.m. -4 p.m. The night before, Simkhai will send his line down the runway at the W Hotel.

Simkhai launched his line in 2010 and has since been scooped up by the likes of Barneys, ShopBop.com, and of course, Louis.

Oh, and did we mention? He's a looker.

Top image via Ilya S. Savenok/Getty Images

The Future Boston Alliance, that group that caused such a hubbub earlier this year Is presenting a weekly series celebrating art and culture in Boston at the Emerald Lounge at the Revere Hotel. On Oct, 10, you can honor the legacy of sneaker design in American culture at a show curated by YES.OUI.SI. You can see a privately owned collection of Air Jordan shoes and other collectables from Michael Jordan’s career, along with original artistic work riffing on Jordan’s legacy. The exhibition starts at 7 p.m., admission is free.

Aram Boghosian for The Boston Globe

Jillian Gibbons and Amanda Tkacs, both of Boston, at last year's Fashion's Night Out event at Ted Baker on Newbury Street.

Tonight is Boston's second official go-around for Fashion's Night Out and while you may have caught today's roundup of events in The Boston Globe, we're breaking it down a bit further for our digital friends. The evening's main draw is shopping and supporting local commerce with good cheer, great heels, and an open wallet, but while most participating shops are extending their hours and offering some incentive to shop, via discount or freebie with purchase, we know what you really want to know: What can you get/do for free?

Southie-based Rue La La's social team will be patrolling Newbury with Rue Recharge kits, featuring freshening towels from Bliss, bobby pins, band-aids and safety pins, tucked away in a branded plastic tumbler. Team Rue will also be setting up camp at Nanette Lepore (119 Newbury from 6-10 p.m.) where the cocktails, small bites, and door prizes will be flowing freely.

Newbury-newbie scott james (173 Newbury) will be handing out Bully Boy-fueled booze and Fashion Survival kits, which we're being told will have "an array of tools to spruce up for the night" along with a ticket to the Revere Hotel's FNO after-party at The Emerald Lounge (200 Stuart from 10 p.m.-2 a.m.)

The gals at Georgetown Cupcakes (83 Newbury) are handing out free "runway red" velvet FNO-themed cuppies to anyone who asks while Sweet (the 225 Newbury location) is doling out their sugar-rush-inducing frosting shots while screening fashion-inspired flicks. (They'll also be selling limited-edition "ready-to-eat" cupcakes designed by local talents: Daniela Corte, Michael De Paulo, and mike&ton for $4 a pop! Sweet!)

Hairo Wash and Blowdry (135 Newbury) will open their doors from 6-10 p.m. for complimentary quick styling (and "smoothing," we're told) and cotton candy. G20 Spa and Salon (278 Newbury) will also offer similar services to the first 30 through the door.

Madewell (329 Newbury) is luring folks in with the promise of a cupcakes and a braid bar, where skilled braiding pros (that's a real thing, trust us) will twist and turn an on-trend 'do gratis before (or after) you hit the shops.

In addition to screening the film version of Capote classic, "Breakfast at Tiffany's" at sundown, the Prudential Center is teaming up with Sephora to provide 10-minute mini makeovers for movie-goers.

As Go To It and the Globe mentioned, the two biggies of the night are inside Copley Place, featuring fashion from Neiman Marcus, Jimmy Choo, Vince, Elie Tahari, and Wolford, and at the Center Stage outside Joe's American Bar and Grill (181 Newbury), featuring fall looks from some of their Newbury neighbors.

Cafeteria is presenting what they're calling the "Moet Ice White Party," which will feature music by Hotflash and the English Tom Trio, accompanied by a fashion show by Dedham-based sportswear label, 47 Brand.

Life is Good's flagship (285 Newbury) is getting in the groove by hosting an outdoor fashion show, complete with games to be played and a live concert by Jamie Kent & the Options at 8:30 p.m., followed by Air Traffic Controller at 9:30 p.m.

Safar (235 Newbury) is hosting another "live photoshoot" with Scoozi, featuring the work of five aspiring designers outside their salon.

Kimpton Hotels is launching an extra-luxe pop-up street-level lounge at Exeter and Newbury where treats, eats, and sips will be on the house courtesy of Forum.

Finally, Boston Architectural College (320 Newbury) will host the Fashionable Fit Show with "FiveFinger" sports shoe brand, Vibram, and officially wins the most random partnership/event of the night.

Are you going out tonight? Use hashtag #FNOBoston and check back tomorrow when we do a roundup of our favorite Tweets, Instagram shots, and pictures of the night!

Featuring kind of a who's who of the fashion world, the official team behind Fashion's Night Out released a PSA encouraging shoppers around the world to join in on the Sept. 6 festivities. Glee‘s Darren Criss serenades the clip with a rendition of Madonna's "Dress You Up," while fashion's finest encourages the public to head out and shop until you drop -- like, "actually drop," says Mad Men's Jessica Pare. Industries put their best public facing faces forward, with music's Justin Bieber, Usher (Usher Usher Usher), and Taylor Swift and fashion's Michael Kors, Victoria Beckham, and Marc Jacobs -- and that's just skimming the surface -- urging you to join in on the fun.

Once deemed the "meanest queens in the cafeteria" by the Village Voice, the two writers behind the celeb commentary blog, Go Fug Yourself, Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan, happen to be quite pleasant. Actually, they're very nice, even when I called them up at 9 a.m. at their hotel after they spent the evening at last night's Sox game. The duo is currently in town to promote their new book "Messy," the "follow-up" (but not quite a sequel, as Morgan pointed out) to their 2011 YA novel "Spoiled," which is about, what else? Means girls in Hollywood.

Cocks and Morgan will be at Brookline Booksmith tonight at 279 Harvard Ave. for a "Messy" signing tonight at 7 p.m.

Courtesy of Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

So last night you went to the Sox game?
Jessica: Yeah, we had a great time. They won at the last moment and there was this British family next to us and it was their first baseball game ever. It was fantastic and Fenway is awesome.

Heather: It was so cute because the people next to us were so stoked. We explained the rules [of baseball] and what the Green Monster was and at the end of the game when they hit the home run to win it, we turned to them and were like, 'This is so exciting and at your first baseball game!' And he goes, 'We know! And under the Green Monster -- it's amazing!'

Heather: I looked at Boston College when I was doing my university tour but this is really the first time I've been here as an adult. It's been amazing, we're loving it. We hung out and ate sandwiches at Boston Common yesterday which is like the GFY HQ dream outing. It was perfect.

It's interesting that for writers who cover celebrity fashion all day, you're such sports fans.
Heather: It always surprises people that the other side of our coin is so tomboyish, but we’re both really big sports nuts.

We're giving you plenty of notice so you can start shopping now for your décolletage -revealing cocktail dresses and black skinny ties. La Morra in Brookline is hosting a "La Dolce Vita" party on July 31 at 6:30. In the event you've been living in a cultural cave, "La Dolce Vita" is the Federico Fellini film from 1960 where a playboy/journalist (is there a difference?) bounces around the party scene in Rome, all while smitten with a film star.

Italy? 1960? Brings to mind a certain episode of "Mad Men" when Betty Draper sported the best 'do ever. Ok, back to "La Dolce Vita." You are encourged to dress for dinner in clothes of the era. Step 1: Watch the movie. Step 2: Vintage stores. Step 3: Grab $50 and make a reservation (617-739-0007).

Jack Spade's Newbury location (129 Newbury St.) will team up with Kyle Rancourt (left) of Maine-based heritage footwear brand Rancourt & Co. to host a DIY shindig for dudes (or aspiring Rancourt-ees) tomorrow (June 14) evening. Guests will have the opportunity to design a made-to-order pair of boat mocs with the assistance of the leather maestros will noshing on pistachios and beer.

The event runs from 5-8 p.m. and all attendees will receive 20 percent off summer apparel. RSVP at newburyst@jackspade.com.

[image courtesy of Jack Spade]

Author Lizzie Garrett Mettler will stop by the Rugby Ralph Lauren store on June 9 to chat about Tomboy style, the topic of her gorgeous new coffee table book, called, um "Tomboy Style." She'll be signing the book and rubbing shoulders with her menswear-loving sisters. I don't necessarily equate the word "Tomboy" with "style" (I usually think "Nancyboy" and "style"). However, Mettler claims "Tomboy style goes leagues beyond the simple idea of borrowing from menswear: It penetrates into a woman's spirit, and no doubt her spirit penetrates the clothing as well….Tomboys share an invisible intrigue cultivated from their inherent confidence, rebelliousness, and unquenchable thirst for adventure."

Clearly, I've been proven wrong again. You can find out more on Saturday, June 9 from 5 - 7 p.m. at 342 Newbury St. (617-247-2801).

Beacon Hill's Liberty Hotel will offer a second weekly event to lure the fashion crowd out on a work night with the debut of Mani-Cure Mondays. The series kicks off on June 4 and will occur weekly through July 30. Attendees will be treated to complimentary manicures by MiniLuxe technicians while lounging in the hotel's outdoor space with the option to order small bites and cocktails from adjoining restaurant, Clink.

Check out the first Mani-Cure Monday next week from 5:30-7 p.m. at The Liberty Hotel at 215 Charles St. No RSVP necessary.

C. Wonder will be bringing their selection of bright, preppy goods for your home and your closet with a pop-up location at 16 Federal St. in Nantucket this summer. The colorfully cheerful brand was founded by J.Christopher Burch (who co-founded his ex-wife's namesake brand, Tory Burch) in 2011 and boasts brick-and-mortar locations in New York and New Jersey.

The shop pops up on June 8 and will host a grand opening extravaganza through the weekend featuring a complimentary candy bar, a gift-card-giving prize wheel, and ice cream social (Sat. from 3-6 p.m.) featuring "signature flavors" like Blood Orange Cheer and Mariner's Mint Chip.

By Amanda Stonely, Boston.com Correspondent

Hundreds of neon-clad yogis gathered in Copley Square Friday night in celebration of the grand opening of Lululemon Athletica on Newbury Street.

The event, aptly named "Party. Yoga. Love. Neon.," produced a crowd of more than 500 people as well as hundreds of bystanders. With a clear sky and temperatures reaching the low 70s, Lululemon could not have asked for a better evening to hold an outdoor yoga class.

Molly Jane Quinn (at left) and Jenna Talbott, two Design New England alumna, are the creators behind cheeky contemporary design blog, Unhappy Hipsters. And despite what the name may suggest (or perhaps just my original assumption), they're actually quite happy.

"We're not referring to ourselves when we say 'Unhappy Hipsters,'" clarified Talbott. "It's just a term for the world that we're commenting on." Until this past fall, the blog was home to tongue-in-cheek commentary and contemporary decor and design photography written by the duo. They remained anonymous until this past fall when their first book, "It's Lonely in the Modern World," debuted through Chronicle Books. The book features plentiful design tips in a similar style to their blog.

Quinn and Talbott will be in town tonight for an event and signing at Twelve Chairs (319 A St., Boston) from 6-8 p.m. to visit "the city that inspired their book." Ah, we're blushing already....

Quinn, who recently moved to Portland, and Talbott, who remains local, rang me up the other week to chat about their book and how their time in Boston fueled the inspiration for their blog:

When you came clean about your identities, did anyone say "That's exactly who I thought you would be?"
Quinn: When we first came out people actually thought we were either from New York or were former Dwell staffers. They said they would have never guessed it was two women in Boston.
Talbott: We actually got marriage proposals from women.

Why did you chose to be anonymous?
Quinn: There's a lot of judgement going into an individual doing [a blog] like this and it's easier when it's just an entity writing it. It allows for a larger audience to relate to the humor of what we were doing. Now people are okay with who we are because they're familiar with the website.

What inspired the blog?
Talbott: Part of our jobs incorporated us looking at lots of other magazines and we started seeing the same things. It was almost like a formula for contemporary design, which is what in our subconsciousness began this website.
Quinn: It's also important to note that there's a difference between contemporary and modern design. A lot of contemporary design reaches a little harder than it needs to which makes it easier to pick apart. Including exposed duct work and concrete floors in a new condo building that's not a reclaimed space -- it's like, what's going on? That doesn't even look good!
Talbott: The captioning began from our love and respect for Dwell but the homes [that were featured in the publication] were increasingly photographed with unhappy people. It started when Molly told a great story about the first photo [featured on our blog] of an unhappy child sitting all alone in a gorgeous home.
Quinn: It was a cover image and he was alone, sitting on the steps. It's when Jenna and I decided, "they must be having the same feeling we're having -- keep pushing the envelope of how far they can push this aesthetic." The art directors and editors must be self-aware....The way spaces were being shown is manufactured; it's an art director's choice. It's a choice that Jenna Talbott never made! She only had smiley people.
Talbott: Yes, smile -- this is your home.

We rang up Tom Mora, J.Crew's new head of women's design, before he arrives in Boston tomorrow for an appearance at the Copley Place store to celebrate the brand's holiday collection. Mora grew up in New York ("Queens, but you don't have to say that," he joked. "Just kidding! I love Queens! It was so nice having a suburban upbringing") and went on to attend Parsons school of design and work for Ralph Lauren before joining J.Crew. He brings a stylish sensibility and everyday glamour to the brand, where he previously designed special occasion collections.

Being the dapper gentleman that he is, Mora offered up his top 5 tips for working color and sparkle into a season often dominated by the little black dress.

Put on the glitz: "I think there's a whole new feeling of getting dressed up and what that actually means now," said Mora, who promised lots of sequins and glitter in J.Crew's holiday looks. "You can wear a really slim turtleneck with a metallic jacquard or plaid pant, a great heel, and red lip and look fantastic."

Pair bold hues with an unexpected neutral this season:
"An amazing orange or red mixed with a heather grey or a taupe can introduce that pop while still neutralizing a look."

Go for the extreme: "I always think it's fantastic when someone is wearing a shocking pink top or a red bottom," said Mora. "It takes a lot more confidence but you can make a fantastic statement."

...Or play it safe: "If you feel like it's too much for you, try wearing a red pendant necklace or a clutch in a bright color," he added. But even baby steps are appreciated when trying a new trend. "Women are so much more sophisticated and experimental now. Rules, one by one, are getting chipped away."

Try the glittery ballet flats, but don't forget what mama said: "If a woman looks tailored and amazing and stands up straight, no one is even going to think twice about what she's wearing on her feet. Half the battle is the confidence a woman brings to an outfit."

Biggest faux pas of holiday dressing: "You know when you see actresses [at the Academy Awards] and you say, 'That doesn't look like her, she over-did it. I know you have 5 billion dollars of jewelry but you didn't have to wear it all.' Pull back a little bit and still be you," Mora advised.

"Don't go to the hair salon and have your hair done in a way that's not really you. Be who you are."

Want more of Mora? Meet him in person at Copley Place tomorrow evening where you can enjoy cocktails, chit chat, and 15 percent off your purchase at J.Crew.

No need to be a member of the city’s fashion elite to join in on the Boston Fashion Week fun. Here are some of our key suggestions for a smashing good time:

Hotel Chocolat (141A Newbury St.) will host a pop-up shop series featuring a different local accessory designer each day from 2-6 p.m. Standout designers at the seven-day event, titled “Accessorize Yourself at the Chocolatier’s Table,’’ include hand-painted footwear by Connecticut-bred designer Mallory Musante on Tuesday and baubles from Woburn’s Catalina De La Torre Jewelry on Wednesday.

Boston Fashion Week and Fashion Group International of Boston will present the Launch invitation-only runway show featuring five new local faces in fashion. This season’s set includes School of Fashion Design grads Candice Wu and Karina Bresnahan and will hold court in the Tent on Sunday at 6 p.m.

Topping our must-see list is one of Boston’s best-known designers, Daniela Corte, who will have her runway show at the Tent on Sept. 30. To make a seating request for this event and the one above, consult bostonfashionweek.com for contact information.

Local style agency Stilista and Newbury Street boutique Dress team up for a shopping event on Sept. 29, from 5-8 p.m. featuring special discounts and refreshments. The Stilista team will work with shoppers to demonstrate how to translate a key piece into a work, evening, and weekend looks. Dress is at 221 Newbury St.

Clean out your closets with the Swapaholics Sip & Swap event at the Microsoft NERD Center in Cambridge on Sept. 29, from 6-10 p.m. The evening will feature door prizes, shopping, and a live “blogger/editor’’ runway show featuring looks created from clothing on site. Admission is $10 per person.

For a complete schedule of events, visit www.bostonfashionweek.com.

Image via Yoon S. Byun/Globe Staff

[A look from Alexander Wang's Spring 2012 show. The soundtrack reportedly included "Baracuda" by Martiniq & Breitbarth; AP Photo/Mary Altaffer]

So you don't have time to scurry from tent to tent, nestle in next to editors and celebrities, and take in all of the glamorous, pricey clothing whipped up by a-list designers for New York Fashion Week. But you can still (kinda) participate in the catwalk mania and wiggle your booty in the comfort of your own Boston apartment as if you were at Fashion Week with the help of our NYFW playlist. We've hand-picked a few notable selections from this week's Spring 2012 presentations to make you feel like you're in the center of the action.

Photo of Stylephile blogger Courtney Hollands after a recent salon visit.

This Sunday, May 15, a number of salons in the Boston area (including all those fancy Newbury Street salons) are offering haircuts for a minimum donation of $40. Stylists are donating their time for this event, and all the cash raised will go to help research efforts at Children's Hospital. Nothing like getting a $100 coiffure for more than 50 percent off. You can learn more by calling 857-218-3140, emailing hairraising@chtrust.org, or simply cheking out the Web site, which lists participating salons.

EcoStiletto is hosting a night of organic cocktails and chocolate, conflict-free jewelry, sustainable fashion, and more, on May 18 at Hotel Marlowe. Donate a work-appropriate purse to Dress for Success for green shwag and stick around for the raffle at 8. The event is 21 + and goes from 6-9 p.m.

Admission is free with RSVP.

Clearly, not as excited as this bloke. Sure, you were up at 4 a.m., cocktail in hand, tiara on head, watching the royal wedding. But did you have the prince and soon-to-be princess tattooed on your teeth? If you're smart, probably not. This 29-year-old plumber in the UK (of course) had the couple temporarily tattooed on his front teeth. Yes, this man paid more than 1,000 pounds to look like he has a bad case of tooth decay. At least we know (hope) that the morning can only get more stylish from this point forward.

When you work at a large newspaper, you sometimes discover your colleagues working on the same stories. Even worse, they even get theirs to print first. This is what happened to my rant on the royal wedding. But instead of ditching my hard work in the cyber trash, I decided to share it here. Go to the extended entry for my full rant.

Condoms to celebrate the special day!

By Christopher Muther
Globe Staff

The American colonies began fighting for their independence in April of 1775. More than 200 years later, we're under siege from the British again. The colonists of the 18th century could escape from Brits in their root cellars (lucky!).
In 2010 there is no escape from constant chatter and tweeting of the royal nuptials of Prince William and his willowy brunette fiance Kate Middleton. Every detail has been dutifully regurgitated and there's still a few more days leading up to the spectacular.
I'm all for young romance, and certainly I'm happy for the couple, but if I have to read one more story about a jelly bean that looks like Middleton or where the royal couple will be honeymooning, I will take it upon myself to start a campaign to convince them to elope.
To put it bluntly, I don't give a rat's whisker about the royal wedding, and the more the hype snowballs, the more I want to escape to France -- but only if the French still dislike the British.
Before you roll your eyes and disregard what I'm saying as the ramblings of a crazed misanthrope or gamophobe, please keep in mind that I'm not the only one who is tired of the aristocratic alliance.
Back in February, long before the daily updates on Middleton's diet secrets and news surfaced of George Michael's song for Kate and Will, Americans were already disinterested in the union.
A CBS/Vanity Fair poll found that only four percent of Americans were interested in the marriage, and 65 percent said that they were not interested in the details of the wedding. My own informal poll has found that zero percent of my friends are interested in it in the royal wedding and none of them are planning to get up at the crack of dawn to see Middleton's dress -- and two of them are British.

*March 19, 1:30 p.m. -- Eileen Fisher fashion show at Bloomingdales
Join a Senior Merchandising Editor from Harper's Bazaar and Eileen Fisher stylists as they share their tips and trends for the season.

*March 24, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. -- Uniform spring party and sale
The South End men's store celebrates spring with DJ Ken of the Pill, Victory Brewing Co., and 20 percent off all of spring and summer merchandise.

I spend so much time unearthing obscure movie trinkets (ok, primarily my main squeeze is the culprit in this department), that I thought it was time to start sharing. Because who couldn't use a nice spalsh of fabulous to brighten their day? Iconic style moment number one comes from the 1969 film "April Fools," with Jack Lemon and Catherine Deneuve. This looks like the most amazing party ever. I say a little prayer that I can time travel back to attend this shindig.

Iconic style moment number two is an important lesson on how to apply light, natural makeup from Liz Taylor, circa 1974. I haven't bought the DVD, but if the rest of the movie is this good, I won't be able to resist.

While last year's Harris Center public forum with Anna Wintour, Micheal Kors, and supermodel Natalia Vodianova was a hot ticket (registration reached capacity weeks before the talk took place) it seems that designer Diane von Furstenberg doesn't quite have the same star power. She's in Boston tomorrow night to discuss eating disorders and the fashion industry (although she said in a recent interview that her talk would focus on empowerment), and there are still plenty of seats available for her talk. If you'd like to hear DVF's talk, register at the Harris Center Web site here. The talk with the always fabulous DVF starts at 6 p.m. I know of at least one very obsessed fan of the designer who will be in attendance.

Thanks for chatting about the Oscars avec moi. We dished about favorite red carpet looks of the past (love and love) and present.

Read the transcript:

Calling all localvores: On weekends through the end of December, the store formerly known as LouisBoston will welcome a changing array of local artists, designers, and bakeries to Fan Pier. This weekend's Louis Exposure event features witty yoga mats from Plank, bread from Pain D'Avignon, whoopie pies and other baked goods from Chococoa, and more.

(And, if you're scratching your head over what to buy for the fashionable males in your life, Rogues Gallery will be at Louis next weekend, Nov. 20-21. Get on that.)

Read on for the full lineups . . .

Sports Illustrated called him "the toughest athlete alive," so naturally he's coming to town to talk about... fashion? Lance Mackey will be at the Tannery in Boston (complete with adorable mushing dogs!) to sign his new book. The four-time Iditarod champ will also be there to unveil his custom winter parka, which the Tannery will sell for $750.
The Canada Goose Lance Mackey Constable Parka is inspired by the coat that Mackey wore during his 1,200 mile journey, so it will likely keep you warm walking from Government Center to Downtown Crossing.

Stylephile's dear friends John Ross and Don Carney of Patch NYC are teaming up with West Elm in the Fenway tonight from 6 to 9 p.m. to host a pop-up shop of goodies from local designers. Ross and Carney have collaborated with West Elm on some terrific product, and more collaborations are coming. Tonight you can check out selections from their own line, along with pieces from other local designers. The party also has music from DJ extraordinare Richie LaDue, plus drinks and nibbles. It's all free, just be polite and RSVP here if you stop by and shop.

If you're unable to make it to tonight's event, Carney and Ross have finally opened a Patch NYC shop in Boston. It's located in the Courtyard at 46 Waltham Street (corner of Washington Street) in the South End. West Elm, 160 Brookline Avenue
Boston, 877-781-1052.

Everybody knows that a good beauty regiment includes the occasional libation, which is why Neiman Marcus and ReVive skincare is hosting a cocktail soiree this evening at the Copley store between 6 and 8 p.m. this evening. Stop by, prentend to daintily sip from a martini glass, and listen to ReVive's global skincare expert Hylton Lea (left) dispense bon mots about keeping your youthful visage. ReVive is the preferred brand of Victoria Beckham, Kate Hudson, and, err, Tom Cruise. Tonight's party is free to attend, just RSVP if you'll be attending by calling 617-536-3669, ext. 2096.

Ever wish you could go on a shopping spree for a whole new wardrobe? Us, too. The Fashion Week Sip & Swap fete at the Center for Arts at the Armory — sponsored by the Swapaholics — is perhaps the next best thing: Drop off a sack of clothing, accessories, and jewelry between 5 and 7:45 p.m. Thursday (Sept. 30) and then grab a bag of pieces from other fashionistas as you sip wine and take in a runway shop featuring outfits created on-site from the swap clothes. Don't you look frugal! (There's an official after party at Highland Kitchen, too.)

[Flier designed by Jenloveskev]

The 18+ event kicks off at 5 p.m. and the swap starts at 8 p.m. Tickets are $15 or $10 in advance. More info.

In the event you're looking for another way to celebrate Boston Fashion Week, Saks is having a little party on Sunday, and you're invited, chickens.

OK ladies, if you've been looking for an excuse to splurge on a pair on Manolo Blahnik's, you've got a good one. The legendary shoe designer will be at Neiman Marcus tomorrow meeting his fans. And, if you happen to buy a pair of his shoes, he'll sign them. Here are the details: Sept. 25 from 2 to 4 p.m. Blahnik will be at Neiman Marcus, located at 5 Copley Place. Happy shopping.

You couldn't turn a corner without bumping into a celebrity at tonight's Tommy Hilfiger 25th anniversary party. After showing a collection in the Lincoln Center tents, he took over the gorgeous Metropolitan Opera House for a star-studded gala that featured endless champagne and a very loud performance from the Strokes. There were also oodles of models wearing Tommy's classic chinos.
I found myself standing back-to-back with Neil Patrick Harris and his gentlemen friend. I tried to throw subtle looks that would make NPH realize that he was with the wrong man, and that I was the one he should be planning a family with, but he seemed not to notice. Or, as I suspect, he was just playing it cool. Next, I introduced myself to Christina Hendricks, and proceeded to swoon openly. She politely humored me. My friend Joe then bumped into Jason Lewis (he swears it was a accident, harumpf!). I'm terrible at spotting celebs, but I honestly couldn't escape them. I held off on the champagne for fear that my celeb hounding would spin out of control. But I can honestly say that Tommy knows how to celebrate.

Last week I wrote a sprawling story about how to throw a party to celebrate the return of "Mad Men." Unless you've been stranded on an island with a chap named Gilligan, you know that "Mad Men" comes back for season four this Sunday night on AMC. Because I was so wordy, I didn't have room for this recipe, which is Roger Sterling's martini, as told to me by Adam Lantheaume, owner of the Boston Shaker.
The Roger Sterling Martini For accuracy, Lantheaume recommends serving your martinis in four or five ounce martini glasses, rather than the behemoth eight to 12 ounce glasses that are more common today.
2.5 oz. gin.
.5 oz dry Vermouth. ("Make sure it's fresh," Lantheaume says. "Vermouth does not last long.")
Pour ingredients into a mixing glass with ice, stir with a bar spoon for 15 – 20 seconds. Strain into a martini glass, add olive on a tooth pick, and drink while chilled.

If you don't feel like mixing your own drinks, you can pay someone else to do it for you. Both Noir and Lucky's are hosting "Mad Men" parties on Sunday night.

I'm talking about the film "Sex and The City 2," of course. For those of you you must see the movie tonight, there is a special pre-party and screening tonight at Patriot Place.

The party includes a dessert reception, mini-spa treatments by Green Tangerine and Crabtree and Evelyn, a shoe fashion show by Off Broadway Shoes and a champagne tasting. The party starts at 10. The movie screens at 12:01 a.m.

And a few details about ticket sales from MovieTickets.com: There are 523 sellouts for the film, 56 sellouts are for tonight’s midnight showings of the film, and “Sex and The City 2” accounts for 83 percent of today’s ticket sales.

Sorry, that's "Sex and the City 2," and here's Sarah Jessica Parker getting in touch with her inner Big Bird last night at the film's Radio City Music hall premiere.

Regardless of how you feel about it, you must confess that the canary dress is an improvement over what she wore to the London premiere for the first "SATC" movie, when she dressed as a human acorn (let's hope there were no squirrels around that day).

For the gents: The swank Barbershop Lounge is offering free grooming services and giving away Jean Paul Gaultier treats beginning next week. (Click on the Visa below to read full size)

For the ladies:

There is a Thakoon trunk show taking place Thursday, May 13 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Serenella (134 Newbury Street).

UPDATE: WE HAVE A WINNER!

The correct answer is Payless.. thanks to all who sent in their responses.

This is a big one, kids.

I'm giving away a pair of tickets for tomorrow night's ClimACTS party under the big top in Government Center. It's the annual benefit party for the Theater Offensive. Tickets cost $175 a piece, but the first person to e-mail me with the correct answer to the question (keep reading) will win a chance to mingle with Christian Siriano and other luminaries in the VIP lounge.

Here is the program for the evening:

Sponsor Lounge @ 6.00pm

Red Carpet Party @ 6.30pm

Exotic martini bars, bodacious bartenders, circus sideshows and eye candy.

Big Top Performance @ 7.30pm

Ringmaster Joyce Kulhawik

From Britney Spears' Circus tour: aerialist Michael Lanphear and contortionist Viktoria Grimmy

The first person to e-mail me the answer to this question wins: Siriano designs shoes for which discount shoe store? Email me at muther@globe.com. No previous winners, please.  

Massachusetts native (and now NYC designer and decoupage king) John Derian swings by Lekker on Wed., April 28 from 3 to 7 p.m. to launch his new furniture line.

According to my buddy Natalie Carpenter at Lekker, Derian's furniture line will be sold exclusively in Boston at Lekker. He'll also be at the chic South End shop showing off some of his latest decoupage work. You can chat him up, sip a bit of champagne, and get 20 percent off all Derian products during the soiree.

The $2 million Urban Showhouse will open in the South End next Thursday. The space will be decorated by top designers (these are undecorated photos of the space, obviously). On April 22, you can rub shoulders with the decorators at a party at J.E.M. (470 Shawmut Ave.). You can meet design stars Dennis Duffy, Peter Griglik from Jonathan Adler, Lisa Kreiling, Andrew Terrat, and Dee Elms. They are charged with transforming the blank home into a dream house. The party takes place from 6 to 9 p.m. and you can buy tickets to see the Urban Showhose at the event. The decorated space opens April 29.

Local store (and design duo) Vessel recently began a lecture series with local design luminaries. This month, they go out to eat, well, sort of. Hungry Mother's Rachel and Alon Munzer share the secrets to their success on Tuesday night from 6 to 8 at the Vessel store on Kingston Street. Click the flyer below to view larger.

Last week we reported that Tim Gunn will soon be in Boston, and now it appears that his "Project Runway" protoge Christian Siriano will also be visiting later this month. Siriano, the most successful winner in "Runway" history, will be attending the Theater Offensive's annual party and benefit ClimACTS!, filling in for Alan Cumming, who was slated to attend by cannot due to scheduling conflicts. Siriano will accept an award from the Theater Offensive on behalf of Cumming at the April 27 soiree. But Siriano's fierceness doesn't come cheap. Tickets to the party will set you back $150.

I'm sure most of our Stylephile readers are hip to the grand opening of the new, much-anticipated Nordstrom at the South Shore Plaza on March 26. If not — here are your details:

March 24: Grand Opening Gala
Shop 'til you drop — or until you take a break for the cocktails and buffet at this early bird preview party. There will also be live entertainment. Tickets are $75, and all proceeds will benefit the Red Cross, the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, and Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital. 7-10 p.m.

March 26: Pre-opening Beauty Bash
Get beauty tips and tricks and shop for cosmetics in the mall just outside the store. The best part? It's free. 8-10 a.m.

[AP File photo]

Time to bow to your new gods of cocktails. Over the weekend, local mixologists Matthew Coughlin of Aquataine and Jason Brown of Sensing took top honors in the regional Cocktail World Cup. These gents will go on to compete in the national Cocktail World Cup in New York on March 7. 

Where are the recipes for these winning drinks? Just read on to the extended entry to try Coulghlin's Rosemary Sour, and Brown's Mr. Robinson cocktails. Cheers.

If you're interested in rubbing shoulders with Todd English, and saving 20 percent at Club Monaco (sign up quickly to become a member at Urban Daddy!), swing by the Prudential tomorrow night for this soiree. Attendance is open as long as you remember to RSVP.

I realize a few of you break out into hives and feel the urge to cuddle with a Sara Lee pound cake at the mere thought of starting your holiday shopping. But here's a fun excuse to start. The Design Salon, a group of Boston-area designers and artists are holiding their second annual design sale on Saturday. You can find jewelery, art, stationary, and all sorts of locally created goodies.

Details? I thought you'd never ask!

Design Salon
2nd Annual Holiday Sale
Saturday, November 21
10am-5pm
Kingsley Montessori
26 Exeter Street (between Newbury and Commonwealth Avenue)

for a full list of participants, read the extended entry

We have a winner! Sorry kids, but Deb from Las Vegas beat you all to the punch.. the answer is Grace Coddington.

It's Fashion Week in NYC and I'm off to report on the craziness. But before I slip out to rub shoulders with Mischa Barton and every actress appearing on a CW show this fall, I have a few goodies to give away. How about a copy of Michael Tonello's sartorial page-turner "Bringing Home the Birkin" in special packaging? Or, perhaps I can interest you in a Jimmy Choo tote bag? I have a few other things kicking around here as well that I'll ship off to you.

Just be the first person to e-mail me the name of the Vogue magazine creative director who steals the show in "The September Issue." E-mail your answer to me at muther@globe.com, and good luck, kids. Remember, if you've recently won a prize here, or if you're my mom, you're not eligible.

Boldfacers is a weekly publication and website featuring Boston's most buzz-worthy trendsetters. The magazine is hosting its first ever pop-up store event: a one-time-only boutique set up at the publication's office. Baubles and bangles from different designers will be for sale. Check out some of the goods:

[Kristina Pitianello]

[Adriana Unarreal]

Get your buns in gear. The shindig is happening from 5-9 p.m. today and 11 a.m.-6 p.m. tomorrow. The office is at 15 Channel Center St., South Boston. Call 617-428-0500 for more details.

*Sniff*

No we won't be in New York tomorrow evening, where a massive celebration called Fashion's Night Out will be bigger than Andre Leon Talley's caftan collection and Anna Wintour will be at Macy's signing T-shirts. However, it's shaping up to be a pretty big deal here in Boston. Go to the web site to find out about all the fun parties and deals you can take advantage of on Sept. 10. Perhaps we'll see you in the shops tomorrow night.

Drag those tired lashes over to Shu Uemura (130 Newbury Street) this evening for a big eye lash fashion show from 6 to 8 p.m.

For the Tokyo Lash Bar 2009 collection, Shu Uemura asked four makeup masters, Gina Brooke (aka Madge's makeup artist), Kakuyasu Uchiide, Yuji Asano, and Mina Matsumura to design eyelashes inspired by the elements of nature. The resulting collection features inspiration from flowers, forests, oceans and the sky.

These are extreme lashes.. and guess what? I have a pair to give away. Just shoot me an email (muther@globe.com) and they're yours. Act quickly, because I only have one pair to give away. Good luck ladies and drag queens!

Women's Wear Daily is reporting that it's only a matter of days until kilt-loving Marc Jacobs ties the knot with fiance Lorenzo Martone in Provincetown, the Vegas of gay weddings. Will Victoria Beckham be there with the famous flower pot on her head? Will Michael Stipe serenade the couple as they walk down the aisle? And more important, did Marc forget to send Stylephile an invite?

OK readers: If you're in P'town over the next few days spot Jacobs and company, I want to hear about it.

I'm noticing a theme in my posting today.. an alcohol-fueled theme. A flavored water called Hint asked fashion designers to reinvent classic cocktails using their water. So, in case you were wondering what Marc Jacobs sips on in the work room, here's the recipe. As an amateur bartender, I'm going to go out on a limb and suggest that you can replace Hint flavored water with another flavored water of your choice, if you so choose. Now get drinking.

Because I could use one about now. Oh, I'm kidding. It's not for me. The folks at Morton's Steak House are looking for a great summer cocktail recipe. Patrons are invited to submit their favorite summer drink recipe to cm.mbo@mortons.com (attn: Katie Butler). The winner will receive a private cocktail party for 10 at Morton’s Bar 12.21, where their summer libation will be served exclusively to their guests.

Good luck, you little lushes. Your deadline is July 31. If you want to share any recipes here, pass them along or post them to comments, and I'll share them here on Stylephile.

There's something called the "Look Your Best at Every Age" beauty happy hour event taking place at the Boston Harbor Hotel on May 18th. Now, I know all of you already look your best and such an event is probably of no interest. But for those of you looking for a little advice, this gathering is free, and, even better, there's a sweet swag bag.

Here's the official description:

Biolage haircare, Lancome skincare and well-known Boston nutritionist Courtney Little will be on-hand to provide free expert consultations to consumers who want to look younger without spending thousands on expensive treatments and surgeries. Receive an exclusive gift bag loaded with $150 worth of beauty goodies, including Biolage rejuvatherapie, and enter a contest to win an exciting weekend spa getaway.
The only only thing you need to attend is register ahead of time. Space is limited, so if you're interested, register here.

Sure, my piles of Sevens, Joes, and Citizens threaten to bury me (and eventually suffocate me in a freak denim-related accident) every time I open the closet door. I'm willing to take that risk for a few new blues this season. I like to live on the edge.

Fellow fashionistas who, like moi, can't ever get enough straights and flares should probably head to Madewell's "Denim After Dark" event this Thursday at the Natick Mall, er, Collection. From 7- 9 p.m., there will be free style and fit consultations, snacks, and hemming (short gals rejoice!). And, bonus: All jeans will be $25 off. Call 508-653-0175 for more details.

Oh, I kid... sort of. Tonight at the Natick Mall Collection, a personal shopper from Lucky will be at the Michael Kors store to help customers put together looks. Shoppers can then be photographed in those looks for the web site Lucky Style Spotter. I know, it sounds a bit complicated, but cocktails will be served, so I'm sure that will help clarify the situation. This party takes place between 6 and 8 p.m. and it's free. I recommend going to the party before dining at the Cheesecake Factory, that way you won't smell of avacado egg rolls and Snickers cheesecake when you're trying clothes on.

Shu Uemura, the Japanese-based skincare and make-up shop on Newbury Street, is celebrating the 25th anniversary of its first Tokyo boutique this month by giving out free lashes (I'm including the photo of Twiggy here as inspiration for your lash job). Every Thursday, from June 19 to July 31, swing by for your complimentary lashes and lash application from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Book your appointment at 617-247-3500.

And, I'm feeling generous for a giveaway! As part of their 25th anniversary celebration, Shu Uemura has created limited edition eye shadows, and I'm giving them away. All you need to do is e-mail me (the link is on the right of this page) the name of one of Shu Uemura's celebrity clients, past or present, and the eye shadows are yours.

UPDATE: We have a winner! Alexandra Trexler correctly named Marilyn Monroe as one of his celebrity clients and wins the eye shadow. Enjoy, darling.

You've no doubt read today's story on throwing the perfect holiday cocktail party (if you haven't read it yet, for shame!), but you're scratching your head about a couple of things.

First, the Belle de Jour cocktail from Eastern Standard calls for homemade grenadine, and you have no idea how to make it. Panic no more, here's the recipe:

Homemade grenadine
2 parts pomegranate juice (you can juice your own pomegranates but your kitchen
will look like a crime scene.)
1 part sugar

Bring to a boil then reduce and simmer to thicken slightly. Remove from heat and finish with just a touch (cap
full) of orange blossom water. Let cool and refrigerate. It will keep for several weeks.

If you're a true Martha and you want to know how to make the spun sugar stirrer for the Jacob Marley cocktail from L'Espalier, the recipe is as follows:

Sugar straw
1 kg sugar
600 g water
150 g glucose

Boil the sugar, water, and glucose together until it reaches 160 degree on a candy thermometer. Pour the sugar liquid onto a parchment lined baking sheet.
Cool and pull the sugar into the shape of a candy straw.

And.. because it's almost the holiday season and I'm feeling extra charitable, here's another holiday drink recipe from District's Kevin Durgin.

Mistle Toe Martini
1 1/4 oz vodka
3 fresh strawberries
2 oz pineapple juice
1 oz simple syrup
Splash 7-Up
Mint sprig for garnish

In a blender, whip together ingredients. Pour mix into shaker with ice. Strain into martini glass and garnish with mint.

Vessel, one of my favorite home stores in Boston, is hosting a pre-holiday shopping event this Thursday night. I know, it's not even Thanksgiving yet. But party shoppers will get 10 percent off everything in the store. So stop complaining. The event is from 6 to 9 p.m. And if you're looking to buy a gift for your favorite Stylephiler while you're there, my shirt size is small and I love the Sukie pillows.

Two of my favorite South End stores, Motley and Motley Home, are having a big party on Thursday. Oct. 11, from 7 to 10 p.m. Sip cocktails from Chambord and shop away, kids. Everything in both stores is 25 percent off during the party, including Motley Home's selection of Jonathan Adler ceramics.

Here we go again. Has Ben Affleck's neck gotten too big for a tie? Because B.fleck won't wear one to save his life. Not even to the premiere of his own movie. Apparently, he's trained his little brother to stay away from ties as well. Here are the Brothers Affleck at the premiere of "Gone Baby Gone" last night. Listen gents, this is a Hollywood premiere. If you're going to take the trouble to wear a suit, take five more minutes out of your day and throw on a tie.

On the off-chance you have been summering in caves along the Afganistan/Pakistan border and missed the news, Nordstrom opens next week at the Natick Mall Natick Collection. There are several fancy, VIP galas happening next week. If your invatation to these events was lost in the mail (my sympathies), there's one event open to all taking place in the parking lot -- a cosmetics tailgate party.

On Thursday, Sept. 6 from 8 to 10 a.m., Nordstrom beauty consultants will hand out free goodies, offer-up parking lot make-overs, and serve breakfast. It leads up to the store's opening at 10 a.m.

It looks like Marilu Henner ended up at the wrong party last night. Here she is at the Broadway premiere of "Grease." Clearly, she was planning to go to the ABC celebrity impersonation show "The Next Best Thing." She's dressed up as Lucille Ball, yes? I say give that lady the prize money! She can split it with Tony Danza.

On Tuesday night I stopped by the Nordstrom pre-opening party in Downtown Crossing. This was a soiree intended to get Boston fashionistas excited about the arrival of Nordstrom at the Natick Mall, um, Collection. I got to chat with Pete Nordstrom and eat cheesecake on a stick -- but not at the same time, of course.

I was most excited, however, to sit down and chat with Vogue editor-at-large Andre Leon Talley. He was there with two assistants from Vogue who helped keep his rabid fans in check.. including me.

I had an opportunity to sit with Talley for an extended period of time and ask about all kinds of things, but mostly about the Judy Jetson-esque bolero jacket that he helped Jennifer Hudson pick for the Oscars earlier this year.

(the conversation picks up where it ends in today's Style Spy)

Last night I went to a party at Bodega to celebrate the launch of Reebok's R.F. Collection, a limited line of five classic Reebok models, with each sneaker corelating to a card in a royal flush. You know Kenny Rogers is totally jonsing for these kicks.

I was interviewing people at the block party about what they were wearing. To record interviews, I attatch a microphone to the bottom of my iPod. Someone spotted my iPod, elongated by the mic, and nearly went crazy thinking I was carrying around an iPhone. "Bro! Can I see you're iPhone?" someone shouted. In two seconds I was surrounded. I became much less popular when I explained that, like everyone else on the planet, I was waiting until next week for an iPhone.