"It's the most wonderful time of the year..."

Christmas?! Not quite, but that's one thing that makes this time of year so wonderful. True, it's nearing Christmas as well as the other anticipated holidays that precede it. It's that time when the summer starts to fade and the air begins to get crisp. When Walmarts and Targets devote rows of aisles with "Back To School" necessities. When mother nature trades her vibrant green for rich golds, reds, and oranges - a natural marvel indeed, for those of us fortunate enough to witness it (*Note: If you're observant, you’ll find most people doing the same with their wardrobe). Yes... the Autumn season is beginning to unravel. For fashion nerds like me, the season proclaims itself in a unique way. We anticipate the publication of the September issue from every leading fashion magazine (specifically Vogue, who has become well-known for their September issue - see below). We watch department stores everywhere beginning to fill their racks with cardigans, cozy knits, coats, boots, scarves, and everything in between. We await the rise of white tents in New York to establish the start of Fashion Week. All these signify one thing - FALL FASHION has finally arrived. To kick off the season and hopefully get you as enthusiastic about Fall Fashion as I am, refer to the following trending topics.

Fashion’s Night Out
Described by Anna Wintour herself as fashion’s biggest block party ever. On September 10, New York City, among many others across the globe, will play host to Fashion's Night Out (FNO), a social event developed by the fashion industry to celebrate the start of the season and get people excited to shop again. It’s understood that our troubled economy has made many people “shopping-conscious,” pressuring us to be sensible with our spending. As mentioned in Vogue’s recent September issue, a once joyous pastime nowadays seems more a guilty pleasure (or for some of us, a guiltier pleasure). FNO’s purpose is to help re-instill fun in the shopping experience for us all. The NYC event includes a vast amount of participating retailers with appearances by celebrities and top designers at various store locations (expected to stay open until 11 PM throughout the five boroughs.) Designer Alexander Wang even created a special FNO tee for the occasion, available for purchase at participating retailers (see official site) and with proceeds going to the National September 11 Memorial & Museum. So mark your calenders and join in on the fun. I know I'll be there, and I hope to see you all there as well.

The September Issue
Going back to the subject of the September issue, director R.J. Cutler, in accordance with Vogue and its legendary Editor-in-Chief Anna Wintour, gives us a peek into the world of Vogue, mainly chronicling the publication of the magazine’s biggest issue of the year (the film documents on the 2007 September Issue). It’s a rarity and quite a treat to see Anna Wintour, who seldom does interviews, to open the doors to her world and expose the inner workings of her beloved magazine. I look forward to seeing the film. (The September Issue is now playing in the NY/NJ area; September 11 in Los Angeles and select cities.)