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Fashion's Night Out is this Thursday, and the list of participating stores goes on and on. To help you decide your itinerary for the evening of September 6, we've pulled together a series of Top Ten countdowns. We've already looked at the best musical performances and beauty events; now here's a guide to the best gimmicks.
Though Fashion's Night Out parties often run a little short on booze by the end of the night, there never seems to be a shortage of gimmicks. If light snacks and DJ sets aren't your thing, why not stop by Georg Jensen and mingle with a few Great Danes, or make an animated GIF of yourself at Bergdorf Goodman? Click through for a list of eight more gimmicks, along with what event managed to grab the night's most sought-after host: Miss Piggy.
10. Prize-Filled Balloons at C. Wonder
C. Wonder reps will be passing out different colored balloons throughout Soho. Grab one and bring it in to the store to discover your prize: Big wins include a $250 C. Wonder gift card and a voucher for DailyCandy deals, and a 15 minute in-store shopping tour with a DailyCandy editor. 72 Spring Street, 6pm.
9. Double Decker Buses at L.K. Bennett, H&M, and Famous Footwear
Since traveling to and from Fashion's Night Out parties is an event in itself, Gray Line New York will provide double decker bus transportation to L.K. Bennett, H&M, and Famous Footwear locations. Each bus will be draped in ads from one the brands, and coupons and giveaways will be given away to riders, as an extra incentive to skip the subway. Various locations, 6pm.
8. $100 Gift Cards at Aritzia
Every two minutes, one lucky guest will get the chance to spin the "Wheel of Fashion" at Aritzia. If you've never been good at boardwalk games, there's no need to fret—with every spin there's a winner, and each winner gets a $100 gift card. 524 Broadway, 6pm.
7. Lauren Moffatt's Boy Party
If you're of the male species, the Lauren Moffat store on Mott Street is your safe haven for the night. For the second year in a row, the boutique will cater to guys who want to get in on the fun without getting trampled by stilettos in Meatpacking. Stop by for Brooklyn Brewery beers and freshly grilled bratwurst. 281 Mott Street, 6pm
6. Karaoke at Michael Kors and Alexis Bittar
This year, both Michael Kors on Madison Avenue and Alexis Bittar in Soho will host their own karaoke events. At the Kors songfest, three "YouTube singing sensations" will duke it out for the approval of celebrity guest judges, which will include Kate Upton. At Alexis Bittar, anyone is welcome to the stage, and anyone who steps up gets a $50 store gift card. 667 Madison Avenue, 6pm; 465 Broome Street, 6pm
5. Great Danes at Georg Jensen
Shoppers can have their photo taken with a Great Dane and styled in Georg Jensen's delightful jewelry. Plus, guests will have a chance to win Georg Jensen Grape jewelry throughout the evening. Complimentary signature cocktails will be served, and DJ Arisa will provide the party music. 687 Madison Avenue at 62nd Street, 6pm. Update: Due to an editing error, this post initially suggested that Georg Jensen would be at the party. Since he died in 1935, he naturally will not be attending.
4. A Street Carnival and Spin Art at Alexander Berardi
Alexander Berardi has teamed up with the Tribeca's RH Gallery for an outdoor carnival. Festivities will include face paint, a photobooth, and an ice cream truck. A handful of artists will also be on hand to create custom spin art T-shirts for guests. 174 Prince Street, 7pm.
3. GIFs at Bergdorf Goodman
To celebrate Fashion's Night Out and 111 years in the biz, Bergdorf Goodman has enlisted the help of the Brooklyn-based photo booth company The Bosco. Partygoers will be able to take their own photos and then turn them into this generation's version of the flip book: animated GIFs. As a bonus, the event is co-hosted by Tumblr, and their intern/mascot puppy TommyPom will make a guest appearance. 754 Fifth Avenue, 6pm
2. Miss Piggy and the FDNY at DKNY
Join hosts Patrick McMullan and Miss Piggy for DKNY Loves FDNY, a celebration of the 2013 FDNY Calendar of Heroes. In addition to purchasing the calendar, guests will also be able to have their photo taken with the firefighters—because meeting New York City's beefiest is something you're going to want to remember forever. 655 Madison Avenue, 212-223-3569, 6pm.
1. Tarot Cards at Christian Louboutin
At Christian Louboutin, have your fortune told by one of the store's tarot card readers. Your future won't be the only thing that's transparent: The boutique's windows will be transformed into x-ray light boxes, giving passerby a glimpse through the exterior of the store. 59 Horatio Street, 6pm.