Racked's Guide To Fashion's Night Out: Top Gimmicks

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You are now allowed to hyperventilate. The program of Fashion's Night Out events has been released, and the list of participating stores goes on and on. To help you decide your itinerary for the evening of September 10, we've done the dirty work and we'll present Top Ten lists every day this week. First we looked at the Top Ten Overall Events, but now on to the Top Ten Gimmicks.

Why did save the list of Top Ten Gimmicks for last, when we already ran the Top Ten Overall Events on Monday? It's simple: this is the most difficult list to compile. It seems like every boutique anxious to have shoppers take advtange of their Fashion's Night Out specials have a schtick.

You might not make it everywhere you'd like in the single night (September 10, in case we haven't said it enough), and you might not be able to pay off your credit card when the bill arrives, but one thing is for sure: you will be entertained.

10. Cindy Crawford Home Photoshoot at JC Penneys
This could be awkward: Cindy Crawford will be in store between 6-7pm and you can take a picture with her in a set outfitted with her home collection (after getting touched up by Sephora make-up artists, of course). Like who goes to this? "This is me and Cindy Crawford chilling on a fake bed she made." "This is me and Cindy Crawford pretending to wash dishes she designed." Yeaaaa. 100 West 33rd Street.

9. Cha-Cha and Havana Highballs at Kate Spade
You won't win anything, but you can drink Havana highballs while Kate Spade's staff teach you how to cha-cha out in the street. The danger factor here excites us: booze and playing in traffic! 454 Broome Street.

8. Rosie O'Donnell Story Time at Giorgio Armani
Another awkward entry into Fashion's Night Out is the reading of "Love, Loss and What I Wore" by Nora Ephron and Rosie O'Donnell. It'll be accompanied by a "cocktail reception," but we really don't know how we feel about this. 760 Madison Avenue.

7. Cole Haan's US Open Party
If you aren't into Rosie O'Donnell, then there's always Maria Sharapova at Cole Haan's US Open viewing party just down the street. Rosie might even stop by if she hears about their serving "cutie patootie" treats from Dylan's Candy Bar. 667 Madison Avenue.

6. A Keepsake Photoshoot at Dior
Talk about a cheap way to build a modeling portfolio: Dior invites you to join them a photoshoot by a "leading photographer." Your shot will even be sent to you as a "memorable keepsake." Dior also promises a "secret celebrity appearance," but unless it's Carla Bruni, we're not impressed. 21 East 57th Street.

5. Miss J's Runway Lessons at H&M
If we could impart a little wisdom onto those who waste an entire day auditioning for America's Next Top Model, it'd be to just come to this event at one of the Soho H&Ms where Miss J will teach you how to walk the runway. You best shot will then be projected onto the H&M billboard in the Meatpacking District. Quick and easy exposure. 515 Broadway.

4. Salsa Lessons and more at Barneys
Barneys will be a buffet of gimmicks, like Mark Kate & Ashley Olsen bartending and "lipstick queen" Poppy King giving "lip readings," but we're most excited for Juan Carlos Obando's salsa lessons. We think these will be well-attended, if everyone isn't sucked into the sewing circle or knitting party (ha). 660 Madison Avenue.

3. Bergdorf's Fashion Game Show and Designer Cook-Off
Vogue's Andre Leon Talley has a magnetism that will surely pack Bergdorf's for his Fashion game show, featuring competing groups chaired by Donna Karan, Linda Fargo and Robert Verdi. Whose team would you want to be on. (We'd go with Linda Fargo because we once stood in an elevator with her and she seemed very nice and extremely professional. Elevator first impression, but still.) Don't forget that Zac Posen will be painting in the windows, Peter Som and Cynthia Rowley will have a cook-off, and Alexander Wang and Isaac Mizrahi will be milling about.
754 Fifth Avenue.

2. [Tie] Gargyle LES Scavenger Hunt and Shipley & Halmos Bike Tour from Pas de Deux
Gargyle's awesome plan for their scav hunt begins and ends with freebies. Pick up a tote at their store, stuffed with instructions, and head out onto the LES to complete the challenges. Return victorious and you'll get a deluxe gift bag and entered into their drawing for even more. Register online for it at gargyle.com/scavengerhunt and you'll get an extra entry into the drawing. 16A Orchard Street.

The Shipley & Halmos bike tour is pretty hardcore; they'll leave from Pas de Deux after a 40-minute styling session (and becoming your new friends), and continue on to both Barneys Co-ops, Odin, and Bird in Williamsburg. At least you'll be comfortable; bicycles will be vintage cruisers courtesy of Bowery Lane Bicycles. There will be beer. 328 East 11th Street.

1. Teen Vogue Bleecker Street Block Party
We pity the people who live in the West Village, as the night of September 10 will see the entire Teen Vogue team take over Perry Street with a full runway show of their favorite looks from Mulberry, Tommy Hilfiger, Steve Madden, Rag & Bone and Cynthia Rowley. The first 500 to arrive get a free Tommy Hilfger x Teen Vogue bracelet, so obviously they are expecting way more than that. Cynthia Rowley's shop on Bleecker will also have a scavenger hunt.

· All Racked's Guide To Fashion's Night Out [Racked]
· Anna Wintour Visits Queens—And a Macy's—For the First and Last Times [Racked]
· Fashion's Night Out Directory [Official Site]