New York Fashion Week kicks off this week and while most shows, parties and after-parties are exclusive (read: “by invitation only”), there are a few events open to out-of-the-industry fashionistas. While you won’t get to rub elbows with Diane Von Furstenberg, you just might discover the perfect pieces for your Spring 2013 wardrobe. By Sarah Shaker.
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Allure Lounge
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Open daily to the public from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sept. 6-13, the Allure Lounge is your front-row ticket to New York Fashion Week, offering complimentary makeovers, live streams of fashion shows and free gifts. Take a break from the office to enjoy complimentary Makeovers by Maybelline New York makeup artists, hairstyling by the Ricardo Rojas Salon, samples from the designer fragrance bar and so much more, while viewing live streams of New York Fashion Week shows!
Small Boutique Fashion Week
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If you’re hoping to break into the fashion business – or simply want to see up-and-comers up close – get your tickets now for an evening of style and networking at the Metropolitan Pavilion. The Small Boutique Fashion Week Show & Market opens its doors to the public during this year’s fashion week on Saturday, Sept. 8 with presentations at noon, 4pm and 8pm. Purchase tickets here.
Greek American Fashion Week Event
Presented by The Fashion & Design Committee of the Hellenic American Chamber of Commerce, this Friday, September 7 they are kicking off NY Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week with a Greek-American Fashion Week Show featuring Spring/Summer 2013 at the Midtown Loft & Terrace. The event will feature collections from Angelo Lambrou, Timothy George, ENOE ME, Tatiana Raftis and a surprise guest designer. Trump SOHO resident DJ Xavier Murillo will be spinning during the event and also at the after-party.

Fashion goers enjoy cocktails during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week (Photo by Brian Ach/Getty Images for IMG)
Couture Fashion Week
For those with a few extra bucks to burn (read: thousands of dollars), order your tickets now for Couture Fashion Week, starting on September 15th, showcasing a series of couture and luxury fashion shows at the Waldorf=Astoria. For those who can afford the hefty price tags, check out fine designers from around the world presenting exquisite garments and accessories, world class entertainment and exhibits of luxury products and services.
SpinSpinNYC New York Fashion Week Label Party
SpinSpinNYC is celebrating the launch of the record label division by hosting an open-air party at Dekalb Market’s New York Fashion Week “Fashion Night Out” event on Thursday, September 6th from 6 – 11pm. The event is open to the public and will include extended surround sound, free food, happy hour and a fashion show.
Sarah Shaker is the founder of the blog Bright Lights, My City.






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