Racked LA's Top 5 Picks for Fashion's Night Out

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Unlike last year, the 2011 edition of Fashion's Night Out falls on a Thursday, which is inopportune for us working stiffs who can't be out partying till the late hours. Maybe you're in the same boat. Or maybe you're just too impatient to have to wade through traffic to get to a "party" that's really just a crap-ass tin of cookies and a measly 5% discount. We've put together a highly unscientific but totally unbiased roundup of what we think will be some of the better FNO parties.

1) Christian Louboutin Boutique. The invite should tell you this is going to be a special event. Good booze, hair favors by Frederic Fekkai, and custom Louboutin lashes from Make Up Forever. And we're predicting this party will host the best-dressed crowd in all of LA. 650 N. Robertson Blvd.

2) 3.1 Phillip Lim Boutique. The Phillip Lim party has an off-the-charts coolness factor thanks to a live appearance by Cults. The brand always throws the best parties: the Coachella souirees are almost the stuff of legends. Trust us on this one, and get there early. 631 N. Robertson Blvd.

3) Alice + Olivia. Truthfully, we're not a fan of carnivals (like most people, we are completely freaked out by clowns). But the boutique is going the extra mile to create an experience. Sno-cones! Balloons! Carny games! Deals! 134 S. Robertson Blvd.

4) FNO in the 90210. This celebration has a few things going for it: it harnesses the power of some of the brightest retails stars with some of the deepest pockets -- the mind-boggling list of participants includes Lanvin, Prada, Valentino, Chanel, Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, Juicy, Miu Miu and more. It promises to be exceptionally well orchestrated. And there's a ferris wheel. Roughly Wilshire and Rodeo Dr.

5) 8100-ish block of Melrose. Last year, Fred Segal threw a massive FNO party with musical guests the Dandy Warhols (we are big, big fans). This year, they -- and by they, we mean the Fred Segal/Ron Robinson/Ron Herman compound are trying to top themselves with a veritable three-ring circus featuring astrologists, Kimora Lee Simmons, the Allah-Las, and more surprises. Madison also blew it out last year, so we're counting on them to do the same again. Plus, Ever, just up the street, is throwing a bash with Nico Vega. Your best bet for parking here is to find a spot on Crescent Heights, just north of Melrose (unmetered, no time limits, but watch the signs) and hoof it down.
· All Fashion's Night Out coverage [Racked LA]