How to Host a Fashion-Themed Party

Fashion and socializing have much in common--as confidence builders and delicacies of great expectations, both are exciting to the point of exacting actual squeals of delight. Also, when done well, they are extensions of our personality. So amidst the swirl of work and family obligations, how do you get the fashionistas in your sphere to unite for a girls’ night of fun? Whether at home, or in your favorite boutique, leverage your social capital and throw a fashion-themed party!

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Food and beverage
• Mirror, lipsticks, tissue, grease pencils
• Invitation: Go digital or call it out via phone
• Local boutique or your place
• Fashion quiz, paper, pens
• Paper, printer, lamination sheets, scissors, hole puncher, ribbon
• Paper dolls
• Espadrilles, puff paint, sharpies, colored pins, and so on

1. Don’t be afraid of impromptu get-togethers--sometimes it’s best not to sweat those little details for weeks. Short-notice events call for fast mobilization, so forget snail mail and go electronic: phone, e-vite or fire up the fax. Just hype the cause (“Fun! Fashion!”) so they’ll want to come out and play.
2. Start where you really shop and ask the manager if they’d stick around a few hours after closing to host a bevy of your buddies. Depending on the size of the store, 10 to 20 guests make it worth their while to hang out. Or, bring some merchandise trunk style to your place for a private showing.
3. Food and beverage: Go for small bites. Think satisfying finger food, but not so satisfying that your guests steer clear of the dressing room.
4. Let the runway become your muse for beverage selection. We went with the backstage staples: champagne splits, water, soft drinks and juices, but tarted them up with hilarious “Glamour Fashion Don’t” images (print them from the glamour Web site listed below; laminate them, punch a hole in the corner and tie to the bottles). They are a hoot!!!!
5. Espadrille decorating: Fashion is all about mixing it up, so we decided to decorate inexpensive espadrilles found at discount shoe warehouses to mix with our loot purchased at the party. Any kind of wedges will work for fall fashion parties as well. Break out the puff and fabric paints, pearl-headed strait pins, (cut with wire cutters so your guests don’t have to work too hard) and whatever other bedazzling supplies you can get your hands on. Make one before the party, so guests get the concept. Then sit back and watch the designers in action. To keep the fun going, hold a silent auction at your next event for the one-of-a-kind designs, and donate the funds to a charitable organization that provides clothing for needy children.
6. Fashion quiz: Download a fashion quiz online (link listed below). Then pass it out at the party while showing off the prize for the fairest fashionista who gets the most answers correct. Your shwag can be anything from handbags to grab bags.
   
7. Kissing mirror guest book: Instead of the same old guest book routine, here’s another opportunity to up the glam factor. Grab a full length mirror (I got ours at Target) set a small table next to it with some red lipsticks, a grease pencil, some tissue and a note telling the girls what to do. The idea is to find your inner super model, apply sexy red lipstick, kiss the mirror, then sign your name next to your imprint (alter egos are allowed!).
8. Paper dolls: Part entertainment, part party favor--couture paper dolls fit the “great finds” category. We ended our evening sitting in this chic boutique with them strewn everywhere, beverages in hand, laughing, giggling and fighting over who would host the next all-girl get together!

Tips & Warnings

• Get involved in the aspects that amuse you and leave the rest to the pros. Don’t loose your cool over budget. Tell your caterers what you’ve got to spend and let them do their magic.
• When you whine “I don’t have anything to wear,” it’s the social equivalent of “I’m bored.” And it’s been said, more than once, that only boring people get bored. It’s up to you to make your own fun--and style an adventurous wardrobe. It’s just one of many ways to invest in your social wealth. This (of course) is the best (if not only) kind because the dividends always pay off.

Who Can Help:

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