September's the Time for New York Shopping

It's never too early to plan a shopping trip, particularly when you're mapping out a visit to New York City. And if your idea of bliss is a day picking up new dresses, bags, and shoes at the Big Apple's chicest stores, there's no better time to stop by New York than Sept. 10, when the city will celebrate Fashion’s Night Out.

This citywide event will involve more than 300 stores in all five New York boroughs, each of which will have special offers for the evening and stay open until 11 p.m. (Luckily, retailers like Henri Bendel and Saks Fifth Avenue have spots to grab a refueling espresso or two if necessary.) Whether you're splurgy or frugal, there's something for everyone, since the goodies offered include everything from Kmart bargains to luxe finds at Bergdorf Goodman. For the celebration, some stores will also feature designer appearances (including even the Olsen Twins, who will be at Barneys New York with their line The Row) and entertainment. Basically, it's the New York shopping spree of your dreams, on steroids.

With the fashion industry reeling from the state of the economy, Fashion's Night Out was conceived by some of the folks at Conde Nast to get people shopping and remind them how much fun a few hours in a boutique or department store can be. It's the first ever event of this kind and — although we hope the economy picks up — we hope it becomes as trendy and popular as matte nail polish and gladiators.

If you're at Fashion's Night Out and don't know what to buy, we suggest this limited edition tee, which will be sold at all the evening's participating stores. A whole 40 percent of its proceeds are going to the National September 11 Memorial and Museum at The World Trade Center ... a reminder that the day after the event is the anniversary of one of the Big Apple's — and the whole world's — darkest days.

And if you can't justify a trip to New York so soon after the end of summer, don't worry: Neiman Marcus has decided to celebrate the evening at all its stores across the country, so you can shop to your heart's content on the 10th without being too far from home.