This September, cities nationwide will be hosting their own Fashion’s Night Out events in an effort to encourage shopping and celebrate the fashion and retail industry. On Thursday, September 8th, from 3pm to 9pm, tons of stores in Seattle’s University Village will be opening their doors for a fun evening of fashion demonstrations, free giveaways, gifts with purchases, discounts and other events. If you are among the first 200 shoppers, you’ll receive your own swag bag as well as VIP savings cards.

During the event, U Village will also be hosting a children’s coat drive to benefit Wellspring Family Services, which helps homeless families in King County get back on their feet. By donating a new or gently worn children’s coat, you’ll be entered to win a $500 U Village Shopping Spree. Look for the coat drop-off locations throughout U Village. Fashion’s Night Out comes at the perfect time for shoppers to get ready for Fall with new clothes, shoes and accessories, not to mention sampling tasty bites from U Village restaurants.

Among the many events, I am most excited for Anthropologie’s trunk show of fall fashions, H&M's discount of $10 off any purchase of $50 or more, Swink’s hair and makeup consultations and “Shopping, Sweets and Sweeps,” where shoppers can enter to win a new pair of Cole Haan shoes every month for a year.

Be sure to stop by the Concierge booth in the Center Court (near Sole Food, Ben Bridge & Bryn Walker) for swag bags for the first 200 and chances to enter to win gift cards and prizes participating stores.

RSVP to Fashion’s Night Out on FaceBook or Twtvite. Spread the word about the event using the Hashtag #UVFNO. Hope to see you there!

For more information, and to view a list of all the events, view the full press release.