Between mingling with the celebrities, an abundance of alcohol, and the hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of designer merchandise at your fingertips, it’s easy to get sidetracked. That said, the Style Republic Magazine team has come up with a few tips and tricks to ensure two things when embarking upon this globally anticipated event: Your survival, and the growth of your wardrobe. Fashion’s Night Out isn’t just a hobby – it’s a sport. The goal? Outwit, outplay, and outlast.

COMFORTABLE SHOES, ARE FASHIONABLE SHOES.

This rule is crucial – but is to be followed with caution. Flats are a girl’s best friend when hopping on the Fashion’s Night Out bandwagon. Last year, our Editor-in-Chief braved the entire event in a pair of sleek, chic, Kate Spade flats. Sky-high heels probably aren’t the best choice if you plan on fighting for that last Prada knit sweater, or the only DKNY Cozy left in your size. Sporting a pair of signature flats by Kate Spade or Tory Burch? Yes. Crocs? Don’t even think about it.

DON’T BE LATE FOR THAT VERY IMPORTANT DATE!

Celebrities are in short supply (even with so many participating this year). If your goal of the evening is to have Anna sign your copy of VOGUE, or get your picture taken with Charlize, be on time! Better yet, be extremely early… and be prepared. Click on to www.fashionsnightout.com, and find out where your favorite celebs are going to be, and at what time. Odds are, that there are at least 5000 other people with the same goals as you.

DON’T CARRY WHAT YOU CAN’T AFFORD TO LOSE.

It’s fabulous to look fashionable – we know. However, we advise against wearing or carrying any of the following: A clutch, a cell phone, sunglasses, or expensive jewelry. The reality is that you’re going to be trying things on left, right & center, and this will require that you put down any of the previously stated items. With so much going on in every location, one can easily forget to pick up these items after a series of outfit changes and runway style struts. The fix? Carry a tote or a handbag – something that isn’t small enough to forget. Keep your cell phone in your bag at all times when it’s not being used. If you have to wear an extravagant piece of jewelry, limit it to a necklace (that won’t be taken off). Sunglasses? It’s called, Fashion’s NIGHT Out.

HOLD YOUR LIQUOR, AND YOUR DIGNITY.

Shopping with champagne is going to be a luxury at 9/10 retailers this year. It’s fun, it’s fabulous, and yes, it’s glamorous. In fact, we encourage this sexy way to celebrate – but here’s the deal: know your limit. Sure, let the effects of alcohol influence the number of times your credit card is swiped up & down the Madison Avenue strip. Laugh to your friends as you watch Bergdorf Goodman load your hard-earned cash into their registers. But hear this: No one wants to shop around the loud guy or gal belting out a deranged version of, “Material Girl”.

LISTEN TO YOUR BRAIN, BE MINDFUL OF YOUR HEART.

The truth is that your heart is going to love a lot of things. Perhaps it loves Chanel lip-gloss, Oscar de la Renta dresses (their fall collection is amazing) and Samantha Jones’ Adriana Castro handbag. As much as our economy needs your cash, don’t spend what you don’t have (you having $0 in the bank doesn’t help us anyway). Shop smart, and to a certain extent, don’t listen to that thing in your chest that yearns for an infinite supply of designer must-haves.

PICK YOUR BATTLES.

Remember when we said that designer duds are first come, first served? True. If at anytime during your fashion frolicking (don’t pretend that you won’t be, because you will be) you encounter an individual with a similar taste for cashmere, you have a choice to make. Scene: Ralph Lauren is down to their last Slim Cashmere Cable Cardigan, and another, less entitled (of course) shopper has it in hand. What do you do? You either a) Stalk her until she puts it down and walks away from it (therefore, putting the cardigan back in play), or b) Let it go. Never, ever enter confrontation mode while shopping. However, you are entitled to do everything in your power to locate the item once it’s “fair game” again.

Thanks Brittany & the Style Republic team for sharing your wisdom!