Fashion is just not for NYC anymore.  Catwalks abound, stores are in the mood to give deals, and there are free events for the masses right here in Los Angeles. The Beverly Center  goes all out with runway shows, shopper incentives, and even free self parking from 4 to 10 PM on September 10, Fashion Night Out.

The Frugal Diva would wear jeans and a comfy shirt everyday so I had to turn to Fashionista for the low down on primo events for that night. For the complete list of participating retailers in Los Angeles go to the official city site for LA Fashion Night Out .

And remember you can just have fun without even buying anything.  If you do buy consider the event T shirt to show your support for the next generation of fashion leaders.  Buy the exclusive FNO Los Angeles t-shirts at participating retailers and at The Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising Book Store!  All proceeds go to the California Fashion Association Foundation to be distributed as tuition grants for FIDM students.

This is a global event so look for local fashion activities in your area.

Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising is a great place to visit, shop, and explore an interesting area of downtown LA. Now for the Diva it’s always more fun if there is some discount shopping involved and FIDM has a wonderful Scholarship Store with some of the best deals in town.

All the merchandise sold in the Scholarship Store is donated by over 400 successful manufacturers, retailers, and wholesalers, many of whom employ FIDM Alumni.  They send overstock and end of season items at great prices.  All the money you spend goes to scholarships so feel good about splurging.  There is even a video on the site to show you what great finds they have.

Now they also have exhibits of movie and television costumes plus a gallery devoted to perfume. The FIDM Los Angeles campus houses a Permanent and Study Collection of over 12,000 costumes, accessories, and textiles from the 18th century through the present day, including film and theatre costume. It is one of the largest such collections in the United States, and top designer holdings include Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent, Dior, and Lacroix.

Check it out and watch Project Runway like a fashion insider.