Georgetown will be buzzing with dozens of events on Thursday. Stores along M Street and Wisconsin Avenue (and all in between) will offer discounts and freebies (like complimentary facials at Kiehl's), and you can’t miss the pop-up outdoor parties — think full-fledged disco fest hosted by the Fatback DJs in the parking lot of PNC Bank (at Wisconsin Avenue and M Street NW, 7-10 p.m.) or the Brightest Young Things lounge on the Dean & Deluca patio (3276 M Street NW, 7:30-11 p.m.). Our picks for must-visit store events:
Meet your very own D.C. editor Holly Thomas at Hu’s Wear — and score some amazing spring '12 and fall '11 designer duds at 80% off (think Lanvin, Balenciaga, and Isabel Marant). Yes, you read that right — we’ll see you there!
Where: Hu's Wear, 2906 M Street NW, 202-342-2020.
Sip champagne and snag 50% off at Charm Georgetown’s "Bubbles & Baubles" party — and enter to win a gift bag of goodies from the boutique. 6-11 p.m.
Where: Charm Georgetown, 2910 M Street NW; 202-298-0420.
Urban Chic is hosting a Rebecca Minkoff trunk show where you’ll walk away with savings of 20%, plus cocktails, cupcakes from Freshly Baked and Georgetown Cupcake, and beach waves courtesy of Easel Hair Studio. 6-11 p.m.
Where: Urban Chic Georgetown, 1626 Wisconsin Avenue NW; 202-338-5398.
Don't miss Bluemercury Georgetown’s FNO celebration: Stop by for a complimentary facial, champagne, and a chance to stock up on all your favorite supplies. If you spend $150, you’ll get a gift bag of beauty loot handpicked by CEO Marla Malcolm Beck, complete with treats from Bumble & bumble, Darphin, Fresh, Laura Mercier, Trish McEvoy, and more. 6-9 p.m.
Where: Bluemercury Georgetown, 3059 M Street NW; 202-965-1300.
Where: Alchimie Forever, 1010 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Suite 201; 202-530-3930.
Heading north from Georgetown, Neiman Marcus Mazza Gallerie in Friendship Heights is a one-stop shop for FNO fun. Come for the trend presentations, beauty tips from the pros, cocktails, light bites, music, and all the fashion you can handle — and you’ll get $50 off regular-priced purchases of $350 or more. 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
Where: Neiman Marcus Mazza Gallerie, 5300 Wisconsin Avenue NW; 202-966-9700.
Outside the District:
There's a lot happening outside the city, too. Old Town Alexandria's shops, salons, and restaurants are hosting a bounty of cool events and offering steep discounts. Be sure to check out the fashion show at Torpedo Factory Art Center, which will be emceed by Monte Durham of TLC's "Say Yes to the Dress: Atlanta." You’ll score complimentary beauty treatments, wine tastings, and appetizers. 7-9 p.m.; show starts at 8 p.m.
Where: Torpedo Factory, 105 North Union Street, Alexandria; 703-838-4565.
Where: Zoe Boutique, 130 South Union Street, Alexandria; 571-970-6324.
Where: Bellacara, 1000 King Street, Alexandria; 703-299-9652.
Where: An American In Paris, 1225 King Street Alexandria; 703-519-8234.
Where: Tysons Galleria, 2001 International Drive, McLean; 703-827-7700.
Where: Undeniable Boutique, Fairfax Corner, 11891 Grand Commons Avenue, Fairfax; 703-327-4417.
Photos: Courtesy of FNO Georgetown and Undeniable Boutique