AS August comes to a close and school starts things tend to get a little drab, right? But how about a shopping trip with great sales and lots of entertainment on a Thursday night?

We know for many of you that plan sounds perfect, and all our avid TEENage readers know that we’re talking about… Jamaica OBSERVER CELEBRATES FASHION’S NIGHT OUT (FNO).

If you’ve ever been a part of FNO, you know just how great, yet just how crazy, the night can get. Now, if you missed out on previous FNOs, don’t worry, TEENage has a mini-FNO survival guide with five things that will help to make this fashionable awesome.

1 Decide where you’re headed

First things first, we hope that you got your 80-page guide in yesterday’s paper because that is pretty much your little GPS for the night. In case you missed out on that opportunity, you can always check out the list of participating stores on our website at www.jamaicaobserver.com/fno.

After knowing what each store is offering, the next thing to do is to make a list of the stores you just have to visit and those that you want to visit, but don’t necessarily have to stop at. Be sure that on this list you jot down the specials the store will be offering and the location of the store.

2 Decide what you’re looking for

On another list, make note of those fashion-forward pieces that you’d love to pick up. It may be an outfit you’ve had your eye on or just a single piece that you need to add to your wardrobe.

3 Decide what you’re wearing

Since we’re talking fashion, it only makes sense that you have that camera-ready outfit to wear for the night. When picking out your look, ensure that it’s comfy, but still represents your personal style — who knows if a TEENage writer will come up and ask you to talk about your fashionable outfit. Along with the comfortable clothing, make sure that you slip on comfortable shoes. Look back at your list of stores and gauge how far apart they are. Remember to consider how long you’ll be on your feet before going for the stilettos in the closet.

While clothing is one thing, accessories, hair and make-up are another. For FNO the rule of thumb is to keep it all simple. Hair and make-up will get all smudged after all that shopping, and you all know that being on the road in all your jewellery is never a great idea.

4 Decide what you’ll be taking

Since you’ll be shopping a lot, it isn’t wise to carry the largest bag you own (and definitely leave the heavty stuff at home. Whether it’s a handbag, backpack or a little clutch, ensure that all your basic needs are safe inside.

Your lists? Check. After going through all that trouble to make lists what’s the point if you leave them at home.

Money? Check. Remember that there is the option of carrying cash and card, but it’s best, where possible make use of Point Of Sale machines.

Keys, lipgloss are essentials, but a smart addition is a small umbrella (just in case it rains). You can also carry along a tote, which will be able to carry all your shopping bags.

5 Decide who’s in your shopping crew

It’s always safer to go out at night in a group, and shopping is usually more fun when you’re with friends. Find a spot to link up and carpool to the stores together. This not only saves gas, but also makes it a lot easier to get parking. As a group, decide the order that you’ll be going to the various locations. If you’re lucky, you and your friends will have similar locations on your individual lists.

With these tips, you should be ready for September 8, 2011. Be sure to check out next week for more info on FNO 2011.

— Kimberley Sherlock