Living in New York City has tons of perks and perhaps the greatest perk of all is the city’s fashion scene. New York is bustling with the hottest designers, high-end retailers and all the celebrities that love them. So when Sept. 8 comes around, get ready for one epic extravaganza as all three come together to celebrate New York’s Third Annual Fashion’s Night Out (FNO).

If you’re wondering what exactly FNO is, look no further then the event’s website. The site explains, “Fashion’s Night Out is an unprecedented global initiative created in 2009 in a partnership between American Vogue, the Council of Fashion Designers of America, NYC & Company and the City of New York to celebrate fashion, restore consumer confidence, boost the industry’s economy and put the fun back in shopping.”

And in the last two years the event has done just that. Filled with great clothes, great gifts and celebrity sightings, here’s what you have to look forward to during FNO 2011.

Official FNO Gear:

These items hit the trifecta: they’re stylish, for a good cause and a great souvenir to remember your incredible night out. They include tees, totes and a baseball cap that range from $15 to $50. Snag your own official FNO Gear from various retailers including 3.1 Phillip Lim, 7 for All Mankind, ALDO Ann Taylor, and more. Check out the entire list of retailers at fashionsnightout.com/collection.

Celebrity Sightings: 

Last year Kanye West’s surprise appearance had FNO patrons going wild. This year should be no different, especially with all the confirmed celebs and a great chance of other stars showing up unannounced. There are currently over 100 stars confirmed to be showing off their gorgeous faces during FNO, including supermodels Alessandra Ambrosio, Adrian Lima and Heidi Klum, actors Christina Hendricks, Seth Meyers and Michelle Trachtenberg, singers Ne-Yo, Joe Jonas and Nicki Minaj and designers Marc Jacobs, Diane von Furstenberg and Michael Kors. So make sure to keep your eyes peeled and get a picture with your favorite celeb.

Parties:

There will be parties everywhere. From the Annual FNO Black and White Party at A Man and a Woman to the J Lindeberg FNO party, there’s no shortage of locations to enjoy some refreshments, mingle with New York’s most fashionable and enjoy shopping for a whole new wardrobe. Some locations such as A Uno Tribeca and Maybelline New York Color Studio Hot Spot will even have live music to make the experience even better.

Shopping:

There’s sure to be new clothes and great prices all over the city, so get ready to shop till you drop and fully enjoy what FNO has to offer. Make sure to check out the Barbie Loves FNO scavenger hunt and channel your inner kid. Travel the city looking for Barbie’s new wardrobe from incredible stylists such as Rogan, Tracy Resse and Alice + Olivia.