Friday night, stilettoed women and equally fabulous men from all corners of the globe will engage in Fashion’s Night Out, a shopping and style event that’s understood in every language. From New York and Sydney to Tokyo and right here in Houston, Anna Wintour’s recession-busting idea takes over boutiques and malls stores for the second year in a row.

Ken Downing, senior vice president fashion director at Neiman Marcus, says the idea of enticing people into stores for one big night with special events "was really powerful for us," when the luxury retailer joined in the festivities last year.

This year, the Galleria store has planned even more activities, including an in-store "art walk" curated by Colton Farb Gallery. And a whole host of other Houston stores have joined in, too, with their own events to tout the virtues of shopping.

"Fall is back-to-school for adults. Everyone's excited about the new season," Downing says. "A little partying and a lot of shopping — there's nothing wrong with that!"

Not sure where to go in between champagne sips and credit card swipes? Here’s what’s in for your night out in Houston.

Think of The Galleria as Fashion’s Night Out home base in Houston. The Polar Ice rink is the site of the free Trends & Friends event, an evening of fashion shows starting at 5:30 with looks by Gap, Steve Madden, Brooks Brothers, Club Monaco, Macy’s and Miss Sixty. Retailers will demonstrate how to wear fall’s beauty and fashion trends, while restaurants will be serving bites and sips.

Rachel Roy’s Macy’s fall line is full of color and shoppers can get a closer look in her style closet on the ice. Although Michael Kors will be in New York at his store belting out Broadway tunes (and maybe something from Glee) with Idina Menzel, Houston shoppers can check out his style lounge at the Galleria Kors store. Solstice, Hot Topic will also be in the mix and many mall retailers will be offering in-store promotions and surprises throughout the night.

Above the Polar Ice Rink, The Galleria’s St. John boutique is showing customers the five must-haves from the Fall 2010 collection at the Fall Into Fabulous on Fashion’s Night Out. Curious about what’s on the list? Stop by the boutique from 5-8 p.m., enjoy complimentary cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and leave with an exclusive St. John lipstick pouch and compact mirror, when purchasing $1,000 or more.

The Billy Reid boutique gets my vote as the party people get lost in, eventually stumble out of and talk about it the next day. Expect really good Southern-tinged live music and a non-pink and fruity cocktail.

Reid has been honored as a CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Finalist and GQ/CFDA's Best New Menswear Designer in America for his highly wearable and sophisticated men’s and women’s clothing designed with a southern flair. Reid debuts his 10-piece Levi's Workwear, a collection that marries Southern gentility and modern Americana workwear.

 Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus are throwing parties of their own Friday night.

 
• The first floor of Saks will transform for the Rock Out and Make Up event, complete with tips on channeling your inner rock star, music and lots of bites from Bistro Alex, Eddie V’s, Flora and Muse, RA Sushi and the Tasting Room.
 
• At Neiman Marcus, it’s all cupcakes and eyelashes at the store’s FNO party. From 6-8:30 p.m. the cosmetic counters will be jumping with mini spa treatments, Lash Lounge, a destination for faux lashes and mascara recommendations, beauty demonstrations, a fashion show, music and a self-decorating cupcake station.
 
• Nordstrom’s FNO fete includes after-hours shopping, special events, beauty giveaways and promotions from 6-10 p.m.

 Uptown Park’s FNO fun starts at Basiques Boutique, a shop that celebrates French lifestyle through sophisticated and tailored basics. Sip cocktails and shop from 6-9 p.m. with members from the French American Chamber of Commerce. BB1 Classic is also celebrating Friday night.

Over at River Oaks Shopping Center, designer David Peck unveils his CROP line at 310 Rosemont from 6-9 p.m. Purchases made at 310 Rosemont gives shoppers a chance to win a piece from Peck’s new collection. Bites and an open bar round out the party and a percentage of the evening’s sales benefits Baylor International Pediatric AIDS Initiative. While you’re in the neighborhood, check out the parties and deals at Bath Junkie, BB1and Rebecca & Drew.

Caruggi’s on Westheimer is holding two Carla Kay’s Color Workshops Friday, Elaine Turner in Rice Village is keeping the lights on until 11 p.m. serving wine and giving away a free wristlet with every $50 purchase and Charming Charlie stores across the area are celebrating with promotions.

Houston Lace Eyebrows and Lashes is offering free consultations, light bites, five dollars off eyelashes and $100 off permanent makeup. The Shops Off Westheimer, a charming co-op, is also throwing a FNO party.