It was a fall fashion frenzy at the Galleria on Thursday, where fashionistas and bloggers united for “Fashion’s Night Out,” a shopping event created by visionary Vogue editor Anna Wintour to coincide with New York City’s Fashion Week. Speaking of which, you MUST get tickets to The September Issue, a documentary that gives an inside look into the making of Vogue's coveted fall fashion issue. It's now playing at the River Oaks Theater.

I previewed the latest fall fashion and makeup looks that will hit the runway next Thursday at Simon Fashion Now, sponsored by the company that owns The Galleria.

Saks Fifth Avenue fashion experts dished on the latest trends, including a return to the '80s with neon brights and strong shoulders. Who knew shoulder pads would ever come back? Since I was too young to experience big shoulders the first time, I am still uncertain about this trend! I am more attracted to chunky, bold metal jewelry, rocker-style boots and other more up-to-date trends.

I was relieved to find that fashion trends I have grown to love from past seasons like skinny jeans (I am loving the “Always Skinny” jeans from GAP’s new premium denim line), tights, long scarves and chunky, oversized, cozy knit sweaters (I just had to stop at Zara and buy one) remain on the “must have” list for fall.

I am also delighted to see that well-loved handbag and accessories designer Kate Spade expanded her line to include clothing. Her whimsical style is evident in the ruffles, bows and other feminine touches that adorn her garments- I was simply overjoyed when I saw her gorgeous Madeline blouse.

Perhaps the most compelling accessory trend this fall is the “forever bag,” a nod to our down economy. Fashion experts recommend buying a bag that will last long enough to justify the cost. Investing in a quality, classic, well-constructed bag is a DO for this season, as it leaves little room for regret and is seasonless to boot.

The product-obsessed girly-girl in me was delighted to learn that the classic smokey eye was fresh for fall. A Sephora makeup specialist suggested lovers of this look try different color combinations like greys, browns, purples and brights to achieve a more colorful, updated smoky eye. The classic red lip --- a shade I typically shy away from, as well as dark plum lips are also fall essentials. A lot of brands are making sheer formulas that look scary in the tube but subtle when applied -- try Confession by Urban Decay.

Much like the '80’s inspirations seen in fall’s clothes, makeup trends are taking us back to the '80’s with candy-colored eyes and lips. Sephora recommends “Barbie” by Stila, a trio of pretty pink glosses sure to brighten your pout. Those timid about super bright eyes can try a trick suggested by Glamour bloggers: keep the rest of the face neutral, and use a bright color on your lid (like pink or tangerine), and use a white liner or shadow on your bottom lash line for a more subtle pop of color.

Typically a color reserved for spring and summer, hot pink is making its mark this fall in clothing and makeup. I couldn't be happier because some of my favorite blushes are hot pinks that go on sheer and give skin a gorgeous glow (my fave is “desire” by LORAC).

To achieve the super-shiny lacquered lips making a comeback this fall, dab the clear version of MAC’s Lip Glass over any lip color for a shine boost.

Which fall trends are you most looking forward to, and which ones do you plan to politely pass over? Ahem, 80’s style shoulder pads, I’m looking at you!