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Zappos kicked off MAGIC Market Week in style, taking over downtown Las Vegas Tuesday for an evening extravaganza.


From 9 p.m. to midnight, merchandising vendors and industry affiliates were treated to a special fashion event, Fashion in the Park, showcasing downtown's commitment to style and community. Set in the recently unveiled Downtown Container Park, guests enjoyed dining at many of its restaurants while DJ Robbie Rivera provided house music. Local headliner Carrot Top and fashion footwear moguls Steve Madden and Sam Edelman were even among the crowd.


Lead buyer of women's clothing, Karrie Meiklereid, said it's important for Zappos to highlight Vegas as a fashion destination through events like this. "We want to get the industry excited about what we're doing in the fashion world and continue to create a presence," she said.


A highlight of the evening was the fashion show produced by local fashion incubator, Stitch Factory. The show featured the latest trends available on Zappos.com, as well as collections from emerging local fashion designers Ermelinda Manos, Jessica Galindo and Bow & Drape.


"We want to infuse fashion into downtown and bring more fashion lovers to the area," said Stitch Factory founder, Meghan Mossler. "It's also a wonderful opportunity for these emerging designers to interact and collide."


A larger-than-life art gallery of 10-foot-tall easels dotted the property, displaying eight bespoke sketches in the center of the venue, which were auctioned off for charity. The more than $6,000 in proceeds will go to the Nevada Partnership of Homeless Youth to provide shelter, food, counseling and safety to distressed youth.


While Fashion in the Park was an invite-only event, Mossler assures there are plenty of places downtown to keep you feeling trendy all year long. Here are some of her favorite downtown shopping destinations.


American Vagabond


Providing stylish mix-and-match pieces for the nomad in your life, American Vagabond is committed to selling sexy staples without cluttering your closet. Find the perfect maxi dress, sequined blazer or cutout tee to edge up your everyday look. americanvagabond.com


Coterie


One of the most well-known and beloved boutiques of Downtown, Coterie sits unassumingly on Fremont Street, offering eclectic and colorful clothing options for the unique Vegas visitor. Find the perfect piece here to accentuate your individuality. coteriedowntown.com/


Jessica Galindo


Specializing in leather and vegan/faux leather accessories, Galindo's eye-catching pieces are sure to garner attention. Fall in love with a handmade salvaged leather scarf or leather bow tie. leather-couture.com


Stitch Factory


A co-working studio space, the Stitch Factory offers classes, mentorship and all the necessary tools to support emerging designers. With everything from hobbyist workshops to technical programs, members can customize their experience to best benefit their needs. stitchfactory.com


Electric Lemonade Shop


Priding itself on style with staying power, Electric Lemonade Shop is your neighborhood vintage store with a twist. Every item is hand selected by the owners to ensure you'll go home with a one-of-a-kind outfit that's wearable to more than just a costume party. electriclemonadeshop.com


--Hilary Billings is a Las Vegas local, travel blogger and the current Miss Nevada United States. She was named Las Vegas Weekly's Best Blogger for 2013. For more on Hilary, visit her blog thenomadgrad.com and follow her on twitter @TheNomadGrad.