Name: Allyxandra Theus What do you do? I'm a pianist. What was the last thing you bought? This bag from Housing Works. What would you never be caught wearing?

While shopping season is in full swing around New York City, there was a charitable retail therapy party raging in Chelsea last night at the annual Housing Works Fashion for Action benefit. Hosted by Thom Browne, Patricia Clarkson and Rachel Roy, the gala event benefits the Housing Works mission to end homelessness and AIDS. In years past, the boozing and silent auction took place at the Rubin Museum of Art, while the shopping went down in the Housing Works Chelsea location across the street. But this year, organizers brought both past-times together under one roof at the Altman Building. Energized by the cause and with easy access to beverages, guests shopped majorly discounted brand new items donated by designers including Marc Jacobs, Diane Von Furstenburg (wrap dresses: check!), Tory Burch, and Black Fleece by Brooks Brothers.

Let the hunt begin.

While Lauren was shopping Lanvin x H&M with Alber at the Pierre, I was shopping Black Fleece with Thom Browne at Housing Works. Thursday night was the VIP gala to celebrate the 7th annual Fashion for Action fundraiser. Housing Works operates several charity thrift stores throughout the city to support the needs of low-income New Yorkers living with HIV/AIDS. All of the proceeds from Fashion for Action--which includes a silent auction and sample sale--will benefit Housing Works’ lifesaving services. We got to talk to Thom, the event’s chair, about the fundraiser and his upcoming women’s collection that we’re already obsessed with. But first, the party.

The Racked 38: Racked has updated their "Racked 38"--a definitive list of New York City's shopping experiences. Some stores that made the list: Housing Works, Trash & Vaudeville, Patricia Field, and Opening Ceremony. {Racked} Bob Guccione Passes Away: Bob Guccione, the man best known for establishing the men's magazine Penthouse (but for our purposes, he's the man who launched Anna Wintour's career), has passed away of throat cancer. Guccione gave Wintour her first job in the magazine industry in the late 1970's when he hired her as the fashion editor of his adult magazine, Viva. {People} Alexander Wang Pre-sale: Opening Ceremony has announced their pre-sale of Alexander Wang's Spring 2011 collection. The pre-sale will begin on October 25 on Opening Ceremony's website, and will offer select looks from the designers collection. So, if you're into white and have some spare change to drop on a white paint-splatter dress, then start counting down the days. {Opening Ceremony}

Fenton-Fallon Deal: Jewelry for $35 to $200 (originally $180—$2000) When/Where: Thursday, September 23rd through Friday, September 24th,. Thurs 1pm—8pm, Fri 1pm—7pm. Freeman's Alley off Rivington St between Bowery and Chrystie St (212-477-1315) Housing Works Deal: The thrift shop's annual fall preview sale includes artwork, clothing and furniture When/Where: Through September 30. Consult website for locations and sale hours. Urban Outfitters Deal: Enter code HAPPYFALL at checkout to save 10% off your purchase Ends: September 30, 2010

We love Housing Works not only because you can always find the best stuff there, but because of all the good work they do. Their sixth annual Fashion

Next Tuesday, Allure's fashion director Michael Carl is hosting a party at Housing Works. It's part of their editor's choice series in which the chari

Housing Works is throwing a party with Robert Verdi tonight. The TV stylist is working with the NYC charity to raise money for those living with AIDS

Housing Works must be making a killing on their fashion related auctions. Just a month after their Marc hosted auction and one week post-vintage YSL b

Someone walked into Housing Works - the New York-based thrift store whose profits house AIDS patients across the city - with a bag full of clothes. An