[Photos by CLINT SPAULDING and BILLY FARRELL for PMc].

Just this month, Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke said the recession is probably over. This picture of a ready auction bidder at last night's New Yorkers for Children gala might be just the sign we needed to relax. New Yorkers like going out. We also like spending. Let's bring in fall's fierce event calendar, and do it up like we used to, before this bleak finance anxiety cast a shadow on our usually bustling city. Also, standby for full coverage of the dramatic, A-list event, co-chaired by designer royalty Oscar de la Renta at Cipriani 42nd Street, later today. Until then, a few more peaks, below. More»