Topshop fever builds

Topshop Python-snake high sandal (leather), $190

With a hefty dose of cheeky confidence, British clothing store Topshop will open it's first American store on Thursday in New York City.

When asked during a press event during New York Fashion week in February, what Topshop has that Target doesn't, owner Sir Philip Greene said: "Fashion."

Comparing the two is as appropriate as comparing apples and oranges. Same could be said of comparing Topshop and H&M, probably the closest chain in the US to Topshop's quick-moving, fashion-forward approach.

While Topshop and H&M apparel is distinctly chic, the chains differ at the cash register. Leather goods are commonplace at Topshop, shoes in the $200 range are not uncommon. At H&M, low prices ($2.90 lattice-work earrings, for example) make the of-the-moment clothes even more attractive.

Greene says Topshop, which is the home of the rabidly-popular Kate Moss line (she's expected to attend the NYC store opening), has a business model and focus that is unique: stores get new merchandise every 7-10 days, and the 2,900+ stores worldwide receive more than 11,000 deliveries a week.

The NY store, at just under 30,000 square feet, came with a price tag of more than $20 million, Greene says. On the horizon for the States are another 12-15 flagship stores, eventually.

"We don't need to be aggressive," he said.

Topshop Fluoro Bloom Dress, $90

Charleston Fashion Week: Bigger, better

Models take the final walk during the Troubadour show as part of the Emerging Designers show Saturday at Charleston Fashion Week.

Three years in, Charleston Fashion Week doesn't show any signs of slowing down. This year was bigger than the two previous in attendance and star power. Organizers said they expect attendance figures to hover near 5,000 for the week-long event.

Among the celebs on hand: designers Cynthia Rowley, Mary Norton, Charlottean (and former CFW Emerging Designer competitor) Ashley Reid and Mychael Knight, Lacoste USA CEO Robert Seigel, costume designer Dana Campbell and Wayne Newton.

Charlotte had connections all over the event -- Emerging Designer contender Lindsey Carter is the co-founder of Carter Humphrey, a sporty/fashion line based in Charlotte. Jewelry from Jane Pope, formerly of the Queen City, accompanied ED clothing on the runway.

Swimwear designer Maria Dobrzanska Reeves won the ED competition.

The polished Charleston event left me wondering what it would take for Charlotte to have the same experience. Charlotte Fashion Week got off to a shaky start last year in September. Event organizers recently announced plans to hold the event again.

What does Charlotte need to put together an event on par with Charleston Fashion Week?

Kim Kardashian + me = BFFs?

I can't believe that I'm about to add Kim Kardashian to my list of body heroes. Huh?

But her honest, "So what?" response to the the fuss over untouched/retouched magazine photos is down right endearing.

Sure, the "leaked" photos could be just be a publicity stunt to raise awareness about her new workout DVDs. Regardless, it's another chance for everyone to be reminded just how much retouching/reworking goes into the notion of perfection.

What's your take?

While you're considering, watch how "beauty" comes to pass in this Dove video.

Free Friday: Lilly Pulitzer Wink fragrance

This week's giveaway is a 1.7 oz bottle of Lilly Pulitzer Wink eau de parfum. The fragrance has notes of pear nectar, freesia, rose, lily, violet, amber and musk.

Between Thanksgiving and Christmas, I gave away all kinds of goodies every Friday. It's time to bring it back, with a few minor changes. This time around, there is no trivia question. The rules for entry are as follows:

• To enter, send an e-mail to style@charlotteobserver.com. Entries sent/posted elsewhere will not be considered.
• Your e-mail must contain the word LILLY in the subject field of the e-mail.
• Include your name and phone number in the text of the email.
• Entries must be received by 4 p.m. Friday. Entries sent after the deadline will not be considered.
• E-mails that meet the stated criteria will be entered into a random drawing.
• One entry per e-mail address, please. Only the winner will be contacted.
• Please do not post your answers and contact information in the comments section on the blog.

Isaac Mizrahi is coming to Charlotte

The colorful designer with the magic touch -- Isaac Mizrahi -- is coming to Charlotte.

Mizrahi, star of the fashion doc "Unzipped," single-handily created a new genre of high fashion (for low-prices) when he launched his now defunct low-price line at Target. He's now being credited with reinvigorating the Liz Claiborne brand, of which he became creative director in 2008.

He'll be part of a Liz Claiborne New York fashion show at Belk SouthPark at 1 p.m. April 18.

Admission is free, but reservations are required by calling 877-235-5073. Seating is limited.

Free Friday: Get your footsies ready!

Up for grabs this week is a collection of products that will help you step into sandal season in style. Included are Naturally Clean products from Essie, a Ms. Manicure set, Karen Neuburger Feet Treats socks and Chanel nail polish in Django.

Free Fridays are back! Between Thanksgiving and Christmas, I gave away all kinds of goodies every Friday. It was such a success, it's time to bring it back, with a few minor changes. This time around, there is no trivia question.

The rules for entry are as follows:

• To enter, send an e-mail to style@charlotteobserver.com. Entries sent/posted elsewhere will not be considered.
• Your e-mail must contain the word PEDICURE in the subject field of the e-mail.
• Include your name and phone number in the text of the email.
• Entries must be received by 4 p.m. Friday. Entries sent after the deadline will not be considered.
• E-mails that meet the stated criteria will be entered into a random drawing.
• One entry per e-mail address, please. Only the winner will be contacted.
• Please do not post your answers and contact information in the comments section on the blog.

Vintage fashion, free massages and more

Charlotte's fashion scene is bustling! Here's a quick roundup of upcoming events:

SPRING IS IN THE AIR EVENT: Mack and Mack Charlotte hosts a day of trunk shows and special events March 19. Robin Mack Davis, creator of the Mack and Mack clothing line, along with jewelry designer, Detra Kay will be on hand starting at noon. A representative from Essential Bodywear will also be available for bra fit consultations. At 5 p.m., there will be food and live music.

VINTAGE FASHION SHOW: March 21st at the Alley Cat, featuring clothing by Hong Kong Vintage and hair by Bang Bang. 18 and older. Doors open at 9 p.m. Admission is free if you pick up your tickets at Hong Kong Vintage (free tickets are limited). I have tickets to giveaway as well: The first five people to e-mail style@charlotteobserver.com with the word VINTAGE in the subject line will get them.

MASSAGE EVENT: From 11 a.m.-4 p.m. March 21 at the Kiehl's counter at Belk SouthPark, shoppers who buy $25 in Kiehl's products will receive a 15 minute chair massage with Sara Harris of Massage Envy. There will also be drawings, demonstrations and samples. Shoppers who spend $100 or more with receive an additional gift. For details and appointments: 704.364.4251 Ext. 8218.

FASHION FOR A CAUSE: Blue Restaurant & Bar, Lotus, Civilian and Modern Salon are planning an event featuring fashion, food and drinks to benefit the Assistance League of Charlotte. March 29 at Blue uptown. Doors open at 7:30 pm., Show begins at 9 p.m. $10 Door Donation or donation of clothing item to benefit the ALC. RSVP: 704.927.2583.

Who are you calling plus-size?

Meghan McCain

Have y'all been following this Meghan McCain/body image story?

Conservative radio host Laura Ingraham, 44, didn't take kindly to the opinions of the 24-year-old daughter of Senator John McCain, who calls herself a "progressive Republican."

Where's the first place Ingraham goes with her response? To make a crack about McCain's weight.

My, my. That's classy with a capital C, regardless of your party affiliation.

Sure, you could argue that is someone who wears a size 14 isn't really healthy. And perhaps that someone who wears a size 10 is too big. Know what? I don't give a fig what you think. It's not your place to say.

It's like I tell my 5-and-3-year olds often: You be in charge of you. No one else. And while you're at it, before you spew hurtful ugliness at someone (and don't pretend you don't know you're doing it), think about how it would feel if someone said the same thing to you.

How can we expect our young children, especially young girls, to believe that they are wonderful, beautiful creatures exactly as they are when they see adults slinging petty playground insults?

Thoughts?

Free Friday: Juicy Couture tote

Free Fridays are back! Between Thanksgiving and Christmas, I gave away all kinds of goodies every Friday. It was such a success, it's time to bring it back, with a few minor changes.

Up for grabs this week is an exclusive Juicy Couture terry cloth and leather tote from Neiman Marcus SouthPark. During the HIP Event, March 20-21, the tote is free with a purchase of $350 or more (online or in store) in the contemporary sportswear or dress collections.

Here are the rules for entry:

• To enter, send an e-mail to style@charlotteobserver.com. Entries sent/posted elsewhere will not be considered.
• Your e-mail must contain the word JUICY in the subject field of the e-mail.
• Include your name and phone number in the text of the email.
• Entries must be received by 4 p.m. Friday. Entries sent after the deadline will not be considered.
• E-mails that meet the stated criteria will be entered into a random drawing.
• One entry per e-mail address, please. Only the winner will be contacted.
• Please do not post your answers and contact information in the comments section on the blog.

Give MObama a break already!

Oprah Winfrey shares the cover of her namesake magazine with first lady Michelle Obama

First Lady Michelle Obama can't catch a (fashion) break.

The fuss over her right to bare arms hasn't fully died down, and the fashionistas have moved on to the Oprah Magazine cover and MObama's plastic Sonya Rykiel belt.

Some of my fashion colleagues can't abide the belt, but I like it and what it represents. The First Lady is making some savvy choices, and in small ways, demonstrating her fashion-forwardness.

The fall 2009 runways were packed with plastic apparel, little of which looked the least bit wearable and comfortable. Until I saw Michelle Obama rocking the plastic belt without betraying her personal style.

Same goes for her bare arms. I've said it before, and I'll say it again (and again and again): If I had arms that looked that good, I'd be showing them off every chance I got.

What's your take on the First Lady's bare arms and/or plastic belt?

Spring into fashion, style events

I don't know about you, but this deliciously warm weather has put a spring into my step! Here are a few events to help get your spring on:

TRUNK SHOW: Paul Simon for Women will host a trunk show featuring the Penta and Y? spring sportswear collections and a jewelry trunk show with designer Laura James Tuesday, March 10 and Wednesday, March 11. James will show her spring collection. 1033 Providence Road in Myers Park Center; 704-333-6139.

Peel Party at Potion! Jump into a Blueberry Smoothie, Pomegranate or Pineapple Peel. Just in time for the warm weather you can get radiant glowing skin -- and you don't even have to put your bathing suit on. For one day only, the Huntersville beauty boutique (the South Charlotte location recently closed) is offering peels at a discount - $50 (regular $95)! This event is by appointment only, and space is limited. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, March 21. 16835 Birkdale Commons Parkway, Huntersville. 704-655-8755.

Neiman Marcus Events: Rena Lange Trunk Show, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Friday, March 13. Off to the Races, 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Saturday, March 14.S elect the perfect dress to wear to the spring horse races from Diane Von Furstenberg's newest collection. 704-442-7900, extension 2200 to schedule your appointment.

DONATE FOR DISCOUNT: Dress for Success Charlotte is the beneficiary of a suit drive at St. John. March 18-22, customers donating a St. John suit will receive $200 off the purchase of $1, 000 or more. When a non St. John suit is donated customers will receive $50 off the purchase of $1,000 or more. The St. John boutique at SouthPark is participating, as well as the St. John department at Neiman Marcus.

SPRING BEAUTY WEEK: Wraps up at Jeffre Scott Apothecary with the Style Event, 7-8:30 p.m. Thursday, March 19 at the Piper Glen location. Local experts will share cosmetic, beauty, accessory and style tips. Enjoy hors d'oeuvres and prosecco. $35 per person. Includes goody bag and day of event discounts. 704-544-0750.

Cheap is chic at the drugstore

Cheap is the new chic. And these days, the path to budget-conscious beauty leads directly to the drugstore.

Shopping for cosmetics at big-box stores and national chains has lost its stigma. Fashionistas are proudly trading the buzz of brand elitism for the rush of scoring good products at lower prices.

Read the full story in Thursday's Style section. In the meantime, here are a few drugstore products recommended by professional makeup artists Heather A. Hawkins and Samantha Smith.

Cover Girl LashBlast Mascara: No clumping or flaking, and at $9, it's a steal, says Smith. "It truly builds volume and separates without making a mess. I keep one in my makeup kit at all times.”

Frizz-Ease Cream Serum Overnight Repair: “Your hair is like ‘Wow! I love you again!’ And it doesn’t leave goo over your pillow,” Hawkins says.

Murray’s Hair Dressing Pomade: "Use a tiny amount at a time, and you can tame any hair with it," Hawkins says. "Put it in the palm of your hand and warm it up."

St. Ives Blemish and Blackhead Control: is a great facial exfoliator, Hawkins says, especially during the summer.

What is your favorite drugstore product?

ENTER TO WIN a random drawing for one of five drugstore brands gift packs by sending an email to style@charlotteobserver.com with DRUGSTORE in the subject line. Please include your name and phone number in the text of the e-mail. Entries must be received by noon Friday. One entry per e-mail address. Only winners will be contacted.

Out with the old, in with the new

LOFT Julie Stretch Twill Capris, $39.50

Ann Taylor LOFT and Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont are giving customers a chance to clean out their closets to make room for new spring styles with the “Out with the Old, Save on the New” event.

Customers who donate their gently-worn pants at any LOFT store will receive $15 off each full price pant purchase through Sunday, March 8.

All donated pants from the partnership will be sold in Goodwill retail stores and the revenues will help fund Goodwill’s job training and employment programs. In 2008, more than 13,000 people benefited from Goodwill’s programs in the Southern Piedmont region of North and South Carolina.

“By participating in the LOFT partnership with Goodwill, people are making an investment in their communities,” said Bo Hussey, Vice President of Marketing and Communications for Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont in a press release. “Each pant donation at LOFT stores nationwide will support vital employment services in local communities to help people find and keep jobs.”

Visit http://www.anntaylorloft.com/ for a store locations, or stop by stores at Birkdale Village, Concord Mills, Northlake Mall, Promenade at Providence and SouthPark mall.