Free Friday: Fruits & Passion products

This week's giveaway is a collection of products from Fruits & Passion, including Carrot Cream Body Wash, Carrot Nourishing Butter, Foaming Exfoliant and Energizing Leg Gel. The set has a retail value of more than $65.

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 FRUITS in the subject field of the e-mail. Include your name, phone number and mailing address 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.

Sales bust out all over Charlotte

There's tons happening on the fashion scene in Charlotte. Get these events on your calendar:

Wine & Heels: Heels.com, the Charlotte-based shoe Website is offering more than 50% off hundreds of designer shoes at their event tonight, June 24, 6-9p. There will be $5 wine specials, too. Wine Loft 2201 South Blvd. RSVP to linda@heels.com.

Carolina Warehouse Sale: More than 20 Charlotte boutiques are participating, offering designer apparel at 75-85 percent off. Read more about the sale in Thursday's Observer or peep the mention on Vogue.com. Public sale starts 10 a.m. Saturday, June 27.

The Villages of Southend Block Party: Retailers in the Villages of Southend are throwing a block party, 5-9p Saturday, June 27. Among those participating: Bead Me, Three Little Birds, Bella Bridesmaid and more.

Sales at Gap Outlet, BR Factory Store: Starting June 30, two stores at Concord Mills will be offering July 4 sales. At Banana Republic Factory store, the entire store will be 40 percent off through July 6. At Gap Outlet, the entire store will be up to 70 percent off through July 9.

Gold Rush Party: Donald Haack Diamonds Fine Gems will host a weekly gold party every Friday in July and August from noon-6p at the store across from SouthPark mall. Light hors d’oeuvres and refreshments will be served while you can sell your unwanted gold. All transactions are confidential.

Free Friday: True Religion for Women

Up for grabs this week is a bottle of True Religion for Women fragrance. The layered scent has sweet-tart properties, as well as warm woods and skin-like musks with notes of Bergamot, Freesia and Amaryllis, among others. It has a retail value of more than $55.

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 TRUE RELIGION in the subject field of the e-mail. Include your name, phone number and mailing address 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.

TFS: I so want to care about this show

The winning look, designed by Haven and Anna.

I really, really want to care and be excited about "The Fashion Show."

But I just can't. Not even after what is probably the best episode of the season so far. I can't get excited about anything, heck, I can't even remember the designers names. How's that for holding my attention.

The best I can do is generalities: There's the Valley-Boy-Fred-Flintstone-Wilma-bun-can't-sew-dude, the whiny, self-important-recent-college-grad; The 80s-throwback-girl-who-can't-sew and Merlin, whom the adorably insightful Tom and Lorenzo refer to as "Chicken Diva."

Yes, James-Paul's partner deserved to go home for the fish-scale dress that would give even the skinniest model some massive junk in the trunk. And yes, 80s-throwback-girl-who-can't-sew and her partner deserved to win for their jacket/shorts combo (here's a tip: culottes haven't been cool since I wore them in third grade).

I've heard nothing but crickets when I post about this show ... is anyone watching besides me? Or have you all taken a break from fashion TV until the August return of "Project Runway?" Anyone? Anyone? Bueller?

Korto Momolu to visit CLT

"Project Runway" alumna Korto Momolu will be in Charlotte in August.

Grab a pencil and your calendar -- there's mess of stylish events coming up in the Queen City.

• JEWELRY ARTIST Stephanie Albertson will be in-store for a trunk show 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday, June 19 and Saturday, June 20 at Hotham in the Morrison development at Sharon and Colony roads. Albertson's jewelry (below) is handcrafted in 22K yellow gold, diamonds and colored gemstones, and has been featured in Town & Country, Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, and W. An Elizabeth Showers trunk show will be at Hotham as well. Details: 704.366.3440.
  
• SHOPPING EVENT: Morrison is hosting a Ladies Night Out shopping event 6-9 p.m., Wednesday, June 24, which will include discounts, freebies and drinks for women only. Ramona Holloway from 107.9FM The Link will be hosting the event. Details here.
  
  
• "PROJECT RUNWAY" favorite Korto Momolu will be part of Passion Fashion 09, scheduled for Aug. 6 at the Harris Conference Center, 3216 CPCC Harris Campus Dr. Also participating in the fashion show event will be Charlotte designer Tara Davis (Flow by Tara Davis) and Savannah, Ga. designer Cate Lyon of Cate Lyon Studio. VIP tickets are $90 (available until June 20) and include front row seating, a meet-and-greet with designers and other perks. Regular tickets are $45. Event details here or call (877) 298-2220.
  
  
• PRENATAL PEEK-A-BOO: Community Yoga is holding a free educational event 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. July 11. The event will include information on prenatal yoga, natural childbirth and Hypnobabies classes, doula care and labor and delivery. Mini-makeovers and pregnancy skincare advice is complimentary by makeup artists from Potion Beauty. Free goodies available from Potion Beauty and Wry Baby, maker of hip baby clothes and parenting accessories. RSVPs appreciated at Community Yoga's Facebook page online. Details: 20823 N. Main St., Cornelius; 704-491-4749.
  
  
• Tickets are on sale now for Charlotte NC Fashion Week, scheduled for Sept. 10-12 at the Mint Museum. Barbara McKay has signed on guest emcee. Luis Carlos Machicao of Machiçao Couture, Kimberly Pixton of Pixton Bridal Couture and Shinikki Peterson of Lujeanik Designs are among the designers who will be sharing the runway. Tickets are $35-$180. Click here for details.
  

Free Friday: Bumble & Bumble hair products

AMC recently announced the return of "Mad Men" on Aug. 16. In honor of the stylistic, retro drama, here's a few freebies to help you (or your dad, or father ... you know Father's Day is June 21) get your Don Draper on: Bumble & Bumble BB Gel and Gellac, with an estimated retail value of more than $50.

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 GEL in the subject field of the e-mail. Include your name, phone number and mailing address 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.

TFS: So predictable

Ugh. I am so uninspired by this episode of "The Fashion Show," I can barely muster the strength to write this post.

Enough with the whiny designers.

Enough with the head-scratching quickfire challenges. Oh wait, that's another Bravo show, "Top Chef."

Enough with the pseudo drama. What's that you say? How about the horrible manufacturing of drama that isn't there through "creative" series editing. Merlin was in tears over his ignorance about "Mean Girls." He and Danielle take turns gnashing their teeth, pitching mini-fits, and before you know it, the very person that is shown as the weak link has won the challenge.

Enough with the self-absorbed, uninformed designers. Angel not knowing what B-girls are was sad and insulting, but not nearly as offensive as Johnny's boorish bravado.

Thank goodness -- Just a few more months until "Project Runway" returns.

Racing with RuPaul

With the click of your mouse, you can help a Charlotte diva land a spot on season two of "RuPaul's Drag Race" on Logo.

The brilliant Buff Faye, also known as Campus Pride founder and executive director Shane Windmeyer, wants to be on the reality competition show that debut last summer.

Now through June 24, vote for Buff Faye once a day to help her land a spot on the show. Buff Faye, who is best described as a camp drag queen, is among more than 700 other contestants in the online competition for a spot on the show.

“What could be more fun than a drag race this summer?” Windmeyer said in a press release. “Buff Faye is proud to represent Campus Pride in the online competition for RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 2. Sometimes it takes wearing heels and a dress to make a difference.”

The first round of voting ends June 24, with the top 100 moving onto the next round. Round two runs through July 1, with the top 25 vote getters entering the final round. The top vote-getter by July 8 will be on the show.

Primp Your Papa

Some fathers behave like stray cats when it comes to style. Any sudden movements or big changes and they're running for cover. We know most dads want to be a bit more hip, but don't want to ask for help.

Here are two ideas to help coax daddio out of his fashion-deprived dark space this Father's Day (June 21). You'll increase his chic factor without forcing him too far outside his comfort zone.

Be sure to check out Thursday's Style section for more tips.

Nordstrom Guide to Men's Style: Every woman knows if you want to teach your husband or father something about style, you get someone else to do it for you. Enter expert author Tom Julian who demystifies fashion in a info-and-photo-packed tome that helps men define their personal style. Along the way, he tosses in tips on proper clothing care, sizing and how to iron a shirt. $19.95. Nordstrom SouthPark, 704-442-6000.

J Crew Timex Military Watch: It's subtly retro and at the same time classically modern. The legendary American watchmaker Timex made this 1940s-inspired timepiece exclusively for J Crew. The face is distressed, the watch case is stainless steel and it has a nylon band. It's water resistant, too. $150, jcrew.com only.

Free Friday: Pureology Essential Repair System

This week's freebie is a collection of products from Pureology's EssentialRepair line, including shampoo and conditioner, Colourmax UV Hair Colour Defense and Instant Repair Leave-in Conditioner. The line is for use with color-treated hair. Products are free of sulfates and salts, but also feature organic botanicals. The set has an estimated retail value of more than $90.

Who doesn't love free stuff? 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 PUREOLOGY in the subject field of the e-mail. Include your name, phone number and mailing address 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.

TFS: Real people are scary

I couldn't blog about The Fashion Show last week because my DirecTV was struck by lightning. Sounds like some crazy, made-up the-dog-ate-my-homework excuse, but it's true! But it looks like I missed a rather boring week. Buh-bye Panty Christ.

Thank goodness the DirecTV was operational this week, so I could fully witness the ridiculousness that is these transparent designers. Holy train wreck! If this level of self-absorption continues, I'll stick around till the end of the season for sure.


My favorite quote of the night was from Johnny (above) upon learning that they'd be designing for -- gasp! -- real women, not models. "I'm very scared because I don't really work with real people." Huh.

Oh wait! It gets better ... James-Paul gets the award for most dramatic overstatement. Having to design for "real" women "is like asking Jesus Christ to work with Satan."

Thankfully Isaac Mizrahi reminded them that those scary "real" women with boobs and thighs are the ones who will buy their clothes.

In the end, Keith got the boot for his uninspired dress. And Daniella, for all her whiny, post-college hubris, ended up designing the winning look using the hot color combo of black and blue.

What's your take on The Fashion Show?

Crocs mea culpa

These Malindi Crocs have me wavering on my anti-Crocs stance.

I have been firmly in the anti-Crocs camp for some time now, making my disdain for the plastic shoes known again and again.

And, I should have known that my vehemence would come back to bite me in the behind.

Well, Crocs lovers, that day arrived on May 16, in the infield at the All-Star race at Lowe's Motor Speedway. I spotted these adorable leopard print ballet flats, and when I asked the wearer for details, she said they were Crocs. Wha????

Since then, I've gone back and forth about buying a pair. I've gone to a sports store and tried them on. They would be great alternatives to flip-flops (which are quickly becoming my most hated shoe, second only to Crocs). But I just can't pull the trigger.

About what fashion item have you had a change of heart?

I also said I wouldn't wear summer scarves and now I adore them (regardless of season, actually). Same goes for gladiator sandals (mine are very loosely glads -- faux snakeskin, and they don't crawl up my leg).

Maybe, before long, those Crocs will join my list of never-say-never style choices. What do you think?