Free Friday: $100 gift card for Shapes Salon

Up for grabs this week is a $100 gift card for a free massage or facial from Shapes Salon & Day Spa on Providence Road.

• To enter, send an e-mail to style@charlotteobserver.com. Entries sent/posted elsewhere will not be considered.
• Your e-mail must contain SHAPES 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 contact information in the comments section on the blog.

Buff Faye's drag-tastic Halloween

Buff Faye (lower left) and her festive Halloween crew

I finally, finally(!) met Buff Faye.

She's the long-lost sister of Tammy Faye (rest in peace), and Buff's just as fabulous as you'd expect the winner of the Ms. Crown Royal Rugby Pageant 2008 and Miss $1.98 Pageant at the HideAway in Rock Hill, SC, to be. You may also recall she was in the top 25 of RuPaul's national Drag Race competition this summer.

Now, she and her band of divas sing, dance and serve a killer brunch once a month during Buff Faye's Drag Brunch at Hartigan's. I was lucky enough to see the crew in action earlier this month, in full camp drag/Halloween glory.

Here's your chance to check out the special encore: Buff and her crew are doing it one more time at a Halloween event 7-10p Thursday, Oct. 29.

Check it out. And tell Buff I sent you!

Organica Deluxe pop-up @ Poole

Poole Shop and Organica Deluxe recently announced their partnership on a pop-up shop to open Nov. 12 in Phillips Place.

What's a pop-up shop? Comme des Garcons designer Rei Kawakubo is credited with starting the guerrilla retail experience a few years ago -- temporarily setting up shop in an unexpected place.
Organica Deluxe, the Charlotte-based online store for eco-friendly luxe gifts, will set up shop inside Poole's south Charlotte store. On Nov. 12, Organica's entire product line will be in the store.

Through Dec. 24, OD will stock its most popular products in store. And online orders will be available for pickup in the store, with no delivery or shipping charges.

"We are excited to offer Charlotte customers this unique service," Poole Shop owner Laura Vinroot Poole said in a press release. "We love Organica Deluxe's beautiful packaging and especially their delicious ginger cookies. Anyone looking for gorgeous and green gifts will find exactly what they want."

Founded by Jane Hunter and Wendy James in 2008, Organica Deluxe sells home decor, accessories, baby items, flowers, food and wine ($10-$650). The site has been featured on Daily Candy and CNN. Celeb fans include Sigrid Olsen and Constance Zimmer.

Stella McCartney for GapKids in Charlotte?

Is that a real fox he's holding? No matter -- look at that marching band jacket! Too cute!

As the mom of two bebes (well, not really babies anymore -- my son is 6, my daughter 4), I can tell you with authority there is room for improvement when it comes to children's clothing.

There's only so much train/construction theming for boys or pink/purple florals for girls that a stylish mum can take before losing it completely.

Enter Stella McCartney, daughter of Sir Paul, mother of three (Miller, 4, Bailey, 2, and Beckett, 1) and creator of an uber-delicious eponymous line. Now, she's teamed with GapKids for a children's capsule collection that may just send me into fits, in a good way.

Marching band jackets? Tulle skirts? Cozy knits and kid-pleasing boots for stomping around (with trend-perfect neon yellow laces)? I am in.

The collection ($14-$128) should be hitting stores by Nov. 3, and I've been told by a well-placed source the SouthPark location will be one of just a handful of stores in the Southeast to carry the line.

Free Friday: $100 spa gift card

Up for grabs this week is a $100 gift card to Edamame The Maternity Spa at Destination Maternity, which has a location at Sharon Corners in South Charlotte. Edamame The spa offers an extensive menu of luxury treatments for the expectant woman and focuses on the fusion of body, mind and spirit. Treatments include facials, massages and enhancements, all provided by certified massage therapists and estheticians. It's not just for preggos: Many non-pregnant clients return to the spa after pregnancy for post-natal treatments.

• To enter, send an e-mail to style@charlotteobserver.com. Entries sent/posted elsewhere will not be considered.
• Your e-mail must contain SPA 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 contact information in the comments section on the blog.

Get ready for Bags & Baubles

Looking for a nearly guilt-free indulgence? Head over to the Assistance League of Charlotte's fourth annual Bags and Baubles sale, 9a-4p Saturday, Oct. 24 at its thrift shop, 3600 S. Tryon St.

The ALC is a nonprofit volunteer organization that assists children in need through its five philanthropic programs: Operation School Bell, Operation Check Hunger, Mecklenburg County Teen Court, Outreach and a college scholarship program.

And they've got some killer style. They've collected gently used handbags, jewelry, shoes and accessories for the sale. The list of designers is impressive. Here's just a handful of the names that will be on the sales floor: Donald J. Pliner, Dooney & Bourke, Coach, Hartmann, Maud Frizon and Lulu Guinness.

Word on the street is there's some David Yurman and vintage Eisenberg Ice jewelry in the mix too.

Perry's of SouthPark will be on hand for appraisals and gold/silver buybacks. ALC is still accepting donations of gently used jewelry, accessories and handbags for the sale. Click here for more information.

Having shopped the sale before, here are a few things I think you should consider before you go:

• Get there early. Don't arrive at 9a on the nose and expect to walk right in.


• Be courteous. It's just plain rude to sweep up an entire rack of bags on to your arm and cart them off, only to weed through and put the castoffs back. Manners, please.


• Remember it's for charity.

Bob Ellis to close at SouthPark

Sadly, the economy is claiming another Charlotte retail fatality.

The luxe Bob Ellis Shoes in SouthPark mall will close, says store manager Joel Prystowsky. Employees began telling customers late last week. The King Street location in Charleston will remain open.

Christian Louboutin Charme Black suede ankle boot

Bob Ellis has been in Charlotte for more than 11 years, opening first inside Coplon's Phillips Place space, then moving to a spot near Nordstrom inside SouthPark about five years ago.

It is a chic spot to find some of the most fab footwear: Fendi, Jimmy Choo, Christian Louboutin and Yves Saint Laurent are just a few of the lines in the store.

The decision to close was made by owner Barry Kalinsky, Prystowsky says, and came as a surprise to employees.

The timeline for closure (and clearance markdowns) has yet to be determined, he says.

Free Friday: VIP package for Simon Fashion Shows

Today's giveaway is a two-fer. Up for grabs are two VIP packages to Simon Fashion Now, a celebration of style and fashion scheduled for Oct. 23-24 at SouthPark mall. Included in each package: One $150 Simon gift card; two reserved seats for a runway show on Friday or Saturday and dinner for two at McCormick & Schmick's ($50 value, alcohol and gratuity not included).

• To enter, send an e-mail to style@charlotteobserver.com. Entries sent/posted elsewhere will not be considered.
• Your e-mail must contain SIMON 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 contact information in the comments section on the blog.

No sleep for fashion in CLT

ooooohhhhhh.... a pretty Cordani boot.

Fashion and style never sleep in Charlotte. Witness:

DESIGNER VISIT/TRUNK SHOW: Cordani designer and owner Michael Ciccia will be part of a Cordani trunk show 10a-6p Friday, Oct. 16 at Step by Sloan on East Boulevard. If you think fashion means giving up comfort for style, than you need to check out Cordani footwear, which for fall means boots, pumps, flats and clogs.

MAKEUP ARTIST VISIT: Susan Posnick Cosmetics national makeup artist Brandy Nolen will be doing complimentary makeovers at Jeffre Scott Apothecary on Friday and Saturday. Nolen will be at the Myers Park store 11a-4p on Friday, Oct. 16, and the Piper Glen store 11a-4p on Saturday, Oct. 17. Spend $35 or more and receive a free lipstick. Call 704.339.0010 to reserve a spot.

SMILE! The Flock Apparel is holding a public photo shoot project on the corner of Trade and Tryon streets, 5-9p Friday, Oct. 16. The event is an effort to "bring art and life to the city of Charlotte," says founder/designer CiGi.

TRUNK SHOW: Paul Simon for Women will host an Audrey Talbott Fall Sportswear Trunk Show 9:30a-6p Wednesday, Oct. 21 and Thursday, Oct. 22. Details: 704-333-6139.

FASHION NOW: SouthPark mall celebrates fall fashion and trends with this series of fashion shows and interactive entertainment, 5-8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23 and noon-5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24. Friday's “Trends & Friends Night” will feature runway shows and more. Details: 704-364-4411.

Fashion Q&A: Leggings age limit?

A reader recently wrote asking for advice:

"I am almost 55 and wondering if leggings are appropriate for women my age? I think they are cute and looks like they would keep your legs warm! I don't want to wear something that makes me look like I'm TRYING to look too young."

I too love leggings. And I also wonder if they are appropriate (I'm in my mid-30s). My answer for both of us is yes, but that's a yes with an *. By styling them and accessorizing properly, you can make leggings look very adult. Here are a few tips:

• Knit leggings are technically pants, but unless you are a toothpick or under the age of 18, think of them more as tights and dress accordingly. Go ahead and use Lindsay Lohan and Lady Ga-Ga as examples of what not to do when it comes to tights abuse or skipping pants all together.


• Pair leggings with tunic-type tops that hit your leg between your upper knee and mid-thigh. Wear leggings under a dress (nothing longer than mid-knee).


• Chose full-length (to the ankle) leggings rather than cropped.


• Leggings worn with a high-heeled boot or shoe can lengthen the leg, especially when when done in monochrome. You can't go wrong with black leggings. You can go wrong with patterns and bright colors. Be mindful.


• The higher the heel you wear with leggings, the more sophisticated your look will be. That's not to say you need to sacrifice comfort for style: instead of ballet flats with leggings (which is cute), swap in a pair of riding boots. Instant chic.


• Regardless of age, resist the urge to wear leggings with athletic shoes/gear. This is not 1984, and despite the ripped sweatshirts making the rounds, you are not in the movie "Flashdance" or a Jane Fonda workout video.


• If you've got ample hips or behind, you can still make leggings work, but you need to watch with what you pair them. As Tim Gunn says, focus on fit. Do not wear leggings with a body-hugging top or sweater unless you want to draw attention to your backside. Instead, work with the boxy-big-shouldered '80s vibe right now. An oversized black jacket adds a stylish layer to leggings and a kicky dress.
  
  Suggestions? Thoughts? Let's hear 'em!

Free Friday: Fierce Style

Up for grabs is a tickity-tack, hot tranny mess of a book: "Fierce Style: How to Be Your Most Fabulous Self," by Christian Siriano. No, actually, it's quite sweet and full of tips on owning your look and "Finding Your Inner Ferocia."

• To enter, send an e-mail to style@charlotteobserver.com. Entries sent/posted elsewhere will not be considered.
• Your e-mail must contain FIERCE 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 contact information in the comments section on the blog.

Project Runway for Macy's

Model Katie Sticksel wearing Irina Shabayeva's INC design

"Project Runway" designer Irina Shabayeva, 27, scored a quite an opportunity with a recent win on the Lifetime show: One of her creations will be sold by Macy's as part of the INC International Concepts holiday collection.

Irina’s dress is made of rayon matte jersey, with an asymmetric hem and a butterfly embellishment. It will be available in sizes small through x-large, retailing for $139.

The dress is up on the Macy's site now, and will be available for purchase in select Macy's stores and online in early December.

Bra-fitting: Get it done.

Seems I've hit a ill-fitted, poorly supported nerve. And I can't wait to spark more discussion on the topic of bras. I wasn't surprised to find that my voicemail inbox was more than half full, or that the e-mailed responses to my bra column continue to pour in to my Outlook.

So, let's continue this dialogue. Here are my answers to a few questions posed by readers. I'll post more answers next week. More questions or comments? Post below!

Where do you get the perfect fit?

I went to the Lingerie Shop near Phillips Place which closed a few years ago. Since then, I've been buying my bras at Nordstrom. I found a sales associate with a body shape that is similar to mine, and I call in advance to make sure she'll be there before I go. I've brought clothing with me (if I'm buying a bra for a specific dress or top), and I don't feel guilty about spending as much time as I need to get the perfect fit.

I can't stress enough how important it is to be sized properly. You'll tend to have the best luck at department (Belk or Dillards) or speciality stores (like IC London or E Martini).

Talk about prices at boutiques and department stores. They seem so high.

Think of bras the same way you think of shoes or handbags. They are investments. When you pay more, they will last longer, wear better and look better. That couldn't be more true with bras.

Sure, $60 for something few people besides you will see seems like a lot, but it's not when you consider this: If cared for properly, you shouldn't need to replace it for 2-3 years.

Lets do the math (please remember, this is an example): Buy four $60 bras once = $240. Buying four $30 bras every six months for 2 years = $480.

Boris & Natasha fetes 10th anniversary

A crazy, curly fist-sized ring from Darrell Roach

Just a few of Elizabeth Cannon's pieces at Boris & Natasha

Boris & Natasha, one of Charlotte's true originals, is celebrating 10 years of business in Plaza-Midwood. The eclectic, tough boutique carries Anna Sui and Tibi right next to accessories from a bevy of local artists, some of whom are exclusive to B&N.

To fete the birthday of the funkiest shop on the block, owner Hope Nicholls is celebrating with jewelry trunk shows every Saturday in October, to give shoppers a chance to meet a few of the local artists.

Up first on Saturday, Oct. 3 is the crazy cool lost wax casting work of Don Grubbs, a baggage handler who creates impressive silver jewelry when he's not at the airport.

On deck for Oct. 10: the incredibly detailed, highly hand-crafted work from Elizabeth Cannon, featuring stunning bib necklaces with suede, felted flowers and hand-crafted glass beads.

Up for Oct. 17 is stunning metalwork of Darrell Roach, who recently showed his work during a fashion show by "Project Runway" alum Korto Momolu and Charlotte's Flow by Tara Davis.

And on Oct. 24, stop by and check out the brilliantly deconstructed/reconstructed vintage jewelry from Mavis Beard.

Trunk shows are 11 a.m. -7 p.m. each Saturday at 1214 Thomas Ave. Call 704.375.0079 for more details.

Free Friday: Breast Cancer awareness

To honor National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we're giving away pink goodies that raise awareness of the disease: Nygard printed jersey top, valued at $34, and a pair of Karen Neuberger KN Cares pink ribbon socks, valued at $7.

• To enter, send an e-mail to style@charlotteobserver.com. Entries sent/posted elsewhere will not be considered.
• Your e-mail must contain BCA 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 contact information in the comments section on the blog.