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.