newsobserver.com blogs -- fashion

Friday Freebie: MAC High-Light Powder in Golden Nectar

stsmith1 — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 13:29:36 -0500

This powder is so visually appealing you may not ever want to use it! It's part of MAC's new Naked Honey line, so no wonder it has a honeycomb pattern on the powder. Golden nectar is the perfect way to describe the color. It's pretty sparkly, so be forewarned! This normally sells for $24.50 at department stores, but it's free here to the first person to leave an e-mail address.

Friday Freebie: Estee Lauder Golden Goddess nail polish

stsmith1 — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 12:50:36 -0500

I don't know if I like the bottle or the polish more. The bottle is made of thick glass, while the polish is a nude-ish shade with a lovely gold tint. This was part of Estee Lauder's summer golden goddess line. The polish retailed for $18. Free to the first person to leave an e-mail address.

Friday Freebie: Redken All Soft Velvet Whip

stsmith1 — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 12:13:45 -0500

If you've ever used anything from Redken's All Soft line, you know it's good stuff that does wonders to soften thick, unruly hair. This 5-ounce bottle normally sells at salons and other stores that carry Redken for $16, but it's free to the first person to leave an e-mail address.

Friday Freebie: Clinique Quick Blush in Hurry Honey

stsmith1 — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 11:29:54 -0500

I'm not too sure how well this blush system works. But the color is just gorgeous. Not too overpowering. Perfect for daily use. And it's by Clinique.

At department stores, it sells for $21.50. Free to the first one to leave an e-mail address!

Friday Freebie: Ecotools Retractable Kabuki Brush

stsmith1 — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 09:56:27 -0500

This may actually be a repeat freebie (we get lots of goodies from Ecotools). But it's still a good one. This brush is made from recycled aluminum and has cruelty free hair (synthentic taklon bristles). It has a compact design, so it's perfect for travel.

Normally, it costs $9.99 in drugstores. Free to the first person to leave an e-mail address!

Friday Freebies throughout the day

stsmith1 — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 09:10:51 -0500

Since it's my last day at the N&O, I thought we would have a little fun with a slew of freebies that have been piling up at my desk. Keep checking back throughout the day ... there's plenty of good stuff that has to go! (Make sure to leave an e-mail address and then check your e-mail today so I can mail it to you before I head out!)

Cynthia Rowley mobile trunk show comes to Raleigh

stsmith1 — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 07:28:12 -0500

Fans of Cynthia Rowley's clothes won't want to miss the Cynthia Rowley "Mobile Fashion Unit" that will be at Beanie + Cecil today from 12:30 to 5 p.m.

The shop on wheels is really a mobile trunk show of sorts.

Inside, you'll find hardwood floors, a fitting room, printed-fabric walls covers and lucite fixtures. But best of all, you find the entire range of items in the Cynthia Rowley collection: clothing, shoes, bags, eyewear, jewelry, legwear and more.

Apparently, the MFU travels the country to private homes on appointment, parties and trunk shows.

The show is free and open to the public.

Friday Freebie: MAC Dazzleglass Creme in Perfectly Unordinary

stsmith1 — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 09:35:06 -0400

For those who love all things pink, this MAC Perfectly Unordinary Dazzleglass lip gloss definitely lives up to its name. Pretty, pretty bubble gum pink with a lot of pearl. And it's a MAC lip gloss. What more can I say? People swear by the stuff.

Dazzleglass lip glosses typically retail in department stores for $18. But it's free to the first person to tell me what the main fashion story was about in the N&O on Monday. Don't forget to leave an e-mail address.

Rear view is what's new at Fabrik

stsmith1 — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 13:41:16 -0400

Sure the jeans look good from the front. But what about the back?

Fabrik clothing boutique in Cameron Village has that problem sovled with a new "Butt Cam." The new camera lets you see the front and the back views of the jeans at the same time.

Jeans that fit the curves

stsmith1 — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 08:28:53 -0400

For those who read today's piece in the N&O on Cookie Johnson and her line of CJ by Cookie Johnson denim, here's a picture of Cookie with what looks to be a bolt of fabric.

Her jeans got the Oprah nod as one of her favorites on Thursday's show. So as you can imagine, Cookie's press people were busier than they have been. I didn't get the photo until too late last week.

Cookie (who is married to former NBA star Magic Johnson) came up with the denim line earlier this year after being frustrated when she couldn't find jeans that fit her fuller figure. The denim line goes up to size 18, which as some of you may already know, is a rare thing in the jeans business.

You can find the jeans locally at Certain Things in North Hills.

Friday Freebie: Essie Smoothies Trio gift set

stsmith1 — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 09:52:12 -0400

Just in time for the coming cooler weather ... today's freebie is perfect for those DIY nail folks who like their hands to smell pretty post-mani.

The Essie Smoothies Trio gift set has three 2 fluid-ounce bottles of hand and body lotion in fruity scents: blueberry and banana, coconut and pineapple and pomegranate and mango.

The set usually costs $12 at beauty stores that carry Essie products.

But they are free here. Just be the first to tell me one of the six new Essie nail colors for fall AND leave your e-mail address.

Fashion show on Friday at A Shopping Spree

stsmith1 — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 14:38:58 -0400

Saks Fifth Avenue has teamed up with the Junior League of Raleigh for a fashion show Friday night at A Shopping Spree.

Spree, which is back for its 25th year, will host Silver Belles from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday at the Raleigh Convention Center in downtown Raleigh. The fashion show starts at 6:30 p.m.

The look on the runway will be fall fashion and the models will be some of the Junior League's past presents and past chairs of the Spree. Tickets cost $35 and include two drink tickets.

Spree got started in 1985 as a way for the Junior League to raise money for charities in the community. All proceeds from Spree will benefit local youth projects sponsored by the Junior League.

If you can't make it to the fashion show, there's plenty to see and do through the weekend. This year, expect to see more than 130 exhibitor booths, including almost 60 that are new to Spree. (And at least one that is old ... Cherchies, which sells gourmet foods, has been at Spree all 25 years!) Shop for jewelry, clothing, shoes, handbags, teacher's gifts, Christmas ornaments, children's clothes and books, local art and more.

Tickets for Spree cost $10 and are good for the entire four days of Spree, starting today. Tickets are available at the door.

For more information, go to www.ashoppingspree.net.

Nicole Richie launching contemporary line

stsmith1 — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 14:06:56 -0400

WWD is reporting today that Nicole Richie is launching a new contemporary line called Winter Kate.

The line, which is named after daughter Harlow’s two middle names, will hit stores in February.

“It feels as though I’ve always been working on this collection, but officially I started putting it together in early 2009," Richie told the publication. "I’ve wanted to design a clothing collection for a very long time."

The line will include mostly tops, vests and bed jackets in colorful vintage-inspired silk, crepe and chiffon (mainstays in Richie’s own wardrobe), WWD reported. Prices will range from $35 wholesale for a camisole to as much as $598 for the leather pieces.

“Fashion should be accessible," Richie said. "That was my philosophy when designing House of Harlow 1960 and remains my philosophy for Winter Kate."

(Photo: Raquel Olivo)

Thrift store opening Friday in Durham

stsmith1 — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 13:54:28 -0400

Pennies For Change, a thrift store that supports Durham Crisis Response Center, is opening a larger store Friday at 2715 Chapel Hill Blvd. The store will have women’s clothing and accessories in addition to home items such as home décor and furniture. Pennies for Change will keep its old store at 1826 Chapel Hill Road open with reduced hours.

Target taps Jean Paul Gaultier for a cheap-chic collection

stsmith1 — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 15:15:49 -0400

Target has landed another big designer for its Designer Collaborations Program: Jean Paul Gaultier.

The legendary French fashion designer is the third designer in the program, which features well-established designers who draw inspiration from a collaborative partner, muse or creative element.

The exclusive Jean Paul Gaultier for Target collection pays tribute to the American woman, celebrating "the forces of style both past and present in American pop culture," according to a press release.

The collection will launch on Target.com and in more than 250 Target stores nationwide March 7 and will be in stores through April 11.

For those wondering, the Designer Collaborations is separate from the company’s GO International collections.

VIP savings this weekend at Carolina Premium Outlets

stsmith1 — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 14:30:18 -0400

If you're a member of the VIP Shopper Club at Carolina Premium Outlets in Smithfield, you'll get a chance to save big this weekend.

Here's a taste of some of the deals you'll find:

Banana Republic: 20 percent off purchase of $100 or more

Calvin Klein Men's: 30 percent off entire purchase

Polo Ralph Lauren Factory Store: 20 percent off entire purchase

Nine West: 20 percent off entire purchase of $50 or more

The Shopper Club is free to join. Register online at www.premiumoutlets.com/vip. Existing members can log onto The VIP Lounge to download the VIP coupon savings sheet, vouchers and an entry form.

Bevello expanding to Winston-Salem

stsmith1 — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 10:26:06 -0400

Chan Namgong, the owner of *Bevello* women's clothing boutique in Cameron Village, is already moving forward with a second store in Winston-Salem at Thruway Shopping Center. Namgong said construction is already underway and the store should open by Nov. 4.

It's a pretty quick expansion. Bevello opened in April 2009 selling trendy dresses, tops, bottoms and outwear, many of which are priced under $100.

Win tickets to NYC Fashion Week

stsmith1 — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 14:52:28 -0400

There's a catch, of course. You have to go to the spring 2010 Lela Rose trunk show at Vermillion in North Hills Tuesday or Wednesday. Then, you have to buy something from the show (read all about what in store for spring in today's Stylin' column). For every item you buy, you get entered into a drawing for two tickets to see the fall 2010 Lela Rose show at Bryant Park at New York Fashion Week in February.

Trust me when I say Lela Rose's Fashion Week shows are a delight. They never disappoint!

Appointments are encouraged for the trunk show. Call 919-787-9780.

Hard-to-fit feet? Try the Stuart Weitzman trunk show

stsmith1 — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 11:07:00 -0400

Main & Taylor's trunk show of Stuart Weitzman shoes has become a favorite for those who have tough sizes to fit, particularly those with very narrow feet. It's also a favorite show for those who are super picky. At the trunk show, you can pick the size, color and fabric and then place your order. Sort of like designing your own shoes.

The show is at M&T's Greensboro Tuesday and Wednesday and then comes to Raleigh to the Cameron Village store Thursday through Saturday.

Trunk and art show at Revolver Consignment

stsmith1 — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 12:42:13 -0400

Revolver Consignment Boutique in Raleigh's Glenwood South is celebrating the arrival of fall this week with a mix of fashion and art. On Thursday from 7-10 p.m. the store will have a trunk show with Amanda DeLeon, a fashion-forward clothing designer from Wilmington (see one of her looks here from Charleston Fashion Week). Artist Kristin Matwiczyk will show her “Surreal Botany” series during the event.

(Photo: CPC Photography)

Hertzberg Furs trunk show

stsmith1 — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 09:34:12 -0400

See all the new fall styles and latest trends in fur Wednesday when Hertzberg Furs goes to Fine Feathers in Chapel Hill for a trunk show of its furs for the 2009/2010 season. (Of course, don't forget to see what's new for fall at Fine Feathers for the season, including pieces by Armani, St. John and Max Mara)

Cocktails and shopping at Martin + Osa Thursday

stsmith1 — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 08:12:43 -0400

Martin + Osa has partnered with the Autism Society of North Carolina for a charity shopping event with cocktails Thursday from 6-8 p.m. at the Crabtree Valley Mall store.

Everyone who goes will get a 30 percent discount during the event. And if you're one of the first 20 guests, you'll get a $25 gift certificate.

Local beauty product maker to be featured on "Good Morning America"

stsmith1 — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 15:05:20 -0400

Blaire Kessler's hard work creating and marketing her Pristine Beauty line of all-natural skin and hair care products will soon pay off in a big way. She's going to be on Good Morning America Oct. 25.

Kessler, a former Miss Winston Cup who battled breast cancer before creating the line, spent all of last Sunday with a TV crew from GMA in Raleigh. They filmed her all over town, first at her house, then at Whole Foods in Raleigh (which sells her line) and then at Luxe Apothecary in North Hills. Luxe was one of the first stores to take a chance on Kessler's line by selling it in the store. Owner Fiquet Bailey also was interviewed for the piece.

"I was interviewed throughout," Kessler said in an e-mail. "They even had the camera hooked to the car for Yunki (de Nies, an ABC News correspondent) and me."

The show starts at 8 a.m. on WTVD.

Delayed Friday Freebie: Michael Kors Very Hollywood perfume

stsmith1 — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 14:22:35 -0400

Because I have been enjoying Project Runway so much this season, it's the perfect time for this freebie (although I missed Michael last night). It's the new Very Hollywood fragrance from my very favorite Michael Kors. The perfume is said to have notes of mandarin, gardenia and vetiver. Which really just means this perfume is sweet and somewhat seductive. Probably best for night-time use.

It sells at stores for $45 an ounce for the spray. This is a very generous oversized sample bottle (not the fancy kind on the stuff that's in the stores). It's free to the first person who can tell me Michael's real name AND leave me an e-mail address to find you.

(Sorry for the delay on the freebie today ... technical difficulties with the N&O blogging software!)

The "Mad Men" fashion connection to tiny NC town

brookecain — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 13:24:10 -0400

Brooks Brothers announced this week that they are introducing a Limited "Mad Men" Edition suit designed by Janie Bryant, the Emmy Award-winning costume director connected to AMC's hit drama. The "Mad Men" suit is inspired by the suits worn on the show by characters Don Draper and Roger Sterling (left), but with a slightly more updated look (and price tag -- the suits will retail for $998).

The Fayetteville Observer wrote a nice article on Tuesday about the suit's launch which connects Brooks Brothers and "Mad Men" back to a tiny town in eastern North Carolina where a Brooks Brothers shirt factory is located. (I happen to know a little bit about this town -- Garland, N.C. population 808 -- and the Garland Shirt Factory which makes those Brooks Brothers shirts. I grew up there, and my grandmother worked as a seamstress in that factory in the 1960s and early 1970s).

The Fayetteville article gives some nice background on the factory, and indicates that the actors on "Mad Men" wear shirts which are made there. They also reported that the factory makes custom shirts for famous people such as David Letterman, Will Smith, and Paul Newman, and that shirts for Barack Obama's presidential inauguration events were also made in Garland.

The Observer also interviewed and quoted some folks in town (including the plant manager) who had never heard of "Mad Men" or had never watched the show, but I can report that plenty of other people in Garland have heard of the show and do watch (and I'm related to many of them).

If you'd like to own some of those Brooks Brothers clothes without the hefty price tag, there's a Brooks Brothers Outlet Store just a few blocks from the factory, across from The Piggly Wiggly (our fashion writer Samantha Smith has written about the great deals available at the popular outlet store). The Garland Shirt Factory workers may not be wearing Brooks Brothers suits to work, but I'd wager that Garland has maybe the highest concentration of Brooks Brothers-wearing population in the country, thanks to this little store.

Unfortunately, you can't get one of the Limited Edition "Mad Men" suits (at right) in the Garland Outlet. Those suits (only 250 will be sold and they are all made in a factory in Massachusetts) are available starting October 19 through November 8 and sold only online or in a select number of retail stores.

Ballet flats and more at Fleur Boutique Thursday

stsmith1 — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 12:21:35 -0400

Fleur Boutique in Cameron Village will have shoe designer Betta Carrano of Carrano Shoes (best known for its ballet flat ... one of the first!) at the store Thursday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. She'll have with her the entire fall collection of Andrea Carrano shoes, including flats, wedges and kitten heels.

Converse brings back the star chevron logo with new Weapon

stsmith1 — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 11:39:59 -0400

Converse announced today it's bringing back its star chevron logo as part of the launch of its newest basketball shoe, the Weapon Evo.

Some might also remember the Weapon. The shoe evolved from the original Weapon, which was worn by basketball greats during the game's "golden age."

And it looks like the Weapon Evo won't be the only one with the star chevron logo. Apparently, the logo will be the primary logo on all Converse basketball footwear.

The Evo will sell for $90 and will be sold select Finish Line stores, finishline.com and converse.com.

Look like Don Draper in new "Mad Men" suit at Brooks Brothers

stsmith1 — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 08:31:46 -0400

Brooks Brothers has introduced a new limited-edition suit that looks plenty like something love 'em or hate 'em Don Draper might wear on the AMC show Mad Men.

The clothing store chain collaborated with Mad Men's costume designer Janie Bryant on the suit. It has "razor sharp 1960s tailoring" that's been reinterpreted for today, according to the company.

What exactly does that mean, for those who weren't stylin' in the 1960s? The suit has a trimmer silhouette and period details, including a two-button jacket in grey sharkskin fabric with narrow lapels, diagonal pockets and side vents. Plus, it was American made at Brooks Brother's Southwick plant in Haverhill, Mass.

There are only 250 of the suits available. Each has a commemorative "Mad Men Edition" label. Cost is $998. Buy it online at www.brooksbrothers.com and at select stores Monday through the season finale Nov. 8 (too soon!).

Doctors on the runway

stsmith1 — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 08:02:34 -0400

Some of WakeMed's finest will be hitting the runway Thursday for a good cause.

WakeMed has teamed up with Saks Fifth Avenue for a fashion show as part of the Saks Key to the Cure events this week. And WakeMed doctors are among those who will be hitting the catwalk. Here's to look for: Dr. Karen Coates, Dr. Lisa Roberts and her husband Paul Garcia, who also happens to be N.C. State's band director, Dr. Michele Casey, Dr. Michael Ferguson, Dr. Mark Benevides, Dr. Susan Kennedy, Dr. Carroll Overton, Dr. Tony Tackman, Dr. Lori Tackman, Dr. Monica Jones and her husband John Jones.

Also, Kellie Harper, N.C. State's women's basketball coach, and her husband John Harper will be models in the show.

Tickets cost $30 and include a wine tasting and hor d'oevres. The event is from 6-9 p.m. Buy tickets at keytothecure.wakemed.org.

Eileen Fisher chasing younger shoppers

stsmith1 — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 17:16:26 -0400

Here's a great story from the New York Times about how Eileen Fisher is changing up its silhouette, which had appealed to older shoppers, to reach younger women with "skinny tank tops, leggings and jeans and trimmed-down cardigans." If it ain't broken ... .

Date set for next Art to Wear fashion show

stsmith1 — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 16:58:10 -0400

N.C. State design and textiles students are already making plans for the next Art to Wear fashion show. Next year, it will be held April 14 again at Reynolds Coliseum. And it sounds like there will be some sort of connection/involvement with the reopening of the N.C. Museum of Art.

High Heel Happy Hour at Charlotte Russe

stsmith1 — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 09:12:46 -0400

Charlotte Russe stores will be kicking things up Thursday from 5-8 p.m. with a High Heel Happy Hour to show customers new fall and holiday shoe collections.

Among the favorites for fall: booties, tall boots and embellished heels.

To give you an incentive to go, customers who buy one pair will get a second pair for $10. Buy two pairs and get a third for $5. And customers also will get a free pair of tights with every footwear purchase, while supplies last.

Charlotte Russe has stores at Crabtree Valley Mall, Triangle Town Center and Cary Towne Center.

Get a hair cut, help fight breast cancer

stsmith1 — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 08:10:14 -0400

Fantastic Sams on Route 87 South in Sanford is having a cut-a-thon Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. to benefit the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation.

The entire styling team at the salon will participate. Each haircut will cost $10 and all proceeds will go to Susan G. Komen. Walk-ins are welcome. Call 919-718-5383 to find out more.

Halston's best is back and coming to Raleigh

stsmith1 — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 07:34:21 -0400

Vermillion at North Hills has scored Halston's new Halston Herritage line, which will be like a flashback for some. Halston looked into its archives and decided to bring back some of the best of the best silhouettes, the kind that Bianca Jagger and others used to wear. And the pricing isn't too bad, either. Expect to see the dresses priced between $200 and $400.

Ashley Vermillion Harris, the owner of the women's boutique, said the buzz over the line has been pretty huge. She's already pre-sold four pieces. (It doesn't hurt that Sarah Jessica Parker was spotted in one of the Heritage dresses shown here during the filming of the next Sex and the City movie.)

Look for the collection in the store in time for spring fashion shopping in February or March.

It's not all fried at the fair. There's make-up, too!

stsmith1 — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 18:02:44 -0400

Forget the chocolate-covered bacon. What I can't wait to see at this year's fair is the L'Oreal Paris tent.

Manicures and make-overs at the fair? Skin analysis? Free make-up samples?

You betcha! It's all part of The Color Space, L'Oreal's 5,000-square-foot interactive "beauty pavilion" chock full of beauty tips and tricks.

I know, I know. Beauty isn't quite the word that springs to mind at the fair, what with all the tank tops, dirty sneakers and grease-covered fingers. If there's a place where you can go to let it all hang out and go-as-you-are, it's the N.C. State Fair (trust me, done it).

But this year, get ready for beauty services and freebies! (Honey, you get another sausage dog while I go get me some new blush!)

There also will be a manicure bar and special lighting area to see how light can change your hair and make-up tones. (ewww ... now that's more like the fair!) Look for special pricing on iconic L'Oreal products and $2 gift certificates that can be used at The Color Space or local retailers.

Here's a tip for you: Might be best to hit the tent before the Al's French fries, buttery corn on the cob and sausage with onions and peppers, especially if you're gonna get those nails done.

Support breast cancer research with pink gloves

stsmith1 — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 16:16:40 -0400

Pampered Chef has a stylish way to stay dry washing dishes while at the same time supporting breast cancer research: pink latex gloves with pink polka dot cuffs and cotton lining. They cost $10 and are one-size-fits most. A portion of the proceeds from the sales goes to breast cancer research through the American Cancer Society.

If you are interested, shop here (in the "Help Whip Cancer" section, until Oct. 31. Jane Currin, who sent the e-mail to me to tell me about the gloves, is a local Pampered Chef consultant.

Kate Hudson in Marchesa

stsmith1 — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 12:44:20 -0400

Thought I would share this absolutely beautiful picture of actress Kate Hudson modeling a Marchesa wedding gown during a Harper's Bazaar photo shoot. Love the dress (white organza with embroidered tulle bodice), love the hair, love the flowers. Can't wait to see the issue when it's out on newsstands (no word on when).

Fall fashion at C.T. Weekend fashion show

stsmith1 — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 09:40:13 -0400

C.T. Weekends has pushed back the date of its fall fashion show to Oct. 28. Location is still the same at Saint Jacques restaurant in North Raleigh. Look for fall looks from Cecile Hue and Kasia N., among others. The luncheon show runs from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. For tickets, which cost $30, call 919-787-9073 or e-mail ctweekends@aol.com. A portion of the ticket sales will go to the Carolina Ballet.

Rachel Zoe's accessories on QVC

stsmith1 — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 09:26:56 -0400

Am so bummed to have missed Rachel Zoe hawking her accessories line on QVC over the weekend. I hear there were lots of Rachel-isms that helped sell some product. Which is good because the online merchandising efforts need a whole lot more than a few "Bananas" or "I die." Seriously? I would have stopped at the berets had I not been so curious to see what else was in Rachel's line. Although most of the pieces are a little too fussy for my I taste, I like a lot of the scarves and the handbags. And even though I'm not a faux fur person, I could almost see wearing one the faux fur vests (probably because I watched the episode where she tried it on with the QVC folks ... she convinced me then.) I also think they were smart to price the collection like they did, with prices ranging from about $26 for the beret to about $140 for a faux python and fur jacket.

The Kardashians to design for Bebe

stsmith1 — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 17:18:44 -0400

Kim tells Life & Style Magazine that she and her sisters Khloe and Kourtney are branching out beyond their Dash clothing line (and L.A. boutique) with a new line for Bebe.

"We have a line coming up that we've designed for Bebe," she told the magazine. "So that's what we're focusing on right now."

It looks like each will take a spin designing. "Me, Kourtney and Khloe are designing for five seasons," Kim said. "We each have our signature pieces: Khloe has her collection, Kourtney has hers and I have mine. It's so exciting."

And here I was thinking celebrity clothing lines were fading ...

Getting a cashmere sweater repaired in the Triangle ...?

stsmith1 — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 10:43:17 -0400

... that's the conundrum of Jill from Raleigh. She wrote The Fashion Plate looking to get a little help from readers. Here's her dilemma:

I took a look at a few cashmere sweaters I had stored, and each one has at least one hole! I understand I can't sew cashmere myself, and instead need to get it professionally rewoven. I can't seem to find a local place online that provides this service. Do you think any of your N&O blog readers would have a recommendation?

I am at a total loss, mostly because I've ruined just about every cashmere piece I've ever owned. (And with Baby G here, I don't see much more cashmere in my immediate future!)

Can anyone offer a suggestion? If you don't want to post here (although I know we all like to read about good suggestions!), feel free to e-mail me at samantha.smith@newsobserver.com.

Friday Freebie: Aveeno Positively Radiant Make-up Removing Cleanser

stsmith1 — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 09:39:21 -0400

This is yet another product in Aveeno's growing Positively Radiant line. It's supposed to remove make-up without over-drying. Soap free. Oil free. Has soy extracts, which help with evening skin tone and texture.

Cost is about $9 at drugstores. Free here to the first person who posts their e-mail address (so I can find you) AND can tell me the company that owns Aveeno.

The overstock is arriving at My Overstock Boutique

stsmith1 — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 08:09:23 -0400

Here's your chance to get first dibs on overstocks from boutiques across the country. My Overstock Boutique in Mebane will start getting new arrivals Tuesday through Oct. 17. (The store sells clothes and accessories from more than 250 boutiques from around the country)

If you go today or Saturday, you'll be able to buy one pair of shoes and get a second pair free. All sweaters go on sale 25 percent off Oct. 20-24. And get $5 off a pair of pants if you bring in gently used denim from Oct 27-31.

Fashion lost a great one in Irving Penn

stsmith1 — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 16:45:08 -0400

It wasn't such a shocker to find out he died yesterday, mostly because I kind of already thought he had already. And this even after seeing an exhibit of his work in New York a few summers ago. Alas, famed fashion photographer Irving Penn has died at 92. Fashion lost one of the greats. The New York Times did a lovely job with his obituary. After working the fashion beat at the N&O for the past five years, I can safely say fashion photography isn't glamorous and it doesn't come easy. Yet Penn made it look effortless. I think this photo of his wife, who at the time of the photo was a model, Lisa Fonssagrives-Penn, says it better than words about how he could capture a look.

(Photo: Conde Nast Publications)

Win a Tuleh dress, help fight breast cancer

stsmith1 — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 08:02:57 -0400

Vermillion women's clothing boutique is offering up the chance to win a stunning pink dress by Tuleh (that feels a little Joan Holloway on Mad Men, yes?) valued at $1,250 as part of a raffle to benefit the American Cancer Society. It's Vermillion's part to help raise awareness during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Raffle tickets cost $50 and you can buy them at the North Hills store throughout October. The drawing will be held Nov. 1.

Wacoal bra fitting event on Saturday

stsmith1 — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 07:34:56 -0400

Wacoal wants to fit you in a new bra and help Susan G. Komen for the Cure at the same time. Go to Dillard's at Triangle Town Center Oct 10 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. to get fitted and Wacoal will give $2 to the group, which supports breast cancer research and community health programs. For every Wacoal bra or shapewear or b.tempt'd bra sold during the event, Wacoal will donate another $2 to the organization.

Eddie Bauer launches new outerwear line

stsmith1 — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 06:43:28 -0400

It looks as if Eddie Bauer, which emerged from bankruptcy protection in August, is trying to get back to its roots of being on top of the mountain.

On Monday, the outdoorsy-ish retailer will launch a new line of outerwear and apparel called First Ascent in 183 of its 370 stores.

This new line isn't for wussies. It's expedition-quality mountaineering wear built by top mountain guides, including Peter Whittaker, Ed Viesturs and David Hahn, who all have some serious ties to Mt. Everest climbs.

The line will include base layers, insulating layers and soft and hard shell outerwear. Each piece is designed to work with every other piece in the system for the right fit, comfort and performance, the company says.

Need proof the stuff works? Apparently, the stores that carry the gear will have an "in-store experience" for customers that takes them to Mt. Everest with footage from the First Ascent team's recent summit and information about how the team created the gear.

"Our approach to First Ascent is to keep the product pure, focusing only on what you need," Viesturs said in a press release. "The guiding philosophy has been about simplification, functionality and performance."

In the "who knew" file ... apparently Eddie Bauer has been on the first ascents of some pretty significant climbs, including the first American ascent of Everest in 1963. (I've always known it as the place to buy hubby's white button-downs. ...)

Another Christmas of practical gifts?

stsmith1 — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 11:13:23 -0400

That's what the National Retail Federation is predicting for the upcoming holiday shopping season. The trade group said today that holiday sales will drop 1 percent to $437.6 billion compared to last year's shopping season.

The good news? The drop won't be as bad as last year's 3.4 percent drop. Small blessings, I suppose.

NRF chief economist Rosalind Wells said Americans will focus on practical gifts and stay firm to their budgets this holiday season.

Cat Banjo's celebrating 60 with 60 percent off

stsmith1 — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 10:44:35 -0400

Cat Banjo is celebrating Cameron Village's 60 years in the shopping center business (GrooveFest, going on now throughout the center) with a sidewalk sale Thursday through Sunday. Look for jewelry, scarves, dog collars, art, mirrors, frames and more marked 60 percent off.

Consigners wanted for Still in Style consignment sale

stsmith1 — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 08:02:36 -0400

Julie Wills is back again for the fall Still in Style consignment sale, a great sale to check out if it you love designer accessories.

The fall sale is scheduled for Oct. 23-24. As usual, Julie is looking for designer handbags, shoes, boots, jewelry, belts, scarves, hats, sunglasses, totes, organizers, wallets and perfumes. This year, she's also added gloves, earmuffs, furs, leathers and suede jackets to the fall sale.

Here's a schedule of the sale times:

Oct. 21 - Consigners drop off, 12- 3pm (or by appt.)

Oct. 22 - Consigners shop early, 3-6pm

Oct. 23 - General public sale, noon - 6 p.m.

Oct. 24 - Most items 25 percent off 9 a.m. to noon, consigners pick up unsold items, 1-2 p.m.

The sale will be held at Capital City Christian Church, 4131 Western Blvd. in Raleigh.