Shopping and fashion news, events and more (Aug. 17) 

Generally speaking, hairy is not sexy on a woman. When was the last time you saw a Heidi Klum look-alike with whiskers strut down the catwalk at a fashion show? Yeah, it just doesn't happen.

But on Aug. 27, the nonprofit organization Beards BeCAUSE is teaming up with designer Caleb Clark of Enemy To Fashion to host a charity event that might make women think twice about plucking those stray facial hairs. (OK, I did say "might.") The Runway 'Raiser will take place at Amos' Southend, and it promises to be, well, an interesting night. Plus, all proceeds will go to local shelters to continue to combat domestic violence.

The main feature will be a fashion show, showcasing looks for the fall from Niche, Sloan, Fresh, Chezelle, The Rat's Nest and the Enemy To Fashion line. While various designs will span the spectrum of styles, from elegant and classic to vintage and fun, the one commonality will adorn the models' faces.

"Each model will have a prosthetic beard, which is a little bit like special effects makeup," Clark says with a laugh. "It gets glued on with a special adhesive and then makeup artists blend it in a little more. The beards are all realistic hair; some of them are made of real hair. We're trying to match them up to each girl. They're going to be some different styles, some different lengths."

In addition to the bearded ladies fashion show, attendees will be able to browse the "bizarre bazaar," where each of the shops in the show, as well as some who aren't, will have a pop-up shop, and a portion of those proceeds will also go to charity. Tunes will be provided by DJ BlngxBdgt, and tarot card readers, jugglers, a sword swallower, and other carnival acts will also be in the house.

One thing's for sure; this is not your run-of-the-mill fashion event.

"I like that it has a bit of shock factor to it," says Stephanie Cook, hair stylist at Cirrus Salon and co-owner of Niche (she and husband Adam bought the South End boutique from its original owners last year). She'll be helping with hair during the show, while locals Elizabeth Tolley and Scott Weaver will do makeup. "The whole freak show bit makes it even more appealing for me. I went to college in Savannah, at SCAD, for fashion design. Down there, everything was over the top; everything was a quirky, weird event. It was neat to have Caleb bring me back to that element."

As for the looks she's planning to work into the show, Cook says she's recently been inspired by the 70- and 80-year-old women in New York City who wear hats and gloves every day, and will try to replicate the "old-money look." Her models will sport vintage hats adorned with flowers as accent pieces.

"We're trying to do something that completely contrasts with the beard and have it even more quirky," she says. "That juxtaposition makes it even more interesting."

$10. Aug. 27, 8 p.m. Amos' Southend, 1423 S. Tryon St. www.amossouthend.com.

— Kimberly Lawson

Runway Style Studio Hosts Fashion Show: Everyone loves a free event, and one of the newer additions to the NoDa shopping scene, Runway Style Studios, is hosting an exclusive red carpet soirée. On Saturday, Aug. 27, make your way to 2424 N. Davidson St., Suite 112B, around 8 p.m. for an evening of shopping and entertainment. While you're perusing the clothing for your next stylish outfit, enjoy live musical performances, food, drinks, a fashion show including looks from the boutique, and the services of an on-site makeup artist, just in case you want to further beautify yourself for the evening. Trendy and classic styles for both men and women will be on display, so feel free to bring a date. And don't forget to find out all about their personal styling services as well. Although there's no fee for entry, be sure to get your RSVPs in early, as the list will close on Aug. 22. Send your e-mail request to csinfo@runwaystylestudio.com or call 704-910-3057.

— T. Strong

EDITOR'S NOTE: The Runway Style Studio fashion event has been moved to Oct. 15. On Aug. 27, 7 p.m.-9 p.m., the shop will host a wine tasting from Azure Skie Wines with light appetizers.

Heels.com Warehouse Is Moving: Now here is a website that I'm not allowed to get onto too often — I have no self-control when it comes to good deals on shoes. And I must not be the only one who feels this way, as the Charlotte-based business Heels.com will be relocating from 801. N. Tryon St. to a larger warehouse space in the coming weeks. Business must be banging. And with great deals like trendy shoes $49.99 and under, free second-day Fed-Ex shipping, free returns and a 115 percent price protection policy, I can see why.

Heels.com, which was started in October 2007, offers a diverse inventory of brands like Naughty Monkey, Guess, Jessica Simpson, Harajuku Lovers and more. What makes the site even more fantastic in my eyes are the search options. Want to narrow your search to ankle boots by BCBG in beige? You can do that here. How awesome is that?

— Lawson