Spring has definitely sprung! In addition to the strangely warm weather we are having, in January no less, Lotus is inviting all of the fashionable ladies of the Queen City out this Thursday for an evening of shopping bliss. You'll have the opportunity to check out all of the fabulous new spring arrivals while you enjoy music and a nice glass of bubbly. What a great way to u wind after a long day at work! And, don't be selfish, bring along a friend or co-worker to join in the festivities.

If you haven't purchased your look for the 4th Annual Care Ring Casino Night yet, this is the perfect time! Lotus is always giving back to the community with its philanthropic efforts, so they will be graciously donating 10 percent of all sales for the evening to Care Ring Charity. Come out on Thursday, Feb. 2 from 6 p.m.-9 p.m. to support this wonderful cause and have a great time enhancing your spring wardrobe.

T. Strong is a TV personality, personal stylist and fashion journalist who contributes commentary on Creative Loafing’s Klepto blog in addition to writing for several other national media organizations. To learn more visit www.StyleMayvin.com or follow “therealtstrong” on Twitter.

I’ve been trying for months to transform my drab apartment into a modern oasis. The only problem is, I have as much interior design ability as a 4-year-old finger-painter. This being said, I've decided to take some initiative and check out the displays at the Charlotte Spring Home Show. The home showcase happens Jan 20-22 at the Metrolina Expo, 7100 Statesville Road.

Don’t get frustrated by your lack of home improvement skills, circling the home-improvement stores like a lost puppy — let professionals guide you through the process. Hundreds of on-site exhibitors have inexpensive and effective tips for creating your dream space. Product demonstrations are also available for the disinclined handy-workers like me. You can also browse through countless indoor and outdoor exhibits for ideas. Find everything from kitchen and baths, windows and doors, roofing and siding, flooring, hot tubs and pools, sunrooms, decks and fences, and even mattresses.

Admission and parking is free. For more information about the show, visit www.acshomeshow.com.

Via Veneto is partnering with Council for Children's Rights during a shopping party tonight. Bring this coupon in to get 20 percent off of everything in the store, including sale merchandise. (Remember, it's the time for giving, not receiving — so you can GIVE while you RECEIVE.)

At the end of the day, they'll donate 10 percent of the total's days sales back to Council for Children's Rights.

6815 Phillips Place Court, F
704-556-0710

Don't you love parties? It's that time of the year when every time you turn your head, there's another shindig happening — and many times for a good cause.

To celebrate the success of Yelp Shops Local here in the Queen City, Yelp Charlotte is throwing a holiday soiree that's guaranteed to be a good time: Yelp's Big Fat Wrapping Party.

On Wednesday, Dec. 14, head out to The Boulevard at South End for a wrapping party. Yelp Charlotte will be on hand to wrap any of your holiday gifts for free. But be the merry person that you are and donate some money, as all proceeds will go to benefit the Crisis Assistance Ministry. (A suggested donation is $2-$5 per gift.)

While you wait, enjoy some peppermint mochas from FABO, slices from Mellow Mushroom of Myers Park, treats from Common Market, live music and more. And if you're still hunting for the perfect gift, The Boulevard is going to have what you're looking for. I'm sure of it.

When: Wednesday, Dec. 14
Where: The Boulevard at South End: 1440 S Tryon St., Suite 100
Time: 6 p.m.-9 p.m.

The season's arrival is marked by the turning of the leaves, the chilling of the weather and another, fashion-specific marker: the coveting of thy neighbor's boots. With an amazing array of colors and styles to choose from, the footwear of choice for brisker months works for practically any event. On Tuesday, Dec. 13 Chima Brazilian Steakhouse will host an event all about your closet's staple.

Produced by The Family Conglomerate, Boots & Beats invites men and women to put their boots on display while enjoying food, cocktails, and music mixes by three DJs, all in the name of a great cause. A portion of the ticket sale proceeds, as well as all children's shoe donations, will be given to Speedway Children's Charities and Samaritan's Feet

Click here to purchase tickets.

$10-$15
Tuesday, Dec. 13.
6 p.m.-10 p.m.
Chima Brazilian Steakhouse
139 S. Tryon, St.

If you're looking for a new place to go to get your hair did, but don't want to commit to the cut without first hanging out with your stylist, here's an event you should check out.

Tonight, Virtue Salon + Spa, located next to The Melting Pot in Midtown, is hosting a holiday party, which will benefit the charity organization The Sandbox (a partner of the Levine Children's Hospital).

You'll get to tour the salon and meet the team of experts, get free hair consultations and skin analysis, enjoy yummy hors d’oeuvres, wine and sips of champagne and take part in a silent auction. There will also be a “Nika” fashion show, and you can take 20% off all products and 15% off new client bookings.

The event happens tonight from 5 p.m.-9 p.m.

901 S. Kings Drive
Call 704-334-1007 for more details.

Two words that should never be paired together: homeless and children.

Luckily, there are organizations out there working to help these babies out. Like Bright Blessings, for example. A volunteer-led 501(c)3 non-profit organization, they bring birthday parties to homeless children through their shelter program and anonymously through outreach progams in local schools.

On Dec. 8, you can help support this worthy organization by shopping at The Boulevard at South End. 10 percent of all sales will be donated to Bright Blessings.

In addition, the folks at Boulevard will have munchies and sparkling drinks from 6 p.m.-9 p.m.

Though the countdown to Christmas is well underway, only the early birds among us have gotten a head start on their holiday shopping. If you're looking to ease the stress of last-minute shopping while buying gifts that keep on giving, the Santa Shops benefit is the place for you.

“Purchase for a purpose” is the name of the game for this event, designed to benefit "Bright Blessings," a North Carolina Children's Charity dedicated to providing emotional support to homeless children through the numerous programs and projects they operate in the greater Charlotte region. How does it work? Every customer receives a Santa Shops List to use as a map and an information sheet for about that day's door prizes. In order to be entered into the drawings, customers will have The Santa Shops List signed by each vendor as they navigate through the house. Some of the vendors include:

10% of profits for this event will be donated to Bright Blessings by each vendor.

The Santa Shops event will take place Dec. 1 and 2 from 9 a.m.-8 p.m., and on Dec. 3 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m.. It is located at 1131 Scotland Ave., 28207.

What better way to get ready for the holidays than indulging in a little makeover madness? Well, that's exactly what Monkee's of Lake Norman is inviting you to do.

On Friday, Dec. 2 from 12:30 p.m.-5 p.m., and Saturday, Dec. 3 from 10 a.m.-6 p.m., the staff at Monkee's will be on hand to help you find your new favorite looks. Make room in your closet because all purchases will be 20 percent off (a few exclusions apply) and if you spend $100 or more, you'll receive a special gift. I love getting gifts, and I know you do too, so be sure to add this event to your busy shopping schedule for the weekend.

I am positive that amongst the designer labels like Trina Turk, Tory Burch, Trina Turk, Milly, Frye, Michael Kors and many others, plus the opportunity to chat it up with Trish McEvoy makeup professionals who will be on site for the event, there's no way you won't fall in love with this boutique. Get ready to enjoy a good time, good food and good drinks with a few new friends at Monkee's.

Call 704-896-7779 or e-mail emily@monkeesoflakenorman.com to reserve your spot! Appointments are going fast!

Monkee's of Lake Norman is located at 624 Jetton St., Suite 130, Davidson.

T. Strong is a TV personality, personal stylist and fashion journalist who contributes commentary on Creative Loafing’s Klepto blog in addition to writing for several other national media organizations. To learn more visit www.StyleMayvin.com or follow “therealtstrong” on Twitter.

While the hustle and bustle of the holidays has come to revolve around shindigs and shopping, it's important to take some time to reflect on the spirit of charity and gratitude that the season should be synonymous with.

Dec. 1 is World AIDS Day, a day set aside to raise awareness of the AIDS pandemic and its impact on our world. To commemorate it, this year the Harvey B. Gantt Center will host The Red Pump Project's 3rd Annual Red Pump/Red Tie Affair. The gala will be presented by JSW Media Group and Chef Jay Jones of Chateau Noir, LLC as an effort to support the Red Pump Project's nationwide mission to raise awareness about the impact of HIV/AIDS on women and girls through education and open dialogue.

The “fashion-themed cocktail party” will offer attendees an evening of live music and entertainment, heavy hors d'oeuvres and a silent auction. A “Sexy, Stylish and Safe” runway show will also take place. Prominent advocates of HIV/AIDS awareness will also be honored for their contributions to the community.

$35 gets you general admission to the event, but a variety of ticket options are available. You can purchase your ticket here.