One my closest friends always says, "If it's free, it's for me." If you're totally engulfed in fashion as much as we are, boy do I have the perfect event for you. Tomorrow evening, grab your favorite, most stylish girlfriend — or boyfriend, for that matter — and make your way to the Mint Museum Uptown where "ArtFusion: Surrealism and Beyond" will culminate at 6 p.m.

The fashion show, in partnership with The Art Institute, featuring local designers Tara Davis and Luis Machicao, will begin at 6:30 p.m. Here at CL, we are a fan of both of these designers, having featured them in the paper on separate occasions, so we are beyond excited to see what they will be sending down the runway.

Attendees for the event will also hear a presentation on Dreamscapes: Jungian Analysis and the Surrealist Movement at 7:30 p.m., following the fashion show. This presentation, led by Randall Mishoe, D. Min. and Dorothy Campbell, M.N., should prove to be very insightful into the world of symbolism.

Two interesting topics all rolled together in one very unique event — and it's free! Why would you want to be anywhere else?

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.

This past Saturday, Feb. 18, the Van Landingham transformed from historical home to haven for guests who came out to enjoy a Night in the Garden Room. The intimate estate harbored a Midsummer Night’s Dream-esque ambiance, but instead of magic, wonder and mischief, the benefit was filled with fashion, beauty and fundraising.

Guests mingled amongst beautiful architecture, enjoying heavenly hors d'oeuvres, a full bar, sounds of smooth jazz and silent auction offering art, dance classes wine tasting parties and more. The perfect crisp and cool weather beckoned some to the wrap around porches and rocking chairs to enjoy a conversation overlooking the gardens.

A benefit for the Lymphoma and Leukemia Society, the event fostered not only joy and laughter but also some very touching moments. Host Dr. Susan Flowers gave a brief speech about blood cancer, the deadliest disease among children in the U.S. before handing over the microphone to a young woman whose life was devastated by the disease. Allison Gresham Estabrook, Stella & Dot Independent Stylist who supplied the jewelry for the evening, tearfully spoke about her journey as a 30-year-old single mother with breast cancer whose best friend and soul mate Richard was diagnosed with cancer around the same time. They both fought the battle together, and today Allison still fights to share Richard’s story, as he is no longer here to do so.

Once tears were wiped, the benefit had some more lighthearted fun : Two rising designers shared their collections in the airy garden room of the estate.

• Renaul Hill

When your editor tells you to go shopping for a blog post, you do as you're told. And I did — quite happily, might I add.

Yesterday, I spent a few hours hitting up some locally owned boutiques in search of the perfect semi-formal dress for Bartender's Ball, happening this Sunday at the Blake Hotel. Since I couldn’t just pick one, I picked my three favorites.

First stop was Metropolitan’s newly opened Lipp Boutique. As soon as I mentioned Bartender’s Ball, store manager Leah Britt led me to the perfect little black dress with a sexy twist.

The BCBGeneration one-shoulder piece is made from a stretchy seersucker fabric. I nicknamed it the mullet dress because it reveals a sexy shoulder on the left, and an elegant sleeve on the right. Priced at $88, Britt and I both agree that the dress gives you more bang for your buck. “It’s an affordable choice for Bartender’s Ball, and you can re-wear it with tights and boots later,” she says.

Fashion shows are one of those things that when combined with any other element be it art, music or dance, it can be amazing when done right. As last year's emcee of Runway for the Ballet, I know just how much work goes into the production and this year was no different.

• www.inhisimagebyjulie.com

Backstage was all a buzz with excitement as the models prepared for the show. The clothing, shoes and handbags were sponsored by Neiman Marcus at SouthPark Mall and the looks we saw come down the runway were very classic-chic but definitely right on trend.

www.inhisimagebyjulie.com

Everything from beautiful spring florals and sexy red evening gowns to dapper menswear was modeled by some of the most talented dancers at the NC Dance Theatre. Yes ... you heard me right! On this special occasion, a few of the dancers graced the stage as models and were of course, as graceful as a dove. The dance performances in between each runway segment were each as awe-inspiring as the last.

• www.inhisimagebyjulie.com

Aside from the beautiful choreography, the snippets of original pieces we saw were also a testament to dancers' physical agility. It was truly an amazing sight to see and "totally awesome," as my daughter the mini mayvin and my date for the evening, said so eloquently.

If you missed it this year, definitely be sure to add it to next year's calendar under "must-attend" events. It's a great way to celebrate dance and fashion but most of all to have a fantastic time supporting the arts.

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.

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.