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.

It's something I struggle with every holiday season: What kind of gift to get the men in my life?

Ladies, I know you struggle, too.

In a previous story, I made the point that, women, it's up to us to dress our men. And I stand by that. So I'm excited to tell you about a pop-up shop that's focused on men's fashion.

Ledbury + Mr. Poole Shop Holiday Pop-Up is brought to you by Capitol and Richmond-based luxury men’s shirt maker Ledbury. From the launch party (see flyer) on Nov. 30 through Dec. 4, you'll get the chance to shop Ledbury at 20% off, in addition to other men's brands like Raleigh Denim, Rag & Bone, Pierrepont Hicks, Mark McNairy New Amsterdam and Wiley Belts.

On Thursday night, Capitol and Ledbury will be hosting a party together.

The pop-up shop is open:
Wednesday, November 30, 7-10PM
Thursday, 11AM-6:30PM, 7-9PM
Friday/Saturday, December 1-3, 11AM-6:30PM
Sunday, December 4, 11AM-2PM
3920 Sharon Road (the old Asana Activewear space)

If you're going to be in the Plaza Midwood area on Thursday — oh, you weren't planning on it? OK, now plan on it — you should stop by City Supply (1219 Thomas Ave.) for their 5th Annual Holiday Party.

From 7 p.m.-9:30 p.m., the cool home decor/gift shop will be welcoming its customers with drinks and good times, to thank them for their continued support. Bonus: Get 20 percent off all purchases that evening.

If you haven't started your holiday shopping yet (bad reader! bad reader!), here's a place you'll surely find inspiration.

We love the dresses and shoe selections at Elle VJ. If you haven't been there yet, there's a fabulous event coming up in just a couple of weeks.

Looking for something different to look dazzling in this holiday party season? Well, Elle VJ is where you need to start. Visit the boutique located at 136 E. 36th St. in NoDa on Friday, Nov. 18, to check out some of the new items that have just hit the store. It's a celebration of the holiday season with glamorous cocktail dresses on display along with unique shoes (wouldn't you want to be sporting that baby below to your company holiday party?) and beautiful jewelry by D'Quisite Creations. Plus, there will be a selection of holidays scents and unique gift items by Scentsy available for purchase. Get your shopping done early. Mark your calendars now!

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.

Jewelry is always a perfect gift for the holidays, but what about giving a gift of jewels meant to last a lifetime? That's exactly the quality of pieces Heather Moore designs. Her website boasts, "We are honored to have the opportunity to make what truly are heirlooms, and just how all treasured things are passed down through families regardless of time or place." And Cottage Chic agrees!

Today and tomorrow, Cottage Chic on East Boulevard will be hosting a Heather Moore trunk show, where guests will be able to shop jewelry crafted from 100 percent recycled materials. If you love jewelry, this is an event you won't want to miss, so grab a few girlfriends and come out to enjoy fabulous jewelry, wine and refreshments. You may also be the lucky winner of one of eight gift certificates, ranging from $25-$100! Need we say more?

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.

Well, not really "our" place, but Our Place.

Looking for something fun and fashionable to do today? Well, in just a few hours Our Place, a ladies boutique located on Fairview Road, will be hosting a jewelry party. Dubbed as not just a clothing boutique but "a lifestyle space," Our Place also carries home goods and various gift items.

Today, they are welcoming new vendors and Jean Vermeulen will be the featured artist. Make your way out to 6700 Fairview Road to Our Place boutique today between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. to enjoy the sounds of DJ Jason Herring and makeup applications by Ann Mendelsohn of Laura Mercier, all while shopping fabulous new finds.

And, if you bring in a gently used sweater or jacket, you can exchange it for a new sweater or jacket (non sale item) for 25 to 30 percent off. All donations will be given to the Crisis Ministry.

For more information call 704-554-7748.

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.

Last night, there was indeed a Revolution! At Re:Public nightclub in Uptown, there was an explosion of art, music, culture and fashion like none other. The event, aptly named Revolt!, was such a success that, from what I've heard, they’ll be doing it again in December.

Courtesy of Tinesha Matthews, Kelley Carboni-Woods and Jessica Stanton, natural hair stylists and co-owners of Revolution Ego, did an awesome job of pulling together a dream team of individuals to make it a success. Of course, these ladies whipped up awesome hairstyles to showcase what their salon is all about but they also wanted to share the love by including some of the best artists, in their own right, in the Queen City.