Local fashion designer Lore Emelio says the only thing missing from her upcoming fall 2011 showcase is a baby grand piano. From the way she describes what to expect of the event, dubbed All Things Grand, we're inclined to believe her.

On Oct. 1, Emelio and her team will take over Silver Hammer Studios to present a runway show of her latest designs. The Parsons School of Design/UNC-Chapel Hill graduate is best known for her hat collection, which exudes feminine Southern charm, perfect for the Queen's Cup Steeplechase.

"I keep trying to just have a hat show, but you have to have apparel for the models to wear," Emelio says. "So I end up making the dresses, and it ends up being a show. I can't help it."

Read the rest of this story here.

...

I came across a listing on Neighborhood Theatre's website for an event this Saturday (Sept. 24), simply called "FASHION WEEK 2011 Presents: The Fashion Designers Global Collections."

Buy Tickets Online! GA Tickets $25 adv/$30 dos (SEATED SHOW)
This is a seated show; therefore, all ticket holders will be seated. General Admission seating will be on a first come first serve basis through the door.
Will Call: 2:30pm - Doors: 2:30pm - Showtime: 3pm
Age Restriction: None - All Ages
Outlet Info Click Here Tickets will be at the outlets by 09/02/11.

FASHION WEEK 2011 Presents: The Fashion Designers Global Collections

The "BIG SHOW" (Fashion Week) is coming!! As Fashion and Hair Designers prepare Fashion Models to exhibit hi fashion, glamour, chic, hair and risqu attire. As they rip the runway!! (including musical performances....)

Over 250 Models, Dozens of Designers - What a Fashion Extravaganza!

Fashion Week 2011 at the Neighborhood Theatre in Charlotte, NC will also have "invited guest" Designers, Models, Media, Magazine Editors, Photographers, Radio Reps, Record Label Reps, Entertainers etc, Networking, Everyone will be there, YOU NAME IT!!!

So, if you're not interested in what's happening at the Pavilion or Gateway, but still want to see a runway show, this might be the best option for you.

Me? I've decided to excuse myself from the fashion festivities that night to celebrate my birthday at SCarowinds.

I'll just go ahead and admit it: I've pretty much given up on my hair.

Seriously. It's really long right now, and I refuse to do anything with it.

Blowdry? No thanks, too hot and too much work. And besides, I can't ever get my hair to look the way the stylist cut it look anyway.

Flat-iron? Only on days where I have to look presentable — and that's only sometimes. The reason? Because I know I'm practically burning my follicles.

Forget any types of products either. Ick.

And even though I get regular compliments on supposedly how great my 'do looks, I always wonder what these people are seeing.

I guess Shine Salon's Blow Dry 101 event, happening on Sept. 30, might be a good investment for me. Here, the salon stylists will show you how to work with what you have in your bathroom — including that feisty blow dryer.

If you're interested in learning to tame your mane, make a reservation (704-344-0338; shinesalon@hotmail.com). You'll need to bring your brushes, products and blow dryer. They also suggest bringing an open mind, which makes me wonder.

Sept. 30, 5:30 p.m. $25. Shine Salon is located at 1900 Commonwealth Ave.

Bonus: There will be complimentary wine and cheese.

Ever thought about having plastic surgery? Want to see what it takes to permanently tattoo your eyeliner on? Well, now you can find out all you need to know during the Fifth Annual Day of Beauty with Dr. Robert Graper on Saturday, Sept. 24.

From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., the doctor will be “in,” and he, along with other representatives from top names in the cosmetic surgery industry, will be on hand to answer all of your burning questions about plastic surgery, chemical peels, laser treatments and much more. All skin care products, including Obagi and Skin Medica, plus Latisse, the FDA approved product to lengthen and darken eyelashes, will be discounted.

So why not head over and enjoy mini makeovers, chair massages, refreshments, door prizes and gift bags for the first 100 people. Call 704-375-7111 to schedule an appointment for cosmetic surgery consults or for more information visit www.grapercosmeticsurgery.com.

Dr. Graper’s office is located at 2915 Coltsgate Road near SouthPark Mall.

If we have to talk about the best concealers to cover up a monstrous blemish, let there at least be alcohol around. Black Finn (210 E. Trade St.) hosts its 3rd annual Martini and a Makeover for the ladies on Friday, Sept. 16, 7 p.m.- 10 p.m.

With cocktail specials, complimentary desserts, prizes awarded every half hour and more, the feather hair extensions, makeup consultations and eyelash enhancements offered that evening will only be that much more fun.

Participating vendors include Wink Studio, La Vanitee Salon, Re Salon & Med Spa, Stella & Dot, Ivy & Leo, The Brow Bar, Spray Soleil, Wine & Design and more. Presenting sponsor is Paul Mitchell the School. Donations will be accepted to benefit the Charlotte Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

For more information, visit www.blackfinncharlotte.com/martiniandamakeover2011.

Thursday night, Sept. 8, at the Metropolitan was packed with people ready to ooh and ahh over fall designs presented by 26 boutiques and designers during Fashion's Night Out. Here are some of my favorite looks from the show, shot by yours truly. It was a long show, but so worth it.

Looks from designers like Beth Pilger and Lore Emelio and boutiques like KLa and Luna were on display at the 2nd Annual Fashion's Night Out at the NC Music Factory. We'll let the photos do most of the talking, but we'll just say the crowd came out in support of fashion — and that makes us happy.

Photos by Jeaumane McIntosh

September is packed full of fashion events — and why shouldn't it be? It's my birthday month!

Here is a list of what's coming up, how much tickets are, and where you can purchase tickets.

Sept. 8: Fashion's Night Out at Metropolitan
More than 23 local boutiques take over Metropolitan to celebrate fashion.
6 p.m. Metropolitan, 1224 Metropolitan Ave.
$25 for General Admission
$40 General Seating VIP Ticket -includes swag bag
$50 Premier Seating VIP Ticket -includes swag bag
$400-4 person Table ViP Ticket-includes table, bottle of champagne and swag bag
Tickets can be purchased at www.bandtastic.com/fnoclt2011.

Sept. 8: Fashion's Night Out at the NC Music Factory
Featuring a large trunk show showcasing participating boutiques and designers, in addition to the fashion show.
6 p.m.-10 p.m. NC Music Factory, 1000 Seaboard St.
$10 for General Admission
$20 for Seating
$30 VIP Seating (Sold Out)
Tickets can be purchased on TicketLeap.

Sept. 10: Delirium: A Fashion Show at Wadsworth Estate
Mixer with fashion show featuring local boutiques and designers.
Doors at 7:30 p.m., show at 8:15 p.m. Wadsworth Estate, 400 S. Summit Ave.
$10 for General Admission
Tickets can be purchased on Eventbrite.

How much vintage junk could a girl possibly have in her portable trunk? Turns out, it's pretty plentiful. For all you vintage junkies who love something old and something new, The Frock Shop's next trunk show, happening Sept. 2 and 3, is sure to please your closet and your wallet.

In case you’re new to this, The Frock Shop is a traveling trunk show that specializes in bringing an “eclectic selection of eco-conscious, resale name brand, vintage and designer clothing and accessories” to the Charlotte area while also promoting the local businesses that host it. This year, the trunk show is being hosted by High Cotton Home, a furniture store whose décor will be a backdrop reminiscent of the Frock Shop’s creativity and fashion expertise.

What fashionista wouldn’t want to incorporate stylish throwbacks into her everyday dress? You and your gaggle of girlfriends can step into an oasis of style with racks of vintage clothes waiting to be thumbed through like a novel by Jane Austin. Tables will show off accessories, like that perfect pink scarf you’ve been looking for, or that pair of ballet slippers that remind you of why you love being a girl so much. Imagine yourself sprawling out on one of High Cotton Home’s red leather sofas, just to catch a breath and decide whether you need this, that or both.

Shopping this serious has been known to leave people parched, but don’t pack snacks because Petite Philippe will provide the wine and Twenty Degrees will satisfy all you chocoholics with artisanal sweets. After your day is complete, toast to your fabulous finds. Just don’t spill anything on your new diggs!

The trunk show is open to everyone on Friday, Sept. 2, 12 p.m.-10 p.m. and Saturday, Sept. 3, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. at 2137 South Blvd.

Last night, I headed out to High Cotton Home Co. in South End to check out An Evening With Thom Filicia. Yes, the guy from Queer Eye For the Straight Guy. He's recently launched a new collection of furniture for North Carolina-based Vanguard Furniture. High Cotton was lucky enough to host a sneak preview event.

• Thom Filicia signs books for his adoring fans. (Don't you just love the mirrored coffee table?)

For a Tuesday night event featuring home decor, the store was happily packed full of people (which was great, as proceeds benefited the Junior League of Charlotte). As we maneuvered through designer furniture and the mass of bodies, I couldn't help but make my own mental wish list of items I wanted to take home with me. Mind you, I have no space at all for some of these items, but a girl can dream. If your style is modern yet classic — or you'd fall head over heels in love with a tabletop accent piece made of small tree branches — you'll love this line.

Here are some snapshots of Filicia's collection — well, what I wanted to buy for myself.