The best gift of all is to give to one in need. This holiday season, why not give to a four- legged friend? Black & Blue is partnering with Project Halo to check off some wish list necessities for Christmas. Now it’s your turn to give back! Bring in an item or monetary donation ($10 minimum) and receive a candy cane with a discount of up to 30 percent to use on a single item purchase. Donate as many times as you’d like between Dec. 1 through Dec. 10. Shop for clothing, denim and jewelry at Black & Blue to support Project Halo, the nonprofit, no-kill rescue so that they can continue to help dogs and cats in need. 532 Governor Morrison St, C130. 704-366-9339. www.shopblackandblue.com

Wish List items include:

-Cleaning supplies:  Brooms, bleach, paper towels, plastic gloves, trash bags, sponges, Tide HE.

-Grooming supplies: Dog shampoo, brushes/combs.

-Pup supplies:  Kongs/nylabones plain milkbones, rawhides, hanging stainless steel dog bowls.

-Misc: Storage cabinet (Rubbermaid-type), large plastic totes, Kuranda beds, throw rugs, old linens.

NoDa has been graced with another new retailer — and this time, it's shopping.

Kimberly Wilkinson looked around the area and thought NoDa needed a little something more in the shopping department. Two months after she had the idea, Vivian B, named after her grandmother, opened its doors. The chic boutique, located on the corner of 34th and Davidson, carries brands such as BCBG, Dolce Vita, Ali Ro (known for its flowy dresses) and Custo Barcelona (an artsy line for the creative souls of NoDa.) With both affordable and high-end lines, the boutique has something to suit everyone's style (and budget.)

Wilkinson hopes to cater not only to the neigborhood, but to all of Charlotte, with a cute place to buy a range of pieces — from casual wear and work attire to dresses for a night out on the town. Great winter coats, tweed skirts, a sequin "Kim Kardashian" inspired blazer, funky printed dresses and trendy stone and brass jewelry are just a few of the fabulous finds you'll come acrss at Vivian B.

It's only been a few weeks since the grand opening and Wilkinson isn't finished yet. She's planning on bringing in more lines and designers. Make sure to look out for Free People coming soon.

Sad face.

Hasn't the season of me having to share with you that a store is closing passed yet? I guess not. But two places? And both shops full of those wondrous treasures of information, called books? I guess on the plus side, it's not a locally owned shop — but still.

The Observer is reporting that Joseph-Beth Booksellers and Borders in the SouthPark area are closing soon.

Two of the area's highest-profile booksellers are closing, citing the weak economy and increased competition from online retailers.

Joseph-Beth Booksellers, which opened at SouthPark in 2005, is shutting its doors by the end of November, the company announced today. It will hold scheduled events through this week, with most other events set for this month being moved to Park Road Books.

The Borders at the nearby Morrocroft Village shopping center will close Jan. 7, general manager Elizabeth Clayton said.

Last night, as I was walking to Smelly Cat Coffeehouse in NoDa, I noticed that the space that used to be Center of the Earth Gallery has now transformed into a new boutique: Ruby's Gift (3204 N. Davidson St.).

The boutique (located next door to Pura Vida Worldly Art) just opened last Friday, and the folks are still bringing stuff in. The owner tells me that Ruby's Gift features locally made art, jewelry, photography and other handcrafted items. I also spotted some vintage sequined handbags and "European inspired" clothing.

Upon further research this morning, the Ruby's Gift website tells me that Ruby's Gift is actually owned by the same woman (Patricia) who helped open the Jewelry Artists of Charlotte shop in Ballantyne Village (that store originally started off as a pop-up holiday store but has since stuck around due to its popularity).

Their mission statement?

Ruby’s Gift  and Jewelry Artists of Charlotte deliver Charlotte’s one-of-a-kind artist community, featuring creative gift options that can meet our transformed economy’s shopping needs.

While perusing the many colorful options (including pearl, gem, wired, rustic, stoned jewelry), I happened upon this cool painting (of which I took a photo and sent to my boyfriend):

I think this piece of art is just an indicator of the many different types of options you'll find at Ruby's Gift. Another favorite of mine? The "3 Little Birds" painting (Too cute!). Don't get me started on all the cool pieces of jewelry, either. Ultimately, though, you're going to want to hit up this new boutique to find something that is original and handmade by some talented local folks.

(Once the owners are finished setting up shop, I'll post up more photos later. Stay tuned!)

Well, the day has finally come. Pura Vida Worldly Art has finally finished making its transition from Plaza Midwood to NoDa, opening up just in time for the first Friday of the month gallery crawl.

Yesterday, I stopped by the shop, which owner Teresa Hernandez tells me is the same retail square footage of the PM spot, sans the Gypsy Lounge, to see how things are looking for the grand opening tomorrow, Oct. 1. I'm happy to share that the energy is still as positive as ever, with brightly painted walls and all of the worldly, spiritual, artistic offerings we've come to expect of the store.

While some folks might be sad to hear that the new Pura Vida will not be offering coffee or live music anymore, there is a back patio that will be utilized for events, and the emphasis on culture, education and local art will still be strong as ever. The one thing that Hernandez hopes her shop will bring to the neighborhood is the opportunity to co-sponsor and work with the other businesses. "It's all about the neighborhood," she says.

She recognizes that some people are upset that Pura Vida moved out of Plaza Midwood after six years. But the way she looks at it, it was either she move to another location or go out of business in a few months.

Well, we're glad she chose to stick it out.

Pura Vida, now located at 3202-A N. Davidson St. next to Baku Gallery, will open tomorrow at 4 p.m. The shop is partnering with Charlotte on the Cheap and Amelie's French Bakery for a "Cheap Treat Crawl" for Northwest School of the Arts. The school will have a table set up outside the shop displaying students' artwork; wear a Charlotte on the Cheap tattoo into Pura Vida and receive a discount on purchases. In addition, wear the tattoo to Amelie's to get yourself a free treat.

Here are some more photos of the new location.

Out of 35 entries, our very own Black Sheep Skate Shop (winner of CL's Best Shoe Store 2010) is one of seven finalists for the Mountain Dew Green Label Art Shop Series.

Again, let's support our local shop and get their art on a can of Mountain Dew. Go vote here ... voting ends Oct. 14.