The 4th of July is on Sunday and the weather couldn’t be better.  It is time to fire up the grill and invite your friends over.  If you are planning a party and want some creative ways to stretch your budget consider having a potluck where everyone brings a dish, or decorate with food.  We got crafty for an assignment for TV and here are some great money-saving tips that will help if your pride for America is bigger then your wallet, VIDEO HERE!  Happy Independence Day!

When my four-bedroom house only housed two people my clothing got to take up two extra closets in addition to my walk-in.  But now that Mr. Perfect and his two children (and new puppy) have all moved in my clothes are homeless and room must be made.  I have spent countless hours sorting and donating a decade of television worthy outfits and my girlfriends say they also need to purge bulging dressers and drawers.  Let’s do it together Saturday June 12th at Whole Foods on Fremont.  We’ll “shop” eachothers excess and donate the rest.  More INFO HERE.

The Portland Waterfront Fashion Show will be a fun day of food and fashion at the lovely Thirst Wine Bar & Bistro on Sunday morning June 13th, 2010.  The space overlooks the boats and bridges on the Willamette River in beautiful downtown Portland.  Guests are in for a treat because my long time friend and boutique owner of Lily Atelier, Dawn Stanchfield, has hand-selected the models and outfits for the fashion show.   The clothes I have bought from her over the years continue to be some of the favorites in my closet.  Dawn has also styled me for many television shoots and we’ve worked together styling fashion layouts for various magazines.  Her style is modern but classic with unique detailing and wonderful craftsmenship and her clothes will be for sale after the show.  But, if accessories are more “your thing” make sure to stop by and see Ann Matthews with Silpada Designs, who will be on-hand to help you find a great piece of jewelry that comes with a lifetime guarantee!  Jenn Hanston will be also be there with her Three Sixty Bags that are entirely designed and crafted in the good ol’ USA with designer grade upholstery fabric.  The fun and flirty bags are made to last.  Lots to see and buy this Sunday but you can even make some money.  The Gold Exchange encourages you to bring any broken or old gold jewelry you don’t want and they will pay you cash on the spot.  Don’t worry if it has stones in it, because they will gladly remove and return those to you.  This event will be a fun day packed with talented fashionistas and will also offer a small brunch, with mimosas and a special featured wine.  Tickets are $20. and doors open at 11am and event goes until 3pm,  I’ll be the MC so make sure to say hello! 

Written by Nicolle Camarata

Kami Gray, TV and film wardrobe stylist and author of The Demin Diet: Sixteen Simple Habits to Get You Into Your Dream Pair of Jeans is celebrating Mother’s Day at Mable & Zora Boutique.  You are invited to stop by Saturday May 8th and meet the celebrity stylist, chat about fashion, have a glass of champagne and nosh on cupcakes from 1-5pm.  They will also have flowers for Mom and prizes so make sure to enter to win, good luck!  Mable & Zora is downtown at 748 NW 11th Ave.