Designing women cast Mayfly

Some local designers are giving a new meaning to shopping local this weekend. On Saturday, look for Mayfly, an exhibit of handcrafted clothing, accessories and jewelry made by three designers using vintage fabrics and findings.

The trio are Katie Covington, who creates jewelry using precious metals and semi-precious stones and off-beat trinkets such as as forgotten keys, chandelier drops and glass leaves, under the brand k. talis; Breigh Stanfield, who uses recycled materials to create accessories, including customized iPod cases and insulin-pump cases, under the name Debris Design; and Ashley Newsome, who makes handcrafted apparel, including dresses, tops and skirts, under the name Newsham.

All three are graduates of N.C. State's College of Design.

The show will be held from 7 to 10 p.m. at the Morning Times Coffeehouse at 10 E. Hargett St. in downtown Raleigh. Look for three runway shows throughout the night. For more information, go to www.mayflyraleigh.com.

Earlier on Saturday, nearly 40 clothing designers, jewelers and crafters will be showing off their latest work at The Handmade Market. Look for the new line of children's clothes by Mary Michele Apparel and Design, T-shirts by Bliss Alexander and Michelle Smith, floral print skirts from India*Romeo and handcrafted jewelry by Tracey Johnson and Leann Hynes.

The market will be held at Vintage 21 at 219 Oberlin Road from noon to 5 p.m. Find out more at www.thehandmademarket.com.

The return of Ross

The man who made over the state's First Lady Mary Easley last year is coming back to do more.

Ross Burton, Lancome's national artistic director, who has also worked with actresses Angela Bassett and Debra Messing, will be in Raleigh at Saks Fifth Avenue Wednesday and Thursday to dispense makeup tips. (Just so you know, he's a foundation guy, preaching such good habits as finding the right color and the right weight. He also thinks foundation goes on first; concealer second.)

He'll start doing makeovers with a team of makeup artists on Wednesday at a charity event at Saks from 6 to 9 p.m. to help support the Duke Cancer Patient Support Program. Saks will donate 5 percent of sales from the event to the group. Cost is $75 for a skin care consultation and makeover; if you spend more than $75 on Lancome products, the cost will deducted from your tab.

Then, on Thursday, Burton will be in the store with the team working with customers. Call 792-9100, ext. 5371 for an appointment for both events.

The new gal in town

Speaking of Saks Fifth Avenue, the Raleigh store has a new leader, Teresa Roberson, who used to manage the Saks in Southhampton, N.Y.

Roberson says she's all ears these days. She wants to hear from shoppers about what they want to see in the store.

Just like a lot of shoppers, she's thinking Gucci, Prada and Chanel, and is working with the company's New York office to help bring in brands that aren't yet a part of the store's mix.

Already, there have been some changes.

Pink Tartan has arrived in the store for spring, including a number of shirtwaist dresses. And this fall, expect to see Badgley Mischka dresses.

Also, check out some of the new estate jewelry, from black pearls to rare sapphire and diamond bracelet with a rainbow of sapphires.

Roberson takes over from Mohammed Ali, who was part of the team who opened the Raleigh store and is now at the Dubai Saks.