For many, Halston is synonymous with the disco era - Liza Minnelli and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis in long, slinky dresses and huge sunglasses. Those fabulous disco fashions live on in the Halston Heritage line, which produces recreations of Halston's classic designs at more affordable prices.
Now Triangle shoppers can get a taste of Halston Heritage's offerings at Vermillion in North Hills, which began carrying the line this month.
"The brand has taken archived pieces from their Studio 54 days and recreated them in supple and colorful fabrics," says Ashley Harris, owner of Vermillion. "There is even a dress remade like the one that Bianca Jagger wore to Studio 54 on her wedding day."
The pieces have a decidedly '70s feel without going full-on retro. On-trend colors, such as rich jeweltones, keep the dresses and jumpsuits fresh.
"They're easy, fun party dresses and casual dresses," Harris says. "Think Carrie Bradshaw from 'Sex and the City,' but more wearable - in fact, three of the dresses are used in the new movie due out this spring."
Not only does the line reflect the "Sex and the City" aesthetic, but Halston Heritage recently brought Sarah Jessica Parker in in a yet-to-be-named role with the company. Word has it she'll be working on designs.
Vermillion is at 4321-102 Lassiter at North Hills Ave. in Raleigh. 787-9780, www.vermillionstyle.com
Help for the guys
Shopping for Valentine's Day can be really tricky for men. It's hard to know what your significant other will want. Saks Fifth Avenue is offering help, with its Men's Valentine Shopping Night, 6-8 p.m. Thursday. Men can get help choosing the perfect gift for their wives, girlfriends or sweeties, complete with free gift wrapping. And with a $500 jewelry purchase, customers receive a pair of tickets to the Broadway Series South production, "Doo Wop Valentine's Day Beach and Oldies Show" at Raleigh Memorial Auditorium on Feb. 14.
In addition, Saks will feature a Roberto Coin jewelry trunk show 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Thursday. Pieces on display will include diamond necklaces, earrings and more.
Saks Fifth Avenue is in Triangle Town Center mall, 7700 Old Wake Forest Road in Raleigh. 792-9100, www.saksfifthavenue.com
More for the brides
Summer wedding planning season continues, so that means bridal shows. Saturday, it's the "At Your Fingertips Wedding Show," being held 11 a.m.-4 p.m. at Chocolate Smiles Village in Cary. The event will feature photographers, florists, event planners and other wedding vendors. Cute Buttons Gift and Paper Boutique, Stella and Dot Jewelry, Michael's Memories Photography and The Matthews House Catering will be on hand as well. Attendees can register to win prizes including a cruise to the Bahamas.
Chocolate Smiles Village is at 312 W. Chatham St. in Cary. 462-9618, www.chocolatesmilesshop.com.
Valentine's savings and Chanel
As if the name, Love in Bloom Maternity, wasn't Valentine-y enough, the Raleigh store is offering moms-to-be a little extra love. Through Saturday, all red, pink and white dresses in the store will be 30 percent off. And on Saturday, staffers will hand out carnations in celebration of the holiday.
Love in Bloom Maternity is at 4035 Lake Boone Trail in Raleigh. 881-2121, www.loveinbloommaternity.com
Meanwhile, Monkee's boutique celebrates Valentine's Day with the three Cs: champagne, cupcakes and Chanel. Chanel makeup artists will offer free makeovers, as well as discounts on Chanel makeup, at the boutique's Valentine's Day event noon to 6 p.m. Friday. Champagne and cupcakes from the Cupcake Shoppe will be served, and shoppers can pick up goody bags and enter a contest to win tickets to see the movie "Valentine's Day."
Monkee's is at 4158 Main at North Hills St. in Raleigh. 785-1400, monkeesofraleigh.com
