As a young boy growing up in Italy, jewelry designer Marco Bicego fell in love with jewelry-making at a young age.
Working alongside his father in the family's studio, Bicego learned the craft and honed the skills that have made him a world-famous designer.
"My father made basic, yet beautiful gold chains and I had an instinct to make even more beautiful designs with a distinct look," says Bicego via e-mail. "Thankfully, my instincts were correct and led me to create unique, multitextured items that were both beautiful and unexpected. I began to experiment with design: blending urban-inspired lines with ethnic motifs and merging natural forms with artistic outlines."
Bicego began his own line in 2000, and he brings some of the latest pieces of his collection to Bailey's in Raleigh's Cameron Village from 1 to 4 p.m. Wednesday. The line features pieces with intricate designs and conflict-free gems that are casual enough for everyday wear.
"I make sensuous, extraordinarily beautiful jewelry that blends Old World Italian craftsmanship with tradition, passion, and imagination," Bicego says. Bicego will show pieces during the trunk show event, and answer questions from shoppers. Bailey's is at 415 Daniels St., Raleigh. 829-7337, www.baileybox.com
Beauty is as beauty does
Many people think of models as shallow and vapid, but Models for Charity are out to prove them wrong. The organization is made up of professional men and women in the Triangle who use modeling as a means of raising money and awareness for local charities. Their next event, the Models for Charity and Saks Fifth Avenue Fashion Show from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday benefits the new WakeMed Children's Hospital.
The event highlights some of the latest styles, while raising money for the new children's hospital, scheduled to open in May. In addition to the show, there will be wine and hors d'oeuvres and discounts, including a 15 percent off shopping pass good toward that evening's purchases. Tickets are $45 in advance, $60 the day of. Five percent of event sales will benefit the WakeMed Children's Hospital. Saks Fifth Avenue is in Triangle Town Center Mall at 5959 Triangle Town Blvd., Raleigh. 834-6199, www.modelsforcharityraleigh.com
Shop with a purpose
We all know how good shopping can make you feel - but it feels even better to shop for a good cause. The North Carolina Delta Chapter of Pi Beta Phi at N.C. State University's annual philanthropy shopping event, Accessorize with Pi Phi, lets shoppers do just that. The event, Tuesday at The State Club in Raleigh, benefits First Book, a non-profit that provides new books to needy children.
Local boutiques and designers such as Carolina Silver Company, Cute Buttons Boutique, Belk and That Something Special will have booths at the event.
Tickets are $5 in advance and available at accessorizewithpiphi.eventbrite.com. The State Club is located inside the Dorothy and Roy Park Alumni Center on NC State University's Centennial Campus at 2450 Alumni Drive, Raleigh.
Opening with a party
Though it's been open for a few weeks, Uniquities' new Durham location is throwing an official grand opening shindig from 5 to 9 p.m. Thursday. Bret Jennings of Elaine's on Franklin and Amy Tornquist of Watt's Grocery will provide fresh, locally produced appetizers for the event, and the store will give away goodie bags while supplies last. Shoppers can also register to win a $1000 Uniquities gift certificate.
Uniquities is at 1000 W. Main St., 1A, Durham. www.uniquities.com
Get ready for the prom
Prom season is here, and if you haven't picked out the perfect dress yet, check out Hudson Belk's Prom Party from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday. Girls can try on the latest prom styles while enjoying entertainment and light refreshments. There will also be complimentary makeovers from Benefit cosmetics and hair styling by Carmen Carmen Salon. Shoppers can register to win a prom gift basket that includes a gift certificate from Carmen Carmen Salon, a makeover from Benefit cosmetics, a $100 discount on a prom dress with free alterations and a manicure/pedicure.
Hudson Belk is in Crabtree Valley Mall, 4325 Glenwood Ave., Raleigh. 782-7010, www.belk.com
Check these flirty looks
Just in time for the recent warm weather, the newest pieces from Rebecca Taylor's spring collection will be available during a trunk show at Gena Chandler boutique in Raleigh from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday. The line is known for flirty, feminine dresses and separates perfect for work or parties.
Gena Chandler is at 4209-106 Lassiter Hills Road, Raleigh. 881-9480, genachandler.com
More for the brides
More than 150 wedding experts will gather at the N.C. State Fairgrounds, Sunday, for the Southern Bridal Show and Expo. In addition to experts and vendors, the event features hourly wedding fashion shows, highlighting the latest styles in bridal wear, tuxedos and bridesmaid dresses. The show is 11 a.m.-4 p.m., and tickets are $8 in advance and $10 at the door. www.foreverbridal.net.
Chic and cheaper
For shoe-aholics, it can be difficult when you realize the shoes of your dreams are a little out of your reach. Sure, those Jimmy Choos and Christian Louboutins look fantastic on your feet, but their hefty price tag is just a bit much for your budget. But Dress, an upscale consignment boutique in Raleigh has the answer - a designer consignment shoe and handbag trunk show.
The show, 2 to 6 p.m. Friday and noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, features new and gently used Prada, Gucci, Christian Louboutin, Chanel and more shoes and handbags, all at drastically reduced prices.
Dress is at 14 Glenwood Ave., Raleigh. 532-6021, www.dressraleigh.com
Get a bit of luxury
In this tough economy, one of the first things people cut from their budgets are luxuries such as spa visits. But this week, local spas are trying to make it easier for people to reincorporate a little pampering into their lives with the National Spa Week event. Several local spas, including Synergy Spa in Raleigh and Healing Waters in Durham will offer special service packages for $50. For more info on locations and available packages, visit www.spaweek.com.
