When Blaire Kessler began making chemical-free beauty products after her breast cancer diagnosis in 2005, she had no idea how quickly her line would take off. But this month, Kessler's Pristine Beauty ( shop pristinebeauty.com ) brand was picked up by Whole Foods' Southwest region, adding her products to 22 new stores. The line is already available in local Whole Foods stores, as well as Luxe Apothecary.
Kessler thinks the line appealed to the chain for both its natural ingredients and its old-Hollywood-glamour-inspired packaging.
"They said, 'Your line is something that is eye-catching and is something that we haven't done before,'" Kessler said. "It's not just another skincare line; it's not just a facial line. They're all problem solvers. And I think they like the fact that I'm adding humor and fun - you can be cute and want cute things, but still be health-conscious."
Kessler recently introduced new products - a sunless tanner, shampoo and conditioner. She updated the deodorant with a new formula, too.
"People want a natural deodorant that actually works," she says. "This new formulation is something that I tested on my husband to make sure it works really well."
Kessler hopes these developments will help her spread the word about using natural products and avoiding chemicals.
"If I can be a part of someone being interested in my line because it's cute and girly and glam, but then realizing and enjoying the benefits of natural products, that's a big deal," she says.
Get out the shoe vote!
Two local teens are in the running to have their designs used on a limited-edition pair of Toms footwear. Alexandra Trenary, 18, of Raleigh and Allison Quattlebaum, 18, of Apex are among the finalists in the contest co-sponsored by Teen Vogue.
Preppy and southern, Trenary's design is a clean mix of blue and yellow gingham. Quattlebaum's shoes feature funky, colorful tie-dye. Voting ends Thursday, and the winners will be announced on Friday. Cast your vote at bit.ly/doWFf4.
Trunk shows galore
By traveling the world to find materials such as classical Grecian coins and Venetian glass, Elizabeth Locke gives her jewelry an international flair. Raleigh's Elaine Miller Collection will show off pieces from Locke's line during a trunk show today from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The Elizabeth Locke show will feature hammered 19K gold pieces, gemstone pendants and other baubles.
Elaine Miller Collection is in The Lassiter at North Hills, 4421-109A Six Forks Road, Raleigh. 571-8888, www.elainemillercollection.com
The Joseph Ribkoff line is known for creating clothes for every need, from casual day dresses to sportswear separates to formal attire. The brand's latest styles for spring and summer will be available at Ciao Bella boutique during a trunk show 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday.
Ciao Bella is in The Arboretum at Weston, Cary. 678-8320, www.shopatciao bella.com
Gellner: The Spirit of Pearls features funky designs with black rubber necklaces and interchangeable pieces, giving pearls a modern, versatile feel.
The brand's latest designs will be available during a trunk show at Hamilton Hill on Friday and Saturday. A Gellner representative will answer questions, and shoppers will receive a 15 percent discount on Gellner purchases during the event.
Trunk show hours are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday, with a 5 to 7 p.m. reception, and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday.
Hamilton Hill is in Brightleaf Square, 905 W. Main St., Durham. 683-1474, www. hamiltonhilljewelry.com
With styles from trendy to vintage, at a range of prices, Stella and Dot jewelry has broad appeal. See the latest looks at a trunk show at fab'rik, Friday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Find fab'rik in Cameron Village at 2039 Cameron St., Raleigh. 833-1210, fabrikstyle .com
North Carolina natives and sisters Heath and Landon Slane stylish sterling silver and 18K gold jewelry is sold across the country, and locally, at Bailey's Fine Jewelry. Heath Slane will visit Bailey's on Saturday for a trunk show featuring some of the brand's latest pieces.
Trunk show hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with Slane's appearance 1 to 5 p.m. Bailey's Fine Jewelry is in Cameron Village, 415 Daniels St., Raleigh. 829-7337, www.baileybox.com
Giving back
Shop for a good cause on Saturday. Belk's spring Charity Sale, 6 to 10 a.m., will benefit local charities and schools. In exchange for a $5 donation, shoppers get admittance to the sale, which offers 20 percent to 70 percent discounts. Customers will also receive $5 off their first purchase of $5 or more, and the first 100 customers get free Belk gift cards ranging from $5 to $100, and a chance to win a $1,000 gift card.
Purchase tickets at Belk stores, with all proceeds going to charity. Hudson Belk is in Crabtree Valley Mall at 4325 Glenwood Ave., Raleigh. 782-7010, www.belk.com
