From sales to new collections to happy hours, there's plenty going on this week at local boutiques. Here's the skinny:
Gypsy Jule will host a "Healthy Happy Hour" 6:30-8 p.m. today. Shoppers can browse the shop's new arrivals and score deals on winter clearance while sampling healthy smoothies and herbal green tea from Blissful Mind Wellness, a Raleigh-based wellness practice. Gypsy Jule is at 520 N. West St., Raleigh.
Gigi's Boutiques in Raleigh and Cary are phasing out their maternity department, which means big savings for moms-to-be. All maternity clothing at both locations has been marked down by at least 50 percent. Gigi's is in Stonehenge Market at 7428 Creedmoor Road, Raleigh, 846-0014; and in Crescent Commons, 2068 Kildaire Farm Road, Cary, 851-5232, shopgigis.com
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Dress designer consignment boutique (3528 Wade Ave., Raleigh) is clearing the racks for spring, which means deep discounts on winter items. Through Jan. 31, shoppers can save 25 percent to 60 percent on coats, sweaters, boots and more. 699-6505, dressraleigh.com.
In time for Valentine's Day, Joint Venture Jewelry in Cary will offer 20 percent off a major estate collection, through Feb. 14. The collection, an unexpected liquidation by one of the store's dealers, includes statement cocktail rings, chunky earrings, pendants and more. Joint Venture Jewelry is at 2042 Renaissance Park Place, Cary. 678-0092, joint venturejewelry.com .
Fans of St. John clothing can now get looks from the label for a lot less. Adore Designer Resale Boutique unveiled a huge shipment of the brand (plus pieces from Escada) on Jan. 18 at the Cary location. The collection includes dresses, separates and more in various sizes. Adore Designer Resale Boutique is at 4226 NW Cary Parkway, Cary. 481-3400, adoreboutiques.com.
Teens helping teens
Though it may seem inconceivable to most teens, many of their peers have experienced or will experience homelessness. According to the National Coalition for the Homeless, 1.6 to 1.7 million people under 18 will be homeless each year. Those staggering numbers were part of the catalyst for the Teens for Jeans initiative at Aeropostale. Through Feb. 12, teens are encouraged to donate unwanted new or gently used jeans at local Aeropostale stores. The donated jeans will be distributed to local homeless shelters and agencies assisting homeless youth, and the donors will receive 25 percent off the purchase of a new pair of jeans at Aeropostale. For more information about the effort, visit teensforjeans.com .
Perfect prom girl
With prom season right around the corner, PromGirl.com (an online prom dress retailer) and Bakers shoes are conducting their annual "Are You the Next PromGirl?" model search. Through April 30, teens can enter at www.areyouthenextpromgirl.com by filling out the online entry form and uploading two photos of themselves. Ten finalists will be chosen to create short videos that will be posted on the site and put to a public vote. Two winners will be chosen, each receiving a modeling contract with NEXT Model Management, an all-expense paid trip to New York, two photo shoots, a $500 gift card to PromGirl.com and a $300 gift card to Bakers.
