Sure, it seems like just yesterday when former Minnesotan Ra'mon-Lawrence Coleman and Shakopee resident Christopher Straub were on "Project Runway," but the show returns with season seven on Thursday (9 p.m., Lifetime). This time, the competition is back in New York with Heidi Klum, Michael Kors and Nina Garcia in the judges' chairs, joined by guest Nicole Richie. Oh, and Tim Gunn. There are more sponsorships than ever -- Bluefly.com accessories, Brother sewing machines, nifty HP sketchpad computers and L'Oreal hair and makeup.

In the first episode, the contestants are very likable and most seem to know how to stitch, though you wonder how they could even pretend to be surprised when the first challenge involves a dash for fabric in Central Park. You'll find all of the personalities you've come to know, including a crier (Janeane Marie Ceccanti) within the first minute, a designer crazy enough for comic relief (Ping Woo) and two witty ones (Emilio Sosa and Anthony Williams).

While there aren't any designers from Minnesota this round (we were so spoiled!), you can cheer for model Monique Darton. She's originally from Brainerd and currently resides in New York. You might even stay tuned for "Models of the Runway" (10 p.m., Lifetime) to see how she does. Let's hope she takes a cue from Williams, who says he's "stacked, packed and ready to attack." See you on the runway.

Each month, the stores will offer various specials, prizes and offerings. This month, shops are offering blue goodies for the "something blue" theme. For example, Bluebird Boutique has a Hanky Panky bridal thong ($28), Bumbershute carries blue shirts for grooms-to-be and Live, Laugh, Love is offering a free blue snap (normally $12) with purchase of these Lindsay Phillips ballet flats ($65).

Check the website (www.50thandfrance.com) for new specials each month. For example, February will be focused on beauty, March on dresses, April on financial planning and May on grooms.

It's not too late to donate (and save) at Details Style Lab's holiday food drive. Through Jan. 31, bring in two or more nonperishable food items for the Emergency Foodshelf Network in exchange for a 10 percent discount. Owner Brian Horst is hoping to donate 800 pounds of food, topping last year's 500 pounds. Bring donations to the downtown location (346 St. Peter St., St. Paul, 651-251-8700) only.

Personal styling service/boutique Corset (715 Mainstreet, Hopkins, 952-224-2495) has a stock-up-and-save sale through Feb. 14. Receive 50 percent off all regular-priced merchandise, available in sizes 0 through 3XL. If you purchase five or more items, you'll have the opportunity to draw for an additional 5, 10 or 20 percent off.

Through next Thursday, take 50 percent off everything at Shorty's Loft (4590 Excelsior Blvd., St. Louis Park, 952-473-0404). There's denim by Anoname, MEK, Silver and cords from Christopher Blue along with tops and Sue Wong dresses.

Atmosfere (1426 W. Lake St., Mpls., 612-332-0381) is offering men's and women's coats, hats, gloves, scarves and sweaters at 50 percent off. Everything else at the store is at least 30 percent off. There's also a selection of suits available for $199. If you park behind Chino Latino, they'll validate.

Everybody needs a break! Through March, Mehera Shaw (2004 Hennepin Av. S., Mpls., 612-974-9115) will be open from Thursday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. (If weather is terrible, call the store first.) Winter shoppers will be rewarded with sale items at 50 to 70 percent off. If you don't want to leave the house, the company's website (www.meherashaw.com) now offers online shopping.

Through Jan. 28, Drama (1203 Lagoon Av., Mpls., 612-338-9423) has sale items 30 to 70 percent off, including cocktail dresses (50 percent), winter apparel (30 percent) and clearance (70 percent). Bonus: Customers who buy one regular-priced clothing item will get 50 percent off a second item of equal or lesser value.

Sara Glassman • 612-673-7177• sglassman@startribune.com