Stylepoints: "Presence of the Holidays"

Holiday shopping: "Presence of the Holidays" What: A pop-up market with 35 artists, including Local Motion, Iron by Cheryl, Patti Berg, Universal Pants, Cocoa & Fig and Sculati Design with live jazz all day.

Who: Karla Haugen of KH Jewelry Design organized the event and also puts together the Prior Lake Farmers Market. She has been making jewelry since taking silversmithing in high school ("a long time ago," she said). "I'm not for the faint-hearted jewelry wearer -- it's very dramatic," she said. "My goal is to make pieces that people will cherish." Her standout styles, especially necklaces, have a cult-like following and are unavailable in stores. She'll also offer her natural bath products line, Lauren Charles Soap Co., named after her kids.

Why: Haugen has a knack for bringing a variety of people together and this sale features lots of unique and up-and-coming talent.

When: Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Where: Suburban World Theatre, 3022 Hennepin Av. S., Mpls.

Cost: Free. Valet parking available for $7.

Sales and events

This is a good weekend to check out Mode (7781 Main St., Maple Grove, 763-391-6102), a new permanent outlet. Through Wednesday, they're having a denim blow-out sale, featuring premium labels such as Kasil and Serfontaine for $50 (normally $125 to $250).

This month, Birch Clothing (2309 W. 50th St., Mpls., 612-436-0776) is offering a give-give special. When you bring in a nonperishable food item for donation to Second Harvest Heartland, you will receive 20 percent off an item of your choice. Also, on Sundays: When you spend $50 or more, you will receive a free Chico reusable bag.

Tonight, the Edina Family Center Advisory Council is hosting a "Mom's Night Out Gift Boutique" (5 to 9 p.m. at the Centennial Lakes Centrum Building, 7499 France Av. S., Edina, cash or checks only). The free event will feature local businesses, including Heart & Core Apparel, Post-, Write Away, Bickett Tobin & Co. jewelry, Live Savvy and Mellie Jewelry Design.

The Weavers Guild of MN is hosting its 35th annual Fiber Fair this weekend (Friday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Sunday, noon to 4 p.m., at the Textile Center of Minnesota, 3000 University Av. SE., Mpls., 612-436-0463). Shop the selection of hats, mittens, scarves, shawls, vests, jackets and jewelry.

Also this weekend, 15 fiber artists will be having a wearable art holiday sale (Friday, 4 to 8 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Black Forest Inn, 1 E. 26th St., Mpls.). Items will be hand-dyed, hand-felted and embellished with a variety of media.

Men will have a chance to get deals, too, during the pre-holiday sale at Martin Patrick3 (Friday through Sunday, 121 N. 1st St., Mpls., 612-746-5329). Nearly everything in the store will be 20 percent off, including Grenson shoes and Tateossian cufflinks.

Galleria's eighth annual Holiday Open House is Friday-Sunday. Events will include a personal appearance by Christopher Straub at Three Rooms (Saturday, noon to 4 p.m.). He'll be there to sign your purchases from his accessories collections. During the weekend, spend $1,000 or more at any store or restaurant and bring receipts to guest services to receive a free overnight weekend stay at the Westin Edina Galleria.

This weekend, eyewear designer Robert Marc will be making the trunk show rounds at InVision locations (11 a.m. to 6 p.m.: today, 11300 Wayzata Blvd., Minnetonka, 952-591-9567; Friday, at 867 Grand Av., St. Paul, 651-291-0318; and Saturday, at Galleria, Edina, 952-920-5458). Meet Marc and get expert advice on which frames work best for you.

On Saturday, you might swing by the Local-to-Global Jewelry Artist Mart at the Walker Art Center (11 a.m. to 5 p.m., 1750 Hennepin Av. S., Mpls., 612-375-7600). The one-day event features artists from around the world, but look for locals Tia Keobounpheng, Ann Lambrecht, Karin Jacobson and Lauren Nicole.

Jewelry fans might also check out the Suga Beads Just 4 U trunk show by local designer Tisha Sherdan-Korf at Mainstream Boutique (600 Market St., Chanhassen, 952-974-1564).

An interview with Christopher Straub

The sixth season of "Project Runway" is almost over. However, one might argue that the star contestant -- Christopher Straub of Shakopee -- was auf'd last week. On Mylifetime.com, he has been voted favorite by the fans, reaching 48 percent the week before his elimination.

Straub will be at Hell's Kitchen in Minneapolis tonight and next Thursday to watch the two-part finale. He'll also appear at Three Rooms in Edina on Saturday afternoon. We caught up with him to talk about this season.

Q Where did you watch the finale?

A From New York City, with Carol Hannah.

Q What was it like to watch yourself?

A It was obvious there were nerves going into this one. I was pleasantly surprised with the editing last night because they didn't make me out to be a joke. I was worried they'd start playing the clown music.

Q How has the show changed your life?

A It sort of speaks to the power of somebody's story. For some reason, people feel connected to me, which was exactly what I wanted. I wanted people to look at me and see themselves and what they always wanted to be. You can't buy this type of exposure. I went from no one to someone people all over the world know.

Q Would you do anything differently?

A I'm not 100 percent sold on the outfit I put down the runway. I drew the fountain and picked up things that invoked that fountain. I went back and played with it before really starting.

Q What's the deal with the tears?

A In the casting process I was asked if I would be "The Crier" and I responded "NOOOO!!! I haven't cried in four years!" ... then I ended-up crying four times in the first episode. They actually had too much of me crying. ... On that Macy's episode I was inconsolable and was sobbing for about 40 minutes on the runway.

Q What are your favorite moments (so far)?

A Watching my pieces come down the runway every episode. Being the last boy on the show, especially when there were talents like Ra'mon Lawrence and Nicolas on the season. Being in the same room with Xtina [Christina Aguillera] and realizing she was the only one who really "got" my design. Watching Althea bad-mouth Logan with a mouth full of food. Winning the first challenge, of course!

Sara Glassman • 612-673-7177 • sglassman@star tribune.com