"Runway" alumni bring African fashions to Minneapolis

World runway Two "Project Runway" alumni will help usher in African fashions to the Minneapolis scene this weekend.

The Runway Africa show will feature designs by "Project Runway" season five runner-up Korto Momolu and an appearance by season six's Christopher Straub. It will be Momolu's first visit to Minnesota.

Other labels include Mami Afrika of Los Angeles, Clad Nine/Nairobi Wear from St. Cloud, Modahnik from Chicago, Mekdi Design from Ethiopia and Ariel Simone of Minneapolis. If last year's show was any indication, this will be one of the best local runway offerings of the year, proving that fashion truly is a global language.

Runway Africa, 9 p.m. to midnight, Saturday, Epic Event Center, 110 N. 5th St., Mpls. General admission $20 in advance, $25 same day; VIP tickets, $35 in advance, $50 same day; www.vitalculture.com and www.epicmpls.com.

Tote couture With cabin weekends and day trips to the beach, it's a lot easier to make a statement with your bag than with your bathing suit.

For a big impact, grab one by the Story of Louise. Fun, functional and wonderfully bright, each bag is made with high-quality, stain-resistant cotton canvas and leather handles.

The line comes to you from Nora Mirick Guerrera, who started making bags as a college student while she was working at Donna Karan in New York. Mirick Guerrera returned to her Minnesota roots this year and launched Louise. The name comes from a character that she created who is "in theory a more organized and perfect version of oneself," she said. "She's cute and pulled together, both beach-bound and kicking butt at the office."

Now open: The Jewelry Liquidator Looking for a quick accessories fix? Check out the costume baubles at a new occasional shop -- the Jewelry Liquidator.

Lara Rush (of Rush's Bridal) has been using her connections to import jewelry and sell it below wholesale prices. She's been at the State Fair and various other sales for four years. Now, she's opened her own shop, a "jewelry box" of a space that's open to the public for one weekend each month. All items, including many sets, sell for $10, $15, $25 or $35. There are plenty of blingy crystal and cubic zirconia items for girls and grown-ups who like to sparkle.

The Jewelry Liquidator, 5 11th Av. N. (off of Mainstreet), Hopkins. Special hours for the Hopkins Raspberry Festival: 3 to 7 p.m. Thursday and Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Regular hours: The second weekend of every month, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday.

REWEAR grand opening: Bibelot is throwing a party for its new resale shop inside the Como Avenue location. Bring clothing for resale and get an additional 10 percent off resale items. Register for a chance to win a $100 gift card, plus spin to win up to 30 percent off your purchase, a $10 gift card or a hot dog from the Magic Bus Café.

5 to 9 p.m., 2276 Como Av., St Paul, 651-646-5651.

10 a.m. to 7 p.m., J.C. Penney at Burnsville Center, 952-435-8551.

Macy's designer bridal-gown clearance: More than 100 couture bridal gowns will be as much as 90 percent off during the Macy's Designer Bridal Gown Clearance Event. Vera Wang, Lazaro, Romona Keveza and many other brands included.

Through July 25, Macy's Bridal Salon, 700 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis, fourth floor, call for an appointment, 612-375-2162.

Nordstrom Anniversary sale: Get deals on new fall clothing (sweaters and jackets), shoes and accessories (scarves and jewelry) for men, women and children. Brands include Guess, Sam Edelman, Stuart Weitzman, Steve Madden, UGG Australia, Nike, DKNY, Rag & Bone, MICHAEL Michael Kors, Lafayette 148 New York, Elie Tahari, Trina Turk, Kenneth Cole, Kooba, Cole Haan, BOSS Orange, Lacoste, True Religion and more. Following the sale, items will be marked up to regular prices.

Through Aug. 1, Mall of America, Bloomington, 952-883-2121. See the catalog for a preview at www.nordstrom.com/anniversary.

Through Monday, 3570 Vicksburg Lane N., Plymouth, 763-473-4667.

Stella's fifth anniversary party: The boutique is celebrating its anniversary and its new location with appetizers and wine and gift bags for the first 25 people. There also will be discounts throughout the weekend.

6 to 9 p.m., 308 E. Chestnut St., Stillwater, 651-439-7935.

Grethen House summer sale: Sale items will be 70 percent off.

4930 France Av. S., Edina, 952-926-8725 .

Noon to 5 p.m., Selby and Snelling Avs., St. Paul.

A. Michele's summer sale: Find discounts of 50 to 75 percent off brands such as BB Dakota, Miss Me and Joie.

1591 Selby Av., St. Paul, 651-917-6966

Vintage Glam sale: Check out the mint-condition jewelry and accessories by Givenchy, Lanvin, Yves Saint Laurent, Kenneth Jay Lane, Valentino from the 1940s through 1980s, with an emphasis on the 1960s. Most items average close to $100.

Through July 24, StyledLife sale (Galleria, Edina, 952-928-8888)