Sales and events It's clearance time at Il Vostro Boutique (5045 France Av. S., Edina, 612-920-3167). From Friday through Sunday, shop for winter clothes, handbags and jewelry at a 50 to 90 percent discount.

Cliché's Avoid the Grey runway show is set for next Thursday. It's at a smaller-than-usual venue (Old Arizona Theater, 2821 Nicollet Av. S., Mpls.), and seating is limited. So fans of local designers -- including Ivan Idland, Niki English, Red Shoe Clothing, Arwyn Birch and Renate Adjei -- will want to reserve a spot soon. Buy advance tickets ($8 each) at the store (2403 Lyndale Av. S., Mpls., 612-870-0420, www.clichempls.com).

Obama-nicure One Minnesotan at the presidential inauguration this week deserved major props for her nail art. Sarah Sawyer of Minneapolis prepared for the festivities with a manicure at Mystic Nails (2309 18th Av. NE., Mpls., 612-782-0354, www.mysticnailsalon.com). She got a set of gels and the painting for $50. "I thought they did a great job of making them festive, functional and not too terribly nutzo," she said.

Rolling out the red carpet Minnesota fashion will make its mark on the red carpet at the Screen Actors Guild Awards on Sunday night. Lori Barghini and Julia Cobbs of FM107 will be there wearing custom gowns by local label Joynoelle (www.joynoelle.com). At a fitting last week, the two looked ready for their close-ups.

"I've been walking around, showing everyone my swatches," said Cobbs, who will be in a full-length aubergine and celery gown.

As for their secret to getting the attention of the celebrities: "All we have are our dresses and Minnesota accents," Barghini said.

They also just ask celebrities to say hi to Minnesota, promising not to ask celebrities pesky questions. This year, they're hoping to hand out designer Joy Teiken's business cards to actresses such as Eva Longoria Parker, Jennifer Lopez and Reese Witherspoon.

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