Weekend Ahead: August 22-24
SHOP
Giving your feet some street cred has never been easier (or cheaper) than it will be this weekend at the Niche End of Summer Stunner sale in South End where Niche is offloading bold, colorful styles from their exclusive lines of shoes like those above (from names like Nike, Adidas, etniesplus, and Vans) for just $25, $50, or $75. 1510 Camden Rd (704) 379-1811. www.nichethemarket.com.
MINGLE
Remember the good ol’ days back in college when you could wear pajamas just about anywhere and nobody blinked an eye? Man, those were comfy days. Well, they are back for one night only this friday at Pajama Party at The Charlotte Forum. We recommend leaving the truly “intimate apparel” to the models who will be walking the runway, but definitely use this as an excuse to buy yourself some cute peejays. Ed Hardy merch will be given away after the fashion show, but be sure to keep a hold on your barely-there camisole straps when you go diving into the fray get your hands on some. Just a word to the wise.
Friday, Aug 22, 10 p.m. 300 N. College St. $10. www.thecharlotteforum.com.
PARTY
We can’t resist an event where “Cocktail Attire is Recommended,” especially when that cocktail attire can include a rockin’ red flapper dress and a headband. (One from ban.do would be perfect!) The 1920’s speakeasy-themed gala Flapper Fundraiser is more than just an excuse to quote Gatsby and dance the Charleston – it’s also benefiting The National Multiple Screlosis Society. A great cause and a glam dress code? Count us in.
Saturday, Aug 23 8 p.m.-midnight. Wachovia Atrium at Two Wachovia. $75 in advance, $100 at the door. www.nationalmssociety.org/ncp.
PLAY
Carolina Panthers Game: This pre-season matchup against the Redskins is the third of the four preseason games, which means major starters will only see a few seconds of playing time. So, while you won’t get to cheer for the names you know and love, you can shamelessly indulge in the socializing and people-watching aspects of a major sporting event (the best part, in our opinion), or pick an underdog scrub to cheer for as he fights for a spot on the permanent roster (final cuts are usually made after this game.)
SIP
If you are like us, you’ve often uttered the words, “Man, I wish I could just pay someone to drive me around while I drink wine and eat cheese all day.” No? Just us? Well, fine, if you are going to be all civilized about it then perhaps this will tickle your fancy: for $89, you get an all day trip with Charlotte’s Closest Wine Tour to all of the surrounding NC Vineyards, which includes transportation, tasting fees, a catered lunch, and a souvenir wine glass from every vineyard you visit. Now our idea doesn’t sound so crazy, does it?
Saturday, Aug 23. Tour departs at 9:30am from Cabarrus County Convention & Visitors Bureau, 
3003 Dale Earnhardt Blvd. – Kannapolis 
(I-85 exit 60). www.uwharrietours.com 704-463-0768
EAT
We’d love to say that free gelato has anything to do with fashion or style, but it really is just because gelato is delicious and free gelato is down right newsworthy. Though it should be noted that Ciao Bella’s striking carton designs do look rather stylish sitting in our freezer. We suppose you could wear something really cute while you eat your free gelato, but really, who cares? It’s yummy and free. Get some.
Free samples will be given away Sunday, Aug 24 at Harris Teeter on Rea Road (11 a.m.-2 p.m.) and Fresh Market on Pineville-Matthews Road (4-7 p.m.). Details: www.ciaobellagelato.com.
(photo by Chris Edwards)
