Birmingham party focuses on fashion

Fashion's Night Out is Friday and Birmingham is throwing a party.

Held on the eve of New York Fashion Week, the event's goal is to get people interested in shopping and fashion.

More than 30 stores and salons will host special free events from 6 to 9 p.m.

Look for trunk shows, beauty demonstrations, drinks and nibbles.

And prizes!

Linda Dresner, 299 W. Maple, is having a free drawing for a lovely B. May bag that is valued at $650. The drawing will be at 8 p.m., and you must be present to win.

For more info on the event: enjoybirmingham.com or 248-530-1200.

Go blue, go green -- quickly
You don't have to paint your face with your school's colors to support the home team.

Check out these University of Michigan and Michigan State University cocktail napkins. They're a super deal at $1.49 for a package of 36 at the Tuesday Morning store at 13 Mile and Southfield Road in the Corners Shopping Center. Info: tuesdaymorning.com. The thing to know about Tuesday Morning is that the store is full of closeout merchandise -- especially excellent is its collection of napkins and gift wrap -- but that means you have to move fast because once it's gone, it's gone.

Smoochie smooth
You love to kiss your man, but you hate getting beard burn from his rough shave.

Here's something new from Aveda that might help: Pure-Performance Shave Cream.

The eco-friendly cream is supposed to protect his skin from shaving irritations and make his beard soft enough for a smooth shave and moisturize his face.

Kiss, kiss.

It's $18 for 5 ounces. To find a store or shop online: aveda.com.

Iris is addictive
Crabtree & Evelyn has a new fragrance that's muskier and more daring than lotions and potions I remember from the 1980s, when the store was especially popular.

The perfume is called Iris. It's made from the root of the flower and blended with sandalwood, patchouli and vetiver.

Crabtree & Evelyn calls it "entirely alluring" and "sensuous" and "a light and lovely scent."

Having worn it for several days, I find it musky and kind of addictive.

It's $25 for an ounce. To find a store or shop online: crabtreeandevelyn.com.