Last year Portland saw a sizeable uptick in the frequency of fashion shows, and so far this year is showing no signs of slowing down. This weekend alone there are no less than three separate runway shows, so bust out the day planner and get ready for some serious event hopping.

Friday kicks off with the highly anticipated Strut—not only does it benefit Basic Rights Oregon, it features some fresh designs from local up-and-coming designers. Jonny Shultz Designs, Rachel Mara, Leanimal, WeMa Designs, Sameunderneath, Makool, and Magalí Corzo will all show their work. I'm interested to see more of Shultz, whose pretty, flirty pieces I've encountered at Seaplane and the now-defunct Yes, and of course Leanne Marshall (who also does graphic design for the Mercury) is white hot right now with her Leanimal line, arguably the fastest rising star in Portland's apparel design scene. Magalí Corzo hasn't shown any new work in a while, and it will be interesting to see what direction she is working in now, plus I'm looking forward to getting to know WeMa, Rachel Mara and Makool better. With entertainment by Animotion's Bill Wadhams and DJ Stay in School, you won't want to miss this one. (Fri May 11, Wonder Ballroom, 128 NE Russell, 7 pm, $12-15)

On Saturday, there are two options: The first ever Junk in the Trunk Show at Dirty Little Secret Salon, a plus-sized fashion event featuring the locally based Curvy Girl line, which makes trendy dresses in sizes 14-28. You'll be able to shop the line at a discount, plus take advantage of Dirty Little Secret's salon and spa services for under $20. (Sat May 12, Dirty Little Secret Salon, 1909 NE MLK, 6-9 pm, fashion show at 7:30 pm, free)

Also Sluts + Squares, a fashion show that promises to party. Check out the cheeky Beauty Mark Designs, and stay for late-night dancing with DJs Boy, Marko, and Corban. (Sat May 12, Acme, 1305 SE 8th, 9 pm, $3)

This weekend also marks the third birthday of Blush Beauty Bar (513 NW 23rd), and they're celebrating with the annual Beautypalooza 3. There are tons of gifts and giveaways all weekend, plus face mapping (that's where an esthetician tells you what the placement of your zits says about your lifestyle), make-up tricks from insiders, and a free Mother's Day mother/daughter "Shirley Temple" make-up application.

Hunting season has started: marjorie@portlandmercury.com