First and foremost, big congratulations go out to Alice Dobson, whose clothing line Sofada (a name derived from the Portuguese word for "naughty") made its debut at New York City's Fall Fashion Week on Monday, February 6. An Oregon coast native, Dobson graduated from the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in Los Angeles, and now calls Portland home, with a boutique at 4623 NE Fremont. A day after returning home, she reported the show went well, and that she was invited to the offices of Vogue to show them her designs. Here's what Papierdoll.net's blog review had to say about Dobson's sexy-yet-ladylike designs: "Her success lies within her restraint—recognizing that sophisticated sensuality is about understatement, she employs the use of ribbons and frills sparingly, but effectively." I'm glad I snagged my Sofada skirt when I did!

In other local happenings, there are two fashion shows this Friday. The first is a benefit for Mercy Corps, showcasing the designs of three 16-year-old Grant High School students, Camille Faulkner, Rami George, and Kristen Ivie. You can expect to see '70s inspired earth-tone dresses, de-/re-construction, and silk-screening. Fittingly, the models for the 50-plus pieces are fellow Grant students. (Department of Skateboarding, 15 NE Hancock, Friday, 8 pm, $7, all ages, with auction of the designs to follow the show)

In slightly more grown-up fashion show news, Doomtown 3: Rock-n-Roll Fashion Show is also occurring, pairing some of PDX's younger, punker designers (Revolver Revolver, Disorder, Carly Jayne, Heartbreaker, Owl, Carolyn Heart, Evidence, Cano, and Alyson Clair) with live sets from Pretty Girls Make Graves, the Punk Group, Caves, and a DJ set from Gregarious. Rock + fashion = redundant? You decide. (Crystal Ballroom, 1332 W Burnside, 8 pm, $7-10, all ages)

A new store just opened up on SE Foster, a neighborhood ripe for development if there ever was one. Guapo Comics and Books features independent and mainstream comics, though emphasizes indie titles from Top Shelf, Drawn and Quarterly, Fantagraphics, and more, as well as a large selection of manga. (Guapo, 6416 SE Foster)

And for those of you altar-bound, the first two people to email me at marjorie@portlandmercury.com will receive a pair of tickets each to The Bridal Loft Brunch and Cocktail Party on Sunday at the Embassy Suites downtown, including beauty tips and a gown viewing. Looking for the sales? Head to Blogtown, USA's "Fashionista" blog for continual updates!

Info on sales, stores, style, and gossip: marjorie@portlandmercury.com