JENNIFER JOHNSON: FASHION AND DRINKS ON SATURDAY >>>

The swanky 1950s-inspired interior of Tempest Lounge will be transformed from a sassy, cocktail sipping hot spot into a one-day shopping arena come Saturday, Nov. 29. Tempest’s third annual Holiday Trunk Show falls the day after Black Friday. Make sure to save plenty of dough and drop by 2-6 p.m. to peruse merchandise being presented exclusively by local designers and artists.

Owners Michelle Douglas and Denise Tempest have class, and it shows in what they have chosen to showcase. More designers are being confirmed daily, but here’s what’s up for grabs so far: jewelry by Laura Towse (To The Life Boats), Kristi V (Coco's Creations) and KimberlyKay Designs (check out the halter tops made from scarves, too), and totes and other bags from Pat Kerth (Studio 2 Design). Julie Fillo will have prints of the dreamy whimsical paintings she creates for sale. Also available are one-of-a-kind fabric creations. Douglas and Tempest have long been supporters of local artists and designers â€" often meeting them as customers at their lounge.

“What we like about it is all of our great customers sell their products, and they get to keep all of the money they make, and our buyers have a blast,” says Denise Tempest.

As an added bonus at the Trunk Show, these savvy owners will once again launch the shopping party with their annual holiday champagne flight. The Tempest Bubble Flight will be in full effect with tasty eclectic bubbly and sparkling wines from France, Spain and Tasmania via Unique Wine Distributors. Taste the trio of champagne for $11.

“We will have the Shooting Star Black Bubbles, too. If you haven't tried this you, have to. It’s Pinot Noir Champagne,” adds Tempest.

Oh la la.

[Tempest Lounge, Saturday, Nov. 29, 2-6 p.m., 913 Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Tacoma, 253.272.4904]

Psst … The Shoe Show and Posh Home are getting in the game and offering 20 percent off everything in stock Friday, Nov. 28. Dame Lola is celebrating its fourth anniversary with 40-50 percent off all fall items in November.

LINK: Weekly Volcano's lifestyle section

MICHAEL SWAN: SEND SUZY YOUR BEDAZZLED NATIVITY SWEATER >>>

Do you showcase your holiday spirit in the form of a felt applique Santa sweater? Red or green, bejeweled or sequined, the Weekly Volcano knows your gawd-awful holiday sweaters are on the way. Whether you're a school teacher and wear the same one every year, only pull it out for Doyle's annual Bad Sweater Party (Nov. 26), or can count on Grandma to give you a new one every season, you wear yours with pride.

Better you than me.

E-mail a photo of yourself in your ugly holiday sweater by Dec. 15 to Suzy Stump, and tell her the story behind the sweater. Please include your daytime contact information.

JENNIFER JOHNSON: THE SHOE SHOW >>>

“Rainy, 50 degree weather welcomes you home to Seattle, or if you’re lucky enough, this is just a layover before Hawaii,” the flight attendant smirked as the plane prepared to touch down at SeaTac airport Monday. Returning from a weekend of 95 degree weather in Arizona was difficult. Hoping for something to lift my spirits, I opened my mailbox. Inside a love letter from The Shoe Show on Sixth Avenue in Tacoma announced that it had reached its six-month mark this month.

Check out what bargains I found here.

LINK: Whatcha Wearing

BRAD ALLEN: GET YOUR MOUSTACHE OVER THERE >>>

Rusty George Creative’s Moustache Revival Party will be held today at The Hub beginning at 3:30 p.m. and lasting “till your stache falls off” according to the Tacoma advertising agency.

In addition to several different best moustache contests, the party will also include a petting zoo, kissing booth, pin the moustache on the donkey, synchronized staching, moustache pull, moustache toss, pass the stache (hey!), the 100 yard stache, and more.

The only catch? You must be sporting a moustache to get in.

[The Hub, Tuesday, Sept. 30, 3:30 p.m., 203 Tacoma Avenue S., Tacoma]

RON SWARNER: BRAND NEW LOOK >>>

Owner Julie Bennett and crew moved their hip fashion thrift store next door to their old space and re-opened the urbanXchange as the same bargain clothing and accessory store, except now it's bigger and looks like it could sit in the meat-packing neighborhood in New York City.

The sleek, open concept store doesn't scream "thrift!" anymore.

In the coming months a record store and coffee shop will be added in the unfinished space behind the store.

An official grand reopening will be held Saturday, Oct. 4, noon to 9 p.m., offering  new stock items, a raffle for a new Beautiful Angle poster, models, makeup artists, DJs and a live 7 p.m. show from Anomie Belle and the Next Door Neighbors.

[urbanXchange, 1932 Pacific Ave., Tacoma, 253.572.2280]

LINK: More urbanXchange photos on the Photo Hot Spot

SUZY STUMP: HOT IN THE SOUTH >>>

Folks in Florida have found a way to be fashionable during the hurricane season.

Special thanks to Valerie Peralta at the Weekly Volcano Florida Headquarters for the photo.

NATASHA GORBACHEV: WORLD BEARD AND MUSTACHE CHAMPIONSHIP >>>

I’ve always been a fan of Tacoma’s very own Justin Peterson and Pat Dawson, and when I visited them recently while they were slinging drinks at Hell’s Kitchen, they let me know that I’ll have yet another reason to cheer for them.

These two, fine, distinguished men are in the process of preparing for a competition unlike any other.

In May of 2009 they’ll make a pilgrimage to Anchorage, Alaska, for the World Beard and Mustache Championship. This is only the second time in the history of the competition that it will take place in North America.

After sneaking a peek at the previous winners in the various categories (and giggling throughout), I can guarantee that Dawson will easily become the champion for the Natural Goatee and Peterson is well on his way to take on every one of the Full Beards.

Since they’ve got some time on their hands to prepare, these guys are slowly crafting their locks and taking excellent care in doing so.

So, be sure to visit the World Beard and Mustache Championship Web site for some hearty laughter, drop into Hell’s Kitchen to view the follicle progress of Peterson and Dawson, and dish out some extra tip lovin' to send them on their way to Anchorage and inevitable goatee and beard victory.

T-Town represent.

LINK: September is Moustache Revival Month, too

SUZY STUMP: FABULOUS! >>>

The Imperial Sovereign Court of Tacoma "Diamond Empire of the Cascades" presented "Hot & Spicy," the annual White Knight and Debutante Gala of 2008 at Jazzbones last Saturday. This was a first for both the gay and lesbian and transgender organization and the venue.

The evening started with a lip-synch, costume and stage show competition (a fun drag show) followed by the new White Knight and Debutante being crowned on stage. Some very talented folks strutted their stuff.

People in the crowd weighed in their approval by presenting dollar bills to the performers and of course, through applause.

This event can be added to the now long list of things we thought we'd never see at Jazzbones. Did we mention Kry Boys will be there every Thursday for the new Ladies Night starting in September? We can't believe it either.

LINK: Live music and DJs tonight

JENNIFER JOHNSON: SHOPPING FOR LOCAL DESIGNERS >>>

In the process of writing articles about fashion (which I love) and shopping (which I hate, believe it or not) and focusing on local designers, shop and boutique owners, entrepreneurs and artists for those articles, I’ve met, briefly, via e-mail and phone and sometimes (rarely) in person, some very amazing people, mostly women, who live and create in the Puget Sound area.

I think it is very important to support and promote local designers and locally owned businesses. I have often been able to say, with pride, when given a compliment on a piece of jewelry or clothing, that, yes, I love it too, and I bought at so and so’s shop and it’s made by such and such Tacoma resident. The closer things are to us, the more real value they have since we can see them, touch them and feel linked to them and often interact with the people who create them. I used to make jewelry and had a hard time finding anyone or anywhere (besides Grateful Dead shows) that would help facilitate a sale for me. That was 15 years ago and luckily business has changed a bit, as have consumers, thank heavens. Many mainstream shops and stores are taking chances on smaller design businesses, and direct artist and commission-based sales. In August, two such designers will get a bit of the spotlight: Earth, Wind & Wire by Mandi Wickline and Lobe Lollies by Marianne Hurlow. Both design and create custom jewelry that is sold at Marlene’s Market and Deli in Tacoma.

I pretty much despise mass produced soulless products; yet some are simply unavoidable. So while I still haven't figured out where to get comfy bras that aren't churned out in chemical spewing factories, I bet someone will soon. At least I’ll have fantastic jewelry in the meantime.

LINK: In The Bag column