At last, New York accessories designer Bliss Lau will be coming home for a trunk show of her work. She'll offer a sneak peek at her fall line of handbags and belts, helping women find the ideal accessories to suit their personal style and lifestyle.

Lau, 26, grew up in Honolulu and attended Punahou School. She went on to Parsons School of Design (home of "Project Runway"), where she was widely recognized for her talent. Bliss Lau handbags have been featured in Lucky, In Style, Elle and WWD Accessories.

The trunk show will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. today at Riches Kahala in Kahala Mall. Those attending will receive 10 percent off Bliss Lau items. Shoppers who bring in new items to donate to The Children's Alliance of Hawai'i will receive a 20 percent discount during the trunk show.

HIFI AND THEORY HOST COCKTAIL PARTY TODAY

The Hawai'i Fashion Incubator and Theory's Ala Moana boutique are pairing up for a special shopping event all day today, with a cocktail party from 6 to 9 p.m. Theory will offer a 10 percent discount on all purchases, while 10 percent of the proceeds will benefit Hifi. Those attending can enter a raffle to win a Theory Girl's beach bag. RSVP: alamoana@theory.com or call 942-4870.

'SEX AND CITY' EVENTS

The Place at Ward Warehouse is presenting a series of "Sex and the City"-related events: A $5 "friend" pass entitles holders to exclusive shopping discounts. The $15 "best friend" pass entitles holders to a movie ticket plus the following parties, fashion shows and other events.

At 6 p.m. today, The Place hosts a cocktail party and fashion show featuring fashion straight from the Bryant Park runways, as featured in the movie, as well as items from C. June Shoes (including items from Seasons 1 and 2 staple designer Stuart Weitzman), Linea and Dig Lifestyle, with red velvet cupcakes from Hokulani Bakery.

A "Not So Silent" auction follows inside the Ward Entertainment Center movie theaters preceding an opening-night screening of the movie, with items from participating Ward merchants; 100 percent of the proceeds from ticket sales and the auction will benefit the Honolulu chapters of both the Susan G. Komen Foundation (a nod to one of the character's successful battle with breast cancer) and the Life Foundation. The "Sex and the City" movie premiere will wrap up the festivities at 9 p.m.

Additional participating merchants include Dig Lifestyle, Liquor Collection, Opal Fields and Second Skin.

For more information, call The Place at Ward Warehouse at 593-7522 or go to www.theplacehonolulu.com.

LEARN TO SEW LIKE THE PROS

Honolulu folks who love to sew will have a chance to improve their skills by learning to make great-looking and great-fitting garments. Daryl Lancaster, a handweaver and fiber artist known for her artfully pieced garments, will conduct a three-day workshop from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day, Aug. 15-17, at the Academy Art Center at Linekona. The workshop is sponsored by Hawai'i Hand-weavers' Hui.

Lancaster's workshop on garment construction and finishing techniques will cover basic construction, piecing, fit and finishing. Creative seam finishes, buttonholes, closures, linings and embellishments will be covered as well.

The class is designed for those who want to sew their own handwoven or special fabrics, but also for those who seek to achieve polished and professional results in their hand-sewn garments. Skills will be taught using samples, handouts, storyboards and demonstrations. Creativity and technique are the focus. Workshop fee is $190 plus a $25 materials fee. To register, mail a check to Hawai'i Handweavers' Hui, P.O. Box 11808, Honolulu, HI 96828.

Lancaster will present a free public lecture at 6 p.m. Aug. 16 at the Academy Art Center on the subject of "Color and Inspiration." No reservation required. For more information, call Geri McBeth at 261-9701.