I’m just going to put out there: I don’t want to pretend this isn’t a tough Friday, many of us are deeply saddened and all hopes, prayers and thoughts are focused on our neighbors in Japan. We’re going to soldier on with Fashion Friday as usual, but if you’ll forgive me, I’m going to skip past the quirky, cheerful intro and dive right in. Okay?

For those of you who love a warehouse filled with clothes (the stuff of my fantasies), get thee to the Vian Hunter warehouse sale this weekend for deals of up to 90 percent off elegant dresses, handbags, shoes and select vintage pieces from the Madison Park designer’s store. The sale runs Sunday from 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. at the Stroum Jewish Community Center on Mercer Island.

 I’m a week early on this event, but I’m so stoked I can’t hold it in: Mario’s will help Parisian designer Lanvin debut their pre-fall/winter 2011 collection with an exclusive to the Northwest trunk show at their downtown locale. Save the date for March 19th, from 10 a.m.- 5 p.m.

Psst…. If you read Editorial Director Rachel Hart’s editors note this month, you’ll know how saddened we all were by Souvenir’s closing last month. But here is the great news, the wonderful, talented Curtis Steiner is coming back to Ballard next month, opening a new store in the former Guitar Emporium space on Ballard Ave (which this week was papered up to hide what’s going on inside.) Hoping to open mid to late-April, don’t expect a carbon copy Souvenir, Steiner is being coy about the new concept but guarantees there will still be plenty of pretty paper to purchase. Stay with us for further details.

I’m obsessed with Perch Papier’s gorgeous calligraphy for wedding invitations (brides to be, take note!), but an old wedded gal like myself still can loiter around on the Etsy page thanks to this sweet, sweet message in a bottle necklace. Designer Heather Burns will customize the little love note inside for just an additional $8.