IDEOLOGY FASHION SHOW

Look for model Ewa Witkowska at a free cocktail reception and fashion show opening at 5:30 p.m. todayon the fourth floor of Kaufmann's, Downtown.

Witkowska is slated to help introduce Ideology, a new line of clothing for young professional women. Other expected guests include Glamour magazine's M.J. Milchanoski, merchandising editor.

An Ideology fashion show at 6:30 p.m. will precede a bachelor auction at 8 to benefit Carnegie Science Center. The event is part of the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership's "Thursdays with a Twist," which will offer after-work events today and every Thursday in May.

Details: (412) 237-1816.

LIFE FOR OLD PROM GOWNS

Project Prom, a new Allegheny County program, offers an honorable way to part with your wasting-away party dresses.

To help needy, local prom-goers, the county Department of Human Services is collecting stylish and clean gowns, shoes, accessories and new hosiery. Young people in families served by the department will benefit from the collection.

The county initiated Project Prom is in response to the many requests it annually receives from young clients seeking help to attend their proms.

Prom wear items may be dropped off from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. today and Friday at the Parental Stress Center, 5877 Commerce St., East Liberty.

For directions: (412) 361-4800. Details: (412) 350-5757.

LITTLES PARTIES

A party to introduce Brighton handbags, footwear, jewelry, watches and sunglasses is set for 6 to 8 p.m. today at Littles Super Shoe Store, Squirrel Hill.

Brighton -- a division of Leegin Creative Leather -- offers a free pair of earrings to anyone who purchases a Brighton bracelet and necklace before May 11. Choice of earrings is limited to in-store styles.

"Ribbons for Life," a two-week fund-raiser, opens Sunday at Littles.

Customers are invited to "buy" a pink ribbon for a $5 donation to the Vera Bradley Foundation for Breast Cancer. Littles then will display each ribbon with an honoree's name, and contribute $5 to the Pittsburgh Race for the Cure campaign.

Littles also offers to make a donation to the Pittsburgh Race for the Cure donation with each sale of a Vera Bradley handbag, or matching accessory, in the "Hope" pattern, before Mother's Day..

A Vera Bradley garden party is set for May 3 at Littles. Company rep Jennifer Frederick will be available to acquaint shoppers with new patterns and styles.

Littles is at 5850 Forbes Ave., Squirrel Hill.

Details: (412) 521-3530.

ARMANI LINE ARRIVING AT SAKS

A caravan of Armani menswear arrives this week at Saks Fifh Avenue, Downtown. Samples of the store's entire line of Armani spring clothing will be available from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday on the lower level.

Saks is at 513 Smithfield St., Downtown. Details: (412) 297-5274.

WEDDING WEAR AT RUTH YOUNG

For mothers of the bride and bridegroom, a trunk show of Sansappelle suits to gowns is set for 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday and Tuesday at Ruth Young, Shadyside.

The Chicago-based line features elegantly finished clothes made of fine, imported fabrics and materials, including silk, silk chiffon and cashmere.

Ruth Young is at 826 S. Aiken Ave., Shadyside. Details: (412) 683-1533.

LAWRENCEVILLE SHOWCASE

Original apparel by Pittsburgh-area fashion designers will be on view in 14 shops during the 2003 Spring Fashion Showcase from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday in Lawrenceville.

Each store also will pass out free chances on a $250 shopping spree giveaway.

Look for sidewalk sales and new merchandise for home and garden at the following shops on Butler Street, between 37th and 52nd streets:

Transformation Treasures; Mary Davis Craft Shoppe, Leslie Park Floral, Jay Design Soaps; Buckets of Joy; Emma's Art & Coffee Emporium; Picturesque Photography & Gifts; Gallery on 43rd Street; Swoon; Awakening of the Senses, T's Upholstery Studio; Arsenal & Old Lace; Studio K Gallery & Framing; Ray's Marlin Beach Bar & Grill. Details: (412) 682-1678.

FILENE'S BRIDAL "STAMPEDE"

Attention brides-to-be. More than 1,200 wedding dresses -- originally priced $800 to $2,800 -- will go on sale for $249 each when doors open at 8 a.m. Fridayin Filene's Basement, Homestead. Shoppers are asked to line up at 7:30 a.m. for an expected 45-second "stampede" to the racks.

Filene's Basement is at 280 E. Waterfront Drive, Homestead. Details: (412) 461-6801.