These are the events you don’t want to miss for the rest of the month.
Meet Your Maker Craft + Design Preview, October 20
Visual Arts Center of Richmond
Every year the Visual Arts Center of Richmond’s Craft + Design show is one of my favorite shopping events. At this preview event, you can meet some of the artists and brewers that will be present at the actual show in November, watch demonstrations, and purchase discounted tickets for the weekend.

Sip & Shop, October 20
The Shoe Box
Stop by the Libbie and Grove boutique and enjoy a rare opportunity to save 25% on Fall/Winter 2016 shoes from 5-8 p.m. This store almost never hosts sales, so go save!
Gloria Armentrout Handbag Trunk Show and Imperial Collection: The VMFA Shop and Cynthia Gale New York Jewelry Collection launch, October 20-22
VMFA Shop
Meet Virginia designer Gloria Armentrout and shop her selection of one-of-a-kind handbags. Armentrout started as an interior designer and leveraged her eye for design and passion for art and fabric in her collection that joins art and functionality. Also be the first to shop the VMFA’s latest collaboration—a collection of jewelry designed by Cynthia Gale inspired by the VMFA’s renowned Faberge collection.
Triple Trunk Show and Customer Appreciation Event, October 21-23
La Petite Boutique
Stop by this North Side shop to view the fall collections from Avivit Yizhar, Bitte Kai Rand, Karen Klein and Johnny Was. Plus, preview some spring collections, including Isabel de Pedro and Dikton’s Barcelona. Bubbles and snacks will be provided while you shop.
The Ikigai Runway Event, October 23
The Veil Brewing Co.
Inspired by the Japanese concept “Ikigai” or “a reason for being,” this fashion show brings a host of Richmond creatives together. A fashion show will feature Richmonders sporting looks styled by Sydney Lester of Chic Stripes featuring Brittanny Chanel Jewelry, Superfun Yoga Pants, and Molly Virginia Made handcrafted leather accessories. You’ll be able to purchase some of the items you see on the runway, plus Lunch and Supper will be there with eats and, of course, The Veil will have brews. A portion of the proceeds from the event will go to Celebrate RVA, a local nonprofit that focuses on giving birthday parties to underprivileged Richmond children.

CURRENT Art Fair, October 23-26
Hohman Design
Like many non-millionaires, I love collecting local art, but can’t always afford to purchase every (or, let’s be real, any) $1000 painting I see and like. Enter CURRENT, a new art fair that’s for both art newbies and seasoned collectors. Seven Richmond art galleries are banding together to host the event, which will feature works from both local and internationally famous artists. Check the event site for a schedule of happenings over the three days. Highlights include a Thursday preview party, a Saturday art walk and after party, food, drinks, and live music.
Amour Vert Fall Trunk Show, October 26
Eurotrash
Shop the eco-friendly Amour Vert collection that’s a Marie Claire, People Style Watch and Gwyneth Paltrow Goop favorite in this Carytown boutique.
Wine, Women and Shoes, October 30
Hilton Richmond Hotel & Spa
This fundraiser for Bon Secours Forensic Nursing features an afternoon of shopping, wine and beer tasting, and bidding. I worked this event a few years ago and must say it’s a perfectly girly ladies day out with lots of vendors for shopping, plenty of wine for sipping, Shoe Guys (male volunteers who pass out wine.. yes please!) wandering around, and lots of fun products to bid on. Regular tickets cost $100, VIP is $150—this includes priority seating, wine service from a Shoe Guy during the program, a VIP dessert platter and VIP swag bag—or you can grab a group of 10 friends and purchase a VIP table for $200.

Mother Daughter/Drift Riot/Pretty Girl Paper Trunk Show October 30
Quirk Gallery
Three Richmond crafters will be showcasing fall goodies at Quirk. Mother Daughter Jewelry, Drift/Riot jewelry and Pretty Girl Paper will all have goodies on display. Sounds like a perfect opportunity to start that holiday shopping.
