Usually this is the best time of year to buy past-season winter/fall merch at deep discounts and comfortably wear it through May. Yesterday I bought a winter dress that I'm not sure I'll be able to wear without sweating through it until November. Those new, full priced spring arrivals are starting to look like something I might wear next weekend. WTF.

—Fade to Light and Portland's Pretty are teaming up for a contest in advance of the next Fade to Light show (on Wed Feb 25):

1. Follow @fadetolightpdx and @portlandspretty on Instagram.
2. Take a picture of yourself wearing a local or independent designer on Instagram (be sure to mention who you are wearing) and hashtag it "#ftlpretty"
3. The winner, decided by Marissa Sullivan of Portland's Pretty and the Executive Producer of Fade to Light Elizabeth Mollo, gets two front row seats to Fade to Light.

It runs through Mon Feb 23, winner announced on Tues Feb 24!

—The downtown location of Clogs 'n' More is closing after 18 years (!), and from now until the final day of Sat Feb 28, every item is on sale at 20-70 percent off.

—Mercantile cycles through another of its rapid-fire trunk shows (if there's an award for retail activation frequency, they should get it), this time with a spotlight on new Spring dungarees from Current/Elliott—think beyond jeans; some of the best new pieces are rompers, shirts, and jackets. Mercantile, 729 SW Alder, Tues Feb 17-Sun Feb 22, gifts with purchase while supplies last

—This Thursday, Amelia is hosting a plus size party featuring designers Hubris Apparel, Copper Union, and Clair Vintage Inspired, with 25 percent off clothing and complimentary mini-manicures with purchases of $100+. Amelia, 2230 NE Alberta, Thurs Feb 19, 6-9 pm