Clothes encounter

Going once ...

Fur coats, designer gowns, plus dozens and dozens of pairs of Ferragamo shoes, are headed to the auction block from real estate billionaire Leona Helmsley's haute couture closets.

Thousands of items belonging to the late socialite and hotel owner, nearly her entire wardrobe, will go on the block May 18 at Leslie Hindman Auctioneers in Chicago. The collection includes size 6-8 feathered ball gowns, dresses, shirts and suits by designers Bob Mackie, Yves Saint Laurent and Christian Dior. The collection could fetch as much as $100,000.

The auction also will offer 250 pairs of Helmsley's Ferragamo shoes: size 8.5 with their signature matching bows.

Helmsley, who died in August at age 87, ordered her property be sold and the proceeds donated to the Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust. In 2007, Forbes magazine ranked her the 369th richest person in the world, with an estimated net worth of $2.5 billion.

Visit lesliehindman.com.

Spring at Saks

Looking for that perfect spring handbag? Meet Gita Costa, designer for ElizaGray Handbags, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Thursday at Saks Fifth Avenue.

Saks will present an exclusive look at this year's finest in evening wear 1-4 p.m. Friday. Enjoy live jazz and cocktails and leave outfitted for your upcoming special event with a gown, handbag, shoes, jewelry and cosmetics.

Call 853-9888.

Lhuillier trunk show

Copper Penny Bridal, 280 West Coleman Blvd., Mount Pleasant, will hold its annual Monique Lhuillier trunk show today and Saturday. Sip champagne, nibble on cake and try on the newest fashions from the woman whose lace silhouettes and ballgowns have made her one of the hottest designers in the bridal industry.

Call 881-3449 for an appointment. Receive 10 percent off your gown purchase this weekend.

Dress for Success

Looking and feeling your best is essential for career success, but life's challenges can present major obstacles requiring a helping hand. A new episode of Style Network's series "How Do I Look?" teams with Dress for Success to help a struggling, career-minded woman strengthen her self-image and enter the work world.

The special airs at 9 p.m. March 31 as part of the S.O.S., Send One Suit, Week campaign. Women nationwide are encouraged to help other women enter the work force and take charge of their lives by donating one new or nearly new suit to any Dressbarn store during S.O.S Week, March 30-April 5.

Dress for Success is an international not-for-profit organization that promotes the economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing professional attire, a support network and career development tools. Visit dressforsuccess.org.

Charleston Fashion Week is a supporter of Dress for Success. Charleston magazine's second annual five-night celebration of fashion and design will be March 25-29 at Marion Square. Contact 971-9811 or charlestonfashionweek.com for times, prices.