The Daily Dish

Could you go two weeks mixing and matching the same six clothing items? Would you be bored? Or liberated?

I plan to give this shorter version of the Six Items or Less online challenge a shot. The self-imposed "shopping diet" requires participants to wear some combination of six pre-chosen clothing items for a month. Several people—men and women from around the world—have signed on and blogged about their "journeys" at www.sixitemsorless.com.

Their efforts are attracting worldwide attention. The experiment is certainly intriguing. Although some people took part to make a statement about consumerism, I'm more interested from a fashion perspective. As I've often noted, the quality of a wardrobe—not its quantity—is what counts.

Before making purchases, I always ask myself: How long will it last, quality-wise and style-wise?

The Six Items or Less concept ties in with the idea that we don't need a lot in our closets; we need the right pieces.

(The challenge exempts some items: undergarments, swimsuits, workout wear and accessories, along with uniforms required for work. So you can get creative with shoes, jewelry and such.)

I'm not sure I could stick with just six items for a whole month without getting bored. So, when the heat breaks, I plan to give the experiment a shot for two weeks.

--Kristy Eckert

Need a quick escape from the city? Try the patio at Cimi’s Bistro, which overlooks the gentle hills of Pinnacle Golf Club in Grove City. The restaurant is open daily for lunch and dinner and features a Sunday brunch menu on the outdoor terrace. It’s an elegant and relaxing spot for special events—our family dined here on Mother’s Day and I was impressed with the expansive brunch menu and the upscale-yet-comfy setting. The American-themed bistro features made-to-order wood-fired pizzas baked in an outdoor oven and a rotating list of daily specials made with local, seasonal ingredients. Reservations are accepted and encouraged for weekend and evening patio dining.

Cimi’s Bistro at Pinnacle 1500 Pinnacle Club Dr., Grove City 614-539-0397 www.cimisbistro.com

--Dana Wilson

Burt's Bees continues to produce some of the best and most affordable natural products on the market. The thick, creamy and super-moisturizing Fragrance Free Body Lotion really soaks into skin instead of sitting atop it as some products do.

I'm not sure whether the 24-hour claim is true, but it leaves legs feeling great for a long time. (The only con: If you're looking for something yummy-smelling, this isn't the product for you.)

Burt's could charge twice as much, and I'd still rave. Although I would recommend this product to anyone, the lotion is an especially good bet for men because there's no scent.

--Kristy Eckert

This charity alone might inspire you to try Josie Maran's new natural volume mascara. For every mascara purchased, another is donated to a woman coping with cancer at City of

Hope, a California-based cancer research and treatment hospital. But charity aside, the GOGO (Get One Give One) mascara gives you lush, voluminous lashes without any harmful ingredients--no parabens, sulfates, synthetic fragrances, synthetic dyes or phthalates.

The product has a chunky applicator brush, but lasts all day without under-eye smudges and leaves lashes feeling soft after removal. Find the mascara at Sephora for $22.

--Dana Wilson

"Have Heart" bracelet by NTO Design

Jewelry designer Michelle Pizzurro crafted 600 bracelets and necklaces exclusively for Up on the Roof, the annual fundraiser for Ohio State's Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Left: "Tea for Time" bracelet by NTO Design

Pizzurro said her mother's battle with cancer inspired her to donate her time--and her sterling-silver creations--to the cause. "She loves charms, silver and the color pink."

Guests at Up on the Roof will receive a piece of Pizzurro's jewelry in their gift bag. The black-tie gala will be held Saturday at 6:30 p.m. in the Archie M. Griffin Grand Ballroom at the new Ohio Union, 1730 N. High St. For more info on the event, call 614-293-3744.

Right: Heart to Heart" necklace by NTO Design

Pizzurro owns NTO Design (based in Gahanna) and enjoys designing custom jewelry for themed events, weddings and parties. Her pink breast-cancer awareness pieces can be purchased through special order on her web site: www.NTODesign.com The jewelry, all handmade using sterling silver, ranges from $27 to $200.

--Dana Wilson

As August draws to a close, what better way to spend an afternoon than touring gorgeous backyards?

On Sunday, New Albany will team up with the Wellness Community and several other sponsors to host the first annual Yardscapes Garden Tour. The tour is a collection of homes throughout New Albany that have remodeled backyards. Highlights include outdoor kitchens, fireplaces, ponds and other water features.

Yardscapes also will feature entertainment and provide visitors with tips on gardening, grilling and fitness.

Tickets for Yardscapes, which will take place from noon to 5:00 p.m. Sunday, are $5 per person. Proceeds will go to the New Albany Boosters as well as the Wellness Community. For tickets or more information on the event or sponsors, visit www.yardscapes.org.

--Heather Weekley

Attention, brides-to-be! Bridal boutique Big Rock Little Rooster is hosting a Vera Wang Collection and Luxe Trunk Show this week.

The show, which features gowns from the fall 2010 and spring 2011collection, runs Thursday through Saturday at 654 N. High St in the Short North. (Trunk shows typically offer special discounts on gowns that boutiques don't always carry, so you might snag a one-of-kind offer on a dress sold nowhere else in the city.) The upscale shop carries breathtaking gowns from an array of other designers, including Christos, Reem Acra, Badgley Mischka and Kenneth Pool.

The boutique also is celebrating its one-year anniversary Friday with a cocktails and couture party from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Call 614-754-8116 to R.S.V.P. --Dana Wilson

Layers and leopard prints are trends to watch for this fall. File photo by Will Shilling.

Yes, the heat might be making it difficult to think about warm sweaters and layered looks, but autumn is almost upon us (at least in storefronts)--and the season has much to offer. A snapshot of what's hot for fall:

* Black: Everyone's saying it, yet the statement still has a ring to it: Black is the new black. Black pieces are smart investments. So if you splurge, you can't go wrong with black. * Animal prints: Leopard is especially popular. Those who are fashion-forward can have a lot of fun with this. But the less-adventurous have plenty of options, too. A leopard-print scarf or pair of shoes can be an easy - and affordable - way to achieve the look. * Layers: Not unlike most autumns, layering returns in a big way. You'll see a lot of oversized sweaters that pair well with leggings and jeggings, the jeans-leggings combination pants now populating stores. * Suits: They're back! And they're structured. Suits are an easy way to look put together. Suit jackets are also a sophisticated option for layering. If you don't have a black jacket you love, find one. * Capes: Their run from last winter continues - and for good reason. Capes are striking and can luxe up any outfit.

--Kristy Eckert

Tonight's your last chance to catch a free outdoor movie as part of the Wex's Drive-In series this summer.

The series concludes with "Roman Holiday"--the 1953 romantic comedy starring Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck--playing around dusk (9 p.m.) in Wex Plaza, at 15th Ave. and High Street in front of the Wexner Center. Admission is free, and so are servings of Jeni's ice cream and popcorn if you arrive at 8 p.m. A cash bar also serves locally-brewed Barley's Ale.

Organizers suggest arriving early to stake out a spot (the past two movies drew about 1,000 spectators) and you'll want to bring a blanket or lawn chair to be comfortable. --Dana Wilson

Need to boost your back-to-school budget?

Easton Town Center is giving away a $10,000 shopping spree to one lucky family. To register for the contest, co-sponsored by the Easton Community Foundation and WNCI (97.9 FM), visit guest services or www.eastontowncenter.com. You must be 18 or older and have at least one school-age child to be eligible to win. The contest runs through Aug. 31 and the winner's shopping spree will take place Sept. 3.

The winner also will receive a $2,500 donation to the school of their choice.

--Dana Wilson

Interested in learning more about Hilliard and all it has to offer?

The local Chamber of Commerce is hosting the Taste of Hilliard and Business Expo on Tuesday.

Attendees of the event will have the opportunity to sample food from area restaurants and talk with business owners. There also will be competitions with local celebrity judges. The event overlaps with the Hilliard Farm Market, allowing people to also stop by the market and purchase fresh produce and food.

"We look forward to having people check out our restaurants and businesses," said Libby Gierach, president and CEO of the Hilliard Area Chamber of Commerce. "It's a one-stop taste and shop."

The event will be held at the Makoy Center in Old Hilliard from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Admission is $10 at the door.

--Heather Weekley

Growing up in the Akron area, I used Pinxav (a northeastern Ohio creation available in many drugstores there) on everything. It was a running family joke that regardless of the problem--rash, cut, whatever--the solution was Pinxav.

For whatever reason, I forgot about it. Then, my baby was born, and after trying another product for diaper rash, my mom asked why I wasn't using Pinxav. So I did, and his rash cleared up within hours. I've started using it again on other things, too--small cuts, etc., for the rest of the family--and I'm in awe of how great this stuff works.

The all-natural ointment can also be used for bug bites, heat rashes, sunburns, poison ivy and to manage chafing from athletic activities. Find it at Discount Drug Mart for $5.79.

--Kristy Eckert

Suzi West, owner of Collier West, on the second floor of her shop in the Short North. File photo by Tom Dodge/The Columbus Dispatch

A growing number of Columbus brides are skipping the department-store registry and creating wish lists at Collier West. The vintage-chic shop in the Short North has everything needed to start your (highly-sophisticated) home, from dainty ceramic dishes and pewter martini glasses to sparkly chandeliers and fluffy decorative pillows.

The shop is brimming with gift-worthy treasures and also carries an impressive collection of jewelry, including personalized charms made by Heather Moore Fine Jewelry. (The charms are a popular choice for couples wanting to commemorate the date of their big day.) Collier West is one of nine shops that will be featured in the Short North Wedding Walk scheduled for Oct. 10.

--Dana Wilson

Tasi Rigsby and dance partner Jean Paul Gronek practice in preparation for last year's Short North's Got Talent. Rigsby will dance in this year's show, too. (Chris Russell/The Columbus Dispatch)

Some merchants and employees of the Short North Arts District will leave their shops for the stage tonight.

Axis Night Club (775 N. High St.) will host the second annual Short North's Got Talent from 8 to 11 p.m. Doors open at 7 p.m. Admission is $15 in advance, or $20 at the door.

The show will feature 16 performances, including dancers, musicians, an opera singer and improv performers. The Short North Business Association staff also will also make an appearance, performing a number inspired by "Glee."

--Dana Wilson

For lighter coverage during summer months, I swap foundation for Clinique's Moisture Sheer Tint. The lightweight cream-gel tinted moisturizer gives skin a glowing, dewy look. The gel comes in three shades (I use fair, the lightest option) and visibly tones any redness in my sensitive skin. The formula feels cool and soothing when you first apply it and continues to hydrate during the day without feeling greasy. A small amount goes a long way--one tube has lasted all summer. The tint sells for $27 at www.clinique.com.

--Dana Wilson

Saks Fifth Avenue and the Columbus Crew Soccer Foundation have planned a fall fashion show as part of an "Evening of Soccer & Spirits" at Polaris Fashion Place.

The event, held this Tuesday from 6 to 9 p.m., includes a runway show featuring the Columbus Crew players and their wives, a silent auction and 15 percent shopping discount. Guests will have the chance to meet the team and collect autographs.

All proceeds will benefit Crew Soccer Foundation programming for inner-city youth. Tickets for the event are $50 per person and include entry into the event, access to hors d'oeuvres, wine and scotch tastings for guests 21 and over.

To purchase tickets, visit www.thecrew.com/saks, or call 614-447-4175. Tickets also will be available at the door.

--Dana Wilson

Need an excuse to go shopping this weekend? Hunt for a bargain at the Summer Flea Columbus, a charitable open-air market that debuts this Sunday in the Short North.

The market, held in the Fireproof parking lot (1024 N. High St.) from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., will feature wares from an assortment of shops—Embassy Boarshop, Ladybird Boutique, Milk Bar, Jeni's Ice Cream and Yeah Me Too—as well as local artists, jewelry designers, record dealers and more. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the MidOhio Foodbank.

The idea for the market was inspired by event organizer Nikki Portman's visits to flea markets in Brooklyn and Florida. "I just was thinking this would be good in Columbus," she said.

With the help of two close friends, Portman set out to create a "perfect mixture of nostalgia and newness."

--Dana Wilson

If you're a high-end, natural-products junkie, this won't disappoint you. The Healthy Lip Butter by Lavanila is super-moisturizing in a rich, buttery sort of way (as opposed to greasy or sticky). And with zinc oxide, it does actually provide sun protection.

The pitch: an all-natural, healthy balm to keep lips moist and protected from the sun without using harsh chemicals (no parabens, petrochemicals, phthalates or synthetic dyes)

The process: Keep it in your purse, on your desk or beside your bed and slide it on when necessary. (Lavanila also makes my favorite deodorant--the Healthy Deodorant-- so I was excited to try another of its products.)

Bottom line: This is great stuff, but I think the price is too high for what most are willing to spend. If you're looking for a natural balm that's more affordable, Burt's Bees makes good ones.

--Kristy Eckert

To shave off a few wasted minutes under the hair dryer every morning, I wrap my wet hair in a Turbie Twist after showering. The lightweight, super-absorbent towel doesn't fully dry hair, but pulls out enough moisture to speed up the blow-drying process and reduce frizz.

The towel works well for long or short hair, and the 100 percent cotton material is durable and withstands countless washings. My sister shared these with me a few years ago and now I'm hooked--I even stash one in my suitcase when I travel. (The towel also doubles as a shower cap in a pinch.) A set of two sells for $9.99 at www.bedbathandbeyond.com.

--Dana Wilson

Marcella's Italian Ristorante will receive a national award this week from the American Culinary Federation. Photo by Jodi Miller.

The cuisine at Marcella's Italian Ristorante has earned a national stamp of approval. The American Culinary Federation will honor the restaurant with its 2010 Achievement of Excellence award, given to restaurants that "demonstrate excellence and passion for the culinary arts through their unparalleled food and beverage program." Executive Chef Jay Cotrell and General Manager Jenn Rossi will accept the award Thursday at the ACF National Convention in Anaheim, Calif. ACF is the largest professional chefs' organization in the U.S.

"To receive an honor like this means so much to our company, especially for our team at Marcella's," said Chuck Kline, vice president of operations for Cameron Mitchell Restaurants. "We have a wonderful group of young culinarians who work with us at Marcella's, so it represents a true accomplishment to have an accolade from the ACF." --Dana Wilson

I love the scrumptious scents of 100% Pure's products and am partial to their Organic Vanilla Bean Body Cream. The cream feels rich--the consistency falls somewhere between a lotion and a body butter--and perfectly moisturizes skin after showering.

The sweet scent makes this cream a favorite, but it has other benefits, too. It's packed with anti-aging vitamins and antioxidants and made without synthetic chemicals or artificial fragrances. If you're not a vanilla fan, there's a wide menu of yummy scents to try, such as dark chocolate mocha, honey almond, lemon tart and strawberry lemonade. The lotion sells for $17 at www.100percentpure.com.

--Dana Wilson