"We didn't have it last year because we felt economically it wouldn't be the best decision," says Shelley Jefferson Hamler, co-chair of the event.

"We gave it a facelift and came up with emeralds and diamonds because the group's (Links) colors are green and white."

The gala will include cocktails at 6 p.m., dinner at 6:30 p.m., awards, then the fashion show at 8:10 p.m., followed by music and dancing.

Tickets, $100, must be purchased by Saturday. Information: 675-7608.

Celeb jewelry designer: Jewelry designer Cathy Carmendy and her holiday collection will be at Scott Reising Jewelers Thursday through Sunday, 343 Edwards Road, Hyde Park. Carmedy's creations have graced the necks of Hollywood beauties including Helen Hunt and Michelle Pfeiffer. Information: 321-6633.

Bankers Club fashion show: Baubles, Bangles & Beads IV, a fashion show and dinner Thursday at the Bankers Club, will benefit the University of Cincinnati Barrett Cancer Center. Men's and women's clothes from Peppe Ramundo & Sons Custom Clothing, the Fur Salon and Les Copains Group of Saks Fifth Avenue will be in the spotlight. Cash bar opens at 6 p.m. Cost: $25. 511 Walnut St., downtown. Reservations: 651-3660.

Parisian charity sale: Parisian shoppers at Kenwood Towne Centre can rack up savings 6 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday and help charities at the same time. Here's how it works: Charities sell $5 tickets and retain the entire ticket price. Ticket-holders receive a book detailing savings up to 50 percent and get $5 off their first purchase, as well as registered to win a $1,000 shopping spree. Information: 792-2400.

Bridal shows: TV host and bridal designer Henry Roth will be at Bridal and Formal Friday through Sunday to talk about his latest collection and sign Your Day, Your Way - The Essential Handbook for the 21st Century Bride (Prima Lifestyles; $18.95). 300 W. Benson St., Reading. Information: 821-6622.

Shopping help: Stein Mart stores have two special shopping days to usher in the holidays: A Taste of the Holidays with Panera Bread at Harper's Station, 11:30-12:30 p.m. Friday, with by special shopping assistance 12:30-2 p.m.; and Coffee Sampling at the West Chester Township store, 11:30-12:30 p.m. Nov. 14, followed by shopping help 12:30-2:30 p.m. Reservations 24 hours in advance: 489-4233 Harper's Station or 942-3131 West Chester.

Sweater swap: The Acorn store on Hyde Park Square is organizing a wap. Monday through Nov. 23, customers are asked to bring in any gently used sweater to "swap" for a new one, with $25 off any pick priced more than $88. Old sweaters go to women in need. Information: 871-3450.

---

E-mail jkraft@enquirer.com