"Everything is bright and bold and fun this season," he says. "And anything goes. I have some real oddball color combinations."

One of his favorites is a tri-color sherbet combination with lime green, bright pink and apricot. Other trends:

• Solid colors in bright palettes, especially fuchsia, yellow and pink.

• Sizes all over the board - small clutches to 6-by-9-inch envelope bags and carry-alls.

• The fabric trend "swinging back to leather or faux leather." Laffer says there's an emphasis on stitched-together strips "like woven sandals."

Bag 'O' Gold is located at 8110 Montgomery Road. Information: 936-9919.

Moms' book exchange: Those who bring in a new or very gently used children's book to the Acorn Hyde Park Square store Thursday through May 9 will get a 20 percent discount on a single, regular-priced item at the store. Books will be donated to St. Aloysius Orphanage. This is the third year Acorn has sponsored the book campaign. Information: 871-3450.

For brides: Take friends and family to Lazarus-Macy's Tri-County store 6-9 p.m. Friday and noon-4 p.m. Saturday and meet with bridal consultants and vendors who will answers questions and help with selections. The "friends and family" discount will be given to those purchasing gifts from the bride's list those two days. Information: 782-2242.

Not quite commando: Underwear for women has gone through a strange evolution to the tiny thong so popular today. But a new panty, if you can call it that, has arrived for those who can't quite go "commando" or panty-less. Called the Antipanti, it's a piece of circular disposable cotton in feminine patterns that sticks to the inside of jeans. $10 for five-pack, if you dare, at www.shopintuition.com.

Chico's lingerie: It's not here yet, but the popular women's chain Chico's is testing an intimate apparel store in its home in Fort Myers, Fla. and plans to open more shops under the new Soma by Chico's name in August and September. Figuring that Victoria's Secret caters to women under 35, the new stores will shoot for the 35- to 55-year-old crowd, carrying a stock of about 35-40 percent bras and underwear.

Pantene music competition: Pantene is looking for unsigned female solo artists and female-fronted bands ages 14-24 to showcase their talents. The Pantene Pro-Voice Competition will award a grand prize package, including a trip to New York to perform alongside Ashanti and Fefe Dobson, a check for $5,000 and tickets to the 2004 MTV Video Music Awards. Application at www.pro-voice.com.

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Contact Joy Kraft by phone: 768-8467; fax: 768-8330; e-mail: jkraft@enquirer.com