After a Fashion

DIRT CHEAP CIGS As a smoker who had just paid $35 for a carton of cigarettes which would last no more than 10 days, I was anxious to find out exactly what "dirt cheap" meant (if you've bought dirt recently, you know that it is often far from "cheap") in an ad for online cigarettes. So, I go to www.dirtcheapcig.com, and lo and behold, my brand is considerably cheaper -- slightly over $22 per carton. There's shipping, of course, $4.99 for up to 10 cartons, but if I buy two or more cartons, the savings begin to make sense. So I ordered two, which came to a total of $49 -- almost $10 less per carton! An amazing savings of a dollar a day! And they deliver them right to your door! But ... that's not the best part. The best part is that you can "subscribe" to your cigarettes and have them shipped at any interval you select, with the payment deducted directly from your bank account. Omigod. This is smokers' heaven. You don't even have to go out to get cigarettes anymore; they come right to you! Now, if only, as Fran Liebowitz said, they came already lit... (Note to any readers compelled to comment on my smoking habits: Thank you in advance for your concern.)

LOCAL BOY MAKES GOOD Austin expatriate Alton-on-the-Spot has launched the beginnings of his Web site, www.altononthespot.com. He's also covered in Paper magazine this month in the NYC beauty section for his work for Hotel Venus. In addition, his lovely mug can be found in the party photos at the end of the most recent Black Book. We tried to contact him, but he was off to London for the show season.

VALENTINE'S JEWELS Jewelers to the stars Anthony-Nak (5101 Burnet, 454-7029) presents Anthony & David's Valentine Celebration (Champagne & Kisses) pre-opening party for their new studio and design house and spring collection preview on Feb. 8, 5-8pm.

THE BIG EVENT Certainly one of the most glamorous events on the horizon is the Bikes & Babes in Toyland benefit, Saturday, Feb. 17, at the Center for Mexican American Cultural Arts (600 River), benefiting the SIMS Foundation, Hope Horizon, and the Yellow Bike Project. The all-day event will consist of a BMX exhibition with top-ranked freestyle street, dirt, and flatland riders from around the world, including the 2000 World Champion Freestyle Street Rider from Spain, as well as local bands, including 81é2 Souvenirs, Jazz Gunn, Space Truck, Tribal Nation, Johnny Goudie, Laura Scarborough, and Sarah King. The Cyclown Nomadic Circus will arrive by parade at noon to perform trapeze, tight rope, stilt-walking, juggling, puppet shows, and flamenco rollerderby! A silent auction will feature items from Cush Cush, Andrew Shapter Photography, California Board Underground, Whit Hanks, Fox Racing Clothing, Austin Angler, Wet Salon, Avant, Pink Salon, Power House Gym, Tesoros Trading, and many more! A fundraiser-for-the-fundraiser was held at the Red Fez on Jan. 31, and starred DJ Trey Lopez, with Steve on percussion, as well as DJ Resinthol. Photos from the mixer can be seen (along with more info) at www.spacetruck\poshevents.com. VIP tickets ($25 in advance, $30 at the door) include entry to all events, as well as access to the VIP lounge with free appetizers from Manuel's and Thai Passion, as well as seating to a fashion show featuring work from members of the Designers Guild of Austin (whose own spring show is tentatively April 5), and then an after-show party with DJs and live percussion. Service Menswear and Cush Cush are providing treat giveaways for the lounge. General admission tickets are $5 in advance and $10 at the door. All tickets can be purchased at: Cush Cush, 916 W. 12th; Pink Salon, 1204 S. Congress; Therapy, 1113 S. Congress; Big Bertha's Bargain Basement, 1050 S. Lamar; Limbo, 5015 Duval; Clown Dog Bikes, 2821 San Jacinto; Legs Diamond, 2430 Guadalupe; and Jovita's, 1619 S. First. Children 12 and under are free. Donations the day of the event earn discounted admissions: $5 off with a soccer ball donation to Hope Horizon (soccer gear and children's clothing also needed); four raffle tickets and admission for two with a bike donation to Yellow Bike. For more information, contact Chella Cardona at 472-8544 or Charlotte Wood at 481-8688 or e-mail them at [email protected].