Want to check out the scene at Scottsdale Fashion Week but not sure which shows are worth the money? Here are your best options — one “splurge,” and one “save.”

THE SPLURGE: ZANG TOI
10 p.m. Saturday, Waterfront Runway Tent
Tickets: $100-$130

The Malaysia native first presented his Spring 2009 collection at a $1,300-a-ticket fundraiser for the Lance Armstrong Foundation at upscale New York restaurant Daniel. The designer will keep the charitable flame alive — at a much lower admission price — by using his Scottsdale show as a benefit for the Arizona Spinal Cord Injury Association.

I’ve seen footage of the New York show, and particularly liked one of his long, lean white pantsuits and a chic patterned sheath dress/jacket combo. (The gowns with capes, not so much.)

While other shows during the week may feature West Coast denim dudes like Jade Howe and Daniel Guez, Toi is the only internationally known couture designer on the lineup.

THE SAVE: EMILY MILLER
7:30 p.m. Friday, Southbridge Runway
Free with general admission ticket: $25 in advance, $30 at the door

At Phoenix Fashion Week, Miller’s “Pretty in Pink” collection was well-edited and well-made — especially the shorter dresses. And though she’s only 18, her pieces were cohesive, which sets her apart from some other local designers whose recent shows I’ve seen careen wildly as far as style and palette.

Note: A general admission ticket allows holders access to all shows on the Southbridge Runway, but seating is first-come, first-serve.

ammit

WHAT SAM WORE: 10/28/08
The shirt: Long-sleeved linen button-up (H&M)
The pants: Jeans by Citizens for Humanity (Last Chance)
The shoes: Leather sneakers by Puma (Nordstrom)
The scent: Gel Oberon sneakers by Asics (Sports Authority)
Listening to: “Casanova” by LeVert

sammit

I won’t sugarcoat it: I have some issues with Scottsdale Fashion Week. Not like a grudge or anything. More like, I want to give them credit for trying to make an event, but …

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So, I have a theory why the powers that be kept Automaton Without Feelings Elina around for one extra week. (I mean, besides the fact Joslyn’s commercial performance really did sort of stink.) See, once the remaining girls hit Amsterdam — oh, more on THAT fashion capital later, don’t worry — the natives will take a look at her and Twitchy Marjorie and say, “Oh, hell no: Europe’s not to blame for THAT.”

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ammit

WHAT SAM WORE: 10/22/08
The shirt: Cotton/spandex button-down shirt with snap-tab collar (Banana Republic, back when I lived in Colorado?)
The pants: Low-rise boot-cut pinstripe trousers (Banana Republic, Biltmore Fashion Park)
The shoes: Leather slip-ons by Rush by Gordon Rush (Nordstrom)
The scent: Quarzazate by Comme des Garçons (Flight 001, San Francisco)
Listening to: “You Don’t Know Me” by Ben Folds featuring Regina Spektor

sammit

Longtime fashion critic Mr. Blackwell — he of the annual “10 Worst Dressed’ list sincd 1960 — died over the weekend in Los Angeles.

With the rise of the Internet, when celebrity fashion choices are skewered or praised almost immediately, Blackwell’s once-a-year list sort of became an anachronism. But in his heyday, his pronouncements were anticipated and feared — even more remarkable since he never earned success for his own design skills.

If he made it to a heaven, I hope he’s allowed to harp on other angels’ outfits.

ammit

WHAT SAM WORE: 10/20/08
The shirt: Polo shirt by Ben Sherman (Last Chance)
The pants: “Relax” jeans by Seven For All Mankind (Last Chance)
The shoes: Leather sneakers by Puma (Nordstrom)
The scent: Alabaster (Banana Republic)
Listening to: “Love Lockdown” by Kanye West

sammit

This may not be technically style-related, except for the fact that if this keeps up I won’t be able to fit into my clothing:  Never buy your Halloween candy in bulk two weeks before the actual holiday.

ammit

WHAT SAM WORE: 10/20/08
The shirt: Polo shirt by Ben Sherman (Last Chance)
The pants: “Relax” jeans by Seven For All Mankind (Last Chance)
The shoes: Leather sneakers by Puma (Nordstrom)
The scent: Alabaster (Banana Republic)
Listening to: “Love Lockdown” by Kanye West

sammit

This afternoon, I sent only one banner to the folks at the Tribune in preparation for tonight’s show: I was pretty sure that Leanne would win. Damn, I was good!

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Maybe if Tyra hadn’t kicked off two girls in one episode, there’d be something to recap new tonight.

But she did, so there’s not. Yay!

ammit

WHAT SAM WORE: 10/15/08
The shirt: Tuxedo-inspired shirt by Theory (Last Chance)
The pants: Low-rise boot-cut khakis (Old Navy)
The shoes: Leather sneakers by Puma (Nordstrom)
The scent: Man 2 by Comme des Garçons
Listening to: “Movie Star” by Róisín Murphy

sammit

This week’s Shoe Hot or Not contender also features an off-center bow but, unlike last week’s style, I might actually consider buying this version.

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Morton’s The Steakhouse will host a show of Fall 2008 handbags and accessories in an Oct. 18 fund-raiser for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

The two-hour show, which begins at noon at the restaurant, 2501 E. Camelback Road, Phoenix will include the tearoom-style fashion show, hors d’oeuvres by Morton’s, and makeup advice from cosmetics professionals from Saks Fifth Avenue at Biltmore Fashion Park (which also will provide the items in the fashion show).

Tickets are $50 each; $20 will be directed to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Information and reservations: (602) 955-9577.