Get ready for a Holidate with the Girls

With shops such as Sony Style, Sephora and Sole Food, University Village is women-friendly every day, but the outdoor mall will crank things up a notch Dec. 4-5 with its annual "Holidate with the Girls" shopping event, from 5 to 9 p.m.

For $25, local ladies will have the opportunity to sip cocktails and nibble appetizers from The Ram in a private lounge located next to Spa Scotta.

They'll also be treated to a gift bag that includes a scented candle, cosmetics samples and a shopping card that entitles the holder to a 20 percent discount at more than 30 University Village shops, including Barnes & Noble, Beauty Works, Lucy and Ravenna Gardens. (My favorite U Village shops, Mercer and Kiehl's, will both offer special deals but have not yet finalized the details.) The discount card is valid through Dec. 6.

Proceeds from the Dec. 4 event will benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities, and proceeds from Dec. 5 will benefit New Beginnings, which provides services to women and children who have been affected by physical, emotional or sexual abuse. Advance registration at www.uvillage.com is recommended.

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