'Design on a Dime' for a cause

A word of advice to interior design junkies: Clear your schedule this weekend.
Housing Works' annual Design on a Dime benefit kicks off today and features more than 50 of the world's top interior designers, who create unforgettable room vignettes with new merchandise, which is donated and then sold for 50% to 70% off retail. In line with the organization's mission, all benefits from Design on a Dime help Housing Works' "Get A Room" initiative for homeless and low-income New Yorkers living with and affected by HIV/AIDS.

This year, Design on a Dime's founding chair, interior designer James Huniford, along with co-chairs Evette Rios (craft, design and entertaining expert), Lara Spencer ("Good Morning America" co-anchor, author of "I Brake for Yard Sales," and interior designer) and Charlotte Moss (designer and author) will be kicking off the fundraiser with a VIP fete filled with cocktails and shopping at Chelsea Metropolitan Pavillion tonight, before the shopping showdown opens to the public for two days, starting Friday at the same location.

While entrance is free to the public Friday and Saturday, serious retail activists might want to shell out $150 for a ticket to the VIP reception and get first crack at the goods before all the real treasures are dearly departed.

Tickets and info at housingworks.org.