Paul Smith admits he's a lucky man.

“Fashion is not something I give a lot of thought to, however, because of my job, I do take interest in my professional wardrobe."

Santa "Claws" is coming to town.

Mark Kennedy: My older son is 8 years old, and he still seems to be firmly in the I-believe-in-Santa camp.

*Name: Lesley Dale *Age: 27 *Occupation: Fashion stylist

Their one-of-a-kind whimsical signs, photo album tables, window art and Christmas decorations took artists Nicole Thurman and Debbie Prater from a basement workshop in Ms. Prater’s Chattanooga home to a roomy creative space in their own store on the trendy North Shore.

If you want beautiful tulips and daffodils in your yard this spring, now’s the time to plant the bulbs, said Tim Holcomb, owner of Holcomb Garden Center in Chattanooga.

Workout clothing has gone high tech -- and green.

Losing a pet is an emotional experience. In the last month, several of my friends have had to put down their aging, sickly dogs.

City traffic engineer John Van Winkle stood in the center of a new traffic circle in Stuart Heights and adjusted some signs when a red BMW entered the one-way circle at about 45 mph in the wrong direction.

I enjoy interviewing John Van Winkle, city traffic engineer, because he is passionate about his job. He enjoys making our city a better place to live.

Look for high-gloss cocktail dresses to add glamour to holiday parties this season.

"What I like about fashion is that I can wear what I like and what I think looks good on me."

The wreath, one of the most popular holiday decorations, is gaining strength as a 12-month adornment.

Larry Hillhouse isn't afraid of ghosts, vampires, zombies or things that go bump in the night. He is fascinated with "supernatural" beings. He even harbors pity for them.

When I get home each night from work, I have a 12-year-old and 3-year-old eagerly awaiting my arrival. I'll be greeted with excitement, kisses and adoration.

Attracting birds to your yard, deck or porch is as simple as planting a tree or shrub and providing tasty treats.

Deep, rich shades of purple, blue, brown, green and orange lead the way in the season's hottest makeup colors.

The biggest trends in casual fashions should get a universal seal of approval this fall, said Suzanne Bishop, owner of Frankie & Julian's boutique on Frazier Avenue.

Big or small, fitted or loose, masculine or feminine — the choices in fashion trends this fall are diverse.

Don't be caught in the cold without one of the season's hottest coats.

Statement jewelry tops the list of must-have accessories this fall and winter, said Sherry Gravitt, owner of Encore Consignment shop in Riverview.

Leggings, scarves and tunics are big for the little ones this season.

"Fashion, to me, is how you dress yourself up to make a statement about your personality."

Halloween is not just for kids. Shelley Ellison, a 40-year-old judicial assistant, said it's one of her favorite holidays.

"I don't necessarily follow fashion trends. I typically purchase and wear what makes me happy."

As Americans get bigger, so does their need to furniture to accommodate their hefty size.

Choosing a costume for Halloween might be the hardest decision a child has to make each year.

Believing that art should be displayed and not stored away, Phyllis Mescon has filled her Signal Mountain home with eye-catching pieces in every room.

WednesdayOctober7TownTalk

Louis Brody, 40, is the namesake of the founder of Brody Jewelers and one of three co-owners chosen seven decades later to lead the family-owned venture.

Linda Higgins' work has gone to the dogs -- and she's thrilled.

You don't have to toss out your lush summer ferns when the temperatures begin to drop. Instead, bring your plants inside for a little tender loving care throughout the winter months. Next spring you can put them back outside.

"I'm a bargain shopper and always looking for a good deal."

Caroline Williams, co-owner of Bellies & Babies, a maternity store in Riverview, knows times have changed since her mother and grandmothers were pregnant.

Many parents are hesitant to talk about food choices with their kids for fear of making children preoccupied with their weight.

GOODWILL IS hosting its first "Pickin' for the Pups" fundraiser on Oct. 1, at Bessie Smith Hall. Proceeds for the event will go to the Goodwill Assistance Dog Academy, a partnership with McKamey Animal Care and Adoption Center that trains rescued dogs to

"I think fashion begins with your hairstyle."

While the thought of worm composting may sound gross to some, experts say it pays to get past the ick factor. Vermicomposting, as it's formally known, is an excellent way to convert waste into fertilizer.

The latest trends in men's clothing may be hanging in your closet.

"I have always loved to dress up and develop my own style, and I like to change my styles."

Bo and Tami Chamberlain have made a big home-buying decision that will dominate their financial lives for the next decade.

Earlier this week, Tammy Lavender, a 36-year-old mother of three, walked into Studio La Vie hair salon in Riverview with long brown hair. She walked out with short, wavy red hair.

"To overextend yourself is to invite defeat." -- G. William Domhoff HEARD ON THE TOWN HOSPICE OF Chattanooga is offering a grief camp for youngsters who have experienced the loss of a loved one, said Connie Havis, Hospice spokeswoman. The camp will be Sep

Backpacks on wheels are on a roll.

"I just throw myself together every morning, and that's not good because I would really like to be a fashion diva. "

Visitors to Sunday's Chattanooga Market can grab a quick haircut while shopping during the 13th annual Cut Up for Life.

Sprucing up the outside of one's home is inexpensive and easy when adding a window box, said Ginny Littlejohn, Holcomb Garden Center greenhouse manager in Hixson.

Wives may be raiding their husband's closet this fall. The menswear-inspired vest tops the list of fashion must-haves this season.

Florida native Dave Porfiri is on a mission.