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Music pulses in the background. Guests applaud wildly as the models slink down the narrow runway one last time, showing off must-have pieces like a body-hugging, cheetah-print Just Cavalli gown splashed with tawny streaks and a flouncy mermaid hem.

Then, as the models slip into a back dressing room, women spill onto the floor, angling for a chance at trying on something that had just floated past them.

What's the deal — a New York fashion show that's spiraled out of control? A scene from "Fashionistas Gone Wild"? Nope. The intentional, controlled chaos at Pour Moi boutique, 1865 E. River Road, was an after-hours retail party.

File it under "who knew?" but plenty of local retailers offer such special customer events. They range from Pour Moi's recent, invite-only runway show (which also gave VIPs first crack at the high-end boutique's fall and winter offerings) to private parties that let serious shoppers cruise the racks while the store's normally closed.

"It's really fun for busy people who don't necessarily get to shop with their friends every day," said Emily Flynt, who manages Rochelle K, 7039 N. Oracle Road in Casas Adobes Plaza.

The boutique has been booking after-hours parties since it opened more than two decades ago.

"It makes it more personal and special — there's something fun about being in a store when it's closed," Flynt said.

Private shopping parties are straight out of the L.A. boutique scene.

In Los Angeles, A-list celebs walk into a store and time stops. Down go the shades and out comes the "closed" sign for a super-private shopping experience, said Julie Penny, who owns side-by-side stores Piece by Piece Wear and Butz Jean Co. in St. Philip's Plaza. That's why she calls her events Rock Star parties, so regular shoppers can experience that same "you're way important" vibe.

"We just turn up the music and make it all about them," Penny said.

For customers, private parties offer a chance to shop with their best buying buds at a more leisurely pace, enjoy discounts and salespeople's undivided attention — and just have a good time.

"It's more of a party atmosphere," said Lauren Kaplan, an ophthalmologist who regularly attends Pour Moi events. She hit the recent runway show with her supremely fashion-savvy 12-year-old daughter, Alyssa Blinkoff.

Because she saw it in the fashion show, Kaplan found herself reconsidering a chunky sweater. Winter-white with glittery gold thread woven through it, the sweater from D&G, Dolce & Gabbana's ready-to-wear line, was a smash on the runway. And, Alyssa had pointed out the very same piece earlier.

Across the street at Stems – A Shoe Boutique in St. Philip's Plaza, "shoe-aholics" like Jane Harvey have also been enjoying the shop's retail parties.

A wardrobe consultant, Harvey has already hosted two events for clients and friends and has plans for a third in the spring.

"We had little refreshments and some desserts and whatever and just all helped each other, and it was fun because most of us got a little bit out of our comfort zone and stretched our creativity," Harvey said. "I think the only problem was we had so many wonderful choices, we all left with several pairs."

Of course, this all might sound like a great excuse to gather up the girlfriends and spend money. But you know that saying about how you should know who your friends are? Well, you should know their sizes, too.

"I've had friends fight over the same shoe in the same size," said Stems' owner Jessica Ochoa.

It's all fun and games until someone loses a killer pair of shoes.

Here's a look at some local stores that offer retail parties:

Bon

3022 E. Broadway, at Country Club Road in Broadway Village, 795-2272.

• What: Mother-daughter duo Crystal and Bonnie Flynt don't so much throw parties as host low-key gatherings. On Fridays, they keep their store open at least an hour past the usual 6 p.m. closing time. Crystal says sometimes they'll specifically call people they haven't seen in a while. Otherwise, it's whoever pops in.

"It's kind of a nice way to catch up with our friends because our customers mostly are our friends," said Crystal.

Sometimes the gatherings are tied to a specific event, like an art opening, added Bonnie.

• Fee: None.

• Stuff to buy: Clothing from European designers, home and garden items, eclectic gifts. Prices range from $80 to $500.

Butz Jean Co.

299-4220, butzjeans.com, and Piece by Piece Wear, 577-6392, and piecebypiecewear.com, next door to each other at 4330 N. Campbell Ave. (at River Road), in St. Philip's Plaza.

• What: Owner Julie Penny says sometimes parties are for a specific event — like a bachelorette party — other times, it's just for kicks. Either way, book a week or two in advance, and invite 20-25 of your best buds to enjoy a catered event. While there aren't discounts, a portion of the proceeds can be donated to a charity.

• Fee: None.

• Stuff to buy: Butz, which specializes in premium denim jeans, has clothing from Citizens of Humanity, Taverniti So and Faith Connexion. Prices start at $30. Piece by Piece offers lines like Cop Copine, Ella Moss and Save the Queen. Items start at $39.

Pour Moi,

1865 E. River Road, on the northwest corner of North Campbell Avenue and River, 577-6351, www.pourmoi.net.

• What: Every three months, Pour Moi sends invites to its customers for special shopping events. Partygoers enjoy food, discounts, giveaways and music. Sometimes the parties benefit charity, too.

"I believe in rewarding my customers," says owner Paula Taylor. "It's always nice to get new customers, but you want to give back to the people who keep you in business."

The boutique also books special shopping events for parties of at least 12.

• Fee: Private parties start at $150 and vary.

• Stuff to buy: Lines to shop for include D&G, Dolce & Gabbana's ready-to-wear line; Just Cavalli and Theory. Prices range from a $65 Theory T-shirt to $2,000.

Product By Maria Martin

La Encantada, 2905 E. Skyline Drive, 615-1200.

• What: Beauty-product junkies can book parties that include demos and a makeup artist to show off the latest trends. A minimum of six people and two weeks' notice are required. Guests receive a discount.

• Fee: None.

• Stuff to buy: Mostly makeup and beauty products from exclusive lines like Kevyn Aucoin and Paula Dorf Cosmetics, but also accessories.

Rochelle K

7039 N. Oracle Road in Casas Adobes Plaza, 797-2279, www.rochellek.com.

• What: Sometimes Rochelle K's after-hours parties are intimate affairs with just a husband and wife. Other times, it's a gaggle of girls trying on clothes and shopping. A week's notice is required.

• Fee: Varies.

• Stuff to buy: Some accessories and jewelry with clothing lines including Splendid, 3J Workshop and Michael Stars T-shirts. Prices range from $50 to $800.

Salud Spa Bar

943 E. University Blvd., 396-3298, www.saludspabar.com.

• What: Salud hosts traditional spa parties, like a group of pals indulging in face masks and foot soaks, but it also throws the more unusual perfume party. Owner Kelly Podorsek says creating a special scent is a different way of celebrating a wedding or even a reunion. "I have one really special customer who came in with a group of girlfriends; they had a reunion in town," she said. "They came up with a scent. . . . They all call from all over the country to reorder their scent."

• Fee: None for smaller groups (under six) that come during regular business hours. For parties of eight or more, the charge starts at $250.

• Stuff to buy: Along with spa services, slippers and Scanty jammies, custom scents can be created for body mists ($14), lotions ($16), scrubs ($22) and eau de parfum ($36).

Stems – A Shoe Boutique

4340 N. Campbell Ave., in St. Philip's Plaza, 615-1404, stemsashoeboutique.com.

• What: Stems' shoe parties are a 12-step program waiting to happen. Line up at least six guests, and set up an after-hours party in which guests receive 10 percent off their purchases. The deal's even better for the hostess: She receives 10 percent of the night's sales toward her own shoe buys.

• Fee: None.

• Stuff to buy: Brands include Kitson, Jessica Bennett, Stuart Weitzman and Me Too. You'll also find accessories and bags.

The celebrity treatment