By Joy Kraft
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Melanie Balasa, 17, a senior at Oak Hills High School, is headed for the School of Design, Architecture, Art and Planning at the University of Cincinnati in the fall, but she's not waiting to get her career started.

She's staging a fashion show of her work 7:30 p.m. Wednesday in the Oak Hills auditorium, where she'll showcase more than 100 creations whipped up for friends, relatives and other students in her design studio, converted from a spare bedroom in her home.

Much of Melanie's interest in fashion as a future came from her work with Teen magazine in the past year, sending on items for the magazine's "Trendspotters" section.

"I started e-mailing fashion suggestions as well as reporting what was in style here in Cincinnati. And they asked for samples of my work," she says.

The show is free. Information: 910-8232.

Larkspur trunk show: Larkspur Collection shoes, including classic flats in hand-stitched wool needlepoint and leather edges, plus sandals, will be part of a trunk show Wednesday through Sunday at Belle Maison, 3520 Erie Ave., Hyde Park. Hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Wednesday and Friday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Thursday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and noon-5 p.m. Sunday. Information: 871-1109.

Bridal shows: Two bridal-related events are scheduled this week:

• Bridal fashions and lingerie will be shown at the Girls Night Out Bridal and Lingerie Show 5 p.m.-midnight Friday at Celebrations West, 2323 Ferguson Road, Westwood. $8. Information: 922-4666.

• The Holiday Inn I-275 North Bridal Showcase will feature Opportunities Unlimited Bridal Salon fashions, wedding professionals and hors d'oeuvres 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday at Holiday Inn I-275, free. Information: 563-8330.

4th Street Boutique: The 4th Street Boutique, selling gently worn women's clothes to benefit Dress for Success - a program that outfits low-income women who are searching for jobs - will be 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, with modeling, prizes and special programs. 135 W. Fourth St., downtown. Information: 651-3372.

Shop for Shriners: Shriners and friends can go Easter shopping at SteinMart at Rookwood Pavilion in Norwood 6-9 p.m. Sunday, with ticket sale money going to the Syrian Shrine Temple in Cincinnati. The Shriners have loaned SteinMart some of their parade costumes, which will be displayed in the stores, and the giant fez will be in the parking lot. There will also be drawings, casual modeling and discounts on merchandise. Tickets ($5) and information: 751-3800.

Contact Joy Kraft by phone: 768-8467; fax: 768-8330; e-mail: jkraft@enquirer.com.