We've got the perfect way to cope with the sub-Arctic temps: Distract yourself with these upcoming events showcasing spring and summer clothing. If you want to take home a super-summery outfit, break out your flip flops and crank up the thermostat in your apartment, we won't judge. Hey, you might even catch us doing the same, margarita in hand...

Tonight:
>>Pop in the four Akira shops along North Avenue (marked by red awnings and racy dancers working it in the windows) during the Red District Grand Opening Party, a belated celebration for the November opening of Akira's new men's boutique.

>>Sip cocktails and watch a fashion show to celebrate the launch of Studio-808.com, an online boutique featuring Chicago designers such as Art Institute grad Melissa Serpico Kamhout's dramatic jackets and pants. RSVP required.

 
Friday:
>>Habit, a Wicker Park haven for emerging designers, hosts a one-day Leap Day Sale.

>>The avant-guarde threads at Southport shop Tula are usually on the spendy side, but prices are a little less lofty during the last day of their Winter Sale.

>>From the old-school photo booth to the mannequin in a bathtub, spunky Ukie Village vintage shop Pistol Bazaar cracks us up. Save big on tagged items until March 9 in their Totally Cosmic Leap Year Sale.
 
Saturday:
>>The "Thaw" Spring Fashion Showcase at Big City Swing in West Town features designs from local brands such as Shades of Ebony, 828 and Double Stitch.  Click here for details.

>>If you can't make Thursday's launch party, no worries -- you can shop clothing and accessories from Studio-808.com's local designers at the Ultimate Designer Trunk Show in Lincoln Park. Click here for details.
 
Next week:
>>Shopping party Shecky's Girl's Night Out is coming up on March 12 and 13. Sample beauty products, sip on cocktails and browse clothing and accessory vendors that set up camp in the main hall of Union Station.

The spot: If you’ve ever driven the slowly developing stretch of Ashland Avenue between Chicago and Division Avenues, you’ve whizzed right past one of the best Chinese BYOBs in town—and you might not even have noticed it. A simple storefront marked only by a bright yellow sign, Mon Lung quietly has been serving Chinese food here since 1987. Owner Justine Yuen’s parents opened the restaurant in its original location on Milwaukee Avenue in 1982; they’ve since passed the business on to their daughter, who gradually has modernized the operation. Renovations three years ago included sprucing up the casual downstairs space, which houses a handful of glossy-topped booths and tables that fill up with neighborhood folks, families and a smattering of cops on break from their beats. Yuen hopes to turn the more loungey upstairs private party room into a bar after she obtains a liquor license in late 2008. You’ll find Cantonese and Mandarin standards on the menu, including chop suey, chow mein, fried rice and lo mein. Standouts include homemade egg rolls ($1.40 each) and extra-spicy Mongolian beef prepared with yellow onions, scallions and chili peppers ($8.75).

The bottle: If it’s convenience you’re after, dash down the street and around the corner to Rothschild Liquor Mart (1532 W. Chicago Ave. 312-421-1562), which stocks a range of budget buys. A light, crisp white wine such as Cavit pinot grigio ($7.99) would work well with any of Mon Lung’s seafood and chicken dishes. If you’re planning to order a heavier dish, like the Mongolian beef or the stick-to-your-ribs pot stickers ($5.85 for six), try a bottle of Mezzacorona cabernet sauvignon ($10.29). Mon Lung does not charge a corkage fee.

--Emily Hiser Lobdell is a Metromix special contributor.  metromix@tribune.com