OBSESSION CONTINUED... SHARPIE ME!

If you have not read some of my previous posts, you may not be familiar with my obsession with personalization. If I can buy this, that or the other thing with an initial, a monogram or date on it... I will! I blame this obsession of mine on growing up with a unique name that never seem to appear on the personalized pencil rack or personalized ruled stand at the card store when I was in middle school. If I had a more common name like Jane or Kim, maybe I would be less compelled to purchase every item I see with the option to print my name, initial or monogram on it... you should have seen my wedding!

To add to my collection of necklaces, bracelets, picture frames, napkins, towel hooks, duvet covers, photo albums, totes, handbags, stationary, mugs, pint glasses, framed art, throw pillows, coasters, toiletry and cosmetic bags, t-shirts... I mean really???? Now there is the PERSONALIZED SHARPIE!!!! I am not sure about you, but I carry a Sharpie with me mostly everywhere I go. I am not sure why exactly, but it comes in handy at the most unusual times. Maybe I have a certain Terrell Owens thing going on, but I carry a Sharpie. So behold the personalized Sharpie! Pick a color- pick a font- pick an icon if you so desire- and then pick your message! Put your name, your initials... or "THIS SHARPIE BELONGS TO...". The going price is $11.99 for 6 personalized Sharpies. You can order more if you would like and there are 8 color options. Come on now... what other kind of marker do you use and why not make it your own? It is back to school season and all!

Betsey Johnson is currently sponsoring a Sharpie booth under the tents at 2010 Fashion Week here in NYC this week as well! You get a cute tote and t-shirt to Sharpie all over with your own designs and maybe ever bump shoulders with Betsey herself! Not for nothing... there is also a retractable Sharpie on the market... who would have thought?

So who wants my John Hancock? or my TO?

IT'S OK TO TAKE A NIGHT OUT!

Ok, so I have been M.I.A. for most of the summer, but honestly I have been searching for something... anything worthy of noting and there has been little that has impressed me in the past few weeks. So, here we are... BACK TO SCHOOL and the FALL 2009 season is upon us. Additionally, if you have not heard... Spring 2010 Fashion Week begins this week as well. With the arrival of SP2010 something BIG is upon us. HUGE one might say!

Ladies and Lads... this Thursday night is the first ever FASHION NIGHT OUT 2009!!!!! Let me explain what it is and then what it means for all of you in and out of the great city of New York. This is actually a global celebration of monumental proportions! More directly it is a "global initiative to promote retail, restore consumer confidence, and celebrate fashion, U.S. and international editions of Vogue are coordinating evening extravaganzas in their respective world fashion capitals" as described by the dedicated website itself. In my world, who really needs another excuse to go shopping??? But this is really great! I have always promoted the concept of supporting the local economy since the rebuilding of lower Manhattan after September 11th, 2001. This is really the essence of support that we need right now, more than ever!

With that being said... let the shopping begin! So here in the city the shopping events are plenty and endless. We will be able to shop until 11pm at most boutiques and department stores with plenty of discounts, cocktails and specials guests! The FNO website can provide details and a handy itinerary tool to plan your evening according to your own liking.

So if you are not in the city this Thursday night, I am sorry you are going to miss this tremendous event. I would however encourage you to make plans with your favorite shopping buddy and head out to your local mall and/or boutique to support your local economy... and tell them I sent you!

What would and event like this be without a t-shirt and a good cause? There are FNO09 T-shirts available for purchase at some of the participating stores and maybe available at some of those online stores as well. Proceeds from the t-shirt sales go to National September 11 Memorial & Museum. This weekend there is also going to be a clothing drive to support the NYC AIDS Fund that will distribute the collections to over 17 different AIDS charities around NYC. There was such an overwhelming response to the volunteer request, that they don't seem to need my help. I will however be able to donate... and so can you!

So go shopping wherever you are! This is a long time passion of mine and now for so many great causes!