Onlineshoes.com Gives Fall a Makeover with $500 Merrell Giveaway

Onlineshoes.com, a leading online retailer of shoes and apparel for active living, knows that outdoor living doesn't stop when summer is over. Which is why t women's coats online hey're holding a contest to outfit one lucky winner head to toe in up to $500 worth of Merrell shoes and clothing to explore the great outdoors this fall.

From rugged hiking boots to casual weekend styles, Merrell footwear has been getting hikers, climbers, backpackers and weekend warriors back to nature for over 26 years. Combining a contemporary design with comfort and proven performance, Merrell is the perfect choice to outfit any outdoor enthusiast and inspire both the young and old to get outside, whether it's deep in the forest or out in the urban jungle.

The contest winner will get to choose from over one thousand Merrell products currently available at Onlineshoes.com, from backpacks to shorts to pullovers to trail running shoes to even casual slip-ons. They'll be able to select the styles of their choice, from customer favorites to new fall arrivals, including:

?Merrell Encore shoes feature an air cushion midsole and anatomical footbed to provide wearers a supremely comfortable fit for a weekend escape. Just slip-on and head from work to the backyard to the boulevard with ease.

?Chameleon shoes are ready to tackle a more rugged terrain on the trail or up the mountain. Vibram? outsoles, rubber toe caps, and even waterproof GORE-TEX? membranes help protect feet against whatever nature has in store and get you back home safe and sound.

?Merrell Olmec slip-ons are just as at home on the sidewalk as they are in a hillside ridge. Air cushioning absorbs shock and bumps along the way, while an antimicrobial mesh lining keeps feet smelling fresh through fall. It's the all-purpose shoe for any adventure, indoors and out.

But no matter which men's Merrell, women's Merrell or kids' Merrell styles the giveaway winner picks out, once they slip into their new gear, they know they'll be inspired to get outside and get going. Because at its heart, that's what Merrell is all about: Providing an opportunity to discover a greater sense of freedom, self-awareness and fulfillment. In other words, making the journey more important than the destination.

"Outdoor enthusiasts are already climbing over themselves to get Merrell's line of comfortable, high-performance footwear and gear for fall. We're just as excited to be able to outfit someone from head to toe in Merrell gear so they can truly embrace the Merrell philosophy of getting outside this season," says Onlineshoes.com Senior Buyer Michelle Juno.

Merrell is driven to keep pace with the evolution of the new outdoors, bringing the same attention to detail found in their boots and shoes to women's Merrell clothing, Merrell clothing for men, Merrell bags, Merrell backpacks, and even Merrell socks. When nature now calls, you can be sure you're ready for wherever it may happen to take you, thanks to Merrell gear.

About the Contest: To help get consumers ready for fall, Onlineshoes.com is offering a giveaway that allows one lucky person to win up to $500 in free Merrell gear of their choice. Anyone can enter to win by visiting the Merrell Makeover Contest (on the Onlineshoes.com Get in Gear blog. There, they will be instructed to submit a comment about which Merrell item they would want to get and include a URL link to that item on the Onlineshoes.com site. The winner will be selected at random. Entries will be accepted from August 3, 2010, through August 16, 2010. See the complete contest rules and regulations to learn more.

About Onlineshoes.com: Established in 1996, Onlineshoes.com is the nation's first online shoe retailer. With a history that began decades ago in a family-owned corner shoe store, the company is committed to delivering exceptional value and service. Onlineshoes.com offers the latest high-quality footwear for men, women and kids with more than 240,000 shoe and apparel choices from more than 200 name brands, as well as a wide selection of bags and accessories. Customers are entitled to a 110-percent price guarantee, a 365-day return policy, and free shipping and exchanges on most orders. For more information, visit http://www.onlineshoes.com.

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Connecticut Needlework: Women, Art, and Family, 1740-1840, to Open October 5th

The Connecticut Historical Society (CHS), a non-profit museum, research library, and education center whose mission is to inspire and foster an interest in history, will open the exhibit Connecticut Needlework: Women, Art, and Family, 1740-1840, on October 5th. The exhibit contains 82 rare, colorfu women's coats l, and imaginatively designed examples of early American needlework, representing 32 Connecticut towns, which reveal clues about the lives of the Connecticut girls and women who created them.

On display through March 26, 2011, Connecticut Needlework: Women, Art, and Family, 1740-1840, an original exhibition developed by the Connecticut Historical Society over the past three years, showcases lavishly detailed works of art from throughout Connecticut. Featured in the exhibit are more than 20 pieces created by women from the Punderson family of Preston. These unparalleled treasures of needlework epitomize how needlework skills passed through female family networks, just as metal-smithing and wood-working skills passed between male family networks. Other needleworks include those created by young women from the Royse and Patten schools in Hartford and the Pierce School in Litchfield.

The exhibit consists of four galleries, each with a unique theme:

•     "Decorative Needlework: Functional Items for Home and Family" contains rare and unique items such as an extraordinary 3 year-old boy's jacket covered with crewel embroidery and a fully intact bed spread that shows a colonial version of the Garden of Eden with Adam and Eve as a buckle-shoed, fashionable eighteenth-century couple.
•     "Needlework Schools and Making Samplers" displays charming samplers, ranging from simple to intricate. Each example demonstrates its maker's mastery of a level of education and accomplishment.
•     "Pictorial Needlework" consists of rarely seen, large scale pictures in vibrantly colored thread. These intricately designed needleworks combine painting and embroidery and include Biblical and Classical scenes such as the finding of Moses in the bulrushes. The pictures are a feast for the eye as well as historical evidence of the refinement and sensitivity expected of an ideal woman of the time.
•     "Needlework and Family" includes works ranging from family registers and memorials to beautifully worked coats of arms. Also contained in this gallery are the visual masterpieces created by the Punderson family that impart their exquisite history.

All of the works displayed were created between 1740 and 1840, a period that brackets the transformation from English colony to American state.

"This exhibit is not only a visual feast, but a historical feast too. Individually stunning, these works also tell about the lives and times of the privileged Connecticut girls and women who set their countless stitches into cloth." said Kate Steinway, executive director, Connecticut Historical Society. "Early American needlework continues to be an inspiration to contemporary artists, such as Kiki Smith, who drew inspiration from Prudence Punderson's silk needlework, The First, Second and Last Scene of Mortality, for her recent installation, Sojourn, at The Brooklyn Museum. We are excited for the exhibit to open and for people to learn about the role of early American needlework in Connecticut's history."

Connecticut Needlework: Women, Art, and Family, 1740-1840, is supported by generous grants for publication and exhibition from the Coby Foundation, Ltd. and the National Endowment for the Arts. Its premier gallery sponsors are Nathan Liverant and Son of Colchester, Connecticut, and Jan Whitlock Textiles of West Chester, Pennsylvania. The contributing exhibition sponsor is Northeast Auctions of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, and exhibition sponsors are, Frederick Copeland of Avon, Connecticut, M. Finkel and Daughter of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Titi Haller, Cora Ginsburg, LLC of New York, New York, Carol and Stephen Huber of Old Saybrook, Connecticut, and Nadeau's Auction Gallery, Inc. of Windsor, Connecticut.

In addition to the exhibit, a fully-illustrated book written by Susan P. Schoelwer, curator, George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens and former director of collections at the Connecticut Historical Society, and published by Wesleyan University Press is also available. The book was drawn from the Connecticut Historical Society's extraordinary textile collection and will be on sale at the Connecticut Historical Society, 1 Elizabeth Street, Hartford, Conn., beginning October 15th. A variety of products related to needlework can be purchased in the museum's store and online at http://www.chs.org.

About Connecticut Historical Society:
Established in 1825, Connecticut Historical Society (CHS) is a non-profit museum, library, and education center. It is one of the oldest historical societies in the nation and houses one of the most distinguished collections in New England. CHS is home to one of the most comprehensive research libraries in the State, helping people to discover their own family stories, towns and relationships to the greater community. CHS is also one of the State's largest providers of museum education programs for school, youth and community groups and offers hands-on, interactive learning experiences for both students and their families. In addition to its own collection, CHS showcases a variety of exhibits, guest speakers and programs throughout the year. To learn more, visit http://www.chs.org or call 860.236.5621.

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Topshop Announces Christmas Collections with a Behind the Scenes Video

Topshop has revealed its new collections for Christmas 2010; Snow Queen, New Puritan, Demi Couture and Abigail's Party, all available online and in store. The clothing retailer has also released a behind the scenes video highlighting the individual style of each collection.

Snow Queen is inspired by the textures of the natural world and drifts through the snow-covered landscape in billowing chiffon, toughened up with feathers and fur. Sheer mesh tops and dresses are scattered with crystals, whilst fine silver lace knits are reminiscent of suits of armour. Studs and spikes are replaced with chains and chainmail, whilst fur, feather and fluffy marabou trims decorate tops and dresses. Dresses are long and frothy, or cut short at the front with a dramatic train at the back. The Snow Queen girl makes a dramatic statement in a look straight out of the pages of a fairytale.

Evoking the new minimalism that is taking hold of wardrobes, the New Puritan collection draws inspiration from a medieval, puritanical era. The spray-on body con, studs and spikes of previous trends are replaced, with a focus on a new clean, straight-cut silhouette and a mood of softened austerity. Razor sharp tailoring is key and includes tuxedo suits, waistcoats and lean cigarette pants. Capes are also important, and have an almost Vatican-inspired appeal. Alongside tailoring, evening shifts and tunics also feature in leather and velvet. The New Puritan girl makes a statement of simplicity.

The third collection in Topshop's Christmas offering, Demi Couture offers up mini dresses in candy colours, inspired by '60s party dressing. Baby doll dresses are worn with fur or marabou tippets, whilst shell tops are teamed with matching flared trousers and pussy bow blouses come in jewel colours. The silhouette is neat and tidy, often with a flick hem, but the fabrics are richly textured, and include boucles, tweeds, heavy guipure lace, appliqué and Lesage embroidery techniques. Jewels and embellishments add further interest. Colours include butterscotch, peppermint and nectarine.

Abigail's Party features evening dressing taking inspiration from the 1970s, bringing freshness to the maxi dress trend. Floor-sweeping gowns come in bold graphic prints, slit to the thigh, with billowing cape sleeves and deep plunging necklines for maximum impact. Pleated chiffon adds whimsy to jumpsuits and dresses, whilst the new wide-leg palazzo trouser shape of the summer is given new life in luxe fabrics like crepe jersey or silk chiffon. Everyday pieces are worked through this trend for wearability, including camel separates, denim and corduroy. Fur adds texture and is coloured, tipped, patched and in unusual colour combinations. Waists are high and lengths are long, accessorised with flashes of gold and the highest of platform sandals.

About Topshop:
Topshop was established in 1964 and is part of Arcadia Group Ltd. Sir Philip Green became owner of Arcadia Group Ltd in 2002.

Topshop is continually recognised as being an authority on women's fashion on clothing such as jeans, dresses (http://www.topshop.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CatalogNavigationSearchResultCmd?storeId=12556&categoryId=209717&top=Y&catalogId=33057&langId=-1&parent_categoryId=208523&beginIndex=1&pageSize=20&sort_field=Relevance), scarves, knitwear (http://www.topshop.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CatalogNavigationSearchResultCmd?catalogId=33057&storeId=12556&langId=-1&viewAllFlag=false&sort_field=Relevance&categoryId=208525&parent_categoryId=203984&beginIndex=1&pageSize=20) and shoes.

Topshop has won several awards for design reputation and new services, and has a wide range of clothing from women's jeans and jackets (http://www.topshop.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CatalogNavigationSearchResultCmd?storeId=12556&categoryId=209744&top=Y&catalogId=33057&langId=-1&parent_cat women's coats egoryId=208526&beginIndex=1&pageSize=20&sort_field=Relevance) to maternity wear, make-up (http://www.topshop.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CatalogNavigationSearchResultCmd?storeId=12556&categoryId=208495&interstitial=true&top=Y&langId=-1&catalogId=33057&beginIndex=1&pageSize=20&sort_field=Relevance) and gifts (http://www.topshop.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CatalogNavigationSearchResultCmd?catalogId=33057&storeId=12556&langId=-1&viewAllFlag=false&sort_field=Relevance&categoryId=223056&beginIndex=1&pageSize=20&interstitial=true).

Topshop was the first fashion retailer to show on schedule at London Fashion Week in September 2005 when it presented its own acclaimed in-house design collection Unique (created in 2001). Subsequent partnerships with international boutiques as far flung as Tokyo and LA followed and Topshop continues to grow its reputation for supporting exciting new talent.

PR Contact:
Liz Shuttleworth
Press Officer
Press Office
Arcadia Group Ltd
70 Berners Street
London
W1T 3NL
020 7927 1484
http://www.topshop.com

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"Comics Stripped" Opens January 13 at the Museum of Sex

During the Great Depression, before Joe Shuster's illustration of Superman gave comics a mainstream voice in 1938, many other cartoonists dabbled in the creation of "dirty drawings." This risqué artwork featured busty women, fetishes, bondage, homosexuality and other explicit sexual encounters. Beginning January 13, the Museum of Sex will flip through the pages of erotic history to reveal how the comic book medium has been used over time to depict sexual fantasy, poke fun at taboo topics and lampoon icons of popular culture. The exhibit, aptly named Comics Stripped, will feature drawings from the Great Depression to the present, all which remind us of the fun, frivolity and impact of sexual expression and innuendo on our lives.

Comics Stripped, an illustrated exploration of the dirty drawing, will feature more than 150 artifacts, including original drawings, illustrated books, comic books, magazines and videos. The exhibit addresses the adult nature of comics and cartoons, a concept now widely popularized in television series like The Simpsons and Family Guy on FOX and Ugly Americans shown on Comedy Central. The exhibit is tantalizing, racy and is sure to stoke more than a few libidos.

Tom of Finland, a prominent artist in gay comic culture, once said, "If I don't have an erection when I'm doing a drawing, I know it's no good." It's a metric used by many erotic cartoonists, whose fantasies are found splayed across the printed page for their reader's enjoyment. Comics used as a medium for sexual gratification isn't a new concept. Among the most historic artifacts on display in Comics Stripped are Tijuana Bibles, which marked the rudimentary beginning of the sexually oriented comic in the 1930s. This collection of 15 original pulp comic books, once used as instruction booklets for fornication or fun, feature the comic strip characters Blondie, Dick Tracy, Olive Oyl, Wimpy and many more in suggestive scenarios. Wesley Morse (1897-1963), the creator of the Bazooka Joe and Gang comic wrapped around Topps' bubble gum was one of the most well-known cartoonists to create Tijuana Bibles.

The wholesome image of Disney has often been a prime target fashion coats online for sexualized illustration. The Tijuana Bibles entitled Donald Duck Has A Universal Desire and Snow White and the Seven Dwarves are among the Disney-based artifacts on display. Perhaps the most well-known sexual artifact which depicts Disney characters in precarious positions, The Disneyland Memorial Orgy, which was drawn by Wally Wood, a master cartoonist who drew for MAD Magazine and EC comics, will be prominently featured.

Disney wasn't the only company to have their characters lampooned in sexual situations. Joe Shuster's Nights of Horror depicts doppelgangers of Superman and Lois Lane in fetish scenarios. Eric Stanton's Blunder Broad mimicked Wonder Woman. The inept super-heroine often failed at capturing her nemesis and ended up enduring rape and torture as a result. Five original issues of issues of Nights of Horror will be on display during the exhibition as well as six original illustrations of Blunder Broad.

The sexual depiction of characters seemingly intended for children did not sit well during the period of McCarthyism. Comics Stripped explores the McCarthy era of comic censorship, the creation of the Comics Code Authority in 1954 and the impact these events had on illustrated erotic expression. The exhibit takes an inside look at underground publications that utilized comics to satisfy people's need for titillation. The artists Robert Dennis Crumb (1943- ), best known by the moniker R. Crumb for his characters Fritz the Cat, Mr. Natural and Devil Girl, is considered to be one of the greatest cartoonists of all time. His participation in the underground sex comic movement (comix) inspired many others to join. Comics Stripped will display R. Crumb originals that sparked the growth of the comix movement. The exhibit showcases risqué contraband of the time including Ballyhoo, Whiz Bang and an original illustration of Betty Boop. These and other pieces of sensual contraband gave rise to a new form of entertainment, the men's magazine.

Cartoons and comics were and still are a staple of Playboy editorial. Visitors to Comics Stripped will enjoy original art, on loan from the Playboy Enterprises, Inc., of iconic Playboy artists Jack Cole (1914-1958) and Eldon Dedini (1921-2006). Cole may be best known for creating the superhero Plastic Man. His cartoons for Playboy became the gold standard for creating cartoons published in the popular men's magazine. Dedini's iconic watercolor depictions of horny satyrs chasing voluptuous nymphs were an iconic Playboy feature. The original Little Annie Fanny by Harvey Kurtzman will be shown steps away from the most current cartoon fem fatale to grace the cover of Playboy, Marge Simpson.

Comics Stripped will reveal every segment of the sex comic and its modern evolution. Original gay comics from Tom of Finland, fetish drawings from Eric Stanton and John Willie as well as and international sex comics from France, Brazil and Japan will be shown. Contemporary favorites such as Dean Yeagle, Jessica Fink and Colleen Coover will all have original work on display.

"Sex comics straddle borders and realms of possibility. Some of the most eye-popping animated sex comes from the Japanese. The French are masters of coitus. Europeans illustrate positions that I couldn't get into without becoming a yoga master. Americans? Well, plastic surgeons can't even come close to accomplishing what we can with a pencil," quips Craig Yoe, well-known entertainment executive and curator of Comics Stripped.

Craig Yoe is responsible for the creative development of classic toys like Cabbage Patch Kids and My Little Pony. He was personally recruited by Jim Henson to be Creative Director, and later VP/General Manager, of the Muppets. Yoe's experience spans the gamut, from comics to toys to television and even theme parks. After Henson's death, Yoe started YOE! Studio! with his business partner Clizia Gussoni, which has created dozens of books on the history of comics and won the comics industry's highest honor, the Eisner.
The exhibit is co-curated by Sarah Forbes of the Museum of Sex.

"Many artists of 'dirty drawings' had full-time gigs in mainstream entertainment," says Yoe. "I consider myself to be following in a fine tradition of men who knew what they wanted and how to put it on paper."

About The Museum of Sex

The Mission of the Museum of Sex is to preserve and present the history, evolution and cultural significance of human sexuality. In its exhibitions, programs and publications, the Museum of Sex is committed to opening discourse and exchange and to bringing to the public the best in current scholarship. The Museum's permanent collection of over 15,000 artifacts is comprised of works of art, photography, clothing and costumes, technological inventions and historical ephemera. Additionally, the museum houses both a research library as well as an extensive multimedia library, which includes 8mm, Super 8mm, 16mm, BETA, VHS and DVDs. From fine art to historical ephemera to film, the Museum of Sex preserves an ever-growing collection of sexually related objects that would otherwise be destroyed and discarded due to their sexual content. In a city that never sleeps, the Museum of Sex is constantly evolving and has no plans to slow down. http://www.museumofsex.com

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Wine, Women and Some Well-Chosen Words: Fictionista ChickLit Book Tour Makes for a Great Girls' Night Out

Anytime two or more women get together, the talk invariably turns to gossip, guys and the latest fashions. Well, author Josie Brown has more than a few choice words to say on those subjects, if the reviews of her new book True Hollywood Lies [Avon, 9/27/05] are any indication.

And she'll be saying them at a Hard Rock Cafe or some other trendy club near you.

A literary ladies' night out? It's a natural, insists Brown.

"This sort of book tour combines all the elements appreciated by the Carrie Bradshaws of the world: a hot place to hang with their gal pals, a great glass of wine, and listening to four authors who write about the things they love: men--and fashion, of course."

Even the tour's name is a play on the word "fashionista," a term meant to describe a woman obsessed with the changing trends of the fashion industry.

And Brown certainly doesn't shy away from the word "chick lit," a term used to describe books for and about single women juggling out-of-control love lives on fashionable three-inch stiletto heels, that usually end up with the heroine having her Zone-approved cake and eating it, too.

"Helen Fielding's Bridget Jones's Diary may have updated the genre, but Jane Austin was the original chick lit author, and I'm honored to continue the tradition. Only now the plots are more 'nonsense and insensibility'--in a word, clueless, but in a lighthearted way."

Brown first approached Hard Rock with the concept. Having had success with similar events featuring various musician-authors, the international nightclub chain knew that the marriage between bars and books was a winner.

Avon Books, Brown's publisher, felt the same way. For the California leg of Brown's Fictionista Chicklit Book Tour, at Brown's suggestion, Avon also pulled together three other chicklit authors whose stories will resonate with West Coast women, and coordinated with local booksellers, who will be selling the authors' books at these Hard Rock Cafes, on these dates:

San Diego, Tuesday, September 27, 6pm: Hard Rock, 801 4 Ave., 92101, where Brown will be touring with Kim Wong Keltner (Buddah Baby), Sonia Singh (Bollywood Confidential) and Mary Castillo (Hot Tamara).

Los Angeles , Wed September 28, 6pm: Hard Rock, 8600 Beverly Blvd., 90048, where Brown will be touring with Kim Wong Keltner (Buddah Baby), Sonia Singh (Bollywood Confidential) and Mary Castillo (Hot Tamara).

Los Angeles, Thu September 29, 6pm: Hollywood Hard Rock, 1000 Universal Studios Blvd. #99, 91608, where Brown will be t Tips: Find Street Fashion Online(may be you can find what you want on the oasap.com) ouring with Kim Wong Keltner (Buddah Baby) and Sonia Singh (Bollywood Confidential).

Las Vegas, Tue October 4, 6pm: Hard Rock, 4475 Paradise Rd., 89109, where Brown will be touring with Kim Wong Keltner (Buddah Baby) and Sonia Singh (Bollywood Confidential).

San Francisco, Thu October 6, 6pm: Hard Rock, Pier 39, Bldg Q-1, Beach Street & The Embarcadero, 94133, where Brown will be touring with Kim Wong Keltner (Buddah Baby) and Sonia Singh (Bollywood Confidential).

After the California tour, Brown will be heading to other cities with 2-3 authors from a variety of publishing houses--truly an anomaly in the pubishing industry. She will show up at:

Washington DC Hard Rock Cafe (Mon 10/10/05) with Jennifer O'Connell (Off the Record), Kayla Perrin (Gimme An O!) and Stephanie Lessing (She's Got Issues);

Baltimore Hard Rock Cafe (Tue 10/11/05) with Kayla Perrin (Gimme An O!) and Stephanie Lessing (She's Got Issues);

Philadelphia Hard Rock Cafe (Wed 10/12/05) with Kayla Perrin (Gimme An O!) and Stephanie Lessing (She's Got Issues);

New York (Fri 10/14/05) at Sugarcane 245 Park Avenue South (@ 20th), with Jennifer O'Connell (Off the Record), Kayla Perrin (Gimme An O!) and Stephanie Lessing (She's Got Issues);

Chicago (Mon 10/24/05) at the Encore Liquid Lounge, 171 W. Randolph Street), wtih Jennifer O'Connell (Off the Record), Laura Caldwell (The Night I Got Lucky) and Stacey Bollis (Sleeping Over);

Memphis (Tue 10/25/05) at the Hard Rock Cafe, 315 Beale Street, wtih Jennifer O'Connell (Off the Record), and Johanna Edwards (The Next Big Thing);

Atlanta (Thurs 10/27/05) at the Aiko Lounge (128 East Andrews Drive), with Jennifer O'Connell (Off the Record), Berta Platas (Friday Night Chicas), and Wendy Wax (Hostile Makeover).

During the four-city Texas leg of Brown's Fictionista Chicklit Book Tour, Josie will be joined by Julie Kenner, (Carpe Demon and The Givenchy Code) and Shane Bolks (The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly Men I've Dated). Here are those dates and locations:

Houston Mon 11/7/05, 6pm: Hard Rock Cafe, 502 Texas Avenue 77002.

San Antonio Tue 11/8/05, 6pm: Hard Rock Cafe, 111 W. Crockett Street, 78205

Austin Wed 11/9/05, 6pm: Hard Rock Cafe, 222 East 6th Street, 78701

Dallas Thu 11/10/05, 6pm: Hard Rock Cafe, 2601 McKinney Avenue, 75204

Does Brown envision her Fictionista Chicklit Book Tour turning into an annual event, sort of a literary Lilith Fair?

She laughs heartily at that question. "To paraphrase Paris Hilton, that would be hot! Seriously though, I can't think of anything more fun that a room full of readers enjoying an author's reading of a good book, along with a great glass of wine, and the opportunity to flirt. It's the most fun you can have with your clothes on."

Fictionista ChickLit Tour is a TM of Josie Brown.

About the Author:

Josie Brown is the author of True Hollywood Lies [Harper/Avon Trade]. Her most recent book Last Night I Dreamt of Cosmopolitans [non-fiction humor, Griffin/St. Martin's Press] was released in May 2005. Josie is a feature writer whose relationship articles and celebrity interviews have appeared in numerous publications.

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Original Horror T-Shirts Now Available at Headstone City

Horror T-Shirts at Headstone City stands for the unique - inspired by all things horror, the avant-garde and the things that go bump in the night. In a world flooded with typical, run-of-the-mill horror and skull t-shirts, Headstone City creates one-of-a-kind designs. Other clothing lines consist of the same kind of horror t-shirt - a bitmapped movie poster thrown onto a shirt. Sure those shirts can be cool, but not if the desire is for something original. Headstone City prints clean, creative and simple designed horror t-shirts.

The majority of shirts around are unoriginal and predictable. Those designers go overboard. The shirts have far too much going on and are just too busy. Headstone City believes and abides by the old saying less is more. Simplistic designs can be found at Headstone Tips: Find Street Fashion Online(may be you can find what you want on the oasap.com) City. Headstone City creates these rare designs for horror fans and for lovers of the unusual who are searching for the perfect shirt. Headstone City carries all kinds of horror t-shirts. Some examples would be skull t-shirts, punk t-shirts, Halloween t-shirts and even science fiction t-shirts.

All Headstone City horror t-shirts come in various sizes and can be worn by both males and females. However, Headstone City does print specific designs on Classic Girl American Apparel shirts just for females. Headstone City currently carries three designs specifically for women. The designs were such a big hit with customers that even men were asking for the women's designs to be printed on men's shirts.

Headstone City's t-shirts appeal to the devoted horror fan, the passive horror fan, and everyone in between. These horror t-shirts can be found at http://www.headstonecity.com/tshirts.html.

Also be sure to check out Headstone City's horror blog. Dr. Death-Threads' horror blog is full of horror stories, movie reviews, top 10 lists and more!

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NAPW Naples Local Chapter Invited Members to Receive Free Professional Headshots and Business Style Advice at Launch this October

The NAPW Naples Chapter held their official launch incorporating "Presenting a Professional Profile" that proved to be a smashing success. This event definitely delivered all the bells and whistles and received incredible rave reviews. Higher caliber activities, presentations and networking unfolded throughout the evening.

The meeting was held at PURE Urban Oasis, which is in the prestigious restaurant at the Strada Place in Mercado. Cindie Barker, General Manager, provided an unrivaled complimentary champagne reception with a fabulous menu prepared by Chef Oran Townsend and her staff. The upscale menu for the evening included their famous "Summer Salad" featuring baby arugula, sliced apple, bleu cheese crumbles, topped with candied pecans and tossed with an apple dressing. There was also an arrangement of heavy appetizers and hors d'oeurves such as PURE's signature beef and tuna rice toppers, Thai chicken skewers with peanut sauce, Ciabatta bruschetta, and mini beef wellington. Dessert proved to be a sweet ending with assorted sweet treats such as mini cheesecake and double chocolate cake. Cindie Barker, Chef Oran Townsend, and her staff truly exceeded expectations to ensure that the NAPW Naples Chapter would never forget this event.

The NAPW Naples Chapter is rapidly growing and gaining momentum. The chapter will meet once a month for members and non-members/guests by alternating each month between lunch and dinner to best accommodate a wide spectrum of schedules within the group. Each monthly meeting will include a designated guest speaker to bring insight and wisdom to those who attend, to enhance the well being and understanding of the complexities of being a woman today, or to promote charitable causes. The NAPW Naples Chapter aims to balance relationships on a whole new level, both personally and professionally. The chapter intends to raise the quality and synergy of professional networking and there are many amazing upcoming events yet to unfold for this gifted group of women.

The NAPW Naples Chapter will never forget the incredible talent and gifts that were donated for the success of the launch. Each contributor brought an amazing element to the event and added quality and value that transcended the promise of what the night held. The evening began with the locally renowned DJ Gil Blake with GST Pro DJ Production, LLC that set the evening's ambiance with an incredible array of eclectic musical entertainment. Gil continued to keep it flowing with excitement throughout the entire event. The music he provided, along with his charisma and interactive personality, made it a magical, timeless event that everyone will remember. As the members and guests arrived, they were warmly greeted by NAPW member Michelle Borders of Naples Network Services dba MyEnviro.com and Angelica Torres, guest of Kena Yoke who supports both her companies (Dax Enterprises and Island Piling, Inc.), and who organized and welcomed everyone with handwritten name tags and a raffle ticket to win exciting door prizes. Many of the women came dressed for the occasion in business attire. Some even brought a few outfits to find the right style for their professional profile photo shoot.

At the onset of the meeting, everyone was directed to the champagne reception area to prepare to meet the other contributors that made the theme "Putting on Your Professional Profile" come to life. While the champagne flowed throughout the evening, Heather Clegg of Gryphon Jewelry Designs and representative of Barbara King Styling set up a table with an exquisite arrangement of jewelry. She assisted all of the women getting ready for their photos and told them what to wear or borrow for the photo shoot. Her jewelry was gorgeous and her expertise as an image stylist helped the women understand what the trend is for the today's business woman.
John Spencer and You is a highly skilled and professional makeup and hairstylist team that provided superior service to all the photo participants. John Spencer's team includes his wife, Dawn Spencer and Christine Diaz who generously gave a crash course on professional tips for each woman's unique features and color schemes. John Spencer and You made everyone look fabulous as the women learned valuable tips to enhance their current makeup techniques.

All of the women looked stunning and resembled models getting ready for their professional profile fashion shoot. Another contributor that completed the "Putting on Your Professional Profile" package for the NAPW Naples Chapter was New Ground Photography. Alex Zankevich and Greg Zasinets were the selected photographers that served the purpose of putting it all together. New Ground Photography is a small creative photography studio doing big things in the Miami /Naples area and all around the world. New Ground Photography offers an array of photography services specializing in weddings and commercial photography. In the beginning, NAPW Naples Chapter chose Alex and Greg at New Ground Photography for the launch due to the high exceptional magazine quality that they produce and the testimonials related to their work. The NAPW Naples Chapter were fortunate to discover Alex and Greg's interactive personality engaged- the women participating to have fun as they created comfort and adventure for some of the more inhibited women in the group. Alex and Greg brought a box of props for the photo shoot that were used to create amusing entertaining shots at the end of the launch. New Ground Photography committed and demonstrated their generosity in their busy schedule to cater to launching the NAPW Naples Chapter's success.

In fact, it was announced that New Ground Photography will be having a private party at their studio for the NAPW Naples Chapter to select a photo of their choice from the launch. The date is to be announced. New Ground Photography is giving the participants a photo to be used for their personal profile on the NAPW national website as well as using the photo for all their marketing requirements. It is truly an amazing opportunity to have all of these sponsors assist NAPW Naples Chapter memorialize this major event as this is just the beginning. Once everyone got a chance to participate in the photo shoot, everyone was able to enjoy all the delicious food described earlier that Chef Oran Townsend prepared.

The NAPW Naples Chapter President, Margaret Jacobs of Florida Home Realty, Kena Yoke Vice-President of Dax Enterprises, Jaci Sanabria Secretary of GST Pro DJ Production, LLC., and Brenda Haschak Treasurer of Brenda Haschak Interiors were introduced. Margaret Jacobs discussed benefits of NAPW on a national level. Margaret Jacobs spoke of NAPW's new national spokeswoman, Star Jones. Margaret Jacobs and Jaci Sanabria had an opportunity to meet with Star Jones and will be seen nationally on television with her. Margaret Jacobs also mentioned that one of our members, Angel King was not with the group during the launch since she already committed herself to train for a triathlon event. Margaret brought up how the Naples Chapter should support her in her aspirations and goals. The NAPW provided black sleek looking journals with their logo to be distributed to the members as a gift which was passed out.

Vice President, Kena Yoke focused primarily on the NAPW Naples Chapter local level as she is the brains, mover, and shaker of orchestrating this marvelous celebration and other future projects to come. Kena Yoke emphasized how important the NAPW Naples Chapter vision is to provide an atmosphere of building and supporting while creating awareness in the community. The NAPW Naples Chapter will support charitable organizations in Collier county to promote many diverse purposes including, but not exclusive to education, economic hardships, and disadvantaged groups. Kena Yoke encouraged the chapter to support these types of underfunded organizations to allow them to grow and sustain in the community. She also communicated that NAPW Naples Chapter will be an integral part of accomplishing these goals that are instrumental in improving the surrounding communities and their livelihood.

Next, Kena Yoke introduced guest speaker, Heather Clegg of Gryphon Jewelry Designs and representing Barbara King Styling. Heather graciously gave her presentation on tips and information for today's business style for woman. She handed out a Fashionista Quiz and supplied a wealth of knowledge to the audience regarding their professional business image. She affirmed that appropriate business attire is determined by each woman's individual profession. For instance, an attorney would definitely wear something more conservative versus a woman who is involved in the jewelry design industry or a life coach. Other tips included the infamous question of whether it was acceptable to wear white shoes after Labor Day. Heather Clegg explained that although white pants were still suitable, white shoes were definitely not. Shoe clips, scarves, and accessories of mixing various metals are also in style this season along with neutrals, blacks, and navy. Heather Clegg also highlighted that red was the power color to wear while NAPW Naples Chapter member, Loyette Houck was already in style wearing her beautiful red dress. Heather Clegg gave a fantastic presentation and took more questions before directing the group to Barbara King Styling for more tips to assist women with their business style.

The next segment of the meeting focused on new members. The NAPW Naples Chapter board introduced themselves while discussing their businesses, why they joined NAPW, and what is appreciated most about being a member. Kena Yoke began by telling everyone that she serves as the Vice President of the NAPW Naples Chapter, runs two business, Dax Enterprises and Island Piling, Inc., and that she is involved with other groups in the community. She refreshingly acknowledges that she can give to the NAPW Naples Chapter since it allows her to give back to various charities of her choice as a philanthropic measure. She also approves of NAPW's higher caliber and is passionate bringing it to the local level. Margaret Jacobs, President of NAPW Naples Chapter, is a realtor with Florida Home Realty and is planning on opening her own appraisal company. She connected with the quality of what NAPW offers as well as embracing new friendships locally and nationally. Jaci Sanabria, is Vice President and Owner of GST Pro DJ Production, LLC. Her husband is DJ Blake who provided music for this special occasion. Jaci joined NAPW for networking opportunities and serves as the Secretary of NAPW Naples Chapter. Brenda Haschak owns Brenda Haschak Interiors and is NAPW Naples Chapter Treasurer. She decided to associate herself with the NAPW to create "endless opportunities" to network with other women before the chapter even launched.

More NAPW members came to the launch including Michelle Borders. She is the owner of Naples Network Services dba MyEnviro.com and recently won the Economic Council Development of Collier County for the company's invention of an affordable easy to use Internet based monitor for environmental conditions in one's home. Jocelyn Landis is a Certified Legal Nurse Consultant and owner of Elite Legal Nurse Consulting, LLC. Barbara Hoff is the Founder/President at Yes Lord World.com. She is also a poet and author and has written 2,200 poems in 9 years. Marianne Oehser is a Principal at Between Two Hearts, which specializes in relationship building and counseling. Marianne did distribute a questionnaire to help further her research of "Surviving the Holidays" for a presentation she will be giving in the next NAPW Naples Chapter meeting on November 17, 2011 at PURE during lunch from 11:30am to 1pm. Tricia Borges is the Vice President of First Class Plumbing of Florida Inc. Her company's primary products and services include plumbing and gas services. Camden Smith is the owner of DREAMFly Marketing LLC. Camden's full service firm is one of a kind in Southwest Florida offering the traditional marketing services including branding, graphic design, advertising, and marketing planning in addition to website design, SEO, and corporate promotional items (pens, pads, uniforms, etc). Julie James is connected to Prayer Minister/Certified Life Coach for Breaking Free – Christ Centered Transformation and Coaching. Julie's expertise is in prayer, deliverance, healing ministry, and life coaching. Judith Ottosen is a co-owner and consultant for Tall Poppy Real Estate, Tall Poppy Management, and owner of Gold Shadow Enterprises. Her principal products and services include real estate consulting for investors, attending to renovations, sourcing tenants, management, and reporting to clients.

Michele Sfakianos, CLNC is the owner of Medical Matters, LLC and Open Pages Publishing, LLC. Her company's main products and services include certified legal nursing consulting. Maurica Hurley is a business development partner at DREAMFly Marketing LLC. She assists Camden Smith to market solutions that weather any economic climate. Loyette Houck is the Licensing, Placement, and Recruitment Supervisor for Family Preservation Services, Inc. Her company's major products and services include services within the child welfare system. Jo Ann Forman is an owner/distributor at MXI Corporation which specializes in healthy products. Marilyn Farley, RNC, ARNP, CLNC is an experienced, highly motivated health care professional, specially trained as a Certified Legal Nurse Consultant. Her practice is an independently-owned and operated company specializing in Neonatal Intensive Care. Her consulting services on medical-related cases relate to insurance companies, other CLNC's, and law firms.

Non-members came to check out the NAPW Naples Chapter Launch and among them were Janet Betten, Donna Hands, Carol Nargi, Raquel Garci, Cindi Bombard, Natalie Capone, Dani Taverna, Debra Carlock, Cat Foster, Fatima Khokhar Knapp, Renee Porter, Kathy Cleeland, Noel Rives, Debra Martins, and Laurie Rose. It is especially noted that Debra Carlock handed out 40% off St. John clothing coupons. Laurie Rose, owner of "Olde Naples Chocolates" and personal friend of Kena Yoke, made the NAPW Naples Chapter oreo-dipped chocolate cookies decorated with an edible pink heart for all of the attendees. A strong bond developed among the attendees as women shared experiences and stories, personal goals, and wisdom. The meeting was endearing, heartfelt, professional, and unforgettable.

Afterwards, there was a drawing held for door prizes. The winners were Debra Martins who was ecstatic to win a gift certificate for the jewelry necklace giveaway, Cindy Bombard who took the prize of a $25 gift card to Barnes and Nobles, Loyette Houck who won a $25 American Express gift card. Cat Foster was given a $25 gift certificate to PF Changs. Michele Sfakianos walked away with a gift basket filled with gourmet delights. Natalie Capone won a bottle of Tips: Find Street Fashion Online(may be you can find what you want on the oasap.com) champagne. Margaret Jacobs and Kena Yoke ended the meeting with gratitude to all who participated, and to those who donated their time and services for free and the professional excellence they provided for the NAPW Naples Chapter Launch (DJ Gil Blake, Heather Clegg representing Barbara King Styling and Gryphon Jewelry Designs, John Spencer and You makeup artistry, and New Ground Photography). The launch truly inspired dynamic energy and created buzz, attention, and memories. The launch generated a massive amount of enthusiasm for the chapter.

"It is refreshing to see the NAPW Naples Chapter already making a difference and we are excited about what is yet to come for this powerful group of women," said Margaret. "We hope to be the trend setter of success for other NAPW chapters to follow."

For additional information regarding the NAPW Naples Local Chapter and/or NAPW, please visit http://www.napw.com.

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