Come October, much of the merchandise lining retail store shelves will take on the same pink color to celebrate National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. But why wait? Merchants stock items in a shade of pink all year round.

We haul our “techy stuff” everywhere we go. Can’t leave home without the phone, iPod, laptop, etc., but no one wants to look like a bag lady or a teenybopper with her phone permanently attached to the palm of her hand. You can be stylish, organized and protect your gear: RW has found fun, functional and cool cases to carry your essentials — no plain-Jane stuff here.

Be prepared for spring’s bridal and baby showers, graduations and more with unique gifts from the area.
 

There’s no time like the present, and there’s no present like time — or timepieces, at least.

Take heed of the sign at Too Purse ’n’ All: Life’s too short to carry an ugly purse. Your bag has to fit your body comfortably and be stylish, affordable and a reflection of you. As always, Rockford Woman has done the legwork (shoulder work?) for you.

Once you get over the fact that, sigh, it's already that time of year, you can start making lists and dig in to shopping.

The diverse groups of people who live here make this city rich in culture. Luckily, that makes it rich in shopping, too. Go off the beaten path to sample pieces from different countries.

When stepping foot into any local retail business, look beyond the price tags for the priceless story that is bound to be attached to certain items.

Snuggling around the fire can be mighty cozy this time of year, but it’s not terribly peaceful if there’s a plain fireplace mantel staring back at you. Fortunately, that’s an easy problem to solve. It doesn’t take a decorator’s eye to add pop to your fireplace, just a few great pieces.

When it comes to buying the perfect present for a birthday, anniversary or special occasion, do you get frustrated and wish you were a little more gifted?