I remember my mom used to always tuck my bra strap back up under my tank top or sleeves and say, “It’s not polite to have your bra showing in public.” Well, next Wednesday my mom will be witness to hundreds of bras – we’re estimating about 300 at this point – “showing in public” as they bedazzle Fountain Square.

Here’s the concept…

Cincy Chic asked organizations and individuals to decorate bras to raise awareness and funds for breast health. Those decorated bras are due today, Sept. 25. (Participants can drop them off at any Tri-State LA Fitness location.)

Cincy Chic will collect all donations and have them on display for the Bras with Flair on the Square event on Fountain Square, Wednesday, Sept. 30 at the following times: 7-9 a.m., 11 a.m.-1 p.m. and 4-7 p.m. Attendees and passersby can visit the booths, sign up for a mammogram, get in the Lexus RiverCenter “Cash Cab” to win prizes and also cast their vote for their favorite bra. The top 10 favorite bras will be up for auction – to benefit Susan G. Komen For the Cure – at the after party from 7-10 p.m. at the Hilton Netherland Plaza where you can enjoy “Ta-Ta-Tinis” and food specials.

From 12-1 p.m. on Sept. 30, a free bra fitting lunch ‘n’ learn will take place at the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber. La Silhouette Lingerie Owner, Britt Cruikshank, will offer advice, expert bra fittings and certified post-surgical fittings for all attendees. E-mail RSVP@cincychic.com or call (513) 721-2445 to reserve your spot!

Later that afternoon, a fashion show featuring the latest fall trends from Alligator Purse and Cincy Designer Shoes will be on the Square at 6:30pm. Click here to purchase tickets to the fashion show – 100% of the proceeds go to Susan G. Komen For the Cure! Watch the below video for a sneak peak of the fashion show!

But before these exciting events take place, be sure to send a “Ma’am-o-gram,” a special e-card message, reminding your loved ones to schedule a mammogram. (Click here to see an example.)

Last but not least… Cincy Chic and Locals on Living, an affiliate of the Cincinnati.Com network, partnered to provide one local breast cancer survivor with a $3,000 pamper package thanks to Lexus RiverCenter, Tuscany Spa.Salon, La Silhouette Lingerie, Cincinnati Playhouse In The Park, Fusion Studio, Soho Boutique, Pure Romance and Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse. Cast your vote today and find out who wins at the fashion show!

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There’s something about this crisp air that makes me just want to curl up with a coffee, veg out and enjoy the simple things in life. Unfortunately, I have bills to pay, a business to run and other things that frown upon curling up and vegging out.

I did however fit in an unexpected escape when I visited Red Tree Coffee Shop in Oakley the other day.

I went there for a meeting, and afterward I went to the counter to order a pick-me-up drink before heading out to my next meeting. The barista asks me if I’d like a large, medium or small and points to the example sizes on display. And that’s when I saw quite possibly the cutest things ever: Handmade coffee cup sleeves. They came in all different designs and they’re handmade by a local designer. I’ve never seen anything like them! At first glance, it looks like felt, but the sleeve and designs are actually hand-woven and hand-stitched! At only $9, they are well worth it when you consider all that time and effort, plus the eco friendly and cute-factor!

Wait, there’s more… I turn around and there’s an entire wall of adorable gift items. T-shirts, bags, cards, oh my! I grabbed my drink, and whisked myself away into a browsing bliss. Each item was so unique with simple, nature-inspired prints, modern cuts and soft, sustainable fabrics.

Then I discovered that there’s an amazing art gallery in the back of the coffee shop! It just kept getting better! (Their Web site’s event page has more info about their gallery exhibits)

I couldn’t stay long, but I was so pleasantly surprised to experience such an artsy oasis. I hope you find a way to treat yourself to Red Tree – a coffee shop that’s truly “branching out” … oh boy. I got carried away there.

🙂