What's in Store: Here's the 4-1-1 on the '507Life'

Growing up in Rochester, everybody had the mentality that "there's nothing to do" and "I can't wait to get out of this place," said Dallas McLaughlin.

After graduating from John Marshall High School in 2004, he, too, moved to Minneapolis and later Phoenix looking for more. Then he realized what he was missing.

"Rochester is big enough to be a big city in a sense, but small enough to still be a community," he said.

All Rochester — actually the whole 507 area code — needed was a little rebranding.

So on Aug. 7, McLaughlin launched Five.Oh.Seven Clothing , a collection of shirts, hoodies, retro sunglasses, hats, stickers and more that capture the "507Life."

The simple, creative designs are inspired by the art, fashion, music, people and communities that dot southeastern Minnesota.

McLaughlin teamed up with James Keller of Recon Sign and Graphics in Rochester to print the designs.

The first shirts to be sold locally, rather than online only, were the limited Snappy Stop edition "Locally Grown" shirts. The shirts sold out so quickly that they had to print a second run, McLaughlin said.

The Snappy Stop edition shirts are available through the end of the month at both Snappy Stop locations in Rochester. Cost: $10. "507LIFE" stickers are also available at the drive thru for $2.

The full collection of Five.Oh.Seven clothing is available online at www.fiveohseven.com . After Nov. 1 the Five.Oh.Seven clothing will also be available at Recon Sign and Graphics, 526 N. Broadway.

Blue shirt day

World Day of Bullying Prevention is Oct. 1. To show that you are willing to take a stand against bullying, people are asked to wear a blue shirt that day.

And while any blue shirt will do, Bon-Ton Stores, including Herberger’s at Apache Mall in Rochester and Younkersat Oak Park Mall in Austin, are selling 2012 limited edition STOMP Out Bullying Blue T-Shirts. Cost: $12 with $8 from each purchase going to STOMP Out Bullying.

Bon-Ton has also started a social media campaign, allowing customers to spread their anti-bullying message.

Tie one on

A bottle neck never looked so good. Dress up any bottle, be it wine, spirits, sparkling juice, cooking oil, beer or gourmet sauce, with Botskis , little, decorative neckties.

The ties either light up or play music, and come in a variety of themes from weddings to birthdays. Available online at Bed, Bath & Beyond, 40 25th St. S.E., Rochester. Cost: $9.99.