Fashion Hits the Books This Fall

CHARLOTTE, N.C., July 7 /PRNewswire/ -- Don't be blue about going back to
school. Try being red, pink, yellow or green. Some of this year's hottest
fashions aren't found in the clothes students will wear when they return to
the classroom this fall, but in their notebooks, folders and other school
supplies.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090707/NYFNSU02 )

This year students can find inspiration in boldly colored stripes and polka
dots, subtle pastel pinstripes or brightly colored flowers. Chocolate brown
mixes with hot pink, aqua blue and canary yellow; gauzy pinks, purples and
greens lend a summery mood to the school year.

"Gone are the days of the plain, boring notebook," said Kathryn Welsh
Thompson, vice president of marketing for Carolina Pad (www.carolinapad.com),
a leader in school supplies that are as functional as they are fashionable.
"If you have a passion for fashion, the notebooks you carry can make as much
of a statement about who you are as the outfit you're wearing."

"While jewelry and other fashion accessories can elevate an outfit to another
level, carrying your schoolwork in a colorful binder or notebook also sends a
personal message: creativity and passion contribute to my academic success,"
said Beth Funston, creative director for Carolina Pad.

"For the budget-wise, choosing a beautiful notebook, binder or pencil is an
economical way to express your style," Funston added.

Students can also show their peers that they are environmentally aware by
choosing school supplies that promote "green" living. Products that
incorporate recycled paper, source materials from Forestry Stewardship
Council-certified forests and are PVC-free help students promote sustainable
lifestyles for everyone.

"Many green products incorporate design elements that are closely tied to
nature," Funston said. "With earth tones and imagery based on the natural
environment, students can use our products to show their support of protecting
the planet and demonstrate their commitment to promoting environmental
awareness at school or at home."

Some green products enable users to expand their green living knowledge. For
example, Carolina Pad's Sasquatch(R) Brand notebooks and folders include green
living tips on the inside covers. Sasquatch users can connect with other green
students at www.find-sasquatch.com to research green living tips and games.

So when it comes to choosing school supplies, color coordinate to match your
style, personality and interests.

Carolina Pad products are sold by leading retailers nationwide. For more
information, visit www.carolinapad.com.

SOURCE Carolina Pad

April Whitlock of Carolina Pad, +1-704-602-2487