Pink. A color so wound up in girly-ness that my tomboy preteen daughters are ready to shun it. But during October, you can find it on everyone from the NFL to a bus driver in Illinois. The reason, of course, is that October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and spending your green on a little pink can do a lot to shed light (and funding) on a very worthy cause. There are loads of companies seeing pink right now, here are some that take a portion of those profits and turn them into research:

Coach - Twenty percent of the proceeds from their “collection with a cause” during the month of October will go to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Check out the the multi floral scarf for $38 or the fabulous purses at Coach in Briarwood mall.

Sephora - A collection of pink ribbon products from various brands will donate a portion of profits to groups that do everything from raising awareness to researching cures. Pamper yourself with Sephora’s makeup brushes for $60 at Sephora in Briarwood Mall.

Hanes - Available at just about anywhere you might happen to already be shopping this month, Hanes is a partner to the Susan G Komen Foundation and gives you loads of options to wearing pink underneath -- like camis and tank tops for under $10.

Staples - A selection of pink office products will find a percentage of sales going towards help to find a cure. Sharpie® Pink Ribbon Fine Point Permanent Markers, 2/Pack for $2.09 can be found on line or at Staples on Carpenter Rd.

Shopkomen - Or, if you want a sampling of loads of products that donate to research try the website shopkomen.com You can find coffee mugs, water bottles, tshirts and more items to buy with your charitable dollars.

These recommendations were compiled with consideration of Ann Arbor availability and “Think before you Pink”, a campaign to be mindful that your breast cancer research dollars really are going towards research, and not just pink ribbons. See more information here.

Lead Retail Blogger Angie Smith will hunt for deals and dish on the latest in retail in Ann Arbor. Readers will attain notices of great deals, and store happenings in and around the city. To report a news item or tip contact her at angieannarbor@gmail.com