If this sign could talk, I like to imagine it would say, “You think this is bad? You should see the other guy.”

If you’re looking to hand over a gently used warm coat (or two, or more) to someone who needs one this winter, consider this: Merge Boutique in Preston Royal Village is offering a 15 percent discount to any shopper who donates a coat — and 30 percent off, if you bring in two.

The drive benefits Austin Street Shelter, and runs through Saturday.

Hanukkah begins at sundown tonight, and the Galleria is prepared. The first candle on the mall’s menorah will be lit at 5 p.m. by Rabbi Mendel Dubrawsky of Chabad of Dallas. Meyer Denn, director of the Center for Jewish Education, will read an interactive children’s story, and Dubrawsky’s son Zelmen will then lead guests in a short song session. The festivities will be capped with a round of kosher snacks.

Candles will be lit at the same time for the next seven nights on the Galleria’s first level, near the guest reception center.

What I’ve learned from compiling the police blotter each week is that crimes, much like most things in life, have seasons.

Vandalism and criminal mischief peak in the summer, theft and burglary increase around the holidays, and, apparently, Dallas Cowboys shoplifting sees a spike after a big win. To wit, this Sept. 29 crime (three days after the win against Washington).

At 1:40 p.m., a shoplifter tried to steal eight Tony Romo jerseys valued at $280 from the Albertsons in the 4300 block of West Northwest Highway. Michael Joe Lindsay, 53, was arrested.

How much do you want to bet no one tries to steal Romo’s number this week?

Stopped by some of your favorite neighborhood restaurants and shops recently, such as R+D Kitchen, Taco Diner, Hillstone, and Sprinkles Cupcakes? If so, you must have noticed the large construction project smack in the middle of The Plaza at Preston Center. These blockades, bulldozers, and other building materials are courtesy of the ongoing construction of a five-story office and retail complex. The project, aimed to be completed by winter 2012, will also house the University Park Library and a multi-level parking garage.

How has your shopping been altered? Lucky Dog Bakery, Mel Crews, and Park Plaza Salon reconfigured their floor design to open from the rear entrance. Other shops — such as Corner Bakery Café, American Express Travel, Montana Salon, Occhliali Modern Optics, and Matthew Trent Jewelry Design Studio — have relocated within the Plaza.

Any perks to the mess? A complementary valet system is offered so you do not have to navigate the disarray. Also, a plexiglass viewing area will be added so everyone can see the action.

What do motorcycle jackets, bright bags, furry heels, and pencil skirts have in common? They are the fashion must-haves for this season. So maybe you are like me and not so caught up on the fall trends. Luckily for us, tonight is Fashion’s Night Out. The annual fashion event is held in cities around the world, including New York, Paris, Milan, and Dallas. The goal? To raise everyone’s excitement about the fashion season and to save on special after-hours shopping. There are countless invite-only parties throughout the area, but I am keeping my eye out for the affordable events close to the Hollow.

Stores throughout Dallas will be staying open late, offering one-time deals on their latest designs. At NorthPark Center there is live music from the Bart Marantz Jazz Ensemble, the Dallas String Quartet, and Brad Hanson. The night does not stop at fashion; samples will be available from La Duni and Bistro | N.

The Galleria Dallas, which often plays second fiddle to NorthPark extravaganzas, is pulling out all the stops tonight. A quarter-mile runway, the longest runway in America, will spread through the mall. The Fashion Show will run from 6 to 7 p.m, but the stores will stay open later. Not in the mood to take on mall crowds? Make the short trip to luxury fashion complex Highland Park Village. As you walk through the 20 boutiques, the village will keep you entertained with music, art showings, food, and cocktails.

To plan your night of saving and shopping, click here.

Legendary former Dallas Cowboy and NFL Hall of Famer Randy White will be on hand from 3-5 p.m. tomorrow at the new Sam’s Club location Timber Creek Crossing at 6185 Retail Road (corner of Skillman and Northwest Highway).

As part of the wholesale club’s Member Appreciation event, White will meet with fans and sign free autographs.

“We encourage fans to join us for a fun and exciting day,” said Sam’s Club location manager Travis Lewis. “This event is our way of thanking the community for their patronage of our club. We are excited and look forward to seeing all the smiling faces of Dallas and surrounding communities, as we welcome NFL Hall of Famer Randy White to our new location.”

Summer is flying by, and fall is just around the corner. The Shops at Park Lane help the whole family beat the end of summer blues.

Whole Foods Market

After a long restless day, unwind on the Whole Foods Market patio for free yoga, sponsored by The Mat Yoga Studio. Every Thursday bring your mat, and prepare to relax as the Texas sun sets. End the session with complimentary smoothie shots. Can’t stand the heat? Don’t worry; if the sun is too strong, the class will move to the community room inside Whole Foods.

If grocery shopping with the parents is not your kid’s ideal way to spend a summer day, let them hang out in the Kids Café at Whole Foods. Every Tuesday morning from 9:30 to 10:30 there is story time and a mid-morning snack.

Bailey’s Prime Plus

From Aug. 12 through Sept. 4, Bailey’s Prime Plus is giving back. Purchase their three-course meal for only $35. For every meal, purchased a donation to the North Texas Food Bank will be made. The menu is a high-dining experience, and includes dishes such as lobster bisque, blackened Atlantic salmon, and chocolate peanut butter tart.

Shopping

Before you leave, do not forget to check out end of summer sales. Stores like Old Navy and Nordstrom’s Rack have deals and steals exclusively dedicated to back-to-school shopping.

St. Bernard Sports in Inwood Village is attracting some well-heeled thieves. On July 13, a shoplifter stole a $37 T-shirt and fled in a yellow 2002 Lexus. Nine days later, someone took a $170 pair of denim shorts and got away in a silver Mercedes SUV.

UPDATE: The folks over at St. Bernard wanted me to point out that the scofflaw in the July 13 incident — who was driving a gold Lexus, not a yellow one — was arrested. I’m trying to figure out why the perp’s name is not readily available from the DPD, as so many of them usually are.

Tootsies is holding its Summer Style & Beauty Bash tonight from 6 to 9 p.m. Treat yourself with feather extensions, beauty treatments, jewelry, tees, and more. Don’t feel too guilty; 15 percent of the proceeds will benefit Young Texans Against Cancer. Hurry and RSVP to this great event!