It really doesn’t take much to convince me to go shopping. Underwear sale today in Highland Square? Hmm. Okay, I’m there. (I mean, we’re talking Hanky Panky undies, people. This is a big deal.) It’s actually only part of the retail therapy available in the area tonight, because the shops around Highland Square are now participating in a monthly Third Thursdays series of sales, wine tastings, trunk shows, music, and other not-so-subtle ways to tempt customers into coming up and staying awhile. From 5 – 8 p.m. tonight, Frolik on 32nd is offering the above-mentioned Hanky Panky sale (seriously ladies, they are like the best, softest, no-lines, comfiest brand) plus other discounts. And mint juleps. How’s that to lift your spirits on a triple-digit hot day? Nearby stores like Le Chocolatier are offering chilled French mint tea and pastry tastings, and Uncommon Scents is offering a $6 discount on personalized perfumes – prices range from $24 to $60 – and white wine tastings. Harmony Salon is offering free samples of Purology products (and peach rum punch) and Zen Bath is hosting a live artist creating Asian-inspired dragon paintings (and ginger sake). Starting to see a pattern yet? It’s social shopping, and with the many frou-frou cocktails thrown in, this is likely to turn into a very chatty block party by 8 p.m. Brilliant.