For a Cause

As a college student, it’s no surprise that I saw TOMS on the feet of many of my classmates. When I first laid eyes on them though, I was utterly perplexed. I mean, they aren’t the most attractive shoes I have ever seen. But people don’t wear these shoes because they think they are fashionable. They wear them because they are the most comfortable shoes they have ever worn.

They are soft and cushy. Plus they apparently have a lot of arch support. They may not look like it, but they make excellent walking shoes (perfect for those long treks across campus). But this isn’t even the best part!

TOMS has this really cool charity program, which began when the company was founded in 2006. For each pair of shoes purchased, TOMS donates a pair of shoes to a child in need. And since many children in developing countries grow up without owning a single pair of shoes, you can understand what an important cause this is. I can’t imagine going even an entire day without shoes, can you?

Discover TOMS Shoes at Nordstrom, where prices start at just $43.95!

PETA, which owns stock in fashion retailer Coach, has filed a shareholder resolution suit calling on the company to enact a policy to stop acquiring and selling products that are made with fur.

PETA is hoping that Coach will follow the trail set by other designers and fashion companies – such as Polo Ralph Lauren, Stella McCartney, Vivienne Westwood, Comme des Garçons, Calvin Klein, Betsey Johnson, Gap, Nike, Cole Haan, Liz Claiborne, Juicy Couture and Kate Spade who have all vowed to be fur-free.

“Animals who are used for their fur are beaten, drowned, electrocuted, and skinned alive, and by continuing to sell fur, Coach bears responsibility for this cruelty,” says PETA Executive Vice President Tracy Reiman. “With its competitors making the compassionate choice to end fur sales, it’s time for Coach to get off the bench and into the fur-free game.”

What are some of your thoughts?

Earth Day this year is tomorrow, April 22nd, and in celebration of this glorious day, Louis Vuitton is giving back.

For tomorrow only, 10% of all LouisVuitton.com online sales will be donated to Global Green USA, creating sustainable, green communities and schools nationwide.

Don’t you love shopping for a cause..

Hessnatur, the world’s largest organic apparel company, and Discovery Channel’s Planet Green have just announced the sale of the “One Life” tee shirt, winner of The Eco-Tee Design Challenge held last fall. Hundreds of people entered the competition and one lucky winner was chosen to have their design appear on hessnatur’s 100% organic tee shirt, to be sold worldwide to benefit a great cause! The contest was judged by Blake Mycoskie (Founder of TOMS Shoes), Miranda Purves (Lifestyle Editor of ELLE), Summer Rayne Oakes (Eco-Model), and Miguel Adrover (CFDA award winner and Creative Director of hessnatur).

The winner, Lindsay Seligman, a young California artist and designer, created a simple and eloquent design: a single line that depicts a bird, cat, fish, butterfly, frog and human face, all connected with the words “One Life.”

The 100% organic cotton tee is produced by Grameen Knitwear, a non-profit organization in Dhaka, Bangladesh dedicated to improving the health and working standards of textile workers. Grameen Knitwear is an affiliate of the Grameen Bankfounded by 2006 Nobel Peace Prize Winner, Dr. Muhammad Yunus. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of the tee shirt go back to Grameen Shikkha project, whose mission is to eradicate poverty through educational scholarships.

Check out a video here, about her inspiration: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qWlQHyaIlPg

Each tee is only $20! Putting my order in now!

my-wardrobe.com, one of the UK’s leading online retailers of ‘accessible luxury’ clothing, shoes and accessories brands, has teamed up with Brit designer, Olivia Rubin on an exclusive Little Black Dress in aid of Fashion Targets Breast Cancer (FTBC).

Olivia Rubin, one of 2010′s hottest labels to watch, who counts Fearne Cotton, Cheryl Cole and Olivia Palermo as fans, was the obvious choice to collaborate with on this special project. Famed for her unique designs and great fit, the covetable FTBC dress is bodycon in style with a sweetheart neckline and sheer chiffon overlay, tying elegantly on the shoulder.

For the second year running, my-wardrobe.com supports FTBC, the flagship fashion campaign of Breakthrough Breast Cancer, a charity dedicated to the prevention, treatment and ultimate eradication of breast cancer. The campaign, launching in March 2010 will raise vital funds enabling Breakthrough to continue with ground-breaking research, as well as to campaign for better services and raise awareness of breast cancer.

The limited-edition Olivia Rubin dress will be available to buy from the end of March 2010, with 30% of every sale going directly to the charity. my-wardrobe.com joins a host of other retailers including Melissa Odabash, Marks and Spencer, Top Shop and Laura Ashley, all aiming to contribute as much as possible to the £10.5 million that has already been raised by FTBC, since its launch in 1996.

Sarah Curran, founder of my-wardrobe.com comments, “my-wardrobe.com is immensely proud to be involved in the Fashion Targets Breast Cancer initiative for 2010. In our second year of collaborating on this pivotal campaign, we are very excited to be working with one of our designers Olivia Rubin on producing a beautiful dress, to raise awareness and money for this hugely important charity.”

My-Wardrobe!

Housing Works is currently auctioning off a bunch of Alexander McQueen items (blazers, jackets, dresses, and more).

All proceeds will benefit homeless and low-income New Yorkers living with HIV/AIDS.

The bidding ends April 11th.

Check it out here

At first I thought this was a mistake. And that the person in charge with inputting the designer information, mislabeled this bag as Yves Saint Laurent. It just doesn’t look it to me. Then upon further examination (see “YSL” in the lower right corner) I realized that this bag was in fact by Yves Saint Laurent.

Not many authentic designer handbags can be found retailing for under $200. This is sort of a rare find, especially when were talking about iconic fashion house Yves Saint Laurent.

My thoughts: love it. But a little bit too late don’t you think? The safety pin trend was so last season. Although, I don’t think that’s going to stop this fashionista from considering it.

The classic-shaped cotton canvas design features a safety pin and logo print that adorns the front. Also features double top handles which are the perfect length to carry on arm or over the shoulder. 8″ drop. Make note that the mouth of this bag features no closure and the interior is not lined. Bag measures 14.5″ width x 16.5″ height x 1/4″ depth.

I’m think this would make one fabulous eco tote!

The Yves Saint Laurent Canvas Logo Pin Tote can be found at Saks Fifth Avenue where it retails for just under $200.

With Breast Cancer Awareness month just around the corner, designers such as Robert Lee Morris and Elizabeth & James are teaming up by creating one of a kind pieces to show support to the fight against Breast Cancer. An exclusive piece presented for Shopbop by Elizabeth & James is this rose gold leaf pendant. Shopbop seeks to donate $15,000 to the Breast Cancer Network of Strength, and us shoppers can contribute by purchasing and wearing this symbol of support.

With a price tag of only $58, they’re sure to run quick! Head on over to Shopbop and pick up your own.