Tuesday, August 31, 2010

PureDKNY Really Cares!


Last night I was watching the Chelsea, "Bang-Bang" Lately Show. She interviewed Jennifer Aniston about her new flick, Switch, to be released this Friday in theatres everywhere. In addition, Jen, friend of a long-ago friend of mine, actress, Leslie Bibb (really), revealed her new fragrance. Apparently, Jen loves fragrances. Well, over the years, I have invested in fine fragrances. My nose knows and I appreciate now lighter, cleaner smells. Yet some of favorite fragances rose, jasmine and sandlewood.

So Donna Karan’s newest fragrance, pureDKNY blends rose, jasmine, sandalwood with hints of vanilla into one fine bottle. In addition, Donna Karan's pureDKNY fragrance has partnered with CARE, a humanitarian group fighting poverty issues globally. Together, pureDKNY and CARE are helping entreprenurial women in this the Uganda region provide incomes for themselves and their family now and long-term.

The vanilla used in this fragrance is grown sustainably in Uganda. pureDKNY supports CARE, an international development organization, in a specific microfinance project that will reach 900 Ugandan vanilla farmers, many of whom are women.

The bottle, organic in shape and inspired by a drop of water, appears to be formed by nature. The materials include 100% recyclable glass and a cap of high-purity aluminum. Its compostable box is made of sustainably harvested paper manufactured in a mill that uses 100% renewable energy.

pureDKNY 3.4 ounce bottle reatails for $80. Get yours here.

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Ivanka Trump Launches Girl Up Bracelet


Ivanka Trump launches a new bracelet that is meant to make a difference through it's proceeds and message.

Her new chic, charmed bracelet, Girl Up, will benefit the Girl Up Campaign of the United Nations Foundation. The Girl Up Campaign aims to raise money and awareness to "give girls the opportunity to channel their energy and compassion to raise awareness and funds for programs of the United Nations that help some of the world’s hardest-to-reach adolescent girls. Through Girl Up’s support, girls have the opportunity to become educated, healthy, safe, counted, and positioned to be the next generation of leaders."

Ivanka's brand and this bracelet are perfectly aligned with the mission and message of Girl Up. Why? Ivanka is an inspirational, entrepreneurial, and a young woman who exemplifies leadership in her endeavors. The daughter of Donald Trump, a real estate billionaire, who has a 'Can Do' attitude, Ivanka style, grace, and motivation holds a powerful message for girls anywhere that you "Can Do" what you desire in this world.

The launch of Ivanka's Girl Up bracelet is set for Fashion’s Night Out on September 10th at her uptown NYC boutique. The bracelet features an elegant sterling silver chain and coral silk cord, complete with charms boasting both the Girl Up and the Ivanka Trump Fine Jewelry logos. “American girls are the new global entrepreneurs and the faces of philanthropy,” says Ivanka in a statement. “I am very proud to be a Girl Up Champion.”

I am getting mine and you too can pre-order the charitable bracelet which retails for $30 today at:

Monday, August 23, 2010

LA Fashion 2010 Pre-Emmy Fashion Show "Caring with Style"

Local and national fashion designers will unite for a charitable cause with the LA Fashion Corner.

PRLog (Press Release) – Aug 23, 2010 – LOS ANGELES, California - Local and national fashion designers will unite for a charitable cause with the LA Fashion Corner's "Caring with Style" Fashion Show. This exclusive fashion event will take place Tuesday, August 24th, 2010 at LEVEL 3 located at the Hollywood and Highland shopping complex, 6801 Hollywood Blvd, 3rd Floor, Hollywood, CA. Red Carpet arrivals 7pm – 9pm. Fashion show starts at 9pm.

Confirmed celebrity list: Jaimie Hilfiger, Model, Actress and Host, Igal Dahan, Celebrity Jewelry “Cuffs of Love”, Ayinde Alakoye, Millionaire Matchmaker and CEO of Hitch Radio, Marjorie DeHey Daleo, CEO of Mediavix, Sara Cohen, Silver Medal Winner Ice Skater, Maria Kanellis, Celebrity Apprentice, Gunner Wright, Actor, Joslyn Pennywell, Model, Dave Shelton, Writer, Cartoonist, Actor, Miro Gladovic former pro soccer player in Australia and creator of American Footy Star, and Claire Sinclair, Actress to name a few.

The event will raise funds and awareness on behalf of the communities affected by the oil spill earlier this year in Louisiana’s Gulf of Mexico. While many designers have supported their individual causes in the past, this event marks the first time a group of designers have joined together in the name of one cause. The Gulf spill has devastated the long-term livelihood of thousands of Gulf residents – fisherman, restaurant and resort owners/workers, sport fishing operators, shop owners and business owners and workers at large - leaving them all at dire risk for their economic future. Additionally, the sea life of the area has suffered greatly; turtles, fish, birds, alligators, and vital plant life are all victims of this tragic event. The leak grew far faster than the original estimate of 5,000 barrels a day. The oil spill is a catastrophe, a declared a state of emergency with no easy solutions and no end in sight.

Charity Lives, LA Fashion Corner and F.A.M.E have come together to provide this star-studded fashion show set to cap off the 62nd annual Emmy Awards by showcasing some of the country's most exciting new fashion designers. The fashion industry's top models, wardrobe stylists and hair and make-up artists have donated their time and talent to the cause.

"LA Fashion Corner is committed to the cause and while continuing to work to help make a difference in a variety of communities,” says London Moore, President/CEO of LA Fashion Corner, Inc. "Through our fashion shows alone we have raised thousands of dollars for HIV/AIDS research, aid for victims of domestic violence and financial support for needy children. We anticipate a huge turnout for this Gulf disaster event and fully expect LA Fashion Corner’s charitable outreach programs to continue to grow and expand beyond this inception year. The support for our previous LA Fashion Corner events has been immeasurable and only reinforces our belief that LA Fashion Corner will have the opportunity to continue to help make a difference in the lives of many communities that could benefit from our help.”

The highly anticipated red carpet charity event will also feature a luxury fashion show with music, fashion industry exhibits, gourmet appetizers and complimentary gift bags. A VIP reception featuring celebrities from the worlds of entertainment and fashion will be held for special sponsors and donors. An Opening Gala will kick off the event with a vendor's marketplace, music, and VIP reception.

In addition to its fundraising goal, LA Fashion Corner's "Caring with Style" Fashion Show will create major exposure for local and national brands, retailers, boutiques, department stores, manufacturers, distributors, marketers, artists, celebrities, designers as well as acclaimed fashion photographers and fashion stylists.

For Interview, Talent and Media please contact:
Yvette Morales
YM & Associates PR Marketing Business Development
949-244-9769 or YMoralesY@aol.com

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Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Afterglow Cosmetics Commits to The Young Survival Coalition

Afterglow Cosmetics has taken their mission and corporate social responsibility and bridged it with their social mission in an authentic, compelling, and moving way. Their message has to be the most powerful messages I have ever come across in my line of work! To read and listen Afterglow Cosmetics commitment to charity is really moving.

Afterglow Cosmetics uses their unique natural formulation and focus on natural and certified organic, bio-active botanicals of the highest quality to ensure that all products are safer for your skin and body. It is free of many of the synthetic preservatives, bismuth oxychloride, petro-chemicals, synthetic dyes and fillers found in traditional cosmetics.

They took what they stood for and created a lipstick that is safe, splendid and a superior shade of Muse (pink.) "We hoped to create a shade so superior, it was goddess worthy. Naturally, when dreaming up colors we looked to myths of goddess for inspiration. The enchanting, inspiring nature of the Muses became our inspiration and our Organic Lip Love Lipstick shade Muse was born."

Their pink shade, Muse, serves as a "symbol of strength and enduring beauty to young women fighting breast cancer." To support this, Afterglow Cosmetics partners with the Young Survival Coalition an organization who works with survivors, caregivers and the medical, research, advocacy and legislative communities to increase the quality and quantity of life for women diagnosed with breast cancer ages 40 and under.

Afterglow will donate $2 of every purchase of Muse to help support women under 40 diagnosed with breast cancer.

Monday, August 16, 2010

Jean Paul Gaultier's Limited Edition T-Shirt for Born HIV Free Campaign


Fashion and causes are quite the combo these days. A quick scroll through my blog posts highlight some of the ways fashion, beauty and fitness brands are giving back. I could probably blog 24/7 and never run out of fashion philanthropy posts. No surprise, that charities are discovering the power behind the philanthropy and brand name of the designers to advance their social mission and message, while creating new funding sources. Fashion philanthropy partnerships really are making an impact.

Recently, Jean Paul Gaultier designed a limited edition, Born HIV Free, for The Global Fund. This new Born HIV Free campaign is to get out the message that “… no child should be born with HIV. The campaign was initiated by Carla Bruni-Sarkozy, the First Lady of France and the ambassador for the charity. She is in the campaign's video on You Tube here.

The Born HIV Free T-shirt uses his signature style with blue sailor-stripes as a symbol of his personal engagement with the campaign. The T-shirt features a blue-striped body with the Born HIV Free double ribbon logo on the sleeve and a heart shape over the heart of the wearer that contains a print of Jean Paul Gaultier’s hand-written phrase ‘Hope spreads faster than AIDS’.

Thursday, August 12, 2010

Maggie Bags Are Stylishly Eco-Conscious




Summer isn't over yet, so there is plenty of beach time left. And, college students are headed back to campuses across the country this week. No matter if you are trying to get a few days in at the beach or headed off to college, Maggie Bags has just the right tote.

Maggie Bags is making a difference in this world too. This handbag company is giving new life to unwanted fabrics by recycling them to create durable, simple and stylish totes. In today's time, with all the messages about saving the planet, eco-friendly fashion brands are gaining popularity. More and more consumers are expecting businesses to do what is right in all aspects of operations and that means minimizing the negative environmental impact it has on the world. This means more than a company just 'being green.' It means that eco-conscious companies are making an impact to the triple bottom line, People, Planet, and Profits.

Eco-friendly fashions are not just the hemp, hippy-style, products for granola-heads. Today, fashion brands are high style and high quality. Now, women can both carry a fashionable handbag and be eco-conscious with Maggie Bags!

The handbag above is perfect for the beach or classroom and even makes a great travel bag. It features a zippered pocket, cell phone pocket, and key pocket. YKK zippers and four-nickel plated feet on the bottom. Check it out at http://www.maggiebags.net/

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

How Top Brands Are Saving the World

Let's face it, between work, family, and friends, we are easily overloaded and there is rarely enough time to finish what was due the day before…let alone think about trying to make a difference and save the world. We all work hard and deserve to live as we see fit a life that is comfortable and fun. Everyone enjoys some fun, right? And sometimes indulgent rewards of working hard—be it a shoe fiend or avid traveler are just what we feel are perfect for hard work. Yet, we can get so wrapped up in getting ahead and advancing our careers and own lives that we often fail to remember how extremely lucky we all are in this world.

So just for a moment, imagine life from a different perspective, perhaps being in an impoverished country with no running water or designer shoes and handbags. Consider the differences? Maybe you would no longer care about shopping sprees, or be that carefree traveler and book a weekend getaway. In this moment, stop and think just how can you turn your good fortune into doing something good for others while feeling good about it for yourself, your family and others?

One great example is every shoe-shoppers delight. Manolos really is saving the world while you shop. And they are doing it one pair at a time. Fashion and luxury brands are uniquely positioned to rise to the occasion and are taking on the responsibility of giving back. By maximizing the benefits the world’s most valuable natural resources, their profit margins have grown exponentially since the 1980’s and allow them to position their brand products into symbols of humanity, and you can help.

Supporting brands that support philanthropy to make a difference can make a world of difference in more ways then one. From watches and pendants, to face creams and handbags, you can spend your hard-earned money on products that give back to a cause. No excuses! These companies aren’t cutting a check to just for the tax deduction. They are actually making an impact through awareness with a high level of corporate involvement. You might even be surprised that a go-to item of yours now gives a portion of its sales to charity—a great excuse to keep buying it! Doing good can be as easy as swiping your plastic or clicking your mouse with no scheduling required.

More and more top brands are making a difference through their sales and making significant contributions to worthwhile charities. Here’s just a sampling:

Montblanc – UNICEF, Jewelers for Children, Nelsom Mandela Foundation
Bulgari – Save the Children
Cartier – Youth Aids, Breast Cancer Research Foundation, USA Harvest
David Yurman – Breast Cancer Research Foundation, Lustgarten Foundation
Elie Tahari – God’s Love We Deliver
Gucci – UNICEF
Helen Ficalora – Michael J. Fox Parkinson Foundation
Jimmy Choo – Elton John AIDS Foundation
Kate Spade – Women to Women International
Linea Pelle – Doctors without Borders, UNICEF
Louis Vuitton – White Ribbon Alliance
MAC – MAC AIDS Fund
Monique Pean – Charity: water
Pierce – World Vision
Ralph Lauren – Fashion Targets Breast Cancer
Saks – Key to the Cure, Charity: water
Sergio Rossi - Goodplanet
Swarovski - Charity: water
Tag Heuer – Green Cross International, Natural Resources Defense Council
Valentino - Francesca Rava Foundation for Haiti
Van Cleef – Breast Cancer Research Foundation
Versace – Starlight Children’s Foundation, One Foundation

Go ahead, make your mark by supporting these products and strive for purpose beyond ourselves. As consumers, we need to can put our purchasing power to use through brand philanthropy and support all brands that ‘do good.’ Collectively, we can change the face of the world one luxury purchase at a time.

Please visit makeluxurycount.com, who contributed this article to our blog, to stay up to date on the latest in brand philanthropy and the newest products that are giving back! If you’re going to make a statement, make it count.

Tuesday, August 3, 2010

Alexandre Birman Has Heels for a Cause


Just yesterday, I was out shoe shopping trying to find mid-summer sales on great shoes. I've always spent any hard earned money on good shoes, good wine, and good hair products. All of these are a real treat and not something to be skimped on. About 'good shoes' and why I nevah-evah cut corners on cost here... because when you fee hurt, it's miserable no matter how good you look.

Not to go on about my troubles, but I have a triple "A" heel, high arch and bunions. I was once told I had a 'champagne foot. I suppose that meant investing in good shoes. So, finding a flattering and yet comfortable shoe is important. Having said this, here is my find for Summer 2010 and all for a 'Good' reason.

Alexandre Birman has a python cage heel that is attractive and comfortable. That is a double whammy in my book. Plus, 10% of each sale ($445) goes to the Art of Elysium. This is a group of artists that support and encourage others to donate their talent to help seriously ill children.

This pump is available at Bergdorf Goodman and is well worth parting with your dollars for a fabulous summer look and for kids at the same time. If that doesn't make you feel 'good' I don't know what would.