The Shopping Bag: Go Pink!

It wouldn't be October without thinking pink. Isn't it wonderful that breast cancer awareness and October are so immediately connected in our minds. Oh how far we have come! There is still much farther to go and it just wouldn't be right to start my October posts off without turning the blog pink with fabulous goodies that support saving the ta-ta's! Not to mention the holiday season has already kicked off in retail stores reminding us that it's not that far away. Why not keep the pink going and make it a pink Christmas this year? Shop now and share awareness and fabulous style! I set out to find the best picks and hottest looks.

Its no secret that I look forward to football season every year so my first pick is all about showing team spirit and support. The NFL shop has an entire section devoted to breast cancer awareness for him and her. Most styles come with logos from all NFL teams and there are many items to choose from. The NFL's "A Crucial Catch" campaign raises awareness and funds to support the American Cancer Society. 

Speaking of holiday sparkle, how about a gorgeous statement necklace and earrings from Loft? Designed by Suzanna Dai with breast cancer survivor and TV personality Giuliana Rancic for the "Live in Pink Movement." Sixty percent of the purchase price will go to Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

Skinny jeans are not going anywhere and they have gone from denim to a rainbow of colors. Now, one our favorite, U.S based denim designers, True Religion is making a pink skinny jean. The company is donating ten percent from the sale of these jeans to Susan Komen and has pledged a minimum $35,000 donation.

With October also comes a long list of events, especially runs and walks to benefit breast cancer awareness. Gear up with a cause. These bright pink running shoes by Asics benefit the Christina Applegate Foundation Right Action for Women campaign. Asics will donate $2.00 for every pair of shoes sold during the month of October. Also many other athletic gear manufactures like, New Balance and Under Armor have awesome powerful clothing and shoes for the cause.

Everyone needs a little glam in their day. Pamper yourself and someone you love with these beauty products from timeless brands like Estée Lauder and Bobbi Brown. All of these pink products would make great gifts and give someone special a little pick me up while helping women fight the fig.  

Estée Lauder

Bobbi Brown

Coach

Josie Maran

Dermelect

We recognize the pink ribbon. We see the info graphics. We wear the color. We support the fundraisers. Are your taking action? Don't avoid it. Face it. Fight it. Help find a cure.

The Reinvented "Of-The-Month" Box

Well, Hello! Its been quite a summer. Gone too quickly as usual. I'll be catching you up on all the goings-on over the next week or so, but today I wanted to share a great idea for long distance gift giving or especially for the college back to school-er. Its not a new concept to sign a loved one up for a monthly delivery of fruit, meat, etc but there are several companies that have refreshed the concept with some really interesting, socially conscious and healthy incarnations.

Umba Box - Umba provides the recipient with their specially selected handmade gift or gift(s) each month. They concentrate on jewelry, stationary, accessories and bath items with several options for length of subscription. "We are passionate about handmade products and the connections that can be forged between consumers and artists. We shine a light on handmade products by including a story about the artist in each Umba Box. Ultimately, Umba Box is special because of the insight each subscriber gains into the lives of artisans." 

ManPacks - The name speaks for itself. This is a great option for college fellas, a guy just starting out or the too busy to think about it type. You can send ManPacks every 3 months. The packs come in several options including, "Gym Rat" and "The Natural" or "CEO" to suit every guys style. They include socks, undies, shaving items and if you so choose, for the progressive parent/gift-giver...cover your ears children...condoms (said with a whisper). Another convenience is you do not need to know the recipients sizes or address. They will contact them directly to collect the info. 

Hammock Pack - A super idea for someone who really needs a little me time but just won't take the time. Hammock Pack offers a solution that arrives on their doorstep and they never have to leave home. "Whether it’s as simple as a movie night or mementos from that exotic vacation you can’t find the time to take. So relax and let a little “me time” come to you." They offer three affordable subscription options and unique themes each month. What a great mid-term treat or for Mom after a busy summer with the kiddos.

Birch Box - If you have someone who is really into the latest and greatest in beauty products and accessories this is the box for them. They have boxes for men and women. Birch Box sources high-end beauty products from established to up and coming companies. "The women’s subscription includes everything from skincare to makeup, as well as fun non-beauty extras. The men’s subscription delivers top-tier grooming products in addition to lifestyle accessories ranging from hip socks to tech accessories."

Blissmo Box - These boxes are filled with eco-friendly and non-toxic products and offered with a 3 month gift subscription of either their beauty or snack packs. They search out new brands as well as established product names. "We want to use products that are better & safer for our bodies, our families, our communities and our planet, but realized it difficult to know where to find these products or if they were truly safer...We figured others had the same frustration so set out to help health-minded and earth-minded shoppers discover what's better."

The Honest Company - Made famous by its founder, actress Jessica Alba, The Honest Company specializes in safe, earth friendly cleaning and baby self branded products. Their gift packs come in 1, 3 and 6 month options of either the family home essentials or the diaper and wipes option. This is a fabulous idea for a new mom, but the cleaning products would be a creative and useful gift for a new grad with a new apartment and a college loan to pay off. Either option is practical and thoughtful.

There are lots of companies that are hoping on the gift box wagon. Whichever you choose, its a convenient and useful gift that is still personal and creative. The joy in these gifts is the anticipation of knowing you have surprise to look forward to each month. Who doesn't want to stretch out a birthday, holiday or special occasion as long as possible. I'll be checking the stoop for some goodies...Happy Giving! Ta.

Design Day Friday: The Emerald City

Disney's Oz The Great And Powerful

No, that is not
 Michelle Williams, it's me!

In tribute to one of my favorite movies of all time, "The Wizard of Oz", I am dedicating today's design board to Disney's "Oz the Great and Powerful."  The movie which is released today, is near and dear to my heart. The reason...I was Glinda, the good witch! Well, not in the Disney version, but in my high school musical. I'm sure you recall the stellar performance? (Really, I just loved wearing pink, glitter, a crown and carrying a wand. Not much has changed). When I started researching for inspiration, I found out that I am not the only one with a wicked love for The Wizard of Oz. I don't think that it is any co-ink-a-dink that the color of the year for 2013 is Emerald Green. It is a rich, luxurious color that still evokes the beauty of nature and honestly looks good on anyone or with a variety of accent colors. You can interpret the Oz like feel in your wardrobe or home in a some very creative ways. Here is my Ode to Oz:

O.P.I. nail color in shades like "When Monkey's Fly" and "Which is Witch?"

Pouf  or "Poof" if you are
casting a spell.
Worldmarket.com

Sling Shot Monkey! He can fly and
even lets out two loud monkey
 calls when you launch him.
Officeplayground.com

Its not a yellow brick road, but how
about a glass tile back-splash? So happy.
Modwalls.com

Mini Hot Air Balloon
BelleandJune.com

Look the part with makeup
collections inspired by Glinda and
Theodora.  Ubandecay.com

I just couldn't skimp on the ruby slippers!
Christian Louboutin  NiemanMarcus.com

Oz collection of dog collars available
Swarovski studded
in Pink, Emerald, Black and Ruby
urbanpup.com

Dress like a wizard.
Merino wool vest
rag and bone
Nordstrom.com

If this wasn't enough to make you want to skip arm-in-arm, HSN has launched an entire collection for each witch! They have curated from their designers to find items that represent each member of the family trio. Here are my top picks:

Evanora

Heidi Daus Ring

Naeem Khan Feather Skirt

Glinda

American Glamour
Badgley Mischka
Peasant Dress

RAVEN Flapper Bag

Theodora

Scentaments Diffuser
Dark Amber and Lily

Jean Dousset
Feather Bypass Bracelet

"There is no place like home." You knew that was comin' Ta!