Anna Wintour's 2nd annual fashion event to be help Sept 10, 2010

Fashion’s Night Out is back by popular demand. On September 10, 2010 plan on spending the evening with your friends shopping for good! Anna Wintour’s 2nd annual global event will have participating retailers (which practically means every single brand and boutique in NYC at least!) staying open late into the evening, hosting cocktail parties, product launches, special designer/celebrity appearances and more.

There will also be an epic public fashion show, involving over 200 models and 1,500 random ticket-holding guests (show will be held September 7 at New York Fashion Week’s new home, Lincoln Center). 40% of the ticket proceeds (as well as the FNO 2010 clothing line) will go to the New York City AIDS Fund.

Last year, I went to Bergdorf with my boyfriend and got to see Manolo Blahnik and Mary Kate & Ashley Olsen! It’s definitely a star-studded evening with lots of glitz. Dress up and find some great styles for Fall, support the retail industry in this economy and feel great that the money you spend goes to some great causes!

Donna Karan's newest fragrance, pureDKNY

Blend together the aromatic scents of vanilla, lotus flower, Bulgarian rose, jasmine, and sandalwood and you have created Donna Karan’s newest fragrance, pureDKNY. Karan’s pureDKNY line has partnered with CARE, a humanitarian group fighting poverty issues on a global level.  With this scent obtaining its vanilla resources solely from Uganda (an relatively untapped region), pureDKNY and CARE are helping rural women in this region to provide sustainable incomes for themselves now and in the long-term.  PureDKNY has committed to a 15-month project that will positively affect 900 vanilla-bean farmers.

Woman in Uganda are being trained by CARE via a Village Savings and Loans Association program where microfinancing is provided to the vanilla-bean farmers who are mostly female.  Hence, these women can take out loans to support their families’ education and health care needs while ultimately striving to create sustainable practices within their communities.

And the benefits of this scent don’t stop there either!  The delicious PureDKNY fragrance comes in a 100% recycled bottle and is packaged in compostable Certified Forest Paper and biodegradable Nature Flex material.  Pick up a 3.4 ounce bottle today for $80.  So consider this amazing buy and know that with every spritz, you’ll be helping women across the globe and supporting a greener future worldwide.

Gucci for UNICEF special edition Sukey bag

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To mark the 6th year of the Gucci partnership with UNICEF, Gucci is offering this sophisticated Sukey bag from April 2010 through February 2011.  The luxury firm will donate 25% of its proceeds from the special edition Sukey bag to UNICEF.

“From a distance, Miteme Junior Primary School look slike a marketplace with vendors in school uniform.  On close inspection, one realizes this is a school without a single classroom.  Classes one to five are all held under trees; only class five has desks.”  As reporter Kusali Kubwalo writes for UNESCO, Kusali paints a poignant picture of the inadequacy of educational infrastructure in Lilongwe, Malawi.  This perspective is representative of many education systems in Africa, reflecting on my visit to Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso in 2007, nearly 70 students are crammed into a classroom that would normally seat 30 according to Western standards.

The funds raised will benefit UNICEF’s ‘Schools for Africa’ programs in Malawi and Mozambique, where children are not only deprived of education opportunities, nearly one million of them have lost their parents by the HIV/AIDS pandemic.

The Sukey bag is designed by Creative Director Frida Giannini who also named it “La Pelle Guccissima.”  The bag is derived from a classic Gucci design adorned with its iconic monogram.  The elegant grey is both sophisticated and versatile, whether you sport it as arm candy, or wardrobe essential, the Sukey is appropriate for all four  seasons.

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Real Jewels' "Save Our Shores Iconic Pelican Pendant"

Real Jewels has created the “Save Our Shores Iconic Pelican Pendant” which will be donating 100% of its sales to the Save Our Gulf campaign to help protect the waters in the Gulf from the long-term impacts of the oil disaster.  The Waterkeeper Alliance jump-started the Save Our Gulf initiative as the Alliance as a whole is devoted to protecting major watersheds worldwide.

Designed by Real Jewels, this “Save Our Shores” pendant embodies the elements of recycled precious metals and fair trade gems, two important cornerstones of the company.  This pendant features a sterling silver pelican to represent the Gulf and the effects of the devastating oil spill on the environment and its wildlife.  An interesting twist:  the pendant can hang from either a sterling silver necklace or bangle bracelet, so the buyer can make it a more individual piece.  Now the pendant is available through the Real Jewels’ online store and is being sold for $85, so think wisely when looking for something new to add to your jewelry collection.  We have all felt helpless when seeing the tragic photos of the pelicans covered in the oil in the Gulf, so make a difference to these animals and to the entire region by choosing this pendant for your next purchase.

The best part of owning this timeless luxury? 10% of the proceeds are donated to UNICEF – United Nations International Emergency Children’s Fund – which is the world’s leading non-profit for children, with programs in over 190 countries.

The Signature for Good collection is just another example of the Swiss companies tradition of giving back.  They have also created a sterling silver pendant for Jewelers for Children and gold bangles for the Nelson Mandela Foundation.

Slip on one of these bangles in celebration of the Join Me on the Bridge campaign, bringing together women across the globe in support of those rebuilding their lives in war-torn countries.  Each bangle is $48 and is made of 14-karat light gold plated hardware.  The outside of the bracelet is engraved with “hand in hand” and the inside is engraved with “there’s strength in numbers”–two powerful messages to send your support to women worldwide. Plus, a gold bangle can go well every outfit, so you can never go wrong with this accessory!

David Yurman amethyst pendants in support of The Lustgarten Foundation.

London Jewelers and David Yurman have come together to craft two beautifully constructed amethyst pendants in support of The Lustgarten Foundation.  Through their efforts, the fight against pancreatic cancer will continue as their non-profit Foundation continues to invest in research through the net proceeds of these noteworthy pendants.  Both London Jewelers and Yurman are dedicated to this exceptional cause since they have both have lost loved ones to the disease.

Retailing for $295 in silver and $1,700 for the 18-karat gold version, there is no way you can go wrong with either choice!  The piece has the signature Yurman touch–a 16-inch box chain giving the pendants their cable-like distinction.  A beautiful stone will be the perfect accent to your décolletage.  And knowing that 100% of the proceeds will be given to The Lustgarten Foundation can really put your accessorizing to the ultimate “do good” test.

Just released July 15th, orders can be taken via London Jewelers (877) 601-9924 until it is released in stores this fall.  Want to double up?  You can order your own pendant at The Lustgarten Foundation’s 10th annual Pancreatic Cancer Research Walk on July 25 in Garden City, NY while you participate in a walk for the cure.

Cheeky Monkey Jewelry's Lophelia Cuff made of recycled metals and fair trade sapphires.

Cheeky Monkey Jewelry has teamed up with SeaWeb to support coral conservation and fair trade by producing some fabulous coral-inspired pieces in their Lophelia Collection.  SeaWeb’s Too Precious To Wear coral conservation campaign kicked off before the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES) occurred in March 2010.  The aim of CITES is to concentrate on the effects of international trade on endangered species and to help to protect wildlife in this realm.

Simon Cardwell, the founder and owner of Cheeky Monkey Jewelry, explained that his company was going to “[leave] the coral right where it should be:  in the ocean.”  He has created this exquisite collection of earrings, a pendant, and cuff without any damage to the environment, and 10% of all sales for these pieces will be donated to SeaWeb’s Too Precious To Wear campaign.  You can now wear some coral without ever harming the species.

Better yet, the laced coral earrings ($250), necklace ($150), and cuff ($1,200) are all constructed of recycled sterling silver and gold (Cheeky Monkey uses recycled metals in all of their products actually).  The sapphires in the collection are also fair trade items which can give the buyer even more satisfaction in purchasing any or all of the featured pieces.  Cardwell’s commitment to the environment and long-term sustainability has him designing his jewelry with those core values in mind.  I took an incredible course on sustainability my last semester in college and can honestly ask all of you to help support sustainability efforts to make our future brighter.  Not to mention, you will get a flood of compliments on this gorgeous jewelry while helping the environment at the same time!

Cheeky Monkey Jewelry's Lophelia Earrings

Cheeky Monkey Jewelry's Lophelia Pendant

The Clarisonic Plus donates 50% of its proceeds to the Susan G. Komen Foundation

Clarisonic has given their Sonic Skin Cleansing System a bright, new pink and red twist with this Limited Edition Clarisonic Plus model for $250.  Partnering with the Susan G. Komen Foundation, 50% of the proceeds of this specific Clarisonic will be donated to help the millions of women battling breast cancer.

So why the “Plus” you may ask?  Well, this model doesn’t just cleanse your face, but can also be used over your entire body.  The Clarisonic Plus lessens dry patches, gives you firmer skin, and provides a gentle exfoliation all in one tool!  Those with sensitive skin don’t have to fret, the brush is made for your specialized skin.  An added bonus for face and body:  this model is a phenomenal prep for self-tanner so you can look sun-kissed without damaging your skin in the sweltering heat.  Keeping your skin radiant can now happen with the click of a button…literally.

David Giuliani, the Co-Founder and CEO of Clarisonic, summed it up well.  He proclaimed, “We might be in the business of beauty, but one of the most rewarding parts of our business is to be able to give back and make a difference.”  By taking his words and purchasing this product, you can support your mothers, sisters, friends, and other women worldwide every time you cleanse your face or body.

I led a breast cancer support group in early 2010 and own another Clarisonic version that donates money to breast cancer research with every purchase.  See the pink Clarisonic Classic for mine.  Every time I wash my face, I think of the strong, incredible women I met at the support group and know that my colorful purchase will in part help to raise awareness and find a cure for breast cancer.  Go ahead, do the same for all of the special women in YOUR life and support a very worthwhile cause.

Each of the products below is offered by a company that contributes part of the price to a charity, add these items to your wish list this season:

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Rose Anne de Pampelonne silk Coralia Crave tunic Price upon request

Ten percent of each sale goes to I Can Serve to benefit women in Phillippines who have breast cancer.  Based in Paris, De Pampelonne’s works take inspiration from the local handicrafts and traditional embroideries of far-flung locales like Tibet, India, and her native Philippines.  This item is travel ready and perfect for all types of occasions, a classic your suitcase must not close without!

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Toms Orange Calypso Canvas Wedges $69

The newest and tallest member of the TOMS family, the Wedge. The world’s first heels with heart, in orange stripe.

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Joan Hornig 18-K gold, white-topaz Potato Chip earrings $1,750

All net profits benefit charities of the buyer’s choice

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Elie Tahari Monique Melody cork tote $398

Twenty percent of the net proceeds go to God’s Love We Deliver, a NYC group that  prepares  meals for those with HIV/AIDS and other illnesses.

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Brette Sandler for Hat Attack $95

Twenty-five percent of each sale goes to the Skin Cancer Foundation.  Swimwear designer Brette Sandler partners with Hat Attack to create a limited-edition UV protective beach hat in order to raise awareness and support for the Foundation.

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Valentino jersey-and-lace T-shirt $395

All proceeds go to the Francesca Rava Foundation for the children of Haiti.

The T-shirt was first promoted at Milan fashion week in February and has become a permanent item in the Valentino online store.

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Harry Winston platinum and diamond Guggenheim ring $26,000

Part of the New York Collection, among traffic and skyscrapers stands one of New York’s favorite monument and architectural icon, the ring is a sweet souvenir of New York and shows your commitment to the arts.  A portion of the proceeds goes to the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation.

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See July 2010 issue of Town & Country for more ideas