Coach's Mia Maggie bag

With October still in full swing, here are your top 5 handbags that support breast cancer!

Coach‘s Mia Maggie handbag wears pink proudly in honor of breast cancer awareness.  This limited edition, rose-colored handbag pulls out all the stops and has a pocket for everything you need to put inside of it.  Better yet, 20% from each sale (the bag retails at $358) will go directly to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

The mission of this incredible organization is to help find both prevention and a cure for breast cancer in our lifetime. BCRF funds extensive research worldwide and increases public awareness about proper breast health. In its sixteenth year of operation, BCRF has certainly done a great deal, but still needs your continued support to find a cure for breast cancer.

Ralph Lauren wallet

Here’s a little something for inside your handbag or for when you don’t need much for a night out!  Ralph Lauren has introduced this hot pink alligator wallet in conjunction with the company’s Pink Pony Fund.  100% of the sales from this wallet support programs for screening, diagnosis, and treatment and research, as well as bringing patient navigation to medically underserved communities. The Pink Pony Fund supports several organizations worldwide.

This elegant pink clutch wallet is crafted from hand-selected American alligator, and its eye-popping hue cannot be missed.  Add a little pizazz to your LBD with this clutch!

Lauren Merkin clutch

Lauren Merkin has come together with the Young Survival Coalition to support breast cancer.  50% of the proceeds from the pink studded lambskin clutch will go directly to this organization. YSC supports women on a global level and is dedicated to the unique issues directly related to young women (ages 40 and below) with breast cancer. Their goal is to increase the quality AND quantity of life for these young women.

The Lauren Merkin clutch is studded with Swarovski crystals and can be used for every type of event.  Keep the strap on for an over the shoulder look or go strapless for a luxurious affair–either way you can’t go wrong.  The clutch retails for $275.

Betsey Johnson tote

When Betsey Johnson mixes with the iconic Marilyn Monroe, you absolutely cannot go wrong.  This limited edition Betsey Johnson tote benefits two of the designer’s favorite charities, the National Breast Cancer Coalition Fund and the Weill Cornell Breast Center of the Iris Cantor Women’s Health Center at New York-Presbyterian Hospital.  Johnson, a cancer survivor herself, was treated at the very same New York-Presbyterian Hospital where some of the proceeds of this tote will go.

Retailing at $75, you’ll have an excellent excuse to incorporate this tote into your wardrobe. It is great for traveling and when you need the extra space for your on-the-go lifestyle.  A nice touch:  the attached coin purse that reads “‘I am a survivor.” Talk about a powerful message from an incredibly strong woman.

Andrea Montgomery hoops

Andrea Montgomery and the Stehlin Foundation for Cancer Research have teamed up to help find a cure for cancer.  In 1969, the Stehlin Foundation for Cancer Research was established by surgical oncologist, Dr. John Stehlin, a man with a strong mission to develop the most effective treatments for cancer patients in the shortest period of time.

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Montgomery is donating 100% of the proceeds of her lotus-shaped hoop earrings to this worthy cause.  All funds will be allocated to the clinical trials of Stelhlin’s promising anti-cancer drug, CZ48.

The simple, yet unique hoop earrings can be either brushed gold vermeil or polished sterling silver and retail for $110.  The gem is a pink quartz drop that can actually be interchanged with other colored gems, so you can match these fabulous earrings to any outfit.  However, for the month of October, make sure you’re keeping the pink hue to support breast cancer and the fight for a cure!

Evelyn Lauder Lip Design Collection

Estée Lauder, a proud supporter of The Breast Cancer Research Foundation, will be donating $500,000 from their Pink Ribbon Collection to this amazing organization.  The Evelyn Lauder Lip Design Collection features three full-sized pink hues–Candy, Rubellite, and Tiramisu–all neatly nestled in a pink crocodile clutch.

For only $25, you can help make a difference in the lives of other women and support The Breast Cancer Research Foundation in its efforts to find a cure for breast cancer.  By October 2010, the Estée Lauder Companies will have raised $45 million since 1993 for this incredible Foundation.  Keep up the support one kiss at a time.

Philosophy's Shower for the Cure

Philosophy’s Shower for the Cure shower gel is everything you neeed and is packed all in one bottle.  Consider it your handy shampoo, shower gel, and bubble bath product that can scale down the number of bottles that make up your beauty regime.   The enticing smell is incredible and the message is even better. Don’t forget to read the philosophy printed on the bottle which talks about the women affect by breast cancer.  It the ends with a resounding “she is you, she is me, she is…unforgettable.”

For $20, you get 16 ounces of pure, creamy bliss and you get to support  The Entertainment Industry Foundation’s Women’s Cancer Research Fund. 100% of the funds from this product (and their other pink ribbon products) are donated, so your purchase does quite a bit of good.  Not to mention, Philosophy has been teaming up with them since 2002, so they’re committed to the cause!

Sephora's Perfect Ten Brush Set

Sephora’s Perfect Pink Brush Set gives you a soft pink toolkit that has an arsenal of brushes for face, eyes, and lips.  For $60, you will get a 10-piece set with fan, concealer, and powder brushes…just to name a few!  They’re all wrapped up in a fantastic pink brush carrying case, sure to keep your makeup drawer organized and your beauty vacation packing process a little less hectic.

Not to mention, you’ll be helping out The Breast Cancer Research Foundation with your purchase.  For every set that is bought, Sephora will be donating $1 to the BCRF to help other women and help find a cure for this disease.

Support your moms, sisters, friends, and all other women by using this brush set as you celebrate all forms of beauty.

Essie We can do it! Pink Polish

Essie, a go-to source for fantastic nail polish, has rolled out a great shade in honor of the 2010 Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  This shade is aptly called We Can Do It Pink! and helps spread the message that we can find a cure for breast cancer one manicure at a time.

This sheer pink shade looks great on everyone and complements any outfit, so you can’t go wrong with this versatile polish color. Better yet, a portion of the proceeds benefit Living Beyond Breast Cancer.  LBBC is a non-profit organization that empowers women affected by the disease to live long, fulfilled lives.  Wear pink proudly on your nails and pass on awareness with every handshake.

Jo Malone Red Roses Bath Oil

A luxurious bath that smells of red roses sounds pretty inviting, right?  Well, look no further than Jo Malone’s Red Roses Bath Oil for an aromatic experience that can take your bath up a few notches.  Blended from seven types of roses, this bath oil has a clean scent that mimics a bouquet of red roses.  Buy it for yourself  or buy it for that special someone and indulge in its amazing scent–either way you can’t go wrong.  You’ll get 8.5 ounces of uninterrupted relaxation for $60.

By buying this bath oil in October, or any other Red Roses candle or cologne product for that matter, you’re supporting Jo Malone’s $20,000 pledge to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

So just a reminder:  this October we should all remind our dates to skip the bouquet and bring this bath oil to our doors.

Think pink and indulge in pink for Breast Cancer Awareness Month with these phenomenal beauty finds.  Check back for more pink ribbon October must-haves as we march our way into a very pink month.

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.

Yurman dog tags with or without pave diamonds, $450/$950 - 10% of sales go to Breast Cancer Research Foundation

Last week, I spotted these pink dog tags in a vitrine inside the David Yurman store on Madison Ave.  I was attending a special shopping event for the charity I volunteer for – Bottomless Closet (they provide clothing, interview/resume prep and career-oriented workshops to local NYC women) – so a special THANKS to David Yurman for putting that together!

The dog tags are made out of sterling silver and pink rhodonite, which is a rose-colored stone commonly used in upscale breast cancer-themed products . There is also a more expensive option with pave diamonds (.36cts), which is obviously the better choice.

10% of the sales from the tags will be donated to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation by David Yurman. The Foundation strives to raise awareness, encourage early detection and fund research efforts to find a cure for breast cancer.

Breast cancer is the second most common kind of cancer in the world and women in the United States have a 1 in 8 (12.5%) chance of developing it in their lifetime. So there’s a good chance that if breast cancer prevention and a cure is not already a priority to you, it may become one eventually as this disease affects so many women around us.

The dog tags can be purchased at DY stores and at their online boutique.

Pink diamond ring from the Red Carpet Collection - $100 donated to Stand Up To Cancer

Jewelry designer, ShopNBC guest host and breast cancer survivor Neda Behnam has created a very personal line of jewelry meant to make a social statement and help fund cancer research.  A portion of the proceed from her Diamonds for a Cure collection will be donated to Stand Up To Cancer (SU2C).

The jewelry line features two collections: the affordable “Symbolic Collection” featuring rings, pendants and earrings priced from $300 and the high end “Red Carpet Collection which features one of a kind pieces and priced in the thousands.

SU2C is a celebrity-backed  non-profit which raises money for cancer research. Its popular slogan, “one out of every two men and one out of every three women will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime, meaning everyone is affected in some way or will be” teaches us all that cancer has the ability to touch everyone’s life and so we all need to work toward finding a cure.

Neda Behnam describes her goal in the creation of Diamonds For A Cure:

“By wearing our symbolic diamond jewelry, which represents hope, faith, love and charity, you too can show your support for the future. Please join me in this effort and ‘stand up to cancer’ as we defeat this disease once and for all.”