Place a bid and you will have the opportunity to receive advice from Tim Gunn over lunch with five friends, meet Reed Krakoff at his Spring 2012 Fashion Show and have the designer create you a One-of-a-Kind, Custom Boxer Handbag, attend the Elton John AIDS Foundation’s Academy Awards Viewing Party, or own a pair of diamond encrusted 18k gold Oliver Peoples Harlot sunglasses! The auction comprises of 102 lots, with diverse offerings in fashion, travel, music, art, sports and even internship opportunities.

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Place bids before April 28, you can meet legendary VOGUE Editor in Chief, Anna Wintour and attend a photo shoot for the magazine….I’m already daydreaming about my Paris trip on Mr. Lauren’s tab!

Online catalogue accessible via: http://www.charitybuzz.com/auctions/fashionandfriendsforjapan

Tahari and Rossum handbag collaboration

There is a great deal of buzz surrounding the collaboration of Elie Tahari and actress/singer Emmy Rossum for this bucket bag so appropriately titled “Emmy.” You may have seen Rossum sporting many Tahari designs at various glam events; it is this very fashion relationship that sparked the designer and actress to come together on this stylish project.

The duo joined forces to make this everything-fits bag with the side note that everything fits because there are compartments for it all! Now that’s what I call an organizer’s dream. Rossum commented that she hates when her iPod and makeup gets jumbled together in a larger bag, so she set out to change the way we scour for our lip gloss.

This leather bag comes in four different sizes and ranges in price from $398 to $798 accordingly. The leather detailing makes the Emmy more than your typical black handbag, but doesn’t limit you from wearing it with any outfit during any season. They will be hitting Tahari collection boutiques this March, so keep an eye out!

A portion of the proceeds from the Emmy bag will go towards Safe Horizon, a charity that aids victims of domestic violence, child abuse, human trafficking, rape and sexual assault, in addition to homeless youth and families of homicide victims. They are the largest victims’ services agency in the United States (comprised of 57 locations) and lend hope and help to more than 250,000 children, adults, and families affected throughout New York City every year. Safe Horizon began in 1978 and have continued to provide the resources and be advocates for those in need.

A bag for a great cause? Definitely worth it! You’ll be able to take a piece of Tahari and Rossum with you wherever you go.

Plum jewelry roll

Traveling with your most preciously pieces can make for a tricky situation, but ShopGive.com’s Italian leather jewelry roll can solve that problem in one sleek case. Being a fan of anything plum immediately brought me to this jewelry case, but for you neutral-lovers, it also comes in beautiful black, brown, and tan tones. The suede lining of this organizer keeps necklaces, earrings, and rings carefully protected and exactly where they should be (no entangled mess when you unpack your bags). Also included are snap closures to keep necklaces from tangling and “holed” pieces for your earring posts to keep them held together in the midst of your travels. You’ll also find two pockets for all your other royal jewels, so space is certainly not limited. This all-in-one leather case with gold hardware comes in at $135.

Now for a bit on the company behind this exclusive offering. ShopGive.com donates 10% of its net profits (i.e. total profit less total expenses) to variety of charities on annual basis. A great part about the organization: their philosophy states that “part of being chic means not just carrying the bag that you love, but also supporting the organizations you love.” The very same sentiment rings loud and clear to everyone at MLC as well. Look around at all of the products available at ShopGive.com and see how your stylish carry-ons, handbags, and other leather goods can make a greater difference. I’m also a huge fan of this cosmetic bag…so chic!

Whether it’s for your hipster boyfriend or stylish grandpa, Playdate Custom-made bicycles make a sophisticated and healthy gift.   $599, proceeds go to Playdatebuilds, an organization set up by the bicycle maker to train under-privileged youth in the craft of bike making and maintenance.

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Not just another red product, these headphones might just transform your quiet surroundings into a night club, well maybe not literally, but you get the idea!  A portion of the profits from the Beats Solo HD (PRODUCT)REDSpecial Edition headphones will go straight to the Global Fund to fight AIDS in Africa. Proprietary titanium coated driver technology ensures they preserve every bit of the lush bass and vital details of your music. Plus, the ingenious tri-fold design make for easy storage when not in use. Solo HD’s cable also features Monster ControlTalk™ for iPod® playback control and iPhone™/music phone hands-free calling, get hooked up at beatsbydre.com for $229..

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A freshwater project can provide an entire community with clean, safe drinking water. If you donate on someone’s behalf, you’ll be able to print or email a personalized card to the lucky person. When the project is complete (in 12-18 months), we’ll send you both photos, GPS coordinates and information about the finished project.  Find out more at charity: water and give the gift of clean drinking water by sponsoring a water project for $5,000.

Anthony For Men Razor Burn Repair

Believe me, I am all about an unkept, scruffy man, but sometimes a clean shaven guy is the perfect accessory to his tailored look. Right guys? That’s where Anthony For Men comes into the picture with their Razor Burn Repair lotion.

Now this company does more than just shave products–they produce a plethora of specialized skincare and bath and body products doctored specially for men. And the added bonus of purchasing this and any of their products? A percentage of the proceeds is donated to non-profit and charitable organizations that increase awareness and push for a cure to prostate cancer. Each Anthony for Men item has the distinctive blue ribbon to show their support for this extremely worthwhile cause. To see more information on their philanthropy, go here.

Now to the perks of Razor Burn Repair: you’ll be able to reduce the irritation caused by shaving and soothe your skin while nixing redness and stinging…all in one application. The addition of ginseng and Vitamins A, C, and E truly protects your skin and leaves it more than ready for the day ahead (without leaving any unwanted residue). With the cold starting to set in, this item ($24) will also be a perfect go-to when taking the shave to your wintry skin. Don’t forget to pair it up with any other of their products to combat all of your manly skin needs.

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!

Kimberly McDonald Sea Turtle bracelet, 100% of proceeds benefit Gulf spill relief

Kimberly McDonald has created a limited edition “Sea Turtle Macramé Bracelet” collection in support of the National Wildlife Federation’s efforts to clean up the Gulf oil spill. 100% of all proceeds benefit the National Wildlife Federation’s effort to respond to the wildlife crisis unfolding in the Gulf.

Each bracelet is made from 18K recycled gold, reclaimed diamonds and hand-woven silk. The bracelets retail for $2,000 – $2,500 and are available at Mitchells.

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.

Connections Bracelet, $500

I volunteer for a wonderful non-profit here in NYC called Bottomless Closet. For 10 years, the organization has been helping New York women gain their economic independence and strengthen their self-confidence through their one-on-one interview counseling and evening career workshops. And of course, their huge “boutique” of clothing is perfectly suited to help these women land a  good job and keep it.

I’m on the Young Leadership Council and wanted to let everyone know of a beautiful new bracelet we are selling to raise money for our programs.

Bottomless Closet’s Young Leadership Council is thrilled to announce the Connections bracelet created by designer Catherine M Zadeh exclusively for Bottomless Closet! This stunning design, featuring an organic and stylish interpretation of the Bottomless Closet logo, is now available in sterling silver.

The cost of the bracelet is $100 for sterling silver or $500 for gold and 50% of the cost goes directly to the services and programming of Bottomless Closet.

Bracelets are available in the BC office or can be delivered for an additional charge of $15 shipping & handling fee.