#GivingTuesday Donate Your Time or Money, It's Fashionable

Did you enjoy your Thanksgiving weekend? What were you thankful for? Consider #GivingTuesday.  I know that many of us might be struggling to answer that this year. If you're hard on cash right now, donate your time. It's more rewarding than you expect. Often it also leads to opportunities you didn't count on either. If you have some cash to contribute, there are countless organizations that could use your support.

With the election results, there are many segments of the population that are at risk now. Jezebel has created a great list of anti-bigotry, pro-women, pro-earth groups that could use your time or money.

I have donated to the PKD Foundation, a good friend of mine is currently waiting for a kidney donor. I also donated to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society because of a friend's son is fighting blood cancer. Your donation here would be matched, making your contribution more impactful.

If you are still shopping Cyber Monday deals, do it through https://smile.amazon.com/Amazon Smile. It's like regular Amazon with all of your Prime benefits but will donate a percentage to charity.

For the fashion quotient of Giving Tuesday, you can always donate your clothing and accessories to Dress for Success that provides at-risk women with professional attire for job interviews and provides career training.

Now that you have stuffed yourself for days with turkey and pie, FEED is an organization that many designers have partnered with in the ultimate goal of feeding the hungry all over the world.

Now that I have made my case for #GivingTuesday, I hope you will give of yourself as you see fit. It's only the biggest trending hashtag today!

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#GivingTuesday 'Tis the Season!

Did you get your shopping on? I know I advocated to avoid Black Friday in lieu of giving, adopting or shopping online. If you missed your chance to be generous, you now have Giving Tuesday. Today is set aside to volunteer or donate to great causes in the spirit of the holidays.

Canada Cares Auction
My friends and family have been working on supporting a family of refugees from Syria. The family members recently arrived in Toronto, but they still need a lot of help now that they have landed. The Canada Cares Auction has a great range of everything from spa treatments, fashion, Broadway tickets, gourmet goodies, etc. that you can bid on to help those in need.

BreastCancer.org
Want your generosity to be doubled? Now through December 31st, your donation to Breastcancer.org will be matched by one of their top donors. The organization serves to educate, support and inspire women on breast cancer and breast health.

Metropolitan Museum of Art
Our favorite source for blockbuster costume exhibits and of course, the Met Ball, they have an opportunity to match donations until the end of the year as well. Double your donation to the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Shikshya Foundation Nepal
Remember the victims of the Nepal Earthquake? Their struggle isn't over. Fashion designer Prabal Gurung has been very passionate in helping the people of his home country. He rounded up top celebrities and other fashion icons to get the word out. He is on the board and acts as ambassador for the Shikshya Foundation to raise funds for earthquake relief. You can donate to Shikshya Foundation here.

UBER & (RED) Team Up to Fight AIDS
December 1st is World AIDs day. You know you're ordering your UBER car today anyway. Just confirm when your ride is over to donate a few dollars to the UBER +(RED) organization, the global advocacy group intent on ending AIDS. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation will match donations on top of yours so you can be doubly generous once again. If you can't ride with (RED) Jimmy Kimmel will also host his Shop-a-thon to raise funds for the organization tonight.

Does that give you some inspiration on who to help for #GivingTuesday? If you need more ideas just search the hashtag anywhere on social media on ways to help.

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Helping Nepal, A Plea from Prabal Gurung

Nepal's devastating Earthquake has claimed the lives of almost 5000 people (could be more in time). Their nation's heritage, homes, sacred cultural places have all mostly been lost. While the fashion industry is usually very good about coming together to help other communities when in need, this particular tragedy was very personal for fashion designer Prabal Gurung.

Gurung is a Nepalese native. While he now calls New York home, this is the country of his heart. As a CFDA board member, he traveled with designer Diane Von Furstenburg a few years back to show her the wonderful people and rich culture there.

Nepal is in immediate need of shelters, food, water, medical support. Gurung started the Shikshya Foundation to raise funds to get his homeland some of the help it needs. The CFDA, which previously raised funds to have on hand for emergencies had pledged $10 000 to the project and have helped him promote it to others. You can also donate to Nepal Earthquake Relief here.

If you don't choose to contribute to Prabal Gurung's organization, you can also help Nepal earthquake victims through this list of vetted, reputable organizations.
photo from CFDA.org

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Mister Triple X at Art Hearts Fashion Fall 2015

Who doesn't like a little kink and fetish to heat up the NY Fashion Week runway? 

Mr. Triple X  opened the Art Hearts Fashion Show with a collection body conscious separates for both men and women that were accented with chains and leather straps. The signature pieces were more accessories that could be worn alone for a sexy club (or night in) look or to add some edge to more traditional fashion ensembles. My friends and family were most grateful for the plentiful eye candy of the male models.

The label is designed by Erik Rosete. He intended his collection to be a  high end street wear line for everyone's inner rock star. He is also one of the founders of Art Hearts Fashion organization which brings together artists, designers and creatives to produce events in multiple cities to benefit the AIDS Healthcare Foundation. Before talent management and fashion, he actually started his career as a mortgage banker. Quite a complex background which no doubt benefits him now.

Like what you see? You can support Art Hearts Fashion and the AIDS Healthcare Foundation by texting "FIGHTAIDS" to 41444 to donate any amount you choose. 

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Wizard of Oz - Leading Ladies Re-Imagined

No, this isn't Kansas.  Warner Brothers and Tonner Dolls have combined forces with 20 fashion designers to create one-of-a-kind dolls to celebrate the 75th Anniversary of the Wizard of Oz movie.  Designers like Reem Acra, Betsey Johnson, Chris Benz, Byron Lars, Donna Karan, Jenny Packham  and Colleen Atwood to name a few, sketched and created couture ensembles for the collectible Tonner Dolls. 

Above are a few preview sketches from different designers.  They were tasked with re-imagining the characters of Glinda the Good Witch, The Wicked Witch and of course, Dorothy herself.  Byron Lars re-imagined a post-apocalyptic Dorothy who has been hardened by the loss of her dog and fighting it out against the world.   Yours truly contributed the graphic designs for the tattoo and t-shirt to this doll.

 Reem Acra re-designed Dorothy's classic gingham ensemble as an elegant ballgown.  Carmen Marc Valvo gave Glinda a modern red carpet makeover. Betsey Johnson interpreted Glenda as a punk godmother, eerily similar to herself.  Lyn Paolo (top) saw the Wicked Width as a vintage vamp.  Douglas Hannant saw the sorceress as sexy screen siren in fur.  Watching the process, I can tell you that Tonner Dolls handpainted the facial features onto each doll (they definitely don't mass manufacture the fierce attitude I saw on the Byron Lars doll!)  Each designer was responsible for making the unique outfit that the doll wore.

The actual dolls will be unveiled at the Fashion Institute of Technology to coincide with NY Fashion Week.  The dolls will be up for auction to benefit Habit for Humanity as part of their "There's No Place Like Home" campaign. Habitat for Humanity is an organization whose mission is to build decent, affordable homes for low income families around the world.

I know I personally fantasized about Dorothy's flared blue gingham dress and the big pink pile of organza that was Glinda's ballgown when I watched the movie as a child.  You can see it inspired plenty of other fashion creators like myself.  The fact that it brought so many of them together for a great cause is that much more beautiful.   I can only hope they present them on a giant yellow brick runway... 

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Fashion Night Out Abolitionista Benefit

Celebrate a night of indie fashion designers with the bonus of being able to save a child.  A collective of artists and designers with The Set NYC have come together to host Fashion Night Out - Abolitionista Benefit.  The event raises money for efforts to stop child sex trafficking in its #PleaseSaveONEChild campaign.

The stylish night will include art exhibits and fashion shows from designers like REVERIE,  SNOWMAN, HOPE by Joy Hu & Joe Liang. Celebrity fans who wear these designes include Miss Universe Natalie Glebova, Miss Jamaica Chantal Zaky, Robin Kassner (Millionaire Matchmaker) and Angelina Pivarnick (MTV, VH1).  While enjoying the sights, guests can enjoy artisanal chocolates and cocktails. 

The event takes place in Chelsea on June 5, 2014.  If you hurry, you can buy one ticket and get your plus one's ticket for free if you purchase before Monday, May 19th.  

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Dare to Wear Love 2014

Canadian fashion all-stars created a catwalk for good.  The Dare to Wear Love fashion show last Friday night brought together Canada's top designers for a fundraiser to benefit the Stephen Lewis Foundation. Canadian celebrities modeled the looks at Toronto's Ritz-Carlton hotel.

The annual gala was founded by one of my first fashion industry employers, Jim Searle and Chris Tyrell of Hoax Couture.  Designers like Brian Bailey, Lida Baday and Linda Lundstrom (another early employer of mine) across Canada created dramatic looks inspired by the motifs and spirit of Africa.  You could see traditional fabric patterns used in ballgowns or punk capes.  Models styled in a twist on the traditional hair wrap.

The show itself was an uplifting display of diversity, as gorgeous men and women of all ages, shapes and ethnicity vamped it up for the cause.  This also included a very pregnant Amanda Bruegel of CityTV and broadcaster/model Joanne Smith who dazzled in blonde, cheekbones and totally fierce wheelchair.

The Stephen Lewis Foundation works in many countries across Africa to fight the devastation of AIDS/HIV.  This encompasses grassroots efforts in home care for orphans, the elderly, education, arts, funding over 700 initiatives with collaborators looking to help.

If you want to get involved, you can attend an event, start a group, volunteer or donate to the Stephen Lewis Foundation.

Photos by George Pimentel and Taralea Cutler of Eye Contact Photography

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Fashion Designed Football Helmets

How many of you fashionistas are Superbowl fans? Bloomingdale's is unveiling a special collection of 48 helmets designed by the CFDA's top fashion designers.  The "Couture" helmets by designers Betsey Johnson, Alice + Olivia, Marchesa, Diane Von Furstenburg and others will be auctioned off to benefit the NFL Foundation.

The helmets will be unveiled in Bloomingdale's 59th street NYC windows today, the launch of the auction.  The NFL Foundation's mission is to improve the lives of their fans through health initiatives and grants to youth and school programs.  

You can place your bid at the CFDA Bloomingdale's Superbowl auction before February 4, 2014.

Other participating designers include Alejandro Ingelmo, Alexis Bittar, Ovadia & Sons,Billy Reid, Blake Mykoskie for Toms, Bloomingdale’s, Catherine Malandrino, Cynthia Rowley, Cynthia Vincent for Twelfth Street, Dana Lorenz for Fenton/Fallon, Danielle Snyder and Jodie Snyder for Dannijo,  Dao-Yi Chow and Maxwell Osborne for Public School, David Neville and Marcus Wainwright for Rag & Bone, Dennis Basso, Diane von Furstenberg, Donna Karan ,Eugenia Kim, George Esquivel, John Varvatos, Junkfood,  Kenneth Cole, Lela Rose, Badgley Mischka,  Mark McNairy, Michael Bastian, Monique Lhuillier,  Narciso Rodriguez for Narciso Rodriguez Studio, Nicole and Michael Colovos for Helmut Lang, Nicole Miller, Olivier Theyskens for Theyskens Theory, Gela Nash & Pamela Skaist-Levy for Pam & Gela, Pamela Love, Rachel Zoe, Rebecca Taylor, Richard Chai, Rogan Gregory and Scott Mackinlay Hahn for Loomstate, Rogan Gregory for Rogan, Rozae Nichols for Clover Canyon,  Sam Shipley and Jeff Halmos for Shipley & Halmos,  Stephen Dweck, Steven Alan, Tadashi Shoji, Todd Snyder, Vince Camuto, and Yigal Azrouel. 

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#Unselfie Style - #GivingTuesday

It’s the morning after  Cyber-Monday.  I thought I would take a break from the holiday shopping and gift guide planning to focus on giving.  The #Unselfie and #GivingTuesday campaign is a social media initiative most active on Instagram to take away from your own narcissism and instead raise awareness of a cause that is important to you.  The point is to post a photo with information on your cause instead while obscuring your own face.

The project was launched with the 92nd Street Y, Mashable, the United Nations Foundation and over 2,000 partners, big and small, across America.  Do you have a charity that you regularly donate to?  What about an organization that you volunteer for?  This is the perfect opportunity to give them a shout-out.

I can’t say I am particularly loyal to one specific cause.  I have volunteered my time over the years for DIFFA, Fashion Fights Cancer and many seasons with the CanadianCancer Society.  I am happy to give blog space to promote pretty much any good cause one of my fashion industry peeps are passionate about.

The general public has an image of the fashion industry as a vain and shallow community, but in my 20 years in it, I have found it to be the exact opposite.  I can’t name any prominent fashion brand or designer who doesn't devote a good percentage of time and resources to a great cause. 

To name a few:

Cynthia Rowley and Lauren Bush have worked together for F.E.E.D.

Betsey Johnson is a huge advocate for Breast Cancer Awarness with programs for Fashion Targets Breast Cancer, Iris Cantor Center, Pink Ribbon products, etc.

Donna Karan founded the Urban Zen Organization to provide comfort and wellness where the health care industry fails, but also to preserve and support diverse cultures.

Josie Natori was in her native Philippines right after Typhoon Haiyan hit.  She rallied a large number of fashion brands to donate aid to the country and has channeled visitors to her site to organizations that provide the most help to the victims of the tragedy.

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8 Stylish Ways to Spread Breast Cancer Awareness

How healthy are your "girls"?  October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and it has never been more stylish to be educated and supportive of those who can help with the cause.  The design team at Coach created a very chic collection of accessories that includes their signature Madison handbags in rich fushia, printed silk scarves, watches and jewelry.  For the entire month of October, they will be donating 20% of the proceeds from sales towards breast cancer research.   Lingerie brand Cosabella is also donating 20% towards research of sales of their Glow for a Cure ensemble.

O.P.I. has their Pink of Hearts Duo with a glitter polish and pale pink one.  Net proceeds from Jessica Simpson's gem accented T-strap heels will benefit the Fashion Footwear Charitable Foundation.  Stella & Dot has their wanderlust wrap bracelet where the proceeds will go to the Noreen Fraser Foundation for research.  

Tommy Hilfiger is donating a third of the proceeds for his BHi handbag to Breast Health International and J. C. Penney has a whole collection of $10 tees with graphic messages of strength and support. 

With Elizabeth Arden, you don't even need to buy anything to help.  With their #PinItToGiveIt campaign, you just need to use Pinterest to pin of their images and they will donate lipstick to the Look Good Feel Better organization aimed at building self-esteem in breast cancer survivors.

Are you ready to think pink?  Support your sisters now!

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Wine Enthusiast's Red & White Ball

Before the roaring 20's of Gatsby, there was the Belle Epoque.  Wine Enthusiast Magazine celebrated their 25th anniversary with a decadent Red and White Bash for a good cause.  The event was held at the Hudson Hotel's basement re-imagined as a romantic circus.

Red and White was a reference to the over 30 wineries offering tastings of their wines.  The colors were also the theme of the night for event designer Adam Aleksander's decor and dress code.  Both the gents and ladies decked themselves out in vintage party style with hats, fascinators, pearls, jewels and dresses in the spirit of the event.  There were festive makeovers offered to people who wanted some extra flare in their hair or sparkly makeup.  

An old-timey big band set the soundtrack for the evening on stage with Parisian lampposts.  A sexy burlesque aerialist glided into her moves on a crescent moon overlooking the guests.   

While the wine flowed freely, the true reason for the celebration was that proceeds from every ticket sold went to benefit the Wine to Water organization.  The non profit heads up projects in countries like Uganda, Sudan, Cambodia and many others to provide clean water to communities that struggle to have access to it.  Some of their projects have included digging wells, distributed ceramic or bio-sand water filters and constructing a water system to an orphanage.

You can donate or host your own event on their behalf here.  If you were planning your next big bash, what theme would YOU go with?

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DIY: Flowers for the Cancer Society Golden Daffodils Gala

My Mother devotes a lot of time to volunteering for the Canadian Cancer Society.  One of the most glamorous fundraising events that they host is the black tie Golden Daffodil Ball in Toronto taking place tonight.

The fact that my Mom is volunteering her time after retiring from working full time for the organization for over 20 years says a lot about how much she believes in it.  Her passion for all of the outreach, fundraising and help the Cancer Society gives of course has rubbed off on me.  I have sold daffodils in grocery store, manned tables at rummage sales, done door to door canvasing over the years as my own tiny contribution to her cause.

This year, to contribute to their "crystal" themed gala, I created a bunch of handmade silk flowers embroidered with crystals.  They are selling fashion accessories for guests to wear to engage in their theme at the beginning of the event. The brooches/hair clip combo lets you wear it in multiple ways.  I have also donated a gift package of a custom designed veil, headpiece or sash for a special event for their silent auction from my design studio, Weng Meng Design.

I admit, I'm not the most philanthropic individual, but when it comes to easy and pretty ways to give back, how could anyone say no?

If you want to try your hand at making some these on your own, you will need:

-Brooch/clip metal backs (I ordered mine from TrimWeaver) 
-Organza, satin, taffeta or any other fabrics you think are pretty
-Sew-on rhinestones

When I cut my flower petals out, I use a mix of existing stencils, or rough sketches I make myself which give is a more natural, handmade look.  You can download some from here.

I shape my petals with antique millinery flower moulds or a ball iron.  If you don't have those, you can use the pointed tip of the iron and shape the edges of your petals so they don't look flat.  Then layer a few petals on top of each other.

Embroider a few rhinestones through the center of the petals to hold them all together.  Hot glue the flower to the brooch back.  Add a few additional stitches through the flower and around the holes of the brooch back for extra security.  Voila!

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TORONTO FASHION WEEK: Dare to Wear Love Gala

I'm here in Toronto this week to scope out the best designers in the North.  Before I get to my first show, I wanted to help spread the word on the Dare to Wear Love Gala happening this Friday, March 22nd. It is a spectacular fashion show bringing together Canada's top designers and a grand party.  It is the passion project of one of my first fashion industry employers, Chris Tyrell and Jim Searle of the label Hoax Couture.

Proceeds of Dare to Wear Love benefit the Stephen Lewis Foundation, which aims to fight the devastation that AIDS has caused in Africa.  Past galas have had shows that honor the silhouettes and fabric patterns of African tribes as interpreted by artists and designers of Canada.

I spent a brief summer at Hoax Couture before my sophomore year at Parsons. I remember that Jim and Chris were always generous with their time, with any organization that asked for their help.  It is great to see their philanthropic pursuits organized to become a huge event that reaches so many ... It also makes me feel good knowing such a large number of fellow Canadians, designers, celebrities and sponsors have come out to support them for the purpose of a good cause.

If you're in town for Toronto Fashion Week, I ask you to buy a ticket to the gala or donate to the organization if you cannot.  Show these guys some love!

Photos by George Pimentel from the 2012 Gala

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Taste Karlie Kloss's Cookies

You don't usually associate supermodels at NY Fashion Week with sweet treats.  However, Karlie Kloss was handing out cookies at Lincoln Center yesterday to launch her collaboration with Momofuku Milk Bar.

The cookie is called the "Perfect 10".  It is a mix of healthy ingredients like agave, almond flour and olive oil.  It is dairy free, gluten free, etc.  The purpose of the culinary team-up is to raise funds for FEED, an organization that provides healthy meals to those in need.  To date 34,300 school meals have  already been donated. 

I tried the cookie, and can honestly say it is tasty.  I feel pretty good about a treat I know is healthy and will help others when I myself indulge.  It also makes a great Valentine's gift!  Buy them online. 

If you just want to make the cookie yourself (too much work!) You can find the recipe here. 

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Heart Truth Red Dress Show 2013

My favorite fashion events are those that bring out tons of celebrities for a good cause.  The Heart Truth Red Dress Show sends gorgeous stars of all shapes and sizes down the runway in hot red gowns from the top designers at Manhattan's Hammerstein Ballroom.

Heart Truth is a non-profit initiative sponsored by National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The Red Dress is a symbol to remind women of the need to protect their heart health, and inspires them to take action.  To study up on how to keep your heart healthy, check out the Heart Truth website.

Olympic gold medalist, Gabrielle Douglas strolled down the catwalk in Pamella Roland.  Soledad O'Brien wore a leg revealing dress by Black Halo Eve.  Divas Toni Braxton, Wendy Williams and Roselyn Sanchez sashayed with sexy attitude.  Kelly Osborne looked like a retro pinup with rock n' roll flair in Zac Posen.  Check out the rest of the lineup below:

photos by Mariana Leung

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Cafe Escapes Storybook Bliss Party

Want to see a bunch of fashion and lifestyle bloggers indulge?  Caffeinate them and ply them with treats.  Jennifer Sbranti, AKA The Hostess with the Mostess designed a gorgeous Storybook Bliss themed party on behalf of Cafe Escapes last week.

She created a coffee and literary decor story using inexpensive materials and surprisingly easy crafts for an elegant, quirky look.  For the centerpieces, she spray-painted the interiors of mason jars with metallic paint then used twine to attach loose Scrabble letters.  The paper flowers used old book pages, scrapbook paper and coffee filters, embellished with plastic jewels ( full instructions check out her amazing site). 

Cafe Escapes paired their new flavors with chef-created hors d'oeuvres and desserts to showcase their decadent flavors, like caramel, dark chocolate and chai latte.  They also kept things cozy with throw blankets, a photo booth and champagne!

Guests were asked to donate their favorite books to Urban Librarians Unite for their Hurricane Sandy book drive.  If you have books you can share, please donate here!
Photos courtesy of Glam.com/milimeterphoto

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Gift Guide: Giving Back!

Get into the true spirit of the giving season.  You would never know it, but every gift purchased in today's chic gift guide also benefits charity.  Isn't it that much more fun to know when you give a gift, you are giving it twice?

This lovely gold rose ring from Cuyana ($95) is the perfect shiny thing you want for the holidays and benefits Charity:Water, an organization that brings safe, clean drinking water to third world nations.

The stunning wood frame purse is from Kayu Design ($295). A portion of the proceeds for their gifts go towards Unite for Site.  The organization helps fund sight-restoring surgeries to people in developing countries.

Sales of this cozy scarf from FEED helps provide 10 school meals to children in need.  The scarf was made by artisans in Kenya and features a hand beaded logo. Kenya Kikoy scarf $50.

100% of the profits from Laura Mercier's Hope lip gloss ($24) will go directly to the Laura Mercier Ovarian Cancer Fund,

These party-ready lace print Tom's shoes ($68) are part of a collaboration with artist Gabriel Lacktman.  Every pair of Tom's Shoes that are purchased, another pair of shoes is donated to children in need.

Warby Parker has the most stylish eye wear in the market these days.  The fact that a pair is donated to people who need them every time another pair is purchased only adds to the cool factor.  Loving these Mabel style sunglasses this holiday. 

Who doesn't love candles during the holiday season?  Glass Baby has handcrafted pieces in beautiful colors and techniques.  The company has dedicated itself to benefit many charities since their inception.  This season, they are currently helping food banks around the country. Set of 3 hand-blown votives $132.

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Superstorm Sandy Aftermath - How to Help

Hello readers. This post has nothing to do with fashion design or beauty, at least not directly.  In my 19 years in NYC, I have seen the World Trade Center bombing in 1993, then September 11, the blackout of 2003, Hurricane Irene and now Sandy.  New Yorkers were strong and moved forward without fail.

Now with Sandy,  I never saw so many of my peers affected and so long.  Almost everyone I know lost power, or were evacuated or living in the cold.  Artists lost their life’s work to the flood.  Friends are lining up for gas all day just so they could get to their jobs or move their families to a place with heat.  Fellow New Yorkers saw their homes completely burned to the ground or diving in dumpsters for food.  This is not the city I call home.

If you are in New York, New Jersey or in an area that was hit hard, please help out your local area and your fellow neighbors.   I was completely elated to see stranded New York Marathon runners decide to volunteer in their competitor numbers in place of racing with a cheerful attitude.

One organization that has been a constant in every crisis has been the American Red Cross.  After September 11, I gave blood and funds.  Despite all they were doing, they still reached back out to me afterwards to check on my well being and let me know that they were there for support if needed.  They make it easy to help however you can.  You can donate money to specific areas or where it’s needed most.  You can donate blood or time if you don’t have money to give.

To reach the American Red Cross start here.      THANK YOU.

Photo: David Shankbone

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Think Pink - October's Hottest Color

Yes,October is Pink Ribbon month to promote Breast Cancer awareness and raise money to find a cure.  Too many women have been challenged by this disease, many in fashion.  As a collective response, many fashion companies of collaborated with organizations to fight this killer.  The Council of Fashion Designers in America founded Fashion Targets Breast Cancer with a t-shirt campaign.

The current queen of pink, Betsey Johnson was a survivor.  She has designed a collection of jewelry where the profits will be sold to benefit Fashion Targets Breast Cancer.  My favorite piece is the Betsey Johnson "I'm A Survivor" Pink Ribbon Ring.

For local efforts, Dress Barn launched Paint the Country Pink where site visitors can "paint" across a map to show support for the cause.  Dress Barn will donate $1 for every painter who colors the site to the American Cancer Society.

Luxury resale marketplace, Hello la Mode is offering shoppers $50 off any pink fashion item on the site (use gift code: PINK).  They will be donating 25% of the purchase price of every pink item sold to the Pink Ribbon International. 

In Canada, the 9th annual White Cashmere Fashion show brought together Canada's top fashion designers for an event in Toronto.  If you weren't there, you can vote on the your favorite design by voting online and $1 will be donated for every vote to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation.  (Photos from heydoyou.com

Designer Carmen Marc Valvo just hosted a Pink Ribbon fashion show in Tulsa with Saks Fifth Avenue.  The event was the 10th for the designer, a cancer survivor himself.  The fundraiser benefits Oklahoma Project Woman, which provides free mammograms and diagnostic services for residents with no insurance or financial hardship.

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Theia at the Saratoga Fashion show

 Dapper Don O'neill of Theia Couture sent fantastic models down the runway at a Saratoga Fashion show benefiting Ronald McDonald House Charities last week.  The annual event raised money and honored longtime supporter Natalie Sillery of Saratoga Trunk.

The gorgeous event took place at the famed Saratoga Race Track. Stylish ladies displayed elaborate hats in the tradition of racing fashion.  Dresses from Theia included his shimmering daywear, laser cut petals and sunset gown.  Models include local Saratoga women who are affectionately called "Trunkettes" who celebrated the 50th anniversary of the organization.

Don recently gave Hello La Mode a fantastic interview about his personal favorites of designer fashion.  He also tells Hello La Mode exactly why an organization like Ronald McDonald House means so much to him.   "It’s an incredible house and it’s an amazing facility".  He continued, "to realize the benefit of being able to stay in a facility that’s a home away from home, 5 minutes from the hospital, where your whole family can be together.   There are kitchens and there are meals and you’re being taken care of so that you can focus on the person that’s sick. And I knew how important it was but I never realized exactly how much until I actually experienced for myself how truly important it is. I realized how proud I am to be part of helping people have this amazing facility when their family members get sick." 

The designer donated several Theia dresses to be sold to benefit the RMHC .  Shop, volunteer or donate to this wonderful organization!

Photos by Erica Miller of the Saratogian 

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