Fashion That Gives Back

A Nielson's statistic states that 66% of consumers worldwide would prefer to shop with a brand that gives back to society. I agree with the majority- why not shop with a brand you love that gives back a portion of your purchase to a charity? It is almost effortless on the shopper's behalf. 

Some of my favorite brands and as well as brands that have become quite popular are all part of this "social shopping" trend. From lipstick to shoes, you can truly find an array of fashion that gives back. Some of my favorite brands that can easily be incorporated into a preppy style include TOMS, Warby Parker, and FIGS ties. 

TOMS: Im sure many of us are familiar with this casual, comfy shoe by now and their one-for-one rule: With every pair of TOMS purchased, the company donates a pair of shoes to someone in need. They currently participate in over 50 countries around the world. TOMS

Warby Parker: This brand has become incredibly popular in the last few months. When I look around the streets of New York, I feel almost everyone is sporting a pair of Warby Parker glasses. The frames have a retro inspiration and are very affordable, starting at only $95. The company has partnered with Vision Spring, ensuring that with every purchase, a pair of glasses also goes to someone in need. Warby Parker

FIGS Ties: FIGS crafts ties out of an array of fabrics- wools, silks, cashmeres, cottons, and linens, The company has a "thread-for-thread" program. For every tie purchase, a school uniform is donated to a child in need in Africa. FIGS

Photos: Paramount PR

Fashion Friday: Give Back With The Limited

Ladies, The Limited is making is easier than ever to give back and celebrate your success while supporting a great cause. Founded in 1963, The Limited brought runway styled fashions to women across the country and expanded the growth of malls. Now, the company is celebrating 50 years with a special campaign supporting Dress for Success.

Dress for Success is an international non-profit that offers interview apparel as well as career development for women entering and re-entering the workforce. They are currently located in over 125 cities throughout the United States and the world. 

The best part? Giving back is so easy. Simply share a story of your success/life lessons on the Limited's website here, and for every story that is submitted, $1 will be donated to Dress for Success, up to $50,000. If you are in the mood to shop, The Limited has designed a special clutch and bracelet that will debut this fall, with 30% of proceeds from these products going to Dress for Success. 

Share you stories and make a difference. 

Images Courtesy of ZPR

Recap: EXPO "The Butterfly Effect"

EXPO 2011 

The Butterfly Effect

April 29, 2011

If you have been following me, you know that this past Friday was the EXPO benefit fashion show in which all proceeds went to the Hamilton Madison House here in New York. The event was a huge success...show was completely sold out! I know a lot of you were interested in seeing a few pictures (sorry for the quality- taken via Blackberry). 

Make-Up was professionally done by NARS cosmetics and hair was done by Arrojo Cosmetology.

The list of designers showcasing collections included

• Vena Cava
• Lieber
• JNBY
• Vilebrequin
• Charlotte Ronson
• Nicholas K
• Sophomore
• Onassis (new obsession. you must check them out)
• Kai-aakmann
• Cushnie et Ochs

if you followed expo on twitter, you might recognized some of these photos, as I did social media :)

EXPO: A Fashion Show for Charity

This Friday I will be attending a benefit fashion in which all the proceeds will be going to the New York based charity, Hamilton Madison House. This charity works closely with families in the Chinatown area.

Each year this event draws a very large crowd, in the past in excess of 500 people. Prominent attendees included well known figures from Conde Nast. 

The list of participating sponsors and designers is quite impressive with names including NARS, Life and Charity, Vena Cava, Charlotte Ronson, Vilebrequin, and Kai-aakmann to name a few.

EXPO has a twitter @exponyu and the complete portfolio as well as more information can be found at their website here. This year's theme will be the "Butterfly Effect"

Heres one of my favorite ads from this year's campaign:

If you aren't in the NYC area, but would still like to contribute, you can download a GoodSearch  Toolbar and every time you search, money will be donated to Hamilton Madison House...so easy! (I think we can all break away from Google for a few days right??)