3 Fashion Girl Gifts That Give Back

There’s no need for the good deeds to stop after #GivingTuesday has passed. There are a ton of options for gifting your good taste while also giving back to a worthy nonprofit. Here are three of my favorite finds for the holiday season, each of which results in a donation to a wonderful organization.

This peachy-pink sweatshirt has the trendy vintage athletic wear look down cold. 100% of the sales from this sweatshirt goes to support Girls, Inc. This nonprofit, founded in 1864, works to empower girls age 6-18 through mentorship, programming, and skill-building.




→ Buy the J.Crew x Girls, Inc. Girls Sweatshirt, $69.50, at jcrew.com.

5 Reasons to Love the TOMS+ Luxe Shoe Line

Think you know all about TOMS, the charitable line of slip-on shoes that gives a pair away to a child in need for every pair purchased? I thought I did too, until I ran into TOMS at Neiman Marcus. What a difference a store makes.

I seemed to have missed the announcement this past August that TOMS would be coming out with a new luxury line, to be sold exclusively at Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman, and American Rag. Or perhaps I knowingly overlooked the announcement, thinking that TOMS, while a super fabulous charity, is not right for my personal style. That is no longer the case.

The upscale, but not horribly high priced, TOMS+ line is chock full of stunning slip-ons crafted from leather and other gorgeous materials. I had a really hard time narrowing down the super fashionable choices to a number that would comfortably fit in a single blog post. But, narrow I did. Check out my favorite finds from the TOMS+ line…

I think this snake-patterned leather version is my favorite. This would be a great option for pairing with slim black pants for a more casual, but still put-together look.




→ Buy the TOMS Serpentine Leather Slip-On, $115.00, at neimanmarcus.com; shipping and returns are free.

Lush The Mermaid Bath Bomb: Shop for a Cause

What: Lush’s limited edition The Mermaid Bath Bomb

Who benefits: All proceeds are being donated to Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, a non-profit organization dedicated to marine wildlife conservation.

Why you want it: This limited edition addition to Lush’s much-loved Bath Bomb collection was inspired by “The Mermaid Song” by Ysanne. The song is the first release from The Coldwater Project, a symphony-backed collection of songs each of which is paired with a non-profit organization and an exclusive brand for the purpose of supporting important issues. You can download an MP3 version of the song for free with every purchase of The Mermaid Bath Bomb, or purchase the song for $1.00 at LushUSA.com.

Beyond the warm fuzzy feelings you’ll get from supporting a great cause, and the general fun of scoring a free music download with your purchase, you’ll also be getting a fabulous new Lush Bath Bomb. This particular bomb shares the same scent as Lush’s best-selling Big Blue Bath Bomb, and features mineral-rich arame seaweed and sea salt. The ocean-derived ingredients melt into your bathwater and work to soften your skin. Plus, well, Bath Bombs are just a lot of fun.

As with many of Lush’s products, this Bath Bomb is completely vegan – it doesn’t contain any animal products of any kind. It’s a perfect little gift for your favorite vegan… or for yourself.

→ Buy the Lush The Mermaid Bath Bomb, $4.95, at lushusa.com.

Susan Hanover Designs Stone Wired Bangle: Shop for a Cause

What: Susan Hanover Designs Stone Wired Bangle

Who benefits: Half of all sales goes to Every Mother Counts, a foundation founded by Christy Turlington that raises awareness and funds for maternal mortality worldwide. Learn about No Mother's Day, a new awareness initiative from Every Mother Counts, in the video below. Every Mother Counts invites mothers to disappear on Mother's Day to help raise awareness about the hundreds of thousands of women who die each year from complications during pregnancy or childbirth.

Why you want it: First of all, why wouldn't you want a gorgeous little bauble from Susan Hanover Designs? Attorney-turned-designer Susan Hanover crafts stunning jewelry featuring semi-precious stones in settings that showcase their natural beauty. Her bracelets, in particular, are stunning showpieces that have a place in every jewelry wardrobe.

This particular bracelet is perfect for the Spring and Summer seasons. The bright, multi-colored stones will pair well with the floral frocks that are the must-haves of the season, and serve as a great stand-out piece with a simple monochromatic ensemble. Plus, of course, it's hard to beat the warm fuzzy feeling you get from helping out an amazing cause while you shop. It would make a great feel-good gift.

→ Buy the Susan Hanover Designs for Every Mother Counts Stone Wired Bangle, $48.00, at susanhanoverdesigns.com.

Sephora Sun Safety Kit: Shop for a Cause

What: The 2012 Sephora Favorites Sun Safety Kit

Who Benefits: 100% of the net profits from this kit will benefit The Skin Cancer Foundation

Why you want it: This kit is one of my favorite Sephora Favorites kits of the year. Just before the warm weather really kicks in, Sephora packages up a wide selection of luxe label sunscreens and sunblocks into a single chic set. This year the kit includes 14 deluxe sample size portions of sun protection, plus 3 self-tanning items, all nestled inside a reusable train case. It's a $193.00 value, but can be yours for just $30.00. It's a huge steal.

Each year the kit gets a little bit better because they keep the favorites from the prior years, and then add new items -- like this year's super hot Dr. Jart+ Beauty Balm SPF 45! The kit contains all of these sample-sized treats:

1. Shiseido Urban Environment Oil-Free UV Protector SPF 42 PA+++
2. Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment SPF 15
3. Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer SPF 15 with Dermaxyl Complex
4. Peter Thomas Roth Max Sheer All Day Defense Moisture Lotion SPF 30
5. Ole Henriksen Protect The Truth SPF 50+ Sunscreen
6. Philosophy Hope Oil-Free SPF 30
7. Boscia Oil-free Daily Hydration SPF 15
8. St. Tropez Gradual Tan
9. Dr. Jart+ Premium Beauty Balm SPF 45 PA+++
10. Supergoop! SPF 30+ Everyday UV Lotion for Face and Body Cream Oil-free
11. Origins VitaZing SPF 15
12. Murad Oil-Control Mattifier SPF 15
13. Bare Escentuals bareMinerals SPF 25 Mineral Veil and brush
14. Sephora Collection Age Defy Moisture Cream SPF 15
15. Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection Lotion SPF 60 PA +++
16. Kate Somerville Somerville 360° Face Self Tanning Pad
17. TanTowel Classic Self-Tan Towelette for Face & Body
18. train case

It's an amazing deal that supports a fabulous cause... what are you waiting for?

→ Buy the Sephora Favorites Sun Safety Kit, $30.00, at sephora.com.

Steal: Sephora Sun Safety Kit $25

You will need massive amounts of SPF come Summer. It's a given. With this annual best selling kit from Sephora and The Skin Cancer Foundation, you can score a ton of luxurious SPF-infused products to try out for a very small price. Plus, you'll be benefiting a great cause: 100% of the net profits from this kit will benefit The Skin Cancer Foundation.

This huge Sephora Sun Safety Kit contains $147 worth of trial and travel sized skincare products from the top brands, but will set you back just $25! That's a crazy steal, even before you count the good cause. You'll get all of this:

- Bare Escentuals bareMinerals SPF 25 Mineral Veil
- Boscia Oil-free Daily Hydration SPF 15
- DDF Mattifying Oil Control SPF 15
- Murad Essential-C Day Moisture SPF 30
- Ole Henriksen Fresh Lips SPF 15
- Peter Thomas Roth Max Sheer All Day Defense Moisture Lotion SPF 30
- Philosophy Hope Oil Free SPF 30
- Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection Lotion SPF 60 PA +++
- Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer SPF 15 With Dermaxyl Complex
- Supergoop! Everyday SPF 30+
- Supergoop! SPF 30 Sunscreen Swipe with Zinc for Sensitive Skin
- TanTowel Plus Self-Tan Towelette For Face & Body
- Bare Escentuals bareMinerals Mini Flawless Application Brush
- Beach Tote

This limited edition kit is a best seller each year, so be sure to snag yours before they're gone!

→ Buy the Sephora Sun Safety Kit, $25.00, at sephora.com.

The Kate Spade Rwanda Collection: Shop for a Cause

What: The Kate Spade Rwanda Collection

Who benefits: Through a partnership with Women for Women International, Kate Spade employs women in war-torn countries and provides training, fair wages and sustainable income in parts of the world where these opportunities rarely exist. Additionally, 25% of total sales from the Rwanda Collection bangle will be donated to Women for Women International.

Why you want it: The 5-piece Rwanda Collection from Kate Spade features bright, fun accessories that would be ideal for Spring. A beaded necklace and bracelet both come in multiple colors and would look great paired with Spring's little white dress (I'm partial to the yellow seed bead necklace pictured here). The collection is rounded out with a beachy raffia tote and inspirational bangles in gold and rose gold plated metal. The prices top out at $175 -- the whole line is quite reasonably priced.

→ Buy the Kate Spade/ Women for Women Beaded Necklace, $95.00, at katespade.com.

→ Browse the Kate Spade Rwanda Collection, $48.00 - $175.00, at katespade.com.

The Dior Diva Auction: Shop for a Cause

What: The Dior Diva Auction

Who Benefits: 100% of the proceeds benefit Look Good...Feel Better, an organization dedicated to helping women deal with the appearance related effects of cancer.

Why You Want It: This annual online auction that offers exclusive access to once-in-a-lifetime Dior opportunities. From lunch with Dior's CEO Pamela Baxter, to a trip to visit Dior's iconic Paris home base, to a one-month marketing internship with Dior Beauty, to insider access to a year's worth of Dior Beauty launches... there's a Dior experience for every Diva. There are 18 experiences in total to bid on, each one amazing in its own way. A Dior Diva Auction experience would be a fabulous gift for yourself, and it supports a great cause in the process.

Hurry, the auction closes on December 15, 2010!

→ Visit The Dior Diva Auction online.

Out of Print Clothing Tees: Shop for a Cause

What: Out of Print Clothing tees and sweatshirts

Who Benefits: For each shirt they sell, one book is donated to a community in need through their partner Books For Africa

Why You Want It: Perfect for the fashionista bookworm, Out of Print celebrates the world's great works of literature through fashion. Their shirts feature iconic and often out of print book covers, not to mention their fair share of not-so-naughty banned books.

Out of Print Clothing works closely with artists, authors and publishers to license the content that ends up in their collections. Current offerings in the women's section include Catcher in the Rye, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, The Great Gatsby, To Kill a Mockingbird, Slaughterhouse Five, Atlas Shrugged, Lolita, 1984 and more. There's a book for all fashion and intellectual persuasions. One of my favorites-- both as a book and as a tee-- is pictured here. All tees run $28.00; sweatshirts are $38.00.

→ Shop women's Out of Print Clothing tees and sweatshirts, $28.00 / $38.00, at outofprintclothing.com

By Malene Birger UNICEF Tee: Shop for a Cause

By Malene Birger UNICEF Tee
$100.00
Available at: shoplesnouvelles.com

What: By Malene Birger UNICEF Tee

Who Benefits: All the proceeds are donated to children in need via UNICEF

Why You Want It: Malene Birger is an award-winning Danish designer who is known for creating super feminine items like silk dresses and beautifully draped white shirts. Ms. Birger is also the ambassador to UNICEF Denmark. Every season, she designs a tee shirt where all the proceeds are donated to children in need. This fun, funky splatter-print racer back tee is the newest By Malene Birger tee to benefit UNICEF. And, unlike most of Malene Birger's creations, this tee is 100% cotton and safely machine washable.

Click on the photo to link directly to where you can purchase the By Malene Birger UNICEF Tee online.

Gift This: Charity Gift Cards & Donations

--By Pearl C.

WWF Adopt a Polar Bear
$25 - $250
Available at: worldwildlife.org

Happy Holidays SJ Peeps! Hope you are having a very happy holiday season. I just wanted to take a minute and share my gift idea with you. I really hope my family is not reading this right now (spoiler alert)!

As I’ve alluded to before, I feel like this year has been tough on a lot of us. Spending cash on more golf paraphernalia for my dad or clothes that my mom will inevitably return just isn’t appealing to me this season. Instead, I have decided to give a little more this year and hope that my family and friends appreciate it as much as I do. There are several ways to give charity donations as gifts, but these are some cool ones that stuck with me.

TisBest is a company that allows you to choose from printing out a gift card, sending one over email, or receiving a plastic (recyclable) gift card in the mail. You can choose from their designs, or upload your own photo to the card, and I dig that personal touch. You can also choose the amount you add to the card. The way it works is that you give the card to the recipient (and you get the tax deduction), and the recipient logs on to the TisBest site and chooses between 250 charity organizations for their donation. I loved this idea, since I wanted my family and friends to feel as good as I felt after giving them this gift. You can still rush your order with them in time for Christmas.

Flock of Chicks Gift
$20.00
Available at: heifer.org

The World Wildlife Fund has a really cool gifting program that allows you to “adopt” from 100 different endangered species and they will send you a symbolic stuffed animal and certificate with facts on your animal. They have different price levels, which will give you a larger gift depending on your donation. What a great way to introduce the younger generation to charity gifting!

Heifer International is another cool site that allows you to buy livestock and training in increments for impoverished families all over the world. For example, you can buy a flock of chicks for $20 that will feed a family from the chicks’ eggs or a goat for $120 (you can purchase a share of a goat for $10) which will produce a ton of milk throughout the year for another family in need. You can print your donation gift online and give it to the recipient on the spot, no shipping charges necessary.

Happy gifting!
_______

Pearl C. is a contributing writer for Adventures in the Stiletto Jungle. After nine years in SoCal, Pearl returned to her east coast roots, taking up residence in NYC. Formerly with Interscope Records, Pearl is now Agency Client Services Mgr. at start up music video site Vevo. Although a smart girl all-around, Pearl's true gift is for finding the best party in town.

Ken & Dana Design Rights Rings: Shop for a Cause

Ken & Dana Design Rights Ring
$95.00
Available at: kenanddanadesign.com

I haven't stepped inside a courtroom in years, but that's done nothing to diminish how proud I feel to be an attorney when I re-read some of the landmark court decisions that shaped the American legal system. The written decisions in cases like Loving v. Virginia and Brown v. Board of Education capture moments in time when a well-made argument changed the way the legal system works, creating or upholding very important civil rights.

Now a forward-thinking jewelry company has created a way to commemorate some of the most important U.S. Supreme Court decisions in the area of civil rights, while supporting an important charitable cause. Ken & Dana Designs Rights Rings each commemorate an important civil rights case, with the case citation embossed on a chic ring. Not only can you show your support of an important decision, you can help a great cause in the process. 20% of each sale will be donated to the Harlem Children’s Zone, a community-based organization that offers education, social-service and community-building programs to children and families.

Rings are available in commemoration of the following U.S. Supreme Court cases:

• Loving v. Virginia – legalized interracial marriage
• Leser v. Garnett – upheld the 19th amendment, women's right to vote
• Romer v. Evans – protects against discrimination by sexual orientation
• Brown v. Board of Education – desegregated schools

Rings are available in three styles: the regular Rights Ring shown above, the Rights Small Silver Two Finger Ring, and the Rights Silver Two Finger Ring. Click through the photo or any linked text to link directly to where you can purchase that Ken & Dana Design Rights Ring style online.

10% Off Foot Petals Foot Cushions: Shop for a Cause

What: Foot Petals foot cushions in pink

Who Benefits: Throughout the month of October, purchase any pink Foot Petals products and receive 10% off that item. Foot Petals will also donate an additional 10% to the Susan G. Komen Foundation.

Why You Want It: The Foot Petals tag line says it all. Foot Petals are "for those of us who have a love / hate relationship with our sexy shoes." Um, yes, that would be me. And I've been a Foot Petals devotee since they launched years ago. But, don't just take my word for it-- the American Podiatric Medical Association has given their Seal of Acceptance to all Foot Petals cushions.

Foot Petals makes a whole range of cushions designed to tackle the trickiest cute shoe issues. From slippery heels, to straps that cut, to overall lack of cushion-- Foot Petals has a solution. Foot Petals has quickly become a fashionista must-have. Take advantage of this special deal to outfit all of your shoes in Foot Petals for 10% less, and see an extra 10% go to a great cause in the process.

Click through the picture at top left to link directly to the Foot Petals Breast Cancer Awareness store online.

New Balance 769 Running Shoe: Shop for a Cause

New Balance 769 Shoe
$99.95
Available at: nordstrom.com

What: New Balance 769 Running Shoe

Who Benefits: New Balance will donate a portion of the proceeds from the sale of this shoe to Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

Why You Want It: Who doesn't need a new pair of exercise sneakers? Personally, I know mine are all thrashed, but I hate spending money on shoes that are solely for exercise purposes. Argh, I'd rather put the money towards new Loubies. Seems like such a waste to me. But, knowing that part of my money was going to a great cause would definitely make me feel a lot better about the whole thing. And, when it comes to finding running shoes that are a little more fashionista-friendly than most, you can't do much better than New Balance.

I don't know much about what makes one running shoe better than the other, so I'll just quote the NB folks... this "Lightweight mesh trainer offers optimal cushioning and moderate stability for a highly responsive ride. Lightning Dry lining helps keep feet cool and dry during long runs." Sounds quality. I'll bite.

Click on the photo to link directly to where you can purchase the New Balance 769 Running Shoes online.

PRVCY "I Want More Privacy" Tee: Shop for a Cause

PRVCY "I Want More Privacy" Tee
$48.00
Available at: nordstrom.com

What: PRVCY "I Want More Privacy" Tee

Who Benefits: PRVCY donates 10% of all profits to breast cancer research

Why You Want It: PRVCY's original "I Want More Privacy" Tee was a hit with the celeb set-- versions popped up on Eva Longoria and Heidi Montag, amongst others. This special edition of the tee takes the original and adds a shop for a cause twist with pink styling and the iconic pink ribbon.

The tee's message is fun, even for those of us without a entourage, and the look is equally adorable. This special edition PRVCY tee features bright pink block letters on a supersoft, slightly sheer burnout tee with a lean silhouette.

Click on the photo to link directly to where you can purchase the PRVCY "I Want More Privacy" Tee online.

Ella Moss BCRF Top: Shop for a Cause

Ella Moss BCRF Top
$49.00
Available at: nordstrom.com

What: Ella Moss Breast Cancer Research Foundation Top

Who Benefits: Ella Moss will donate $5 from the sale of each top to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation

Why You Want It: Hip fashion label Ella Moss, designed by LA native Pamella Protzel Scott, was propelled head-first into the mega label fame game when an early design-- a green striped dress-- was sported by Carrie Bradshaw on SATC. Suddenly we all wanted a bit of the Ella Moss magic, and for good reason.

Ella Moss designs fit like the most amazing vintage find ever-- all soft and perfectly draped cottons and similarly cozy fabrics-- but with a polish that can take you to work. Ella Moss also has a significant celeb following, being regularly worn by starlets with great taste like Gwyneth Paltrow, Cameron Diaz, Kirsten Dunst, and Liv Tyler.

This special edition Ella Moss Breast Cancer Research Fund Top is one of those creations that you really can wear from workday to cocktails to weekend without skipping a beat. Just change up your bottom half and accessories to match the location and mood. The gathered neckline is super gorgeous, particularly great for us less curvy gals, and the color is almost universally flattering. The warm fuzzy from supporting a good cause is icing on the cake.

Click on the photo to link directly to where you can purchase the Ella Moss Breast Cancer Research Fund Top online.

Charlotte Russe Support the Cause Tee: Shop for a Cause

Support the Cause Tee
$10.00
Available at: charlotterusse.com

What: Charlotte Russe Support the Cause Tee

Who Benefits: Charlotte Russe will make a $5 donation to Susan G. Komen For The Cure for every Support The Cause Tee sold, with a guaranteed minimum donation of $15,000.

Why You Want It: I'm a big fan of shop for a cause opportunities, which are many and varied these days, but the tee shirts associated with good causes are often a little on the dull side. While I support the underlying cause, I hardly ever wear the tees. But, leave it to Charlotte Russe to add some youthful fun to supporting a worthy cause. The Support the Cause tee features a distressed, '70s-style logo print on a fitted v-neck tee-- a far cry from your standard printed charity tee. This is a shop for a cause tee that you'll actually want to wear in real life.

Click on the photo to link directly to where you can purchase the Charlotte Russe Support the Cause tee.

Erin Condren BCA Personalized Stationary: Shop for a Cause

Erin Condren BCA Stationary
$30.00 - $40.00
Available at: erincondren.com

What: Erin Condren Breast Cancer Awareness personalized stationary, available in Confetti, 4C and Candy Lace designs

Who Benefits: Half of the purchase price of all Erin Condren cancer awareness products are donated to various womens cancers fundraising organizations. You can also direct your dollars and Erin Condren donate that money back to your personal fundraising efforts.

Why You Want It: Erin Condren's adorable stationary and paper products are star favorites and have been featured in publications like Daily Candy, People StyleWatch, Star, US Magazine, Life & Style, OK, Hamptons and more. These designs take "girly chic" to a whole new level.

When it comes to the Erin Condren Breast Cancer Awareness line, it's the personalization and customization options that make this stationary so great. Three design options, multiple packages, and the ability to personalize with both a name and one of three tag lines: "FUNDING THE CURE for breast cancer"; "BREAST CANCER survivor" or "I'm walking for ... ". This super cute stationary would make a great just because gift for the survivor in your life, or a perfect thank you card set to send a greeting to everyone who supported your last walk for the cure outing. With half of the purchase price going towards breast cancer charities, you really can't lose.

Click the photo above to link directly to all of the Breast Cancer Awareness options available from Erin Condren, including samples of all of the customization options.

Keds Champion Pink Ribbon Sneaker: Shop for a Cause

Keds Pink Ribbon Sneaker
$40.00
Available at: keds.com

What: Keds Champion Pink Ribbon Sneaker

Who Benefits: 100% of the sales of the Champion Pink Ribbon Sneaker will benefit The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

Why You Want It: Did I mention that 100% of the sales benefits the Breast Cancer Research Foundation? It's the warm fuzzies of a straight up $40 donation, only you get cute shoes in return. This special design from classic sneaker label Keds features the Breast Cancer Awareness ribbon on the side and tongue of the shoe and comes with white and pink laces. Sure, it's not high fashion, but it's an adorable weekend shoe and celebrates a wonderful cause.

Click on the photo to link directly to where you can purchase the Keds Champion Pink Ribbon Sneaker, available exclusively at keds.com

Key to the Cure Tee by Michael Kors: Shop for a Cause

Key to the Cure Tee
$40.00
Available at: saks.com

What: Saks Fifth Avenue Key To The Cure Tee designed by Michael Kors & Saks Charity Shopping Weekend

Who Benefits: Over $30 from your purchase of this cotton tee will benefit local women's cancer charities. Plus, Saks Fifth Avenue will donate 2% of sales-- up to $250,000-- over the shopping weekend of 10/15/09-10/18/09 to local and national women's cancer charity partners. Saks will also make an additional donation of $500,000 to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, the partnering organization for Saks Fifth Avenue’s 2009 campaign.

Why You Want It: This exclusive tee, designed by luxe American sportswear designer Michael Kors, is available only at Saks stores and Saks.com. Not only is this an adorable tee, but it's also an amazing fundraiser for Breast Cancer Awareness charities. Over 75% of the purchase prices goes to charitable causes! And, the Saks commitment to Breast Cancer Awareness doesn't stop there. In the 11 years since the inception of the Saks Fifth Avenue charity shopping weekend, the company, together with its vendors and partners, has raised more than $32 million for cancer research.

Click on the photo to link directly to where you can purchase the Saks Fifth Avenue Key to the Cure Tee, designed by Michael Kors, online. And, don't forget to to head back to Saks during the Charity Shopping Weekend to give back while you shop in Saks style.