give back, get gap

Seen any of those awesome Gap commercials on TV lately? You probably haven't, considering Gap Inc. has decided against any television campaigns this holiday season, stepping away from their high energy choreographed dance numbers.  They have decided to instead invest their marketing dollars online, posting videos, and in print magazines with high quality layouts.  As usual, we will continue to see celebrities as models in their advertising, but with a friendly twist for their campaign this season.

Gap's "Want" Holiday Campaign is focusing on giving back as well as giving discounts.  The campaign is centered around their online videos... which answer a wonderful holiday question: If you could give anything in the world, what would it be? For each person that 'likes' one of the videos on the Gap Inc. facebook site, one where the celebrity discusses a cause that they support, Gap will donate $1 to that charity.  You can find True Blood favorite Ryan Kwanten, Lauren Bush, Isabel Lucas, Yaya DaCosta, Joan Smalls, Lily Aldridge, Boyd Holbrook, Alisa Leonard, Reeve Carney, Daisuke Ueda, and Donald Glover starring in the thoughtful campaign.  As a favor for watching the videos, Gap gives back. The 'liker' will receive a 30% discount on their next purchase!

[Ryan Kwanten and Donald Glover]

[Joan Smalls]

[Alisa Leonard]

[Gap 'WANT' Campaign, Photos courtesy of au.lifestyle.yahoo.com]

So get out there and give with style.  Gap is the place to give AND get during your holiday shopping season.  Happy Thanksgiving Week!  And try not to run anybody over this Friday :)

think pink

We are officially one week into 2010's Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  Of course, one of the best ways to support the cause is to donate directly to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure.  However, if you're looking to shop in support, I've tracked down my favorite buys that will not only add a flare of pink to your wardrobe, but also donate a percentage of the proceeds to helping the cause.

Smashbox has been one of my favorite brands to wear, and I have been caught shamelessly trying on their lipsticks at any makeup counter in the local mall.  To show their support for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, they have released a pretty pink lip gloss, complete with limited-edition packaging (which I am sure you will keep forever and ever).  The best part is that ALL proceeds from buying the Limitless Long Wear Lipgloss now through October will go to the BCRF.

Bobbi Brown, the accredited makeup artist out of NYC, has created a Pink Ribbon Collection in honor of Breast Cancer awareness month.  The collection features this limited edition Pink Shimmer Brick compact, perfect for adding a sweet and soft pink glow to your cheeks.  The site also contains a link to donate $10 or more to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

Hollywood stars, including Rachel Bilson and Angelina Jolie have been spotted supporting the cause in Tkees sandals.  These trendy shoes have become a staple of the trendy wardrobe, and are using their popularity to contribute to Breast Cancer Awareness month.  During October, Tkees will donate 15% of their sales of the popular Pink Lemonade flip-flops to benefit breast cancer research.


There are many ways to show your support this month, although you might feel like you're wearing pink-tinted sunglasses.  Do your part to help the campaign, and remember, a good cause is always trendy!

do it for the cause

[http://sovo.com/?p=168]

The idea is simple.  You go green by recycling your clothes at a clothing swap house party, get new clothes for free, and donate some of the money you've saved on shopping to a local domestic violence shelter that needs assistance.

Swap for Good, a volunteer-run nonprofit is leading a campaign to encourage people to host clothing swaps as a way to raise money for local domestic violence shelters.  Funding for domestic violence shelters has plummeted due to the economy, and the National Network to End Domestic Violence says that in just one day alone, over 9,000 requests for help were turned down, largely due to a lack of funds.

Many people don't consider the environmental footprint their clothes leave.  The good news is that the water, dyes, energy, and pesticides (for cotton) that go into making new clothes are all reduced when you trade with a friend rather than buying something new.  As a part of this project, Swap for Good hopes to introduce more people to "freecycling"- which is better for the planet as well as your wallet.

Interested in getting some new clothes while raising some money for a local shelter? Check out swapforgood.org today and sign up to host a swap in your area- it is easy, and for a great cause!