FASHION FOR A CAUSE

by Jessica Vance

Don’t feel guilty about being the fashionista you are; consider these fashionably chic purchases that can be made guilt-free. Why? Because they contribute to a worthy cause, and every fashionable woman knows that can make you feel as good as a new pair of shoes!!

Represent Alabama and give to a local cause with the “Alabama Builds” tee designed by Alabama Chanin. All proceeds from the tee benefit Architecture for Humanity in their work with projects in the Gulf Coast Region. Alabama Chanin is a Florence, Alabama based company, owned and designed by Natilie “Alabama” Chanin. Their products combine new, organic, and recycled materials in all of their hand-made products. $75 alabamachanin.com


It is almost time again for Saks annual Key to the Cure t-shirt release. This year the tee is designed by Juicy Couture exclusively for Saks Fifth Avenue in partnership with the Entertainment Industry Foundation(EIF). Renee Zellweger was chosen as the model for their ads and all proceeds from the shirt will benefit EIF’s Women’s Cancer Reseach fund. The tee is $35 and will be available in October, but the best time to buy will be Oct 18-21st when a percentage of all Saks sales will benefit local organizations through EIF’s Fund.
For those big spenders out there, Mercedes Benz is also partnering with the EIF with the release of an exclusive special edition 2008 C350 Sports Sedan. Interested buyers should be able to find that vehicle at local dealers now.
(Sorry, no giveaway for this one!)
Want to do something to give back? Sign up for the Susan G. Komen’s Race for the Cure. It will be in Birmingham on Saturday, October 13. Participate and receive a long-sleeve white t-shirt and a feeling that you have done something to give back. To get more information and to register check out www.komenncalabam.org or call 930-8886


By purchasing Unicef cards, you make a difference in child poverty across the world. This company focuses on child survival and development, basic education and gender equality, HIV/AIDs and children, child protection and policy advocacy and partnerships. UNICEF's lifesaving work is funded entirely by voluntary contributions.. www.unicef.org



Sea bags is a bagcompany that recycles old sails into great totes. They have designed a Breast Cancer Awareness bag and the medium size bags have already sold out they were so popular. The small bag is $100 and is the erfect way for a savvy fashionista to show her support. www.seabags.com





Pandasnack is a clothing line that is changing the world being the first and only luxury bamboo clothing line on the market. With great tops and dresses this line is committed to environmental protection and fair labor practices. Our very own Doree carries this line in our region. Doree is located at SOHO in Homewood.





After all a big day of shopping, why not indulge in a large glass of wine that gives to a good cause as well. Little Black Dress (LBD) Wines has partnered with Clothes Off Our Back Foundation to host a celebrity black dress auction on Emmy day (Sept. 16). Proceeds from the auction will benefit a variety of children’s charities. Get more information at their website and find out about their sweepstakes to attend the Spring Hot Hollywood Party. (LBD Wines can be found at most Bruno’s and Publix in the Birmingham area.) http://www.littleblackdresswines.com/

Support your local artists by taking a fun trip over to Naked Art Gallery. You will find not only oh-so hip art, but also great finds to add to your fashionista style. Of course, Naked Art is a great place to find unique gifts for friends as well. These magnets by Vero range from $7-$9.