Style Me Chic: TOMS

A reader wrote in stating that her dog had recently terrorized her home, which included her only pair of TOMS. She loved them, but was concerned about buying a new pair for fear of them going out of style (a la Uggs). I told her not to worry, that I was actually looking at picking up a second pair myself. While the old pair she had was very basic, she is looking for a patterned pair this go 'round. Here were the suggestions I gave to her...

1. Ash 2. Corbel 3. Beckett 4. Tropical 5. Tyler Ramsey Hand Painted Ash

Love146

Love146, an organization that works to end child sex slavery and exploitation, will be holding a fashion show on June 30th in Frederick, MD. The goal is to educate and raise support for the fight against human sex trafficking in the US, as well as globally. The showcase will include pieces from Chic to Chic, Venus on the Half Shell as well as other local stores. All proceeds will go to Love146.

I don't typically promote on my blog, but if you've ever seen the film Taken, you know how real and scary this awful industry is.

Say Something Nice

Just another reason why I love NYC...because only there, would you find something like this!

DVF Diet Coke

Two of my favorite things joined together - fashion and diet coke! Diane von Furstenberg has partnered with Coca-Cola to design these fabulous bottles, based on her iconic prints. Even better, 100% of proceeds go to the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health. Only available for the month of February - and at just $30!

Diet Coke Limited Edition Collection

Lady Gaga + Barney's New York

This holiday season Gaga's Workshop will be set on the 5th floor (men's shop) of Barney's New York on Madison Avenue. The workshop is set to debut in mid-November and I cannot wait to see what they come up with. I will be in the city for Thanksgiving and Barney's is always on my list of stores to shop! It's also been reported that Gaga will design small gift items to be sold in the workshop, with proceeds going to charity.

Photo Credit: Associated Press

Nordys in NYC?

Well kind of...

Nordstrom is set to open its doors on Friday in SoHo, but not under their namesake. treasure & bond will be the alias used as Nordy's tests the waters in NYC, some speculate. Not only will the Nordstrom name be absent, but so will the look and feel. It is funkier, and as the website says, "part gift boutique, part art gallery and part neighborhood gathering place." The shop will offer unique items such as custom hats from Satya Twena, authentic vintage glasses, and jewelery from Akong, as well as childrens clothing and houseware. It will also have some familiar brands such as James Perse and Vince. Also worth noting, all profits will be donated to organizations that benefit children in NYC.

Guess just what got added to the list for my next trip? Can't wait to check this new concept out!

Photo credit: Associated Press

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The Row for TOMS

My love for MK+A Olson is no secret, and I was so happy to hear about this collaboration! Made with cashmere and italian wool, these are the most luxurious charitable shoes I've ever seen. 

Larry

Hayden

Alexandria

You Can't Fake Fashion

Recently a friend was admiring my Damier Azur LV, and asked me if it were real. I was a bit taken aback. Of course it is real!! Which brings me to CFDA's "You Can't Fake Fashion" tote bags. The CFDA has partnered with 50 designers (including Tory Burch, Jason Wu, Marchesa and my fave Olson twins of The Row) to develop a line of canvas bags to raise awareness of counterfeit handbags.

Available exclusively at eBay Fashion Vault, the totes range in price from $35-$150 and all proceeds benefit the CFDA Foundation.

“Counterfeits are a critical issue to CFDA, eBay and the fashion industry at large,” said Steven Kolb, CFDA Executive Director. “We’re excited to collaborate on this important campaign to educate consumers on the dangers of counterfeits and emphasize the importance of original design.”

Credit: Council of Fashion Designers of America

Glamour for a Good Cause

My style is mostly "girly", so I even surprised myself when I purchased a pair of TOMS. When they first hit stores in 2006, I thought they were dreadful looking! However, with each visit to NYC that I made, I continuously saw girls wearing them with leggings and jeggings, and they began to grow on me. So during my most recent trip to the city, I bought a pair, made exclusively for Bergdorf Goodman.

 Exclusive Glitter Slip-On



These aren’t the exact ones I have, but they are very similar. The sparkle made it “fancy” enough that I thought it could work with my wardrobe. The difference between those made for Bergdorf’s (besides the price - almost double!) is the label on the back of the shoe; metal vs. fabric.

I don’t wear them that often, but they are perfect for traveling – easy to slip on and off for airport censors. Not to mention they keep my feet warm on the plane, since it’s always cold! Finally, TOMS is an amazing company that matches every pair of shoes purchased, by giving a pair of new shoes to a child in need. Their motto: One for One.