Shopping for a Cause

I think it's safe to assume that if you're reading this, you like to shop, whether it's for shoes, handbags or clothing. But why not support a great cause as you shop? Look for socially-conscious brands that not only provide great products, but also turn around and give the proceeds of those great products to organizations that really need the support. While you may not feel that purchasing one pair of shoes or a handbag will make a difference, understand that every dollar helps. No donation is insignificant and no cause too small. Here are some examples of some products whose proceeds support a well-deserving cause: No Sweat Fatima's Tsong Thong The entire No Swear footwear collection is vegan, cruelty-free, union-made and sweatshop-free. The Tsong Thong is a classic flip-flop made of sturdy, rubber based EVA with plastic straps and an original design by Fatima Duri (age 10). A portion of the profits (30%) goes to rebuilding schools in tsunami-devastated Aceh, Indonesia and to a scholarship fund for Fatima. The rest (after cost, shipping and duties) goes to building a brand that will stamp out child labor. Produced by SPSI-TSK workers in Jakarta, Indonesia. Also see designs by Niliwati, Siti, and Munarawah, all children who were orphaned by the terrible disaster. Infants' Timberland Field Crib Bootie An incredibly cute pair of baby booties that also support a very serious cause. Timberland will donate fifty cents to Share Our Strength, a nonprofit organization that is working to fight children's hunger, for every pair of crib boots sold. THE SAK Pink Ribbon Sparkle Flap Sparkly knits, rhinestones and metallic leather trim enhance cute bag that’s part of THE SAK's Annual Breast Cancer Awareness fundraiser collection. Bag features a magnetic snap flap closure for easy access. Signature cheetah print lining features cell phone, multifunction and zippered pockets. The Pink Ribbon Hobo, another bag from the Breast Cancer Awareness collection, was featured in Self Magazine recently. THE SAK Boho Glitter Hobo Gleaming with color and sparkle, this trendy bohimian hobo features our exlusive sparkle knit and metallic leather straps, bottom, bottom risers and corners adorned with luminous embellishments and removable keychain. Nylon lining features cell phone, multifunction and back wall zippered pockets. As featured in Marie Claire, proceeds from the sale of this bag will go to the American Red Cross's Hurricane Katrina Relief Fund.

THE SAK Puts New Spin on Handbag Advertising

THE SAK pairs wit with fashion by partnering with author and artist, Sloane Tanen to create its spring 2006 advertising campaign. Tanen, who penned, "Bitter with Baggage Seeks Same," and the recently published, "Going for the Bronze," is known for her social satire personified by fuzzy, miniature chicks. Her books have become cult favorites for their wry takes on such familiar topics as online dating, diets, and therapy sessions. "The women we're targeting are smart, sophisticated and funny -- and we want to appeal to their sense of humor. We want to connect to these women by entertaining them and giving them a good laugh. The humor in Tanen's work is really self-deprecating which makes it not only hilarious, but totally relatable," explains Arianna Brooke/Vice President of Marketing for THE SAK. Following the same format as her books, Tanen created THE SAK campaign with colorful sets using tiny chickens, doll furniture, and key handbag styles from THE SAK's spring '06 collection. Each scene depicts a comical situation, accompanied by a caption. For example, one scene shows a tiny yellow girl chicken in her closet "clutching" her latest acquisition. The caption reads, "At the end of every relationship, Minerva treated herself to a new handbag. She still hadn't found Mr. Right, but her latest purchase was really easing the blow." The reader may eventually notice that her closet is filled with handbags. The ads, which will bow in March in magazines such as In Style, Glamour, Lucky, Teen Vogue and Marie Claire, will consist of four different vignettes, among them a chick named Mona who dyed her hair turquoise to match her new The Sak handbag and another chick, Amy, who sits in a therapist's chair wondering if the doctor has noticed her new The Sak purse. Additionally, THE SAK is planning outdoor advertising for the first time, to complement its print program: New York City billboards and taxi tops, as well as a billboard in its San Francisco hometown. An extensive web campaign consisting of email blasts, e-cards, and screensavers is also in the works. The handbags highlighted in the campaign are key items in the spring '06 collection: "City Safari, "Boho Glitter" and "San Antonio." "City Safari" is a glittery hobo, "Boho Glitter" is a metallic crochet satchel, and "San Antonio" is a white pearlized leather shopper. Brooke continues, "Traditional, aspirational fashion advertising tends to be very grand in its execution, but quite simplistic in concept. We wanted to do the opposite, and develop a narrative that was more than just visually appealing. We've always strived to differentiate ourselves with unique product; now we are underscoring this directive with a bold ad campaign." Tannen added, "I am thrilled to have had the opportunity to work with THE SAK on this new concept. The campaign caters to a more confident woman who is willing to think differently. We think she will appreciate our departure from model-with-product imagery." THE SAK is sold on THESAK.com and at Shoebuy.com.

Indian Summer: Hot Color Trends for Spring/Summer '06

Fashion has gone seriously global in the past year, with styles from China, Russia, India, South America, Africa and Australia seizing the frontlines. With spring/summer styles already hitting the stores and New York Fashion Week in full swing right now, you can see that this international trend isn’t going anywhere in a hurry. Focusing on this coming spring/summer, you will see a lot of nude/natural tones in the clothing, off-set by bright global-hued accessories. Indian-inspired jewelry, handbags and footwear are all especially hot. Ranging from soft colors like silk, coral, shell, and pearl to more brazen colors like wine, azure, smoke, eggplant, mahogany, moor, and ink, these accessories are a great way to add a personal touch to this season’s fashions. Here are some of my favorite styles in Indian-hued footwear. Notice that many feature embellishment in the form of beads, sequins and embroidery; this trend has been carried over from last summer, but is as fashionable as ever: Skechers Wedge Eva Toe Loop Thong Privo Paisley Skechers Mystics Sacred Dexter Harmony Indigo by Clarks Fauna Skechers Spinners Moonstruck Flojos Angelique Indigo by Clarks Freeze Hush Puppies Toulon Sofft Melody