Donate For Your Chance To Be Flown To Costa Rica To Meet Gaga

I am the bringer of good news! I am an avid lover of social good and  jumped at the opportunity to share with you this amazing opportunity!

*Drum role please* How would you like to be the lucky winner — where you and your best friend, will be flown to Costa Rica to meet Lady Gaga…all for a $10 donation?!

‘Little Monsters’ – your biggest dream just became possible – and for only $10! Gaga fans can simply log on to Omaze.com to make a $10 donation to the Young Storytellers Foundation and be entered for a ‘once-in-a-generation’ chance to be whisked away with a friend to Costa Rica to meet Lady Gaga backstage and watch her perform in the concert of a lifetime, (remember to breathe) complete with airfare and a two night hotel stay. Every five entries from this online sweepstakes empowers an underserved student with a year-long arts mentorship through Young Storytellers Foundation. You can read more about the Lady Gaga experience here.

The process works similar to a charity raffle. The user friendly site allows anyone to enter to win an Omaze experience of their choice by donating just $5. Once the deadline to enter for the experience passes, they collect all the entries and select the winners through a third party computer generated random selection process. The proceeds are delivered to benefit a specific social cause. The goal of the campaign is clearly quantified and they track the impact overtime so you can see how your support has impacted lives.

**Exclusive** American Legend Kathy Ireland At Macy’s Fur Vault!

Ola Darlings,

*FYI*…Hitting the fashion radar recently, there’s talk about Kathy Ireland & American Legend collaborating to bring fashionistas a collection of kathy ireland American Legend garments and accessories **exclusively** showcasing at the Fur Vault at Macys’s

“This relationship with the Fur Vault and American Legend is a new direction for our company in fashion. The extraordinary team at the Fur Vault has embraced the history of American Legend and the classic and contemporary designs that women want today. Everyone at kathy ireland Worldwide looks forward to collaborating with the geniuses at the Fur Vault and American Legend for many, many years,” said Kathy Ireland, Chief Designer and CEO, kathy ireland Worldwide.

Ireland is one of America’s most accomplished life-style designers. Kathy is celebrated by Fairchild Publications as one of the 50 most influential people in fashion.   Her designs have resulted in kathy ireland Worldwide being named the 28th most powerful brand in the world, in License Global Magazine’s annual survey.  This goddess was once a supermodel, which graced coveted covers such as Vogue, Cosmopolitan, and the bestselling Sports Illustrated edition of all time; in fact, in 1993 she began the company which today designs and markets over thirty-thousand skis offered in over fifty countries.  As a philanthropist, Kathy’s accomplishments include her support of the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation, St. Jude’s Hospital, the Anti-Defamation League, Alliance for Christian Education, Young Women’s Christian Association, Down Syndrome Advocacy, and UCLA whom all recognize & acknowledges Kathy as one of the top 10 Women’s Health Advocates in America today.  An amount equal to all of Kathy’s proceeds from this collection will be contributed to non-profit organizations.

“Kathy is a remarkably accomplished individual,” says Joe Morelli, CEO of Blackglama. “Her sophistication, poise and natural elegance made her an ideal fit for American Legend, a company known for unparalleled quality and timeless design.”

“We are excited that Kathy Ireland is now one of our designers for the Fur Vault. Kathy has quietly and powerfully built one of the most successful brands in the world. We are pleased to make the kathy ireland American Legend fur collection available at all of our Fur Vault locations in Macy’s across the nation,” said John Weiler, Creative Director of the Fur Vault.

About American Legend

Modern and chic, American Legend garments are made from the finest North American mink and continue to revolutionize the concepts behind fur fashion utilizing an array of vibrant colors, coupled with classic and contemporary designs. All American Legend mink comes from Origin Assured™ farms, which adhere to strict governmental and agricultural guidelines and regulations that govern mink production, ensuring that the highest standard of humane care is utilized.

 

About kathy ireland Worldwide

kathy ireland Worldwide® (kiWW®) is the design and marketing firm founded in 1993 by CEO and Chief Designer, Kathy Ireland.  The mission statements for kathy ireland Worldwide include: “…finding solutions for people in love.“™.

Forbes Magazine reports that kiWW® is a “design empire which grosses over 1.4 billion dollars annually in retail sales.” License Global Magazine names kathy ireland Worldwide® the 28th most powerfully licensed brand globally and reports that annual retail sales have grown to 1.9 billion dollars. kathy ireland Worldwide® offers designs in Home, Office, Weddings, Baby Products, Fashion, Fine Jewelry, Destination Properties, Publishing and More…

 

**Exclusive** Neff & Scarlett Johansson Collab for City of Hope Launches December 1st!

Ola Darlings,

I have another exclusive for you of the FABshion kind. But this one is more than just looking FAB, its about saving lives while you do!

FACT, over a million people will be diagnosed with some form of cancer this year. In an effort to help make a difference, Neff, a leading active lifestyle brand, announced today that they are partnering with actress turned stylista, Scarlett Johansson to raise money for City of Hope—one of the nation’s leading cancer research, treatment and education centers—in a project called, “Neff Hope”. The initiative has a simple mission: TO RAISE AWARENESS & FUNDS FOR CANCER RESEARCH.

On December 1st, for every eco-friendly Scarlett Beanie purchased on Zappos.com, Neff will donate one beanie to a City of Hope patient/survivor (up to 5,000 beanies). Thereafter, 10% from the sale of each Scarlett Beanie will be donated to City of Hope, up to $20,000 while supplies last.

Scarlett Beanie by Neff

To raise awareness for the program and engage Neff’s youth target, Neff collaborated with Johansson to co-design each of the two Hope beanies, which are available in a black or light tan natural knit design. “Conscious consumerism is definitely something I believe in, and Neff’s platform for giving back seemed like a perfect fit. I helped create this Neff Beanie with the hope that every purchase might make a cancer patient feel a bit more comfortable during his/her treatments and look cool and be cozy all the while. The beanies are ecofriendly too, so they’re as nice to the earth as they are to the person wearing them,” says Johansson.

“As Neff has grown internationally, we have had the opportunity to work with incredible people all over the world, but never directly with such an important organization like City of Hope,” said Shaun Neff, founder of Neff Headwear.  “By adding Scarlett Johansson’s passion and lending her name and creativity to this partnership, we are able to introduce two beanies that we’re confident the patients will find cozy and comfortable while they undergo treatment. It’s the least we can do to help them during these times.”

As of December 1, 2011, the Neff Hope beanies will be sold exclusively on Zappos.com for $24.99 each. “Supporting cancer research is one of the main pillars of charitable involvement at Zappos.com; we are thrilled to collaborate with Neff, Scarlett Johansson and City of Hope to help patients who are facing cancer,” states Michelle Thomas, senior brand marketing manager. “These exclusive beanies are not only soft and cozy, but working together like this makes major strides in eradicating a disease that affects so many peoples’ lives every day.”

“City of Hope is at the forefront of research to ensure that people with cancer receive the best possible treatment,” said Steve Martin, vice president of marketing for City of Hope.  “The support of a popular brand like Neff and a leading actress like Scarlett Johansson will help our researchers in their drive to discover new and improved treatments.  The Scarlett Beanie is a wonderful opportunity to raise funds for life-saving research – as well as to raise cancer awareness among active young people around the world.”

 

(Style)ista, (Fashion)ista & (Passion)ista Courtney Cox Curates Rue La La Sale to Benefit EBMFR


Hello Socialistas,

Today we spotlight actress, dedicated mother and activist Courtney Cox who has teamed up with Rue La La to curate an exclusive online shopping experience to benefit the Epidermolysis Bullosa Medical Research Foundation (EBMRF). Launching tonight, Nov. 15 at 8pm EST, 100% of proceeds from the sale, which features Cox’s favorite items from a range of beloved brands, will be donated to EBMRF; a volunteer, non-profit foundation dedicated to helping medical scientists learn more about EB, its causes, the development of its treatments, and ultimately, its cure.

“My friend, who’s my manager’s sister, has a child who has this rare genetic skin disorder,” says Cox. “Whatever I can do to ever get the word out about this, I like to get involved.”

Cox’s hand-picked collection will be available to shoppers at www.RueLaLa.com/CourteneyCox through Thursday, Nov. 17th at 8pm EST. Her digital store was created to reflect her and her daughter’s personal styles, and includes everything from designer kids clothing, organic cotton bath products from Coyuchi, and vintage Chanel handbags and deeply discounted prices.

Image Coutesy of Rue La La The (Style) Guide

What is EB?

EB is a group of diseases characterized by blister formation after minor trauma to the skin. This family of disorders, most of which are inherited, range in severity from mild to the severely disabling and life-threatening diseases of the skin. This rare genetic disorder affects all ethnic and racial groups. Estimates indicate that as many as 100,000 Americans suffer from some form of EB.

Try to imagine a person with painful wounds similar to burns covering most of his or her body. Unlike burns these wounds never go away. For children, riding a bike, skating, or participating in sports is difficult because normal activities of children causes chronic sores. Wounds may cover up to 75 percent of the body. Imagine a diet of only liquids or soft foods because blistering and scarring occur in the mouth and esophagus. Scarring also causes the fingers and toes to fuse, leaving deformities which severely limit function. Imagine a life tied to hospitals for wound treatment, blood transfusions, biopsies and surgeries. The eyes often blister preventing sight for days. Chronic anemia reduces energy and growth is retarded. There is little hope for life beyond 30 years. Children with EB are often referred to as Butterfly Children because their skin is as fragile as a butterfly’s wings.

Leeza Gibbons & Caring.com Partners On Caregiver Confessions Video Series

Hello Divas,

Recently, media personality Leeza Gibbons confessed her struggles with caring for a loved one suffering with Alzheimer’s Disease. Gibbons has over 25 years under her belt, known for informing America about the latest in entertainment, music, and Hollywood. But she has added another important mission: helping caregivers understand the ups and downs of caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.

On November 8, 2011, Caring.com, the leading online destination for family caregivers, proudly announced it’s partnership with Gibbons and the creation of an important online video series entitled Caregiver Confessions, which provides practical and actionable tips for caregivers.

“The truth is, ALL caregivers sometimes feel afraid, overwhelmed, resentful, angry, and more,” Gibbons says. “There’s just not a safe place to confess those feelings. That’s why I wanted to create this video diary of my own caregiving journey to share what I learned. With Caring.com, we have a chance to support caregivers by acknowledging what’s real, so we can help them be ready.”

This 13-part series on Caring.com covers topics including:
  • The emotional roller coaster that confronts all caregivers
  • How to keep your family together during the difficult times after a loved one’s diagnosis
  • How to deal with the guilt many caregivers experience.
Leeza spent more than a decade caring for her own mother and she reveals her personal journey on this difficult  path and brings her insights and expertise to the series.
Results from a recent study by Caring.com indicate that caregivers rate the emotional stress of caring for a loved one twice as high as the physical or financial stresses. The survey also revealed that caregivers’ own health is impacted, with 24 percent suffering from depression.
“The Caregiver Confessions series is one of the most important introductions to the site since we launched,” said Andy Cohen, CEO of Caring.com. “Leeza is an amazing person and her knowledge, combined with her unique talents in telling a story and connecting with others, helps make this video series vital viewing for all caregivers.”
Caring.com also offers Steps & Stages, the first-ever interactive guide, support system, and customized e-mail newsletter to deliver specific, stage-appropriate advice for those caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia.

Leeza Gibbons has advocated for caregivers for years, and her book Take Your Oxygen First: Protecting Your Health and Happiness While Caring for a Loved One With Memory Loss tells the story of her family's struggle with Alzheimer's disease after her mother's diagnosis. She also created Leeza's Place, a resource that provides free support services and programs for family caregivers whose loved ones have a memory disorder or any chronic and/or progressive illness.

About Caring.com
Caring.com is the leading online destination for caregivers seeking information and support as they care for aging parents, spouses, and other loved ones. Caring.com offers helpful content, advice from leading experts, a supportive community of caregivers, and a comprehensive senior living directory. Based in San Mateo, California, Caring.com is a private company funded by DCM, Intel Capital, Shasta Ventures, and Split Rock Partners.

John Stamos Helps Raise Funds for Long Beach Rational Therapeutics

On Saturday night (October 1st), Vanguard Cancer Foundation hosted, Cancer is Not Contagious but Laughter Is!, an evening honoring the work of Robert Nagourney, MD, founder of Rational Therapeutics in Long Beach, CA. More than 300 guests, many of them cancer survivor patients of Dr. Nagourney’s, enjoyed an evening with special guest actor John Stamos, whose mother Loretta Stamos (also pictured) founded Vanguard. Comics Allen Stephan, Craig Shoemaker, Jimmy Brogan and Frazer Smith rounded out the evening’s fun.

Founded in 1995, Rational Therapeutics is a pioneering cancer research laboratory specializing in personalized cancer care. The results of our Ex-Vivo Analysis Programmed Cell Death (EVA-PCD) platform create a functional profile of a tumor’s sensitivity and resistance to various drugs and combinations. With this profile, an oncologist is equipped with the most accurate information to treat an individual’s cancer. Founder, Robert A. Nagourney, MD, an oncologist and hematologist, began researching cancer’s biology more than 25 years ago. His goal is to predict which treatments work best with the least toxicity to patients. Through his innovations, he has pioneered the art and science of personalized cancer care. To learn more, visit www.rational-t.com or Facebook and twitter @RobertNagourney. Also view “The Future of Cancer Research Lies Behind Us, a TED talk by Dr. Nagourney here http://bit.ly/qKO0go.

Miss USA’s Fashion Flairs with Fair Trade Clothing

Like any good pageant-winner should, Miss USA 2011, Alyssa Campanella, leads the way this summer in supporting clothing that is not only fashionable, but also socially and environmentally conscious, by modeling Indigenous Designs’ new 2012 line of fair trade and organic fashions.

The feature model for the new Indigenous Fair Trade & Organic collection (debuting at trade shows across the country such as Coterie in New York and Outdoor Retailer in Salt Lake City in August 2011), Campanella was a natural poster-girl pick for Indigenous due to the fashion ideals she shares with the company: fine fashion can and should treat the earth and workers with respect.

“It is uplifting to know that Miss USA is carrying organic and fair trade values with her on tour through mainstream America,” says Scott Leonard, CEO and co-founder of Indigenous Designs, adding that he knew Campanella’s great sense of humor and fiery personality would be a great fit for the Indigenous brand.

Matt Reynolds, President and co-founder, says, “She was so excited about what we do at Indigenous that she was tweeting to her friends and fans about fair trade and organic fashion during our photo shoot.”

And Campanella has reason to be excited: Indigenous Designs’ history and mission statement, including emphasis on “Ecological Stewardship,” “Global Action & Education,” and “Social Justice,” read much like a beauty contestant’s speech.

And while many clothing companies have raised the fair trade and organic flag in recent years, Indigenous Designs (a trailblazing company founded in 1994) has managed to strike the perfect balance between green and glamour, earning a celebrity following that includes James Franco, Molly Sims, Audrina Patridge, Minnie Driver, Marisa Tomei, Julia Louis Dreyfus, Daryl Hannah, Kathy Griffin, and more.

Demonstrating Indigenous Designs’ appeal to the fashion savvy, Reynolds reports that Campanella was an instant fan of the new Luxury Jersey collection, noting its “super-soft” feel. Campanella also greatly anticipates the release of Indigenous Designs’ Organic Cotton Luxury Pullover (pictured left) coming in Spring 2012.

Campanella also models several designs that are currently available for purchase at IndigenousDesigns.com, including the 2011 Striped Poncho (similar to the 2012 Sporty Poncho pictured top right), featuring 100 percent organic cotton and low-impact dyes made by fair trade artisan cooperatives in Peru.

A true pioneer in eco-sensitive and socially conscious apparel, Indigenous Designs has provided top-quality, ecologically sound and fair-trade clothing since 1994. For more than a decade, Indigenous has realized its vision and established itself as an international clothing label, employing over 1,000 highly skilled artisans throughout the globe. Indigenous Designs make you feel good on the inside and out.

The Indigenous collection is available through Viva Terra, Territory Ahead, Acacia, and 500 specialty boutiques, nationwide. To find out more go towww.indigenousdesigns.com, or follow Indigenous Designs on Facebook.