Shop for a Cause: Uptown Liz Jewelry Gives Back to our Military

Written by Marketing Intern Rose Provine

Everyone needs to take the opportunity to appreciate and thank those who are risking their lives to protect our country. Whether you agree with the war or not, these men and women deserve our acknowledgment.  

Uptown Liz  features a number of stylish jewelry that donates to different military charitable foundations with each purchase. 

 

These flexible memory wire bracelets are made with polymer clay beads. With each purchase, 20% of proceeds are donated to Operation Gratitude, which works to send care packages to U.S. Military overseas.

This handmade glass bead necklace gives back to Operation Gratitude as well.

  

Splurge on these stylish accessories with comfort that you are contributing to a worthwhile cause. To support more causes by shopping, visit Uptown Liz.

Shop for a Cause: TOMS Shoes Putting an End to Bare Feet

Written by Public Relations Intern Britnee Brotherton

Sometimes I believe going bare foot is good for the soul, but I cannot imagine life without shoes. Unfortunately, going without shoes is a way of life and not an option for many kids in our world today. One young man noticed the problems surrounding kids without shoes in Argentina and took initiative to make a difference.

TOMS Shoes was founded in 2006 with a very creative method of giving back serving as its driving force. For every pair of these lightweight, stylish shoes that is purchased, one pair is donated to a child without shoes. Last month, TOMS Shoes One for One program made their one millionth donation! 

TOMS also sponsors a worldwide event called “One Day Without Shoes” to help raise awareness for their charitable efforts. Last year over 1,600 events took place in honor of this cause. People simply spend a day walking in the (lack of) shoes of those that are less fortunate. This event will take place again on April 5, 2011. Check out this encouraging video about the day.

I remind you to always shop thoughtfully. There is no better place to do this than Uptown Liz!

Nordstrom for a Cause: Company Shares Plans to Open New Philanthropic Store

Written by Public Relations Intern Britnee Brotherton

Nordstrom is one of my favorite natural highs. Unfortunately for me, but luckily for my pocketbook, the small town I live in does not have one. All of my trips to this store are always followed by a serious case of buyer’s remorse. This will be a feeling of the past come fall 2011.

Riding on the heels of the successful opening of their clearance stores, Nordstrom Rack, the brains behind the department store plan to open a philanthropic based store in New York City’s Soho district. All profits from the store’s sales will be donated to charity. While the store is not going to be as large as most, the company looks to make a huge impact with it. There are many details still being worked out before the grand opening, such as which non-profits will receive the store’s donations and what products will be sold. 

Hopefully, the store will experience great success and in turn will motivate other large retail stores to follow suit and make philanthropy a priority. We can look forward to having another opportunity to get our next shopper’s high guilt free! Until then, make your shopping count and shop for a cause at Uptown Liz.

Words for a Cause: Palindrome Apparel Gives Back to Yes to Seed Fund

Written by Marketing Intern Roslynn Fitch

I remember back in elementary school when our teacher wrote “race car” on the blackboard. She then told us to read it backwards, and much to our surprise, race car spelled backwards is still race car. After this epiphany in class, we then proceeded to spend all day at recess trying to think of other palindromes: mom, rotor.... “Yo banana boy?”

A company called Palindrome Apparel is taking this wearable wordplay to a whole new level. Their mission is to be “a forward thinking company that gives back.” Their inspiration: a palindrome. A word, sentence or phrase that reads the same forward and backwards. Each product they make will correspond with one palindrome and one nonprofit organization. How does it work? Palindrome Apparel harnesses the unique ideas of challenging people to think about the clothing they wear, the people/things they support, and finding interesting and fun ways to do it. “Yo banana boy” is just one of their palindromes in which they are partnering with the Yes to Seed Fund. The Yes to Carrots Seed Fund is an organization that provides fun, innovative ways to promote access to healthy nutrition for children. If you purchase one of these shirts, 20% of the proceeds go directly to the fund.

Palindrome is such an innovative and fun way to shop for a cause. I love that they have found a way to harness their inner creativity, and support those organizations that are making a difference all over the world.

For other ways to shop for a cause, visit Uptown Liz.

T-Shirt for a Cause: Whitney Port and Jones New York Team Up for Teachers

Written by Public Relations Intern Britnee Brotherton

There is no doubt that I have learned a lot during my three years spent working to earn a degree of higher education. One of the most important things I have learned is to appreciate those who helped me to make it this far. 

There are numerous instances when an acronym or catchy lesson from grade school pops into my head and helps me ace a test. When I reflect back on the 13 years I spent gaining knowledge and irreplaceable life experiences, I have realized I owe a great deal to my school teachers!

Whitney Port and Jones New York are currently offering this opportunity to people everywhere. Shoppers support teachers each time they purchase the Jones In the Classroom Tee. 100% of the retail price ($20) goes directly to Jones New York in the Classroom. This non-profit created by the clothing company, Jones New York, donates to Adopt A Classroom, Fund for Teachers and TeachersCount. Each year these three charities provide teachers with funds and resources to help enhance the education experience for students across the nation. Thank your teachers and wear your support!

To find more ways to dress for a good cause visit Uptown Liz.

Brides for a Cause: Gowns Granting Wishes

Written by Public Relations Intern Britnee Brotherton

Many girls dream about their “big day” throughout their childhood and on into their adult life. The cake, the dress, the guests, the music and of course the groom. Now women can turn their unforgettable day into another woman’s experience of a lifetime!

Brides Against Breast Cancer has taken a front seat in the fight against breast cancer. They give brides-to-be the opportunity to shop top designer and quality wedding dresses at very, affordable prices. These dresses are donated from manufacturers, designers and newly married women. All of the proceeds from the sales go to the Making Memories Breast Cancer Foundation. Making Memories “grants wishes for metastatic breast cancer patients, while continuing to support, educate and increase resource awareness.”

How can you help? Brides Against Breast Cancer are currently in need of contemporary gown styles, slips and veils dating from 2005 to present.  There are options for those who have not said their “I do’s” recently or at all. You can make a donation at http://pinkenvelopeproject.org/ or check out their calendar to shop for your dream dress at a gown sale near you!

Visit Uptown Liz to read about how breast cancer changed the founder’s life and get your daily dose of retail philanthropy!

Shop for a Cause: Leonardo DiCaprio Partners with TAG Heuer to Help the Environment

Written by guest blogger Melissa Long

It seems that ever since Jack Dawson's encounter with an iceberg in "Titanic", actor Leonardo DiCaprio realized the importance of caring for the environment. Now serving as an environmental activist, DiCaprio has joined forces with the internationally recognized watch brand TAG Heuer to aid environmental, nonprofit organizations.

All royalties from this partnership, which will last three years, will go to aid the National Resource Defense Council, a nonprofit organization focused on protecting all of Earth's life and the elements that sustain it, and Green Cross International which focuses on improving humanity's relationship with nature.

The partnership between DiCaprio and TAG Heuer could not be a better match; both are driven and both are determined to make a difference. DiCaprio has gone a step further by committing to donating an additional multi-million dollars to support these environmental charities. Now that's putting your money where your mouth is!

To shop for more products that support the environment, go to Uptown Liz.

Save the Ta-tas Donates over $300,000 to Breast Cancer Charities

Written by guest blogger Melissa Long

SAVE THE TA-TA’S! Thanks to this brand, many more second bases have indeed been saved! Causing smiles and laughter for over five years, ta-tas Brand Clothing has encouraged women in all stages of breast cancer to feel beautiful and confident.

Founded by Julia Fikse in 2004, ta-tas Brand Clothing was created to help fund breast cancer research and education. Customers can go to http://www.savethetatas.com/ and find everything from men’s, women’s and children’s apparel to accessories and fun items, such as their unique boob lube (a special soap designed to encourage women to do self breast exams). For every purchase made, ta-tas Brand Clothing donates 5% of all sales to the fight against breast cancer.

After such little time, ta-tas Brand Clothing has gained respect in the community by: being a sponsor of the Revlon Run/Walk, attending the 2008 Emmy Awards and BET Awards, and being featured in Newsweek, HQ, and Shape magazines.

To date, this power house company has greatly impacted the nonprofit community by donating over $313,000 to help wipe out breast cancer. Now the community is giving back to them; on Sunday, May 31, 2009, ta-tas Brand Clothing received a Corporation for Evolution Humanitarian award from the Hollywood Note Foundation for all of their efforts in their fight against breast cancer.

For more information on ta-tas Brand Clothing go to http://www.savethetatas.com/.

Shop for a Cause at the Power of Pink

Bay Area fashion PR firm, Avant Garde Public Relations, hosts The Power of Pink - an evening of fashion, beauty, music and art for those touched by breast cancer. Annette Richmond, owner of the firm, joined forces with over 30 businesses, designers and volunteers to create this event. “I really want this to be a celebration of life.” says Richmond. “Someone close recently passed from Breast Cancer, this is a celebration for her. I wanted to focus on things Anne loved; art, fashion and music, the spa treatments are the cherry on top!”

Guests can support the cause at the Shopping Soirée featuring Bryna Nicole, Frolick, Harlequin Feltworks, Juleselin, Verrieres and Sako. VIP guests are invited to shop early at the pre-party, and will have access to two private rooms - including the Pamper Party - and receive a limited edition gift bag.

DJ Everett, DJ KeL-D, Nonchalant and DJ D-Glitch will provide the tunes and Taste of Paradise Catering and Little Piggy Cupcakes will supply the gourmet bites. When the clock strikes 8pm, the fashion show - featuring pieces from Tela D organic boutique and Taxi CDC - will begin. Models, whose hair and makeup will be done by the San Francisco Institute of Esthetics & Cosmetology, will include professionals and those affected by the disease.

“With approximately 2.5 million breast cancer survivors in the U.S. and Marin County’s high breast cancer rate, I couldn't imagine a better time or place for this event.” says Richmond. All proceeds from this event will benefit the American Cancer Society.

As the nation’s largest nonprofit organization dedicated to the fight against cancer, the American Cancer Society has invested more funding in breast cancer research grants over time than any other voluntary public health organization – $352 million since 1972. In fact, Society-funded cutting-edge research led to the discovery of lifesaving treatments like Tamoxifen and Herceptin and it was the American Cancer Society that established mammography as the gold standard for the early detection of breast cancer. The Society also supports the fight against breast cancer through free support services such as Reach to Recovery, which matches newly diagnosed breast cancer patients with survivors who can guide them through their journey with the disease; and the nation’s only 24-hour cancer hot line (1-800-ACS-2345), where people fighting cancer can turn anytime, day or night to talk to a Cancer Information Specialist for support, information and guidance. The Society additionally advocates for public policies to guarantee all women access to mammograms and breast cancer treatment, regardless of income. For more information about breast cancer resources and information, call the American Cancer Society at (1-800-ACS-2345) or visit http://www.cancer.org/.

The Power of Pink

Friday, January 23, 2009

Studio 333

Sausalito, CA

General Admission tickets $25

VIP tickets $35

http://www.avantgardepublicrealtions.com/
415.847.1571

Shop for a Cause: New San Francisco Store Makes Philanthropy Fashionable

A new San Francisco boutique is revolutionizing the way women think about buyer's remorse and changing the world at the same time.

Philanthropist, a trendy, upscale Presidio Heights clothing boutique, has done something very fashionable with its profits - donate them to charity. That's right. All of them. 100%.

This amazingly generous concept is the brainchild of partners Jessica Moment and Sally Fowler, two ex-Gap employees who feature well known collections from the likes of Rachel Roy and Zac Posen in their store, as well as designs made by local up-and-coming fashionistas.

Like their clothes, the chosen charity changes with the seasons. The first beneficiary is Raphael House, a non-profit dedicated to helping at-risk children and their families achieve stable housing and financial independence.

There's nothing like changing the world, one stiletto at a time.

StinkyKids Help Cancer Patients

StinkyKids™, an apparel company built around 10 unique and inspiring characters who share the philosophy of being a little stinKer yet doing good and making positive choices , is one of the most creative endeavors out there. Britt Menzies, the founder and designer, is a non-stop, mom, mogul with great passion and drive. So it's no surprise that in it's short existence, StinkyKids has received national press - such as The Today Show and The Big Idea with Donny Deutsch - and landed in the department store wonderland known as Nordstrom.

Living up to their company motto, "Always Be A Leader of Good", a portion of the proceeds from StinkyKids is donated directly to Books, Bears and Bonnets, Inc. - a non-profit organization founded by Britt's mother in memory of Britt’s aunt who died of uterine cancer. This organization provides whimsical gift boxes to courageous children and adults fighting cancer and other serious illnesses.

To find out which StinkyKid you (and your little one) are, go to Uptown Liz, StinkyKids or select Nordstrom stores.

Photo caption: Britt's little StinkyKid, Emma, wearing StinkyKid Jen.

Uptown Liz & Fuffy J. Couture on Good Day Sacramento

Uptown Liz and Fuffy J. Couture appeared on Good Day Sacramento this past Monday, October 13. The segment featured the Liz Collection, the new Just beCause Bags by sisters and stay-at-home moms, Lyndi Eimerl and Kristin Morrow, that support breast cancer awareness. The chic handbags, which were named in memory of Elizabeth "Liz" Overturf, are black with pink lining, with an inspirational quote inside, and a charm that you can have personalized.

Also featured on the segment were the new GALS line at FranklinCovey, which includes planners (featuring the Uptown Liz story), folders, totes, business card holder, passport holder and more. Other products shown on the segment supporting breast cancer awareness were Grill Charms, Boob Lube, Honest Tease tee, shower for the cure, Nicola Gift Set, Luxe Link - Megan in Pink and the Uptown Girl - Breast Cancer Awareness Bracelet.

All of these products (as well as 200 more supporting breast cancer awareness) can be found at Uptown Liz on the Breast Cancer page.

Photo caption: GALS Collection Wire-Bound Cover.

Uptown Liz Featured in FranklinCovey Planners Supporting Breast Cancer Awareness

Liz's story has been featured in the new GALS planners at FranklinCovey. This is something that has been in the works for several months, and when Design-her Gals and FranklinCovey decided to partner on a special collection supporting the Gal to Gal Foundation, I was asked to write about Liz, Uptown Liz and my connection to the foundation (in order to read Liz's story, you will have to see the planners in person).

This came about because of my personal and business relationship with the founder of Design-her Gals and the Gal to Gal Foundation, Jeanne Fitzmaurice, who is a tireless advocate and warrior for breast cancer. Although we have never met in person, we have formed a "virtual", mutually supportive friendship that has meant so much to me. I first discovered Design-her Gals just a few months after Liz passed - the company was so Liz; she would have loved it. I contacted them and wrote how grateful I was that they were bringing attention to such an awful disease as stage IV breast cancer. Jeanne was the one to respond, and the rest is history.

The entire GALS Collection at FranklinCovey is phenomenal; they have outdone themselves. From totes to files to business card holders, they are the most stylish planning accessories I’ve ever seen. There is something for everyone in every price range. The products can be found at Uptown Liz (in the "Liz" section), Design-her Gals and Franklin Covey (stores and online).

My deepest gratitude to the teams at Design-her Gals and FranklinCovey for the privilege of sharing Liz's story - which I know will touch so many - and growing her legacy to "my wildest dreams".

Graphic caption: The likeness of Liz (left), her dog Daphne and Ramona designed at Design-her Gals to support the Gal to Gal Foundation.

Chic Handbags for Breast Cancer Awareness

Introducing "The Liz Collection" - handbags supporting breast cancer charities that were designed by a young sister team in Sacramento, CA. The two bags - that were seen on the red carpet of the 2008 Emmy Awards - are black with pink lining with an inspirational quote inside (see below). You can also have the charm that is attached to the bags hand stamped with the name of a loved one or word of significance.

Sisters and stay-at-home moms, Kristin Morrow and Lyndi Eimerl, founded Fuffy J. Couture in September 2006 and launched Just BeCAUSE Bags two years later. As a unique individual, Head Designer, Kristin Morrow, had always found ways to stand out from the crowd. She was a trendsetter amongst her peers without even trying. As a teenager she began designing handbags for herself out of vintage clothing and remnants of fabric she found in her mother's sewing room. These handbags - with an eclectic charm - sparked widespread interest amongst family, friends and strangers alike. As the requests came in, Kristin soon began designing handbags for her biggest fans, including her sister and best friend Lyndi. The sisters' "Aha" moment came when they recognized the unanswered demand for distinctive and artistic fabric handbags in the marketplace; prompting them to launch Fuffy J. Couture, named after their late grandfather.

Kristin's and Lyndi's second "Aha" moment came when their godmother lost her battle with cancer in July 2008, only three months after being diagnosed. This difficult loss caused them to reflect on their lives and their work as they discovered a bigger purpose in life. They wanted to impact lives in a positive way while pursuing their passion for art and fashion. Having been dedicated to partnering with important causes and donating to them previously, a new line of cause-related bags became the next logical step. After meeting Ramona Russell, founder of Uptown Liz, and hearing of her sister, Liz's, death from breast cancer at 28, the sisters were moved to name their first collection in memory of her to support breast cancer causes.The Just BeCAUSE line of handbags is this designing duo's way of giving back and offering women across the globe sophistication, sentiment, support and most importantly, hope.

The "Liz" Collection can be found at Uptown Liz or Fuffy J. Couture and retails for $125-165.

"Just when the caterpillar thought the world was over, it became a butterfly." - Anonymous

Photo caption: The "Liz" Shoulder Bag and Cocktail Clutch for Breast Cancer.

Stuart Weitzman Takes the Guilt Out of Shoe Shopping

Stuart Weitzman, shoe designer extraordinaire and well known philanthropist, knows the way to a woman's heart - through her feet.

This September, in honor of ovarian cancer awareness month, Weitzman fortified his commitment to ending the silent killer with the launch of his eighth annual celebrity shoe auction. This year, almost 30 celebrities, including Blake Lively, Jessica Alba, Jessica Simpson and Eva Longoria Parker, customized a Weitzman stiletto for one lucky fashionista bidder. Many of the exceptionally detailed and radiant shoes are autographed and/or come with signed posters of the "celebrity-designer."

Proceeds from the auction will support the work of Dr. Marsha Moses of the Folkman Institute at Children's Hospital in Boston. Moses and her team are working to develop a urine test for ovarian cancer.

Shoe shopping never felt so good.

Wendy Brandes Auctions Necklace for Stephanie Nielson

A retailer of Uptown Liz, Wendy Brandes, who makes beautiful, high-quality jewelry, is auctioning off one of her sterling silver Diana necklaces. This auction is to help, Stephanie Nielson (aka NieNie), who is a fellow blogger that was injured in a small plane crash last month. She has burns over 80% of her body, her husband, Christian, is burned over 30% of his and their flight instructor, Doug Kinneard, died in the crash. The young couple, who are in their late twenties and reside in Arizona, have four children.

On Saturday, the New York Times wrote about bloggers' efforts to raise money for medical and other expenses. One sentence in the article makes it clear how devastating Stephanie's injuries are: "Last week, during reconstructive surgery on Ms. Nielson’s badly damaged face, doctors retrieved enough tissue from parts of her body to craft a new nose and ears." (You can stay up-to-date on the couple's progress through Stephanie's sister's blog, C Jane.)

The retail price of the Diana necklace is $250. The full amount of the winning bid will go to the Stephanie Nielson Fund. To bid on the necklace, go to Wendy Brandes's blog entry. The auction ends Friday, September 12th.

Photo caption: Diana Necklace

Water Rules at Saks Fifth Avenue

It's not just designer duds coming down the runway at Saks Fifth Avenue - it's clean water as well. The high-end department store hosted their Summer Gala - a fundraiser for charity: water - with 1,000 guests including celebrities Jennifer Connelly, Mischa Barton and Adrien Grenier.

According to their Web site, charity: water is a non profit organization bringing clean, safe drinking water to people in developing nations. Right now, 1.1 billion people on the planet don't have access to safe, clean drinking water - that's one out of six people. Unsafe water and lack of basic sanitation cause 80% of all sickness and disease, and kill more people every year than all forms of violence, including war. Many people in the developing world, usually women and children, walk more than three hours every day to fetch water that is likely to make them sick. Those hours are crucial, preventing many from working or attending school. Additionally, collecting water puts them at greater risk of sexual harassment and assault. Children are especially vulnerable to the consequences of unsafe water; of the 42,000 deaths that occur every week from unsafe water and a lack of basic sanitation, 90% are children under 5 years old.

Just $20 can give a person in Africa clean, safe drinking water for 20 years, and the partnership of Saks Fifth Avenue and charity: water have raised more than $500,000, funding over 100 wells in developing nations in a two-month time period.

Kelly Ripa and Friends Have a Super Saturday

Kelly Ripa, Molly Sims, Christy Turlington and other celebrities put their shopping skills to the test for a good cause. Super Saturday, an event held in the Hamptons, raises thousands of dollars for The Ovarian Cancer Research Fund every year.

Referred to as the "Rolls Royce of Garage Sales" by The New York Times, the shopping extravaganza has over 200 designers - from Calvin Klein, Donna Karan, Ralph Lauren, Carolina Herrera, Theory, Maxx New York and more - at deeply discounted prices.

According to their Web site, the mission of the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund is to fund research to find a method of early detection and ultimately a cure for ovarian cancer. In support of their mission, they help patients and their loved ones understand the disease and its treatment, and provide outreach programs to raise public awareness.

To shop for products on Uptown Liz that support Ovarian Cancer, click here.

Buy Angelina Jolie's Jacket for Charity

You could own the leather jacket worn by Angelina Jolie in her new movie, Wanted, and 100% of the price goes to a great nonprofit PLAN!T NOW (the organization formerly known as the Grenada Relief Fund started by the Academy Award winning actor Morgan Freeman). According to their Web site, this organization advocates empowerment of people through information and connection and provides dialogue between people living in hurricane and severe-storm affected areas and those who should prepare in coastal regions of the United States, Mexico and the Caribbean. Operating with the understanding that no matter where you live, a natural disaster can happen at any time, PLAN!T NOW advocates the power of preparedness.

For more information or to bid on the jacket, click here.

ek designs jewelry with passion and inspiration

Wonders of nature, strength of spirit and the charm of daily life permeate every piece of Elizabeth Kissick's jewelry. Lovingly designed and crafted in an inviting home studio, this tasteful and timeless collection reflects life's moments that are joyous, stirring and fun.

What started out in 1992 as a fun hobby that fulfilled an artistic need, ek designs has morphed into a premier jewelry design firm. With little more than a good word of mouth chain, ek designs has grown into a company with revenues that continually double each year. Their lines of jewelry can be seen in over 100 retail locations throughout the United States. Every woman will find the ideal jewelry accessories in the assortment developed by owner and designer, Elizabeth Kissick. The entire collection is created with the finest of precious metals, Swarovski crystals, exclusive hand blown beads, and their custom designed silver bead frames, beads and toggles that befits these distinguished designs. In its fifteen years of existence, the business consistently has held excellence in materials, workmanship and service in the highest regard.

In keeping with a desire to contribute to the surrounding community, ek designs offers jewelry symbolic of struggles and triumphs of various afflictions and contributes to them in multiple ways. ek designs jewelry donates proceeds from the sale of such pieces to organizations that represent these diseases. The wearer of a Breast Cancer Bracelet or AIDS Awareness Bracelet garners strength from the power of the piece and the kindness of the designer. Elizabeth's first cause bracelet was a Breast Cancer bracelet in honor of her Nana who died from the disease. ek designs jewelry donates proceeds from the sale of such pieces to organizations that represent AIDS, breast cancer, suicide prevention, autism, diabetes and Alzheimer's disease.

Elizabeth shares her passions of the heart with those who wear her jewelry. Poems and inspirational messages have been selected thoughtfully to accompany many of the pieces. As a lovely bauble for someone dear or as a beloved treasure for one's self, these gifts are meant to be cherished through the ages.

For more information or to purchase some of the jewelry from ek designs, go to the bracelet page on Uptown Liz.