It's one thing to teach little ones about giving back, and it's another to show them how. One easy way is to buy items that donate to good causes or worthy charities. From Kauzbots to colorful place mats, keep reading for pieces that will warm the hearts of your philanthropists in training.
Here's one type of shopping that's hard to ever feel bad about: gifts that give back. In the next month or so, when it comes time to pick presents for friends and family, consider do-good products a go-to resource for holiday buying. From companies that use one-for-one business models to websites that sell products made by female entrepreneurs in developing countries, these eight items will make you feel good about your purchasing power.
Here's a simple yet powerful nonprofit that you and your kids can become involved in. Meredith Alexander, an LA mom, founded the Milk and Bookies organization to donate books to children who do not have access to their own. This is an effective and exciting way to teach children the importance of giving back.
Milk and Bookies events have swept the nation, and all of the books that are donated are sent to places like children's hospitals, elementary schools, and Boys & Girls Clubs. Learn how to host an event in your neighborhood, complete with book donations, a story-time reading, and the ultimate treat of milk and cookies.
"This year's Snowflake Ball was the first year we've been able to celebrate the daily death rate of children dropping below 25,000."
— Barbara Bush told Vanity Fair Daily what she was thankful for this year at UNICEF's annual Snowflake Ball. We know she meant well, but "celebrate" and children's death rate don't really belong in the same sentence. Unless, of course, you're at the Snowflake Ball!
If we've learned anything from sites like The Sartorialist and Garance Dore, it's that wearing a scarf will get you a lot of attention. Tie it in a creative way, wear with your favorite pair of beat up jeans and a splurge-y platform sandal and you're a prime suspect for a street style photographer. Although you can find interesting scarves for practically nothing at the vintage shops (remember, you can make your own too) we do like the 2009 A Peace Treaty collection. Their cause pivots on supporting artisans in regions of socio-political strife and they donate to Conterpart International so no matter how hesitant you are to drop two hundred dollars on a simple piece of fabric, remember that it's more than that. Plus, how can you beat those color combinations?
In honor of the opening of his Fifth Avenue store, Armani is making a donation of one million dollars to The Fund For Public Schools...
The designer also blogged for New York Times' The Moment and covered such topics as clubbing in the Mepa and the difference between American and European window treatments.
Andre Leon Talley acted a true gentlemen at yesterday's Tracy Reese show, refusing to push anyone out of the fully seated front row.
Ecko going out of business? Well, they're definitely not opening that mega-flagship they've been paying rent on for four years.
Last night in Beverly Hills a slew of California-dwelling celebs came out to celebrate the opening of a D&G Flagship on Robertson Boulevard. Hosting the event was Rachel Bilson, and, in honor of the store opening, Dolce and Gabbana took an opportunity to give back. From December 15th through January 15th, 15% of sales at the store will be donated to The Art of Elysium; a non-profit which develops creative projects for children battling serious medical conditions. Check our gallery from the event below, and, the Spring 2009 D&G collection, right here.
Gemma Ward's new film, The Black Balloon, will open stateside this Friday, following its March release in Australia which came with a slew of positive reviews...
Cyber Monday has come and gone but consumer spending online should continue, despite all odds, to grow. WWD reports on the build up of Cyber Monday and the Thanksgiving numbers that brought us there.
Marni has announced its Fall 09 menswear show will take place by way of a presentation rather than the usual runway spectacular. The company has articulated their ongoing focus on menswear, despite deciding on this rather subdued format for next season.
A collaborative project called A Little Piece of Mind has the likes of Giles Deacon, PPQ, and Luella Bartley designing squares of quilts that will be auctioned off, in New York and London, for charity. Debuting this March, proceeds from the auction will go to Shelter in the UK and the Bowery Mission in New York.
