Shop Pink for Breast Cancer Awareness

Shop the many manufacturers and designers this month who donate a portion of the sales of special merchandise to breast cancer research, treatment and mammograms for needy women. 1 in 8 women will get breast cancer. All of us know someone who currently has or has had it. Fortunately, great strides have been made to combat the disease and more women become survivors with each diagnosis.

I've collected a few ideas to inspire you to shop for the cause from different sites. October is almost over, but you can still support research efforts with a purchase that will make you feel good and do some good, as well.

                                                                              

Pictured Above:
Cozy, flannel PJ bottoms. $25 benefit Susan G Komen for the Cure 877-39 KOMEN (877-395-6636)

Cuisinart DLC-Mini Prep Plus Reg.$49.99 now $39.99  macys.com/pink

When looking for ways to support the cause, shop Macy's for pink products from a variety of designers and brands. Throughout October, Macy’s will host a dedicated space in 350 stores across the country and online at macys.com/pink

Tory Burch  is donating 20% of the sales from this cute umbrella to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. $48  www.toryburch.com

                             

Exclusive t-shirt designed by Emilio Pucci.100% of the proceeds go to Saks Fifth Avenue's Key to the Cure campaign fighting womens' cancers $35 saks.com

Lace up these Asic GT1000-2PR for a BCA walk. Sales benefit Christina Applegate's Right Action for Women Foundation. www.asicsamerica.com

Topping Off the Trends

As our weather shifts slightly toward Fall (a drop in the humidity from 80% to 60% is huge to us Floridians), I want to finish off the Fall Trends that should entice you. We've hit coated jeans, cobalt blue, lots of green and berry hues, animal prints and fancy sweatshirts. You will also see Rocker Chic or Punk Luxe (I didn't make up these names). Take from the trend what works best with your own style. It can be as major as studded jackets or tops and leather pants or as simple as accessorizing with a new studded pump, ballet flat or boot. There are quite a few handbags out with studs, as well to accommodate this trend.

                               
                   

If you don't have a Leather Jacket, especially a "Moto" styled one, this is the year to invest in one. There are lots of combos combining knits with leather. Black would be a great, classic choice, but adding a leather in a color could be a fun addition to your wardrobe. Besides jackets, leather is everywhere this season- skirts, dresses, t-shirts, vests and jeans. If your leanings are toward PETA ( People for Ethical Treatment of Animals) there are loads of faux and vegan choices. Many designers are doing non-leather leather looks. I suggest Free People, Macy's, Nordstrom's and Cusp ( upstairs in the Tampa Neiman's) as places to look.

                                         
Borrowed from the Boys, featuring menswear patterns,  is another trend for Fall. Houndstooth, glen plaids and hunter plaids used in somewhat unconventional ways. The menswear look includes foulard and jacquard patterns in pants and an oxford style shoe that is cute with skinny pants and fuller cut trousers. Loafers are a great way to accessorize this trend also.



Statement and Oversized Coats - Every Fall, I miss the change of seasons and crave a new fun coat that I would be shopping for if I still lived up North. Then winter comes to New York and Chicago and I am glad I reside in sunny Tampa.  For those of you who travel and are investing in new outerwear, the looks are distinctive and/or over-sized. Color blocking is apparent here, as well. Lots of new choices.

 


Also on your radar for Fall should be Black Lace for cocktail attire, Mixed Metals in jewelry, Pointed toe shoes are back, Pops of Bright Red- almost as a "new neutral", Over-the Knee boots and a bit more structured bags. You don't have to run out and grab one of everything. Look around- online and in the stores- and purchase what feels most like you. Or a new, refreshed you. Getting out of your box is good,but not so much that you are uncomfortable. Some trends are just that -trends. Others can endure ( look at animal prints!). Pick up a few new things you love. Experiment with accessories. There surely is something for everyone out there. And don't forget to purge (some things you haven't been wearing) a little to make room for the new.