Cause conscious consumerism is all the rage, allowing socially-responsible shoppers to vote their values through commerce. Companies are increasingly learning that good deeds are good business. Breast Cancer Awareness is one worthy cause-based shopping opportunity, allowing caring consumers to offer support while spending. With October Breast Cancer Awareness Month upon us, here are a few notable program-promoting products that’ll leave you tickled pink:
Full Set of Pink to Peach Freshwater Pearls (www.PearlParadise.com) - $167
This stunning set is comprised of round (AAA) or near-round (AA+), natural-color pink to peach 6.5-7.0 mm freshwater pearls. The necklace is available in two lengths - 16 or 18 inches, while the bracelet comes in a standard bracelet length of 7.5 inches. On both the necklace and the bracelet, the pearls are individually knotted on silk, and each strand is finished with solid 14-karat gold clasps. Traditional stud earrings complete the lovely look. The set comes complete with an elegant gift presentation and storage box along with a pearl care kit: cleaning instructions and a polishing cloth to keep these baubles in tip top shape. I also find it quite notable that, at PearlParadise.com, every necklace, bracelet, and set of earrings is made to order.
For the entire month of October, PearlParadise.com is putting all of the pink pearls in its inventory on sale at 15% off with promotion code, CURE. Also, 25% of all proceeds from pink pearl sales will be donated to the Tower Cancer Research Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to cutting edge cancer therapy that is administered with a compassionate, human perspective.
Chelsea Taylor Crystal Ribbon Pendant (www.chelseataylor.com) - $122
Among Chelsea Taylor’s gorgeous collection of fine Crystallized Swarovski Element-adorned jewelry is the new Breast Cancer Awareness ribbon pendant. Adorned with a cascading array of brilliant pink crystals, this pendant helps you show your support while still remaining high-fashion.
Chelsea Taylor is donating 25% of sales for the month of October to the Save the Ta-Tas Foundation who funds are used primarily to support independent scientific research.
LIVESTRONG Air Pegasus+ 28 LAF (www.nike.com/livestrong) - $90
Pink power! The LIVESTRONG Air Pegasus+ 28 LAF Women's Running Shoe is a great choice for neutral runners looking for top-notch cushioning, a comfortable ride, and the women’s-specific fit that can make or break a great run. Improving upon the well-cushioned classic with an enhanced upper, featuring Flywire for premium support, the shoe features breathable mesh and a full-length Cushion foam midsole for extra soft, responsive cushioning and great forefoot flexibility. Additionally, the LIVESTRONG Air Pegasus+ 28 LAF has a Flywire panel on the mid-foot for targeted support and a secure fit. Flywire is made of thin, nylon fibers that are ultra-strong and ultra-lightweight for support that won't weigh you down. This women's running shoe also features arch support to help stabilize the foot while letting it move naturally. Plus, the outsole is crafted with a carbon rubber heel made from environmentally preferred product while a waffle outsole throughout provides durable traction and gender-specific flex grooves.
The Lance Armstrong Foundation’s LIVESTRONG initiative is committed to supporting women’s health and the health of female cancer survivors. The Foundation will receive a guaranteed minimum amount annually from Nike. Since 2004, Nike has helped the Lance Armstrong Foundation raise more than $80 million to benefit the 28 million people in the world who are living with cancer.
FlipOut Sandals (www.flipoutsandals.com) - $60
Take a stylish stand and show support from head to toe in a pair of Haute Pink Jelly FlipOut Sandals. These deep pink jelly-style flip flops adorned with a fabulous genuine crystal Pink Daisy - crafted pavé-style for maximum brilliance - to aptly honor this important cause. Making these blinged out sandals even better is the fact that the dazzling crystal shoe jewelry is interchangeable with just a twist of the wrist, transforming into an endless collection of fab footwear. Additional pieces of shoe jewelry are available online and retail between $9.99 and $24.99.
Throughout the month of October, FlipOut Sandals will help stomp out this disease by donating a full 25% of proceeds from every pair of Haute Pink Jelly Sandals purchased on its site to the American Cancer Society.
Avon Breast Cancer Crusade Denim Jacket (www.avon.com) - $45
This limited edition, pink denim jacket is classic and comfortable. Made from cotton with spandex and completely machine washable, the long sleeve jacket features four stylish front pockets and decorative metal buttons. The Crusade message, “Wear It to End It,” is imprinted on the inside collar. The item is available in small, medium, large and extra large.
The Avon Breast Cancer Crusadehas raised and donated almost $700 million to breast cancer programs around the world. Fully 100% of the net profit - $27.07 – of the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade Denim Jacket will go back to the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade.
Ford Power of Pink Hoodie (www.shopwarriorsinpink.com) - $45
The Ford Motor Company has gone soft! It’s offering this comfy and contemporary, long sleeve waffle-weave, zip-up hoodie in a bright pink, which adds a powerful pop of color to any wardrobe while also making a fierce fashion statement. With the word, “WARRIOR,” boldly emblazoned across both the chest and back, this is one hoodie to wear loud and proud! This is from the company’s “Warriors in Pink” apparel line that continues to feature symbols representing strength, hope, love and courage.
To date, Ford has dedicated more than $110 million to the breast cancer awareness cause. 100% of net proceeds of this item - $24.10 each - will go to Susan G. Komen for the Cure.
OtterBox Commuter SeriesStrength cases (www.otterbox.com) - $35
With this cool case, your smartphone device will be pretty in pink. OtterBox Commuter SeriesStrength cases have a sleek and stylish multi-layer design suitable for the Apple iPhone 4, HTC EVO 3D, and BlackBerry Torch™ II (cases for additional devices are coming soon). But, this case isn’t just a pretty face; it’s also functional. First, a self-adhering screen film keeps the display free of scratches. A white silicone jacket wraps around the device to absorb shock and provide grip while a thin yet strong pink polycarbonate shell rounds out the protective layers and helps the device slide easily in and out of a pocket or purse. The power button, volume rocker, and home button remain fully functional while silicone plugs keep dust and dirt out of the charging port and headphone jack but also flip open for easy access.
After generating a donation of over $179,000 to the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade last year, OtterBox once again pledged a one-year commitment to support the cause with their Strength lineup. Ten percent of the purchase price of these limited edition cases is given to help provide everyone access to quality care regardless of ability to pay.
Happy First "Survivor Chick" Tee (www.happyfirst.com) - $34
Founded by cancer survivor Debbie Vinyard, this shirt and line overall is designed to encourage cancer victims, survivors, and really everyone to enjoy each moment, keep a positive attitude, and start each day being “Happy First” and then making it last. The 100% ringspun cotton jersey Survivor Chick tee is cute and comfy. It's generous in the sizing - a woman's cut versus junior - but is still feminine and tapered with a V neckline. It comes in both lilac and lavender and sizes, ranging from small to 2X.
Happy First is donating 15% of all sales of this "Survivor Chick" design to Breast Impressions, which funds education, prevention, and research and also makes “castings” for women before they have surgery to create a lasting memory.
UniqueVintage.com Scarves (www.unique-vintage.com) - $25-$28
There is something quite romantic about vintage clothing and accessories. It's probably the mystery of their unknown origins coupled with the uniqueness of each item. How drab it is to look like everyone else in the era of mass production. This is why I love Unique-Vintage, which hand selects distinctive designer vintage clothing items and accessories – unique and classic retro pieces from the 50’s and 60’s that will add a unique and interesting twist to your wardrobe. The company’s Pink Pom Pom scarf is one such item. This statement scarf, made of 100% cotton and measuring 82x26, is perfect for accessorizing a t-shirt or blouse. Unique-Vintage’s Mauve Pom Pom Crinkle Scarf is also retro glam with alternating sections of pom poms and crinkle cotton fabric.
During the month of October, 20% of the proceeds of these scarves will be donated to the National Breast Cancer Foundation,which helps provide free mammograms for women in need to promote earlybreastcancer detection
LipSense “Kiss for a Cause” Lip Color (www.SeneGence.com) - $22
LipSense long-lasting liquid lip color is unlike any conventional lipstick, stain, or color. These kiss-proof, smudge-proof and lead-free colors, manufactured without animal testing, stay on for up to 12 hours and are available in over 50 shades. LipSense shades can be combined to create hundreds of custom color possibilities. The company’s limited edition “Kiss for a Cause” is a fantastic fuchsia hue sure to perk up your pout.
In honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, through October 31, 2011, SeneGence International is donating 5% of the wholesale price from every tube of the limited-edition “Kiss for a Cause” LipSense to the American Breast Cancer Foundation for a minimum of $1,000 dollars.
Ford Strengh of Warrior Tee (www.shopwarriorsinpink.com) - $20
Show strength and conviction in the fight against breast cancer with this Strength of a Warrior statement tee. Black super-soft jersey material is complimented by the worn texture of the burnout design. Gray, white, and pink WARRIOR text and graphic symbols duly empowers and inspires the wearer and onlookers alike.
To date, Ford has dedicated more than $110 million to the breast cancer awareness cause. 100% of net proceeds of this item - $12.55 each - will go to Susan G. Komen for the Cure.
***Some or all of the accommodations(s), experience(s), item(s) and/or service(s) detailed above were provided at no cost to accommodate this review, but all opinions expressed are entirely those of Merilee Kern and have not been influenced in any way.***
