Let’s face it, the stars get everything! From the “not yet in stores ‘it’ handbags” and personal chefs to costly diamonds and expensive cars, these in demand celebrities are handed amazing gifts, on silver, gold, or even platinum platters. In fact, it often seems as if the more money these celebrities have, the more stuff they get for free. The good news is that many stars have realized its time for them to give back. With the help of non-profit organizations, many celebrities have teamed up to create fashionable pieces, with proceeds benefiting numerous charities — now you can be a charitable consumer and a fashionista at the same time.
Cartier LOVE Collection Charity Bracelet
This year, major jewelry company Cartier has added more than just beautiful gems to their carte du jour. With the help of eight high-status celebrities including Salma Hayek, Sarah Jessica Parker and Spike Lee, Cartier has created the Charity Bracelet, a part of their LOVE collection. Each one of these eight bracelets is colored differently, representing the celebrity’s charity of choice — $100 of the proceeds made on one of these gorgeous bands will be donated to their respective charitable organization. With a knotted silk ribbon and pink gold LOVE emblem, you can show your philanthropic style while wearing a fabulous piece of jewelry. Available in Cartier stores.
Rosario Dawson’s red bracelet for Youth AIDS. (Photo credit: jewelry.about.com)
Stuart Weitzman Annual Celebrity Shoe Auction
What could be better than one of a kind pair of Stuart Weitzman heels complete with a matching, signed celebrity photo? Each year Stuart Weitzman holds an auction with the proceeds benefiting ovarian cancer. Celebrities such as Oprah Winfrey, Courtney Cox and Debra Messing have designed a signature pair of stilettos; some sold for over $1,000 a pop! Although these auctions ended in Fall 2007, get ready for next year — it will be Stuart Weitzman’s eighth annual auction. stuartweitzman.com.Molly Sims’ Las Vegas themed pumps purchased for $400. (Photo Credit: stuartweitzman.com)
(PRODUCT) RED Julia Roberts Charity Bracelet
To help fight AIDS in Africa, award winning actress Julia Roberts and iconic fashion designer Emporio Armani have teamed up to create a leather and sterling silver cuff bracelet. These trinkets, which are etched with a picture of the “Tree of Life,” and stamped with the words “Revolution-Evolution-Devotion,” are a perfect little piece of generosity for either a man or a woman. The best part about these stylish bracelets is the 40% proceeds that will be donated to (PRODUCT) RED, an HIV/AIDS organization founded by rocker Bono (you may recognize this from their line at the Gap). emporioarmani.com.
(Photo credit: fashion-stuff.blogspot.com)
Art & Sole Celebrity Auctions
Tall, short, neutral colored or bright tinted, it still isn’t very hard to find someone sporting a pair of these comfy Australian boots. It’s no surprise that each year, UGG brand invites celebrities to decorate a one-of-a-kind pair of fluffy boots to be auctioned off to the public, all funds going towards St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (In past years more than $100,000 has been raised). This past winter, stars like Miley Cyrus, Matthew McConaughy and Kelly Ripa put their own creative spin on their UGGS! Unfortunately, this year’s auction is already over, so you’ve got to wait until late 2008 to start bidding on a celebrity designed pair of boots. If you are itching to bid on a pair check out Uggs.com for pictures and final bids of the celeb’s creations from Art & Sole’s fifth annual auction. uggs.com.
Liv Tyler’s henna UGG Boots with a final bid of $7,720. (Photo credit: cmarket.com)
Fashion Against AIDS by H&M and Designers Against AIDS
In stores by February 2008, stars and designers like Jade Jagger, Rihanna, Playboy Designs and Calvin Klein have helped design clothing for the hip chain H&M. These soft cotton organic pieces will debut in 650 H&M stores worldwide with proceeds benefitting those infected with AIDS as well as HIV/AIDS education geared towards youth. Since 2004, 24% of sales earned each year from Designers Against AIDS have helped those in need all over the world. With prices as low as $20 anyone can get involved with this beneficial project. hm.com and designersagainstaids.com.
Tee Shirt designed by Nina Persson of The Cardigans (Photo credit: designersagainstaids.com)
Don’t feel guilty for splurging — you can look great and give back with these purchases. Fashion has never felt so good!
