Day 12: #12daysofGIVING -Through the Eyes Of Hope

Thornton Wilder once said: "Money is like manure; it's not worth a thing unless it's spread around encouraging young things to grow." Through the Eyes Of Hope Project (TEOH) is this quote in action. This non-profit organization based in Rwanda, encourages Rwandan orphans to photograph the world through their eyes. They provide them with photography classes and encourage their creativity by exhibiting their work in different venues throughout the world. This December it's New York's turn.

The exhibit is being held through the end of the year at Bourbon Coffee, a Rwandan owned coffee shop which has been dubbed the Rwandan Starbucks. The show features the children's newest work. What a great opportunity for New Yorkers to get involved. While you get your caffeine fix, help a child pay for school and get adequate food. All proceeds from the photos on display at Bourbon Coffee will benefit the TEOH Project. Since the project was started, over $5000 was raised to build a photo studio for the kids in Rwanda. This is more than a charity, it is a social enterprise that let's these children help themselves by empowering them through the art of photography. Postcards and photos can be purchased at the show. They will make the perfect gift for anyone on your list!

This Christmas help a young thing grow!

For more information on TEOH visit their website: TEOH

BOURBON COFFEE 43 W 14th Street New York City, NY - 10011 Phone: 212-675-5552 www.bourboncoffeeusa.com

Day 11: #12daysofGIVING - Jewelry For a Cause

Day 9: #12daysofGIVING - City Year + J Brand Jeans

Day 8: #12daysofGIVING - Heart of Haiti

Heart of Haiti Pendant, Heart of the Goddess, $10

On January 12, 2010 Haiti was hit with a 7.0 magnitude earthquake which killed hundreds of thousands in just 35 seconds. Those who survived the disaster were left with no homes, no food, no water and no hope. And then Heart of Haiti came along. Heart of Haiti in partnership with Haitian artists and American designers created opportunities for Haitian craftsmanship to be recognized around the world. Thanks to the beautiful products being sold at Macy's many Haitian artisans have a good source of income and restored hope for the future.

Become an advocate for Haiti, this country which was once called the Pearl of the Antilles by showing your better half how much you care. Give her the Heart of the Goddess Pendant by Heart of Haiti as a symbol of your love. This metal pendant was handcrafted by an Haitian artisan in La Croix des Bouquet, Haiti (see video). This gift will not only be special because it came from you but also because it will help an artist provide a better life for his family. This gift can be one of the many presents you will shower your sweetheart with.

We also love Rachel Roy's designs for the cause.

Flying solo this Christmas? Heart of Haiti has an extensive collection of jewelry and home décor items that will be sure to please the other special people in your life.

Heart of Haiti, Macy's and Rachel Roy are SO Fashion With A Conscience!

For more information on Heart of Haiti visit their tumblr: Heart of Haiti

For more #giftsthatgiveback shopping ideas visit: Macy's and Rachel Roy.

Day 7: #12daysofGIVING - Same Sky

Day 6: #12daysofGIVING - Juicy Couture + St. Jude's

Imagine a child in dire need of medical care being turned away from a hospital because of his parents inability to pay. Such cruelty is unimaginable and it happens everyday, but not at St Jude's Children's Research Hospital. They specialize in pediatric catastrophic diseases research and treatment. By doing so they are changing lives and giving hope. They seek to cure and enhance their patients quality of life as well as share knowledge to advance treatment of ill children worldwide. St. Jude's mission is one we can all get behind.

Juicy Couture Key Fob, $was $38 Now $19.99

Join St. Jude's efforts by selecting this Juicy Couture Key Fob for your favorite cousin perhaps. The key fob customized for St. Jude's hospital features the organization's endearing logo, a rose and disc charms. Having a sick child is extremely stressful and costly for parents. Help alleviate that stress by purchasing this piece for someone you love. You can also secretly gift one to yourself! We know you want to and it will help put a smile on a child's face. Now what could be a better Christmas present than that?

For more information on St. Jude's and their work visit their website: St Jude's

Day 5: #12daysofGIVING - Missoni + OrphanAid

Day 4: #12daysofGIVING - TOMS

Toms Grey Calculus Men's Vegan Classics, $54.

Toms Burlap Triangles Women's Classics, $54.

In 2006, Blake Mycoskie created Toms Shoes and revolutionized the footwear industry. In fact, he wanted his business to be founded on giving and so he pioneered the One for One™ model. The One for One™ model is simple. For every item purchased from Toms, the company gives a new pair of shoes to a child in need. In places where children play, go to school and do their chores sometimes walking for miles barefoot, what Mycoskie started is no small feat. The first shoe drop was made in 2006 in Argentina with 10,000 shoes and since then Toms has provided over 1 million pairs to children all over the world. The product line which started with a classic shoe has expanded to clothing and modern eyewear. Toms products are über cool and can make the perfect #giftsthatgivesback for your stylish brother or sister.

WHY WALK IN TOMS?

We could tell you but we'd rather show you!

They have a ton of other styles to choose from.

We also love TOMS eyewear

For more gift ideas visit their website: TOMS

Day 3: #12daysofGIVING

Today is Day 3 of #12daysofGIVING. This suggestion is a perfect fit. Check it out on Excess Chatter.

Cheers!

Day 2: #12daysofGIVING

Feed Guatemala bag in Zebra Ikat, $45.

When we think about hunger countries like Somalia, India and Ethiopia come to mind. But hunger and malnutrition prey on everyone even Americans. FEED is a nonprofit organization that creates products that help feed the world. It was founded by Lauren Bush in 2006 and has provided over 66 million school meals to children all around the world, 46,000 nutrition supplements and has reached over 13,000 American children. And the numbers keep rising.

What FEED is doing is much more than feeding kids. They are allowing children to be children again. They are helping them focus in school, giving them the opportunity to work their way out of the poverty they were born in. They are restoring hope and investing in the betterment of the communities they serve.

WHY BUY PRODUCTS THAT FEED?

- Hunger is No. 1 on the list of the World's Top 10 health risks*

- 1 in 7 people go to bed hungry every night*

- Hunger and malnutrition kill more people than aids, malaria, and tuberculosis combined*

- 65% of the world's hungry live in only 7 countries around the world*

- Because you can!

Each FEED Guatemala Bag will provide 15 school meals through the UN World Food Programme (WFP). The FEED Guatemala Bag is handmade in Guatemala by Nest, a nonprofit organization that empowers artist and artisans around the world, using traditional Ikat fabrics. This could be the perfect gift for your socially and fashionably conscious best girlfriend. It is environmentally friendly and will make a great carryall bag for strolling around on the weekends.

MORE COLORWAYS

For more gift ideas visit their website: FEED

*World Food Programme's Facts Blast; Nov. 2010. Taken from Feed website.

Just Because We Love ... flowers

I received the most beautiful orchid from a secret admirer yesterday morning. This unexpected gift put me in the best mood. As I was searching for great deals and fashionable duds for you I felt like featuring some flower printed styles like the 2 stunners below. Hope you like them.

Kou printed satin twill dress by Maria Cornejo, $695.

PARALLEL UNIVERSE

Dress. Conscious Collection by H&M, $39.95.

Head over heels!

Don't underestimate the power of a shoe! The right pair of pumps will boost your confidence and make you look and feel like million bucks!

As for the heel? The higher the better but... beware the street walker look! Keep it classy not trashy!

Stay fab! XO

Christian Louboutin

Just because we love ... wild things!

Harper Bon Bon calf hair shoulder bag by DVF, $750.

PARALLEL UNIVERSE

Otis bag by Big Buddha, $46.99.

Just because we love it...

Oversized Alexa Leather Bag by Mulberry, $1,450.

PARALLELE UNIVERSE

Crim bag by Aldo, $50.

Just because we love it...

Intarsia chunky wool blend cardigan by Sonia Rykiel. $1,995

Parallele Universe

Long sleeve open front aztec printed knit cardigan at Macy's. $21.99

Chic NY Boutique Celebrates You!

Celebrating you! Whether you are a mom or not, come join us at TaROO, 3rd avenue for pampering, food, drinks and goodies. With 20% of the evening's proceeds going to The International Preschools , this event is So Fashion With A Conscience!

Take a midweek break, because every girl needs one!

XoxO

Just Because We Love it!

Leather biker-style shoulder bag by DKNY, $195.

Recessionista Files: Sample Sales

Hello lovelies,

Hope your day is going well. If you haven't had a chance to check it out yet, we've added Elie Tahari, Fred Perry and other designers to our sample sales list. Get all the details in the side bar under Recessionista Files.

Happy Shopping!

Love,

Kelie XOxo

Recessionista Files: Sample Sales

Happy Saturday Recessionistas!

We don't usual work on Saturdays but this week is New York Fashion Week, so we are working around the clock. To celebrate Fashion's craziest time of the year, we posted some sales for you! Join the mayhem and check-in with us for more on #NYFW.

XoxO

P.S.: Details are in the side bar under Recessionista Files.

Just because we love it!

Big Dorcet 120 textured-leather pumps by Christian Louboutin, $995

WHY WE LOVE IT?

That's an easy one. We love these Christian Louboutin pumps because they are hot! But if we must give details, you know the feeling you get right after a fresh haircut? You walk out of the salon feeling 10 feet tall, you are confident and think that you can do anything? That's how we feel about these stunners. Every stride taken in these is a step in the right direction. You just can't go wrong with soft gold stilettos.

PARALLEL UNIVERSE!

Natasha Platform pump by Bebe, $70.91.