SICKA THAN AVERAGE

Silver Streak -- 75 Percent Off On Amrita Singh's Sterling Silver Pieces

 

Indian jewelry designer Amrita Singh is bidding adieu permanently to a selection of sterling silver pieces and, for a limited time, you can nab these baubles for 75% off retail. To check out the selection, visit AmritaSingh.com/Promotions/DOW104_2, add the desired pieces to your shopping cart and then enter the promo code DOW104 at checkout for the savings to be reflected on the final price.

Standout pieces include the Amrita Singh Kota Necklace (normally $575), pictured at top, a tribal-inspired piece with a series of medallion-like, half-moon pendants coated in 22K gold vermeil, each featuring concentric grooves and an embossed arch-like detail with spiraling edges along its center. Clusters of dark brown thread separate each pendant, while red and brown thread adorns the back of the necklace cord. Another fantastic statement piece is the silver-plated Luni Necklace (normally $375), pictured last here, which features a 3.5" x 3.5" shield-shaped pendant in a woven-like pattern meant to celebrate the tapestry designs often created by Rajasthan artisans. The necklace hangs from a cord wrapped in black thread.

If you're in their market for dangling earrings, check out the Haryana Earrings (originally $120), pictured second from top. Also part of the Amrita Singh Tribal Collection, these sterling silver earrings measure 3.5" in length and 1.25" in width, plus they feature carnelian stones in triangular formations and three clusters of shiny, Byzantine-style metal pieces dangling from the triangle shape's bottom ridge, followed by a hollow, elongated elliptical shape with serrated edges, and three more metal trinkets at the lower tip of the elliptical charm.

Looking for something with less of a tribal influence? Check out the Cilicia Ring (originally $150), shown third from top, which features either round smokey quartz or garnet stones arranged in a sunburst-like formation, so that they seem to explode atop your finger.

The promotion ends on October 30th, so act fast!

Ojon Damage Reverse Collection Gives Hair A Clean Slate

Part of being a beauty junkie is resisting the urge to become a hoarder, a battle I started losing back in 2001, when I earned my first grown-up check and started capriciously making some hefty purchases on perhaps not the most grown-up things (many items that, to this day, I insist are vital). So, you see, is the mindset of the beauty addict — one that lends itself to stockpiling. 

But, as entrenched as I am in my agglomeration-prone ways (we're talking shelves and shelves of hair products alone), there are moments when I try a range of products so stellar, that I actually contemplate doing some long-overdue spring/summer/fall cleaning and tossing all the extraneous miscellany. Do I ever indulge the instinct to minimize? Well, not really. But the mere fact that I entertain the notion — if only for mere minutes — speaks to the efficacy of the products that made me stumble on the idea in the first place.

Such was the power of the Ojon Damage Reverse collection that, after just one use, I contemplated ridding my bathroom of all other hair care products. Designed to help women with extremely dry, frizzy, breakage-prone, and damaged tresses, this all-natural collection relies on the brand's now famous Ojon oil, a lipid-rich substance extracted from the nuts of the Ojon tree found in Central America, as well as on Rouge Oleifera, the reddish pulp inside the Ojon nut. The Rouge Oleifera is a key ingredient in the collection's center piece, the Ojon Damage Reverse Restorative Hair Treatment ($19.50 for 1.5 oz. or $33 for 4.1 oz. at Ojon.com), since the substance is rife with antioxidants like beta-carotene, which can be converted to active vitamin A, thereby stimulating cell renewal, boosting the skin's natural immune system, and protecting skin from sunburn and UV damage. It also contains essential lipids like triglycerides, which prevent moisture loss and create an anti-microbial layer that protects the cuticle layer and the scalp.

The new version of Ojon's beloved deep conditioning treatment is even more effective than its predecessors, plus it's available in the original woody fragrance or a lighter, vanilla-tinged scent. To apply the treatment, you have to scoop about 1-2 teaspoons onto your palm, then rub the hands together until the thick, gravely substance becomes a warm, golden oil. You then simply smooth hands over your dry tresses (by which we mean not damp), section by section, combing your mane to make sure the treatment is evenly distributed throughout.  After 20-25 minutes, you can wet your hair, apply shampoo, and rinse out the treatment. When you're finished rinsing it out, you'll notice your hair feels markedly softer and smoother. It will also be more manageable and less prone to frizzing up at the slightest sign of humidity.

But perhaps the most ground-breaking products in the collection are the Damage Reverse Restorative Shampoo ($24 for 8.5 fl. oz. or $38 for 16.9 fl. oz. at Ojon.com) and the Damage Reverse Restorative Conditioner ($25 for 8.5 fl. oz. and $40 for 16.9 fl. oz. at Ojon.com). In addition to Ojon oil, the shampoo incorporates such hydrating ingredients as: macadamia oil, a fatty acid-rich substance that easily penetrates the cuticle; palm kernel oil, which softens hair thanks to its high glyceride quotient; conditioning and softening mango seed butter; watercress extract, a natural tonic that cleanses strands while strengthening them; sage extract, believed to be a hair growth agent; and wheat protein, which restores optimal moisture balance while also helping to create a frothy lather.

When you shampoo your hair, you'll notice a very light, airy lather forming that makes the experience feel all the more indulgent. Plus, given all the hydrating plant extracts in the formula, once you rinse the shampoo off, your strands will feel rather plump and thick, as opposed to the stringy effect that so many shampoos have on already damaged strands.

The conditioner, meanwhile, feels absolutely heavenly on damp hair. This creamy substance owes its potency to a mixture of Ojon oil; Buriti oil (which I raved about when I reviewed the Taya Buriti Nut Intensive Repair Mask), a Brazilian nut extract that contains Omega-3, Omega-6, and Omega-9 fatty acids, as well as Vitamin A; Murumuru butter, derived from the seeds of a type of palm tree native to Brazil, which contains such pivotal fatty acids as oleic and linoleic acid, both of which function as natural emollients, and lauric acid, hailed for its ability to penetrate the hair shaft and prevent the protein loss that can lead to breakage. Orange oil, palm kernel oil, bergamot oil, mango seed butter, and meadow foam seed oil complete the nutritious conditioner recipe.

Not only will you see results in the long run (my hair has grown a full two inches in only a month and it feels ofter than it has since I first went blond over a year ago), but you'll benefit from an instant smoothing effect. The first time I used the shampoo and conditioner, I allowed my hair to air dry, and I was stunned by how soft my mane felt, how much body and movement it had, and how healthy it looked overall (even my frayed ends and the kinks around my forehead seemed to behave extraordinarily well). 

Right now, this collection is bumping all others from top shelf status — a strong endorsement coming from a self-proclaimed product hoarder.  

New ALL CAPS Azalea Wedges Star Bright

 

 

 

Who said women stop growing after age 21? With the All Caps Azalea wedges ($320 at Solestruck.com), you can grow a half foot taller within seconds. Yes, you'll be rivaling Gaga's stilt-like heels with these neon-colored shoes, which feature a 6" heel and a 3 1/2" platform.

The first of the wide straps in this cutting-edge number wraps around the platform, creating a crisp slanted line along the profile view of the shoe, then curving upwards as it moved forward, following the rounded shape of the wedge heel. The rounded shape along the peep toe also helps to soften some of the harsher, more severe angular lines.

The second strap, meanwhile, features a curved shape at the top of the vamp and then extends up the ankle like a bootie, with a zipper along the back for easy entry and exit. The curved back of the block-like wedge, meanwhile, completes the whimsical geometric effect.

And, in a playful nod to the Swingin' Sixties, these patent leather shoes come in a neon lemon yellow, a Starbust-like fuchsia pink, a Sunkist orange, and a spearmint green. 

NARS Fall 2011 Collection -- A Charming Chameleon

The genial François Nars tends to derive inspiration from cultural periods, geographical areas, architectural and interior decor styles, or fiercely individualistic art, music, and style icons when creating each of his namesake brand's seasonal cosmetics collections. Surprisingly, then, the NARS Fall 2011 collection is devoid of any conceptual paradigm or esoteric muse. Instead, the collection vies for avant garde status via the sheer juxtaposition of similar disparate shades.

A muted chestnut-tinged pinky nude, a shimmering peach, and a perky hibiscus pink yield a youthful, understated vibe, which is then rivaled by darker, more mysterious, and decidedly more adult colors ranging from a deep kumquat plum to a creamy stormy gray, a sparkling moss green, and a smoky, taupe-ish gray. And, since no NARS collection would ever be complete without an element of surprise, bold hues emerge unexpectedly -- most notably, via the Outremer Single Eyeshadow, an electric cobalt blue that rivals last year's purple Daphne Single Eyeshadow in terms of its riveting intensity and audaciousness quotient.

After the jump, you'll find photos of all the products in the collection, swatches of the standout offerings, and more juicy commentary on how each performs. 

 

Jo Malone Wild Bluebell Cologne -- Once Upon A Fragrant Time

Symbolic of humility and gratitude, the thimble-shaped English bluebell blossom is most often associated with fairies. In European folklore, these cup-like flowers provided shelter from the rain and shade from the light, doubled as cradles for newborns, and offered these magical winged creatures a place in which they could rest comfortable. At midnight, fairies would band together to dance and, to summon everyone in their kingdom, the bluebells would be rung, their chiming sound reminding everyone of their nightly ritual.

In Frances Hogson Burnett's children's fairytale The Land of the Blue Flower, the Secret Garden author describes a mystical kingdom in which a new monarch, King Amor, orders his loyal subjects to plant bluebell seeds and care for them as they grow. Though baffled by the unorthodox decree, the citizens do as ordered, learning about communing with nature in the process. Before they know it, their once-gloomy city is transformed into an enchanting realm that earned the moniker of the Land of the Blue Flower.

When developing the Jo Malone Wild Bluebell Cologne ($55 for 30ml and $110 for 100ml at JoMalone.com), perfumers sought to capture the mysterious and magical traits associated with the bluebell, even masterminding an original fairytale in which a curious, free-spirited girl named Wild Bluebell frolics along the British woodlands, enchanted by the purple-like haze created by the bluebells carpeting the forest expanse.

The fragrance itself opens with notes of fresh bluebell, itself a deliciously honey-tinged aroma, and the spicy warmth of a clove note. These luminous notes roll out the red carpet for the heart notes, which include lily of the valley, eglantine, and jasmine. Base notes of white amber and musk add a woodsy backdrop to the floral heart, reinforcing the more elusive elements of the fragrance fairytale.  

If the idea was to be spellbound by this scent, Jo Malone succeeded admirably. Every time I wear the Jo Malone Wild Bluebell Cologne, I feel like an Alice in Wonderland type character or a woodland nymph of sorts. It's the type of scent that's feminine but innocent and pure, charismatic without being overpowering, bewitching in its dewy splendor. And, while it's an undoubtedly floral perfume, the woody base notes and the clove top note add a mossy quality that renders the scent mysterious and transcendental. Best of all, the scent is so light that it seems to float above you in a delicate haze, ever so ethereal and, yes, magical.

 

More Ways To Pink It Over -- Shopping To Support Breast Cancer Awareness

 

With only ten days left in October, it's time to get serious about Breast Cancer Awareness. On Wednesday, we showcased some great buys that benefit breast cancer research and awareness charities, but we couldn't stop there. With everyone from Aveda to Rebecca Taylor, Carolee, and Shiseido taking a stand against breast cancer, we felt it necessary to spread the word about these amazing charitable buys.

Get the scoop below!

 

 

 

Rebecca Tayor Cami for the Cure, $235. Available at RebeccaTaylor.com

This year, New York-based designer Rebecca Taylor designed the limited-edition Cami for the Cure, a blush-tinged, nude-colored, sleeveless polyester camisole with a V-shaped neckline, an eyelash-trimmed ruffle framing the neckline and extending to the shoulders, and a cinched waistline. Fifty percent of the proceeds from the sale of this ultra feminine cami top will be donated to the Triple Negative Breast Cancer Foundation, which is dedicated to helping women diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer, a particularly aggressive subtype of the disease to which younger females and African-American women are particularly vulnerable. The TNBCF seeks to not only raise awareness about triple negative breast cancer but also to finance further research so that the medical community can find the necessary answers regarding the causes of this form of breast cancer, how to diagnose it, and the most effective treatment.

 

 

 

Carolee 2011 Breast Cancer Awareness Freshwater Pearl Stretch Bracelet Set, $75. Available at Carolee.com

Each of the three freshwater pearl bracelets in this set features a silver charm engraved with sentiments like "love," "hope," and "happiness." Ten dollars from the sale of each stretch bracelet set will be donated to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. 

Aveda Pink Ribbon Hand Relief, $22. Available at Aveda.com

In keeping wit its years-long commitment to breast cancer awareness, Aveda has once again released its iconic hand cream in a pink-colored packaging adorned with the cause's dedicated pink ribbon motif. Until October 31st, for every Pink Ribbon Hand Relief tube sold, Aveda will donate $4 to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, up to $270,000 total.

This rich hand cream features exfoliating fruit acids; vitamin A, which promotes cellular turnover and hence leads to smoother an younger-looking hands; and vitamin E, which conditions and protects from free radicals. 

 

 

Mackage Spirit Gloves, $95. Available at Mackage.com

Prepare for the chilly months ahead with these foxy, black lamb leather gloves from Mackage, which feature tiny perforations and are trimmed with a light pink zipper at the wrist. All of the proceeds from the sale of these gloves will be donated to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

 

 

Shiseido Shimmering Rouge Lipstick in Iron Maiden, $25. Available at shiseido.com. 

For the fifth consecutive year, Shiseido is donating $5 from the sale of every Shimmering Rouge Lipstick in Iron Maiden, a violet-tinged fuchsia shade, to Cancer and Careers. Throughout October, then, every time you purchase this lipstick shade, you'll be helping Cancer and Careers to empower working women living with breast cancer while also having to withstand the pressures of their professional lives. 

 

 

 

Henri Lou Jewelry Pink Sun Earrings, $50. Available at ShopHenriLouJewelry.com

These Boho-flavored dangle earrings feature sterling silver or fold filled chain strands, and a feather-shaped charm over a disc-shaped pink shell. Fifteen percent of the proceeds from the sale of the Pink Sun earrings will be donated to the Susan G. Komen Foundation.

 

Elizabeth Grant Light Up Your Lips in Sweet Pink, $20. Available at ElizabethGrant.com

Throughout the month of October, Elizabeth Grant International will donate 20% of the online sales of its Light Up Your Lips gloss in Sweet Pink to Breast Cancer Awareness programs.The Light Up Your Lips gloss features an LED light beneath the hollow, rectangular cap, so that when you twist off the cap to apply the gloss, the fluorescent light immediately helps to guide you — however dark an environment you're in. The tube, meanwhile, features a gold mirror so that you can ensure a perfect application and touch up your look as needed. The Sweet Pink shade, meanwhile, is a sheer lavender-tinged peony pink with a hint of shimmer. Like the other Light Up Your Lips glosses, this gloss hydrates lips and makes them appear fuller thanks to the volume-boosting torricelumn in its formula. 

 

WeSC x Bing Bang Capsule Collection -- A Beautiful And Slightly Twisted Fantasy

 

 

Designer Anna Sheffield's distinct aesthetic hinges on her ability to intertwine the delicate and the coarse, incorporating feminine and masculine motifs, and toying with the contrast between hard and soft. In her Bing Bang line, braided mixed metal chains and tarnished-looking, hammered copper and brass pendants are mixed with Bohemian-flavored feather motifs, vintage-looking tassels, dainty star and heart charms, and tribal-tinged wood beads. This boundary-pushing, category-defying, tough-but-sweet style is precisely what drew the attention of city slick Swedish fashion and headphones brand WeSC. The recently released WeSC x Bing Bang collection, then, incorporates the irreverent, brassy, take-no-mess spirit of WeSC and combines it with the lethal but lovely Bing Bang look.

The collection, of course, incorporates a pair of hefty headphones (for which WeSC is known). Part of the WeSC x Bing Bang Box Set, the black headphones feature gold-plated ear cups adorned with golden heart motifs and a gold-and-black adjustable headband and  incorporate 40mm power drivers for excellent sound quality. The headphones come in a sleek black box with a foil-like golden heart detail placed off center on the top of the box so that it wraps along the side of the lid. A chain strand with a heart frame dangles from the headphone chord, adding a cheeky accent. In addition, the box set incorporates a sterling silver bracelet with a hollow heart shape threaded through a loop.

On the jewelry front, pieces include the sharp, dangerous-feeling WeSC x Bing Bang Bar Ring ($88 at WeSC.com/BingBang), a two-finger piece made mainly of copper, fused with a hint of zinc and tin. As its name implies, the top of the ring has a completely flat and mirrored surface with a sword-like etched detail. The sides, meanwhile, have a hammered, almost honeycomb-like finish. Another similarly tough piece is the  WeSC x Bing Bang Pocket Knife Necklace ($92 at WeSC.com/BingBang), a copper-based pendant resembling a folding blade, with the words "Til Death" engraved along the tamarind-like curve of its top surface adding an ominous, almost gothic feel. Since there is an actual blade inside the pendant, make sure not to rock this when heading for the airport or any other situation that may involve a security check (hey, no one wants to be escorted into the infamous little room!)

Those with more of a prim disposition will adore the WeSC x Bing Bang Forever Nameplate Necklace, which features the word "forever" in cursive, gold-tinged copper letters and a hefty, oxidized-looking chain link strand ($79 at WeSC.com/BingBang). Another great option: the WeSC x Bing Bang Mixed Chain Bracelet ($72 at WeSC.com/BingBang), which features a silver-toned bracelet combining two chain link styles, as well as a copper-based, heart-shaped locket in a framed shape.  

Like A G6 With The Jimmy Choo Luisa Aviator Sunglasses

 

 

 

 

If you were to research baby names, you'd find that Luisa means "famous in war" — which might explain why it was the moniker selected for the latest Jimmy Choo eyewear style. The Jimmy Choo Luisa sunglasses nod to the aviator style popularized by 1970s style icons like Bianca Jagger, Carly Simon and even Stevie Nicks, with rounded, teardrop-shaped, gradient lenses. 

The black frames were constructed using Optyl, a feather-light plastic material, and were accented with logo-engraved metal strips along the bridge bar and the temples. Crystal stones encrusted in the temples' metal bars, meanwhile, add the element of luxury that any Jimmy Choo design necessitates.

Available in matte black, matte white, glistening gold, and metallic silver, the Jimmy Choo Luisa Aviator Sunglasses, retailing for $365, come in an elegant faux crocodile case featuring an envelope-like top flap and a gold-toned, oval metal closure.

Look out for the Luisa shades to hit Jimmy Choo boutiques and Solstice Sunglasses stores in December.

Pink It Over -- Shopping To Benefit Breast Cancer Awareness

In case the abundance of pink ribbon motifs, rosy skincare and haircare product bottles, and cerise- or blush-colored apparel hadn't tipped you off, we're in the thick of Breast Cancer Awareness month. Every year, approximately 200,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer, so this is a disease to which we're all incredibly vulnerable. To raise funds for cancer research, help those affected by breast cancer receive adequate care, and educate all women on the disease and the resources available to them, and spread a message of solidarity and hope, a bevvy of beauty, fashion, and jewelry companies have vowed to donate a portion of the sales of their BCA-themed products to the charities of their choice.

Below, you'll find some of our favorite picks so that you, too, can do your part and shop for a cure!

Chan Luu for BreastCancer.org Indian Aventurine Wrap Bracelets on Olive Leather and Pink Cord, $190 for stack or $55 for single bracelet. Available at ChanLuu.com

These bead-adorned wrap bracelets may have the Alpha Kappa Alpha colors (pink and green), but there's no rigorous pledging process required to wear them. In fact, you'll only be helping jewelry designer make his own pledge, a promise to donate 50% of all proceeds from the sale of these bracelets to BreastCancer.org, a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing information to those affected by the disease. You can choose between purchasing a single 6" wrap bracelet, made with a woven pink polyester cord wrapped around olive leather strands along the center, and featuring green Indian aventurine stones, or you can make an even bigger statement with a stack of five pieces measuring 32" in height.

 

Lauren Merkin Reusable Shopper, $20. Available at LaurenMerkin.com

Handbag designer Lauren Merkin has partnered with the Young Survival Coalition (YSC), a non-profit organization dedicated to helping young women at high risk for developing breast cancer, creating a lightweight, roomy, reusable shopper that can be folded and tucked into a square pouch, then tossed into your handbag for easy toting so that it will always be handy when needed. The khaki bag features a pink trim along the handles and a pink ribbon motif stamped along the front. Fifty percent of the proceeds from the sale of the Reusable Shopper will be donated to the YSC — not just in the month of October, but throughout the rest of the year.

 

Old Navy Susan G. Komen I Promise Long-Sleeved Tee, $24.94, and Old Navy Susan G. Komen I Promise V-Neck Tee, $22.94. Available at OldNavy.com

Old Navy has stepped up to the plate this year, creating five limited-edition tops as part of a partnership with Susan G. Komen for the Cure, the largest grassroots network of breast cancer survivors and activities, which is fighting to ensure women affected by breast cancer receive quality care and that research continues to be conducted in order to find a cure. Five percent of the retail price of these tops will benefit Susan G. Komen for the Cure.  

Among the five styles available, you'll find the pink, long-sleeved, jersey tee pictured at top, which features four squiggly grayish lines and a silver foil Running Ribbon motif juxtaposed over these flag-like stripes, and the football-inspired, short-sleeved V-neck tee with a team logo-like graphic featuring a pink ribbon at the center of a circular shape and the words "Together We Can, I Promise We Will" stamped along the circle's pink periphery.

 

Kendra Scott Wren Earrings in Pink, $70. Available at KendraScott.com

Talk about thinking pink! Through October, jewelry designer Kendra Scott will be donating 15% of the sales of her pink-colored pieces to Breast Cancer research. Among the amazing offerings in the Kendra Scott Pink Collection are the Wren Earrings pictured above, 14k gold plated brass danglers with a pink agate stone along their interior. The earrings measure 3" in length and 1.125" in width at the widest point of the elongate teardrop shape.

Sonia Kashuk Proudly Pink Five-Piece Purse Brush Set, $14.99. Available at Target stores and Target.com

A breast cancer survivor herself, professional makeup artist Sonia Kashuk is doing her part to help other women affected by the disease, creating this limited-edition makeup brush collection and vowing to donate 15% of the proceeds to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. The Proudly Pink set includes five brushes with gradient pink bristles, silver metal and white handles stamped with the Sonia Kashuk name in silver and a tiny pink ribbon next it. For added panache, the set also incorporates a glistening, silver, clutch-like brush bag with pink piping along the top flap.

 

 

Shawlux Kiss Cancer Goodbye Scarf, $148. Available at Shawlux.com

Tell breast cancer to kiss you where the sun don't shine! Through November 1st, designer Annu Gyani will donate 30% of the online sales of her ShawLux Kiss Me Lips Scarf to ACS Hope Lodge, which provides cancer patients with a place to stay and recover as they receive treatment. This fashion-forward scarf features a collage of smooch-ready pouts — in some, the lips are painted in a luscious red; in others, they're painted with rainbow stripes, covered in crystals, adorned with pink leopard spots, or given a gilded feel with a hint of creamy gold pigment. Not only is this scarf playful and chic, but you'll be telling breast cancer to kick rocks when you buy it.

 

Caudalie Vinosource Quenching Sorbet Creme, $40. Available at Caudalie-USA.com

French skincare brand Caudalie has gone pink — and we're not just talking about the blush-colored caps on some of their most beloved products. Joining the ranks of BCA supporters, Caudalie has created a section on its online boutique, Caudalie-USA.com, dedicated to "Shop Pink" products, with 15% of the proceeds from the sales from the six selected items being donated to Breast Cancer Charities of America. One of our favorite products in the section is the Caudalie Quenching Sorbet-Crème, which is ideal for women with dry and sensitive skin. Thanks to the formula's organic grape water, vinolevure, and grape seed polyphenols, the skin instantly feels hydrated and refreshed after this delicious cream is applied to your cleansed face.

 

 

Echo Design Vintage Prism Stripe Scarf, $32. Available at EchoDesign.com

In September, Echo Design debuted its online "Pink Boutique," which features an assortment of magenta, fuchsia, rose, and pastel pink scarves, gloves, hats, and accessories. Fifteen percent of the sale of these items will be donated to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation through the end of October. Among the items in the boutique you'll find the Vintage Prism Stripe Scarf, made of pre-washed silk twill and measuring 24" by 24." This particular design was first introduced in the 1940s, which accounts for its retro look, not to mention the hand rolled hems.

 

 

 

Zaiken Jewelry Susan G. Komen Pink Sapphire Evil Eye Pendant, $825. For more details, visit ZaikenJewelry.com

Jewelry designer Malak Atut has created a special, limited edition version of the popular Zaiken evil eye pendant using pink sapphires consistent with the color spectrum associated with the Breast Cancer Awareness movement. Since the evil eye symbol is believed to ward off negative energy and protect those wearing it from any harm, it's an ideal choice for the BCA cause. Best of all, 100% of the proceeds from the sale of the Zaiken Pink Sapphire Evil Eye Pendant will be donated to Susan G Komen for the Cure. 

 

Pureology Pure Volume Set for Breast Cancer Awareness, $39. Visit Pureology.com for participating salons.

This year, Pureology has made a $20,000 donation to Susan G. Komen for the Cure. In addition to this massive donation, Pureology is helping to raise awareness about breast cancer by offering customers a boxed kit with the three products in its PureVolume line. The Pureology Pure Volume box is stamped with the Susan G. Komen logo and features a window pane through which you can see the pink product bottles.

The PureVolumekit includes: the PureVolume Shampoo, a sulfate-free product that gently cleanses hair, infuses it with volume, and features Pureology's signature AntiFade complex to ensure your color doesn't fade; the PureVolume HairCondition, which moisturizes strands and is enriched with multi-weight proteins that create fullness; and a packette of the PureVolume BlowDryAmplifier, a styling aid with a heat-activated, ZeroAlcohol formula that will pump up the volume when you blow dry hair.

 

 

 

FriendsWithYou x Sanrio Launch the "Wish Come True for Hello Kitty" Collection

 

 

 

 

 

 

Smiling is practically a reflex, an involuntary facial spasm, when exposed to the joy that constitutes the DNA of every collectible toy, art print, tee, sticker, USB drive, desk trinket, and home accent created by Miami-based art collective FriendsWithYou. Colorful characters shaped like bowling pins, Russian Matryoshka nesting dolls, awkward oversize penguins, and juicy burgers perpetually beam their charming smiles and show off the polka dots, Life Saver-esque rings, and vertical stripes covering their bodies. Bearing names like Malfi, Mr. TTT Burger, Buddy Chub, Mr. Phantom, and Super Malfi, these quirky scoundrels navigate through a magical universe filled with happy clouds, trippy rainbows, Super Mario-esque mushrooms, giant red-and-white lollipops, and picturesque homes with drawn-on faces. If you extracted aesthetic elements from Pee-Wee's Playhouse, Super Mario's Mushroom Kingdom, Candyland, Scooby Doo's Mystery Machine Van, and Twister, then blended them all together, the final recipe would be but the appetizer before the delicious entree that is the FriendsWithYou world. Oddly enough, even for us cynical New Yorkers, this psychedelic, über bright, exuberant dimension never feels annoyingly happy — it's almost as if these oddball characters are in on a mischievous secret that we become privy to when we immerse ourselves in the FriendsWithYou experience. 

Given that the FriendsWithYou mission is to provide a message of Magic, Luck and Friendship through art, the company's compatibility with Sanrio is undeniable. After all, Sanrio has earned worldwide acclaim by introducing a lovable gang of characters with unique personalities, relatable back stories, and ebullient lifestyles — among them Hello Kitty, Keroppi, Chococat, and TuxedoSam.

The stellar FriendsWithYou x Sanrio "Wish Come True for Hello Kitty" collection launching today serves as proof of the type of magic that can be unleashed when two like-minded creative powerhouses join forces. The  whimsical collection incorporates fashion accessories (from a tote bag with bow-adorned shoulder straps to a zip-top coin purse with a key chain ring), luggage (check out the sky blue carry-on after the jump), desk accessories (journals, pencils, and snow globes), plush toys, tech accessories (like a laptop sleeve and an iPhone 4 case), and kid-friendly knickknacks like metal key chains, laminated pencil cases, metal lunchbox and refillable aluminum water bottles.  

We're loving the 12-inch Hello Kitty plush toys (particularly the "Rainbow King" design, in which Hello Kitty is shown wearing a Super Malfi-like helmet), the 13" printed neoprene laptop case pictured above (valued at $45), and the adorable coin purse shown last above (priced at $20). But, as the name suggests, this co-branded collection is a wish come true for anyone with a child-like imagination and an appetite for joy.

Make sure to visit Sanrio.com and FriendsWithYou.com to shop the collection and check out more images after the jump.