The Black Dress Traveler

Bet Your Dining Dollars on the 4th Annual LUCKYRICE Festival in NYC

image courtesy LUCKYRICE

Save the date and rev up your appetites for the 4th Annual LUCKYRICE Festival in New York City. Presented by BOMBAY SAPPHIRE^® EAST Gin and benefiting City Harvest, the Asian culinary festival returns to New York City from April 29 – May 5, 2013 before kicking off a national tour to San Francisco, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and Miami.

image courtesy LUCKYRICE

LUCKYRICE festivities include the Night Market, Grand Feast, Cocktail Feast, and the new LUCKYRICE Parlor - a week of dinner parties helmed by chefs such as Danny Bowien (Mission Chinese Food, NY), Ivan Orkin (Ivan Ramen, Tokyo) and Saipin Chutima (Lotus of Siam, Las Vegas) at the old Bowery Station in downtown Manhattan. The LUCKYRICE Culinary Council is a veritable dream team of chefs and includes José Andrés, Daniel Boulud, Anthony Bourdain, Floyd Cardoz, David Chang, Susur Lee, Anita Lo, Masaharu Morimoto, Eric Ripert, Marcus Samuelsson, and Jean-Georges Vongerichten. 




In honor of 2013 as the Year of the Snake, all LUCKYRICE events will feature the signature Bombay Sapphire East 'Snake in the Glass Cocktail.
1.5 oz. Bombay Sapphire EAST
1/2 oz. Lemongrass Infused Snake Shochu
3/4 oz. Cinnamon infused Martini Rosso
3/4 oz. Fresh Mandarin Juice
Pinch of Mandarin spiced tea - sprinkle over lit match or flame to toast onto cocktail.
Lemongrass Stalk Garnish
Shake and serve on the rocks. (Rocks Glass)

LUCKYRICE VIP Festival Passes are $400 but many events are available a la carte for $88 (did you know 8 is considered a lucky number in many Asian cultures?)  Click here for more information on how to eat, drink and get lucky at LUCKYRICE. 

Dine and Do Good!: Scotch & Beer Dinners to Benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

One of the highlights of my recent experience as a judge at the Albany Chef's Food & Wine Festival was meeting the dynamic event producer Michelle Hines Abram. Founder of the public relations and hospitality management company MHA Innovations, Michelle is hosting two culinary dinners in the Albany, New York area to benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Man & Woman of the Year Campaign. Each year, in communities across the country, candidates engage in a spirited competition to earn The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's "Man & Woman of the Year" titles, by raising funds for blood cancer research. Every dollar counts as one vote, and the titles are awarded to the man and woman with the most votes at the end of ten weeks.

Michelle is a contender for Woman of the Year and I'm really impressed at how she is using her culinary talents (she is also a chef and studied at the French Culinary Institute) and connections for such a worthy cause. More details on both events are listed below. As Michelle says, "eat, drink, be merry, and do good!"

Craft Beer Dinner
Thursday, March 14th, 6PM
$75, includes 5-course dinner with beer pairings
A beer-centric event with craft beer by Brewery Ommegang and food pairings by a team of renowned chefs, the event will be hosted at Angelo’s Prime Bar + Grill in Clifton Park.  Click here for more details and to order tickets.

Scotch Dinner
Tuesday, March 26th, 6PM
$125, includes a 5-course dinner with Scotch pairings
A scotch-centric event with the theme of Macallan & Glenlivet “nothing under 18”, the food pairings will be prepared by a team of ACFAWF Rising Star & Signature Chefs. The event will be hosted at MezzaNotte Ristorante in Guilderland. There will be a special bottle of 60 +year Macallan opened for the event. Click here for more details and to purchase tickets.

A Sparkle in the Dark: Sky and Livi Creates Personal Diamonds for Women with Cancer

Finding a bright side to cancer seems next to impossible but luxury jewelry executive Anjanette Dienne Sinesio has channeled her pain of losing loved ones to cancer into a business that brings beauty, strength, and hope to women being treated for the disease. Her new company, Sky and Livi, actually creates lab-grown diamonds from a lock of hair and transforms the trauma of hair loss from chemo or radiation therapy into a stunning piece of jewelry.


When I first heard about Sky and Livi, I immediately thought of my Grandma Bertha who passed away several years ago from Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma. She loved big diamonds and would have been absolutely thrilled to have a diamond that was truly a part of her. And, I thought of my father, Chef Glenn Mann, who passed away from prostate cancer - he liked a bit of bling and would have proudly worn a bracelet or ring made with a diamond of his very own.

Sky and Livi clients can select the color, shape, and size of their personal diamond and an 18k gold pendant style. (You also have the option of just ordering the diamond without the pendant.) And, yes, a Sky and Livi personal lab-grown diamond is a certified REAL diamond - it uses the unique carbon signature from hair to create a diamond that is optically, chemically and physically identical to a mined diamond. Sky and Livi can even combine multiple hair samples to create a diamond that is a blend of friends and loved ones. Like all diamonds, the price of your stone is determined by cut, color and carat weight. It takes about 90-110 days for the diamond to grow.

Anjanette Dienne Sinesio, Founder & CEO of Sky and Livi. The company is named after her nieces Skyler and Olivia.

$100 from every Sky and Livi diamond is donated to the cancer charity Look Good Feel Better - an organization dedicated to improving the self-esteem and quality of life of people undergoing treatment for cancer. The charity will also receive $10 from the sale of Sky and Livi Cancer Awareness Bracelets featuring the Sky and Livi logo signature on a solid silver round disc accented with a micro diamond and hand woven lavender macramé bracelet. The modified "V" logo shows the transformation that takes place from hair to diamond. The bracelets are $150 and can be worn to show your support for a loved one with cancer.

To learn more, visit the Sky and Livi website.
P.S. Within a few minutes of posting this article, I received a message asking me if Sky and Livi would create a diamond from the hair of a loved one who has passed away from cancer. The company founder said yes and the FAQ section of their website will be updated soon with more details on that topic.

The Girl Who Ate It All: My Delicious Weekend at the Albany Chefs' Food & Wine Festival

 

To my great delight, the concept of having too much of a good thing was blatantly absent at the Albany Chefs' Food & Wine Festival: Wine & Dine for the Arts. As a festival judge, I was authorized and required to taste, analyze, and then taste some more. Tough work, but someone has to do it! `

Raising more than $100,000 for local arts charities, the 4th annual Albany Chefs' Food & Wine Festival took place January 17-19 and showcased more than 60 chefs & restaurants and 250 wines, spirits, and craft beers. As a native New Yorker who has never spent time in the state capital, I was thrilled to get to know Albany through food and the local culinary community. From a chic reception at City Hall to a down and dirty Slider Slam, the Festival's 8 events attracted an enthusiastic crowd of culinary devotees. Here are a few highlights from the weekend.

"You are what you eat, so eat well. You are what you see - see beauty."
- Suvir Saran

Chef Suvir Saran signed copies of his James Beard nominated book, Masala Farm, at a VIP reception sponsored by LEXUS. The breakout star of Bravo's "Top Chef Masters," Chef Saran was the Festival's Honorary Chef and graciously greeted his fans all weekend. 



Congratulations to Chef Giovanni S. Morina - he beat out 5 other chefs to win the Adirondack Appliance Signature Chef Invitational. Each chef had only 45 minutes to create an appetizer and main course that incorporated the ingredients (escargot, calamari, crayfish, and quail) from a mystery box. It was no easy feat but Chef Morina wowed us judges with his Pasta with Crayfish & Fried Calamari appetizer and main course of Quail with Escargot and Spinach. Chef Morina is well-known for his pastries and dramatic cakes (he's made several Food Network appearances) but he demonstrated quite a talent for creating delectable savory dishes. As the winner, Chef Morina has earned his place on the 2014 Signature Chef Team for next year's Festival. If you visit Albany, schedule a cooking class at his Gio Culinary Studio. A special thank you to my fellow judges for their insight and humor - Chef Suvir Saran, Bryan Miller (former Restaurant Critic, The New York Times, Eric Steinman (Senior Editor, Edible Hudson Valley) and Michele Weiser (Different Drummer's Kitchen).


image courtesy: Steve Barnes (Times Union)

I joined Steve Barnes (Restaurant Critic, Times Union) and Pam Allen (The Business Review) in the tasty task of judging ten sliders for the Slider Slam. Gourmet food truck Slidin' Dirty won our Judges' Choice award with their Dirty Asian Slider - beef, shitake mushroom, scallions, Asian mustard, and black & white sesame seeds. The Juicy Lucy slider from Angelo's 677 Prime also did not disappoint and won the People's Choice award.


One of my favorite dishes was served at the Grand Gala and prepared by Chef Brian Molino of Prime Business Dining -  Duet of Beef with Roasted Sirloin and Braised Shortribs, Melted Cippolini Onion and Mushroom Bruschetta, Crispy Pancetta, Parsnip Puree, and Red Wine Bordelaise Sauce. Paired beautifully with William Hill Cabernet.

The whirlwind weekend ended with the Grand Gala and the incredible Medici's Feast - six courses each prepared by a signature chef and paired with wine. The chefs not only impressed me with their culinary skills but with their camraderie - it was heartwarming to see them all working together to raise money for the arts.

To learn more about the Albany Chefs' Food & Wine Festival: Wine & Dine for the Arts, visit their website.

Holiday Gifts with Heart from UNICEF

I have very clear memories from childhood of collecting money on Halloween for UNICEF. It felt so good to go around with that little cardboard box and raise money for children in need. Well, I may be a tad advanced in years to trick-or-treat for the cause, but I can certainly shop! Children around the world need the vital assistance that UNICEF provides - clean water, food, education, medical attention, and so much more. Shopping UNICEF's holiday gift & cards collection is an easy way to support their important work. Here are four of my favorite finds from this year's collection.

Special edition “Gucci for UNICEF” Boston bag designed by Creative Director Frida Giannini, $1520


Every jetsetter needs a great bag! For the fifth consecutive year, Gucci Creative Director and 2011 UNICEF Woman of Compassion honoree Frida Giannini has designed a special edition “Gucci for UNICEF” Boston handbag. This new version of the signature Boston handbag comes in alabaster micro Guccissima leather. Twenty-five percent of the retail price of each bag sold through May 2013 will benefit UNICEF’s “Schools for Africa” and “Schools for Asia” initiative in Malawi, Mozambique, and China. Over the past two years, the “Gucci for UNICEF” bags have generated more than $2 million for UNICEF. Available in Gucci stores worldwide and on the Gucci website.

Bamboo Scarf
$45

A great scarf is a travel essential - it provides warmth and can take an outfit from drab to fab in an instant! This striking scarf has a design inspired by Asian tapestry and is made of soft, eco-friendly bamboo. Organza bag included.

UNICEF Trunki Carryon
$40

It is never too soon to start preparing the next generation of jetsetters about the importance of packing smartly!
This adorable lightweight, sturdy, carry-on sized suitcase with a UNICEF logo serves as rolling luggage and riding toy for little ones ages 3-6. Made of thick, durable plastic and holds up to 75 pounds.

Emergency School Kit
$94.14


Another great way to make an impact with your gift giving is to opt for a UNICEF Inspired Gift that makes an immediate and dramatic difference in the lives of children. Inspired Gifts include lifesaving items such as therapeutic milk for malnourished children, medical supplies, mosquito nets to keep children safe from Malaria, and many more vital items.  One of my favorites is the Emergency School Kit - it delivers notebooks, pencils, storybooks, and even soccer balls to children who have lost nearly everything to war or natural disaster.  To learn more and to select a lifesaving gift in honor of a loved one this holiday season, visit www.inspiredgifts.org.

I've only scratched the surface of the many wonderful gifts available in the UNICEF Holiday Collection. Jewelry, toys, home decor, ornaments, and those famous holiday cards just a few of the guilt-free shopping options. Click here to view the entire collection.

A New York Minute: Flamenco's Finest, Beaujolais Nouveau, and Hearts of Gold

Trust me, even native New Yorkers can feel overwhelmed by the city's endless entertainment options. Whether you are a seasoned local or a visitor to my hometown, I'm sure you'll enjoy these three events that have earned my little black dress seal of approval.

Festival Flamenco Gitano: Diego El Cigala
Tuesday, November 13
8:00 PM, The Town Hall
$45-$65
That voice, that charisma, that hair - vocalist Diego El Cigala has it all! One of Spain's most acclaimed Flamenco artists, Diego El Cigala will mesmerize the Big Apple with his distinctive and soulful voice. Me encanta!

 

Rue des Beaujolais
Thursday, November 15
10:30 AM - 10:00 PM, L'Express
Add a dash of ooh la la to your day and join other wine lovers in celebrating the arrival of Beaujolais Nouveau. Released to great fanfare every year on the third Thursday of November, Beaujolais Nouveau will be the honored guest at wine events around the world. If you are in NYC, Rue des Beaujolais is THE event to attend. A day long celebration hosted by L'Express restaurant, the festivities include Georges Duboeuf Beaujolais Nouveau , a book signing with culinary legend Jacques Pepin, live music by Franglais, all-inclusive meals (lunch $25 & dinner $35 - wine included), and more. The  event will be live streamed on big screens in NY and Lyon.

Hearts of Gold Gala
Friday, November 16
6:00 PM, Metropolitan Pavilion
$75-$1000
Enjoy a fabulous night out and support a worthy cause at the Hearts of Gold Gala. Hosted by celebrities Soledad O'Brien, Tamara Tunie, Emme, and Rhonda Ross, this sophisticated soirée raises funds for NYC's homeless mothers and children. This year's theme is "Come to the Cabaret" and features cocktails, dinner, silent & live auctions, a fashion show (showcasing fall looks from Tracy Reese and other designers) and much more. Founded in 1996 by former model and stylist Deborah Koenigsberger, Hearts of Gold has raised more than $2 million in support of NYC shelters - impressive!

In the Bag: Murad Hydrate for Hope Benefits Women's Cancer Research

 At first glance, pink may not seem like a power color but it has put a strong spotlight on breast cancer awareness since the 1990's. Several generations of my family have battled various forms of cancer, including breast, so I know how important early detection and treatment can be in saving lives. Since October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I wanted to highlight Murad Hydrate for Hope set - not just because it is pink but because 10% of sales will benefit City of Hope's breast and women's cancers research, treatment and education programs.

Packaged in a pretty pink case, the Hydrate for Hope Set is priced at $49.50 ($79.50 value) and contains Hydro-Dynamic Ultimate Moisturizer (1.7 fl. oz.) and Hydro-Dynamic Ultimate Moisturizer for Eyes (0.12 fl. oz). The deeply hydrating duo is designed to relieve dryness and lock in optimal moisture for 8 hours. The product sizes meet those pesky TSA requirements for carry-on toiletries and will help combat the moisture sucking air of airplane cabins. You gotta love a purchase that helps you look good and do good! For more information, visit the Murad website.

Passport Party Project: Opening the World to Young Women

When travel blogger Tracey Friley learned that less than 40% of Americans have a US passport it sparked an idea that will change the lives of 100 young women. Her Passport Party Project is a philanthropic initiative that will travel the nation and gift 100 underserved girls with their very first passports. I personally know how empowering a passport can be for a girl - my Mom took me down to the passport office when I was 15 so that I could study abroad in Spain at 16 - an experience that forever changed my life.

How does it work? Well, the Passport Party Project hosts parties for ten girls each throughout the United States and gives them the tools to obtain their first passports. The goal is to inspire these girls, aged 11-15, to use their passports to ultimately take their first-ever trip abroad. Expedia® is the Official Travel Sponsor of the Passport Party Project and they are fully funding the initiative. After 100 girls have received their first passport, Expedia is also hosting a contest for Passport Party Project participants and six contest winners will earn a free trip to an international destination, accompanied by a parent or a legal guardian and Friley, where they will earn their first passport stamp. Pretty exciting!

Congrats to Tracey Friley on developing such a great program and to Expedia for supporting it. The Passport Party Project will end its nationwide passport initiative in March 2013, so there is plenty of time to get involved. To learn more, visit the Passport Party Project website.

 

Travel Pink: October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

It may not be a traditional autumn color but pink dominates the palette in October. More than just pretty, pink ribbons to raise awareness of breast cancer have been on the scene for many years but don't tune out the important message. According to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, a women is diagnosed with breast cancer, on average, every 2.5 minutes in the United States. You can support the search for a cure and awareness efforts with your purchase of the travel friendly items below. The power of pink!

Fly and Drink Pink with Delta
Prettying up the skies year-round, Delta's pink plane raises awareness of breast cancer around the globe. Delta sweetens the deal in October by selling cups of pink lemonade for $2 each and all proceeds will be donated to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation for a minimum donation of $250,000.

 

 

Proudly Pink Five Piece Brush Set by Sonia Kashuk
exclusively at Target. $14.99
Perfect for travel, Sonia Kashuk's sassy silver case is lined in pink and includes five synthetic brushes to make your cosmetics application simply flawless. Celebrity makeup artist Sonia Kashuk is a breast cancer survivor and 15% of the proceeds from this kit will benefit the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Because of her own personal experience with breast cancer, Sonia Kashuk’s mission is to to help women discover their true inner and outer beauty. I am a big fan of Sonia's brushes, especially her blush brushes - they sweep on the perfect amount of color to your cheeks which is a great technique for perking up your face after a long trip.

Ralph Lauren Square Pink Pony Sunglasses
$190
Stylishly camouflage jet-lagged eyes and support a great cause by purchasing this sophisticated pair of sunglasses from Ralph Lauren's Pink Pony collection. Through October 10th, you can save 25% on all items in the Pink Pony collection and 10% will be donated to the Pink Pony Fund for Cancer Care and Prevention.

Weekender Bag by Lug
$100 at ShopKomen.com (Official Merchandise of Susan G. Komen for the Cure)
Want your luggage to stand out from the crowd? Pack pink! Also available in black, this bag meets TSA regulations and has pop up handles and wheels for easy maneuvering. Like all Lug bags, the Weekender is very well organized with a myriad of compartments and pockets.



 

Give a Green Thumbs Up to Yes to Blueberries Gardener's Hand Cream

Yes to Blueberries Gardener's Hand Cream
$8.99
Admittedly, I'm no gardener but this city slicker is always in need of an effective hand cream. Yes to Blueberries has sprouted a great new product, Gardener's Hand Cream, that pampers your hands and gives back to charity - 100% of the proceeds benefit the Yes to Seed Fund which gives grants to school gardens. The Yes to Seed Fund gives kids fun and engaging ways to connect with mother nature and teaches them to lead healthier lifestyles through nutrition, gardening & being outdoors. I'm on board with that - some of these little gardening tykes could be our future culinary superstars!

Keeping the Peace: Products That Make a Difference

Sadly, it has become a cliche but it WOULD be great if we could all just get along. Conflicts at home and abroad can make it easy to feel fatalistic about the fate of the world. I often avoid watching the news just before bedtime because their macabre menu featuring the violence du jour often leads to a restless slumber.

This is why I get so excited when I hear about people and companies that are doing their part to bring some peace into the world. These affordable goodies from Peace Cord and Kiss My Face make it easy to do a little something to make the world a better place.

Peace Cord Bracelets
$10-$15
Wear your heart on your wrist with a Peace Cord Bracelet. Woven by Afghan women from parachute cord and military uniform buttons, 100% of the  proceeds support grassroots programs  in rural Afghanistan. Peace Cord™ creates artisan jobs for hundreds of Afghan women and helps U.S. troops deliver grassroots humanitarian assistance.

Kiss My Face Travel Size Peace Soap
$2.99
Ahh, wash away your troubles and help make the world a better place with Kiss My Face's fragrant and 100% all natural peace soap. 10% of the proceeds from this product benefit Seeds of Peace - an organization that helps young people from regions of conflict develop the leadership skills necessary to advance reconciliation and co-existence. Seeds of Peace currently has 4,300 young people making a positive difference in the Middle East, South Asia, Cyprus, the Balkans, and the United States.

Available in four scents, including Lavender Mandarin and Pomegranate Acai, Kiss My Face Peace Soap is a travel-friendly product that can be used from head to toe and also to hand wash your clothes. The packaging is even educational - it features the word peace in many different languages.

Shop for Solidarity: Small Gestures to Help Japan

It has been one month and a day since Japan was changed forever by the massive earthquake and tsunami that claimed so many lives. The news media may have lessened their coverage of this tragedy but I imagine that for the people of Japan this has been the longest month of their lives as they mourn, rebuild, and face each day feeling less certain about what the future holds. I confess to feeling helpless in the face of such epic disasters. I pray, I donate what funds I can, and pray some more. All of these are small gestures but small gestures by many can create a big change. The proceeds from the following items will benefit those in Japan that have been impacted by the disaster and send an important message of solidarity.

HOPE Japan bag by what'Surbag
$24.99 (also available in silver & gold)
This company launched with the HOPE bag to help the city of New Orleans recover after Hurricane Katrina - now what'Surbag is sharing the love with the people of Japan. 100% of the profits from the HOPE Japan bag will benefit the American Red Cross Japan Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami Fund. These  bags are made of a super stretchy fabric called its-LAS-tik that can hold up to 45 pounds and take the shape of the contents inside. In addition to the HOPE Japan and HOPE NOLA styles, what'Surbag offers a wide selection of colors and sizes that are perfect for travel and everyday use.

Anna Sui Charity T-Shirt for Japan
$20. Available in lavender & black. Ships April 15th.
Don't be shy about your feelings - designer Anna Sui's 100% cotton t-shirt printed with the message "Japan. We're All in This Together" sends a bold and sweet message. All proceeds will go to Japan disaster relief.



Tory Burch Japan Relief T-Shirt
$29. Available for pre-order.
Colorful tunics made her famous but Tory Burch hopes to make a difference with her limited edition t-shirt - 100% of the proceeds will go to the American Red Cross to benefit the Japan earthquake and Pacific tsunami relief efforts.

Freeman Vineyard & Winery 2007 Sonoma   Coast Pinot Noir
$125 for a Magnum (1.5 liters)
  One of California's most acclaimed small wineries, Freeman is donating 100% of the proceeds from select magnums to the Japan Society of Northern California Earthquake & Tsunami Relief Fund with Give2Asia. Their special effort to help the relief effort has already raised $25,000. Help them raise some more money by filing your glass with their 2007 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir. Supplies are limited.

Fab Frock Friday: Little Black Dress by Carmen Marc Valvo

Looking for the perfect little black dress for your next night out or getaway? Each Friday, The Black Dress Traveler showcases a fabulous frock. Wishing you a weekend full of little black dresses and big adventures!

Carmen Marc Valvo
One-Shoulder Cover Up Dress
$139 at Neiman Marcus

Carmen Marc Valvo is known for sophisticated glamour and many celebrities, including Oprah Winfrey, Kate Winslet, Beyonce Knowles, and Catherine Zeta-Jones have sparkled when wearing  his elegant designs on the red carpet. I have a few Carmen Marc Valvo dresses and not only do I love the style but the fit is superb - he really knows how to cut for a women's body. Whether you are tall and willowy or short and curvy, a Carmen Marc Valvo dress fits in all the right places.

Carmen Marc Valvo also designs swimwear and since this brutal New York City winter has me daydreaming about a tropical getaway, I could not resist showcasing his very stylish swimsuit cover up dress - it has such an elegant silhouette that I would absolutely rock it as a little black dress.

Made of nylon/spandex, it features a self tie waist, dangling tassels with silvertone hardware and a ruched skirt with faux-wrap front. And, you can't go wrong with the sexy one-shoulder neckline. Go ahead and make the beach your red carpet!

Stylish Acts of Kindness: Do Ubuntu Orphan Bracelet Campaign

"One of the sayings in our country is Ubuntu - the essence of being human. Ubuntu speaks particularly about the fact that you can't exist as a human being in isolation. It speaks about our interconnectedness. You can't be human all by yourself, and when you have this quality - Ubuntu - you are known for your generosity."

Archbishop Desmond Tutu


  Looking for an accessory with heart to wear with your little black dress? These sleek bracelets aren't just stylish but make it easy to add more UBUNTU to your life. Priced at a very affordable $15, 90% of the proceeds from these bracelets support the efforts of the Orphan Bracelet Campaign to assist mother and children in South Africa whose lives have been impacted by HIV/AIDS.  The bracelets are crafted by women in the Eastern Cape of South Africa using (lead free) copper, brass and aluminum wire.These travel friendly bracelets will not set off airport security alarms. Go ahead and practice stylish acts of kindness!

PS. Since I am going to buy one of these bracelets for myself, I would like to gift one also. Leave a comment below by Friday, February 4th (noon EST) and I will randomly pick one lucky reader to receive a Do Ubuntu Orphan bracelet.
Prize can only be shipped to an address in the United States.

Tote a Bag that Makes a Difference

On your next trip, why not carry a bag that not only looks good but does good? From luxurious leather to artisan fabrics, a portion of the proceeds from each of these bags supports a worthy cause. Don't you just love guilt-free shopping!

Gucci for UNICEF Sukey Bag ($1320):  Purchase this gorgeous bag through February 28, 2011 and Gucci will donate 25% of the retail price to UNICEF. The special edition Sukey bag is made of luxurious La Pelle Guccissima and available in Gucci stores in over 20 countries. The funds raised will support UNICEF’s "Schools for Africa" programs in Malawi and Mozambique, where nearly one million children have been orphaned by the HIV/AIDS pandemic. Gucci has partnered with UNICEF since 2005 and donated over $8 million. Wow!

Threads of Change Batik Weekender Bag ($85) - Founded by two ladies in Los Angeles, Threads of Change's mission is to empower women in the village of Okaruse (Ghana) by building a vocational sewing center. All of the materials for their bags come from Ghana. This brightly colored weekend bag is lined and has 2 large compartments and an interior cell phone pocket - very travel friendly!

FEED 3 Guatemala Bag: Heartbreaking statistic: EVERYDAY 22,000 children under the age of 5 die of preventable causes and malnutrition is the underlying cause in roughly half of these deaths. Co-founded by Lauren Bush, FEED donates a percentage of every bag sold to charities that feed children and has provided more than 56 MILLION meals! The purchase of one of the pictured Guatemala bags benefits UNICEF and can provide 3 children with nutrients for one year. These colorful bags are handmade by women artisans in Guatemala and available exclusively at Lord & Taylor stores and online ($19 for the small zip-close pouch and $45 for the large leather handle tote.) Other FEED bags, t-shirts, and accessories are available at www.feedprojects.com.

Give a Gift, Save a Life: Shop UNICEF for Presents that Make a Difference

While many of us fill our luggage with cute dresses and shoes, UNICEF workers travel to 190 countries with supplies that can save the lives of children. Let's face it, from Haiti to Pakistan, when disaster strikes it is often women and children that suffer the most. Since 1946 UNICEF has been committed to helping children overcome not only the impact of natural disasters but also the obstacles that result from poverty, violence, disease and discrimination.

There is never a bad time to support such an important cause, but the holiday season is the ideal time to give a gift that supports UNICEF's mission - it takes more than compassion to save lives, it takes resources. Recently, I was invited to take an up close look at the UNICEF gift collection, including their famous greeting cards, jewelry, and more. It was hard to whittle the list down, but here are five of my favorite UNICEF gifts.

 

Handmade Nepalese Scarf
$30
This brightly colored scarf is the perfect accent for a little black dress and a great way to stay warm and stylish. Made in Nepal, it is a hand-woven and hand-dyed softly textured blend of cotton and viscose.

Silk Jewelry Travel Roll
$12.99
Keep your baubles organized on the road in this pretty hand-embroidered pouch. Made in India, it has 3 individual pockets to securely hold your trinkets.

What about giving a gift directly to a child in need? Buy a UNICEF inspired gift and dedicate it to a friend. Your friend receives a card and your gift is sent where kids need it most. 

  School-in-a-Box
$256.40
Help UNICEF set up a temporary school for at least 40 children during times of emergency. Supplied in a lockable aluminum box, the kit includes basic school supplies and classroom tools that are vital for helping children continuing their education in the most dire of circumstances.

  Bicycle
$86.25
The gift of a bike helps UNICEF health workers and midwives deliver vital services and supplies to rural communities - talk about traveling for good! 

Winter Child Survival Pack
$81.35
Provide a child with the supplies they most need to survive the next 6 months. This kit includes Micronutrient powders that help a child on the brink of malnutrition get the vitamins and minerals that are most essential for them to grow up healthy, immunizations from measles and polio, and water purification tablets.

 To learn more, visit www.unicefusa.org.

Go Pink Darling: Shop and Travel for the Cure!

Breast cancer is blind to borders and impacts women around the world. A cure may seem like a long way off but every dollar raised gets us closer to conquering this disease. Purchase one of these power pink items for your next trip and a donation will be made to an organization focused on breast cancer awareness and research.

Fly Pink with American Airlines
October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and American Airlines is acknowledging it in a big way. Employees will be decked out in pink and passengers are encouraged to do so on October 15 for a "pink-out day."  American Airlines supports Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

Ralph Lauren Pink Pony Cashmere Travel Set - $395
Every trip is first-class with this luxurious kit that includes a plush cashmere throw, eye mask, and a coordinating zip bag.



Pink Luggage at eBags.com
Pack for the cure! Since 2004, eBags has contributed more than $500,000 to breast cancer research research, treatment, screening, and education.

 

Armitron Women's NOW Mother of Pearl Dial Breast Cancer Awareness Watch - $30
Don't miss that flight! Keep track of time with this easy to read and affordable pink watch available at Endless.com.


Think Pink 60 Minute Holistic Massage at The Peninsula Spa by ESPA - $195
If your travels take you to the fast paced Big Apple, unwind with a massage and complimentary hair & scalp mud application at this swanky spa. The treatment is available from October 1 - 31.


Pink Lemonade on Delta Airlines
Purchase a $2 cup of pink lemonade on Delta during the month of October and the entire amount will be donated to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

Little Black Dresses Make a Big Difference: Swarovski & Designers Unite to Fight Cancer

As you've guessed by the title of this website, yours truly is a devotee of the little black dress. Always in fashion and universally flattering, the little black dress is a versatile garment that can take you from the boardroom to the ballroom without skipping a beat.

In recognition of the LBD's timeless allure and power, design icons including Donna Karan, Fendi, Armani, Diane von Furstenberg, Vivienne Westwood, and Catharine Malandrino have designed 22 custom little black dresses adorned with sparkling SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS for a campaign called 22 Ways to Say Black. More than just fancy frocks, these one-of-a-kind dresses are being used to help find a cure for cancer and will be auctioned at a gala event in New York City at Philips de Pury on Monday, September 20th. 100% of the proceeds from the event (and the accompanying catalog ) will benefit the American Cancer Society and La Ligue Contre le Cancer in France. The hope is that each of the dresses represents 22 ways to find a cure.  

Prior to the gala and auction, the dresses of 22 Ways to Say Black will be on display to the public on 9/20 from 10:00 am - 6:00 pm. Philips de Pury is located at 450 West 15th Street. Watch the video to learn more.

PS - On a personal note, cancer has taken the lives some of the most important people in my life, including my father Glenn. One thing I've learned is that cancer does not discriminate - it doesn't care if you're a fashionista or a pauper.  At the end of the day, choosing the right dress to wear is not a matter of life and death but I applaud these designers for joining together to fight this horrific disease.

Declare Your Denim in Times Square to Help Victims of the Gulf Oil Disaster

Considering that I only own one pair jeans, it may seem odd that I would promote an event that encourages ladies to don denim. However, I appreciate an original idea that supports a good cause and Teen's Vogue Declare Your Denim scores on both fronts.

If you know a denim loving teenage girl, tell her to head over to Times Square (Military Island at Broadway between 43rd and 44th) on Wednesday, July 28 from 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM wearing her favorite pair of jeans. Roving photographers will snap photos of young women in their denim to be displayed live on the Times Square Jumbotron. Free copies of the Teen Vogue August special denim section will also be distributed.

More than just an opportunity to be seen, the event will also feature a charity denim drive in partnership with the Fashion Delivers Charitable Foundation to benefit victims of the Gulf Coast oil disaster. Consumers can donate $5 to have a new pair of denim donated from one of Teen Vogue's denim sponsors, or donate a new pair of their own.

Teen Vogue has also collaborated with Essie on a limited edition "Declare Your Denim" nail polish -  a bold, true blue polish that will be gifted with every donation/purchase of denim, while supplies last.

 

Changing the World with a Little Black Dress

I am always happy to encounter people who share my passion for little black dresses and making the world a better place.

Sheena Matheiken REALLY knows the power of one little black dress. Founder of The Uniform Project, from May 2009 to May 2010 Sheena Matheiken has pledged to wear the same black dress for one year as an exercise in fashion philanthropy and sustainable living. The funds raised from this project go to the Akanksha Foundation for the education of underprivileged children living in Indian slums.

Join Sheena in toasting the last month of wearing her dress at a Little Black Dress Cocktail Party  hosted by Life of Reilly Organizers on Monday, April 12 (7-9pm) at Cibar in Manhattan. Your $25 donation at the event will benefit the Uniform Project AND you get a martini and the thrill of helping a good cause while looking chic.

In case you're wondering about the dress that survived 365 days of consecutive wear, it was designed by Eliza Starbuck. It can be worn both ways, front and back, and has deep hidden pockets. The dress can also be worn as an open tunic and is made from a durable, breathable cotton that keeps you cool in the summer and can be layered when the temperature drops. 365 limited editions of the dress will be available for purchase online.

Pretty Powerful: Same Sky Bracelets Made By Rwandan Women

Pretty baubles are a dime a dozen but Same Sky bracelets have the power to change lives. A fair-trade organization that employs HIV+ women in Rwanda that survived the 1994 genocide, Same Sky's mission is to lift women out of poverty by providing them with the tools to become entrepreneurs. In fact, Same Sky artisans earn a wage that is 10 times the average of other women in Sub-Saharan Africa. Pretty powerful.

Made of handblown glass beads and crocheted by women artisans, each Same Sky bracelet carries the signature of the woman who made it.  Celebs like Halle Berry, Meryl Streep, Donna Karan and Queen Latifah all wear their Same Sky bracelets with pride.

To buy your own beautiful Same Sky bracelet and to "become a part of the movement empowering women everywhere under the Same Sky," visit www.samesky.com.

Dine Out For Haiti

I just learned from one of my favorite chefs, Alain Allegretti, that he and over 40 restaurants in New York City and beyond have joined together to create Dine Out For Haiti. Each restaurant will donate up to 10% of their sales to support the earthquake relief efforts in Haiti. Dine Out For Haiti will take place on Sunday, January 24th. Those restaurants that are closed on Sunday will participate on Monday, January 25th. Also, the W Hotels of New York will be referring all of their guests to the participating restaurants.

The restaurants can choose to make their donations to Action Against Hunger, Doctors Without Borders, and Partners in Health. Restaurant staff are also being encouraged to make a donation. 

In New York City, in addition to Allegretti, Gramercy Tavern, Tabla, Casa Mono, Otto, Tribeca Grill, and many other top restaurants are participating. Out west, your options include Pizzeria Mozza in Los Angeles and Carnevino in Las Vegas.

For more information and a complete list of participating restaurants, visit www.dineout4haiti.org.