Get Green With Celebrities

Ever dreamed of going to lunch with Harrison Ford or attending a Chanel show with Karl? Here's your chance. Chrities and Charity Buzz are hosting an online auction Bid to Save the Earth to benefit Oceana, Natural Resources Defense Council, Conservation International and Central Park Conservancy. The items up for bid include:

• A flight and lunch for two with Harrison Ford out of the Santa Monica airport, plus a stay at the Ritz Carlton, Los Angeles
• Fly to Paris for the full Chanel Couture Experience, including: front row tickets to Chanel's 2011 Couture Show, meet Karl Lagerfeld, take a private tour of Coco Chanel's apartment, receive a handbag and stay five nights at The Ritz-Carlton
• Meet Michael Kors and Heidi Klum on the ultimate New York Fashion Week experience, with inside access to the Project Runway fashion show finale
• Meet Marc Jacobs, with two VIP tickets to his New York Fashion Week fashion show and after party
• The ultimate Carolina Herrera bridal fashion experience: $10,000 toward a Carolina Herrera bridal gown, two tickets to her spring 2012 bridal show and meet Carolina Herrera backstage
• Design your own Bottega Veneta handbag with a one-on-one appointment with an expert from Bottega Veneta

For a full list, check out Charity Buzz Bid to Save the Earth.

Tory Burch Japan Relief T-Shirt

Already donated $10 to Japan via your cell phone and wondering what you can do next? Here's a stylish solution: Order this Tory Burch Japan Relief T-shirt: 100% of the net proceeds of all tees sold through September 15th will go to the American Red Cross to benefit the Japan earthquake and tsunami relief efforts. The $29 T-shirt is available on ToryBurch.com for per-order, plus, shipping is free!

Kenneth Cole Awearness Rain Poncho

This AWEARNESS rain poncho from Kenneth Cole is on sale now through May with 100% of profits going to The Kenneth Cole Foundation in support of HELP USA,  funding housing for homeless people living with HIV/AIDS. It's reversible from blue camouflage to solid black and tucks into its own little pouch-- perfect for travel or everyday to keep you dry from Spring's showers.

Available at Kenneth Cole stores or www.kennethcole.com for $60.

How to Help Japan Earthquake/Tsunami Victims

The news coming out of Japan keeps getting worse: the death toll is expected to top 10,000; 300,000 people are without homes; nuclear plants are at risk and entire towns have been washed away. The photo above shows people in line for fresh water in the playground of a school. If you have even $10 to spare, here are ways you can help:

• To donate $10 to The Red Cross, text REDCROSS to 90999.
• To donate $10 to the Salvation Army in Tokyo, text JAPAN or QUAKE to 80888. Follow along with its relief efforts on Facebook and Twitter.  
• To donate $10 to Save the Children, JAPAN or TSUNAMI to 20222 to donate $10.
• To donate $10 to Convoy of Hope, text TSUNAMI to 50555.

Let us know if we missed any in the comments below.

Doggie's Day Out at the Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman

The Jet Set Girls are big dog lovers and when we heard the Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman was teaming up with the Humane Society of Grand Cayman, we had to take a closer look.  Our stay on the island was a blast last year (we're pictured above with friends Lauren and Meghan) and we would have loved this opportunity.

For a $25 donation, guests at the Ritz-Carlton can take a shelter dog for a walk around the Blue Tip Golf Course or the nearby North Sound Club.  Local residents and island visitors are welcome to volunteer as well. Next time we go, we'll have to make room for doggie treats in our carry on!

The program was designed by Marcus Caudill, the Housekeeping Manager, who has an adopted dog named Charlie. "We knew our guests would enjoy taking the dogs out, but had no idea how successful the program would be," said Caudill. "On busy days we've even had waiting lists for the walking slots.  One guests enjoyed her outing so much , she handed me a check for $1,000 for the Humane Society afterwards."

The view from our room at the Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman

Learn more about the Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman and make reservations here.

Microbartering 101

One of our favorite things about our girls' trip is shopping. It's especially fun when you're in the Caribbean or somewhere with local crafts. If you don't have a trip planned to anywhere exotic, Buildanest.com brings the artisans to you. The site even does it one step better: the group provides interest-free financing to women in third world countries so they can purchase supplies, space at a bazaar and other items they need to start their own business. The proceeds from their items sold on the site, go to help the next generation of women.

The above lace rainbow tote is from Guatemala and retails for $60.

Acqua di Gio and the UNICEF Tap Project

Want to do something to help raise awareness around the world to improve safe water and sanitation facilities in schools and communities, without even opening your wallet? For every fan Acqua di Gio gets on Facebook during the month of March, the company will donate $1 to the UNICEF Tap Project.

Additionally, during World Water Week (March 21st - March 27th), Acqua di Gio will donate $1 to the UNICEF Tap Project with each fragrance sold in the US. Bonus: Customers who purchase a large bottle of Acqua di Gio will receive a bpa-free water bottle as a token of appreciation. Hot male model not included.

The Red Dress Show 2010

The Red Dress Show--to raise awareness of heart disease in women-- is always our favorite way to kick off fall fashion week. The star-studded show always has lots of energy and plenty of fun. Our faves from this year:

Estelle got our vote for best dressed in this patchwork Zac Posen.

Felicity Huffman in Oscar de la Renta was too cute as she snuck off the stage to give hubby William H. Macy a kiss.

Joan Collins wins it for "Diva of the Show"

A few of the ladies had problems with their shoes. Raven-Symone in Tadashi Shoji kicked hers 6-inch stilletos off at the end.

Olympic medalist Dara Torres in Rachel Roy didn't even bother with hers. As we tweeted, the barefoot look works when your tall and ripped!

We suspect Pauley Perrette  had a little too much liquid courage by the way she wobbled down the runway. The shoes were gone when it was time for her to walk the finale.

Heidi Klum in gorgeous John Galliano showed all the ladies how walking down the runway is done!

For more info check out the Heart Truth Campaign.

All photos are from Getty Images.

How to Help Haiti

Our hearts go out to the people of Haiti as they deal with the aftermath of yesterday's devastating earthquake. NPR has a list of ways you can help the people of Haiti. The extent of the damage remains to be seen though the rebuilding process is sure to be a long and arduous one.

Brandon Barash and the MDA

Don't you love when someone is as giving as they are adorable? That's the case with Brandon Barash of General Hospital, whom we had the pleasure of breaking bread with last week at NYC's Levant.

Brandon was recently named a National Celebrity Ambassador for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. He has been a champion fighter against the disease ever since losing his good friend Chad when they were 18. "He had the most incredibly resilient spirit of anyone I've ever known. I made a promise to myself and to him that I would carry on his spirit and continue the fight where he left off."

To that end, Brandon recently held a show of his own photographs from his travels over the past five years to Amsterdam, Prague, Big Sur, New York, San Diego and other destinations. The sale of all the photographs benefited MDA. He also published a book of the photos with 100 percent of the net proceeds going to MDA.

We haven't watched GH since the Anna and Robert Scorpio years, but Brandon told us his character is involved in a cougar-ish love triangle. Might be worth watching again!

Uggs Art & Sole Auction

If we didn't convince you to give up your Ugg's in favor of Anna Sui's FitFlop boots, perhaps you're willing to consider one-of-a-kind Uggs from Manolo Blahnik, Betsey Johnson, Stuart Weitzman and more. The boots are being auctioned today through December 14 with proceeds benefiting St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis. Find them at Uggaustralia.com.

Our faves are Eugenia Kim's faux fur trimmed Ugg's


and the Rafe rocker Ugg's.

Blog Action Day: An Interview with the Founder of Worldwide Maniac

Deciding to take part in this year’s Blog Action Day on Climate Change was a no-brainer for us. We’ve long supported environmental issues: When you travel as much as we do, it’s impossible not to fall in love with the world—and to notice the changes in it.

Our post is an interview with Michael Torres, founder of Worldwide Maniac, a company that combines environmental and humanitarian efforts with entertainment and fashion. We had the pleasure of meeting Michael backstage at New York’s Fashion Week.

How would you describe the mission of Worldwide Maniac?
Worldwide Maniac helps restore balance in our earth and climate.

We see fashion and entertainment as yang energy. The environment and humanity is the yin. When you direct chi from the yang towards yin, it flourishes.

In our ideal world, the creative power of the yang inspires the hearts of people towards cultivating the yin at a near unconscious level. Thirty percent of Worldwide Maniac profits go directly back into environmental and humanitarian goal, helping generate new found experiences furthering the cause of consciousness. Furthermore, Worldwide Maniac is dedicated to investing not just profits, but in ensuring that these goals are a part of our complete business approach, and that they also receive a percentage of our creative energies.

For example, we’re working with Richie Rich and Pamela Anderson to produce, manufacture and distribute his line, A*Muse, which is composed of beachwear, printed tees and casual dresses, all of which are animal-friendly and organically produced. By creating a beautiful line, Richie is sharing his heart with the world. That interplay, of creating with positive intent—using recycled materials, nontoxic dyes, organic fabrics, helps restore balance and healing to the earth. (Note: The A*Muse collection was scheduled to be shown during Fashion Week Miami Beach last night. That's Richie and Pamela below at his February 2009 show.)



Why did you start Worldwide Maniac?
We find happiness when we follow what feels good inside of us. Fashion and entertainment were never on my radar, but what feels good to me is helping humanity and our environment I previously worked for the Department of Homeland Security and realized I enjoyed helping others out by making our borders safer.

I’ve realized that fashion and entertainment are platforms to educate and help others. This is an opportunity for helping others and there can be a bigger purpose beyond the parties.

What are some of the projects WWM has worked on?
WWM has built green homes in Mexico that uses freezer panel technology. These energy-efficient homes have thick panels that snap in like a Lego block and can be built in a day for less than $20,000 requireing no electricity (use solar panels and hot water solar stills to heat water).
We are working on obtaining permits to build them in the US for those who have lost their homes due to the financial storm. Do a google on Tent Cities in America and you will get a flavor for what I’m talking about.

That's Michael below handing over the keys for one of the freezer panel homes WWM built in Mexico.



Tell us a little bit about the future direction of WWM?
We are working with the Amalia Foundation which is focused on bringing together children from across the world in the hopes of peace and in support of the oneness movement. The kids are designing “world peace” shirts which we will introduce into a Richie Rich fashion show and eventually its own separate line.

We are also working on two feature films one of which provides a story of redemption and the other a look into 4 guys spiritual journey in the desert (a sherrif, a sniper, a spy and a haircutter named Jorge).

And as mentioned above, we intend to offer the energy efficient homes to those in need sometime in late 2010.

Now on to the fun stuff: Where is your favorite place to vacation?
That’s a tough one. Its like saying whats your favorite color or favorite ice cream. They are so good, its hard to pick. I love visiting Mexico. I truly enjoy Europe. Before the end of the year I will be spending some time in Peru a w friend of mine who is a Shawman down there. We might actually work on a documentary together.

You live in Austin, one of JSG’s top places to vacation. Got a favorite restaurant?
Uchi is my favorite for sushi. Mesa Rosa for Mexican food. And Green Mesquite for Bar-b-que. I’m still on the lookout for my favorite Italian place.

Want to know how you can help out the environment? Check out Blog Action Day '09 Climate Change.

Ella Moss Breast Cancer Tank Top

Ella Moss is partnering with the Estée Lauder companies to supposrt the World Pin. World Without Breast Cancer. Wear a Pink Ribbon. Make a Difference Campaign. $5.00 from the sale of each of these adorable pink tank tops goes to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. It's made of the beyond comfy fabric that Ella Moss uses in most of her clothes--perfect for wearing on a plane. Available at Nordstrom, Barneys, Bloomingdales and Saks for $49.

Elizabeth Hurley Estee Lauder Lip Design Collection

Elizabeth Hurley and Evelyn Lauder each selected her favorite Estee Lauder lipstick, lip gloss and lip pencil for a special collection to benefit the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Both come in an adorable pink, faux-leather case with a mirror.



With all due respect to Ms. Lauder, we think Elizabeth Hurley's collection is a bit more wearable for most. It comes with Elizabeth Pink lipstick, Pink Lady gloss and Pink Writer lip pencil. Both kits are available on Estée Lauder.com and in department stores.

Emily Elizabeth Jewelry Benefits BAM

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Emily Elizabeth is donating 40% of the sales of their Three Essentials Necklace trio in pink gold to Feel Your Boobies, a campaign to remind us the importance of self-exams.

Maybe we're feeling sappy because Anne's getting married soon; but "faith, hope, and love" are three things we'd love to keep close to our hearts. And friends, it's all for a good cause.

Clinique Great Lips Great Cause

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and we're bringing you products that give back. The Clinique Great Lips Great Cause key chain set is available at Sephora. $10 will be donated to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation with each purchase.

It contains three mini Long Last Glosswear SPF 15 in Air Kiss, Kissyfit, and Whisper, along with a "C" and pink ribbon charm. You'll never have to fumble through that cute, over-sized handbag again to find your favorite gloss!

Massage For A Cure

What would you pay for a good massage? $150? Today Massage Envy is offering $35 one hour massages with proceeds benefiting the Susan J. Komen for the Cure of breast cancer. Massage Envy has over 500 locations nationwide participating, check the Massage Envy site to find a location near you. $10 from each massage will go to local chapters of Susan J. Komen for the Cure. Limited appointments are available. Here's hoping you can snag one during your lunch hour!

New Feed Bags for Fall

Lauren Bush and Feed are having a busy fall. The Feed/Read Bags should be available at Barnes & Noble soon. Developed in partnership with the United Nations World Food Program and Room to Read, for each $25 organic cotton tote sold, a child receives three school lunches and three story books.

Feed is also doing a backpack with Kenneth Cole and Millennium Village. For each $125 backpack sold, another bag, filled with bandages, syringes, condoms and more, is given to a traveling health care worker. Available at Kennethcole.com.



Finally, later this fall, Bobbi Brown is launching the Feed 10 Pouch, a makeup bag filled with three of her best-selling lip glosses for $50, according to WWD. It will also benefit the charity. Check back for more details.

This reminded us of one of our favorite, totally addictive online non-profit games, FreeRice. It started as a vocabulary quiz and for each question you get right, 10 grains of rice are donated to the UN World Food Program. We're excited to see they've added new categories. Now you can answer questions about world capitals, grammar, famous paintings and more. You can even quiz yourself on chemistry symbols, but we wouldn't be able to feed a mouse with our chem knowledge!

Vote for Kristen!

Kristen Nelson Thibeault, our fearless leader at TotalBeauty.com (she's a vice president there) and dear friend, shared her story about her recent diagnosis of breast cancer and subsequent double mastectomy for the Share a Survival Story, Inspire the World. Vote for her entry, please, so she can win some much needed TLC.

For a longer version of Kristen's truly inspirational courage, read her profile on A Girl's Gotta Spa. You won't get through it dry eyed.

Breast Cancer Illuminations

It's October 20 and Total Beauty, Total Cure is still going strong--today's giveaway is a $250 Benefit Cosmetics gift card and Clairisonic Yours and Mine set over at Spoiled Pretty. Be sure to enter!

One of our favorite parts of the month is the Estee Lauder Global Landmarks Illuminations where landmarks around the world are bathed in pink lights. The program launched in 2000 with 26 landmarks in 22 countries. Last year more than 200 landmarks in 60 countries were illuminated.

Leave it to Elizabeth Hurley to steal the scene at last week's lighting of the Tower of London. Her form-fitting, some might say, too-tight, Giambattista Valli dress, made it nearly impossible to notice anything else. We'll give the girl credit--she knows how to get attention and can even upstage a nearly 1,000 year old building!

Here are a few of our favorites landmark's from last year's event. The Arena, Verona, Italy:




China Millenia Monument, Beijing:

Belvedere Castle, Vienna Austria:

To find an illumination in your country, checkout Clinique for a calendar.