Shopping for a Good Cause: Those that Sell and Give Back

Pictured: The SoHo Stroll Shopping event is coming this week in New York City. Proceeds will benefit the homeless.

Today’s post is all about how you can remain fashionable by shopping for a good cause. Even in these tough economic times, there are some retailers who are giving a percentage of their profits to worthy causes. I want to give each of them a shout out and encourage you to check them out. These merchants are going onto The Recessionista’s Honor Roll for Giving Back.

First up, The SoHo Stroll, June 11 to June 13 in New York City
Starting this Thursday, The Association for Community Employment Programs for the Homeless (A.C.E.) and The SoHo Partnership will sponsor a three-day shopping event to benefit New York City’s homeless men and women. The SoHo Stroll will take place from Thursday June 11 to Saturday, June 13 at venues throughout SoHo. The event will give shoppers special access to discounts and promotions offered by participating restaurants and retailers. The list of contributing designers is truly amazing. I’m lusting after the goods just reading the listing of participants. And the best part? All proceeds will benefit the SoHo Partnership. Visit the SoHo Stroll’s website for the up-to date list of promotions from neighborhood businesses. To participate, all you need to do is purchase a $20.00 admission bracelet at one of the Stroll’s booths or select locations. I wish I could attend virtually.

Pictured: Shop Distinction owner, Berta Lippert. She gives me a new reason to want to shop: donating to worthy causes.

If you haven’t heard of Shop Distinction, you will want to check it out. There is even a virtual tour guide on the site to help you shop. So what’s so special about this site? Berta Lippert’s Shop Distinction is an online Handbag & Accessories boutique offering celebrity fashion trends and items for sale at great prices. But that is not the best part. The best part is that while you get a great bargain and look fashionable, part of your purchase price is donated to helping fight breast and lung cancer. I am so impressed by the owner of this company. Ms. Lippert has a unique business approach which combines her passion for fashion with a sincere desire to help others.

The Shop Distinction website specializes in runway-inspired handbags under $100. The bags and accessories have been featured on the popular Gossip Girl TV show. And despite the slow economy, part of the proceeds of EVERY sale, EVERY day go back to organizations seeking cures for breast cancer and lung disease. When asked why she is giving back, Ms. Lippert explains. “In the spring of 2004, my mother and best friend were both diagnosed with breast cancer and had their operations within hours of one another,” said Lippert. “So I wanted to create a website that reflects two of my passions; great clothes and breast cancer awareness.” I love it, this is socially and fiscally responsible shopping at it’s finest. And how cute is this handbag? Seriously, it reminds me of Isabella Fiore‘s style. But it’s only $59.95!!

Pictured: Shop Distinction Floral Summer Bag

Two other retailers I want to recognize are:

Dermelect Cosmeceuticals for donating money from their skin care products to the Melanoma Research Foundation. Their products were formulated jointly by medical professionals & licensed estheticians to help women battle the demon, of, you guessed it, a*g*i*n*g. With more of us “spa-ing at home” during the recession, their products are a great option.

Pictured: Dermelect Spa at Home Kit

I also like that when you order from them you get free samples in the box and free shipping on orders over $50.00. These are the type of perks we like!

And finally, I want to recognize Buffalo Exchange for donating money to environmental causes. Buffalo Exchange has been a secret weapon of college kids for years. The store is founded on the principle of recycling fashion. The Exchange was one of the first stores that bought, sold, traded, and took clothing items and accessories on consignment. Today it’s a million dollar business bringing affordable fashion to the masses for over 25 years.

Pictured: Buffalo Exchange, Guilt-Free Fashion and a Bon Prix!

These are just a few great options for socially and fiscally responsible shopping. I’ll be posting more in coming posts.