Run, Carrie, Run!

Whenever I break out in a stiletto-powered run, I always imagine myself looking as graceful as Carrie Bradshaw. I mean, who can forget the time she chased after Pete (Aidan’s dog) in short shorts and red peep-toe stiletto slip-ons? Magic, I tell you. Even though my run is not as graceful, I’m not going to let that stop me from participating in lululemon’s “Pumped to Run” event this Saturday in Chicago.

At 9a, I, along with other fearless people, will be meeting at 900 N. Michigan and racing around the block. The great part, aside from the many hilarious stories that will come of this? All heels will be donated to Dress for Success after the race. After the run, all racers will be treated to a complimentary brunch at the Rush St. store. So, pull out your checklist: Stilletos? Check. Exercise? Check. Breakfast? Check. Charity? Check.

How can you resist? If you’re interested in participating, join the gang at 9a and get pumped to run!

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Yesterday on Oprah, Mary J. Blige announced a partnership between her nonprofit organization, Foundation for the Advancement of Women Now , and beauty brand Carol’s Daughter. In celebration, Carol’s Daughter is donating 30% of online sales to FFAWN. FFAWN aims to inspire women to fulfill their potential, and helps us through scholarships, grants and programs. The two-day promotion ends today at midnight! Join the ranks of celebs like Jada Pinkett Smith and Brad Pitt (for Zahara), and get your hands on some of these goodies.

I don’t know what I want to order. In the past, I’ve used the body scrubs and butters, along with a blemish cream. I think that I’m going to buy Some of Marguerite Magic (below). I’m obsessed with growing my hair these days and that means going back to curly hair for the majority of the summer. I need to make sure that my curls are moisturized and strong, and I think this product could do the trick.

Some of Marguerite's Magic, $16.50

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In its continued support of the American Heart Association and Go Red for Women,  Macy’s is giving us to show our support and save! This weekend, you can save 20% in Macy’s stores when you wear red! No red in your closet? Well, you can purchase a Red Dress pin for $2 (sales to benefit Go Red), and still receive the discount!

If you’re shopping online, use the discount code WEARRED to access the savings! As always, there are some details that you may need to read. Learn what’s included and what’s not included by clicking here!

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Today is “Go Red” day in promotion of women’s heart health! The American Heart Association launched “Go Red” to educate the public about the impact of cardiovascular disease on women. Coronary heart disease, which causes heart attack, is the single leading cause of death for American women. Nearly twice as many women in the United States die of heart disease, stroke and other cardiovascular diseases as from all forms of cancer, including breast cancer. This is something that I didn’t learn until last year when I volunteered at the Macy’s Go Red for Women Luncheon. Statistics like this should be more than enough to encourage each us of to ensure that we are living our healthiest life possible.

Know what factors raise your risk and take the Heart Checkup. The Heart Checkup asks you a series of questions, and assesses your risk for cardiovascular disease. If you have a low risk, then keep it that way by incorporating a healthy diet and exercise plan into your lifestyle. If you are at high risk, still do those things but also visit your doctor for a check-up and to develop a plan to address those risk factors.

You can read inspiring stories, learn more about the disease, and find events in your area by visiting goredforwomen.org!

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L’Oréal Paris has a longstanding participant in the fight against ovarian cancer. Since 1997, the company’s efforts have donated over $18 million to the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund (OCRF). This being September and all, the beauty brand is gearing up its “Color of Hope” campaign to provide customers with facts about the disease and ways they can support the cause.

Customers can purchase items from the Color of Hope collection, including eyeshadows and lipsticks. For every item sold, L’Oréal will donate $1 to OCRF. There is also a limited edition cosmetics bag (shown below), with $5 from each bag being donated as well.

Color of Hope Cosmetics Bag

Not just stopping there, L’Oréal has partnered with the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund to rollout the L’Oréal Paris OCRF Hope Line. Women with ovarian cancer can call 877-OV-HOPE1 (877-684-6731) for free telephone counseling and referral services. I think it’s great that the company is not just donating a check. The support line is such a great idea because haveing a long-term illness is such a battle. It’s great to know that there will be someone for these brave women to speak with!

For more information on “The Color of Hope,” check out the website www.lorealcolorofhope.com!

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Thanks to Luvvie’s recent Born to Fit event, I am now the recipient of a new pair of great jeans. In true giving fashion, I should ask myself if there is an old pair that I now don’t need. If you have some too small/too big denim that you no longer want, then The Shops at North Bridge (520 N. Michigan Ave) want you to bring them downtown.

From now until August 13th, when you bring your new or gently used denim to the Concierge Desk located on Level 1, you will receive special offers from stores located within the building. Retailers include Ann Taylor Loft, Sephora, Benetton and more. In addition to discounts, check out these two related events:

8/8: Sephora Jean Event – When you bring in a pair of jeans, you will get an express service consultation and a deluxe goodie bag.

8/13: Love Your Genes Fashion Event at Nordstrom – From 5:30-7:30p, when you bring in a pair of denim, you can receive denim fit advice from experts, enjoy a denim-focused fashion show, and enjoy cocktails and hors d’oeuvres!

All the donations will benefit Deborah’s Place, a provider of 5 permanent supportive housing structures and services to single, homeless women in the City of Chicago. Learn more about the fantastic organization when you visit www.deborahsplace.org!

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Okay, folks…You know that I’m always pushing you to donate your gently used and wanted clothes to charity. Well, if it seems like too much for you to drive to your closest thrift haunt, then why not stop by one of these two local Chicago businesses instead?

Sensual Steps' Treasure Chest

Bronzeville shoe retailer, Sensual Steps, has an ongoing clothing drive for women’s clothes and shoes. All items donated will benefit local women’s shelters and second chance programs designed to get women.

Or you can pop into South Loop art gallery, Three Peas Art Lounge. If you have any clothes to donate, they will be collecting them for a limited time.

So, there you have it! Stop, drop, and shop for shoes OR sip some wine. It’s your choice…Just make sure you drop those clothes off!

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The ladies of Y.E.S! (Young Executives for Success), a great group who supports Dress for Success, will be hosting a Happy Hour this Wednesday at Bull and Bear (431 N. Wells) from 6-8p. It’s supposed to be 80 degrees in Chicago on Wednesday, so if you’re looking for something to do after work, definitely come by and join the fun! Attendees are asked to bring a pair of Queen-sized flesh (neutral) tone pantyhose to the event. They, of course, will be donated to Dress for Success, an organization which supports the professional empowerment of women by donating suits and hosting beneficial workshops.

For more information, you can visit the Y.E.S! website or check out their Facebook page. Hope to see you there!

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Juicy Couture is giving you all a chance to “recycle” your old Juicy Couture items for a great cause. Until Tues, May 19th, you can “Recycle Your Couture” by bringing in your old Juicy items into any participating store! The items will then be donated to a local women’s shelter and you will receive 20% off of your purchase! 

BTW, check the bottom of the flyer to find the closest participating store near you! Looks like this program is only happening in select cities! Happy shopping, peeps!

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On Thursday, May 7th, the Shops at North Bridge are inviting folks to come out and assemble care packages for the Hull House Association and Step Up Women’s Network. Participants are asked to bring a new washcloth to donate. Participants will enjoy appetizers, cocktails, and complimentary beauty services.

The event lasts from 5:30-7:30p and participation is free!

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