Paper cuts are one of the most frustrating things to happen to mankind. But, I would run my fingers through 100 sheets of loose-leaf paper just to rock a Cynthia Rowley-designed Band-Aid. The designer has brought her bold and lively designs to the staid worl of first-aid products and I think it’s one of the coolest collaborations.

Twenty assorted bandages are housed in metal tins ($10) and one dollar from the sale of each tin benefits Design Ignites Change, an organization that engages high school and college students in design and architecture projects that address social issues in their own communities.  You can purchase these items on the Cynthia Rowley website or in stores nationwide.

So cute.

Images: CynthiaRowley.com

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Kenneth Cole has never been shy about wearing his heart (via various causes) across his chest…And, he wants you to do the same! When you stop by the brand’s Facebook page, check out the custom t-shirt store where you can mix and match colors and slogan to create the perfect shirt for you.

The shirts retail for $34.95 and 100% of proceeds benefit KC’s Awearness Foundation, which funds various charitable causes across the country including gulf relief.

Gulf relief!

The custom app is so easy to use, and you can literally spend hours playing with different combinations. I’ve narrowed my design process to the three shirts below. Which one do you think I should buy? I’m leaning towards the second shirt, but the “Today Is Not a Dress Rehearsal” shirt speaks to the urgency of now. Aye…I may have to buy more than one. What do you all think?

Decisions, decisions...

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Always pairing with new designers to roll out great lines, Target is now showing Uptown a little love, both literally and with its Harlem Designers Series collection. This limited-edition series, commemorates Target’s first Manhattan store located in East Harlem, and features designs from Isabel and Ruben Toledo, Stephen Burrows and chef and Chicago favorite Marcus Samuelsson.

Tar-jay will be donating 5 percent of each product’s purchase price to a Harlem non-profit of the designer’s choice. The colorful items range in price from $3.99 to $34.99 and will be available for purchase in the East Harlem store beginning July 25, followed by select stores and on Target.com on August 1.

Here’s a sample of the collection:

Placemats designed by Marcus Samuelsson

Swimwear (and beach towel) designed by Isabel and Ruben Toledo

Colorful dress designed by Stephen Burrows

That dress makes me think of West Side Story. I feel like it belongs in the “America” scene. Right?

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Photo: Mango

Shakira has shimmied her way onto my “Most Beautiful Celebs” list and now she’s designed her way into my heart with a line of charitable tees to benefit South Africa.

The tees come in four designs and include graphics such an illustration of a lion’s face and the phrases “Waka Waka” and “This Time For Africa.” Those phrases are a nod to her single and World Cup anthem, “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa).” Proceeds from the shirts will benefit the singer’s Barefoot Foundation, which supports elementary education in South Africa. The shirts will be available in Mango stores and online at mangoshop.com.

In case you missed her great performance, you can catch the video below. P.S. How great was her outfit?

I’ve developed a new found obsession with interior design. All the amazing layouts and stylish arrangements remind me that my boring apartment has light years to go and is more house than home. Whether your home is scantily decorated or should be in a magazine, you could always use more inspiration…More pieces. And, if you’re in NYC, I have the perfect event for you!

Housing Works (NYC) is hosting its sixth annual “Design on a Dime” charitable sale in a couple of weeks. Attendees will have the opportunity to purchase some amazing pieces by the country’s top designers; featuring brand new housewares, furniture, and linens, all available at charitable prices. The sale will take place from May 6 – May 8 in the Metropolitan Building (125 West 18th St, NYC), and is open to the public!

Design on a Dime 2010 benefits Housing Works’ 874 Jefferson Avenue Residence Project. A new housing development project in Brooklyn which will consist of 12 permanent units of supportive housing for single, formerly homeless adults living with HIV/AIDS. All proceeds from Design on a Dime go to Housing Works, the nation’s largest grassroots AIDS service organization. Founded in 1990, Housing Works provides lifesaving services to homeless and low-income New Yorkers living with HIV and AIDS. Since 2005, Design on a Dime has raised more than $2 million in support of Housing Works.

For a list of participating designers and to purchase tickets, visit housingworks.org.

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Now, I’d much rather get a hug or a cool million from Lady O, but beggars (even the fab ones) can’t be choosers. If you’ve always wanted to get a piece of Oprah’s wardrobe, here’s your chance! Harpo is auctioning off over 150 pieces from her personal wardrobe to give you a piece of fab and to raise money for her Leadership Academy for Girls in South Africa. Items in the collection range from Christian Louboutin boots (size 41) to black Ferragamo bags. This auction is like a fashionista’s dream house. From Prada to Manolo to Carolina Herrera, it’s alllll there! The auction ends on March 11th and all items can be found on her eBay site!

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Photo: Ruven Afanador (Oprah.com)

Condoms are the ultimate accessory, and Proper Attire condoms takes the concept to the next level by giving them a chic edge and design. Designers like as Yigal Azrouël, Alexander Wang Assorted, Brian Reyes, Keith Haring, and Opening Ceremony have all contributed designs for the cause. Proceeds from the sale of Proper Attire condoms benefit Planned Parenthood of America. You can purchase the condoms online or at Planned Parenthood centers.

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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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I was on the Kenneth Cole website yesterday and saw the above boots and fell in love for three reasons:

1. I need a good pair of rubber boots for the rainy days. Who doesn’t?

2. I’ve seen some really cute rugged and combat style boots, and wanted to ease into the trend.

3. (Probably the best reason). 100% of the profits from these boots will benefit Kenneth Cole’s Awearness Fund in partnership with amfAR, a global organization dedicated to fighting AIDS.

The boots are $98 and can be found online at kennethcole.com. While you’re on the site, be sure to check out the Awearness line of tees. The one-liners are ah-mazing!

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Last month, I entered a drawing on The Bright Side Project, and won two gift certificates for LavishGiving.com. I learned about Lavish Giving awhile ago, so I was superexcited about my prize! Lavish Giving sells some amazing items, such as decorative pillows, stylish leather planners, candles, and more. It’s a perfect site to visit if you’re looking to step up your gift-giving game. Additionally, they donate 10% of your purchase to the charity of your choice! How about that?

Today, I checked out the site to look for a gift for myself, particularly for my poor, non-decorated apartment. I was completely amazed with the selection, but I was struck by some beautifully designed glass plates. The “Plates with Purpose” are handcrafted and each design benefits one of six charities. The “Forget-Me-Not” design to the right benefits the Alzheimer’s Association. Other charities include Habitat for Humanity, Special Advocates, and hospice, food bank, and AIDS organizations. The cool thing is that those donations are in addition to the donation that you give just for shopping the site!

To check out the full collection, head on over to LavishGiving.com.

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