Give Twice: Lipstick Queen - Roxy - kiehls - give LOVE, get LOVE Avanessi

Lipstick Queen Poppy King has created a special lip gloss color "Fired Up" (red of course) with 100% of proceeds going to the empowering cause Count Me In. Find it at her website, $14. As seen in Time Out New York.

Keeping on things of a cosmetic nature L'Oreal Paris is launching their Color of Hope collection again this year with lipsticks and nail polishes benefiting the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund. As seen in ELLE.

With the days becoming cooler check out the Limited Edition Superbly Body Lotion by Kiehls and Kelly Slater. Along with rich Argan oils from Morocco this cream has 100% of proceeds donated to the Waterkeeper Alliance. $55. For the same cream and same charitable effort but a different funky label art also check out Kiehls Erykah Badu, Adrian Grenier and Parsons' versions. If you adore to give Kiehls like I do this is a perfect give twice pick.

Moving to jewelry pieces that give back I want to share an incredible feel good story and piece from Rumor. For the history behind the simple scroll of the word "Love" done in gold read this blog post here and then check out the delicate rings, necklace and bracelet in the Avanessi One Love collection. The motto is perfect, "give LOVE, get LOVE" and the design rivals my other favorite ring the Forget Me Knot. 10% of sales benefit the Rumor charity of the month with the pink bracelet reserved for giving back to the Susan G. Komen foundation.

Roxy Quick Silver has created an adorable pink awareness rubber bracelet with proceeds going to Keep A Breast for breast cancer. $5-$3. each. Super sweet for all the little girls in your life.

Bloomingdale's has the Joy Bauer "LIFE" Charm Bracelet by author Joy Bauer who teamed up with jewelry designer Pamela Fink to create this special piece where a portion of proceeds will be donated to charities that help fight children's hunger. $39.95.

Urban Outfitters has created a small collection of t-shirts for Peace Day (Sept. 21st). All proceeds from sales will go to Peace One Day org. $24. for men & women.

Saks 5th Avenue has also created a shirt, this time teaming up with designer Michael Kors, for an exclusive devoted to breast cancer awareness and the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Find it on sale at Saks this October.

QVC on Tue. October 13th from 7 to 10 PM EST will be holding FFaNY Shoes on Sale with net proceeds from the event that evening going to breast cancer research and education causes, as part of the Fashion Footwear Charitable Foundation (FFCF), and the Fashion Footwear Association of New York . Shoes on sale will be around 50% off retail with numerous designers represented including Jessica Simpson and Nine West.

Do you know about a company or gift idea that gives back to a good cause? If so drop us a line here at gavethat@gmail.com or twitter it to us @gavethat so we can feature it in an upcoming post .

Give Twice: Fashion’s Night Out - ZOEtee’s LOVES Gwyneth Paltrow - Loeffler Randall

If you're a New Yorker you probably already know that Fashion’s Night Out 2009 is coming this September 10th and even better there is a specially designed T-Shirt that you will be able to purchase at various participating venues, for around $30. Along with being a cute souvenir and piece of memorabilia (remember things might take a dramatic shift in the next couple of years!), but proceeds from each shirt sold will go to the National September 11 Memorial & Museum at the World Trade Center.

Also offering a way to give back to the National September 11 Memorial & Museum at the World Trade Center on Fashion's Night Out '09 is Payless who will be selling a tote bag for $10 with the same NYC cityscape as seen on the above Fashion Night Out shirts. Look for it September 10th at 3 of their NYC stores: 716 Lexington Ave., 437 Fifth Ave. and 513 Broadway in Soho, along with 50 participating stores when all stay open late (until 11 p.m). (is it me or is that actually rather early for NYC standards?)

People magazine Style News finds ZOEtee’s LOVES Gwyneth Paltrow in, Gwyneth Paltrow's Clothing Line for Charity! piece highlighting the debut of Gwyneth's new collaboration with ZOEtee. A very small capsule collection comprised of jersey pieces (my pick: the all over studded top) will have 100% of proceeds donated to the charity Kids Company.

MRE Jewelry has created the Africa Fund Necklace, $74.00 (14k gold $325.), a dainty charm of Africa hangs on a simple chain. 100% of of proceeds will be donated to funds helping African causes including OneKid OneWorld.

When shopping at eBags be sure to keep a lookout for pink little ribbons next to certain bags. Bags with these little ribbons are park of the Pick Pink year round effort to fight breast cancer and will have 10% of the sale price donated to the Denver Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the cure.

Loeffler Randall has opened an e-commerce store which includes exclusives... even better from now until October 1st a portion of proceeds from all online orders will go to Living India, helping people and orphans with HIV/AIDS in India. For more information visit Randall's new blog.

Designers Against AIDS have created many more capsule collections in addition to the one with H&M featured in the past here at Gave That (which is still going strong). They now have an online store (based in the UK) found here and have also created a bedding line with Belgian Mistral Home Textiles and various artists. Look for them in Makro Stores in Belgium from September 9th 2009, 24,90€.

Do you know about a company or gift idea that gives back to a good cause? If so drop us a line here at gavethat@gmail.com or twitter it to us @gavethat so we can feature it in an upcoming post .

Giving Guitars : A Buyers Guide

Guest Editor post by DoctorM of the The New Eclectic Sound Experience

How to Buy a Gift Guitar

The gift of music is something that can last a lifetime. To make sure it does, when purchasing a guitar as a gift, especially for someone young, you'll want to make sure the instrument itself lasts a lifetime. Considering there are lutes that have survived the Dark Ages, we need to lose the concept of disposable offerings.

If you are looking to purchase a guitar for a woman, teen or anyone with a smaller frame and hands, consider a 3/4 sized guitar. During the 1800's, this size was actually quite the norm as they were called "parlor guitars". Look at the Kingston Trio and you'll see that they performed acoustically with smaller bodied guitars. The advantages of a 3/4 size is that the fretboard, being smaller in scale, is easier to fret. Wide spaces between frets can be very hard for young hands to reach making playing more difficult. You don't want to discourage them! Having an instrument that is proportionate to one's size can make the difference between rapid progress and giving up.



I recently purchased a 3/4 size guitar for myself even though I already own two full sized Dreadnoughts. Why? Well one thing is portability. My Little Martin LX1E came with a heavily padded but light gig bag. The instrument itself is very lightweight and easy to maneuver in the hospitals and nursing homes where I serve with a music ministry. Even more is this guitar does not react to heat and high humidity as do my full sized Martins. It sounds great acoustically but really shines with the built in pick up. This will give your young player several options. The smaller scale means it is easier to play and hold. The guitar's unique construction makes it a perfect travel guitar whether you are at a pool party or on the train. It can be played anywhere acoustically and does not require an amp. The on board Fishman pickup (see photo), will allow the player to plug into an amp if they want to play with others in a small band or on stage. The possibilities are endless and being street priced at about $400, you are getting a lot of full sized features! The Little Martin LX1E and LX1M has a solid spruce top and is manufactured in North America.


I've seen the "Chanel" guitar and would not recommend it for its size or type. First of all it is a Spanish styled guitar. This kind of guitar traditionally has a very wide neck, making it very difficult for medium to small hands to fret. Unless you are trying to be Estaban, replete with footstool, you'll want to pass this one by. If it is given as a gift, a young person is likely to try it, get discouraged and then leave the guitar to collect dust in the corner. Do you have $2,000.00 to put towards that result? Most teens would not give this guitar a second look.

"They give these guitars to those serving in the military over in Iraq, they're practically indestructible!" -Dr. M

What I did see is young people actually gravitating to the smaller bodied guitars. During Martin Owner's Club Day last month, I saw two teens playing and enjoying themselves on two Martin LX models. They picked these instruments out of all the others on display. This 3/4 size Little Martin LX comes in beautifully bright colors such as the purple (pictured), red and even black. The size, the colors, everything about this guitar says, "Play me, it'll be fun!" Not only that, these instruments sound great. They are not toys. They are made by the oldest guitar maker in the world and have the "Martin Sound" as do my full sized guitars only in a smaller package. So if you want to purchase a guitar as a gift, consider the Little Martins. They are well made and offer a lifetime of playing pleasure. For more information visit Martin Guitar online.

Follow @DoctorM on twitter and read her blog The New Eclectic Sound Experience.

For a tour I took of the Martin Guitar museum, factory where the above guitars are made and the gift shop click here.

Image: mam for Gave That

Lauren Wolf's Noir Seashore

Lauren Wolf is doing something incredible. Each piece has this nautical fusion of a darker nature. Seashell pendents shadowing brass knuckles. Stingray bracelets that look dangerous to wear. Bubbling rings of a prehistoric nature. For anyone who has grown up wedded to the shore this is something welcome because it's different. Cutesy gets old real fast. Sometimes you only want the bones... the remnants. TheSavvy is running a very short sample expose (through August 12th 09) but be sure to visit the artists website because it's never too early to start putting together your holiday shopping list.


Image: TheSavvy | Lauren Wolf | SSSense

Paddywax Candles : So Simple

REVIEW

As with most scented things and, candles especially, the likelihood of taking a whiff and having an immense recoil is high. I'm glad to say that with this little candle it was a slow mmmmmmmmm of satisfaction and relief. Lemony with a deeper mossy scent... lemongrass for sure but what else? Sharing it with others everyone was equally enchanted by its scent. It wasn't until it was burned, it's soft wax yummy enough to rub onto my hands, on the bottom it said it was created by Paddywax... of course!

What I actually had was one of PaddyWax's classic travel tin candles in Lemongrass & Green Tea (double swoon) and at $5. each they are a perfect just because gift or favor at parties. This scent in particular could be totally unisex with its musky undertones thanks to the green tea attributes. A larger version is also available, $11. along with ones in a simple glass votive.

Another offshoot that has even more incredible scents is their Eco line with hemp twine and soy based natural inks the scents that sounded like the perfect alternative to the ones I covered in the past (from such names as D.L. & Co., etc.) include Bergamot & Tobacco Flower, Cardamom & Tonka Bean and Coriander & Star Anise, each $18. A pittance compared to $50+ charged by others and best of all these have the throw and scent to pull off something rather magical.

Image: Paddywax

Sale : Elizabeth And James Jewelry by Robert Lee Morris at Gilt

What?: Robert Lee Morris for Elizabeth And James Jewelry Online Private Sample Sale
Where? Gilt Groupe October 8th 2009 starting at 12: EST

Robert Lee Morris' interpretations of snakes, crosses and daggers have made the Elizabeth And James line of jewelry a rare viral hit among celeb lines (along with, if you can believe it, Nicole Richie and Harlow 1960 which also contained some crave worthy and very wearable pieces). The unfinished quality and Old Roman relic vibe got them on my wish list. Now Gilt will be tossing a rare sample sale this Friday August 7th at 12: EST. Not a member? No worry, here is your invitation as Gilt is a private, invite only shopping destination. Gilt has been mum on what's going to be actually included but the past sample sale for Elizabeth And James (held there and elsewhere) I perused included the pieces I've put together above.

If you know a Mary Kate Ashley Olsen, I, Claudius &/or Cleopatra fanatic you've probably found your gift nirvana.

Looking for more luxe gift finds at up to 80% off? Check out our weekly roundup here.

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Give Twice : Kimmie Cares - Gap - Warriors In Pink

Kimmie Cares is an amazing line of dolls that help children learn about and cope with the effects and treatment of cancer. Especially breast cancer. Proceeds from the sale of these incredible dolls and book series funds the Partners for a Cure Foundation. These would be a wonderful donation to your local pediatric hospitals and a major give twice gift. Gave That gives major thumbs up!

Ford has created the Warriors In Pink line with 100% of net proceeds being donated to the Susan G. Korman for the Cure to breast cancer. Many coming to Gave That are on the search for an online source for the breast cancer woven scarf and their website, fordcares.com has it here for $38.00 each. Also find cute flip flops, tons of shirts, hats and even neckties benefiting the cause.

Yellow Bid Project (love these guys!) let me know about their latest charity shirt creation and collaboration. This time it's a wicked green number by Of Montreal to benefit Saint Jude's Hospital. $25 each.Yellow Bird Project, founded in 2006 by lifelong friends Matt Stotland and Casey Cohen, is devoted to bringing together the worlds of music, art and charity.

The recently launched NBC New York blog covers, Gap's Give and Get Deals where Gap is handing out coupons to people who sign up to give donations to the causes of their choice.

The Fabulous Giver blog has found ONEHOPE wines with each bottle helping causes such as AIDS and breast cancer. Also check out the latest charity T-shirt created by DKNY to aid various NYC based charities. Thank you so much for letting me know about your fantastic blog Karyn!

Macbeth Footwear and Green Day bassist Mike Dirnt have teamed up to create the "45 RPM" shoe (a kinda vamped up Converse All Star) with Dirnt's royalties being donated to Soles4Souls which aids people worldwide with the gift of shoes. The 45 RPM is sold at select Journey stores and online here, is $79.99 and comes in two styles. The Soles4Souls' site has other charitable finds as well including shirts and the latest news on collaborations.

MRE Jewelry has created the Africa Fund Necklace, $74.00 (14k gold $325.), a dainty charm of Africa hangs on a simple chain. 100% of of proceeds will be donated to funds helping African causes including OneKid OneWorld.

When shopping at eBags be sure to keep a lookout for pink little ribbons next to certain bags. Bags with these little ribbons are park of the Pick Pink year round effort to fight breast cancer and will have 10% of the sale price donated to the Denver Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the cure.

Loeffler Randall has opened an e-commerce store which includes exclusives... even better from now until October 1st a portion of proceeds from all online orders will go to Living India, helping people and orphans with HIV/AIDS in India. For more information visit Randall's new blog.

Do you know about a company or gift idea that gives back to a good cause? If so drop us a line here at gavethat@gmail.com or twitter it to us @gavethat so we can feature it in an upcoming post .

The Secret Language of Flowers

"Pink Roses stand for beauty..."

Some of my most cherished antique books are those devoted to the secret language of flowers. It's always been fascinating to think your little floral gifts could carry with them an added meaning. Above are an example of two of my books, The Floral Forget Me Not from 1854 and The Language of Flowers Birthday Gems from the old publishing house Ward, Lock & Co. Limited.

"...Yes, flowers have their own language. Theirs is an oratory, that speaks in perfume silence, and there is tenderness, and passion, and even a light-heartedness of mirth in the variegated beauty of their vocabulary." —The Floral Forget Me Not

The Floral Forget Me Not book plate Pansy & Sweet Pea (1854)

"A pansy stands for Entertainment & Feasting. A Sweet Pea, Delicate pleasure..."

"Water lilies stand for Eloquence..."

"Cactus means I'm Burning..."
Many romantic explanations have arisen from these Victorian books but it's pretty clear to collectors that these are decadent gift books and not necessarily put to any real use. Mine for example has a sweet, faint note on the title page, "from your affectionate cousin Elizabeth", perhaps showing a birthday gift destine to sit on a bedside table. Lovingly flipped through and bringing delicious dreams. In addition each book seems to have its own set of meanings so one would have to be rather synchronized to get the message across. Still, they seem truly relevant today and pretty exciting to find.
For more here is a short film I made on the Secret Language of Flowers:

Included are flower meanings gleaned from, The Floral Forget Me Not a gift for all seasons flower dictionary from 1854, Modern Alchemy Timeless perfume, and a D.L. & Co. Golden Poppy candle.

National Friendship Day with Yohji

Yohji Yamamoto Fall/Winter 2009 Show via Style.com

In 1935 National Friendship Day was created to fall on the first day of August. Who needs a day?! I say make it a year but it is nice to be reminded. This delicious picture from one of my favorite designer's, Yohji Yamamoto, and his latest Paris show seems to capture the meaning perfectly. Memo to self: buy everyone bright red gloves this holiday season. Hold hands often!

Image: Style.com