Give Twice: Michelle Roy - Apolis Activism - (FTBC)

Designer Michelle Roy has created two gifts that give back--one is the Angel Wings collection of shirts, $76. with a portion of proceeds benefiting Project Angel Food, which delivers free and nutritious meals to men, women, and children suffering from HIV/AIDS or other life threatening illnesses. The other is the Breast Cancer Bow collection, $72. with 20% of proceeds going to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

Over at h(y)r collective magazine check out their coverage of the latest tote bag by Apolis Activism who has teamed up with the Invisible Children’s cotton initiative. Set for release spring 2010.

Be sure to visit Saks 5th Ave this year for Fashion Targets Breast Cancer's latest collection including their classic blue bull's eye tee shirts designed by Ralph Lauren and other pieces including a handbag and charm bracelet designed by Stephen Dweck, Diane von Furstenberg, Lisa Jenks, and Betsey Johnson. Speaking of this collection if you head over to W Hotel's site (or mini stores) you'll find a Fashion Targets Breast Cancer necklace for $8.99, down from the original $60. price tag. Sadly I guess not much will go back to the cause but old stock does need to be moved and it's nice to show your support.

Once again Payless shoe stores have created a bracelet to bring both funds and awareness to Breast Cancer Awareness month (October), for only $2. proceeds will go to benefit Susan G. Kormen for the Cure.

Archipelago has created the Ribbons of Love Candle, $17.50 with a portion of proceeds being donated to The City of Hope. Also look for their Ribbons of Hope candles and home fragrance also benefiting breast cancer causes.

Editor note- many charitable organizations are reporting a drop in donations and funding yet an increase in need for their services. This of course should not come as any real surprise but a great way to try and counter this is to look into ways of combining your gift giving and giving back. Unfortunately, despite what some not-for-profits will tell you, one of the top gifts people did not appreciate receiving were donations made in their name, including those new charitable "gift cards". Unless someone specifically requests this you might want to steer clear. In order to make the gift more personal consider purchasing something a person could actually physically use or admire and have it give back. These types of gifts were well received. Be sure to look in our Give Twice section for tons of gift picks that give back to great causes and fit almost any budget.

Over the years many things, including giving, have become overly focused on monetary donations and lavish presents. As I wrote here, many are now starting to notice that giving comes in all forms and charity can also start at home or in your own community via your own two hands. Here are Gave That I really want to encourage tending and maintaining meaningful connections along with giving in all its forms... the aforementioned though, will always come first.

Image: Payless

Are You Happy? Well There You Have It

Just saw this on the automatism blog and had to share it here too because it is absolutely perfect... the Are You Happy? piece by Alex Koplin at blog.h34. Sadly it seems like all of the editions are spoken for but let's hope a reprint is done so other little grubby hands like mine can slap one up on the studio wall.
"I will leave it at the fact that the final form of this design is not important so much as the basic concept of always being empowered with one’s work– if you aren’t happy, you always, no matter what, have the power to change something." –Alex Koplin

Image: Alex Koplin at blog.h34

Hi : Low - Rachel Zoe vs Hollywood Intuition Tote

Quick... which is $22.99 and which is $122.00? Both are 100% PVC mind you. Both are also part of capsule collections and I couldn't help but notice how alike they were, making a perfect subject for a High - Low feature. The top pictured is the $122.00 model by Rachel Zoe (The North/South tote) for QVC which looks even more identical in its lighter "Natural" colored faux snakeskin version. The other is Jaye Hersh's $22.99 design for Hollywood Intuition (the Snake tote in Natural). I've seen and felt the Hollywood Intuition one in person and found it rather nice. All over snakeskin is always hard to pull off but its simple puffy shape, inspired perhaps by Devi Kroell, was perfect for quickly perking up ones fall and winter wardrobe. The glossy PVC mans little worry about ruinous rainy and snowy season which has now descended upon us Northerners. Plus it makes the perfect gift bag for holding a stash of goodies. The Hollywood Intuition bags flew out of stores but find them here on Amazon.

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My personal motto for giving well is to Give and Forget but here it is put so much more eloquently:
"When we give from our core being, when we give from love there are no expectations tied to the gift. Love doesn't require an audience to acknowledge that we gave of our self. Love does not expect a gift in return." —The Naked Soul

Host A Dinner Party at Home for Come + Together & Macy's Matches It

This is such a great idea and the perfect way to step back into another time... the past eras filled with chic little dinner parties held at peoples homes benefiting good causes. It was second nature and just done. So for day 2 of our Classic Remastered series here is how to hold your own charity fête with the benefit of having your efforts matched by Macy's latest launch, Come + Together - The Great American Dinner Party. Proceeds will go to Feeding America.

The premise is rather simple. Put together a little benefit dinner party for friends, loved ones and guests and collect donations. You then visit the Come + Together site and donate your funds where Macy's will match your donation, doubling it. Rinse and repeat if you like!

Tips On Holding A Stellar Charity Dinner At Home

Plan It Out: Most home charity dinners are much the same as any dinner party although making it feel worth your guests time and support will be even more pronounced and important. Planning ahead for issues such as if this will be a formal sit down (with place cards and so on) or a looser cocktail party will be key. This also needs to be expressed on your invitation cards along with any minimum donation. This way gusts can decide if they want to (or can) participate. The last thing anyone should feel is sprung upon once at the party because they were not clear it was a benefit type gathering.

Plan Your Menu &/or Drinks: Pull together what you're going to serve. This is where keeping things intimate and confined to close friends and relatives can pay off. Knowing what people like (or are restricted to eating) will help you create a spread delectable enough for everyone (or mixed drinks for cocktail parties suitable to everyone's tastes... for drink ideas visit our Mixology section).

For added inspiration grab a cookbook. On the Gilt Groupe blog Tory Burch mentioned she has been working through her advance copy of "Park Avenue Potluck Celebrations" with proceeds benefiting The Society of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, $35. (ships starting October 2009) for her dinner parties. There are a whole host of other new cookbooks that give back as well including "Thursdays With Mom & Michael" a daughter's (Anita Rosenberg) loving tribute to her mother's weekly dinner parties with 100% of proceeds going to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. For additional tips and recipes Martha Stewart has lent her dinner party advice and recipes for free over at the Come + Together site. [for more great charity cookbooks I found click here for my guide, Cooking for A Cause.]

Be Personal When Inviting Gusts: Call your gusts to invite them over the phone or send handwritten invitations being sure to use their name. Try to be as personal as possible so that people feel more motivated and connected in following through and coming to support your efforts. Places like Facebook are too easy to click away and say no to... people need to feel you're intimately involved so go that extra mile to reach out. Also make sure to tell potential gusts that this is a private benefit dinner and what your donation expectations are, if any. Leave no unpleasant surprises for people. Have people RSVP (or ask for "regrets only") and let them know if your party is a formal sit down or something more informal like a Bar-B-Q on the deck.

Brush Up On Your Hosting Skills: As mentioned above charity parties carry a tad more weight for giving people a good time so be sure to brush up on your host/hostess skills. A great book for this is, Town & Country Handbook for Hosts: A Practical Guide to Party Planning and Gracious Entertaining by Adam Bluestein. A lot will depend on who you have invited, how well and if they know one another and so on so you can facilitate mingling, gabbing, laughs and just plain fun. Make sure you're personally not too busy running around and getting things put together to talk and mingle with your own gusts. Especially those who might have come alone or are slightly shy.

Add In Some Extras: Consider giving out favor bags to gusts or create some games so that people can win a favor (this has often been a major highlight for parties... give it a try). Have board games for people to play or screen movies if you have a home theatre system set up. All night Hitchcock or campy films from the 60s are great. Just keep it light and non-depressing so people have a good time—not focusing on even more dire problems in life. Hire a DJ or get a friend to do it (you wouldn't believe the number of kids out there that can do this from their laptops!), have dancing or keep it low key (think swank NYC eateries... what do they play?) with Latin Jazz and World Beats. Just a little in the background for ambiance but not too much that it prevents people from talking to one another.

Tell Your Guests Thank You: In most dinner parties it's the host that gets all of the thank you cards but in this case each gusts should receive a grateful card of thanks for their support. Write it out and pop a stamp on it. This is also a good time to let them know once again where their donations went, more about the cause and who you hope will benefit from your collective kindness.

Do You Have To Hold It At Home? Not everyone lives in a home ready to host guests (especially if you live with a bunch of roommates)... but this shouldn't keep you from having your own dinner party. Consider having a bonfire picnic party on the beach, hold it at a restaurant or club (remember in these cases you will be expected, as the host, to cover everyone's tab) or look for another suitable venue (house of worship, friends home, rent a penthouse hotel room and have the Concierge send you up a bartender, etc.). Think outside of the box and make it happen.

Do you have any private charity dinner party advice to share? Tips or tweaks? If so leave them in the comments section below.

Image: Macy's

Trend : Pop Reading Glasses ? Eyebobs for the Heart

Trending alert? Maybe... it seems like everywhere you turn there is a piece about bold pops of color making reading glasses almost enviable. A little harder to loose? Wardrobe and facial pick-me-up? Yeah! A swank little just because gift? Double yeah! Browsing around I found this cute pair of red frames complete with swirling hearts on the arms by Eyebob. Named the Kimtastic, $75. after Kim Craft, a former member of the company who tragically and unexpectedly died of a heart attack at age 43, each one purchased will have 50% of proceeds donated to The Heart Truth, the National Institutes of Health and The American Heart Association.

Image: Eyebob

Give Twice : Six Scents Series 2 : Pro-Natura

They're back... the indi scent collaboration known as Six Scents takes on a more benevolent tone by giving back a portion of proceeds this time to Pro-Natura, an org tackling social, economic and environmental problems that face rural communities in the Developing World.

Founded by New York city based Joseph Quartana and Kaya Sorhaindo this editions line up of collaborative designers include: Toga (Whiskey Carmelise), Phillip Lim, Damir Doma (End / Anfang), Henry Holland, Henrik Vibskov (Solar Donkey Power) and Richard Nicoll (Nicoll 17). Look for these at Henri Bendel NY and online here for $85. each.

Image: Six Scents Series 2

Cooking for Causes : New Cookbooks for Charity

After Tory Burch mentioned the forthcoming book, Park Avenue Potluck Celebrations with proceeds benefiting The Society of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, I found that 2009 has marked the release of a number of mouthwatering tomes which give back. This includes the very apropos, Thrifty Kitchen - War Time Lessons for the Modern Cook which is pictured. For more great cookbooks and their causes keep reading >>

Image: Independent Age Org

Give Twice: Hussein Chalayan - Jones of NY - Lacoste

Paris bashed designer Hussein Chalayan has created the HOME animal tote, $70. in conjunction with the global warming movie of the same name by Yann Arthus-Bertrand. 100% will go to GoodPlanet. As seen in Elle and Dazed Digital.

LACOSTE has created a whole bundle of gifts worthy pieces that will bring awareness to breast cancer and give back to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Included are their classic beach towels (which are really rather nice and plush), $55. done in light pink along with a fragrance, $68. and flip flops, $33. Find them on lacoste.com starting October 1st. As seen in Elle.

Sophia Bush has teamed up with Jones of New York and whimsical illustrator Sujean Rim (of Daily Candy fame!) to create the sweet little Jones in the Classroom Tee, $20. sold at JNY.com and Macy's. Proceeds benefit TeachersCount, Fund for Teachers and Adopt-a-Classroom.

This October check out Crumbs for a special pink ribbon cupcake (they have darling pink ribbon sprinkles on them!) where a portion of proceeds from each one sold will go to the National Breast Cancer Coalition. And yes they do ship via the mail... all non-NYer's rejoice! As seen in Self magazine.

InStyle reports that Michelle Trachtenberg has designed a Botkier handbags for charity. Retailing for $545 at Botiker's site each bag will have a portion of proceeds going to Oxfam International.

Image: thecorner.com

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.

365 Days In One Dress - theuniformproject.com for the Akanksha Foundation

Today my October issue of body + soul came in the mail (this magazine has really stepped up its game in the last few issues, I highly recommend you check it out, especially if you like O) and featured in it is a fashion / style blog I had to share here too. Style blogs are guilty pleasure but this one has the benefit of actually helping someone other than just the blogger, viewers and the advertisers. Sheena Matheiken takes daily pictures of herself in her outfit of choice like a lot of other fashion bloggers but the major difference is she is always wearing the same dress designed by project co-founder Eliza Starbuck. It's actually hard to notice this because Sheena does such an incredible job of styling each look with various accessories.

The other change is she is doing this to raise funds for the Akanksha Foundation which helps children in India. Visit her site theuniformfoundation.com to make a donation and to keep up with Sheena's project. So far, according to her site, she has already raised $13,510! In addition to raising funds Sheena is exploring sustainability and questioning if constantly buying new clothing is really necessary. Love this Sheena!

Image: theuniformproject.com Sheena Matheiken

Le Cherche Midi This Fall

My nose is doing the Bewitched twitch... I think it got a tad overworked today between all the Le Cherche Midi's, Japanese Koh and Indian teas (more on those last two later). Do I complain? No! This is fantastic because I love, love smelling new things.

Despite popping into Le Cherche Midi's store on the island of Nantucket it just dawned on me that the candles and scents I now have are from the same company. The clever Casino Royal look of the fragrances (where each scent has but a color and number for its moniker) is in stark contrast to the homey Nantucket store* I encountered. Even further away are the origins of the perfume house—the Left Bank of Paris.

Something else curious is the way Le Cherche Midi offers each scent in various forms for the home and the skin. The real clincher is the lovely reusable wooden boxes that the scents come in and simple look of the candles themselves which can make them perfect for giving. After smelling their entire line here are my favorite picks, all of which are perfect for your Fall (Autumn!) and holiday rotation:

20: My immediate reaction was somber darkness, deeply masculine with just enough lemon to keep it from going too low. It's described as being a blend of Armoise, Bergamot, Lemon Zest, Black Pepper, Rose Water, Soft Cedarwood, Sandalwood, Dark Amber.

57 (an exclusive for Bergdorf Goodman): This is quintessential Christmas personified in scent! Green with enough spice to make it perfect for greeting guests on a cold winters fête. It includes notes of White Tea, Rhubarb Leaves, Pink Laurel, Cherry Blossom, Casablanca Lily, Cyclamen, Vetíver, Amber Crème, White Moss Vanilla.

CT | 01: (a collaboration with designers Costello Tagliapietra) Earthy and herbaceous with a glimmer of citrus tea... like a holiday pomander (despite it being likened by Le Cherche Midi as being on a summer beach). This would be perfect in the kitchen along with the hot mulled apple cider you're brewing. It's described as being a blend of Sicilian Bergamot, Sage, Lavender, Freesia, Mint, Oakmoss, Driftwood, White Amber, Sand Musk.

09: Can we say delicious real slow and drawn out? This scent in very moody and deep in a warm way with Tobacco, Leather and Vanilla mingling together for something very mens club. It's said to include Lemon Meringue, Lily of the Valley, Night Blooming Jasmine, Whipped Lavender Crème, Patchouli, Soft Amber, Sandalwood, Vanilla Absolute. This scent is thoroughly addicting.

Signature: This is one of the scents found in Le Cherche Midi's Nantucket store and while the packaging reflects more of the breezy, weathered nature of the island the scent is very much in keeping with all of their scents... very, very masculine and deep with musky woods. Incredible throw as well so I keep it in small doses (and, the sacrilege... mix it with lavender).

While these scents are not designated to either sex, I find them all to be very classic por homme, with most being even too masculine for me to wear. For the home it might be much the same except for the two citrus laden scents I mentioned above. These also might be a tad hard to give as they really need to be sniffed individually unlike Jonathan Adler's Muse candles for instance which I've found pretty universally loved scent wise. Le Cherche Midi are much more complex and heavy on the woods which is why I'm saving them for when the temperature really drops. From $50. to $39.

Image: Le Cherche Midi

Editor note: Nathan Motylinski, owner of Le Cherche Midi, personally let me know that the Nantucket store is a separate entity now hence the contrast in aesthetics. Nathan Motylinski and Alex Mehfar re-branded Le Cherche Midi in 2006 into what it is today. For more on this see the great piece / video by Candles Off Main TV.

Also Read:
- Even More Candles For Our Guys
- Are You Giving Candles with Lead In Them?
- Review: Paddywax Candles

Give Twice: Dressbarn - O Magazine Bracelets - emi-jay.com

All I can say is incredible!... have you seen these O Magazine bracelets called "Margaret"? (pictured above) Each is $50 and seems to be from a past collection helping the Umoja women. These are so incredibly captivating and futuristic. Runway worthy wouldn't you say? Well O has just released a new collection of colorful bracelets which are sold at Macy's online, see O Magazine Bracelets-$45 to $35, which help women artisans not only in Rwanda Africa but in New Orleans as well. Be sure to read the article Sister Street by Liz Brody in the October issue of O magazine for the full details on this special collaboration.

Meanwhile Dressbarn has created a cute little toy dog which you can adopt at your local store for $5. called Biscuit. Kicking off Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October, every little Biscuit you adopt will give back to the American Cancer Society.

Another feature in O Magazine was the cute creation of two 14 year old girls called EmiJay. A line of little hair ties that double as friendship bracelets, $13 each which are hand-dyed and created by Emily Matson (Emi) and Julianne Goldmark (Jay) in Los Angeles CA. 20% from each one sold is given to Locks of Love. You guys are amazing! As seen in O Magazine.

If you dig pink (or know someone who does) and need a heart rate meter check out the Mio Motiva, $100. which gives back a portion of proceeds to the cause Susan G. Komen for the Cure. As seen in Fitness magazine.

The quirky yet uber cool Have a Heart collection by Brooklyn artist Margaux Lange, created out of doll parts, will donate $5. from each sale of that specific collection to Susan G. Komen Foundation to help find a cure for breast cancer. As seen in Time Out New York.

Image: Amazon.com

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.

YAZBUKEY Gift Box Purse

Remember those little patent leather gift bow broaches featured here last September by the gorgeous Yazbukey sisters? Well they seem to be on the same kick because now they have stuck those broaches on top of little glossy boxes, added a strap and the gift box purse was born. Seems like a rather swank alternative to the Tiffany blue box for housing something extremely special. Otherwise the $200.+ price tag might be a tad steep for something literally plastic. It's obviously the thought that counts.

Image: WorkStore apparel_art

Love Rachel Roy Necklace

Personally, I'd love this (the necklace, sans the dress). A new arrival at Rachel Roy, the Worn Gold Love Necklace, $50. spells it out neon style. Also check out my second love, the delicious Hematite Spike Necklace, $85. Over and out.

Image: Rachel Roy

Give Twice: Marimekko for AVON - Give and Take - Gamillah Altru

The cult favorite Marimekko® has teamed up with AVON this October for Breast Cancer Awareness Month with the Crusade Tote, $10. Done in Marimekko's classic Unikko print each bright bag gives 100% of net profits to the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade. [UPDATE 05/22/2011: it appears Avon is no longer offering this bag for sale]

Give and Take Tees is a new website featuring soft, vintage looking tee shirts with a message and cause to back each one up! Give and Take says their mission is to create collections, "[that] stimulates social consumerism". Check out their GIVE AND TAKE: IT'S COOL TO CARE pink shirt, $48. at trendy Kitson and other pieces at Barney's NY. 20% of proceeds are donated to the cause attached to each shirt. As seen in Marie Claire.

Gamillah has created the Altru (‘al tru) collection of candles with a portion of proceeds being donated to the In a Perfect World Foundation: "a non-profit organization that aims to inspire and empower children to become compassionate, socially conscious, and responsible leaders." Said to be a favorite of model Chanel Iman, each candle retails for around $48. with diffusers for about $65. As seen in Marie Claire.

This October look for Voluspa candles and diffusers in the scent Pink Panjore Lychee which will give back 20% each to the breast cancer cause Young Survival Coalition. $29. to $48. each. As seen in Better Homes and Gardens.

Tory Burch over at the Gilt Groupe blog shared two great give twice finds... the first being the cookbook, "Park Avenue Potluck Celebrations" with proceeds benefiting The Society of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, $35. (ships starting October 2009).

The other is a rug that Tory Burch created that is perfect for October's Breast Cancer Awareness Month. For Fashion Underfoot and the CFDA’s Fashion Targets Breast Cancer initiative Tory has created a rug based on one of her classic tunic designs and while it isn't specifically mentioned in the piece at the Gilt Groupe blog I'm guessing this will be part of a new Elson & Company collaboration. Along with Tory Burch other designers have jumped on board as well including Thakoon and Peter Som. (for more including a fab match up to rugs and the designers runway inspiration visit the blog Matters of Style)

At the moment the above designers pieces do not seem to be available for sale yet but if you visit the current Fashion Underfoot collection at Elson & Company you will find vibrant rugs by such designers as Robert Lee Morris, Carolina Herrera, Narcisco Rodriguez and others with 10% from each rug sale going to the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund and the Council of Fashion Designers of America's Fashion Targets Breast Cancer initiative.

Another collection to look for this October is Donatella Versace's Versace Art Unites tote to be sold at Versace boutiques and online only at Gilt Groupe, for around $200. 100% of proceeds from each tote will go to the One Foundation and Starlight Children's Foundation. Each bag's whimsical designs were created by children from Starlight. As seen in W magazine.

The Young Survival Coalition has put together their 2009 collaboration list benefiting their cause... included on their list are numerous give twice worthy gift ideas such as: Oakley sunglasses, Mikimoto pearls, Lauren Merkin passport holders, classic Nahui Ollin bags and Robyn Rhodes necklaces. Get the full scoop here.

Image: Avon

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.

Men - The Best Online Sample Sale Sites for You

A barrage of questions have flooded in of late about where a gent can find a steal? Namely, are there secret sample sale sites that offer delectable steals for men? Yea! Do women only get to have all the fun? The answer is a baritone NO! You guys can get into the action too. There are actually some major finds online but some sites are better than others and some are not worth joining at all. I'll let you in on which is which and also toss you some invitations so you can start shopping right away... huzzah!

First, what are online sample sales? Sample sales, usually hidden away in NYC or CA, have long been the secret of well dressed types in the editorial business where luxury designer pieces were discretely cleared out for up to 90% off. Not surprisingly this caused scuffling, shoving, snatching, empty-handedness... you get the sad picture. Now all that has moved online! Still hovering under the radar and needing speakeasy like passwords to get you in, online sample sale sites have become the new ebay. Think of them like a bespoke WOOT. For more info on how to master shopping these sites, check out my Top Ten Tips to Scoring Deals, otherwise just join in the fray below. For those of you in CANADA, click here.

The Best Sites To Join & Stalk

• Beyond The Rack - Use code: NMM2B08655B in the invite box "Open to Canadians, International and US buyers, this invitation only site features smaller boutique offerings and designers with more established names such as Gucci and Ed Hardy channeling an urban edge. Mostly apparel (especially jeans), sunglasses, graphic tee's and sneakers with a few pieces of leather luggage and bags tossed in from time to time. Note: Orders have been taking 3 weeks or more to arrive to the US." [ Click here to join]

• RueLaLa - "One of the more popular sample sale sites, items sell out super fast and offerings are mostly in the apparel and timepiece category although luxury retreat and spa packages have shown up as well. Think sportswear, outerwear, jeans and accessories such as leather gloves and luggage." [ Click here to join ]

• Haute Look "This site is one of the most popular and features a small number of offerings each week for men, mostly apparel and watches by exclusive designers mixed with boutique gems. Things sell out fast so you really have to jump on offerings when they open. Their blow out sales are incredible. Sign up through our sponsor link and get a $10 credit. [Click here to join]"

• Urbanbloke: "Devoted to men and with an urban edge this new private sample sales site aims to bring everything from hats and sunglasses to suits and gadgets. Offerings so far have included Ben Sherman, Alara and K. Kurtz." [Click here to join]

• The Top Secret - ( use code: gavethat ) "Offerings have been mostly confined to apparel (predominantly jeans) with about one offering for guys each week. Around 50% being the average discount, things seem slow to sell out. Their new addictive pick of the day feature can be a good steal at up to 80% off" [Click here to sign up]

• Jack Threads: (New beta urban meanswear sample sale site) "Catering to men this invite-only site offers around 60% discounts on urban and skate geared wear including shoes and sunglasses by such names as Pro-Keds, Gravis and RockSmith." [Click here to join]

• PLNDR - (after your first purchase, get a $15 credit) "A new sample sale flash site from the same people that bring you Karmaloop, PLNDR pronounced "plunder" has an urban, high street edge. Mostly clothing and shoes geared at men with names like Ludwig, Rebel8, alife, Sam Edelman. Flat $3.95 S&H." [Click here to join]

• Luxury Hut: (use invite code MIC-A121B42B-21425) "Find names such as Hugo Boss, Ermenegildo Zegna, D&G, Porshe Design, Chrome Hearts along with things for a pad". [Click here to join]

• Editors Closet - "One that has been around for a while now, Editor's Closet offers a nice mix of high end clothing, watches and accessories for men including the names John Galliano, Bvlgari & more. " [Click here to join]

• Kingdom 59 - "Devoted to golf this private sample sale site caters mostly to men with clothing and golfing equipment. Brands featured have included adidas, Fourteen, Callaway, TaylorMade, Dunning, Puma, Adams & Nike." [click here to join ]

• The Foundary - "Catering to your pad this site runs a number of decor sales each week including everything from luxe pet beds by Molly Mutt to fine cigar humidors with brands including Le Creuset, Balboa Baby, Kitchenaid & more." [Click here to join]

• Bulx - "The private members only sample sale devoted to improving your pad with luxury home improvements to install and decor at up to 75% off." [click here to join]

• Biva -"This private invitation shopping site has luxury sunglasses and clothing but what is more interesting is its constant rotation of scents for you guys at flash sale prices. Recent offerings have included Burberry, Escada, and Issey Miyake." [Click here to join]

• The Clymb - "Geared towards men and the great outdoors find outdoor gear, electronics such as headphones and more at deep private sale discounts." [Click here to join]

• Fab.com "A brand new and must join exclusive invitation only destination with edgy rotating boutiques to line your pad and keep gifts on hand. Find luggage to watches to home decor featuring the latest in modern design." [Click here to get in]

• Shop Like Kings -"Brand new mens urban sample sale site featuring weekly boutique of threads by names such as Elm and Empire state. Ships to the US, Canada and Internationally." [click here to join Shop Like Kings]

• Modnique - "Huge rotating selection of offerings each day with emphasis on jewelry, trendy high street clothing and watches by such names as Gucci, Versace, Marco Max and more. Free S&H in the US, $4.99 world wide which is decently quick. " [Click to join]

• Gilt.com (Gilt Man) " High end designers mixed with newer brands daily with watches, ties, suits, clothing and accessories offered. One of the largest revolving sample sale offerings sites devoted to guys."

• MYHABIT "The latest private online sample sale site to debut, MYHABIT is owned and run by Amazon.com making it possible to use any Amazon gift cards and balances to pay your bill. With an area devoted to men the offerings are rather decent at up to 70% off on luxury designers. Free S&H both ways." [Click here to join MYHABIT or use your Amazon account info.]

• LeftLine Sports "As the name implies this is a new site selling sporting gear at up to 70% off and they provide international shipping. Names have included Puma, Salomon, Dragon sunglasses, Fila, Sugoi, Sierra Designs, Zoic and caters to hiking, surfing, biking and runners. Even better use our link and get a $10 credit to spend at the site!" [Click here to join]

• Shoe Buy Private Sales "While it's called Shoe Buy it actually has a whole lot more than just shoes including ski gear and winter coats, men's watches, things for the home along with slippers and fine leather shoes with new boutiques daily at up to 90% off. Use this special perks invitation link and get a $10 credit added to your account." [Click here to join]

This guide has been put together with personal shopping in mind... scoring that look at up to 80% off that the guy next to you paid full price for. Or if you're shopping for your guy. On the other hand if you're looking for pieces to liven up your pad (home decor), wedding/hostess gifts or gift ideas of a handbag-ish or diamond nature check out my full guide to these sites and what they can offer and for a quick list complete with invitations click here. You'll want to bookmark it for sure! Also see my daily calender of online sample sale events at samplesalecrush.com.

Image: Gilt Groupe

SPECIAL PROMOTION GUIDE

Working Class Studio (SCAD) re-gift

This is something I really want to share... such a simple yet ingenious idea by Working Class Studio (based at the Savannah College of Art & Design). The "re-gift" series is a fusion of a classic gift bag (of the paper or plastic nature) with eco-chic reusable tote bags. As you can see by the images you have bold all over patterns and a little tag like a classic gift bag —that many try to reuse anyway— but with decently long handles and fabric construction. As some might gather from this blog I'm rather tote-centric and this year I have been using vibrant tote bags as gift wrap. Something about all that ripping, balling and trashing of pretty papers just is not sitting well with me at the moment. On the other hand, seeing people using the totes long after the gifts were given is incredibly satisfying.

The Working Class Studio re-gift bags range in price from around $13. to $5. each and there are a bunch on sale at Modern Furniture. Along with the classic gift swag bag style you can also find wine bags and gift box designs that negate the need for wrapping skills.

Image: Working Class Studios | Modern Furniture

Saucy Sacks Wine Bags

Good thing I wasn't drinking anything, especially red win(!), when I stumbled on these hilarious hand screen printed paper wine bags from Hollywood based Saucy Sacks. What caught my attention on the spot was the clean, boldness of the typography and classic wine bag shape but close up, the sayings were the clincher. You have to love the artists statement on how these gift bags came to be: "I love having a little fun in a category that typically takes itself way too seriously. Wine snobs be gone. Time to get saucy instead." Your choice of 5 designs/bags for $15 at etsy.

Image: Saucy Sacks

Cinemascope Gift Bows by Undone Clothing Company

Is this delicious or what? No, I'm not talking about the popcorn but Undone Clothing Company's handmade Cinemascope Gift Bow's. Talk about nostalgic yet futuristic and as the example shows this would be perfect for movie bashes, attaching to DVD cases or a little pack of Sofia champagne. Get a set of 3 for $7.00. Also check out Undone Clothing Company's other offerings including a really cool upcycled BBQ mitt fashioned out of an old canvas lead shot bag and their woven (Nahui Ollin style) tape measure coin purses.

Image: Undone Clothing Company

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For more fun of a Gave That nature please check us out and add us on our new and improved Facebook page where you can upload your own pictures, tips and news about giving well plus find out about updates, happenings, events and more. Also find my tweets on twitter with a twitpic tossed in every once in a while, tweet your tips back @gavethat and see tons of inspirational pictures at our flickr hub. Have a picture to share? Be our muse and upload it for all to see.
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Hi : Low - Miu Miu vs. Free People Studded Drawstring Bags

So the little drawstring bag has made its way back but they still feel a tad too grandma... probably because so many grandmas refuse to hand theirs over. To clearly remedy this an over profusion of studs have now been applied to many of these bags which equals two things. For the right now it = adoration but in a few months (or a year if the trend can hobble that long) how will it look? Smashed at the bottom of ones closet. People are clearly trying to avoid giving things like that now. When I saw Free Peoples latest bag offerings I was surprised by the price. The above Studded Side Sling Bag is $48. Now it isn't real leather but it looks pretty authentic and all that stud work makes it look pricier. It's also uber overexsposed so a lasting factor will be less necessary. Note how much it looks like the $700. plus Miu Miu bag. Stuff the strap inside and you have an edgy date night clutch that you will not feel too bad spilling beer all over. For another version I really like check out the Denim and Chain Pouch, for $32. also at Free People. Nice job guys!

Give Twice: Payless - Swarovski - Stephen Webster

Why give once when you can give twice? Here are a few of our latest gift picks that have the added benefit of giving back to charity:

Payless shoe stores has released two new ways to give back while snagging a great just because gift. First is an earthy reusable tote bag in cocoa and green for ferns for $1.99. $1. from each bag sold will go to the Nature Conservancy's Plant a Billion Trees campaign.

The second is a little Trilogy necklace for Hispanic Heritage Month with "Dream," "Believe" and "Inspire" in English on one side and in Spanish on the other for $4.00. A portion of proceeds will go to the Hispanic Scholarship Fund.

Swarovski has teamed up with Charity : Water to create the Divine Rock Light Necklace for $88.00 with 100% of proceeds going to the charity aimed at bringing clean water. As seen in Make Luxury Count, a really great spot filled with give twice gift ideas.

Move over Steve McQueen, Stephen Webster might be the new "it" ring designer with his hybrid insect looking pieces, £50 created to benefit Malaria No More--the Malaria Awareness Campaign. Find them online at ASOS.com this October. As seen in InStyle magazine UK.

Yellow Bird Project has just released the The Indie Rock Coloring Book, $9,95 where you can color in the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Devendra Banhart and others by artist Andy J. Miller. Perfect for leaving on the coffee table during those little fetes (just add markers).

Image: Payless

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 .

Our Fashion's Night Out Gives Back Guide

If you're like many people who find themselves left off NYC's fashion show guest list you can still raid the events this September 10th as part of Fashion's Night Out. An event where numerous stores in the area stay open late (11 PM) and provide interesting meet & greets, special events and drinks galore, the only problem might be how to schedule it all. Here I wanted to provide a guide for those looking for something a tad deeper (or at the very least a little less guilty). Namely shopping for a cause and giving back to charity. Here are some events you'll want to hit up: >> Keep Reading

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Catherine Martin Papers at Anthropologie

Took a quick snapshot of this gorgeous wallpaper by Australian designer Catherine Martin--a new exclusive of Anthropologie which has to make us Americans insanely happy. Be sure to check out the decent pictures online right at the source including her Ebony Lace and delicious, lush Cranesbill Castle designs. The thing is these would never go up on my walls. I'm thinking wooden hat boxes decoupaged in these or incredibly special gifts bundled up tightly. $198. - $145. a roll maybe that isn't the most feasible but one can daydream. One can also scrounge around for vintage rolls of wallpaper which these greatly resemble as well. Merci Anthropologie!

Image: MAM for GaveThat.com via Anthropologie catalog

Give Twice: GLAMOUR Fashion Gives Back Tote at Bloomingdales

Bloomingdale's and Glamour magazine have teamed up with 6 designers for yet another collection of the Fashion Gives Back tote for $35.00. Bensoni, Alejandro Ingelmo, Lorick, Pamela Love, Brian Reyes and Jason Wu have lent their designs with 100% of proceeds going to Dress for Success Worldwide. I'll take a Jason Wu and Pamela Love please. All are found only at Bloomingdale's NY and at their website for a limited time.


Image: Bloomingdale's | Gave That Digital Studio