October is just around the corner and with it, we’re reminded of all heroic women who have battled, or are still battling with breast cancer. In honor of October and Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Accessories Council partnered with The Breast Cancer Research Foundation to present the 2011 Pink Picks, a selection of accessories and beauty products that have “gone pink” or are dedicating a portion of proceeds to the BCRF mission.
Held in the sleek space of Marchon Eyewear Showroom overlooking Bryant Park in New York City, the Pink Picks event was hosted by The Accessories Council President, Karen Giberson, the Mistress of Ceremonies for the evening, The Accessories Council’s Anne Agoren and the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Esteemed bloggers and members of the media were invited to hear about each of this year’s 13 Pink Pick products in order to get the word out about the campaign’s crucial cause – raising breast cancer awareness and providing funding toward research for a cure.
The products ranged from Esselte Folders to Estee Lauder products, Kenneth Jay Lane jewelry to a Mundi Westport Wallet, and even a bright pink Chicbuds keychain speaker. Each product was unique in that a significant portion of the proceeds would benefit the BCRF, which has raised over $330 million to date, in order to advance breast cancer research. We picked out a few of our Pink Pick favorites, all of which are available now and for a limited time.
Designer Alex Woo made a guest appearance to the Pink Picks event herself, explaining why the cause is so personally meaningful to her. “My mom passed away from Breast Cancer when I was 16, and since then, I have been a strong supporter of the cause. I have worked with multiple charities including the Womens Cancer Research Fund, the American Cancer Society, BCRF, and collaborated on a piece with Christina Applegate and raised over $20,000 for her Breast Cancer foundation – Right Action For Women.”
How she joins the fight against breast cancer? “Every year, I organize a team and do the Central Park Strides Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk. In preparation for the event, I make a new custom designed t-shirt for the team, and also sell them, with a percentage of the profits to benefit the walk. It’s a great event, as you see survivors, supporters and lots of friends. I’m proud to say that this year will be my 9th year! The Alex Woo Pink Ribbon Pink Cord Bracelet is $78.00 and available at alexwoo.com
In support of Breast Cancer Research Foundation, AK Anne Klein has created this limited edition watch. The pink, enamel bezel features hardware details on an oversized, silvertone case. Bold glittering numerals and hour markers indicate the time against a white dial. The sport-inspired style continues with a silvertone link bracelet. The bracelet self-adjusts with a
removable extender and secures with a jewelry clasp. Water resistant to 100ft. The Anne Klein Limited Edition Breast Cancer Research Foundation Watch retails for $65.00 and is available until October 31 at Macy’s and Lord & Taylor stores as well as on macys.com and anneklein.com.
Elizabeth Hurley has become a well known and publicized advocate for the fight against breast cancer (stay tuned for our coverage of her live streamed Q&A session with Estee Lauder to kick off the 2011 Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign), so it was no surprise that her Elizabeth Hurley Pink Ribbon Collection Pure Color Lipstick would make it into the Picks. The Estee Lauder company has also been a staunch supporter of the BCRF and this year created pink products for several of their companies, including Bumble & Bumble and Aveda.
Featuring Pure Color Lipstick in Wildly Pink, hand-picked by Evelyn Lauder, and an accessory bag, the Pure Color Lipstick looks and feels so incredible, it leaves lips wanting more. Its True VisionTM technology takes ordinary color and makes it extraordinary. In a satin, lasting creme finish. Estée Lauder will donate 20% of the suggested retail price of each Evelyn Lauder Pink Ribbon Collection sold to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. The Elizabeth Hurley Pink Ribbon Collection Pure Color Lipstick by Estee Lauder retails for $24.00 and is available until December 31 at Estee Lauder counters and on esteelauder.com.
Accessories and handbag designer Thale Blanc also made an appearance at the Pink Picks presentation. She featured her “La Pouchette”, a slim and easy little carrying case designed for women on the go. “La Pouchette” holds all the everyday essentials, such as cell phone and credit cards, tucked in a chic little bag. Her exclusive pink version retails for $250.00, with $50.00 of the proceeds going to benefit the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. “La Pouchette” is currently available on www.thaleblanc.com
No one spells out decadent, opulent beauty like La Mer. The European skincare and beauty brand created it’s ultra- luxe The Lip Balm to add to the 2011 pink product lineup. The Lip Balm takes its exceptional strength to treat skin’s most delicate area by blending a highly potent concentration of the nutrient-rich broth found in Crème de la Mer and incorporating this with a Lip Lipid Complex, Marine Anti-Freeze Protein, and Mint and Mineral Complex. This luxuriant, soothing, comforting balm more than lives up to its promise and its heritage, working on contact to soften roughness and relieve dryness. La Mer will be donating $10 from each limited-edition Pink Ribbon Lip Balm sold during the month of October to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. The Lip Balm retails for 45.00 and can be found at www.lamer.com, as well as Bergdorf Goodman, and select Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdale’s and Saks stores.
Our final fave Pink Pick comes compliments of Lacoste, whose Pink Croc sunglasses can’t help but give us a “rose-colored glasses” kind of attitude about the future! The bright pink frames from Marchon will benefit the BCRF, with only 500 pairs available for purchase! The Lacoste Pink Croc sunglasses retail for $150.00 and are available at select optical shops while supplies last. To locate store locations by phone, please call 800.544.1336.
For the full lineup of Shop Pink 2011 products that will benefit the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, which range from games to gifts to food to sports. visit bcrfcure.org. Do a little pink-tinged shopping this month and help the Breast Cancer Research Foundation get that much closer to a cure.
Special thanks to the Accessories Council, all the product suppliers and the Breast Cancer Research Foundation for hosting such an inspiring event!
-Alia Rajput
Photo Source: Second City Style, The Accessories Council
