As Breast Cancer Awareness Month continues, I want to focus on one of the most joyful aspects of how the community celebrates and supports raising funds for research and educating the public: fashion.
It’s been decades since the first pink ribbon for breast cancer awareness came along under the Susan G. Komen Foundation in 1991. And since then, the pink ribbon has become an almost ubiquitous symbol of the campaign for breast cancer awareness, and is found all over pink merchandise — some of which very legitimately puts proceeds toward breast cancer research, while some other products have been accused of using it as a marketing tool while actually giving little toward the cause.
I’m recommending products that I not only love in their own right, but that also give a decent amount, so your dollars actually make a difference.
One current partnership I love beyond measure — because 100% of the proceeds are donated and it’s a gorgeous piece that’s absolutely sustainable — is Apaya’s Pink Anastasia bag ($300 on apaya.org). The stunner is woven of Iraca Palm, festooned with pink flower appliqué details, and yes, a full 100% of the proceeds throughout October go to Susan G. Komen.
ChappyWrap’s partnered with the American Cancer Society and created a specially curated collection of cozy and warm blanket designs ($135 on chappywrap.com), including a beautiful “Ribbon of Courage Blanket” and a “Garden of Hope Blanket.” The company matched donations to the American Cancer Society, and from now through the end of the month, they’re offering complimentary embroidery.
This month at Gretta Luxe, my boutique in Wellesley, we’ve got a lot going on for the cause. We did a donation event earlier this month to kick things off, and are accepting clothing donations throughout the month to go to Cancer Cartel (cancercartel.org), a wonderful group that provides financial resources and relief to those undergoing cancer treatment — from gas money to groceries. So bring your lightly loved luxury items in and you’ll receive 20% toward new-for-fall arrivals.
We’re also donating portions of our sales to the Ellie Fund (elliefund.org), which provides all kinds of support services to breast cancer patients in treatment living or receiving treatment in Massachusetts. (And what they provide is essential — things like grocery gift cards, meal delivery, transportation, gas cards, childcare reimbursement, and integrative therapies.)
And I love the clothes we’ve picked out for the cause — fantastic pieces like the Isabel Marant Étoile Top ($385 on gretta.co), dotted with delicate pink florals and a pretty twist front, and the gorgeous and ruffled Simona dress by Ulla Johnson ($570 on gretta.co). Some pieces are on sale, too — like the Gracelynn Silk Dress by Veronica Beard ($119.60 on gretta.co), which is a steal at 80% off its original price.
Ready to put your best feet forward in fighting for the cause? Birkenstock has joined forces with celebrity stylist Leslie Fremar to design the limited-edition velvety pink Arizona ($110 on birkenstock.com) in a pretty petal pink, and is donating 20% of its sales to the National Breast Cancer Foundation.
Anyone who knows and loves Sea Bags will no doubt also love the launched of their 17th annual “Cure” Collection — three designs emblazoned with fuchsia anchors against Breton stripes. I’m especially partial to the Cure Breton Stripe and Fuchsia Anchor Tote ($160 on seabags.com). And now through the end of the year, 20% of all purchase sales from the collection will go back to Maine Cancer Foundation’s efforts in the areas of prevention, early detection, and access to care.
