Support breast cancer research with these buys

For many, shopping is an American pastime, but it's the spending part that leaves us with pangs of guilt. What if every time you bought something, you were making an investment? With October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month, many manufacturers are donating a portion of their proceeds to a cure. Elaine D'Farley, Self magazine's beauty director, offers a preview of some of the products.

Housewares

Dyson vacuum
Dyson DC07 Pink: A limited-edition vacuum, using Dyson’s patented cyclone technology and doesn't lose suction. Picks up across all floor types and has incredible suction power, $399.99.

Where to find and when? Available exclusively at Target stores nationwide. Available late September 2006, onward.
Proceeds: $40 of each vacuum sold is donated to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF).

Rowenta iron
Rowenta Pink Iron (model # DZ5065): The brand new professional iron by Rowenta has 400 microsteam holes, a 3-way auto off, a self-clean feature and anti-drip feature, $80.

Where to buy it? Various housewares retails like Linen's 'n Things, Bed, Bath & Beyond, and amazon.com. Visit www.rowentausa-ironforpink.com for full list of retailers.
When to buy it? Available now and throughout October for Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Proceeds: 100% of the profits will be donated to BCRF.

Conde Nast

Fashion

T-shirt
Warriors in Pink (powered by Ford) Pink Baby Doll Tee: This pink baby doll tee that features Warrior heads, comprised of symbols of strength, love, life and remembrance. Part of a larger Warrior line of apparel and accessories for men, women and children that feature bold symbols that embody the Warrior credo of taking charge, living out loud, harnessing power and standing together, $20.

Where to find and when? Sold at www.fordcares.com, 365 days of the year. This style will be available throughout the year.
Proceeds: 100% of net proceeds go to Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. 

Awareness bras
Wacoal Bra: In leopard or light pink, the bras are from the Wacoal Awareness Collection. Each bra comes with an instruction card telling how to conduct a self exam as well as a ribbon printed or sewn onto the back of the bra, $50.

Where to find and when? Find at nationwide “Fit for the Cure” events throughout the year at Nordstrom stores and at Nordstrom.com.
Proceeds: Wacoal is conducting complimentary fittings at “Fit for the Cure” events and will donate $2 every time someone gets fitted. Also, for each bra purchased, $2 goes to Susan G. Komen.

Fab flats
Etienne Aigner Pink Flats: Monogrammed slip-on flats in pale pink, $34.50 through the QVC “FFANY Shoes on Sale” (retail: $64.50). 

Where to find and when? October 18 during the QVC breast cancer awareness sale; www.QVC.com or 800-345-1515.
Proceeds: Net proceeds go to the beneficiaries of “Fashion Footwear Association of New York (FFANY),” which supports breast cancer research and education programs. (QVC is selling assorted brands at half price and donating the net proceeds.)

Sparkling sweater
Cashmere Crewneck with Crystal Pink Pony: The sweater will be available starting in October; Pink Pony product is available year round, $498.

About Pink Pony: The Pink Pony Fund supports programs for early diagnosis, patient education, treatment and research and is dedicated to bringing patient navigation and excellence in cancer care to medically underserved communities. Ten percent of the sales of all Pink Pony products will benefit the Pink Pony Fund of the Polo Ralph Lauren Foundation. Pink Pony is sold at Polo.com and select Ralph Lauren stores.

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