High Fashion, Low Maintenance: Shop for a Good Cause

Our style mantra: Fashion and beauty are for everyone, no matter how busy your schedule or how small your budget may be. We represent the fashionista who has places to go, people to see, or just likes to sleep in a few extra hours. There’s no reason to run to class in sweats and unblushed cheeks when glamour can be achieved with just a little extra effort. Check here as Chelsea unveils quick tricks and perfect products that can update your look in a hot second, without breaking your budget.

The latest news about Real DC Housewife and famed party crasher Michaele Salahi’s plans to auction off her infamous red sari to benefit victims of the Haitian earthquake and people with multiple sclerosis, got me wondering. No, not about what other shameless ways this woman can forcibly shove her way into the news, but about where one could shop with some heat from companies that donate proceeds to charity.

These options below are examples of how you can do a little shopping and a lot of good at the same time. This is also a great way to find the perfect gift for your do-gooder friend.

The voice of Gossip Girl herself, Kristen Bell designed her own shoe to raise funds for the Art of Elysium organization. Her nude, gladiator-inspired sandals will be available at ShoeDazzle.com on August 9. Bell met with children at Shriners Hospital in Los Angeles decorating shoes before meeting with ShoeDazzle’s stylists to create her very own design. The Art of Elysium is an organization that encourages celebrities to lend their time and talent to children battling serious medical condition.

Alice + Olivia partnered up with the Children’s Defense Fund to sell its Awesome Charity Tee. One hundred percent of profits from the tee shirt sales are donated to the CDF, aiding in their efforts to lift children from poverty and abuse.

MAC cosmetics launched their own MAC AIDS Fund to help those inflicted by AIDS/HIV throughout the world. Every cent of the sale of MAC VIVA GLAM lipstick and lip glass is donated to the fund. The current campaign is headed by Lady Gaga and Cyndi Lauper and features colors inspired by the two pop stars.

International superstar, Shakira is one busy woman, but not too busy to create her own charity, the Pies Descalzos Foundation. Hard Rock Café is selling a beaded bracelet, with 100% of the profits donated to Shakira’s charity to aid displaced children in Colombia.

It may be way too hot outside to think about scarves, but the Scarf of Love is not like any other scarf. Made out of 100% alpaca wool, these scarves are knitted by incarcerated women in low-security prisons in Bolivia. Often, these women, plagued by poverty, turn to crime as the only way to provide for their family. The Women’s Peace Collection teaches these women to become skilled artisans and rebuild their lives. The Collection features many items created by women in need all over the world.