Everyday we buy and consume, so why not do so for a good cause? We’re going to buy that handbag or shoe, or drink anyway, why not buy it and have part of it go to a foundation? I am a favorite of fashion for a cause, it just makes you feel even better about buying something for yourself. There are lots and lots of different causes and foundations out there, all you have to do is find the one that you feel passionate about supporting.

Breast Cancer Awareness

Breast Cancer Awareness is one of my favorites. I tend to buy things I don’t necessarily need just because I think it’s a great cause. Many large handbags companies support this foundation by making bags especially to allow you to show support, while others simply donate portions of the proceeds. A great example is Coach. Coach makes key chains and accessories for you handbag especially for the Breast Cancer Awareness cause. In addition, Saks Fifth Avenue has a specific collection called the Breast Cancer Awareness Handbag Collection that donates 20% of the total retail price to the foundation. On ebags.com, there are pages and pages full of trendy bags in the Pick Pink selection and 10% of the proceeds are donated.

AIDS Research

Aids awareness is also another cause that is causing movie stars a like to integrate fashion and charity. One of the biggest events is 7th on Sale sponsored by EBay. Here hundreds of designers and celebrities donate handbags and other fashion accessories that have been on the red carpet to be auctioned off. All of the earnings from the biddings are donated to Benefit Aids and fight against this global threat. More information on 7th on Sale can be found at www.7thonsale.ebay.com. There are also many other vendors, designers, and celebrities that are doing that and Thinking Red.

Lupus Research Institute

People like Mary Norton, a designer and friend of Sharon Stone is helping out the Lupus Research Institute. Mary Norton herself has fought lupus, and Sharon Stone has offered her Moo Roo minaudiere crystal clutch that she used on the red carpet premiere of Catwoman up for auction. All proceeds will go to Lupus Research. The Moo Roo crystal Clutch retails for $1100.

Fendi and American Forests

Fendi is doing its part for the environment. Just recently during the holiday season Fendi introduced their limited edition woven tote available at Barney’s. A portion of the proceeds made from this bag will go to the Sustainable Harvest International.

These are only some of the many causes that you can help with your everyday fashion purchases. You can look up the cause that is right for you from Parkinson’s to Alzheimer, to Leukemia. I know I’m on my way to buy a new bag to benefit Breast Cancer Awareness, how about you?