Charity by Design

Charity by Design is a beautiful jewelry collection from Alex and Ani. They work closely with different charities and organizations to create unique pieces of jewelry that represent the message that each wants to get across. Each piece has a different meaning, purpose, and a slightly different look from the rest. I love that their designs are simple, classy, and can be paired with almost any outfit. These bracelets are a perfect addition to my arm candy obsession! :)

PLUS Alex and Ani is an eco-friendly business that uses recycled materials to create their products.

Learn more about these priceless pieces and shop at AlexandAni.com.

Pure Life

How cute are these bracelets that my friend Tarole has??

They're Pura Vida bracelets. Pura Vida means "pure life" in Spanish.

Simple and cute. These bracelets are entirely handmade in Costa Rica, helping employ local artisans there. Additionally, Pura Vida is part of "One Percent for the Planet" and donates 1% of proceeds to the Surfrider Foundation.

Shop for bracelets and find out how you can get involved at puravidabracelets.com.

Annie O's Peruvian Designs

Annie O. Boutique collaborates with women in remote communities in Peru who have been victims of domestic violence to create vibrant one-of-a-kind accessories. Each design captures the lively culture of Peru. The boutique uses local materials and artisans which truly keeps their products unique.

Check out these colors!

Margarita Embroidered Clutch: $105

Embroidered Floral Peruvian Belts: $68 each

Horn Cuffs: $30 - $36

Designer and founder, Annie O. Waterman, believes in empowering women. With the start of her business, she has been able to provide an income, financial stability, and safe environment for women in Peru.

I'm all for women helping women!

Check out more of these bright designs at annieoboutique.com.

Kayu

Founded in 2008, Kayu is based on 3 concepts: using eco-friendly materials to create their products, engaging designers of various countries to promote international and cultural business, and giving back to the community.

For every pair of sunglasses purchased, a 2% donation is made towards funding vision-repairing surgeries in India. (Donations made through Unite For Sight)

Cebu Wood Sunglasses: $184

For every handbag sold, a 2% donation is made towards the funding of school supplies in Cambodia. (Donations made through Awareness Cambodia)

Wren Shell Clutch: $569

Rachel Straw Clutch: $155

Find out more at: www.kayudesign.com and visit their blog at kayudesign.blogspot.com

Changing Lives With Prints

"Just as one values the beauty of a print, Give Prints values the beauty of lives changed."

Professional photographers and charities from around the globe have come together to form Give Prints.

The process is simple. Buy a photograph, select a charity, done! 50% of the cost of your purchase goes to one of their partner charities.

Here are some of my favorite photographs from their online shop:

"Thread" by Samantha May: Starting at $25

"US Open Wall" by Ryan Longnecker: Starting at $25

"Red Door" by Kara Marnell: Starting at $25

"Peace" by Jenn Gibello: Starting at $25

Each photo is available in a variety of sizes. View their selections and learn more at www.giveprints.com.

Out of Print

People wear clothes that show off their favorite sports team or a cool musician, so why not show off your favorite book or author too?  Out of Print is a company whose products (mostly t-shirts) feature books that are often out of print.

Pride and Prejudice T-Shirt: $28

The Great Gatsby Tote Bag: $18

With our current state of digital-everything, hard copies of books may be nearing their death. Well not death, but you know what I mean. Now more than ever may be the best time to acknowledge that plain ol' "reading" has been forever changed. To top off this unique idea, with each product sold, Out of Print donates one book to a community in need through their partner Books for Africa.

The people at Out of Print say that their products are "treated to feel soft and worn like a well-read book". So grab a tee, a tote, and a book (while you still can).

Find out more about Out of Print's products and mission on their website: www.outofprintclothing.com

Free Amir

Amir Hekmati is an Iranian-American who has been sentenced to death for allegedly spying in Iran. He is also a former-marine, dear friend to many, a son, and was born and raised in America.
He was arrested on August 29, 2011 while visiting his grandmother in Iran.

The Hekmati family stands by their son and his innocence. They have hired a legal team that is diligently working towards Amir's immediate release. To help fund this cause and spread the word about this terrible injustice, purchase FREE AMIR items at the Free Amir online store.

FREE AMIR Awareness T-Shirt: $20

While many of you are hesitant about donating or purchasing items from smaller organizations, I can assure you that this is a worthy cause. Amir Hekmati is a close friend of my brother in-law who is very active in this fight to regain Amir's freedom.

Learn more at www.freeamir.org and join the community that has come together to show their support for the freedom of Amir at www.facebook.com/FreeAmirHekmati