Fashion

6 Breast Cancer Awareness Products That Give Back — and You'd Actually Use

To be fair, there's never a bad time to give back, but since October is officially Breast Cancer Awareness month, it seems even more relevant to put our money where our chest is. Plus, c'mon, breast cancer research is really important. The only hiccup? The majority of pink BCA items aren't always that stylish or useful when put to the real-world test. That's where a little digging (read: window shopping) comes in. I'm keeping it simple and sensible — herein find six products that will look, smell, and feel as good as giving back to a worthy cause.

Image: Fotolia

by Marisa Tom

To be fair, there's never a bad time to give back, but since October is officially Breast Cancer Awareness month, it seems even more relevant to put our money where our chest is. Plus, c'mon, breast cancer research is really important. The only hiccup? The majority of pink BCA items aren't always that stylish or useful when put to the real-world test. That's where a little digging (read: window shopping) comes in. I'm keeping it simple and sensible — herein find six products that will look, smell, and feel as good as giving back to a worthy cause.

Image: Fotolia

A Limited-Edition Brooklyn Cruiser

The Pink Willow bike from Brooklyn Cruiser and Keep a Breast Foundation (KAB) was built expressly for Breast Cancer Awareness month; in as much, 100 percent of the proceeds will go to KAB. Sure, the frame is pink (that's kind of the point, right?), but the silhouette is sleek and just a little bit vintage-inspired. If you're in the market for a new wheels, this is a cool feel-good option. (Limited Edition Pink Willow Bicycle, $649)

LOFT Statement Jewelry

Giuliana Rancic is LOFT's first Global Ambassador of the Live in Pink Movement, and to make her mark, she has teamed up with her favorite jewelry designer, Suzanna Dai, to create a three-piece accessories LOFT collaboration. 60 percent of each purchase will benefit The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. (Live in Pink Suzanna Dai Short Necklace, $70)

EOS Lip Balms

Make your next lip balm purchase worthwhile: eos is offering a two of its cute little orbs in two equally adorable shades of pink, with a portion of its proceeds going toward breast cancer research. In case you are wondering, the flavors are fresh watermelon and strawberry sorbet. (eos Limited Edition Breast Cancer Awareness 2-Pack, $6.50)

Bib + Tuck Gives Back

If you haven't heard of Bib + Tuck, here's the rundown: it's like the fashionable version of "one man's trash is another man's treasure." Except none of it is actually trash, just cool clothing. And right now through Sunday, for every item you "tuck," the site will donate $1 to breast cancer research. Got all that? I suggest you start here. (Mason Leather Lapel Blazer, $220)

Fashion Targets Breast Cancer

No, Karolina Kurkova is not part of the package, but the t-shirt she's wearing is. The CFDA initiative, Fashion Targets Breast Cancer, creates a unique tee every year to be sold in support of breast cancer awareness. All proceeds will be donated to the Fashion Targets Breast Cancer fund. (Logo Tee, $35)

Ralph Lauren Scented Candles

As part of Ralph Lauren's ongoing Pink Pony initiative, which funds early breast cancer detection programs and research, 25 percent of this pretty pink candle goes toward — you got it — BCA efforts. Plus, if you're a fan of sweeter scents, this is right up your alley. Just read the notes: pink lily of the valley, pink magnolia, sweet pea, pink Chinese peony, stephanotis and white rose. Convinced? (Ralph Lauren Pink Pony Scented Candle, $45)

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