Archive for the ‘Charity’ Category
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Help a Friend in Need: Cory Garabedian

Date: January 3, 2012 • By • Comments 0

Unless it were something really, really important, I would never ask my readers for anything at all: but right now I need your help. A friend of mine, Cory Garabedian, who is Military Police in the United States Army was severely injured in a car accident on Christmas Eve. In the past week and a half, Cory has been sedated in the Rhode Island Hospital Trauma ICU and has already undergone more than fifteen surgeries to repair tears, broken bones, fractures and other injuries in his arms, skull, back and legs, and is still in need of multiple surgeries before he’ll be back to normal again. Cory will surely need months of physical therapy and will need to learn how to walk again, as his medical team decided to amputate his right leg below the knee this afternoon.

Because Cory is currently not on active duty, he has no health insurance and as a result of his multiple surgeries, there is now a major financial burden on his family. Many of his friends and family have stepped up to help, and there has been an outpouring from the Armenian community, but this economy is tough and the cost of surgery without health insurance is unimaginable.

Cory Garabedian - 31B Military Police

It’s not often that we get to thank our service members for doing what they do every day to help keep us safe, but if you’re reading this now, you have the opportunity to do a small part in thanking Cory for his service and by helping him in his recovery process.

While I would normally never ask anything like this of my readers (especially because I always question the legitimacy of people asking for money) Cory is a personal friend of mine.  The accounts that have been set up for him were initiated by his family and best friend, at the request of Cory’s friends who were looking to help. The smallest contribution can help in the bigger picture of Cory’s mounting medical bills–even a dollar. And if you’re not in a financial situation to give but you say any of sort prayers, I just ask that you keep Cory and his family in yours.

There are two different ways to give directly to helping pay Cory’s medical bills: the first is by visiting any Sovereign Bank (anywhere in the United States) and telling them you’d like to donate to “Friends of Cory” an account that was requested by Cory’s friends and set up by his family;  the second is by visiting Cory Garabedian True Friend – WePay which was setup by Cory’s best friend, which can be done online and you can choose to have your name listed or privately give (if you do donate–I know Cory, and I know he’d want to know who you are so he can thank you for helping him and his family.)

In the meantime, if you want to read about Cory’s status and surgeries please visit the Friends of Cory Facebook page, which is often updated by his aunt, best friend, and his fellow servicemen who are with him at the hospital 24/7.

As I mentioned, I would never expect anything from any of you, but if there is anything you can do—even just offering a prayer for him–I know that both Cory and his family would be forever grateful.

 

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Barneys New York Presents: Gaga’s Workshop

Date: November 22, 2011 • By • Comments 0

It’s Open!

Barneys NY, in collaboration with Lady Gaga, under the creative direction of Nicole Formichetti has released a collection of exclusive, special edition items which will be available for a limited time only at GAGA’S WORKSHOP!

For the first time ever, Barneys New York will convert an entire floor of its Madison Avenue flagship store into a dedicated space designed by assume vivid astro focus, for this holiday initiative. Working with the Barneys New York
team in collaboration with creative director Dennis Freedman, avaf has designed the interiors and signature artwork for GAGA’S WORKSHOP, which will also be featured on special holiday shopping bags and packaging.

And if that wasn’t cool enough, in honor of this project, Barneys is planning to donate 25% of sales from all items featured from the GAGA’S WORKSHOP Collection to the Born This Way Foundation, recently founded by Lady Gaga. The Born This Way focuses on acceptance and bravery in youth, to aid in learning to love and accept each other. (Go Gaga!)

In addition to the collection which is now available in stores, Barneys website has been selling limited-edition items from the “12 days of Gaga” leading up to the grand opening (which are available until they sell out). The items include a keychain with charms, a bow-shaped lollipop, a “diamond” teacup and more, all at fairly reasonable prices. If they whole collection is this affordable–I’m so there!
For those of you who don’t live in New York City, but love Gaga—not to fret! Gaga’sWorkshop.com has the full collection available, you just have to scroll to the bottom of the page to get to it –and it’ll be a fun ride scrolling down–the website is really adorably designed and is interactive! You can even make yourself into a real “little monster”, and play the Gaga Machine to unlock special prizes and codes…I unlocked a video with the code “LADYGAGA” if you want to see Gaga talk about her partnership with Barneys.

I think this initiative is a well-paired one and looks like a lot of fun! I may even pop into Barneys to see the space transformed, despite the holiday crowds I’m sure I’ll face. In fact, I may even pick up a few presents! Are you Little Monsters going to join me?

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Fashion’s Night Out: NYC Edition

Date: September 6, 2011 • By • Comments 1


Fashion week is undoubtedly the most fun time of the year (well, two times a year for those of us who hit the tents), but has recently become fun for all every September with the institution of Fashion’s Night Out–a retail experience that cannot be missed in multiple cities. This year’s FNO is happening THIS Thursday, September 8th and here, on a silver platter, I’ve tallied up my top ten must-visit FNO fetes (in no particular order)!

1. Henri Bendel (712 5th Avenue) 3pm – 11pm

Gossip Girl costume designer Eric Daman, model Sasha Pivrova, and makeup artist Trish McEvoy will all be on hand, as well as a Bendel’s salon takeover by LYRALOVESTAR & the Hester Street Fair!

2. Kiehl’s Flagship Karaoke Karnival (109 3rd Avenue) 6:30-11pm

Hosted by AJ McLean (yeah, the Backstreet Boys’ resident bad boy!), Kiehl’s is hosting a night of karaoke (sing for free Kiehl’s lip balm), a chance to enter a raffle for Kiehl’s goodies, and complimentary food and alcohol! Other performers and “VIP” celebrity guests will make an appearance!

3. Salvatore Ferragamo Step Out Black & White Fete (655 5th Avenue) 7-9pm

Various socialites will be present at the Ferragamo event, but there’s nothing more fun than a black and white themed party, cocktails and hors d’ourves, with a percentage of sales for the evening benefitting the Lincoln Center Institute! Think they’ll exchange my ugly Ferragamo bag for me?

4. Missoni for Target Pop-Up Shop (1095 Sixth Avenue) 6-11pm

For the 2nd year in a row, Target is offering NYers the opportunity to shop a designer for Target’s collection before it hits the stores. (I believe last year was Rodarte!) I don’t even want to share this information with you because I want everything from the Missoni for Target collection for myself, but since I love you, here it is!

5. Disney Store’s Stylish Ever After (1540 Broadway) 6-11pm

If only I were under the age of ten, this event would be like a fairytale come true. The Disney Store invites you to be “stylish ever after…” Come get glam for Fashion’s Night Out and join us for a magical evening of pampering and accessorizing. Preview the latest Disney-inspired lifestyle product lines while being treated like royalty. Guests will receive an exclusive mini-manicure with the Disney Princess Designer Collection nail polish, and have the opportunity to customize their very own charm bracelet at the Kidada for Disney Store charm bar. Fashionistas will leave smelling as whimsical as Tinker Bell with a special sneak preview of the latest Disney Store Fragrance—Pixie Dust.

This year, the cast of "Glee" filmed an FNO-themed video for Vogue covering David Bowie's "Fashion" Click to view the music video! (P.S. How hot do they all look--especially Mark & Cory!)

6. FAMOUS footwear (Penn Plaza 250 West 34th Street) 6-9pm

Calling all aspiring top models! FAMOUS footwear’s 34th Street location will host a New York Fashion Week Casting Call from 6pm-8pm. The event will be hosted by Vh1 Glam God INDASHIO & America’s Next Top Model Cycle 8 Winner Jaslene Gonzalez. Winners will receive the opportunity of a lifetime to model down the runway at INDASHIO NY Fashion Week Show on Sept 13th.

7.  j.f. lazartigue (764 Madison Avenue 2nd Floor) 6-10pm

I might be a little biased because I’m a budding Broadway star, but this sounds way too fun, plus the proceeds benefit, what else? Impact Broadway! Support my future salary please. :) J.F. Lazartigue creator of Les Soins d’Exception “Haute Couture” for the hair honors Broadway’s musical HIT “Sister Act” in Beauty Meets Broadway. Cast Members will meet & greet lazartigue customers. Portions of the evenings proceeds of products sold will benefit Impact Broadway.

8. Jeffrey New York (449 West 14th Street) 6-11pm

More Broadway stars–but definitely a must for any Harry Potter fans! Daniel Radcliffe and Rose Hemingway from Broadway hit musical “How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying” will meet and greet fans and autograph Fashion’s Night Out merchandise. Columbia Sportswear will be on hand to showcase their Jeffrey co-branded design collaboration. The Clarins-Courtin girls will be selling FEED 10 bags, specially designed by Claire Courtin-Clarins. The bags will feature 3 of Clarins most iconic products.

9. Lord & Taylor (424 5th Avenue) 6-11pm

Undoubtedly FNO’s wildest event, iconic 5th avenue retailer Lord & Taylor might possibly be hosting the biggest FNO event. The store is transforming each of its floors to represent the different neighborhoods of NYC for your shopping enjoyment! Solange Knowles (Beyonce’s sister) will be on hand to shop and meet & greet fans from 6-9pm on the 2nd floor; Misook Doolittle of the line “Exclusively Misook” will meet & greet from 6-7pm on the 3rd floor; the 4th floor with host Vince Camuto and his fall collection, as well as a gift with purchase; From 6-8pm Jones New York’s resident style expert, Lloyd Boston takes wardrobe classics and shows you 7 Ways To Wear It–you can enjoy a fashion presentation, one-on-one style consultations, and a chance to win a makeover and walk the fashion show’s finale on the 5th floor; Heather Thomsen of Yummie Tummie will hang out on the 8th floor from 6-8pm to break all the laws of shapewear; on the 10th floor from 6-9pm, the NY Jets Cheerleaders will be signing their swimsuit calendars, posing for photos and dancing (you know, if you dare to leave your man up there); There are about 9 other guests slated on each of the unnamed floors that you know you want to see, and Lord & Taylor is a known FNO hangout for celebrities who aren’t otherwise engaged for the evening. See the full FNO roster.

10. Macy’s Flagship (151 West 34th Street) 6-11pm

I don’t dare step near the always-packed even at 9pm on a Sunday night Macy’s Herald Square, but if you’re a fan of any one of the amazing folks on their lineup, 151 W. 34th street is where you’ll want to be this Thursday. Here’s the rundown: Have the opportunity to meet Tommy Hilfiger and Joss Stone on the 2nd Floor in Men’s; join celebrity DJ, Samantha Ronson, for a dance party hosted by Gucci Guilty for Men! Main Floor- Fragrance Arcade; visit the “Karl Lagerfeld for Impulse Only at Macy’s” collection on the 2nd floor and perhaps supermodel Coco Rocha will help you shop; meet designer Rachel Roy and athlete Amar’e Stoudemire as they introduce their cool collaboration for Rachel Rachel Roy and host a “Hoops for a Cause” event. With any $50 purchase of Rachel Rachel Roy, guests will have the opportunity to give their best “shot” on a pop-a-shot machine and raise money for the Amar’e Stoudemire Foundation 2nd Floor, Impulse;  Let celebrity stylist, Derek Warburton, take you on a tour of the fall trends as he updates your wardrobe for the season. RTW- 3rd Floor; Visit luggage on the 9th floor where artist Charles Fazzino will launch the Fazzino by Heys USA Luggage Collection. Brand ambassadors Chrissy Teigen, 2011 SI Swimsuit Supermodel, and Amber Collins, 2011 Miss New York USA, will be on hand to celebrate the occasion; From 5-6pm join celebrity chef Sandra Lee for a cookbook signing on the 8th floor; Love shoes? Make sure you’re starting fall off on the right foot by visiting Shoes on 5! Miss J Alexander of America’s Next Top Model will be on hand to conduct a shoe seminar, complete with informal modeling, foot massages, music and refreshments; Join Macy’s Culinary Council Chef Marc Forgione, and Travel Channel’s “Bizarre Foods” host, Andrew Zimmern, for a night of food, fashion and fun! Marc will share his recipes and entertaining tips for the ultimate dinner party and Andrew will give his own take how to entertain in style; Meet Anna Dello Russo, INC Editor at Large, and supermodel Karolina Kurkova. Enjoy informal modeling, refreshments and music while shopping the collection; Singer Kelly Rowland shakes up the evening with a live performance and meet-and-greet in Dresses on 4; From 7-8pm, join singing sensation Joss Stone at the Tommy Hilfiger party where she will be performing outside on Broadway Plaza; On the 4th floor, meet the impeccably styled “Pretty Little Liars” star, Shay Mitchell, while shopping the hottest Junior trends of the season.

 

So that’s it my fashionable friends! Which FNO events are you excited for? If you’re not in NYC, how are you celebrating FNO in your city?

 

 

Disney Store invites you to be “stylish ever after…” Come get glam for Fashion’s Night Out and join us for a magical evening of pampering and accessorizing. Preview the latest Disney-inspired lifestyle product lines while being treated like royalty. Guests will receive an exclusive mini-manicure with the Disney Princess Designer Collection nail polish, and have the opportunity to customize their very own charm bracelet at the Kidada for Disney Store charm bar. Fashionistas will leave smelling as whimsical as Tinker Bell with a special sneak preview of the latest Disney Store Fragrance—Pixie Dust. Guests from across New York City won’t want to miss out on this stylish good time, it’s sure to be an enchanted night of fashionable fun!

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Happy New Year …and, I’m going to (try to) post every day in 2011!

Date: January 1, 2011 • By • Comments 1

Happy New Year to all! I hope that 2011 brings you all the health, success and happiness that you desire.

As for me, I hope 2011 is the best year yet for Shoes, Shirts & Other Sh!t. I started this blog in 2010 and it brought me the most amazing opportunities, connections and some of the coolest people I will ever meet. Which is why I’ve decided that I want to blog even more in 2011. Rather than just thinking about doing it, I’m starting right now. (No really, I am because, well, I’m writing this.) I will be (attempting to) post on SSOS once a day for all of 2011.

I know it won’t be easy, but it might be fun, inspiring, and will bring you even more amazing fashion, style, beauty, recipes and lifestyle news. I want to travel and expand this site beyond New York City…to the entire East Coast, Boston, D.C., Miami, towards to the Midwest—Chicago, Minneapolis, Cincinnati; to the south in some of my favorite cities–Savannah and New Orleans, and all the way west, towards L.A., San Diego, Seattle, and Portland….and everywhere in between. I already have tons of amazing Canadian readers (thank you!) and I think I’ll worry about expanding out of North America in 2012. (SSOS is already being read in 30 countries all over the world, which is so amazing).

Therefore I’m promising to make use of The DailyPost, WordPress’ new campaign, and the community of other bloggers with similiar goals and interests, to help me along the way, including asking for help when I need it and encouraging others when I can. I will vow to read and comment on other blogs like mine to help develop our community of fashion, style, beauty and lifestyle bloggers! As I was once told, (and firmly believe): we are the future of fashion journalism. I’ve even installed the WordPress app on my brand new Droid (which I have no idea how to use by the way, I feel so technologically illiterate for the first time ever) so I can blog anywhere, anytime.

If you already read my blog, I hope you’ll encourage me with comments and “likes” (a recent WordPress feature at the bottom of my post…I get a nifty little email congratulating me if you hit it!), and good will along the way. Ask me questions; I have a brand new contact form on my “Contact” page and I personally answer every email I receive. You can communicate with me on Twitter and on Facebook as well.

What do you like or want to see more of? What do you wish I would stop doing? Tell me! This site is as much yours as it is mine.

Want to guest blog? Send me an email.

No, seriously.

Let’s make 2011 the best year yet.

 

And, if you want more personal insights into my life, you should subscribe to ErikaBelezarian.com. While I don’t post every day, I write what I feel is necessary to describe my life as a fashion/beauty/lifestyle blogger.

Oh, and seriously, the prizes keep getting better, so you should go enter the contest to win a bag full of beauty goodies and more!

Hugs & Kisses,

 

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