Oochie Gucci La La La!
It's baaack, and it may be the drool-worthiest one yet. Yes, girls, the super-dope limited-edition Gucci cruise collection- partial proceeds of which will benefit UNICEF- is here! This time creative director, Frida Giannini, took her cue from the tatted-up trend that's everywhere from designer 
tees to makeup pallettes, imprinting each piece with a stylized tattoo heart over a backdrop of the brand's iconic double G motif. Prices range from $185 for a small cosmetics case to $4590 for a "Hysteria" bag (love both, but neither are pictured here with my faves), and 25% of sales from the Tattoo Heart Collection will help UNICEF provide education, healthcare, protection and clean water programs to orphans and children affected by HIV/AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa. Oh, and this year Gucci tapped gorgeous, Grammy Award-winning glam gal, Rihanna (Pictured with Frida Giannini and Madonna) to be the global representative of the 2008 campaign. The gamine goddess is not only featured in print ads but was also on hand the other night for the line's November 19th launch and the lighting of the UNICEF Snowflake at Grand Army Plaza in New York.
Let's pretend I won the lottery, had a visit from my fairy godparent (he or she's out there somewhere, I just know it) or found some other way into a whole lotta chedda. If said fantasy were to come true, please believe a MAJOR shopping spree would be very close to the top of my to-do list. 'Til that happens, let's play a little game of "that's my bag."New York, New York, Big City of Dreams... 
Since we're in wish mode, I'm gonna put another one out there. I wish i was going to the Super Bowl! My Giants are gonna win, and you know why? Because Gucci said so (OK, they didn't exactly say that, but they did release a limited edition red, white and blue "Gucci Loves NY" bag just in time for the Big Game). I'd kill to be sitting in some great seats with this beauty on my lap, cheering my team to victory. Oh, and I'd feel especially good since I'd know that 100% of the proceeds from my purchase went to the Playground Partners of the Central Park Conservancy (Chick luh tha kids). While it's way too late for me to make my way to Arizona, all hope isn't lost for the bag. I'm going to enter to win one at www.guccilovesny.com. Then I'm wishin' on a star!
Africa's the new "black." Along with the whole "green" thing, the continent and its various woes are the collective cause du'jour, and rightfully so. (Let's not forget it's the birthplace of humanity.) So here are a couple of shop ops that let you score some goods and do a little good in the process.
Join EDUN and The One Campaign to Combat AIDS in Africa
Buy one of these $40 ONE Campaign tees, and $10 will be donated to ALAFA (Apparel Lesotho Alliance for Africa), which provides life-saving ARV (antiretroviral) drugs to Lesotho's factory workers and their families. Just like last year, (yep, this is round two and folks are still dying) the shirts are made in Lesotho from 100% African cotton. I know, you're already picturing how you're gonna accessorize and personalize yours, right? Well here's how you get one: click here, bid here for one customized by a celebrity or hit up Nordstrom, which will match the $10 for every shirt sold in the U.S. up to $100,000. Get a Gucci and Give to UNICEF 
It's not here yet, but the holiday season is right around the corner, and once again, a percentage of sales from Gucci's holiday collection of bags and accessories will be donated to UNICEF. 25% of all sales will go to providing healthcare, education, protection and clean water to children in Malawi and Mozambique. Purchasing the keystone piece, the large Frida Giannini-designed Gucci for UNICEF Indy bag at $2350, will sustain the health of an orphan for a full year. The collection will be available from November 15 through December 31st at over 200 Gucci stores and www.gucci.com, so start saving now. Then, go and give some money little Gucci Bag Girl. (Ok, I'm no Lil' Wayne... Sue me)See, Just because there was a lack of black faces on the Spring '08 runways doesn't mean the fashion industry isn't concerned about us "coluhd" folks right? Sike!
tees to makeup pallettes, imprinting each piece with a stylized tattoo heart over a backdrop of the brand's iconic double G motif. Prices range from $185 for a small cosmetics case to $4590 for a "Hysteria" bag (love both, but neither are pictured here with my faves), and 25% of sales from the Tattoo Heart Collection will help UNICEF provide education, healthcare, protection and clean water programs to orphans and children affected by HIV/AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa. Oh, and this year Gucci tapped gorgeous, Grammy Award-winning glam gal, Rihanna (Pictured with Frida Giannini and Madonna) to be the global representative of the 2008 campaign. The gamine goddess is not only featured in print ads but was also on hand the other night for the line's November 19th launch and the lighting of the UNICEF Snowflake at Grand Army Plaza in New York.
