Think pink in October with products, events

By Nedra Rhone

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

October means it is time to think pink for Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

The consumer campaign continues to grow each year as everything from pruning shears to lip gloss in varying shades of pink appears in stores and online. Whether you choose to buy a pink product or wear the signature pink ribbon, there are so many ways to help it is almost impossible not to join in. Here are a few fun (and stylish) products and events this year.

Avon Breast Cancer "Crusade Lips for Life" Tote, $5 at www.avon.com. The reusable polyester tote rolls up with snap closure, and 100 percent of the net profits ($3.74) will be donated to the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade.

Saks Fifth Avenue "Key to the Cure" T-shirt designed by Donna Karan, $35 at Saks Fifth Avenue and Off 5th stores. Saks will give 100 percent of the purchase price to the Doris Shaheen Center for Breast Health at Piedmont Hospital. Another 2 percent of sales during a special shopping weekend (Oct. 21-24) also will benefit local women's cancer charities.

Cape Clogs Pink Ribbon Wooden Swedish Clogs, $95.95, available at www.endless.com and www.capeclogs.com. For each pair of the leather upper "clogs for the cure" sold, the company will donate $5 to the Ellie Fund's Care for the Caregiver program.

Farberware Susan G. Komen Pink Ribbon Everyday 16 Ounce Stainless Steel Mug, $10.99 at www.csnstores.com.

Local events:

W ThinksPINK: W Hotels of Atlanta will offer programming throughout the month to benefit the Young Survivor Coalition. Each property will host specific events from movie screenings to a doggie-friendly cocktail hour. For updates and information, visit W Hotels of Atlanta on facebook.com.

Hard Rock Cafe Pinktober campaign: Hard Rock Cafe Atlanta hosts a series of live music events to benefit various breast cancer charities. The series kicks off Oct. 14 with alternative rock artist Jackson Wetherbee. 2010 Pinktober merchandise is also on sale, and proceeds will benefit the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

Wacoal Fit for the Cure: Participate in any Wacoal "Fit for the Cure" event, and the company will donate $2 to Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Fittings take place from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Oct. 7, 8 and 9 at Macy's locations in Town Center at Cobb, Lenox Square and North Point Mall respectively.

Bloomingdale's Little Pink Boutique: A selection of pink products is available in stores and online (bloomingdales.com/shoppink) from designers such as Bobbi Brown, La Mer, Catherine Malandrino and Vera Wang. There is also exclusive Bloomingdale's merchandise. Proceeds benefit the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.