Most women dream of owning a designer handbag, but seeing as most of them cost the equivalent of a month's rent it usually stays just a dream. However, what if I said buying said bag also means that you'd be doing something for a charitable cause...

British fashion model Erin O'Connor is leading the celebrity support of Save the Children's Christmas 'Bag to Save a Life' appeal when it launches tomorrow, Friday 25th November 2011. Erin is joined by other well-known names such as Sienna Miller, Tilda Swinton, Florence Welch, Gemma Arterton, Georgia May Jagger, Annie Lennox and the UK's Prime Minister's wife and Save the Children Ambassador, Samantha Cameron to raise funds for the charity's lifesaving work in the poorest countries.

If you fancy snapping up a bag by the likes of Christian Louboutin, Mulberry, Jimmy Choo, Miu Miu, Prada and many more - donated or designed by the lovely celeb ladies previously mentioned - make sure you join in on the online auction from tomorrow on www.savethechildren.org.uk/bagtosave.

Samantha Cameron has donated her Jimmy Choo bag, Sienna Miller a Miu Miu, Tilda Swinton has donated a bag from Chanel AND a bag from Victor & Rolf, while Gemma Arterton has donated a leather patent Prada bag.

Save the Children ambassador Samantha Cameron said: "I am delighted to donate one of my handbags to Save the Children's Bag to Save a Life auction. It a great cause and the proceeds will help provide more health workers around the world who in turn will stop the needless deaths of children. Please get involved and do your bit to help save a child's life."

Tilda Swinton said: "Bid high! Bid so much higher than you think you will or can! Think of a dicey number and double it. And then double that. No fancy bag can ever carry what your generosity will mean to the children it will help to live. Make this beautiful object truly valuable by investing real money in real life - and carry the evidence with pride. Don't count the cost. Think of it as paying something back for all there is to be grateful for in your days."

If you want to take part in the auction, the starting price will be at around a quarter of the bags' recommended retail price. You can also donate any unwanted bags you might have laying around at any of the Save the Children stores around the UK to be included into the auction.

The online auction will be live from Friday 25th November to Sunday 4th December 2011.

The say a girl can never have too many shoes... or reusable bags!

Founder and chief creative officer of Jimmy Choo Tamara Mellon OBE has designed an exclusive reusable bag to support The Body Shop and ECPAT's global Stop Sex Trafficking of Children and Young People (SST) campaign.

The bag will be available in a limited edition from 6th October at The Body Shop nationwide.

The STOP bag is decorated with personalised handprints from Oscar winning actress Nicole Kidman, Ab Fab actress, TV personality and animal rights campaigner Joanna Lumley (who is Absolutely lovely by the way!), formerly 'naked' chef Jamie Oliver, musician and producer extraordinaire Mark Ronson, Oscar winner and UN Goodwill Ambassador Mira Sorvino as well as CNN Piers Morgan who have all pledged their support for the campaign.

Tamara Mellon OBE says: "I am thrilled to have worked with The Body Shop to design The STOP bag and raise awareness of the SST campaign. I feel very strongly about prohibiting sex trafficking and knowing that the profits will help to end this modern day slavery and safeguard children makes the project even more worthwhile."

Retailing at £4.00, profits from the sale of The STOP bag will be used to combat and raise awareness of sex trafficking of children and young people.

The bag is made from raw 100% community fair trade cotton and feature a fuschia trim and shoulder strap which is certain to brighten up those shopping trips in the winter months!

Edun's Autumn Winter 2011 collection focuses on fashionable, utilitarian outerwear, particularly jackets and coats that combine leather and wool. Textured knitwear that has been made in Africa by nuns also took centre stage: dresses, cardigans, pullovers and skirts were seen on the catwalk in variations in the classic Fair Isle pattern.

In contrast to the more heavy winter wear were girly draped dresses and blouses in intense patterns and vivid colours.

Founded by Ali Hewson and Bono in 2005, Edun is a for-profit business with the aim of creating a global fashion brand, making beautiful clothing whilst committing to developing trade with Africa and encouraging others to do the same. Having already established itself as a cult brands, Edun is based on a belief that style should have substance and while it has always sourced globally, as its business grows so does its production and work in Africa.

Most of us has a tendency to cling on to things we don't use anymore, call it sentimental value, hoarder instinct or simply because we might possibly have use for it in the future... In fact, recent research found that nine out of ten hang on to items we never or rarely use.

However if you have a flat that is scattered with old games consoles, unloved toys or perhaps a wardrobe filled with clothes that you don't really wear there is hope! Of course you can take any unwanted items down to your local charity shop, or you can go online to www.netcycler.co.uk - a new swapping site - that allows you to swap and give away unwanted items for things you really want and need.

By creating matches between offers and wishes all you need to do is list what you want to get rid of and what you would like in return. In the words of a well-known meerkat: Simples!

You can also give away things for free or in return for a charitable donation.

Could it be more easy to minimise waste and clutter in your home and give unwanted items a new lease of life? Get netcycling now!

PS: there is even an iPhone app to make things really easy...

Actress Joanna Lumley posed for photographer John Swannell wearing the solid gold, diamond-encrusted Shere Khan Necklace, which is hoped to raise at least £300,000 for the Born Free Foundation.

Designed by award-winning jeweller Catherine Best to depict the tiger in Rudyard Kipling's 'Jungle Book', the jewellery holds 182 precious stones set in nearly a kilo of 18ct gold and has been independently valued at more than £500,000.

Joanna, who revealed her love for cats, big and small, in a TV show last year, described the necklace as "blingtastic" and compared it to pieces worn by members of the royal family.

She said: "I feel very much that it's almost a royal piece. The necklace is so special it can be worn with anything, though I feel a strapless evening gown and long evening gloves would show it to perfection. The moment you put the necklace on, it comes alive!

"It feels great, like a badge of office, but it's incredibly comfortable and easy to wear. It reminds me of the fabulous pieces in the Duchess of Windsor's collection - panthers and leopards. I adore extreme looks and this is blingtastic!"

The Sher Khan Necklace will be auctioned worldwide from yesterday May 31 until June 17, when a gala evening will be held at the Savoy Hotel in London to mark the 80th birthday of actress Virginia McKenna, who founded the Born Free Foundation.

"Love finds a way. Sometimes you have to be patient, but it always does."

When the description starts like this, how can you not love this necklace that we came across on Etsy. It's by Brenda Rodriguez who goes under the name LoveInfinitiely.

Carefully handcrafted with love, this is one of the more intricate necklaces Brenda makes, and is made with authentic semi-precious stones.

The copper coloured disc with the words 'love finds a way' is stamped on, and the natural colouring on each of the beads will vary from piece to piece - making it a truly unique necklace.

If you're wondering what £52 (£32.39) + postage can get you in gemstones this is what LoveInfinity has to say:

Crystal Quartz: a stone of manifestation that energises and activates the energy centres within the body. This will help the wearer to think clearly, focus and become clear about their dreams and desires.

Garnet: a stone of health and energy. It's a lucky stone for love, success in business, popularity and self-esteem.

Onyx: is worn for protection and inspiration. It helps to calm your fears, leaving you feeling stable and secure. It also releases negativity while encouraging self-control.

Red Tiger's Eye: a stone of courage, strength, will and personal power - it's considered a good luck stone.

Rhodnite: this helps raise self-worth and ward off negativity.

Rose and Strawberry Quartz: these are the love stones. Helps the wearer feel a strong sense of self-worth, and therefore being worth love. Provides you with inner peace and helps in all matters pertaining to love in all its forms and opens the heart.

All of this sounds great - why not buy your loved one a surprise gift?

Enter a world where pennies become pendants and cutlery becomes couture.

The Hairy Growler Jewellery Co. craft all of their jewellery from 100% recycled materials like Sterling Silver, coins, forks and spoons - making each item truly unique and from what we have seen absolutely beautiful. If you love the idea but can't see anything that you'd like to give as a present there is no need to worry - they do bespoke items made to your design and preference.

The new spring 2011 collection - Green Fields - is "a place where dreams are filled with colour, contrast and well being." Doesn't that sounds lovely?

We quite like the Silvery Summer Tweets ring (£86), which was made out of an old fork!

US eco fashion label Prophetik is causing a stir in the UK. With Livia Giuggioli, owner of Eco - an ecological destination store - and wife of Oscar nominee Colin Firth, wearing the brand on the red (or should that be green) carpet at the Golden Globe Awards recently the future is looking bright, not only for Prophetik but for eco-friendly fashion worldwide.

Prophetik is the creation of Tennessee resident Jeff Garner, and holds an aura of nostalgia to bygone days. Its design principles and philosophies are unpretentious and it uses plant and earth based dyes for all if its colours.

Showing at London Fashion Week, the AW11 collection was inspired by Louis XV's French grandeur with a hint of American prairie life - Garner used one of the quilts he slept under as a child to make one of the jackets. The collection featured big-skirted gowns and corseted bodices, patchwork, and military-style jackets with velvet knickerbockers.

The grand finale was a stunning wedding dress in white "peace" silk, which is produced without the death of the silk worm, sprinkled with ostrich feathers - proving that even brides can be eco-chic.

Thinking about what to get your man this Valentine's Day that it both romantic and eco-friendly? Hippyshopper has put together this gift guide to make your shopping easier, even if buying for Mr Have It All.

Most of us have goals and resolutions for the new year. These can be anything from wasting less food to drinking more water. But do you think about what you carry your products home in when you go shopping? Why not make one of your resolutions to ditch those nasty plastic carrier bags, and invest in one of these gorgeous reusable shoppers from Re-Uz London? Not only are they pretty to look at, they will also make you become greener and help the environment.

For only £6.99 these bags can be used time and time again - and will brighten up those dark and rainy months ahead!

Available from Josoblu.

For anyone wishing to add a bit of Old Hollywood glamour to this year's Christmas parties, red lips are a must.

This deep, timeless red lipstick designed by Daniel Sandler for 'all for eve' is the perfect choice. A blue based red; it is suitable for most skin types.

'all for eve' is a stand-alone beauty and lifestyle brand that works together with some of the leading brands in the beauty and fashion industry, and donates its net profits to The Eve Appeal, which supports women's cancers.

The crimson lipstick is designed to create a feeling of courage and poise in celebration women's strength.

It is available from Pure Design for £10.00 + delivery.

Pure Design has chosen to match 'all for eve's' commitment by donating 100% of Pure Design profit from sales to The Eve Appeal.

Photo: Pure Design

Are you looking for a wardrobe staple that works just as well for a client meeting as for Sunday brunch with the girls - and is kind to the environment too? Look no further.

Independent online retailer Sotto e Sopra has unveiled a new range of environmentally friendly women's tops, that can be worn season after season. The tops are made with Lyocell, a fabric made from cellulose from the pulp of sustainable eucalyptus trees, which is a soft, luxurious, durable and flattering material with anti-wrinkle properties.

Owners Pauline Mathewson and Christine Foden were keen to find a flattering, comfortable and long lasting material which was environmentally sustainable. "There has been a definite change of climate in the fashion industry, now more and more people are advocating wearing simple, classically cut, comfortable clothes in fabrics and colours that are luxurious and will last. We believe this is what millions of women having been saying for years and is why we created Sotto e Sopra."

Sotto e Sopra means 'under' and 'over' in Italian, and these tops are perfect for layering up to create different looks. All tops in the range are available in a choice of classic colours and are priced between £35 and £60 and available from www.sottoesopra.co.uk.

When the weather starts cooling down, it's tough to fight the urge to run out and buy a cosy new item of clothing to cuddle up with. And it seems like designers reserve their best work for fall: it's not so chilly that they have to work with overly bulky fabrics, but they have the opportunity to add more volume and dimension than is practical for spring and summer fashion.

In short, sometimes the fall fashion itch has to be scratched and your eco-friendly stipulations fall by the wayside if you can't find the right fabrics. But once you get a feel for these soft and cuddly fall accessories, you'll be glad you waited to find the right choices for you.

****Wraps and Scarves****

Sweaters aren't always the best choice for fall, but it's hard to go wrong with wraps and scarves. You don't have to pull them over your head and ruin your hair with static, you can easily adjust the amount of warmth they provide by double- or triple-folding them, and their versatility makes them much more malleable.

You can alter your entire look simply by shifting your scarf from waist to neck or from shoulders to head. The possibilities are virtually endless, and if you're going to commit to eco-friendly fashion, you'll need at least one scarf or wrap to complement your fall look. Try the"Wrap and Scarf" section of the Econscious Market, where you can find a gorgeous crinkle scarf in a spectrum of cinnamon hues that's perfect for fall.

When you buy this scarf made of 100% upcycled materials, you'll have the chance to choose which charity you'd like to support with 8% of the purchase price. Ten trees will also be planted in honour of your decision to wear eco-friendly clothing.

****Leggings****

Leggings are cosy and let you keep wearing your favorite eco-friendly skirts and dresses throughout the fall season. Take your darker late summer pieces into the cooler months with wraps, scarves, and leggings in an autumnal palette. It can be difficult to find eco-friendly leggings in any colour besides black (and grey if you're lucky), but you can get a full six colours in addition to black from Eco Sleep Shop's Kushtush Organics.

You'll be surprised at the comfort and variety of colour you can get from their ankle-length bamboo
leggings. Pick up a pair in rich chocolate for fall or choose the lighter mushroom hue. You can also select cassis - akin to blackcurrant and resembling a raspberry-tinged merlot. If you're hunting for the perfect fall color, you've found it with cassis.

Other options include storm blue, cielo blue (a light powder blue), and smoke. You can even rest assured that the bamboo that goes into your leggings is from a sustainable and renewable source, so enjoy these cosy fall must-haves.

**Tights**

If you're in the market for eco-friendly tights that come in the best of autumn's hues, your hunt might be over. Head over to Wisemen Trading and Supply for Maggie's Cotton Tights, a product of Maggie's Functional Organics. Made of certified organic Peruvian cotton, they're completely free of the pesticides that contaminate most cotton clothing, so you won't have to worry about absorbing harmful chemicals through your skin.

The softness and comfort of these tights will satisfy your fall shopping impulses while giving you the eco-friendly peace of mind you work so hard to achieve. Choose from rich chocolate, an oatmeal-hued natural shade, deep grey, black, and a surprisingly neutral yet
eye-catching olive. You can even find patterned versions in plum, chocolate,and black in addition to a fun "grapevine" print that features stripes of plum, olive, and chocolate against an oatmeal background. These colours are beautiful, natural, and autumn all the way.

**Bio: Maria Rainier is a freelance writer and blog junkie. She is currently a resident blogger at First in Education, researching various online programs and blogging about student life issues. In her spare time, she enjoys square-foot gardening, swimming, and avoiding her laptop.**

Just what do you do with a load of old swimsuits that can't be sold? Recycle them into a collection of fashionable dresses that's what.

The 'From Somewhere with Speedo' collaboration forms part of a series of creative art and design projects commissioned by Speedo. The collection has been created from unsold stock and surplus pieces of the revolutionary Speedo LZR Racer suit. The limited edition capsule collection which is still in development comprises a statement dress constructed purely of Speedo LZR Racer suits and will be auctioned for charity.

The collaboration came about following the decision of FINA (Federation Internationale de Natation), swimming's governing body, to change the rules regarding swimsuit design and prohibit the use of full-body suits from January 2010.

Speedo was left with a surplus of the record breaking LZR Racer suit. So instead of wasting the fabric, the swimwear company teamed up with From Somewhere to create a fashion range with the surplus stock. The designs form part of a wider project to explore new ways of utilising excess stock and more responsible solutions than sending the obsolete product to landfill.

David Robinson, President of Speedo International, said: "The Speedo LZR Racer suit has been a design icon in the sport of swimming since its launch in 2008. During its time in the pool, swimmers wearing it have broken 91 world records and achieved outstanding results. The Speedo collaboration with From Somewhere now allows the LZR Racer to be a design icon outside of the pool.

'As a company which places great importance in sustainability, we are thrilled to announce the collaboration with From Somewhere. Innovative projects such as this are the perfect way to responsibly dispose of the surplus stocks of the suit while extending the legacy of the Speedo LZR Racer beyond the pool and onto the catwalk. I look forward to seeing the rest of the range early next year."

The full collection will be available next year when the dresses will be auctioned off for charity.

Via Goggleblog

Speedo
From Somewhere

Has the hot weather put you off a tiring traipse around the shops in search of a summer bargain? No? Well, maybe I'm just lazy...Thankfully this means that I've spent the day tracking down the highlights of the summer sales online so that you don't have to move a muscle.

From flip-flops to kids' clothes, this summer sale fashion will be as good to the environment as it is to your bank balance.