National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

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Did you know that October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month (NBCAM)?  Well it is! According to Wikipedia (you know, the bearer of ALL knowledge), “NBCAM was founded in 1985 as a partnership between the American Cancer Society and the pharmaceutical division of Imperial Chemical Industries (now part of AstraZeneca, producer of several anti-breast cancer drugs).

The aim of the NBCAM from the start has been to promote mammography as the most effective weapon in the fight against breast cancer.”

As an epidemiologist (and no, I am not a skin doctor…I do have a doctorate, but am not a skin specialist, ahem!), I often think in terms of numbers (yay, numbers!!).  The following statistics come from the American Cancer Society’s ‘Cancer Facts & Figures, 2013’:

New cases:  “An estimated 232,340 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected to be diagnosed among women in the US during 2013; about 2,240 new cases are expected in men.”

Deaths:  “An estimated 40,030 breast cancer deaths (39,620 women, 410 men) are expected in 2013. Breast cancer ranks second as a cause of cancer death in women (after lung cancer).”

Although much progress has been made with regard to breast cancer prevention and control, much remains to be done.  You can help by becoming informed, spreading the word, and helping any way you can to advance our science and other efforts to help fight the battle against breast cancer.

For additional information on signs/symptoms, treatment, survival rates, etc., consult the full report here, or visit www.cancer.org, and/or consult with your doctor.

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To bring it back full circle to topics related to staying ‘chic’ in the workplace, I’ve put together a collection of pink items to help you both raise awareness, as well as help raise funds for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation!  Portions of sales for items listed with an asterisk go towards funding the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.  The ones without an asterisk were, well…cute. 🙂

The Work Flat

It is not often that you will catch me wearing flats.  I am – and have been since about age 12 – a high-heels-wearer.  It’s innate…possibly even coded in my genes! On occasion, though, I too will dabble in flats-wearing.

Example #1 (actually, it’s probably the ONLY example I have!!):

flats

There are only two types of occasions that have required flats-wearing in my life:

1) During and after pregnancy (swollen feet are no match for ANY pair of high-heels!!).

2) Days when I have to run around campus, walk from building to building, or walk a long distance with bags in tow (e.g. at the ariport).

For those occasions, or when I simply cannot bear the thought of balancing the majority of my weight on the balls of your heels for more than 5 seconds (trust me though, this is rarely the case for me), I recommend the following flats:

1.  The Tory Burch ‘Reva’ Ballerina Flat – Of course!!  Made with a soft buttery leather, these flats are a bit uncomfortable at first; once you break in the leather though, they are quite comfy!  The gold medallion adds a bit of accessorizing without it being too obnoxiously ‘bling’, in my opinion.  I also like that it comes in a variety of colors!  One for each outfit you say?  Why not, I say!! 😉

Tory Burch 'Reva' Ballerina Flat

Tory Burch ‘Reva’ Ballerina Flat

2.  If I am wearing heels to work, to the airport, or any other place really, I make sure to keep a pair of flats in my bag.  Flats creators have innovated the most amazing types of flats recently…the folding flat!  There are two types that I would recommend:

-The Tieks, by Gavrieli Foldable Flat.  Created by a Stanford Alum (Go Cardinal!!), these flats come in about 47 different colors and styles.  They come with a cute, drawstring bag for storage.  Although I would probably default to a black foldable flat (especially if your base wardrobe color tends to be black), I would not shy away from this copper, textured flat, as it is also a great neutral option:

Wild Copper
 
 
 
-Love the idea of the Tieks flat, but can’t fathom shelling out nearly $300 for them?  Worry not, as the Gap has a similar foldable flat!  The City Flat.  I am a fan of this one, actually, owning 4 pairs of these myself (hey, they were on sale!!)!
Gap Womens The City Flat
-When opting for flats, I would recommend buying flats that are all-leather.  You are likely wearing flats to walk around, not just sit at your desk, so wear a materials that won’t have you reaching for band-aids and tending to blisters!
 
-Also, as you would do with any other type of shoe, break them in before wearing them.  You are likely choosing to wear flats to seek comfort when dressing your feet, so make sure that they have stretched out a bit and are going to make your walking experience a pleasant one.
 
-Finally, I leave you with these words of wisdom from one shoe lover to another: “If the shoe fits, BUY IT!!”
 
 

-Stay ‘Chic’!

Fall Essentials – The Fashionista Edition

Fall Essentials - Splurge
Ready to break those piggy banks??  Here is my list of splurge-worthy essentials for the Fall!

1.  Ann Taylor Shana Cutout Leather Shootie – These are currently sold out everywhere, but if you can snag a pair on eBay or elsewhere, it will be totally worth it!  I own a pair and they are incredibly comfortable!!
$148.00 – http://www.anntaylor.com

2.  La Mer Gel Creme So much better than the traditional thick, creme version.  Great for the upcoming dryer, cooler weather.
$285 – http://www.bergdorfgoodman.com

3. Burberry camel coat – A classic.  Must have item for any wardrobe.
$1495 – net-a-porter.com

4. Stella Dot necklace – Statement necklaces are a must for the fall.
$228 – http://www.stelladot.com

5. Hunter low heel tall boots – Rag and Bone collaboration with Hunter.  Don’t miss out!
$296 – http://www.nordstrom.com

6. Tom Ford lipstick – Crimson Noir is a great autumn hue.
$49 – http://www.bloomingdales.com

7. Viktor Rolf orange flower perfumeI own and love this scent!!
$165 – http://www.nordstrom.com

8. Vince sweater coat – A chunky, sweater coat is a must!  Vince is a great choice for soft, warm sweaters.
$475 – http://www.bloomingdales.com
9. Michael Kors watch – Isn’t this watch just amazing??  Stack with statement bracelets for enhanced effect!
$225 – http://www.michaelkors.com
10.  Erin Fetherston Corrine Dress | Piperlime – Looking out for my working women out there!  This is a great choice for the office or classroom.  Wear with a suit jacket during the day, or alone for after-work play.
$315 – http://www.piperlime.gap.com