On Tuesday night, I was invited along with other journalists and bloggers to learn about a new campaign from mark (the beauty and fashion boutique brand of Avon) called m.powerment, a philanthropic initiative dedicated to breaking the cycle of dating abuse and partner violence. There we learned the sobering statistic that 1 in 5 teens in a serious relationship reports being physically abused by a partner.





The event was held at the hotel Crosby in Soho and hosted by Lauren Conrad (The Hills), Claudia Poccia, Global Present of mark, and a Peer Educator Leader from the Healthy Relationship Training Academy of New York City. Guests got to see the new PSA for the campaign (watch the video above!) and participate in a Q&A with Lauren, who talked about raising awareness for this great cause.




Lauren collaborated with mark to create the below beauty and accessory items from which 100% of the net proceeds will be donated to help raise funds and awareness for the cause:



[1] mark Have a Heart Bracelet, $12 [2] mark Have a Heart Necklace, $22 [3] mark Glow Baby Glow Hook Up Lip Gloss in m.powerment Shades, $5.50


To date, $400,000 has been awarded to seven organizations through the m.powerment by mark campain. It's a fantastic cause and it's so easy to participate and do your part to help out. We each received a swag bag at the event with one of the bracelets, gloss and necklace and they are quality products you will want to wear and use and share with friends. Spread the word, ladies!

Random sidenote: Lauren mingled with guests after the event, which was sweet. I went right up to her and got my photo taken with her and she was seriously cool, down the earth, and very thin and pretty in person. Just thought I'd share cuz you know you want to know! LOL

Available at www.meetmark.com or through your mark Representative

To learn more, go to meetmark.com/mpowerment

I recently received the following question from a reader: "I love glamorous nightgowns and PJs. (Think gowns and loungewear seen in classic Hollywood films.) Do you have ideas on where I might find such treats? —Sally in Dallas"

So to help me answer this question, I decided to consult my friend Miss Neira, author of the fabulous blog by the same name (http://missneira.blogspot.com/), as she is an expert on all-things lingerie…especially the glamorous vintage-inspired kind!

Here, Miss Neira shares her top vintage lingerie picks inspired by two classic Hollywood vixens, plus a list of her favorite online lingerie boutiques. Enjoy! —BB




The Marilyn
1. Di Murini Pajama Pant and Camisole (sold seperately)
2. Mary Green silk Georgette gown





The Rita
1. Francesca Satin Teddy
2. Fredrick's of Hollywood satin leopard gown


More sites for fun and playful sleepwear:

1. www.figleaves.com
2. www.marygreen.com
3. www.miodestino.co.uk/boutique
4. www.sleeknchic.com
5. www.agentprovocateur.com

Special thanks to Miss Neira for contributing this guest post!

There are still many styles available at today's Jeffrey Campbell shoe sale on Gilt Fuse, from lace-up booties and wingtip loafers to distressed combat boots and open-toe platforms. If you love runway-to-realway looks, this is the sale and shoe brand for you!

Just last Fall, JCPenney introduced Olsenboye, a new brand for teens from Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, and today (Wednesday, 2/3), marks the launch of the Olsenboye Spring 2010 collection which includes apparel, footwear and handbags.

To celebrate the launch of the collection, JCPenney and Olsenboye have launched a contest inviting all aspiring designers between the ages of 13 and 21 to design an original apparel item. Individuals can enter for a chance to win:

• Grand prize trip to New York City
  


• Meet Mary Kate Olsen and Ashley Olsen
  


• $1,000 JCPenney style shopping spree
  


• Nine runners up each receive $500 JCPenney gift cards
  


• A chance to have your design included in a future Olsenboye collection
  

Check out the details and enter the contest here: http://www.olsenboyedesigncontest.com/

More about the collection: "Inspired by teen trends from cities around the world, each travel-themed collection of Olsenboye will highlight different cities. The spring collection celebrates New York City. Olsenboye items retail from $20-$50 and can be mixed together to create an array of unique looks that allow teens to express their personalities and celebrate their journey through life with fashion."

Too bad I'm too old to enter this contest, the prize sounds pretty cool!

And the winner is… #61 Aubrey Page. She wrote "Gotta love the 1970s. Bell bottoms, boho prints… Annie Hall! SO great."

Congrats to our winner and thanks to LAVintage for the awesome prize. I loved reading everyone's entries, so interesting. Check them out if you haven't already!




Please note: This contest is now closed to further entries.

We've teamed up with LA Vintage to offer one lucky reader the chance to win this amazing Sweetwater Satchel, an authentic tan-brown leather purse from the 1970s, perfect for carrying all your essential items in style!

One of the best parts about doing these giveaways is that it gives me the chance to introduce you guys to fabulous new-to-me sites, and LA Vintage is no exception! Vintage is original, eco- and budget-friendly, so definitely check out the amazing inventory at LAVintage.com.

To enter this sweeps, visit LAVintage.com, then tell me what your fave decade for fashion is and why in the comments section below (for example, the 1920s, 50s, 60s, 80s, etc.!).

Fan us on Facebook and/or follow us on Twitter for one additional entry per person (let us know in the comments).

Good luck!!

Entries must be submitted by Tuesday, February 9 at 12 noon ET to be eligible to win. Bookmark this page, where one winner selected at random will be announced later that day.

UPDATE 12/3: This giveaway is open to readers worldwide!!