Fashion For A Cause

Actress Rashida Jones kicked off a new initiative by Theory called Fashion Insider: Stylecause. Essentially, she's taken her favorite Spring pieces and given them her own preppy chic spin, all for a good cause. Ten percent of the proceeds from the sale of the items in each outfit will be donated to Peace First and Children Mending Hearts. Look out for Theory to continue this fashionably philanthropic program with many other stylish celebrities. Ready to help now? Then shop Rashida's three crisp looks.

Charitybuzz, a leading destination for online charity auctions, is currently hosting one fabulous event that you can participate in. Fashion insiders like Anna Wintour, Diane von Furstenberg, Vera Wang, Gwen Stefani, and Tim Gunn are currently auctioning off everything from a week at Vogue to a chance to attend New York Fashion Week to a lunch date, all for the benefit of RFK Center for Justice and Human Rights. There are 57 auctions in the fashion category, so get your moolah out, and start bidding!

Phillip Lim is the latest designer creating for a cause. He has teamed up with Nordstrom to design a limited-edition line of tees in time for Asian Pacific American Heritage Month in May. "The t-shirt design is my signature in repetition like a graphic print. It's simple, but acknowledging my full name was a part of growing up as an Asian American and accepting the two cultures that I am a part of. This is a cause that's personal to me, and I hope that in my small way I am able to contribute to this great program," Lim said.

Beginning May 1, score one of Lim's tees at 16 Nordstrom stores, as well as online. Proceeds from the $85 tee will go to OCA, an organization dedicated to Asian Pacific American youth and their communities.

For a list of Nordstrom stores that will carry the tees, read more

Beyonce, the official face of Fashion For Haiti, has a message for you: "Join me and the fashion industry by buying and wearing the Fashion for Haiti t-shirt. Together we can send a message of hope by raising much needed funds for the people of Haiti." Starting Feb. 16, you too can sport the Fashion For Haiti Tee ($25), created by the CFDA to help the Clinton Bush Haiti Fund. Not only will you look in the know, but you'll be helping a great cause. A host of retailers like RachelRoy.com, J.Crew, and Nordstrom will carry the tee. Learn more about what the CFDA is doing to help those in need and be sure to check out Beyonce's PSA.

Diane von Furstenberg has been empowering women since day one. Now she's taking her efforts a step further with the DVF Awards. "My mission in life is to empower women. I do it through my work, through my mentoring and through philanthropy," the designer said. The first annual awards will take place at the United Nations on March 13, where four women will be recognized for their positive impact on other women around the world. Two work with Vital Voices, the "People's Voice" award will go to an American woman — vote for one of five nominees — and the fourth, honoring a public figure, will be unveiled at the ceremony. Each winner will receive $50,000 to help her continue her humanitarian work. Go Diane, way to use fashion for a good cause.

What do you get when you give a talented French designer and a fly songstress some fabric and a cause? FFAWN + Catherine Malandrino, a fierce "t-luxe" collection benefiting the Foundation For the Achievement of Women Now, a charity started by Blige in '08. The line, which starts at $39, hits Bloomingdale's next week and is all about empowering women with messages like "I'm Free" and "I'm Power."

So how did the duo join forces? "Catherine has been a dear friend of mine for years and, after she learned about FFAWN and our mission, she offered to create a T-shirt collection that would celebrate being women, being strong and being free," Blige said. Great friends, doing great things.

Rachel Roy is not just a pretty face and talented designer — she's also a passionate philanthropist. She recently took a trip to Africa and teamed up with Fair Winds Trading, an organization that offers women affected by genocide and abuse an opportunity to earn a living. To further help the cause, Rachel is offering handcrafted accessories made by women in Rwanda and Tanzania — like this Rachel Rachel Roy Fairwinds Bracelet ($40) — whose proceeds provide access to health care and dignity. What a stylish way to support a good cause.

If you haven't yet, be sure to read our exclusive interview with Rachel!

To see a couple more Fairwinds pieces, read more

There are many fashion layers to the fabulous Emma Watson. Of course, we love her as the face of Burberry, but we also enjoy seeing her eco-conscious side. Since we first announced her collaboration with organic line People Tree, we couldn't wait to see what the British beauty would come up with. Well, the wait is over, and we're officially smitten with her cute collection — modeled by the designer herself — of skinny jeans, striped tops, chic shorts, and flirty frocks. I love the timeless hues of red, gray, white, and blue, and the casual yet refined silhouettes. I can totally see myself rockin' these organic looks, can you?

To see more of Emma modeling for People Tree, read more