breast cancer awareness

I'm not an exhibitionist, I'm not a model, and I'm not a huge show-off. So why am I posing without a shirt on? Because I'm pledging to raise awareness of breast cancer. The Estée Lauder Companies invited me to participate in this year's campaign to fight this disease, and I've joined nine other women (and one man!) to do so.

The idea is simple: make a pledge to do something about breast cancer — it could be as simple as vowing to do a monthly self-examination — and encourage your friends to do the same. (If you visit Bloomingdale's 59th Street in New York, you'll see all of our portraits and be able to upload your own video pledge directly from the store.)

For more on the campaign, keep reading.

Every October, retailers around the world sell products designed to raise money and awareness for breast cancer charities. Décor products certainly fall into this category, too. The problem is that while seeing a plethora of pink ribbon-branded items in retailers left and right may catch your eye, most products don't necessarily inspire you to decorate your homes with these items year-round. So I was excited to see some chic pink products that I'd certainly purchase regardless of the campaign.

First, Williams-Sonoma Home will donate $10 from the purchase of every Pink Solid Cashmere Throw ($298) this month to support breast cancer research and patient treatment. You can choose between a light or hot pink 50-by-65-inch fringed throw.

To see some more breast cancer awareness décor products, read more

As you probably know, October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month — hence all of the pink ribbons on everything from golf balls to laptop computers. We at Team Bella receive dozens of pitches about BCA beauty products. But while we enthusiastically support efforts to raise funds for cancer research and prevention efforts, it can be frustrating to see BCA products that donate a minuscule or unspecified amount of cash to the cause. (Donating $1 from a $100 product? C'mon.) That's called pinkwashing (more about that here) and we think it's crummy. However, whenever we find BCA products that we like and that give a hefty sum to support the cause, we'll happily let you know about them.

What's really important this month — and every month — is to do a breast exam. The instructions are easy to follow, and by getting into the habit, you'll be better prepared to notice abnormalities. It works: About six weeks ago, I found a lump in my breast. Fortunately, a biopsy proved it to be benign, but I wouldn't have noticed it if I hadn't been checking regularly. Take it from me, the self-exam is worth doing! So please take care of yourself, and support the cause however you can. On our end, we'll do the same, and we promise to feature only pink-ribbon products that we find truly charitable. (Now go check your boobs already!)