Columnist Lisa Ferguson: Sun Lite for October 11, 2004

Lisa Ferguson

Monday, Oct. 11, 2004 | 8:23 a.m.

Supportive styles

For a few moments, forget about the pointy witch hats, plastic-pumpkin buckets and the expensive latex masks that have filled store shelves this month, and instead focus on another popular October adornment: the pink-ribbon symbol of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

With more than 200,000 U.S. women diagnosed with the disease each year, it's no wonder the ribbons can be found in myriad forms these days from traditional lapel pins to key chains and on clothing. Several of such items are being offered by online retailer www.FlipFlopStyle.com.

Show your support and courageous fashion sense by slipping on the company's blue chambray shirt. Being marketed to breast cancer survivors, the top features a three-quarter-length sleeve; its front is dotted with embroidered pink ribbons, with a lone ribbon on the upper-left back shoulder ($69.95). Also available on the site is Susan's Hope, Faith, Love Pink Ribbon Stretch Bracelet ($7.95), composed of silver- and pink-crystal beads; and charms in the shapes of hearts, stars and the ribbon, engraved with the aforementioned inspirational words.

Other cute items include pendants shaped like actual flip-flop-style sandals ($15.95); the "Susan the Pink Ribbon" Charm Chick, a set of three silver-plated charms that connect to form a "chick," which can be worn on separately sold necklaces and bracelets ($35.95); and pink-ribbon dangle earrings ($6.95). FlipFlipStyle.com will donate a portion of the sales of its pink-ribbon wear to various breast cancer charities.

A touch of glass

The Web site www.breastcancer.org, an online resource for information about the disease, is the charity of choice for china maker Lenox, to which the company will hand over 10 percent of the proceeds from the sales of its "Gifts of Knowledge" pink-ribbon products.

Lenox's heart-shaped, ivory-hued pin/pendant combo boasts a "tea rose" pattern, a tiny pink pearl and hand-painted pink ribbon detail ($12.95). Its 8-inch, ivory-china bud vase also with a flower motif has a pink satin ribbon woven through its neck, and is accented with 24-karat gold ($29.95). Both are available at www.lenox.com, where some facts about breast cancer, courtesy of www.breastcancer.org, also are posted:

Spinning a yarn

So, you want to wear something to show your support for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, but the traditional pins seem passe. Lion Brand Yarn Co. can help so long as you have some free time and nimble fingers.

The company, headquartered in New York, N.Y., this month is marketing its Crochet for a Cause Kit ($9), which comes with all of the tools required to create a scarf, including a pink crochet hook; one skein of pink yarn; an illustrated pattern for the scarf; and, to help keep crocheters healthy, a laminated breast self-exam guide. Proceeds from the sale of the kits available by calling (800) 258-YARN, or visiting www.LionBrand.com will benefit the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.