LORD & TAYLOR FEED PROJECT

THE OLDEST DEPARTMENT STORE IN THE U.S.Lord & Taylor was founded in 1826, making it the oldest department store in the United States.   The flagship location on New York's 5th Avenue has been a cornerstone of style for over 90 years.   In recent years fashionistas have flocked to other department stores with a flashier appeal, but L&T has a devout core following.  You know her, the old money, upscale shopper who is not so logo crazy.   The WASPY gal that has the beautiful clothes you can't pinpoint to one designer.  She probably bought it at Lord & Taylor.  

It's not just the ladies who appreciate Lord & Taylor, as it was just reported that the recently renovated Men's floor brought a 30% bump to that business.   Yes, that was during the recession.   The list of firsts that makes up  the L&T DNA is staggering.  First retailer to open on 5th avenue.   First store to install an elevator.  First store to decorate holiday windows as entertainment.  WOW! JASON JOBSON & LAUREN BUSH W/ FEED PROJECT BAG Add to that the fact that the store was the place that introduced pioneers of American fashion like Claire McCardle, Bonnie Cashin, Norell, & Pauline Trigere to name a few!  I can't say I always shop the store, but I make it a priority when I am  holiday shopping every year.   The store is a New York institution and the old world theme of the Holiday windows are a must see!   People from all over the world visiting NYC line up to see the windows each year.  

I was even more pleased to visit the store last week for the unveiling of the latest project from the FEED organization.   The New York based charity co-founded by Lauren Bush and Ellen Gustafson makes feeding undernourished children their priority.   The organization has gotten so much attention and made such a huge impact due in part to the very straight forward nature of the mission.   FEED produces organic, reusable shopping bags that are practical and useful for anyone who is trying to recycle and cut the use of plastic.  The added benefit is the money raised by the sale of each bag feeds a child.  In the first stages, one bag provided 100 school meals to children in Africa.   

FEED PROJECT BAGS AT LORD & TAYLOR $19 & $39This latest phase of the project is exclusive to Lord & Taylor and is raising money for children in Guatemala.   It is amazing to think that a country that is about 3 hours by plane from NYC has one of the highest rates of malnutrition in children in the world.    Part of the problem is lack of education.   I've spent time in Guatemala and I have seen first hand that the issue is multifaceted.  The Guatemalans are a largely indigenous people, speaking well over a dozen languages.   The culture has deep roots in Pagan beliefs.   For example, corn is almost seen as a spiritual food.  So naturally the people believe that feeding their children corn is blessed.  It also costs much less to feed children tortillas than fruits and vegetables.  Sadly, this leaves the children lacking many crucial vitamins and minerals.    Seeing children who look four or five years old but are actually 10 or 11 is not uncommon, as their growth is stunted from the malnourishment. 

FEED Projects has partnered with NEST - an organization that empowers female artists and artisans around the world.   The women have created wallets and tote bags from their traditional IKAT fabric.   The bags are colorful and fun and also the perfect accessory for going to the market, the gym, to school, or just about anywhere.   Priced at just $19 & $39, it is amazing to think this small purchase can provide nutritional supplements for 1 or 3 children for a whole year.

The folks at FEED are really smart to have made helping such a great cause so easy and fun to do!

The IKAT accessories to benefit Guatemala are sold exclusively through Lord & Taylor.   The bags may be purchased in-store or on-line.   click FEED PROJECTS GUATEMALA to buy one now.   What a great gift!