There's a lot of fashion for a cause this week, so read on and feel good.
A healthy body needs a healthy mind, so active wear label Jasmine Alexa has released a range of limited edition "This is me" T-shirts to promote body and mind positivity. As a teenager, founder Jasmine Gescheit battled anorexia and wanted to create a piece that could help young women like her. Proceeds from the T-shirts ($70) go to headspace, the national youth mental health foundation.
"Throughout my own recovery, I encountered specialists who were experts in their fields, however did not know how to tailor their advice and help to someone young. I felt they didn't understand what I was truly going though. It has been over 10 years since my recovery," she said.
Available online for a limited time.
![Jasmine Alexa's This is Me T-shirt will raise funds for headspace.](http://web.archive.org./web/20170731131850im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/x/j/d/e/n/image.imgtype.articleLeadwide.620x0.png/1501055367897.png)
Jasmine Alexa's This is Me T-shirt will raise funds for headspace.
I am no runner but that doesn't mean I can't look like one, right? This Sunday, Run Melbourne presented by Lululemon will see a thousands of people taking on the 3km, 6km, 10km and half-marathon races around the city. Lululemon has created some limited-edition, Melbourne-themed training gear for the 10th running of the event that will be available only this weekend.
Birrarung Marr, Melbourne. Saturday and Sunday only.
![Lululemon has created a Melbourne skyline series to coincide with Run Melbourne.](http://web.archive.org./web/20170731131850im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/x/h/o/4/z/image.imgtype.articleLeadwide.620x0.png/1500878014535.png)
Lululemon has created a Melbourne skyline series to coincide with Run Melbourne. Photo: Matt Korinek
This sale doesn't support a charitable cause, but it does support a local label with a dedication to sustainability, so it ticks plenty of boxes. Et Al has ex-seasons' stock from $60, in sizes 8-18. The brand is known for its relaxed tailoring with an edge, in pieces that are easy to care for.
50 Dight Street, Collingwood. August 2-5. Wednesday-Friday 10am-4pm, Saturday 10am-2pm.
![Et Al has its once-a-year sale next week.](http://web.archive.org./web/20170731131850im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/x/j/e/4/l/image.imgtype.articleLeadwide.620x0.png/1501056540271.png)
Et Al has its once-a-year sale next week.
This scribe loves casual Friday as much as the next person, and this week it's all for a good cause. On Jeans for Genes Day, it's practically compulsory to wear denim to work to support genetic research (and if you don't like jeans, just make a donation anyway). If you want to go one step further, wear your favourite vintage or custom denim and show your support for slow fashion at the same time.
Jeans for Genes ambassador Nadia Bartel has offered some tips for how to style the latest denim trends.
She said she's encouraging her friends to "get wilder than ever before when it comes to their denim looks".
"Frayed, distressed, embroidered and even double denim, the more fun, the better," she said.
Bartel is particularly fond of embroidered denim, which she likes to style by keeping the rest of her outfit minimal.
"For those of you that are a little hesitant, you can embrace the trend with some small patch embroidery. A great way to integrate this is on your denim jacket," she says.
If an oversized denim jacket is more your speed, Bartel has this advice: "The longer hem denim jacket allows you to layer underneath with your favourite knits and tees.
"Pop the collar or wear it over your shoulders and it instantly elevates any look you are wearing."
For more information, visit jeansforgenes.org.au.
![Jeans for Genes ambassador Nadia Bartel.](http://web.archive.org./web/20170731131850im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/x/j/e/l/m/image.imgtype.articleLeadwide.620x0.png/1501057296034.png)
Jeans for Genes ambassador Nadia Bartel. Photo: Esteban La Tessa
There's no slowing the monogramming mania sweeping retail, with Burberry the latest brand to offer a customisation service. For the first time, a Burberry artisan has travelled to Australia to offer customers hand-painted designs on its leather goods, including bags, accessories and gifts such as a backgammon set, domino cases, a playing cards case and travel accessories. The complimentary service comes in two fonts and 15 colours, with each bag taking up to an hour to hand paint. -- Nicole Economos
Chadstone shopping centre, Dandenong Road, Chadstone. Tuesday and Wednesday only, 9am-5.30pm.
![Personalise your new purchase this weekend.](http://web.archive.org./web/20170731131850im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/x/i/x/m/g/image.imgtype.articleLeadwide.620x349.png/1501033752995.png)
Personalise your new purchase this weekend. Photo: Dan Medhurst
Just opened
Let's be frank, retailers are doing it tough. But many are adopting new initiatives to draw people to their stores. Last week, Country Road launched the first of a series of cafes in its Brighton store, called The Brighton Buoy. The drinks-plus-nibbles combo is the brainchild of the team at Almond Milk Co, so expect lots of nut milk smoothies with healthy snacks to match.
Country Road isn't the only brand in the Woolworths Holdings group to boost its food offering. Next week, David Jones will launch its new food hall concept in Sydney – don't worry Melbourne, we're getting our turn soon enough. Stay tuned.
![The new-look Country Road store in Brighton has a cafe called Buoy, by the Almond Milk Co.](http://web.archive.org./web/20170731131850im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/x/h/o/5/0/image.imgtype.articleLeadwide.620x0.png/1500878014281.png)
The new-look Country Road store in Brighton has a cafe called Buoy, by the Almond Milk Co. Photo: Mushroom Creative
Launching soon
Usually we try to wait until a launch before shouting it from the rooftop, but being beauty junkies, we just couldn't keep this one to ourselves any longer.
On Tuesday, August 1, Mecca Maxima will launch Mecca MAX, its own house brand of cosmetics, to coincide with the Mecca brand's 20th birthday.
With prices ranging from $5 to $45, the range encourages experimentation with colour and new formulations, such as the pithily-named Shimmer Shot highlighting pen.
Mecca Brands creative director Marita Burke says the new brand has been created for the beauty obsessive.
"Our innovative products are smarter, work harder and will do more for your look than anything else in your beauty arsenal. Think the perfect nude, the best lash, the boldest lip, the brightest illuminator and everything in between. It's MECCA's beauty obsession, bottled," Burke said.
![The design matches the stores pink and orange aesthetic.](http://web.archive.org./web/20170731131850im_/http://www.smh.com.au/content/dam/images/g/x/i/x/f/8/image.imgtype.articleLeadwide.620x349.png/1501033467215.png)
The Mecca MAX packaging matches the stores pink and orange aesthetic. Photo: Supplied
#inthecart: cowboy boots
After seeing John Galliano's Maison Margiela collection at Paris Fashion Week, I am convinced cowboy boots will be one of the hottest footwear trends this summer. They go perfectly with the maxi-dresses, ruffles and tiers we are going to see on everything embracing the luxe boho vibe. Go traditional vintage for cred, or pick a bold colour for fashion, the choice is yours.