In celebration of the release of Disneynature’s African Cats DVD, Africa Geographic Magazine has come up with some great holiday gift ideas. Alex Woo’s African Cat Pendant was one of the 3 gifts chosen. This fierce pendant not only looks fabulous on the ladies photographed but it also gives back to our furry friends. Twenty percent of the proceeds from the pendant sales will benefit AWF’s efforts to protect the African savanna. This roaring piece has become one of Africa Geographic’s favorite and we can see why!

Lucky magazine did it again with NYC’s ultimate fashion experience! This was Lucky Shops 8^th year of amazing deals and great shopping. With celebs like Bridget Moynahan, Stephanie March, Kaylee Defer from Gossip Girl and Abigail Breslin – it was sure to be a fabulous weekend of shopping and fun.

Everyone looked great, especially Abigail Breslin who was rockin’ the Little Rock Star Double Note 2! Alex was able to catch up with her, since the last time they saw each other at Super Saturday 14, as they both smiled for the cameras on the red carpet. The event lasted three days and saw 7,000 people total from 40 different states! I think it’s safe to say that everyone shopped til’ they dropped at the 8^th annual Lucky Shops.

“I don’t want to say I survived cancer – I want to say I kicked its butt!” Robin Roberts did just that while fighting her battle with breast cancer and we find out how she did this in the October issue of Ladies Home Journal.

“Things that used to bother me, like getting my hair wet in the rain, now make me laugh. I don’t sweat the small stuff.” Robin’s life has changed drastically but it has helped her to see life in a whole new perspective and we admire her for that!

This month’s cover radiates with Robin’s contagious smile and Alex Woo’s Zhuli Earrings! Inside are some more shots of her wearing this unique piece which has convinced everyone at Alex Woo that the Zhuli Collection was made for her – wouldn’t you agree?

Be sure to check out Ladies Home Journal to learn more about Robin’s struggles and how she overcame them – she’ll be sure to inspire you as she has inspired us!

KELLY RIPA

As the co-host of the QVC-sponsored OCRF bash in Water Mill, N.Y., the star stands out in a dramatic asymmetrical zebra-print dress, sky-high wedges, Alex Woo necklace and an armful of golden bangles.

What do you think of her look?  At the last count, 68% of the viewers on People thought this was a hit!

We’re big fans of initial pendants—always have been, always will be, which is why NYC jewelry designer Alex Woo’s teeny-bopper “Little Letters” collection is cute as a BFF gift or even a hostess prezzie. Apparently, Kellan Lutz agrees—the ripped Twilight actor was spotted on numerous occasions rocking the 14kt yellow gold initial “K” pendant with his usual button-up/T-shirt combo. We’re kind of on the fence about this man jewelry…do you think it’s more high school and less hunk, or does it work?

Every Saturday is great in the Hamptons, but each year there is one that stands out.  It is Super Saturday and it is the 14th annual fund-raiser sale benefiting the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund.  Hosted by Kelly Ripa, Donna Karan, InStyle magazine and actress Emma Roberts it is the luxury garage sale no one wants to miss — with discount designer goods from more than 200 designers, including Jimmy Choo, Diane von Furstenberg and Alex Woo.

This year, Kelly Ripa proved again how amazing she is, by hosting the event and helping promote it regularly both on and off camera.   As a mom of 3, she is a personal role model for the millions that watch her regularly on Live! with Regis & Kelly.  Today, she also wore Alex Woo’s Little Vegas Gold Cherries.

At the event were also many supporters of the event including the multi-talented and sweet Abigail Breslin.  Check out her band CABB!

Zooey Deschanel’s Guide to a Happy and Healthy Life

Known for her outstanding performances in mostly indie flicks, actress and singer Zooey Deschanel shows off her baby blues on the cover of Self magazine’s July 2011 issue wearing Alex Woo’s Gold Little Double Note.  The magazine is on newsstands today (June 16) in New York and Los Angeles.

Here’s what the 31-year-old actress had to share:

On getting to know yourself: “Most people spend too much time comparing themselves to others….Get to know yourself a little bit better. Stop and ask yourself a few questions, and think about you.”

On why she works out: “A lot of people work out to be skinny. That’s so boring, and it seems like a depressing goal for a modern woman. I work out to be healthy and because I like it. I do sports or classes, things that engage my mind. If you’re active, fitness will follow – and probably a good figure, too.”

On advice she’d give her former self: “If I could give my teenaged self any advice, it would be ‘Calm down!’ In fact, if I could relive one day of my life, it would be the worst day of seventh grade, just so I could appreciate how much better life is now.”

Zooey also joked with Self staffers that “if this acting thing doesn’t work out,” she could be a Snow White impersonator at Disneyland!

Check out this behind the scenes video at Deschanel’s SELF cover shoot where she shows of her hula-hoop skills and also presents all the jewelry available, where the Little Note was hand-picked.

With the celebration of Mother’s Day upon us, People Magazine’s May 9th issue fills you in on how to gift your Mom like the star that she is! From candles to candy, People found the goodies celebrities like to give and get…

With personalized jewelry, you can make it meaningful with the kid’s initials and birthstones. Amongst an array of trendy personalized jewelry, Alex Woo is perfectly nestled into the mix with her Little Number Collection worn by Heidi Klum!

Heidi Klum wears Alex Woo’s 14kt yellow gold “Little Number 4” necklace (she has four kids) and sterling silver Mini Heart.

Kelly Ripa loves Alex Woo’s Little Numbers too! Ripa has been seen wearing a diamond “Little Number 3” for her three beautiful children.

The greatest thing about US Weekly’s  May 2^nd, 2011 issue isn’t the Dancing With The Stars gossip!

Mom’s the word! Celebrate her on May 8th with star adored gifts featured in US Weekly’s Mother’s Day Gift Guide, and the best ways to “Fill Her Jewelry Box!”

With a variety of glimmering gold and personalized pendants, Christina Applegate layers Alex Woo bling with her Jennifer Fisher necklace.

Alex Woo’s Little Letter “S” in 14kt gold and Mini Addition Heart in sterling silver are worn by Applegate to show her never-ending love for her daughter, Sadie.

Applegate can be added to the list of celebrities, including Halle Berry and Jennifer Lopez, who have chosen Alex Woo’s Little Letter collection to symbolize their children.

Celebrating both Disneynature’s new film African Cats and the strong bond between a mother and child, Alex Woo attended a special screening of the Disneynature film.

In theaters on Earth Day, other attendees included Today Show host Natalie Morales, model and one of the first Goodwill Ambassadors to the African Wildlife Foundation Veronica Vařeková, actresses Brooke Shields and Keri Russell, and director Sofia Coppola to support the film.

The Disneynature film, African Cats, takes a journey into the grasslands of Africa, giving the viewer a real life look into what it’s like to be a part of the wildest place on Earth. One of the greatest stories told in the film is about the unbreakable relationship created between a mother and their young. Being a new mother herself, Alex felt a strong connection to this theme and therefore was motivated to design a piece reflecting this union.

Through sales of Alex Woo’s African Cat pendant, a portion of the proceeds with be graciously donated to the African Wildlife Foundation.  Please support the film and help save the Savanna.

About Disneynature’s True-Life Adventure: “African Cats”

Directed by Keith Scholey and Alastair Fothergill, “African Cats” captures the real-life love, humor and determination of the majestic kings of the savanna. Narrated by Oscar-nominated actor Samuel L. Jackson, the story features Mara, an endearing lion cub who strives to grow up with her mother’s strength, spirit and wisdom; Sita, a fearless cheetah and single mother of five mischievous newborns; and Fang, a proud leader of the pride who must defend his family from a rival lion and his sons. An awe-inspiring adventure blending family bonds with the power and cunning of the wild, “African Cats” leaps into theatres on Earth Day, April 22, 2011.

About the African Wildlife Foundation

The African Wildlife Foundation (AWF) is the leading international conservation organization focused solely on Africa, and works together with the people of Africa, to ensure the wildlife and wild lands of Africa will endure forever.

Featured in the December issue is the country singer superstar Carrie Underwood with an exclusive interview about happiness and married life with her hockey-star husband. Also  featured in the Where Can I Find… You saw it. You want it. We found it section is Alex Woo’s jewelry.

“The necklace symbolizes balance, peace, and harmony – and it goes with everything!” – Christina Applegate

The actress worked with jeweler Alex Woo to design the delicate Tree of Life pendant.  It features seven leaves that symbolize the days of the week as a reminder to “live life to the fullest.”  Proceeds benefit the Right Action for Women organization in the fight against breast cancer.

MEET THE JEWELER – New York designer Alex Woo counts Halle Berry, Heidi Klum, and Eva Longoria Parker among her fans and aims to create personal pieces to fit everyone’s life. “I design for strong, confident women who like to share their own stories,” says Woo.  Her signature collection, Little Icons, includes delicate letter and number pendants, as well as astrological signs and good luck symbols.

Alex Woo is once again excited to be participating in LuckyShops!  For the seventh straight year, Lucky Magazine is turning NYC’s Metropolitan Pavilion into a shopping paradise and bringing the pages of the magazine to life with a unique mix of merchandise from designers such as Alice + Olivia, Botkier, Diane von Furstenberg, and many more.  Lucky Shops 2010 will also include cool extras like music, refreshments and giveaways and kick off with a “VIP Shopping Party” hosted by Hilary Duff to celebrate Lucky’s 10th Anniversary and the mag’s new Editor-In-Chief Brandon Holley.  The last time Alex Woo participated can be read about here.

What is LUCKY SHOPS 2010? LUCKY SHOPS is a shopping event hosted by Lucky Magazine. Like the pages of the magazine, the event features a wide range of our favorite designers and shops selling at up to 70% off retail. While you’re there enjoy: complimentary cocktails,* giveaways, music and more.

Host Hilary Duff

Where is it? Metropolitan Pavilion
125 West 18th Street (between 6th and 7th Avenues)
New York, NY
Click here for directions.

When is it? VIP 10th Anniversary Shopping Party: Thursday, November 4, 6PM -9PM
Friday PREVIEW Pass: Friday, November 5, 10AM – 8PM (2 bonus shopping hours)
Friday GENERAL Admission: Friday, November 5, 12PM – 8PM
Saturday Shop-a-thon:  Saturday, November 6, 11AM – 5PM

Even though October conjures up images of falling leaves of crimson and gold, the month has become synonymous with a different color: pink. It’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and there are many ways to contribute to the cause. “I lost my own mother (when I was 16) to breast cancer, so it’s a cause very close to my heart,” says New York jeweler Alex Woo, who collaborated on a fundraising effort with breast cancer survivor, expectant mother and actress Christina Applegate. USA TODAY’s Cindy Clark checks out some fun new ways to get in the pink.

Woo’s design includes seven leaves, which represent each day of the week, as a “reminder to live each day to its very fullest.” Net proceeds from the pendant will go to Applegate’s foundation Right Action for Women, which helps women at increased risk for breast cancer get the information and testing they need to beat the disease.

My mother is someone I always admired. She was the most intelligent person I knew, and taught me so much about life.  She was also a sister and a best friend to me.  We loved shopping and spending time with each other, and was naturally an inspiration to me.  As a working mom, she always taught me to pursue my own dreams and be independent. So as a high school student, my life was shattered with the news of her diagnosis. A cancerous lump had been found in her breast, and she decided that she would have a mastectomy and have the whole breast removed. 
 
After the surgery and rounds of radiation and chemotherapy, we now had to shop for different things – like wigs to cover her hair loss, and special bras and swimsuits to help accommodate for her lost breast.   Somehow she made it still fun and similar to our past shopping trips. We remained strong because we thought we would all get through it.

Although she had gotten better for some time, her cancer came back, and spread to her lymph nodes.  She had to stay at the hospital – so my father and I took shifts, and I would spend my days with her, and he would spend the nights breaking hospital rules to be beside her bed.  I naively thought she would be checking out of the hospital soon. 

One of the days, I got a terrible cold, and my dad told me to stay home and rest.  He instead, went to hospital to accompany her.  It was that day, at the age of 39, she passed away.  When I was informed of the news, I could not believe it and thought it was a mistake.  I was shocked and grief-stricken.  Tears burst from me as I never had a chance to say a proper goodbye and tell her how much she truly meant to me.  Deep in my heart I knew my mom knew how much I loved her, but I still wished that I could have told her how much she meant to me and more.  I learned from that day onward how short and fragile life is, and my mother taught me one final lesson – to enjoy life and live each day to it’s fullest without any regrets.  And always tell the ones you love how much they mean to you.  Since that day, my father has taken on double-duty as both parents and a best friend and I became an advocate for breast cancer awareness.
 
Fast forward to 2008.  After receiving her breast cancer diagnosis, award-winning actress Christina Applegate created a foundation called Right Action for Women to educate women about what it means to be at “high risk” for breast cancer and encourage them to talk to their doctors about appropriate screening. Generously providing aid to individuals who were at increased risk for breast cancer and did not have insurance or the financial flexibility to cover the high costs associated with breast screenings, Christina brought much more attention to the cause .  At the same time, I had designed my Open Heart necklace, which was dedicated to raising funds to benefit breast cancer research and it was serendipitous that we had an opportunity to work together to help raise awareness in this fight.

 During her treatments, Christina regularly wore my Open Heart pendant, so when her new foundation was started, we wanted to design a new piece together – what eventually became the Tree of Life.  In this design, we wanted to not only signify balance, peace and harmony in the shape of the tree and branches but also incorporate the feminine curves of a woman. The 7 leaves represent each day of the week, as a reminder to live each day to it’s fullest.

I also wanted to incorporate Christina’s experiences in dealing with breast cancer and she said  “This piece reminds me so much of the roses I made out of ribbons for my friends and family while in the hospital” and was so grateful “for creating such a beautiful piece to benefit Right Action for Women. Proceeds from the necklace will help women at high risk for breast cancer get the screenings and testing they need to beat this disease.” Partnering with Christina was an honor, given the inspiration she has provided to millions of young women. 

When my mom found a lump in her breast, she was still in her 30′s, and thought it would go away.  But by the time she went to see a doctor, it was too late.  Thankfully today, there is not only better technology, but much more awareness about the importance of routine breast exams.  Early detection is the key and I encourage all women reading this article to be vigilant as well.  Life is so precious that you should always let  your loved ones know how much they mean to you.

To read more about Right Action for Women, please visit www.rightactionforwomen.org

Christina Applegate will always be known for her on-screen humor and charm, but after beating breast cancer, the star has also tacked on charitable spokesperson and co-designer to her resume! In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the pregnant actress lent a hand to jewelry designer Alex Woo to create a stylish new pendant necklace to raise money for her  Right Action for Women foundation. “This piece reminds me so much of the roses I made out of ribbons for my friends and family while in the hospital,” said Christina. “I am so grateful to Alex for creating such a beautiful piece to benefit Right Action for Women. Proceeds from the necklace will help women at high risk for breast cancer get the screenings and testing they need to beat this disease.” The tree and branches within the pendant–offered in both silver and gold–are designed to signify balance, peace, harmony and the curves of a woman. The seven leaves represent each day of the week, reminding women to live everyday to the fullest. To help ensure the early detection of breast cancer, visit alexwoo.com and purchase your necklace just in time for Breast Cancer Awareness month in October. –Jessie Goldberg

Pick up the latest edition of People Style watch for the most stylish and charitable fashions that help support Breast Cancer research!  Christina Applegate is showing off Alex Woo’s Tree of Life in which the designer and actress collaborated on.  The Tree of Life represents harmony, hope and renewal with seven leaves to signify the days of the week and to live each day to its fullest. Christina designed this necklace with her loved ones in mind. This pendant is an everyday reminder of the important things in life and to stay vigilant about breast cancer awareness and the steps to early detection. The Tree of Life is a great way to cherise your loved ones and to support a wonderful charity.  100% of the net proceeds directly benefits Right Action for Women, a Christina Applegate foundation.