"Life Without Ed" Jewelry vs. The Dastardly Pro-Ana Red Bracelet

It's on.  And I want "Life Without Ed" jewelry to win.

This morning JCKStyle brings us a very serious topic, that of eating disorders and the role the media and fashion can and do play in either supporting their growth or decline.

Eating disorders entered the jewelry market several years ago with pro-ana bracelets, which signify and even celebrate the wearer's disease with other victims.  Now, jewelry designer Sue Gillerlain and singer/author Jenni Schaefer, who wrote Life Without Ed:  How One Woman Declared Independence From Her Eating Disorder and How You Can Too, promote the opposite message with Life Without Ed jewelry, an inspirational collection that celebrates recovery from these diseases.

The phrase "Life Without Ed" ("Ed" stands for "eating disorder") was coined by Schaefer's former therapist, who treats eating disorder patients as if they are in an abusive, destructive relationship.  The corresponding jewelry line was inspired by survivors who said that small, meaningful items helped them to recover.  "(The jewelry is) a symbol of hope and faith," Schaefer says.  "(One survivor) calls it her 'Ed armor.'"  The line features two-sided sterling silver charms, necklaces, and bracelets with the inspiring phrase; a sketched flower to signify growth; and a freshwater pearl, which symbolizes wisdom.  Ten percent of proceeds go to the National Eating Disorders Association.

Life Without Ed jewelry, which can be purchased on sites like Sarah-Kate, has gotten "a phenomenal response," says Schaefer, who appears today on Dr. Phil as an expert on eating disorders.  Now would someone please send the pieces to some of our celebrity friends?

And now is when you'll hear a huge, uproarious "amen" from the Bling Blog choir.  You'll never, ever see me plug trinkety silver jewelry that has been previously featured on (gag) the Dr. Phil show.  Unless there is a seriously compelling reason to do so.

Is this photo compelling reason enough?  Yeah, thought so.  That's Nicole Richie, and that's no Kabbalah bracelet.

So, three cheers for JCKStyle's highly topical article and trinkety silver Life Without Ed baubles!  Who knows?  It might be just the sort of the thing to inspire a recovering person.  And they're pretty and sweet.  Take a look.  The charms have stuff on the front and back.  Free shipping, too.

And with a tagline like "Warming Hearts Everywhere," how can you not like them?  We like them a helluva a lot better here than we like the pro-ana stick figures.

Comments

[Wendy]

Hear! Hear!

[Anna]

The Nicole RIchie Bracelet is not a pro-ana bracelet idiots its a Red String Kabbalah Bracelet.

[THIN]

nope, Kabbala bracelets are worn on the LEFT wrist dumbass! Nicole's is on the right therefore it IS pro-ana.

[Lizzy]

http://www.fashionbliss.com/nirihabr.html

YOU'RE ALL WRONG!!! check the link, it's a Hamsa bracelet, worn to bring good luck, protect yourself from harm, and ward off evil wishers

[sabby]

the facts are these: first, a red bracelette can signify any of the things listed such as pro ana, kabbalah, hamsa, love, valetines day, liking the color red, matching it or contrasting it to an outfit and on and on - secondly, all ana's know what all the excuses are for wearing the bracelette - and lastly, the public doesnt know why nicole richie wears that and its none of their business. (i think the recovery jewelry is a great idea)

[ally]

a pro ana bracelet hast to be on the left dah!

[MMM]

she has anorexia thats why she wears that red red bracelet ist the simbol of anorexia