Padma, Pretty in Pink

She's best known as the glamorous co-host of Bravo's Top Chef, but Padma Lakshmi's fashion statement a couple days ago was decidedly more casual. Cozied up in sneakers, workout wear and a pink, puffy down vest, the fabulous foodie took time out for a breakfast event in midtown Manhattan showing off Reebok's new line of footwear and clothing that benefits and raises awareness of the fight against breast cancer.

The line, which is called Pink Ribbon, includes several styles of sneakers –– like these, which (rather fabulously) promise to tone your tush but cost much less than similar brands like MBT ––  and several pieces of clothing that are as appropriate for running errands as for aerobics class.

The collection is just one of the many items available from different brands right now in support of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which happens each October. But Reebok's initiative is particularly admirable: The company is a national sponsor of the Avon Foundation, which has raised over $660 million for breast cancer awareness and research and is a major force behind the BCA fundraising walks that take place around the country.

Lakshmi certainly has plenty on her, um, plate –– and right now is juggling pregnancy along with her work responsibilities –– but said she was happy to be there.

"I just wanted to be a cheerleader from my little corner over here," she smiled.

"We talk a lot about how bad corporate America is, but actually the way that corporate America has supported this cause in general is fantastic. When we think of a company like Reebok that's so associated with physical stamina and athletic prowess, we think of extreme health, and I think it's wonderful that they've issued this line of clothing –– which is really comfortable, by the way. These pants are awesome!"

"I think also it's great because it's a chance to come together and really support women that may not have that support in their lives," she continued. "We all don't have equal support in our lives. I may have a lot of professional support and medical insurance, but not everyone is so lucky. The visual reminder of seeing the pink ribbon is also reinforcing it for those women … If a woman sees it on the subway, I may not know she has breast cancer or is possibly going for a mammogram and is really freaked out about it, but she knows that somewhere in her society she can get help. I think that kind of subliminal and overt message is really important."

But Reebok's support of the cause goes way beyond visual reminders: quite simply, the company is putting its money where its mouth is. The brand is committed to donating at least half a million dollars (and potentially more) to the Avon Foundation in conjunction with the Pink Ribbon line.

Still, some might be surprised at the sight of Lakshmi in a tee and sneakers instead of, say, a designer dress and a pair of Giusseppe Zanotti stilettos. "I had Zanottis on last night," she smiled. "But most of the time when I'm not working, I'm in sneakers. Even on the Today Show, because I'm cooking and you don't see my feet. My uniform is workout wear."

Any recipes she can offer that are good for breast cancer prevention, or even just general health? "I'm not a nutritionist, but I'm on the same diet now that I was before I got pregnant, which is to eat as much variety as you can. We all don't get enough green leafy vegetables –– if there's one thing that you have to make sure that you get, it's green leafy vegetables. But everything is good. There are so many things that they say not to eat now, like you shouldn't eat grilled meat now because of the carcinogens, but if I had to make a general statement –– with the caveat that I'm not a medical professional –– I would say eat a little bit of everything if you can."

And if your shopping motto is "shop as much as you can," there are plenty of ways to support breast cancer awareness month in addition to Reebok's new line. Some of our favorite BCA goodies that include a charity donation are: Philosophy's delicious smelling Shower for the Cure shower gel, the pretty leaf necklace (pictured at right) Elizabeth and James created for shopbop, and Tweezerman's sparkly Precision in Pink tweezers that are cute enough to make even splinter remover seem chic.

And if your idea of the perfect sneakers is more about weekend lounging than working out, there are BCA shoes for that too: Keds' limited edition Pink Ribbon sneakers, a sweet (and charitable) twist on the company's most classic style.

Whatever you wear –– even if it's just a plain old length of pink ribbon pinned to your lapel –– showing your support for breast cancer awareness guarantees that you'll look, well, pretty in pink.