Who says one can’t look and feel fabulous on a dime? Nominated to pull outfits for a New Day Northwest segment on the YWCA, I scoured racks within Dress for Success and the Working Women’s Wardrobe to secure some television-worthy ensembles.
The YWCA is “the leading organization for moving women and families out of crisis and empowering them to achieve lasting independence”. Located on 5th and Seneca, Seattle’s YWCA *”opens doors to opportunity and self-sufficiency for women and families facing poverty, violence and discrimination.” Part of their program involves the encouraging act of dressing women to “advance their quality of life” and move them into a life of independence, community, and confidence.
Based in the throbbing heart of Seattle, the program pulses with a combination of different cultures, classes, faiths, and generations. All come together for one purpose–female and family empowerment.
Each player brings their unique gift to the table through a story of heartache, a story of overcoming, a listening ear, volunteered time, or even something as simple as donated clothing. The ripple effect takes place. Once a donation is dropped off to Dress for Success, the story continues, as a struggling woman is paired with a volunteer stylist to create a work-appropriate look. What was once just an unwanted bag of clothing soon becomes a catalyst to a head held high and a heart encouraged.
The basement of the YWCA is filled with generous supplies of clothing donations. Though one must be creative in combining the eclectic options, there are many treasures to be found. I always find it an exciting challenge to hunt for fashion forward and flattering outfits.
On a mission to style 5 outfits for a New Day Northwest feature and getting distracted by treasures in the basement of the YWCA.
For this particular occasion, I was given the task to source work-appropriate looks for five models–two being former clients/current employees of the YWCA and three young, local entrepreneurs in support of the YWCA.
Brands such as Karen Kane, Alberto Makali, Ralph Lauren, Alice & Olivia, and Faconnable were among the great fashions displayed upon the five unique models.
The showing was successful in promoting the services of the YWCA. As Kiantha Duncan, program manager of Dress for Success, mentioned in her interview: a boutique has just been opened in the basement of their building. All are encouraged to “shop YWCA’s 5th Avenue Boutique to find high-quality, gently used women’s designer fashions, shoes and accessories without the designer prices. Proceeds benefit YWCA Clothing Services Program, which promotes the economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing professional attire, a network of support and the career development tools to help women thrive in work and in life.” Shopping times and donation acceptance hours are Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. You too can find some fabulous treasures. Also look forward to their annual Closet Treasures Sale (CTS) this October. Nominated as CTS’s style lead, you will hear more exciting updates from CMOR as the event draws closer.
Visit YWCAworks.org for more information on how to give to and get involved with the YWCA.
*quotes taken from www.ywcaworks.org.