Dress for Success

You all know I'm clearing out closets in preparation for the Great Migration into Northern Africa.

A couple of weeks ago, I eyed my dusty collection of work attire. Now, I'd by lying if I didn't say that it spans several sizes. Before we moved to SoCal, I cleared out a bunch of the smaller clothes (having gained a bunch of weight in menopause). What I had left was a half of closet rod of my favorite, nicest suits sized in such a way that it was a realistic goal to wear them again.

I have the shells and t-shirts I wore under the suits and the matching pumps. What I don't have is a job in a corporate atmosphere where you dress for success. And with my forced inactivity of the next couple of years staring me in the face, I decided it was time to let them go.

I could have just pitched them all at GoodWill or the AmVets nearby. Instead, I carried them into the local Dress for Success storefront.

Dress for Success is an organization that establishes not only stores for getting professional interview clothing, but when the job seeker accepts the position, they give them some separates and mix and match outfits for them to give them the basis of a professional wardrobe. They give jewelry and accessory advice and even provide pantyhose. This nonprofit recognizes that first impressions are important and a lot of jobs (the nicer paying ones certainly) require a wardrobe that most women can't afford until after they've received a few paychecks.

I liked what the website said about this organization. They don't open their doors and sell stuff you donate. No, they make appointments with women who are referred to them and then give them the star treatment by allowing them to 'shop' for anything they'd like.

All Dress for Success requires is that the suits be clean and on hangers. Check. They want the clothing to all be 'interview appropriate'. Check.

So, I made an appointment. I cleared out my closet. Checked to make sure that all the matching accessories were included and then loaded the car. I took all the professional clothing into Dress for Success this morning and they were so thankful and appreciative. The set up there is like a small boutique and I could envision a young person, right out of some federally funded job training program being shown how to present themselves in the best possible light.

I like this charity. I'm glad to have made a donation to something that will help other women get a job in a tough job market. It feels good to give to a good cause.

--Sandee Wagner