Got Plans Tonight?

If those plans include sitting at home holding down the couch... I've got a better suggestion!

Tre Bella Inc. & North Carolina Museum of Art Hosts
“Altar Ego…An Event All About You” Fashion Show

See the new Museum of Art, some great summer fashions (featuring the latest styles in daywear, resortwear, eveningwear, and bridal fashion), and stunning wedding gowns - while raising money for one of my favorites, Dress for Success Triangle NC!

Tickets to the event are $25.00, $5.00 which goes to Dress for Success AND enters you into the raffle for the items below. For tickets and more info, please visit the Altar Ego website.

Raffle Items
· Manuel Motto $2,000 wedding gown
· “Dining the Triangle” – dinner at Herons, the Fairview & Il Palio
· Dinner in Durham and tickets to The Color Purple
· Mirandolina Amoré package at The O’Henry Hotel plus $50 gift certificate

Durham-based Tre Bella Bridal, known for exceptional quality bridal gowns, is hosting the fashion show from 6:30-10:00 p.m., May 6, 2010 (tonight). The event will take place at the newly remodeled North Carolina Museum of Art in Raleigh.

Pat Nathan, founder of the local Dress for Success Triangle N.C. affiliate, will emcee the event. The not-for-profit organization, which has suited over 700 clients since June 2008, promotes the economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing professional attire, a network of support, and the career development tools to help them thrive in work and in life.

“With the growing demand for our services, we look forward to spreading the word about how we are helping women in the Triangle area,” said Nathan. “It will be a good opportunity to learn more about how you and your company can help women in the Triangle while seeing current fashion trends and having fun.”

The event will feature wedding event ideas, hors d’oeuvres, a signature drink, amazing raffles, and culminate in a fashion show at 8:00 p.m. Couture bridal gowns by Melissa Sweet, Priscilla of Boston, Angel Sanchez, Junko Yoshioka, Lela Rose, and Manuel Moto will be modeled. Triangle boutiques will feature ready-to-wear clothing including daywear, cocktail and resort clothing.

Attendees will receive swag bags that feature a signature Tre Bella necklace and other goodies from participating sponsors. There will be raffle tickets available, as well as a separate $5 raffle for a change to win a Manuel Mota Wedding Gown. Tickets will not be sold on site, but can be purchased online for $25 at http://www.trebellabridal.com/altarego.htm. They can also be purchased at Magpie (in Durham) and Hadley Emerson (in Chapel Hill). Sponsors include Carolina Wedding Connect by Fox 50; CE Rental; DJ Joe Bunn; Get It Lit; Table of Content; Wavelength Salon; and Platinum Beauty.

PS - Carol Hannah Whitfield of Project Runway fame will be attending the event to do a designer meet & greet and showcase her new bridal line that will be carried by Tre Bella!


Helpful Links:
NewRaleigh.com feature on this event - http://www.newraleigh.com/articles/archive/altar-egoan-event-all-about-you-fashion-show-on-thursday/

Dress for Success Triangle NC affiliate page - http://dressforsuccess.org/affiliate.aspx?sisid=133&pageid=1

Altar Ego event page - http://www.trebellabridal.com/altarego.htm

Tre Bella bridal - http://trebellabridal.com/

Tre Bella florist & gifts - http://www.trebellaflorist.com/

Winter Dress Coat

I am almost always in a North Face Denali jacket (local retail is my first choice, of course), but they're just too casual for all occasions, outfits, or mood ... plus, they're not really long either.

But alas, they are a NCSU college girl staple - see the following slideshow for proof a la Hillsborough Hike 2007 with the Black North Face Mafia better known as my Pi Phi sisters & Co.


So for all of the other occasions, I have a black pea coat that I've worn for a few years. I've recently come to realize though, that even though it's made by a "petites" brand, it really swallows me up. The shoulders are too big, there is no slim through the waste, and to me... that just doesn't scream "well put together look".

So I'm on the hunt!

I usually start with just a basic "look" search. No budget, nothing. Just a look.

Banana Republic

BR lucked out with a very well-timed email!

Banana Republic Wool-Blend Pea Coat

The Wool-Blend Pea Coat in Heater Grey retails for $180.00

Banana Republic Duffle Coat

The Modern Toggle Coat in Charcoal Heather Grey retails for $198.00
















I then move to budget and finding something that fits my most important demands at a price point that I can afford with an often "Champagne Taste on a Miller High Life Budget" (as Renee calls it - because after all... Miller High Life is the Champagne of Beers!)

Target

That's when those geniuses at Target sent me a weekly flyer that had some nice in-store only sales going on.

Target Mossimmo Pea Coat

Mossimo Pea Coat in several colors (purple, red, black, brown, and green) retails for $30.00 (on sale)







Now THAT looks like a good deal! At that price, I could even get a few colors (including red of course for NCSU football games). They also look to be a slimmer fit. Of course, since these are in-store only sales, I'd have to hope my local store(s) had my color and sizes, but at least I could try the jacket on before buying.

Old Navy

The BF and I then happened to walk into Old Navy last weekend looking for a white sweater for his Halloween costume (Fred from the Scooby Doo/Mystery Inc. gang).

They have a great selection, with lots of price points, but I suspect the large selection online is only carried in varying stores... I really don't remember seeing THAT many jackets there. I did try on the Tab Waist Jacket in red (I think it was the tab waist jacket).

Old Navy Tab Waist Jacket

Old Navy Tab Waist Jacket in red retails for $98.50

Old Navy Funnel-Neck Coats

Old Navy Funnel-Neck coats come in pink and black and retail for $89.50











I swear I also tried on something in a winter white at Old Navy, but can't remember which jacket it was.

Hmmm... decisions, decisions, decisions.

{Double Post} Dress for Success Auction & Show

As I've mentioned many times before, my area has just gotten its own Dress for Success local affiliate and I am a proud volunteer!

We have an online auction going on right now with some great items up for grabs... check it out!

Success Suits Her Gift Bags and Free Tickets to the Southern Women's Show are up for grabs!
Our auction is being held in conjunction with this year's Southern Women's Show April 24-26 at the North Carolina State Fairgrounds. Make a donation of at least $25 prior to the show and you will receive admission to the show, as well as a "Success Suits Her" gift bag in appreciation of your support. Visit our booth (613/615) to receive your bag filled with great products (including over $50 of Burt's Bees personal care products) and discount coupons for valuable savings.
Speaking of which, the Dress for Success fashion show at the Southern Women's Show:April 25th at 4:00pm
Dress for Success - NC Triangle Affiliate will have a fashion show at the Southern Women's Show featuring clients wearing Dress for Success clothing. Sue Stock (N&O) and Sonya Williams (Tarheel Talk) will share wardrobe stretching tips, reveal the hottest bags from Beijo and most importantly, celebrate each woman's success. Please be there and support these great women on this special day.Thanks for reading - please feel free to share/repost/etc.!

Calling All Raleigh and Wilmington Readers

This came to me via our executive director of our local Dress for Success affiliate - verrrrry cool things going on here.



About Style Swap
"Style-conscious women find a way to recession-proof their closets."

After reading an article about the growing trend of “swishing” parties in England, Jess James had a thought – why not take “swapping” to the next level? She imagined a “Style Swap” event where women of all ages, sizes and with a range of styles could come together to share their closets while they “economize and socialize.”

Starting in July 2007, Jess James and her partner Shannon Dunne of James + Dunne Styling hosted the first bi-monthly “Style Swap” where women arrived with a few clothing items and accessories and left with items from other fashionistas’ closets. Each guest is given personalized tags to mark the items of their choice leaving their sartorial karmic fate to be determined by drawings and for the most coveted items of the night – a good old- fashioned game of musical chairs!

After each Style Swap, any left-over items are donated to Vintage Values, Bargain Box or Dress for Success. Not only are Style Swaps a fabulous night of frugal fashion - they are also eco-chic and a great excuse to clean out your closet!
Here are the details for the upcoming Style Swap in Raleigh:
Date: Thursday, April 30th
Time: 7-9pm
Location: White Collar Crime - Downtown Raleigh

"Hey Recessionistas! - Looking for some guilt-free shopping with instant gratification? If you want to look good without feeling the pinch on your pocketbook, come to Raleigh's ultra stylish, eco-friendly STYLE SWAP."

Enjoy:
* Yummy bites from your favorite local restaurants, $4 cocktails + wine specials
* Sponsored “swap” items + fabulous prizes from your favorite stores
* Beauty Station

Bring:
Fashionable (designer + vintage) items that have been hibernating in your closet!
1 gently worn item (on hanger) + 1 accessory

Donations:
Please bring gently worn suits, accessories (including purses and briefcases) and/or shoes to benefit Dress for Success. Think, what you would wear on an interview or to give a big presentation at work!

Questions:
To email Style Girl Jess James for more info Click Here.

From the skirt! Editor's Blog

I hope that all of you Raleigh readers can come join this great event. I can't wait to meet you there, if you do make it!


Party with skirt! and Dress for Success

Update: We’ll be giving away some great prizes at our event! Tickets, jewelry, gift certificates...watch this space for more info!

The most awesome party ever happens this month, and you are so invited. skirt! has teamed up with the Triangle chapter of Dress for Success to hold our first-ever skirt! After Work event.

What is it? A skirt drive to benefit Dress for Success.

What should I bring? Skirts, of course! But we’ll also be accepting jewelry, scarves, belts, and other interview attire.

Where? The gorgeous, delicious 518 West Italian Café on Glenwood South.

When? 5:30 til 7:30pm. Tuesday, September 30.

Why? Because it’s a benefit for an amazing women’s cause, a chance to meet the skirt! team, as well as some of the men and women who have appeared in our issues. Oh, and did we mention we’ll be giving away prizes?

How much? It’s free to get in, and the signature skirtini will be $5 for those of you with donations. Other drinks will be regular price.

If you’re wondering what a skirtini is, this is where you come in. We’re currently running a recipe contest for the signature drink of skirt! Is the skirtini sassy, light, and fruity? Dry and witty? Or rich, elegant, and chocolate-y? You decide!

Come up with a recipe for the ultimate skirtini, and enter it here. The winning beverage will be christened The skirtini, and will be served at our skirt! After Work events every month, starting with Skirts for Success on September 30. See you there! And get mixing!Be there or be boring!

Shop Express. Support Dress for Success.

Shop Express. Support Dress for Success. Sounds like a good deal to me!

The scoop is courtesy of the Triangle's local Dress for Success executive director and founder this morning:Express has designed a t-shirt - proceeds from which go to our Worldwide group. (Our logo is on one arm.)Check out what Express has to show/write about the item:MODEL.LIVE CREW








* Style: 8003256
* $15.00
* Model Live follows three models across four countries as they attempt to achieve their dreams. $5 from the sale of this garment will benefit Dress for Success worldwide, to help ensure that every women achieves her dreams.

o Cotton/Spandex
o Crewneck
o Shortsleeves
o Model Live logo
o Machine WashableGet yours (you can buy online now for this item!) and support a great cause!

Thank You!

I am actually sending a big "thank you!" out to the local media... seriously!

Dress for Success celebrated the NC Triangle affiliate's official opening yesterday morning with a ribbon-cutting ceremony in Northgate Mall in Durham, NC. The amount of press coverage that was provided and has continued has been truly gracious and hopefully will recruit some new volunteers an resources our way.

Big thanks go out to (please let me know if I've missed any):--Women reinvent themselves at boutique - from the N&O's Sue Stock's retailing column
--More on giving - from the N&O's Sue Stock's retailing blog
--Women get boost with jobs - from the N&O's Barry Saunders
--A great video news clip from News 14 Carolina
--And finally, an in-depth coverage video (fourth down on the list) from News 14 Carolina with Executive Director, Pat Nathan!Please check out the above links and let them know that you enjoyed their coverage! We can always use more good news on tv, online and in the newspaper.

Stay tuned here for more info coming soon about Y.E.S - Young Executives for Success... a component of Dress for Success that provides networking, social events, and opportunities for young local execs to give back to Dress for Success in a really fun way!

DFS & Scout & Molly's

At my very first Dress for Success (Triangle affiliate) meeting, one of the first pieces of branding and support for the national organization was highlighted: the DFS scarf designed by Sean Combs (yes, P. Diddy).

It really is a stand-out piece and a great conversation starter - giving anyone who wears it not only a chance to financially contribute to the organization, but an opportunity to spread it's message to others who may also be in a position to give a bit of their time or wardrobes to others.

Of course, Scout & Molly's was one of the first Triangle retailers to offer the scarf - totally not surprising, since owner Lisa Disbrow is almost always pairing her store with one of our many great local philanthropies and causes.

Here's what her most recent store email had to say about the scarves
Also, in the spirit of philanthropy and helping, Sean Combs has designed a scarf for the Dress for Success program. For just $30, you can get a great scarf which goes towards helping disadvantaged women by providing clothing and career development and support. We have these really pretty silk scarves at Scout & Molly's of Raleigh.

Come on in and get one to support a great cause to help other women!
So what are you waiting for? Pick up your scarf today, spread the message, and please join me at the next DFS meeting!

Dress for Success Update!

Anyone who's been reading this blog for a while may have noticed my very excited post back in March about Dress for Success coming to the Triangle!

Please check out the cause and if you're interested and available, make plans to join me at the volunteer update! Here's the info I received via email today: "You signed up via the Dress for Success Website for our Newsletters. We are having a general update on Monday – the 23rd – in Raleigh. These always prove to be a fun gathering of wonderful women. Please know you are very welcome to join in and hear the latest news – see images of clients we have begun to serve etc.

Hope your summer is going well and that our paths will cross at some point.

Best,
Pat Nathan

Hope to see you at one or both of the following events this month:
Volunteer Update- June 23rd - Raleigh
6:00 - 7:30 PM St. Mark's United Methodist Church - 4801 Six Forks Road
Join us on Monday evening, the 23rd for an update on our progress and learn about activities planned for the remainder of the year. Directions

RSVP: Yes - I will be there! No - Can not make it this time.

Volunteer Family Day- June 28th - Durham
Floating 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM Our Boutique in Northgate Mall

A day to celebrate all the hard work, show your family where you have been hanging out, or make your first visit to the boutique.

Expect an Evite shortly!

Dress for Success Triangle NC
Phone: 919-286-2128
www.dressforsuccess.org/trianglenc"