The Wardrobe Boutique--Go There Now!

When I first walked into The Wardrobe Boutique I was ready to surrender my debit card.  Leave it on the counter.  Go ahead, take the money, I’ll sign for whatever.  My head spun ‘round like an LP as I checked out the inventory.  Gorgeous stuff at bargain prices.  Yep, another place to indulge my inner Barbie.  Hmm, let’s see…how many outfits can I create with a slate and silver upholstery print Ann Taylor skirt suit that was on sale for $12.50?  Those teal Banana Republic slacks from the $2 rack would really rock with a pair of fierce red pumps.  And that tweed Brooks Brothers blazer for 50% off?  I’ll unstuffy it and make it look anything but professorial.

The Wardrobe Boutique at 19th and Spring Garden Streets features upscale, up-to-the-minute gently worn fashion that was donated to The Career Wardrobe but are not office appropriate.  Free People.  Joan and David.  Kate Spade.  Prada.  Gucci.  Cole Haan.  True Religion.  Burberry.  BCBG.  A room full of Cinderella bridal gowns and smokin’ evening wear.  Here’s where the frugal Philly fashionista can score some of the best deals in town.  There’s a fun vintage rack featuring items from the 1970s and 1980s. You can find all kinds of accessories--everything from ballet flats to platform boots, ladylike clutch purses to bold psychedelic print totes, funky jewelry, and miles and miles of cute belts. 

A bounty of goodies is added to the inventory daily, so you really need to stop in a couple of times a week.  Bring your best friend on Tuesday, the one who’ll urge you to buy the white leather jacket, and bring your co-worker on Friday.  You know, the one who needs to move her business wardrobe away from the black pants and a top habit.

And, if you’re looking for a no-cost way to change up things in your closet, the Boutique is also a venue for clothing swaps.  Check their website for more details.

So, now that you have one more shopping destination, get going! Shop for a good cause. The super-helpful and knowledgeable staff create a warm atmosphere and they are looking forward to seeing you.  And proceeds from Boutique sales benefit The Career Wardrobe.  It doesn't get much better than that.

The Career Wardrobe

"I'm feeling good from my head to my shoes..."

Give a woman a great outfit and fabulous accessories to wear for an important occasion and watch her confidence grow!  Getting a new suit during a job search makes anyone feel capable, even courageous.  This is the transformative power of clothing, and The Career Wardrobe offers a booster shot of this power everyday to low-income women re-entering the workplace.  Gently used, contemporary suits donated by local business women get a new life there.

I’m a new volunteer at The Career Wardrobe and I’m constantly struck by their commitment to empowering women to succeed in the workplace.  It's a place where women bond, encourage and help each other. Terms of endearment between clients and Wardrobe stylists fly through the air as hangars clatter and piles of suits, blouses, and shoes fill the dressing rooms. The scene is a spontaneous fashion show, smiles widening amid cries of “Girl, you are working that suit!” Hugs are given freely.
 
I love helping someone choose stylish business attire--helping them to create a new self that glows with confidence and pride. Many clients haven’t dressed up in years and are surprised to see how great they look.  I have the pleasure of helping them select the Ann Taylor or Tahari suit, the hot pink silk blouse, the Bandolino pumps. I cheer when they strike a pose in the mirror. Offer encouragement when they feel unsure about their selection, advise on skirt length, debate pant suit versus skirt suit. Push them to add a little nontraditional jewelry.
 
In the end, she walks out the door taller than when she came in. The jukebox in her head is playing Prince’s “Baby I’m A Star,” or maybe Patti Labelle’s “New Attitude,” because she knows that she'll look great at the interview.  She’s seeing herself for the first time as someone with a sense of self-worth and rising self-esteem.  She's wearing a new attitude.