Your handbag can make you a hero

"There's change in your purse."

Love the clever duality, it's the perfect summary of Purses with a Purpose. The local, annual sale of gently used handbags started six years ago, when Kelly DeMario was fundraising for her Relay for Life team. 

Uncomfortable asking others for money, even for a reputable cause, DeMario was looking for “an easy ask, something you could ask a girlfriend,” she said. “Everyone has a purse … We take everything as long as it's still intact and someone can get a little life and use out of it.”

Kelly DeMario among a wealth of donations

All proceeds, then and now, go to the American Cancer Society. Purses with a Purpose always holds its annual sale the Saturday of Mother's Day weekend.

This year's sale will be 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Ballantyne Hotel and Lodge, 10000 Ballantyne Commons Parkway. The website is under construction, but the video link is live.

That first year, DeMario only asked friends and family for donations. She hosted the sale in her front yard, with hundreds of purses strung on a clothesline between two trees. The inaugural sale brought in roughly $1,000 and loads of contacts.

The next year, DeMario tapped those contacts “and it became very organic,” she said. “They asked their girlfriends … we had so many (purses) we moved to my daughter’s preschool.” By year three, DeMario knew the sale would require a large space. A blurb ran on the evening news and by the end of the night, DeMario said, “There were people lined up, willing to donate space.”

For the next several years, the former Blake Hotel in Uptown was the site of the sale and groups would hold “girls’ nights” and book rooms so they could be at the sale first thing, DeMario said. As a Mother's Day gift, one gentleman sent a friend at midnight the night before to be the first in line, so his wife could have first dibs when the sale opened.

The majority of bags are priced between $10 and $18 and higher-end bags such as Coach and Michael Kors usually sell for $50. But DeMario said it’s the volume of donations that allows them to raise money.

"People think ‘My purse is from Target or Macy’s it’s not high-end.’ That’s not what we’re shooting for. So many people just want a cute handbag,” she said. “Prices are very approachable, there’s (even) $1 purses.”

Just a few donations available for sale at the 2014 Purses with a Purpose sale May 10.

In the event's fourth year, DeMario called it a miracle when CLT-based handbag designer Martha Clifford donated her entire inventory as she transitioned into jewelry.

DeMario wasn't sure what to expect (five bags? 10 maybe?) and was floored when she picked up more than $30,000 worth of Italian leather, silk-lined handbags, donated by Clifford.

The M. Clifford designs were priced at $100, a steal considering many originally retailed for more than $400.

"I called my husband and said 'There is more value in the trunk of my Jeep than (the vehicle) is worth.'" That year, the sale raised $13,700, DeMario said.

The annual Purses with a Purpose donation kickoff will be 5-8 p.m. April 10 at The Boulevard in South End, (1440 S. Tryon Street) and will feature wine and nibbles. Those who bring a purse donation will receive 15 percent off any full priced item. (If you can't make it to the kickoff, that offer is good through April 30.)

Or, those with a donation can email to schedule a pick up, arrange to meet/drop off, or take your bags to designated donation spots, such as Boulevard. “We make it as easy as we can.”

For about four months each year, DeMario's garage becomes a holding pen for literally thousands of handbags. It's not unusual to receive a donation of 500 all at once.

Together with some friends, Relay for Life team members and volunteers, DeMario said it takes about a week prior to the sale the make sure each bag has been cleaned out, wiped down and tagged.

Last year, DeMario and friends also lobbied celebrities for their hardly-used handbags. "Based on how many requests we sent out, I wouldn't call it a success," she said. I have to beg to differ, considering they did receive donations from Carly Rae Jepsen, Patricia Heaton, Gloria Gaynor, Vivica A. Fox, Catherine Bach, Jane Seymour and Susan Sarandon.

Susan Sarandon autographed her donation to the 2013 Purses with a Purpose sale.

Vivica A. Fox sent three bags and an autographed picture for the 2013 sale.

Patricia Heaton, who played Ray Ramano's wife on "Everyone Love Raymond," was one of the celebrities to donate a bag to the 2013 Purses with a Purpose sale.

Sound like a recipe for shopping disaster? Thankfully, there’s never been any Black Friday-esque madness or what DeMario calls “purse drama.”

Happy shopping!

“It’s really funny, people are very strategic.” The first round of shoppers rush through and scoop up anything that remotely strikes their fancy, DeMario said. “They’ll have like 25 purses on their arm.” They’ll meet up with friends and sift through, while “sharks in the water” stand behind them, waiting to start negotiations. Meanwhile, other shoppers take their time, perusing the tables.

So many choices...

And after five years, aside from finding a location to host the sale, DeMario said the fundraiser essentially runs itself.

"You ask one person and it turns into a 'Let me ask my friend.' It's been organic and fun to do," she said.

"We've got a good team of people, it takes lots of hands to make it happen ...  It's fun to watch it grow as purses come in."

Party post-Super Bowl with former NFL players

Gentlemen, (and female football fans) you’re about to find yourselves in a win-win situation.

What if I told you that this Sunday doesn’t have to be the end of football season? Suppose instead there’s a post-Super Bowl party featuring drinks and discussion with former NFL players, who will break down the biggest plays from Sunday’s game?

Oh, and P.S., you’ll simultaneously be helping area women break the cycle of poverty.

You’re all in, right?

Next Wednesday, Dress for Success Charlotte and The Charlotte Former Player Foundation will host their first “Football Finale” event at Charlotte City Club. Cocktails start at 5:30 p.m. and the program will start at 6:30.

What exactly is Dress for Success Charlotte? It’s the local affiliate of an international nonprofit that helps disadvantaged women achieve financial independence – by providing professional attire, career development resources and more – all at no cost.

The Dress for Success Charlotte location is a former hardwood floor showroom that didn't survive the recession, Barr O'Connor said. The interior design was done pro bono and utilized donations such as the dressing room curtains.

Kerry Barr O’Connor, executive director with Dress for Success Charlotte, said at least a dozen players (maybe as many as 20) will attend Wednesday’s party and give first-hand perspective on the game, be available for autographs, one-on-one networking and more.

Through Friday, tickets to the party are $40. After that, the price goes to $50. Either way, all proceeds go toward helping local women be successful in the workforce.

“A lot of these (NFL alum) get it, they were raised by single moms,” Barr O’Connor said. “They’re teddy bears off the field who want to open a door for women in the community.”

I toured the Dress for Success Charlotte boutique off Clanton Road this week and was surprised and impressed with what I learned about the organization.

Bobbi Brown, founder and CEO of the internationally-known cosmetics brand, is a board member of Dress for Success. The Charlotte location features a Bobbi Brown counter, part of the no-cost "suiting" each client receives.

Through community donations, volunteer help and agency partnerships, Dress for Success provides women with little to no income at least two interview-appropriate outfits for free. Job training resources, professional and leadership development are also available at no cost.

“We say women leave here four inches taller than when they walked in, and it has nothing to do with the shoes we give them” Barr O’Connor said, adding the right outfit helps to build a woman’s confidence.

Yeah. Clothes can do that.

Dress for Success Charlotte is one of 130 affiliates worldwide and works with more than 40 referral partners locally. Every affiliate is different, Barr O'Connor said, but the client suiting program is the one thing they all have in common.

Once she’s landed the job, Barr O’Connor said, Dress for Success tries to make sure each client has up to five work-ready outfits when inventory allows.

Featuring six private dressing rooms, Dress for Success Charlotte helps to build client confidence at their boutique with interview-appropriate clothing. Last year, about 500 volunteers spent roughly 5,000 hours acting as personal style consultants, providing professional development, helping to process donations and more, Barr O'Connor said. "We passionately believe everybody has something to give, however they want to plug-in."

1) I think I found the solution on where to donate clothing in the future and

2) Dress for Success Charlotte has an incredible inventory: Suits, separates, dresses, bags, accessories, shoes, etc. in a huge range of sizes.

And it’s not like these items are visibly worn castoffs that are outdated.

Donations are taken by appointment only, Barr O’Connor said, and their inventory was impressive with its sizes, styles and brand representation.

While I was at the boutique, waiting in a plastic bin to be processed were a brand-new pair of Manolo Blahniks, still in the box. They were in good company with a pair of Salvatore Ferragamos, Tracy Reese and the like.

You’ll be happy to hear that three times a year Dress for Success Charlotte hosts an “inventory reduction” event and the next one is March 8.

During the first two days of the sale, clients get first dibs, as their need for professional clothing is greatest. “We try to do inventory reduction at the first part of the month so clients can extend their wardrobe,” Barr O’Connor said.

But the third and final day is open to the public and Barr O’Connor said there are “some fabulous deals.”

Entire outfits (shoes, slacks or skirt, shirt and jacket) for $20; shoes (such as the pair of Stuart Weitzmans that Bar O'Connor found), blazers, purses and slacks for $5; two scarves for $1 and more. All proceeds go back into the program.

Other services provided by Dress for Success Charlotte include job preparedness, such as having an email account set up, understanding social media and resume building, Barr O'Connor said. "Sometimes just getting them set up with an email (account) could be the difference between getting a job or not. Who's taking paper applications anymore," she said. "That one hour can change the direction of somebody's life."

By the numbers

In 2012, Dress for Success Charlotte:

• had 950 women referred to the organization locally, and 842 used at least one of the career transformation services.
• On average, clients are 46 or older, 80 percent of those clients are single heads of households, Barr O'Connor said, and 10 percent are grandparents who find themselves in a parenting role.
• Of those who participate in the professional women's group - which offers free membership, financial literacy, leadership training and more - 75 percent of participants retain employment.

New Year's Day = free career clothing

After two successful donation dates, the Delta Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority will offer free career clothing to both men and women on New Year's Day. 

In conjunction with the chapter's 79th anniversary, members began gathering gently-used professional clothing in November, with the hope of providing interview attire for unemployed or underemployed individuals in the Charlotte area.

Collectively, roughly 40 men’s and 50 women’s outfits in a variety of sizes were donated. Chapter member Jessica Minter said one gentleman drove more than an hour to make a donation. 

The total number of donations surpassed the chapter's goal of  collecting at least 79 items – the same number of years the local chapter has been in Charlotte – and separate shopping times will be available for men and women. 

All items are free of charge and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Men's shopping hours will be 9 a.m. to noon, women's from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Delta Zeta Chapter property, 4248 Beatties Ford Road, Charlotte.

The Delta Zeta Chapter also partnered with Collins Cleaners to provide complimentary dry cleaning services and a limited amount of vouchers will be distributed during the event.

Details or questions: www.zetasofcharlotte.org.

Read more here: http://cltatyourbest.blogspot.com/2013/11/getting-ahead-of-holidays.html#storylink=cpy

Soap for Hope

Happy December.

Just because October and November are officially over doesn't mean you can't still care about the cause.

Method, the people against dirty, launched two limited edition soaps aimed at raising awareness (and some research funding) for breast and prostate cancers.

They sent us a sample of the botanical garden scent, which comes in a mustache-bedecked bottle and (despite the name) actually smells mildly masculine. In a good way.

There's also the mimosa sun scent.

Both 12-ounce bottles have a suggested retail price of $3.99 and will be available nationwide through March.

And apparently, these two "designed for good" products are only the most recent installment in Method's series meant to raise awareness of various issues. Previous releases have focused on the ethical treatment of animals - Method products are 100-percent vegan and cruelty-free - the importance of being non-toxic, as well as recycling.

While I've loved Method as a company for years, it's peeving that the brand frequently discontinues products you've already fallen in love with. (Le Scrub soft abrasive bathroom cleaner and the "cut grass" air fragrance capsules, I can't find comparable replacements.)

So if you like these limited-edition soaps, stock up now. At least in this case Method was upfront about the fact they won't be around forever.

'Kids Helping Kids' holiday cards

We're gearing up for the 12th annual holiday card contest at the Observer (details to come), so I've got cards on the brain this week.

It seemed fitting to share another one of MAC's collections, this one benefiting children (and adults) living with and affected by HIV/AIDS.

The six designs in the 2013 Kids Helping Kids campaign were created by children who are also impacted by HIV/AIDS, and are featured on holiday cards and gift tags. $10 gets you six holiday cards or 12 gift tags. (Envelopes included,obviously.) Every cent goes to the MAC AIDS Fund.

This holiday initiative lines up with the company's ongoing "Viva Glam" campaign, started in 1994. The proceeds from the signature lipstick and lipglass also provide international help to those touched by the HIV/AIDS pandemic.

The lipstick colors and campaign spokespeople have changed over the years, but the current incarnation is actually the original in both cases: RuPaul's burgundy red.

Scrolling through the slideshow of celebrity spokespeople is a mega-nostalgia trip: kd Lang, Elton John, Debbie Harry, Lady Gaga and Missy Elliott, among others.

Woo Charlotte: Excitement at the mall

I don't want to be a traitor to my generation, but I really hate the mall.

To be clear, I don't hate the stores, they're the reason I end up going. I just want to get what I need and leave.

But there's the mayhem of the parking lots - especially on weekends - and having to remember which entrance is the closest to the store in question, not getting trapped by the kiosk vendors as you power walk through the window shoppers ... It's too much.

With the mall experience in mind, I'm more than excited about the grand opening of Woo Skincare and Cosmetics tomorrow from 4-8 p.m. Photos: Store grand openings.

The store/spa, which had a soft opening Oct. 1, is in the Colony Road Shopping Center on Selwyn and has 1,500 square feet of luxury/niche brands that are usually the siren song of "the mall." (Fortuitous bonus: Blo Blow Dry Bar is Woo's neighbor.)

With a location like that, you could in theory, be in and out again in no time. That is, if you can stop shopping.

Laura Mercier. Bobbi Brown.Trish McEvoy. Nars. Butter London. Bumble and bumble. Those are just a handful of the "pretty" offerings.

When it comes to skincare, Woo has more that a few lines (Darphin, Natura Bisse) that include brands typically only available through doctors, (SkinCeuticals, Dermalogica, Latisse) thanks to medical director Dr. Robert Graper.

Gentlemen, they've got Jack Black, Supersmile whitening systems, St. Tropez products, Tan Towels and more.

But Woo co-owner and Charlotte native Kara Campbell is quick to emphasize the store "caters to all ages, all people, all price points.


"We love to educate the consumer. Our motto here at Woo is 'Everyone leaves happy.'"

The Woo concept is the brainchild of brand founder Woo Caroland, who's resume includes a number of NYC art galleries, Sotheby's and the art department of Vanity Fair.

The first Woo location opened in Nashville's Green Hills area in 1992, the second in Buckhead Atlanta in 2008. It was after visiting that location that Campbell said she and Woo met through a mutual friend.

Campbell also worked for years in NYC: seven years as executive director of Clinique International Cosmetics Division, and seven more leading marketing for Chanel's skincare and cosmetics division, Chanel Beaute, before returning to Charlotte in 2002.

Since meeting Woo, Campbell said, they've been eyeing the Myers Park area as a possible store location for more than two years.

"We knew we wanted to be in this neighborhood," Campbell said. "We wanted to be strategically placed away from the mall, but close enough to Uptown."

The mix of products and brands in the Charlotte location represent the best from both existing Woo locations, Campbell said.
The Atlanta store doesn't carry the Chantecaille (pronounced Shan-tuh-kigh) line, but Charlotte does.
(P.S.- Their holiday "The Diamonds" eye shadow trio is pure heaven. Are you listening, Santa?)

Woo is also the only game in town (and the region) to offer the Tata Harper skincare line, Campbell said, noting the products are organic, 100-percent natural, nontoxic and contain no synthetics such as parabens. "It's extremely effective," Campbell said.

Want more? Woo Charlotte has pro makeup artists and beauty experts that provide spa and salon services such as a range of facials - including Jet Peel, which uses oxygen and saline as an alternative to microdermabrasion - waxing, brow/lash tinting and fake tanning, among others.

10-percent of Wednesday's grand opening profits will be donated to Freedom School Partners.

"We want people who come here to be thrilled they came," Campbell said. "There's no pressure. We want to be a place where everyone would love to get a gift from."

Get friendly with Woo Charlotte on Facebook.

Pink Ribbon Pilates giveaway

Tuesday is yoga day at the Observer, when certified Kripalu yoga instructor Nancy Nicholson comes to the building and leads a class at lunchtime.

I've worked in enough other offices to recognize this is conveniently wonderful. Because once you get over the initial awkwardness of doing downward dog in front of one of your 12 bosses, it really is nice to get away from your desk and do something that helps prevent feeling like (too much of) a crazy person.

So, in the interest of physical and mental wellness for all...

Gaiam has released two new products in its Pink Ribbon Collection: the Pink Ribbon II yoga mat and a Pink Ribbon Pilates dvd, from celebrity Pilates instructor Mari Winsor. ($1 from the sale of each of these goes to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. )

This is Gaiam's second annual Pink Ribbon (3 mm) mat, which features inspirational messages and comes with a free download for a yoga workout. Suggested retail is about $22.

Pink Ribbon Pilates features four 20-minute Pilates workouts and includes a resistance band to help you get more from each session. Suggested retail is about $15.

We've got one copy of Pink Ribbon Pilates to give away. Email me with the subject line "Pink Pilates" and include your name and daytime phone number. We'll pick a winner Friday afternoon.

(And if you're ever in the area around noon on Tuesdays, you're welcome to come to yoga day. The first class is free.)