A Diva State of Mind

Tuesday, December 3rd serves as #GivingTuesday, a national day of giving that celebrates and encourages charitable activities that support nonprofit organizations. In honor of that day, Dress for Success is hosting its annual #GivingShoesDay!

Dress for Success will be collecting professional, new or gently-worn shoes on Tuesday, December 3rd.  For those in the DC area, a collection box will be placed on the landing outside of the Arbor Offices at 101 Q Street NE, on the second floor. You can drop off donations between 8:30am and 5pm. Donation receipts will be available for all donors.

Please clean out your closet and make a donation if you can!

My friend Revée Walters and her co-workers are hosting a Suit Drive Networking Event next Thursday, October 24th to benefit Dress for Success, Washington, DC.

Please share this event with others! If you are interested in attending, RSVP to John Brunnett at [email protected]. I hope to see you there!

Like many large retailers, JCPenney is committed to giving back to the community and wants to encourage customers to do the same.  This year each month, the company will support a worthy cause by inviting customers to round up their purchases at the register to the nearest whole dollar and donate the difference to the featured charity partner. Customers will also have the option to round up their online purchases when they shop at jcp.com.

You all know that I am a supporter of Dress for Success. I have volunteered with the DC affiliate for years and truly believe in the work they do to help improve the lives of women. This month, JCP is partnering with Dress for Success for this round up at the register initiative.  So far this month, JCPenney has raised $245,933.

Dress for Success provides professional attire, a network of support and career development tools to help women thrive in the workplace and in life. Worldwide, the organization has served over 650,000 women through more than 120 affiliates in 13 countries.

JCPenney has really stepped their game up in terms of its apparel offerings over the years. I found a few skirts at the store for a client last year and a friend recently purchase really cute tops.  If you plan on shopping this month, please consider making a purchase at JCPenney to support Dress for Success.  I know I will!

Learn more about JCPenney’s round up at the register initiative HERE.

It’s that time of year again! Dress for Success is hosting its annual tag sale this Saturday, February 2, 2013 from 10am to 2pm.  Proceeds from the sale benefit Dress for Success’ programs so the organization can continue to serve women in the Washington, DC community.  

If you’re interested in updating your wardrobe and give back to your community, please stop by this Saturday!

In honor of the anniversary party and the fundraiser for Dress for Success Washington, DC that was held last week, Stella& Dot will be donating 10% of sales made between now and October 3^rd. If you weren’t able to make a purchase at the party or you weren’t able to attend and would like to make a purchase please click on the image below to shop online!  Stella & Dot has great statement pieces!!

Thank you again for supporting me and my charity efforts. Through the last three events I have hosted and the ones I post on this site, I hope you have been inspired to become more involved with the community.

Disclaimer: You’ll see a few posts about this event until it’s party time!

I can’t believe A Diva State of Mind turns three in two weeks!! When I started this blog in 2009, I had no idea I’d still be blogging or that the site would help me uncover my true passion of working as a personal stylist. I thank each and every one of you for taking the time to read the blog no matter how often you do.  I appreciate your readership and support over the years.

Last year, I won the 2011 Black Weblog Award for Best Lifestyle Blog. While that seemed like the perfect time to have a huge celebration, I kept it small by attending Park Unplugged with a few friends and really used that time to think about what I wanted to do in the future.

But this year, we’re celebrating!!!  Not only have I been blogging for three years, but this year I also met with new clients for my personal styling business. 

On Tuesday, September 11, 2012 from 6-10pm please join me for an anniversary party happy hour and fundraiser for Dress for Success Washington, DC on the Rooftop at Ozio.  Earlier this year I told you that Dress for Success Washington, DC launched the “10 Campaign” to celebrate their 10 year anniversary.  In honor of the 10 year anniversary, Dress for Success Washington, DC is asking supporters to donate $10 on the 10^th day of each month (we’ll be a day late at the party but that’s ok).  Your donation will support three signature programs:

• Wardrobe suiting for interviews and jobs
• Career Center
• Professional Women’s Group

The goal of the campaign is to raise $10,000 by the end of the year for the DC location.   At the anniversary party, guest will enjoy happy hour food & drink specials and will have the opportunity to shop accessories from local designers. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Dress for Success Washington,DC.  A representative from the DC location will be in attendance to collect donations from anyone interested in making a direct monetary donation or clothing donation of gently worn suits, tops, shoes and/or accessories.

The first 50 guest will also enjoy gift bags from generous sponsors!

I hope you are all able to attend. I’d love to celebrate another great year of success with you and support Dress for Success Washington,DC.  Please RSVP HERE.

Join Dress For Success Washington, DC Affiliate as they celebrate 10 years!  The Mix It Up Toast It Up rooftop event is not only a celebration; it’s also a fundraiser to help Dress For Success continue to grow and help women transition toward self sufficiency and independence.  Guest will have the chance to vote as three of DC’s premier mixologists face off in a cocktail competition.  The celebration will also include complimentary hors d’oeuvres & wine and beer from 6-7pm.

For more information and to RSVP, click HERE.

This past Saturday, June 5^th I participated in the Susan G. Komen Global Race for the Cure.  Last year I walked in the race, but this year I challenged myself to run the 5k. And I DID IT!!!! I made the commitment that I would run those 3.1 miles to raise money in the fight against breast cancer.  My team, The Rules of Behavior, raised $624 with the help of friends and family.

It’s a great feeling to know that I made a small impact for a great cause.  Some may feel that if they don’t see immediate results from volunteering, they may not be making a difference. Well I’m here to set the record straight; every second spent on a volunteer project makes an impact, whether it’s immediate or in the long term.  Breast cancer is a battle women (and men) are fighting everyday, so any dollar amount raised for research, support for those currently diagnosed, etc helps. While I personally don’t see where the $624 that I raised is going, I know that it’s being used to help someone currently diagnosed and I know it’s being used for research.

Volunteering not only helps your community but it’s therapeutic to your soul.  I was very anxious and nervous leading up to the race.  I was worried I wasn’t going to be able to finish the 3.1 miles without stopping to walk.  But I remained focused because I had not only made the commitment to myself but I had committed to survivors, families effected, those currently going through the battle and those that lost the battle that I was going to run, not walk, for them.  When the race was over, I was overwhelmed with joy and excitement! 

Last month I volunteered with Hands On DC to clean up the DC area schools. Since then, the group I volunteered with has made the commitment to do a service project at least once a month.  We aren’t doing this for us because believe me, I’m sure everyone wouldn’t mind NOT waking up at 8am on a Saturday to do community service.  We’re doing it because it’s important to give back to our community.  That’s the only way our communities will improve.  I’ve said it before; the world would be a much better place if everyone was passionate about giving back to their community and helping each other. 

So if you currently aren’t into volunteering, I challenge you to participate in at least one community service activity this year.  Not only will you feel good, you’ll change the lives of those you are helping and you’ll meet wonderful people.  If you’re not sure where to volunteer, think about what you like to do.  If you love styling and fashion, volunteer with Dress for Success.  If you’re a people person and love being around others, try a local soup kitchen like So Others May Eat (S.O.M.E.).  There are a number of places that are always in need of a volunteer. Find one that best fits you and your interest and get started!! I promise, you’ll walk away from the experience feeling like a totally different person and you’ll be inspired to want to make a change.