Agawam shop helping women 'Dress for Success'

Agawam shop helping women 'Dress for Success' | News - WESTERNMASSNEWS.com

Agawam shop helping women 'Dress for Success' | News - WESTERNMASSNEWS.com
Everyone's Talking About House Dresses — We Found Our Favorite For Just $40 - POPSUGAR
Dress for Success: Nonprofit provides women with professional attire - virtually - FOX 10 News Phoenix

Agawam shop helping women 'Dress for Success' | News - WESTERNMASSNEWS.com

Posted: 22 Sep 2020 12:10 PM PDT

AGAWAM, MA (WGGB/WSHM) -- With thousands out of work during the pandemic, looking for a job is an important endeavor.

Some might have an interview lined up but don't have the proper attire. A local store is trying to help, along with the Dress for Success boutique at the Eastfield Mall.

"Our purpose is really to support young people so that they can be as successful as we were," said Paul Trinque of West Springfield.

There is an outpouring of support around western Mass as residents do what they can to help women succeed in the workforce.

Cooper's Gifts Apparel Home in Agawam is hosting a clothing drive in partnership with the Dress for Success boutique at the Eastfield Mall. Residents are welcomed to drop off women's business attire to help make the job search, or that first week on the job, more comfortable.

Regina Frydryk, a Feeding Hills resident, said it's important to support young women as they launch their careers.

"People need to feel good about themselves when they are presenting themselves to essentially sell themselves, and you want them to feel food about how they look when they are presenting to a new employer," she said.

Kate Gourde, the owner of Cooper's, said the mission behind this longtime cause is to empower women who are looking to better their lives.

"I think every woman can relate how the outfit makes the woman," she said. "Day to day, how you feel in your clothing, what it does for your mood and for your confidence level -- it's everything."

Historically, Cooper's holds the clothing drive in April, but due to the pandemic, it is being held this year in September. Gourde said they accept any items that are interview appropriate.

"I always tell people -- ask yourself, would you wear this to an interview? It needs to be clean, on hangers," she said. "They also accept any kind of accessories, handbags, jackets, coats, scarfs, jewelry. Anything you would wear to interview."

Margaret Tantillo, the executive director for the boutique, said they do not accept any walk-in appointments, but they can help people get in their best work suit with a scheduled appointment.

"If you're a woman in need, we usually go through referring agencies so that they refer people to us, but right now, we just want to make sure we're as accessible as possible," she said. "So if you need clothing for an online interview, please give us a call and we will be happy to help out."

Cooper's is accepting donations until Sept 30.

Everyone's Talking About House Dresses — We Found Our Favorite For Just $40 - POPSUGAR

Posted: 01 Sep 2020 12:00 AM PDT

You can't scroll very far on Instagram without seeing someone rocking the popular house-dress trend. These easy dresses aren't just a cool alternative to your stay-at-home loungewear, they're also rooted in a rich history. The term "house dress" is from the late 19th century and was essentially used to describe a garment designated for doing house chores. Now, however, these romantic pieces have taken on a modern life of their own. They're a welcome escape from our everyday loungewear. After doing a ton of research online for affordable dresses to wear around the house, we found styling inspiration (we'll explain why we love them) and our new favorite all-around comfortable — and wallet-friendly — version: Old Navy's Floral-Print V-Neck Fit & Flare Midi Dress ($40). It's definitely a dress we can get behind.

Dress for Success: Nonprofit provides women with professional attire - virtually - FOX 10 News Phoenix

Posted: 20 Sep 2020 06:22 PM PDT

Dress for Success: Nonprofit provides women with professional attire - virtually

The nonprofit had to cease operations due to the pandemic, but now, it's starting back up, but in a new way.

PHOENIX - Nonproft Dress for Success Phoenix was forced to close because of the pandemic, but has slowly found a way to offer services once again, even though the boutique remains closed.

The new normal at Dress for Success Phoenix involves clients picking up clothing to wear for an interview or new job.

"When the pandemic hit, we were in shock wondering what to do," said founder Lisa Doromal. "We took all the precautionary steps and we closed our boutique -- we all went home to quarantine but our services didn't stop."

Doromal says some services were provided virtually, but the boutique where women normally shop in-person is closed - the nonprofit, however, has found a way to pivot with one tool: the style card.

"What's on the style card is your height, your weight and your body style," said Doromal. "The woman takes a picture of herself, which is awesome."

Clients fill out a profile card online. Staff and volunteers pick out the shoes, dress, suit - whatever is needed and best matches the information provided.

"The clients come by, they park in our parking lot, and we provide them with their clothing," Doromal explained. "Whether it's for an interview or the week's worth, and we put it in their trunk."

If an item doesn't fit, a client can simply bring it back and exchange it.

"Women were so excited and continue to be excited, because these are very difficult times," said the Dress for Success owner. "If you are unemployed and youre leery about going to the stores, or if you dont have enough money to shop, you come to Dress for Success and we will provide you with professional attire for your new job or for that upcoming inteview."

Check out the website here: https://phoenix.dressforsuccess.org/