When De-Closet Needs to be
De-Cluttered…
Put Your Hand-Me-Downs in Good Hands By Leanne Sabo

Is your closet bulging at the seams? Are you reaching for the same outfits time after time – intentionally ignoring the dozens of garments from your past lurking and smirking behind closed doors? There’s the size 5 dress that may – just may – make it over your head, the flouncy chartreuse bridesmaid dress that you wore once (and swore you’d never wear again!), and the trendy little number that you just ‘had to have’ and now no longer wear. If this sounds like you, it’s time to de-clutter de-closet!  

Set aside several hours for the undertaking. Begin by removing everything from your closet. Then make 2 piles of clothing – the “keepers” and the “it was fun while it lasted.” Show no mercy when it comes to purging garments. Get rid of EVERYTHING that doesn’t fit and limit yourself to ONLY your favorites and essentials. Ask yourself, “When was the last time I wore this dress?” Has it been a month or was it more like 6 months ago? Is it even in style any longer? Be brutally honest! Remember, the more honest you are with yourself the more room you’ll have for your new 2008 Spring Weekenders wardrobe!  

And don’t toss garments – donate them. Here are several organizations that will welcome your donations with open arms. Check your phone book or go online to locate similar non-profit organizations in your area.  

* Dress For Success – This organization has helped over 300,000 disadvantaged women secure their dream job by providing suits for interviews and employment retention programs. Founded 10 years ago, they have around 75 local affiliates. www.dressforsuccess.org  

* Suited For Change – This non-profit organization provides ongoing career development and professional clothing – in current styles, clean, and interview ready – for low-income women who’ve completed job training programs and are looking for employment. www.suitedforchange.org    

* The Women’s Alliance – Their slogan says it all, “Someone’s Future Is Hanging in Your Closet.” This organization accepts gently used professional clothing and accessories. They also encourage individuals to organize clothing and professional accessory drives at their offices or make donations to their Dress Fine for $29 Campaign. www.thewomensalliance.org

* The Glass Slipper Project – This non-profit organization accepts prom dresses that are in good condition and less than 5 years old. Their web site includes an extremely helpful list of similar programs throughout the country. www.glassslipperproject.org

* The Princess Project – Takes dresses and gives them to high school girls for prom night. Since 2002, this organization has helped more than 6,800 San Francisco Bay area girls attend prom in style. www.princessproject.org

* Goodwill Industries International – Has drop-off centers around the country most notably at grocery store parking lots. www.goodwill.org

* The Salvation Army – Founded in the 1880s, this Christian organization has drop-off centers in just about every city in the U.S. www.salvationarmy.org    

No matter which of these organizations you choose to donate garments to, I guarantee you’ll feel even better when you’re done ‘de-cluttering de-closet,’ knowing that you’ve placed your hand-me-downs in good hands.

Leanne Sabo is an Independent Fashion Coordinator and Sales Manager with Weekenders USA. She brings her passion for fashion to an increasing number of women. "Who has a closet full of clothes and nothing to wear?" Leanne has the solution - comfortable and stylish clothes for women that are mix match, wash wear, clothes to go!  Pick 3 great colors + 3 monochromatic outfits, and get  20 looks. Now that's value dressing! Classic styles with endless possibilities! "The clothes you love to live in." Leanne is currently looking for women that share her passion for fashion and want a prosperous life. A true role model for women, Leanne was recently nominated for the Los Angeles Business Journal's ‘2007 Women Making a Difference Awards’. Find out more by visiting www.weekendersusa.com/leanne  or give Leanne a call at (562) 245-0555