You’re Invited to the 4th Annual Clothing Exchange!

clothingex

A*cute and Heart & Sundry invite you to the 4th Annual Clothing Exchange & Trunk Show. Exchange your gently worn business attire, casual clothing, children’s clothing, and accessories.

Attendees will enjoy music, prizes, and light refreshments.

When: Saturday, December 6, 2014 from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM EST

Where: Historic Whitelaw Hotel, 1839 13th St. NW, Washington, D.C. (Located conveniently by the U Street Metro)

Price: Early Bird Fee $15 (First come, first served!); $20 Regular Admission

PURCHASE TICKETS HERE

**Items not exchanged and portion of proceeds to benefit local youth organizations:

New Community for Children, Crittenton Services of Greater Washington, and New Hope.

 

Dinner with a Purpose

by Jackie

Bookettes Fefe and Jennifer prepare dinner at Samaritan Inns.

Bookettes Fefe and Jennifer prepare dinner at Samaritan Inns.

There are a million quotes extolling the benefits of serving others, but after my experience this Saturday, it can be summed up as follows: It’s fun! The Bookettes, DC’s favorite bookclub, took their culinary talents to Samaritan Inns to fellowship with residents. Samaritan Inns is celebrating its 25th year of providing structured housing and recovery services in an environment of support and accountability that gives homeless and addicted men and women the opportunity to rebuild their lives.

We had a great time preparing dinner and getting to know the residents. Just the day before going to volunteer, I asked a colleague how he managed to stay calm during stressful  moments. He replied, “I have access to hot water and a roof over my head.” His simple answer and my time at Samaritan Inns gave me perspective on my own life stresses. Being grateful for what I do have and volunteering makes it easier to focus on the important things — making memories, spending time with loved ones, and constantly learning.

If you’d like to volunteer at Samaritan Inns, send a message to Corey@SamaritanInns.org.

 

Event Recap: Good As New Goodwill Trunk Show

by Jackie

Good As New

I love when fashion and giving back collide. I stopped by Polished by Tu-Ahn’s Good As New Trunk Show benefiting the Goodwill of Greater Washington. I loved the great selection and even scored a vintage Dooney!

What? I couldn't just leave it there.

What? I couldn’t just leave it there.

Check out more photos from the event:

 

 

Q&A: What to expect at the A*cute Clothing Exchange & Trunk Show

Swap and shop at the 3rd Annual A*cute Clothing Exchange. (Almenia J. Photograpy)

Swap and shop at the 3rd Annual A*cute Clothing Exchange! (Almenia J. Photograpy)

We cannot wait to host the 3rd Annual A*cute Clothing Exchange & Trunk Show this Saturday, September 21, 1:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. at the Mad Hatter located in DC’s Dupont Circle at 1319 Connecticut Avenue, NW. Here are some clothing exchange FAQs, so you can know what you’re in for.

What if my clothes/accessories are outdated?

One [wo]man’s trash is another [wo]man’s treasure. When it comes to a clothing exchange, this old adage could not be truer. You may think something is out of style, but someone else with a new perspective could pair your item with a piece from their wardrobe and make a new outfit. Style is often recycled. A fresh pair of eyes and some imagination can turn your something old into someone else’s something stylish.

I don’t have any clothes or accessories to bring to the event. Can I still participate?

Of course! Anyone who purchases a ticket will be able to pick up exchange items and shop the trunk show. The clothing exchange is a fun event where you can catch up with old friends and meet new ones. Don’t believe us? Check out pics from last year’s shindig.

Is the event only for women?

Not at all! Everyone is welcome and encouraged to participate.

I want to support, but can’t make the event.

That’s easy. Buy a ticket and spread the word: http://lookacute.eventbrite.com/. Extra items and a portion of the proceeds will benefit Crittenton Services of Greater Washington, an organization dedicated to strengthening the ability of young women to achieve their goals and the New Hope Recreation and Development Center, a community initiative based in Ellendale, Delaware designed to provide educational opportunities for at-risk youth, adults, and senior citizens.

If you have any other questions about the event, email us at acute.consulting@ymail.com or tweet @AcuteConsulting! See you Saturday!

A*cute at the Crittenton Services Teen Girls Conference

by Jackie

A*cute was honored to lead a professional development workshop for Crittenton Services of Greater Washington’s Teen Girls Leadership Conference. The girls participated in mock interviews to get ready for their bright futures.

Sherria and I traveled to Montgomery County, Maryland last Saturday morning to lead a workshop at the Crittenton Greater Services of Greater Washington Teen Girls Leadership Conference on proper business etiquette and attire. The organization’s mission is to empower teen girls to overcome obstacles, make positive choices, and achieve their goals through programs in schools throughout the Greater Washington area.

critpicBy the end of the session, I found that the young ladies had actually schooled me. I met a young woman who wants to be an OB/GYN to help promote women’s health. I met another teen who volunteers at a nursing home and finds joy in entertaining the elderly. Their energy reminded me that what’s really important is not the collection of tasks that make up the day-to-day, but the bigger picture — the dream. Before visiting with the young ladies at the conference, I was in the middle of what felt like a stress vortex — overwhelmed by multiple phones ringing with demands on the other end, projects with looming deadlines, and a to-do list that rivaled the length of War and Peace.

All of that didn’t matter to the 15- and 16-year-old eyes and ears that granted us their attention. For a half hour, they shared their lives with us and allowed us to return the favor. I was truly honored to participate in the conference and I look forward to participating in the next Crittenton event.

“If you have much, give of your wealth; if you have little, give of your heart.” – Arabic Proverb

To learn more about how you can support Crittenton Services of Greater Washington, click here.