Clean out your Closet (or Fill it up)
Support “Look Good, Feel Better”
I participated in an Influencer Activation on behalf of Influence Central for Fashion Project. I received a promotional item to thank me for my participation. #HelpBetterBegin, #IC
What I wore the day my mother died–My memories
On the day my mother died, I wore the jacket above. Of course, when I choose it to wear to the hospital, I didn’t know it was the day my mom would pass. I wore it simply because it was new, and I knew she would enjoy seeing my new jacket. My mom loved seeing the new clothes that I got for my blog, she would often comment and ask questions about them.
The day started around 8:00 am when I arrived at the UofM cancer floor to replace my brother who had been at the hospital all night. She had had a terrible night and no real hope seemed to be in sight. As the day progressed, my dad arrived and then my brother returned. We held her hand, prayed with her and told her over and over again that we loved her. At 6:05 pm, the woman who I had called Mom for 53 years departed this earth releasing herself from a long battle with blood cancer and then MDS.
The jacket above took me through all the horrendous events, the long process of the day and then the preparation of the body and the trip to the funeral home where we said our last earthly good-byes. We arrived at my father’s home around 1:30 am and I slept on the couch in that jacket through a long and fitful night. I finally made it back to my house around 5:00 pm that day, stripped off the jacket, took a shower, hung up the jacket in my closet and poured myself a drink.
The jacket has hung in the closet ever since that day. As you can imagine, that one-wearing was loaded with memories for me. It was too painful to wear the jacket again, yet I couldn’t bring myself to get rid of it. I knew that God would speak to me and let me know the right time to release the pain of the jacket.
Look Good, Feel Better
When I was approached to write about Fashion Project’s new partnership with “Look Good Feel Better”, an organization that works directly with those who are affected by cancer to address how the disease affects their appearance, I knew I had found the answer to my issue. I love the fact that Look Good Feel Better has free workshops that include lessons on cosmetics, skin and nail care, wigs, turbans, accessories, and wardrobe for those dealing with cancer.
I have written about Fashion Project previously on my blog (here). Fashion Project is a site that sells gently used designer clothes at great prices (Michael Kors, J.Crew, Tory Burch, Dana Buchman, etc) and a large portion of proceeds goes to YOUR favorite charity! I have shared my Fashion Project finds with you before and I can’t believe the deals.
Fashion project has set up the Look Good Feel Better boutique on FashionProject .com. There you will find designer clothing, purses, shoes accessories that have been donated by celebrities, designers, and members of the Look Good Feel better and Fashion Project communities. Fashion Project has set a goal of raising $25,000 for Look Good Feel Better and over $4000 of that has been raised so far! You can shop this special shop through June 7.
How my memory-filled jacket will help Look Good Feel Better
I donated the brand new jacket that I wore the day my mom died to Look Good Feel Better’s Fashion Project. My donation will help them to reach the $25,000 goal. I feel great joy knowing that the jacket that I loved and then avoided will benefit other who have my mom’s disease.
PSSST! You can donate and/or shop designer clothes too!
It was easy to donate my jacket! You can donate (or shop) the boutique as well. Just head over the Look Good Feel Better’s Fashion Project. Help women with cancer today with your donation or purchase.
==>SHOP NOW<==
Christy Peeples DuBois says
Thank you for sharing such a personal and emotional experience. It is so hard in every way when we lose a parent and you chose to help others through your story. How generous you are and others will benefit.
I have read about this site previously, probably on your blog, but had forgotten about it until now. Thanks for reminding me. And they do have gorgeous pieces.
Shelley Zurek says
Thanks Christy, I have blogged about Fashion Project before and I am a massive believer in their causes (and their prices ROCK too). The Chief Blonde
Sarah Elyce says
This mission features a wonderful concept. Thank you for raising awareness for it.
Lynne says
I can totally relate to this post. After my mom’s funeral in 2001, I decided I simply had to give away the dress that I had worn to it. It was simply to painful to wear it again.
Jeanine says
I love that you can help others while helping yourself. It’s a win/win!