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<==
Anne says
Your story is very touching. Thanks for sharing it. I, too, lost my beloved mother to cancer. It’s a pain that doesn’t go away. But it’s good that you’re finding some solace in helping others by donating your jacket.
Shelley Zurek says
I am sorry for your loss Anne. Cancer is an ugly ugly evil. The Chief Blonde
Dandi D says
This all sounds really great, and I really should clean out my closet!
Nicole Dziedzic says
What a great way to put your jacket towards a great cause. Fashion Project’s is a great program, will be checking them out.
Marti Tabora says
I have never heard of this before, but it is really a great program. Thanks you for sharing your story.
Barrie says
I’ve never heard of this organization but I love it!
Diana Smith Hill says
It’s a good thing to purge clothing you wore to funerals. they hold sad memories and everytime you look at them you remember.
Nancy @ Whispered Inspirations says
What an amazing story, I will definitely head over to see what I can do.
Debi says
What a touching story. This sounds like such a great service. I am going to check into it right now. I’m sure there are things I have to donate.
Autumn @Mamachallenge says
Fashion Project sounds amazing! I will have to check it out!
Dawn says
I think this is really great. It’s a good cause, and it’s a wonderful way to get a swanky wardrobe! Yay!
Aimee Smith says
My mom also suffers from cancer and has benefited from Look Good Feel Better. I am so grateful for their services!
Felicita Moncada says
I seriously need to go through my closet! I think it is so hard for many of us to “let go” of certain items because of the memories they give us. Shirts from my high school days that I haven’t worn in yearsss – still sticks in the back of my closet. One day, one day!
Chrysa says
That is such a touching story, Shelley, and made me tear up. I’m glad your jacket can go on to serve a great purpose.
Shelley Zurek says
Me too Chrysa. It was hard to let it go on so many levels but I knew I couldn’t wear it again! SHelley
jen temcio says
What a beautiful and powerful story. I am so sorry about your mom. It is empowering that you can make a difference in her honor!
Shelley Zurek says
Thanks Jen! It’s exactly what my mom would have done. Shelley
Lisa Bristol says
This sounds like a fantastic organization. I would love to donate what i can to help.
Shelley Zurek says
Your support would be appreciated Lisa. The Chief Blonde
Ann Bacciaglia says
I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your Mom. I have certain pieces i can not part with. I will have to donate some of my clothes and my Daughters. This is a great cause.
Shelley Zurek says
It is Ann, I just love the fact that I can buy and/or donate and do good! Shelley
Gabriel says
Looks like a good idea for helping a great cause. Pretty sure no one wants my ratty, worn out clothes, but I bet we can find some cool stuff in my wife’s closet…
Robin (Masshole Mommy) says
Awww, I get why you hung on to it for so long, but it’s going to someone who will make their own memories with it.
Shelley Zurek says
Quite true Robin. That’s what I hope. Shelley
Liz Mays says
What a great way to help out people who need that boost. I didn’t know you could donate clothes like this.
Patty says
That is a wonderful way to honor your mother Shelley. Your jacket will go to someone who will love it and money will be raised to help women who need it. Fashion Project does so much good through something we all do all the time
Shelley Zurek says
It’s truly my new go to! I love the clothes and the concept!