Dress for Success Sydney held a pop-up Bubbles & Bargains event at the Fraternity Club in Fairy Meadow on Sunday, June 4. It was a big hit. Eager shoppers clutching empty bags began forming a line even before the doors were officially opened.
Inside, a bustling marketplace filled with clothes racks, trays with full champagne glasses and twenty volunteers awaited them.
At the heart of it was Bonnie Comber, the Illawarra operations manager of Dress For Success. This non-profit organisation is dedicated to empowering women to help them achieve economic independence. Dress for Success offers a support network, provides professional attire and much more, all aimed at setting up women for success in their professional journeys.
Bonnie revealed that another event is already in the pipeline for November, aptly named "Fashion Frenzy". All proceeds go to the Illawarra branch of Dress for Success.
At the doors mother and daughter Marie and Alex were first in line.
Marie: "I’ve been here several times. I love the shoes, the clothes, the handbags, anything that’s a bargain."
Alex: "I’m looking for a nice handbag. Maybe a nice designer brand."
Marie: "It’s a great way to support a good charity and buy some lovely clothing at the same time, at reasonable prices."
Inside, Dress For Success volunteers Gabriella, Eloisa and Minyu, all from Wollongong, showed their finds.
Gabriella: "I got this amazing back-less black dress, this meshy top and a beautiful gold bracelet. And this crazy necklace too. I’m very happy, it’s great."
Eloisa: "I got this absolutely stunning Calvin Klein white button-up. I’m very happy. Fifteen dollars: bargain of the century!"
Minyu: "I got some Lorna Jane pants. For $10."
Down the aisles, an excited Belinda from Kiama, held up a black fur coat.
Belinda: "I’ve just come in and found the perfect jacket. I’ve got a themed Gatsby night out and I just found the perfect jacket to go with the dress that I bought. Great girls day out here."
Visit the Dress For Success website or check out the Illawarra showroom at 128 Wentworth Street, Port Kembla.
Donation drop: Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 10am-12 noon.
Illawarra in-person styling: Tuesdays & Wednesdays from 10am to 1pm.