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When was your last job interview? Remember how stressful it was?

Imagine if you didn't have the tools to prepare. I don't mean that you can't splurge for a manicure and highlights or to have an SEO professional shine up your LinkedIn profile. I mean "imagine if you desperately needed employment and you had neither the clothing nor the interview skills to undertake the interview." 

I'm sure you've heard of Dress for Success. But did you know that Dress for Success does more than just provide economically disadvantaged women with interview-appropriate clothing? They also help women work on job search skills, interview prep, and the confidence necessary to transform their lives.

One of my goals for 2018 is to get involved with more charities that help people help themselves.  I plan to start volunteering at the Louisville Dress for Success affiliate. I was so excited to learn that there are so many ways to help Dress for Success. You can help with resume skills, public speaking, interview prep, or even act as a personal shopper for the applicants! Here in Kentucky, we have affiliates in Lexington and Louisville where you can volunteer, donate funds, or donate work clothing! 

Another great and fun way to help Dress for Success is to shop the Talbots and O, The Oprah Magazine collection that benefits Dress for Success -- with each purchase from this collection, Talbots will donate 30% of your purchase price to Dress for Success! I love that the theme of this year's collection is the ladybug, which is a traditional symbol of luck and good fortune. What a perfect reminder that you're helping other women change their fortune and achieve economic empowerment! 

I adore the gingham popover and the ladybug scarf! I feel like these will be in heavy rotation for my spring wardrobe! 

Our local Talbots stores are also hosting awesome in-store events this week to launch the Dress for Success Collection. Join the Louisville Forum Center store (194 North Hurstbourne Lane) for styling tips and light refreshments on Thursday March 1st, and the Lexington Fayette Mall (3625 Nicholasville Rd #532) location on Saturday, March 3rd for special shopping parties with light refreshments, clothing donation opportunities, and 25% off your purchase (please note that the Dress for Success collection is not included on this discount!)

The Louisville Talbots stores have partnered with the Louisville Dress for Success affiliate to request daily themes for your donations this week. Please consider the following donations to Dress for Success and keep in mind that all donations given locally to Talbots will be directly given to the local Dress for Success affiliates.

Donations needed at Louisville Talbots stores for Louisville Dress for Success:

• Thursday March 1st: White shirts, black dress pants
• Friday March 2nd: Accessories and handbags
• Saturday March 3rd: New cosmetics

Shop the Talbots Dress for Success Collection below: