Do you have a mission?
Beyond sharing style tips and encouragement for eating more plants, I want to make a difference in lives. I have experienced not knowing where I will be sleeping tonight or when my next meal might come.
I was fortunate that when my time of need came, there was a wide circle of friends who offered shelter and helped me through the toughest time of my life. I know that the worst decisions ever made can be followed by the best ones.
It is now part of my mission to help women in need by being a part of several projects which offer a hand up through temporary shelter, training, and education.
J.Jill just launched its new "Compassion Connects Us All" social campaign where every time you use the hashtag #JJillCompassion, the brand will donate $1 to the Fund up to $350,000.
The lightweight J.Jill linen tote bag with an artisanal floral print at the front was designed to help women in need: 100% of the net proceeds from the sale of the exclusive Compassion Fund tote bag support to community-based organizations that help disadvantaged and homeless women become more self-sufficient.
J.Jill has donated more than six million dollars to over sixty organizations across the country.
All of the elements in this look were provided by J.Jill.
J.Jill's deep blue cardigan is lightweight, making it the perfect warm-weather topper to take with me everywhere. Air conditioning quickly becomes unpleasant for me, so I always take a cover-up of some sort with me, even in summer.
The perfect weight three-quarter sleeve tee is very nicely made. The design details make it more flattering and feminine than most tees.
The white comfortable cropped jeans are also from J.Jill.
Cognac has always been one of my favorite colors for neutral, go with everything leg-lengthening sandals. These Corso Como® for J.Jill stacked heel sandals are the perfect summer shoes.
Great cause! I think it's nice what JJill is doing.Your outfit is very nice.
ReplyDeleteSo what turned your life around? Maybe you should write about that..
ReplyDeleteI am a survivor. When I get knocked down, I figure out a way to get back up and keep going. I refuse to remain defeated.
ReplyDeleteThis post makes me feel both ashamed and in awe. You do so much for others. Since retiring I've let the ball drop. This inspires me to jump back on the band wagon. Thanks Susan. (Love the blues on you.)
ReplyDeleteBabycakes, you might have missed this post. It touches on how I came to know homelessness first hand. http://fiftynotfrumpy.blogspot.com/2011/01/what-villa.html
ReplyDeleteI haven't shopped J. Jill in a few years, but I love that their project helps women in need. I have been part of the Kiva microloans program for a number of years and have chosen women entrepreneurs in third world countries as the focus for my loans. It is gratifying and a blessing to part of this.
ReplyDeleteI have participated in the Kiva loans also. It is amazing what a difference even a small amount can make in the lives of others.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your story, Susan. Your sense of caring and compassion comes through in your blog, which is why I follow you. Fashion without compassion is shallow. You are a beacon of light that shines far. Thank you for being you.
ReplyDeleteYou look great in that outfit, but it's your compassion for less fortunate women that shines through and impresses me in this post! I've recently been researching some of our Canadian fashion retailers for my own blog and it's gratifying to know that many of them have similar programs that give back in some way. I, too, am an avid Kiva lender. Like Kristien, I choose to give to women, specifically women with children at to care for, and I try to give to projects that provide something that will generate income for them on an ongoing basis such as sewing machines.
ReplyDeleteElaine @ Following Augustine
You are truly a remarkable woman. Trish
ReplyDelete