They Mean Business : Misty’s Closet Offers Professional Attire, Fashion Advice to Low-Income Women
Sandie Sorensen believes clothes can make or break a woman, at least professionally. So the coordinator of volunteers has recently become a stylist and fashion advisor for women re-entering the job market and without the means to afford business attire.
She now runs Misty’s Closet in Westminster, a program created by the Soroptimists, a women’s nonprofit organization, providing low-income women with clothes for job interviews or who have new jobs.
In the last four months, more than 60 women have received one or two free outfits, professional clothes donated by local businesswomen. A woman who owns a dry-cleaner has even donated her services to get the clothes in mint condition.
“If you’re worried about the roof over your head and food--if you’re on that side of the fence--you can’t spend $200 on a new outfit,” Sorensen said. “We deal with many single moms trying to get back into the job market, people who get no child support or who have no family.”
On a recent Sunday, 29-year-old Janessa West received fashion advice, slacks and blouses for her new job as a receptionist at a Westminster development company. West has two children and has been without a job for eight years. A local charity group recommended that West go to Misty’s Closet.
“The clothes were extremely important for me,” said West. “I didn’t have the money for new clothes, and you can’t just go to Target to get professional clothes.”
Usually, the only new clothes West can afford to buy are for her children, she said.
Sorensen looks for quality clothes, and the donated clothes she does not give away she sends to the local homeless shelter.
“I try to keep better labels than the Salvation Army,” she said, pointing to a blue Liz Claiborne suit. “Let’s face it, you can’t wear T-shirts and leggings for work.”
Advice for a Complete Outfit
Because many women feel embarrassed about their poverty and receiving donated clothes, they can enter Misty’s Closet from a discreet side entrance, said Sorensen.
She advises on sizes, color coordination and how to match the outfits with shoes and accessories.
“Many of the women are excited but a little apprehensive about their new jobs. The worst thing that can happen to them is the boss saying, ‘You’re not dressed appropriately,’ particularly when they can’t afford a new suit or a dress,” Sorensen said. The closet contains a wide array of suitable clothes from size 6 to 3X, although very small or big sizes are difficult to come by. Sorensen also provides the women with shoes and handbags.
“And if I don’t have the right clothes, I’ll solicit in the community,” she said.
Sorensen plans to expand the program to include other services like a visit to a beauty shop.
“If you feel good about what you wear, you project a positive attitude,” she said. “Women walk out of here feeling confident.”
Louise Roug can be reached at (714) 966-5977.
