I recently visited my hometown of Athens, GA to see my family for Father’s Day and had such a great time with my parents. Naturally I had to take a little shopping break while I was there, and guess what I found? This adorable cotton dress that is perfect for a summer date night. And the best part of all is that it comes from a store that donates a portion of your purchase to local charities. It’s fashion for a cause and I couldn’t be happier to wear it. Read on to learn more about the best time I had shopping in Athens, GA!
PHILANTHROPY – FASHION + COMPASSION
No one has asked me to blog about this store. This dress wasn’t gifted to me. Instead, I choose to write about it because I was so touched by my experience shopping here. One of the owners of the store and her two teenage children greeted us warmly as we walked in, telling us all about Philanthropy‘s mission and then giving us the room to walk around and experience the beautiful space on our own. It looked like an old barn, adorned with clothing, accessories, home goods and other decor – with cheese and fruit at 3pm everyday. It was simply lovely.
Philanthropy Fashion was started in 2007 in Franklin, TN – just outside of Nashville – and they now have two other locations in Athens, GA and Cape Girardeau, MO. The stores were started as a platform for fashion-loving customers to make a difference when they shop – by donating at least 15% of the proceeds of your purchase to a local charity! One of the charities in Athens that the store contributes to is one close to my heart – Extra Special People (ESP), a camp for children with different abilities where I was a counselor for four years. It was my favorite job I’ve ever had!
What about those of you who don’t live in either of these three sweet southern towns? Not to worry! You can shop online and – even better – when you do, 100% of the proceeds go to charity. Head to www.philanthropyfashion.com to check out what they have to offer your closet.
THE OUTFIT
So what did I buy?! This sweet little number by Young Threads NY for just $65. I don’t have anything like it in my wardrobe because I often go for flared skirts to hide my hips. I took a risk by choosing this more form-fitting, pencil-skirted cut, and I’m glad I did! I paired it with things I knew would accent the colors well, like this bright orange handbag and lipstick, plus these shiny gold shoes and jewelry.
My boyfriend and I went for dinner at our favorite restaurant last night, and this is what I wore!
Thanks as always for reading, and Athens friends! Next time you’re in need of a little fashion fix, head to Philanthropy! It’s located just across from the 40 Watt at 294 West Washington Street.
Belle
