LYNDHURST, Ohio — After a 3-year hiatus due to the pandemic, the National Council of Jewish Women is back with their annual fundraiser, Designer Dress Days – where you can score some amazing fashion deals for a great cause.
The organization has hosted the event for more than 50 years, and Co-Chair Marcy Schwartz says all proceeds from the fundraiser helps to support their mission of improving the lives of women, children and families throughout Northeast Ohio.
"We have clothing that's been donated by very generous people in our community. Beautiful...exclusive, designer clothing [and] we select out all the very nicest things, and we save them all year long just for this event."
This year, the organization is excited to bring a small dose of fun back to the community.
"I'm just excited to see everybody back [after this] hiatus. You know, it's been a tough couple of years for people and this is fun," Schwartz said. "This is something exciting."
3News's own Kierra Cotton got an exclusive early preview of this year’s sale, with a little help from 3News Style Contributor Hallie Abrams, who is a longtime supporter of the event and NCJW.
Hallie walked Kierra through the various sections of the sale - and explained you can find everything from current labels, to vintage treasures - even items that have never been worn. Hallie and Kierra pulled an Armani blazer off the rack that still had tags that showed it originally retailed for $975 - and was being sold at the event for just $70.
But clothing isn’t the only thing you’ll find at Designer Dress Days, they also offer a variety of costume and fine jewelry in addition to handbags, one of the biggest draws.
"People literally line up in order to come here [for the bags.] This is very often their first stop," Hallie explained.
No matter your budget, style preference or size, there’s a little something for everyone - including Kierra, who couldn’t resist bringing home a fabulous new blazer.
But before you grab your shopping shoes, Hallie has some tips to keep in mind before searching the racks.
"Very often it's helpful to wear a column of color, so like a black t-shirt and black pants, because that way when you're trying things on you're not getting distracted," she explained. "And... definitely try things on. The dressing room is where so many friends are made...I would see something on you and I'd be like, 'Oh my gosh, that's so cute.' And then you're like, 'I'm not gonna take it.' I would try it on and that could be my favorite piece.
But remember, this 3-day event is a marathon, not a sprint, so Hallie says, be sure to pack your patience and budget enough time to take everything in.
"You're on a treasure hunt and you're finding a piece that fits you."
Designer Dress Days 2022 will take place on Friday, November 4 (Special Preview Day, $20 admission), Saturday, November 5 and Sunday, November 6 at its 2022 location: Legacy Village, next to Dick’s Sporting Goods. You can find more information here.