This shop is special in that the merchandise is mainly provided by women, sold by women (volunteers) and financially supports women through charities. The one-of-a-kind accessories and fashionable outfits are deeply discounted, yet of superior quality. Designer clothing, like Gever Originals of LA, hobnobs with paintings, antiques, furniture, hand-made dolls, gorgeous hand knitted sweaters and an ever changing array of creative gifts and keepsakes. The environment, whimsical and bright, the people friendly and approachable make for an easy and validating experience. One can go to peruse… or seek advice.
But the real difference here is the painless fund-raising for women’s issues. A percentage of all purchases are donated to a charity of the customer's choice. A growing list of approved charities is presented at the time of purchase, such as the YWCA of the Harbor and South Bay, H.E.L.P. (Healthcare and Elder Law Programs and Counseling), the Salvation Army of Torrance and Susan G. Komen-Breast Cancer Foundation, to name a few. Volunteers earn a modest commission, thereby helping to employ women with limited time available to work. The customer pays less, the sales force earns a percentage and choice charities and their recipients all benefit, too - it’s a win-win-win!
The boutique goes further than a discount store, sponsoring "events" like Mary Frances Handbag trunk shows, crocheted wire jewelry demonstrations by Mary Austin and the upcoming display of the extensive, nationally famed Annalee Doll collection. The store also sponsors make-up demonstrations showing how to wear makeup as an accessory, consultations and demonstrations on Mastering Color. Stacy Gross-Eldredge CPCP, takes appointments, educates and demonstrates Permanent Cosmetics techniques and tattoo removal. Many more interesting and exciting events are scheduled.
Another unique aspect of Destination Women is that June and Loretta are both entrepreneurial designers; they bring with them extensive business experience and know-how to assist and support other women in their quest for success. Master Design Clothing, Loretta's company, is considered to be the authority in dressing women in business for over 27 years. She provides high-profile fashion to business-women, helping to improve their status in the professional world. “Dressing with success in mind is a business strategy".
June, who has tremendous flair with style and color says, "You can't get away from people judging you by the way you dress." Both women stress how important it is for women to make a "personal style" statement!
The new website, www.destinationwomen.com is becoming another pillar of the organization. There, one can learn more about the charities acknowledged by the boutique and, as the site evolves, new and exciting interactivity will be added. Of special note: a survey designed to find out what causes cancer by delving into the personal habits of women who have experienced it first hand. This is extremely important as it goes further than faulting heredity or exposures to dangerous materials; it will collect personal information (possibly like sleeping habits, exposure to plants and animals, cosmetics) giving researchers more information to work with in an effort to find a cure. This is truly women helping women!
Destination Women is a consciousness-raising spot to meet other women, share stories and be a part of their successes. Come visit this fabulous find and see how women are benefited on all levels, helping other women in the process!
The shop is located at 24576 Hawthorne Blvd., Torrance, Ca. 90505, in the Hillside Village Center at the intersection of Via Valmonte and Hawthorne. You may call Master Design for more information. To volunteer, please call 310.375.6361.
See you there!
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