01 Mar Love for the Lotus House
Every year, for the past three years, I would gather all my girlfriends and celebrate my birthday in a very special way. We would go through our closets, take out clothes that we love but no longer wear, shoes that we never use, and handbags gathering dust. Espousing organizational guru and “tidying-up” philosopher, Marie Kondo, we endeavored to spark joy by releasing ourselves from the bindings of our stuff. We pack these up and take them to Lotus House Thrift Chic Boutique.
Zagat calls it, ” A thrift store stuffed with chic merchandise is a fashion rarity, and even more so when it is organized like an upscale boutique, as in this cute pink-accented find in Miami. Expert shoppers scour the racks for clothing and accessories from Armani, Prada, and Louis Vuitton, and home furnishings too, but the real plus is that proceeds go to the Lotus House Shelter, which assists homeless women and children”.
This is the setting for my annual birthday clothes swap. My friends and I enjoy each other’s company, drink some wine, eat good food, and have a chance to talk and interact with the employees of the boutique, most of which were former residents of the shelter. All attendees are also welcome to shop the boutique. All I ask is that if an attendee takes a clothing item from a swap, that they make a small donation if they are so inclined. All the proceeds go to the Lotus House and are tax deductible.
My birthday party in 2015 (haha love the fuzzy photo)
My birthday party in 2016
My birthday party in 2017
This year, I decided to start a new tradition. Instead of just doing this on my birthday, I decided that it would be terrific opportunity to generate good karma for the New Year by cleaning out our closets and do a New Year Clothes Swap.
We were so fortunate to have Ola Moon by Anna Marie Magnan as a very special guest. She outfitted us with the newest designs and showcased her collection of exquisite, one-of-a-kind, custom-made dresses that she makes by hand.
We also raffled off some prices such as a Botox injections by Paula’sPerfectPout, goodies from Jason Skincare, Victoria’s Secret, Ella Paradis, MAC Cosmetics, PCA Skin, and Nutrafol.
As per tradition, we took photos of the “Owner and the Donor”.
Some made friends, while some said “I do”…
It is always a great time!
Words cannot express how grateful I am to be surrounded by wonderful women who are not only beautiful from the inside, but even more marvelous on the inside. Sometimes it is very difficult to truly connect with people in Miami, but I am so lucky to have found these gems. Love you, girls!
The next clothes swap is in September for my birthday. Cannot wait!
Lots of love,
Paula