what a lovely story, claire! i am so taken by how you managed to style your clients and how you really could see their best sides and also how to accentuate that with the clothes you had available. I never heard about DFS before, so thank you so much for sharing! The boutique looks so beautiful and professional. Your client looks so happy and confident. You are absolutely stunning, too!

I love the pic of your son! The American prom tradition is really fascinating. In my school time there was nothing like that, but I think the last decade or so we have been adopting the tradition

Stunning boutique, and I love your skirt with the skinny belt. Son and date look so happy It's absolutely great that you volunteer for DFS, a really worthy organization.

Claire, you were made to work at Dress For Success! SO happy you pursued it despite some early anxieties. How gratifying it must feel to share what you've learned and what you enjoy to help others! *tears*

Your handiwork on DS shows - he looks like a true gentleman. Hope he and his date enjoyed prom night - exciting days!!!

WOW, what a great read. Your job sounds like tons of fun. With your perky attitude I know your are a definate asset to this place!! The boutique is beautiful, good job dressing D she looks great!!! Thanks for sharing!! And your son and his date look fab!! good job mom!!

WOW! I never imagined DFS would look like that. Thanks for sharing the pictures Claire and, like everyone has been saying, thanks for your wonderfully lively and interesting writing. I am glad you are feeling a bit better too.

WOWZERS!! SO MUCH FABNESS in one post!! I am also a member of the happy tears committee, sitting here at my desk just BEAMING at beautiful you, your beautiful client, and your handsome son and his beautiful date.

Like the others, I never dreamed your DFS looked like such a beautiful, high-end boutique! What a wonderful, wonderful service you all are doing for your community!

And Claire, you are such a gifted writer! Does your DFS have a newsletter or blog? If so, you need to be on staff! And if not, maybe you should consider starting one?

This is so cool! What a fun and fulfilling day, Claire! You did an awesome job for your clients - yay for not settiling for any old pants for your client with knee issues and instead finding her the perfect outfit. She looks great and SO happy!

Claire! Oh my! This is just a wonderful uplifting post. thanks so much for sharing your volunteering stories and what a gorgeous work space! While we do not have a DFS locally, there was one in Minneapolis and many of my late Grandmother's things were donated there... she had impeccable taste and wore fabulous suits and 3" heels until the end. I would love to think they made a happy day for some ladies who really needed them just like you did for your clients. Also, DS and his date look just fab for prom -- love the bright colors on both!

Claire,
I have just finished wiping tears away. Happy tears of course! You are making such a difference. Anyone who thinks fashion is trivial needs to read this post!! You are making such a difference in each and every life you touch.

These DFS write-ups are always a treat- thanks for sharing! LOVE the pics, all of them!!

Claire, I'm in a work crunch so late to this party. My apologies. What a wonderful, WONDERFUL story, and what gorgeous photos. Thank you for sharing all of it. Your client looks so happy (and no wonder) and you look so pretty, and your DFS shop is amazing, and your son and his date are stunning!

You are doing such great work there, and how much fun, too, to get to use your fashion abilities!