Northshore Magazine

Northshore May 2019

Northshore magazine showcases the best that the North Shore of Boston, MA has to offer.

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NORTHSHOREMAG.COM 44 MAY 2019 What if we told you there's a beautiful little boutique where can you find like- new Prada leopard print pumps or a gorgeous silk Emilio Pucci Firenze scarf for a crazy-low price? What if we also told you that every time you purchase one of these beautiful designer items, you'll also be helping local women who've struggled with domestic violence, abuse, homelessness, or other hardships? You can find all that and more at Uncom- mon Closet, which just may be the best-kept secret on the entire North Shore. Uncommon Closet is a boutique that offers amazing deals on fun, high-end clothing, handbags, acces- sories, and shoes, where every penny of every purchase benefits the women's empower- ment program Uncommon Threads. "We call it guiltless shopping," says Susan Kanoff, founder and executive director of Uncommon Threads, a women's empower- ment program that provides women in need with beautiful clothing, shoes, and accesso- ries—plus a personalized styling session with a team of volunteer stylists. "One-hundred percent of the proceeds benefit Uncommon Threads," she says. "It's feel-good shopping!" Uncommon Closet sells a combination of new and like-new items that have been donated by both individuals, top brands like ecru and Sharif Bags, and boutiques including French Lessons, 688 Boutique, Aine's, Opal and Oak, and CoCo Collection, among many others. Shoppers can visit the brick-and-mortar boutique at 60 Island Street in Lawrence Wednesdays through Fridays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. as well as the newly launched online shop. "It's become this go-to shopping destination," Kanoff says. "It's a mix between a boutique and a consignment store." Mary McDonald is the owner of Tinkerhaus. The space has a variety of tools to create works of art such as sewing machines and 3-D printers. PHOTOGRAPHS BY SARAH JORDAN MCCAFFERY L I V E + P L AY The best part of shopping at Uncommon Closet, which is staffed by volunteers, is that the shop benefits Uncommon Threads, and and supports its mission to lift women up by improving their self-esteem and self confidence. Uncommon Threads' clients are referred by social services and health profession- als. After a personalized wardrobe session, clients receive up to four complete outfits— including accessories, shoes, and hand- bags—and sometimes other goodies, like pajamas, hand cream, or makeup. All of the clothing and other items they receive have been donated by a generous network of bou- tiques, companies, and individuals. Clients also receive support and encouragement from other women and a time-out from life's stresses. "Clothes are really powerful tools for building self-esteem. We want [a woman] to look in the mirror and see all of her possi- bilities," says Kanoff. "It really is an incred- ible experience. When our clients start to see themselves in these empowering outfits, it shifts their mindset." That was Evelyn Crespo's experience when she visited Uncommon Threads in Uncommon Closet in Lawrence offers great deals while helping those in need. BY ALEXANDRA PECCI EMPOWERING BOUTIQUE Susan Kanoff is the founder and executive director of Uncommon Threads, a nonprofit organization in Lawrence.

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