Ottawa fashionistas are clearing their closets to donate clothing to The Collective Closet, a fashion fundraiser, and in turn guests can enjoy a night out while partaking in a shopping extravaganza.
On Nov. 21, the Ottawa School of Art will be turned into a cosy boutique with organized racks of clothing and dressed mannequins. Guests will receive an empty bag for $25, which they can fill with as many items as they can. Whatever can’t be stuffed inside will cost extra. The party atmosphere will be amplified with music, appetizers, cocktails and a silent auction.
Donations for the pop-up shop-style fundraiser were provided by style-savvy Ottawa women and dozens of retailers, including Billings Bridge, Twiss & Weber, H&M and The Drake General Store. Shoppers can expect dresses, pretty blouses, shoes and accessories at prices from $5 to $25. Designer items by Michael Kors and Diane von Fürstenberg will be sold separately starting at $50.
Alicia McCarthy, owner of Alfred & Co., an online designer consignment store, appreciates versatility in fashion. This donated BCBG dress combines a comfortable fit with print and colour and it can be dressed up or down. “Talk about bang for your $25. You’d be crazy not to snag this gem in your bag.”
“A lot of the items have been personal donations from people involved in the show and personal contacts,” says Carolynn Lacasse, a digital marketing consultant and OSA alumni who was approached by the school to host the event. “They’re people’s whose closets we would want to raid, like (style guru) Erica Wark who is donating some cool stuff.”
Organizers will be giving away 30 limited fashion sketches by artist and SOA development director Claudia Gutierrez to the first 30 ticket buyers.
Portraits of 14 Ottawa women, including style bloggers, business executives and boutique owners, were photographed with them wearing clothing they pulled together from the donated items, which will all be available at the event.
Andrea Taggart of Taggart Realty Management wears a flirty Forever XXI red and yellow dress. “I would describe my personal style as menswear-inspired during the day and feminine with an edgy twist after 5 p.m.”
“By bringing together this unique group of women we’re able to tap into their fashion sense and help shine the light on these charities that serve the Ottawa community,” says Lacasse, a style blogger.
The proceeds from the sale will support The Ottawa School of Art’s programming and outreach program, which offers art classes to at-risk children and youth throughout the city. The surplus clothing from the sale is being distributed to the St. Joe’s Women’s Centre and Dress for Success, a not-for-profit organization that helps provide disadvantaged women with professional attire and career development support.
The Collective Closet is accepting clothing donations, which can be dropped off at the front desk of the Ottawa School of Art.
The Collective Closet
What: Fill a big with gently used clothing for $25. Shopping, cocktails and appetizers.
When & where: Nov. 21, 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., 35 George St.
Tickets & info: artottawa.ca/closetcollective
Malika Welsh, curator-in-residence at the Fritzi Gallery, is also a visual arts teacher, artist and stylist. Welsh, who is modelling a Joe Fresh dress, describes her look is classic and gravitates toward knits, patterns, bold colours. “My look here is inspired by my love for colour, bright mustards partnered with classic black pumps, perfect for an evening out in the city.”
Michal Beattie, a hair stylist at Fernando Cellini, wears an Urban Outfitters dress. She describes her personal style as modern class with a vintage mod feel. “I was going for a mix between Alexa Chung, and Edie Sedgwick during the Studio 56 era,” says Beattie.
Claudia Gutierrez, an artist and the development officer at the Ottawa School of Art, chose a black Club Monaco top and Forever 21 pants. “My wardrobe at home has a lot of black and white, (it’s) classic with a dramatic effect,” she says.
Sisters Angie Cambareri, left, and Amanda Cambareri are the owners of Vincent boutique on Preston Street. Angie, also a makeup artist for Bobbi Brown, opted for a classic look with a vintage skirt and sheer black blouse. “I typically layer my looks and dress from the bottom up focusing on my shoes.” Amanda Cambareri went with a school-girl look with a French Connexion sweater. “I love to mix textures and tucking a sweater in high-waisted anything,” Amanda says. “I thought the colours were perfect for this fall season and that grey speckled wool sweater is going to make someone very happy.”
Jennifer Baguss, left, a booking agent for Models International Management, wears Citizens of Humanity Jeans. Megan Fuger is the academy director and talent booking agent at Models International Management. “My outfit was inspired by the Forever XXI blazer I’m wearing, like many things in my wardrobe, it can go with a multitude of other things,” says Fuger.
Alyssa Beltempo, a freelance fashion stylist and author at http://www.msbeltempo.com, rocks a Maxim dress. “My look is almost always inspired by a classic menswear or vintage piece. In this case, it’s a repurposed vintage fur vest that always pairs perfectly with closet basics.”
Renée Morra, co-owner of Viens Avec Moi boutique, is an agent and stylist for Models International Management. She describes her style as boho chic and where feminine meets masculine. Here she mixes a navy blazer with a Ruby X dress and generous arm candy. “I love jewelry and clean lines,” says Morra. “I usually keep my outfits simple and classic and let the jewelry do the talking.”
The Collective Closet host Carolynn Lacasse is a digital marketing consultant and blogger. She describes her look as preppy and nerdy with a pop of femininity. Her mint long-sleeve top from the Gap and check mini skirt is representative of her daily “go-to” outfit.
Laurence de Montigny St-Onge, account executive at Acart Communications, describes her style as bold, which is why she choose this eye-catching emerald H&M dress. “I love to wear vibrant colours and unexpected accessories. I’m a frugal person who doesn’t religiously follow fashion trends. I would much rather shop in my own closet by giving old pieces of clothing a new life.”
Stephanie Vicente, editor-in-chief of Herd Magazine, wears an Urban Outfitters jumpsuit. “Normally, you’d see me in high-waisted ‘Mom’ jeans and a nautical T-shirt,” says Vicente.
Zara Ansar is a videographer by day and creative ninja by night. Her love of mixing of colours and patterns is represented in her colourful Jones New York top and vintage skirt. “My style is basically like a Pokemon character on vacation in Paris.”
