Okay, ladies, you have to know about my new discovery, the store Couture for A Cause. I’m in love. You will be too. While I’m definitely not a true fashionista (just a wannabe), I would define myself as a ‘clothes horse’ — as in ‘passionate about clothes’ and… ‘can’t have too many black shoes’ type of girl.

I recently had the opportunity to attend a Girls Night Out with my friend Melanie of Spinout Records at this designer resale boutique in my fabulous hometown of Brentwood, TN. We had a blast!

So, here is how it works. Donations of new or gently used ladies couture are accepted and sold to benefit the nonprofit of the donor’s choice. How cool is that? We all have a cause we are passionate about, right?

When shopping for designer duds at a fraction of their original cost, you’re paying it forward. Half —yes, half — of the purchase price goes to the designated charity indicated on the price tag.

It’s a win/win all the way around. Donor’s receive a donation receipt, shoppers score fabulous and affordable finds on everything from designer jeans to evening gowns (and even wedding gowns), and it all goes to help local nonprofits who are making a difference in the community. Our community.

I love the concept of giving back and the guilt-free shopping experience. It is ingenious!

Here are a few of my fabulous finds:

This Tod’s Italian handbag retails for upwards of $1,000. I paid just $200 (including its dust bag) and $100 went to Melanoma Research. I can’t wait to use it. Hurry up spring! And what about the sweet strawberry scarf? It was only $9 and benefitted Snooty Giggles.

And, not shown, but I did also snag a really awesome pair of Guess combat boots in– you guessed it– black (Beneficiary: Rochelle Center).

Want to hear something else really amazing? The owner, Patricia Apple (who I just met through my friend Melanie), is the daughter of my late father-in-law’s dear friend Solon Apple. Did you follow that? Wow, it really is a small world. Solon spoke at Jimmy’s funeral. He was a great man. I love the legacy that follows as Patricia has dedicated this store and her vision to her parents.

Please consider spreading the word and adding this shop to stores you frequent. Couture for A Cause is located at 127 Franklin Rd., Brentwood, TN (near Wild Iris— another favorite of mine, but I’ll save that for another post).