Shireen's Favorite Things

Thrifting fall fashions at Dragonfly Boutique — “a LEAP initiative helping women empower their lives by putting prison in their past.”

God, I love the movie, “The Shawshank Redemption,” and not because it glorifies prison life in that gritty Hollywood way. I love it because of its message of friendship, hope, love and ultimately, rehabilitation; which is the message of this week’s blog: “A Fashionable Cause” (alongside thrifting some killer fall fashions.)

I stumbled across Dragonfly Thrift Boutique & Consignment Store on IG a few weeks ago and I was excited about it because I had just finished working with “The House of Findings” — a beautiful store featuring glorious vintage and up-cycled clothing, accessories and decor in Upper Buena Vista. It was an enriching experience both personally & professionally, so I was hoping to keep that theme going for not just my readers, but for myself, too. #LuckyMe because…

Dragonfly is truly one-of-a-kind and not just because you can find couture labels, unspoken vintage, cool accessories, stylish shoes and incredible furnishings and decor there. Of course, that’s a major perk, but it’s the store’s mission that makes it worth exploring on more than just a retail therapy kind of level.

100% of Dragonfly’s proceeds go toward LEAP (Ladies Empowerment And Action Program,) a non-profit organization helping women find their footing after prison. They provide post-release jobs at the boutique, help with housing and most importantly, teach life skills. For most of us, education, income and a place to call our own equals #Security & #Empowerment

Not only can you shop for “A Fashionable Cause,” you can donate, too (new or gently used items,) or volunteer, become a mentor, employ a LEAP graduate, even host an event. There are so many ways to get involved. Another thing worth mentioning: there’s no other organization like LEAP in ALL of Florida; making it that much more important.

As far as the boutique itself, it’s not even a year old and has already garnered enough buzz to be named “Best Thrift Store 2018” by Miami New Times — one look inside and you’ll see why. It’s a fashionista’s playground and then some. When I told them about my fall fashion idea they pulled a rack of designer suits, velvety blazers and boho dresses to choose from.

Inspired by Versace’s 2000 fashion campaign “Valley of the Dolls,” I piled on the boutique’s best accessories; earrings, bracelets, necklaces, scarves, purses and shoes. The bold and interesting furniture and decor (all for sale) served as the perfect photo backdrop. For me, fall fashion should be inspiring; filled with ample warmth and creative textures. The outfits chosen definitely expressed that.

In the meantime…

After the blog pictures were finished and my article filed, I went to dinner, alone, and spent a lot of time staring into the abyss thinking about what life after prison must be like. It was a traumatizing thought. I also wondered why the boutique chose the name Dragonfly, which I had failed to ask. After DM’ing one of the lovely ladies involved with LEAP, she explained: “Dragonflies symbolize transformation, adaptability and self-realization.” Of course, now it all made sense.

And, while “The Shawshank Redemption” is just a movie, LEAP shares its ultimate message, but thankfully in real life — which is freedom without hope, purpose and community isn’t freedom at all and that’s why “A Fashionable Cause” is one of my Favorite Things.

Dragonfly Thrift Boutique
3141 SW 8th Street
Miami, Florida 33135

Parking is in the back of building

Monday – Friday: 11am-7pm
Saturday: 11am -5pm
pick-up or delivery: 833-757-5327

Be Social
IG: @dragonflythrift
FB: Dragonfly thrift Boutique @LadiesEmpowermentAndActionProgram
Twitter: @LEAPS_DragonFly

www.dragonflythrift.org/
Learn more about LEAP www.leapforladies.org