Marin County women will be swapping their jewelry and scarves to raise money to help less fortunate women re-enter the workplace at the first annual Style Swap this Saturday, September 17, in the parking lot next to the The Great Acorn Company located at 800 San Anselmo Avenue in downtown San Anselmo from 10 AM to 4 PM.

Sales and donations of jewelry and scarves will go to benefit Image for Success, a not-for-profit organization that provides two-week wardrobes to disenfranchised people in Marin County who are transitioning toward self-reliance. Image for Success not only provides the suit for the interview, but also clothes for everyday use – a critical need when someone is making the effort to change their life by re-entering the workplace.

How To Participate

There are three ways people can participate in this weekend’s Style Swap:

1. Bring jewelry and scarves that ‘just aren’t you’ anymore to The Great Acorn this week, or the day of the event on September 17, to redeem tickets that can be used to shop for other items at the event;

2.  Donate jewelry and scarves to receive a tax deduction;

3.  Just stop by and shop.

Additionally, Image for Success will accept other clothing donations during the Style Swap event.

“One woman’s fashion past can be another’s fabulous future,” said event co-organizer Laura Adler of Women of Inventions.  “We all have things in our wardrobes that we just don’t wear anymore.  We loved them at the time we got them.  Now, instead of collecting dust, why not pass on the love to others.”

You can reserve a spot near the play structure area for a private party, but we like to be out in the grassy area, which has picnic tables and BBQs. Bring your hot dogs and burgers (or tofu dogs), start up the grill and make it an adult party too. In the summer they have a great community pool which you can also make part of the party for a fee. The best part is the secret path along the side of the play structure area that leads to a year round creek. Kids love playing in it, especially when the weather’s hot. One important tip: get there around 9:00 am to claim your table with a cooler and table cloth so when the party starts later in the day you will have a primo spot.

Yes, there I said it.  I really love living in Marin County.  Anytime I leave the area and return home,  as I cross back over the Golden Gate Bridge into Marin County, I find a smile lights up on my face.  I could have been vacationing on the Mexican Riviera, and I still smile when I come home.  I think that says a lot.

I love the view coming through the Waldo Tunnel- the lights twinkling in the Sausalito harbor at night, crystal blue water during the day, Mt. Tam majestic in the distance.  Oh, sometimes we are socked in fog, but often, I leave a foggy San Francisco and can see the skies open up in to glorious sunshine.  Marin County truly has some of the best weather in the country- never too hot or too cold.  Despite living in such an affluent community, I find most Marin residents are very friendly. I  love all of the quaint downtown areas in places like Larkspur and Mill Valley.  Sometimes I feel like I have stepped back in time- “quaint” downtown areas are non-existent in the suburbs of Arizona where I grew up.

If you are lucky enough to live here, you probably know how special it is.  Sure, Marin housing prices are ridiculous.  Part of the reason they are is because we live in such a special place- close proximity to San Francisco, easy commute, tons of outdoor activities year around,

Marin, glorious Marin.  I am happy to call you my home.

I work up to this gorgeous Marin sunrise this morning.  Happy March and happy Sunday!