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Charity Challenge spotlight: Women receive business attire and boost of confidence toward a better life

Houston's a city of great giving and the CultureMap Charity Challenge aims to highlight that. CultureMap selected 12 deserving nonprofits to compete for a grand prize as they all raise awareness for worthy causes. Today: Dress for Success Houston.

Dress for Success Houston promotes the economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing professional attire, a network of support and career development tools to help them thrive in work and in life.

Since 1998, Dress for Success Houston has provided business attire, a much-needed boost of confidence, and job retention and career advancement services to more than 30,000 women in the Houston area.

As part of their suiting program, women receive one-on-one attention from a volunteer personal shopper to select a complete interview outfit, including a suit, blouse, handbag, shoes, scarf, pantyhose and a pearl set.

Once a client secures a job, she is invited to receive an additional outfit and to join the Professional Women’s Group, a program that promotes job retention and career advancement by providing valuable information, tools and resources while creating a safe environment for members to network with other professionals. After clients attend program classes, they are welcome to shop at no cost and build their professional wardrobe.

Dress for Success also provides professional clothing for female military veterans transitioning to the civilian workforce, as well as providing them with a unique opportunity to network with other women facing similar challenges.

While Dress for Success Houston is an independent 501(c)(3) corporation registered in Texas, the organization is part of a worldwide network of 141 affiliates.

Vote now for Dress for Success Houston — or one of the other worthy local nonprofits — in the CultureMap Charity Challenge.

Dress for Success Houston provides professional clothing, as well as employment services, to underprivileged women so that they can be job-ready.

Dress for Success Houston

Dress for Success Houston provides professional clothing, as well as employment services, to underprivileged women so that they can be job-ready.

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POSH PICKS

Irish retailer Primark brings discount clothing to first Houston store

Photo courtesy of Primark

U.K. retailer Primark, brings its low priced, trend heavy fashion to the Houston market for the first time.

European import Primark is finally landing in the Houston area. Shoppers will be able to score budget-friendly finds at Katy Mills Mall when the fast-fashion giant, known for leaning into trend-forward clothing, opens its doors on Thursday, November 20.

The brand started in Dublin in 1969 under the name Penney's before switching to Primark to avoid competition with U.S. heavyweight J.C. Penny's as it expanded outside Ireland. Today, it operates in 11 countries with 470 stores worldwide, including over 175 in the United Kingdom. Its largest outpost in Birmingham is a massive 161,000 square feet covering five floors.

While the store can't compete with the U.K. version's size, coming in at 30,000 square feet, the prices more than make up for it. Shoppers can expect women's denim starting at $12, men's t-shirts at $5, and kids' sweatshirts at $8. For about the price of a family meal at the food court, shoppers can pull together looks for the whole crew. In terms of quality, price, and style, its biggest competitors are H&M and Zara.

primark Shoppers will line up at Katy Mills Mall as Primark opens its first Houston area store on November 20.Photo courtesy of Primark/Instagram

The Katy opening is Primark's third Texas location, following McAllen and El Paso, and is part of the company's expansion across the United States. New stores are rolling out in Illinois and in Grapevine next month. In a statement, Primark U.S. President Kevin Tulip said, "These vibrant retail destinations in Texas reflect the incredible demand we're seeing across the country for affordability without sacrifice. As we continue to grow, we remain laser-focused on delivering unbeatable value and fashion that fits every family's lifestyle."

To celebrate the grand opening, Primark will offer a weekend of fun, family-friendly activities, including live music, giveaways, and delicious treats for early-bird arrivals. Shoppers will find a full mix of women's and men's fashion, kids' clothing, accessories, homeware, and beauty once the doors open at Katy Mills on November 20.

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