Fabulous Finds
At Kendall County Women’s Shelter (KCWS), we aim to provide meaningful support services to survivors of domestic abuse, their children, and their pets. However, what may come as a surprise, is that fashion is an important tool we use to achieve this mission.
Thrifting, or shopping for quality second-hand goods, is a sustainable, affordable, and socially-conscious way of finding rare, unique items to collect for your dream wardrobe. But what does thrifting and fashion really have to do with our mission of serving survivors of domestic abuse?
A personalized wardrobe can be much more than a unique form of self-expression. Wearing your favorite outfit can actually help raise your levels of self-confidence, or how likely we are to succeed in the goals that are important to us.
When people believe that they look good, they start to feel good. And when people feel their best, they’re most likely to do good - for themselves, their families, and others.
“Over the years I have learned that what is important in a dress is the woman who is wearing it.”
Fabulous Finds Thrift Store
located at 934 N. School St. Boerne, TX 78006
Our thrift store, Fabulous Finds, offers quality, secondhand clothing, furniture, and so much more to our community members in the Texas Hill Country. And our customers can feel even better about their next fabulous purchase with us, knowing that 100% of the proceeds directly support our agency and clients.
While people visit our thrift store for the “boutique” shopping experience we’re proud to curate (with thrift-level prices), our customers usually leave Fabulous Finds feeling best knowing they’ve made an impact in the lives of our clients’ families - who are often the most in need of peace this season.
The Science Behind, “Look Good, Feel Good.”
When we use forms of positive self-expression, like fashion, to improve how we feel about ourselves, we are less likely to have feelings of fear and anxiety in social settings. Because of this, finding clothes that you feel fabulous in may even improve how you feel in your relationships at home, work, etc, as well as in your relationship with yourself.
“Fashion is not necessarily about labels. It’s not about brands. It’s about something else that comes from within you.”
Dress for Success San Antonio (SA) is a separate local non-profit, empowering women to achieve economic independence by providing a network of support, professional attire and the development tools to help women thrive in work and in life. Thelma Flores, Client Services Manager for Dress for Success SA, offered KCWS insight into the role of fashion on a woman’s confidence and self-expression. Here’s what she had to say:
KCWS: Do you think access to quality clothing affects how women perceive their capabilities or ambitions?
Flores: Quality clothing can boost how women see their abilities and goals. When a woman wears sharp, polished, and well-fitted clothing, it positively impacts her self-image and confidence in her career success.
KCWS: How can clothing be a form of self-expression and empowerment for women facing challenges, like domestic abuse?
Flores: Domestic abuse takes away a woman's sense of self, making her feel powerless and invisible. Clothing can help women express themselves and regain strength, especially for those facing abuse. It can play a key role in helping them rebuild their identity, take control of their lives, and show their personal strength.
KCWS: In what ways can access to professional attire impact a woman’s ability to pursue new opportunities or navigate life transitions?
Flores: Our experience shows that when a woman looks beyond her past struggles and sees herself in professional attire she may not have worn before, it not only boosts her confidence but also empowers her to realize her full potential. This shift in perspective encourages her to believe in her abilities and take on new challenges with strength and determination.
In fact, a 2012 study from Northwestern University found that wearing certain clothes can have a tangible effect on a person’s psychology and performance. This concept, known as “enclothed cognition,” may be the reason why we feel more motivated to finish a work-related project while wearing our favorite blazer, but less so in our beloved, baggy (but oh-so-comfy) sweatpants.
“When we put on clothes that have significant meaning to us, we take on the characteristics of the clothing. This can explain why wearing your ‘lucky shirt’ for your presentation may make you feel more equipped in the face of nerves.”
Beyond helping us “dress for the part,” our favorite outfit can change the way we view ourselves, granting us self-assurance and confidence that we might not have felt before stepping into certain clothes.
According to research from the University of Hertfordshire, people will often dress in ways that reflect how they feel. In other words, if you are feeling sad or unmotivated, you’re less likely to wear clothes that you feel good in.
However - this phenomenon can also be used to your advantage. Psychologists suggest that “dopamine dressing,” or wearing certain kinds of clothes to help feel happier on days you might feel sad, can be an effective way of improving overall mood and cognition.
So next time you’re feeling down, try reaching for your favorite outfit… even if you don’t have plans to leave the house! You may be surprised how quickly things start looking-up.
“What you wear is how you present yourself to the world, especially today, when human contacts are so quick. Fashion is instant language.”
While choosing clothes you feel best in can improve your mood and self-confidence, science also suggests that the color of your clothes can have an impact on current states. In fact, colors often serve as subtle communication tools in everyday life:
Looking for that “extra dose of ambition” this morning? Grab those purple pumps!
Planning to get creative with your holiday decorating this season? Reach for that gorgeous green sweater!
When you look good, you feel good - and it’s easier to go do good.
“I’ve gained enough self-confidence to walk into a room and shake hands knowing that I have the ability to interview. I’ve gained the ability to stand up and speak with conviction. My personal strength has increased.”
Personally curated outfits can help us feel better about ourself and motivate us to perform at higher levels in all areas of life. At KCWS, we promote these ideas within our clients, our thrift stores, our staff, and communities. And through our work at Fabulous Finds, we know you don’t have to break-the-bank to achieve your unique look.
KCWS’s Thrifting Tips & Tricks
Display at Fabulous Finds (2024)
Here are some of our best tips & tricks to keep in mind when thrifting at Fabulous Finds:
Before you go…
Have a plan: Know what you're looking for (e.g., clothes, home décor, books) but stay open to unexpected treasures!
Dress Comfortably: Wear simple clothes and slip-on shoes so you can easily try things on in our dressing rooms. If you’re shopping for furniture, consider wearing/bringing closed-toed shoes for safety when moving items.
While you’re there…
Explore All Sections: Don’t limit yourself to one size or gender - vintage sizing can vary, and gems are placed all over our store!
Be Creative: Look for items with potential. A coat with outdated buttons or a table needing a fresh coat of paint can become a statement piece with a little DIY-love.
After the Haul…
Sit back and enjoy your Fabulous Finds!
Come shop again! Our inventory changes frequently, so be sure to visit us regularly to catch any new arrivals.
Have any questions while you shop?
Our team of retail specialists are here to help! With expertise in curating outfits and interior home-design schemes, you’ll find that our thrift store staff is just as fabulous as the items we carry.
Pictured: Laura Simental, KCWS’s Director of Retail, being celebrated for her 10 years of service with KCWS, having raised nearly $3,000,000 in revenue for KCWS through Fabulous Finds.
Peace, Love, and Joy for All Families this Holiday Season
While we encourage you to visit Fabulous Finds for your seasonal wardrobe and household needs, there are additional ways you can support survivors of domestic abuse this holiday season:
Consider browsing Fabulous Finds for something wonderful to wear to the 2025 Lavender Ball, our black-tie gala event, to be held on March 21st at the La Cantera Resort & Spa. Register for your ticket today!
Interested in partnering with KCWS to through event sponsorship?
Send us an email, or call our office at 830-331-1001 to inquire about current sponsorship availability!
A full list of all upcoming KCWS events is available here.
Fabulous Finds relies on generous contributions from our community volunteers and donors. If you are interested in donating gently-used, quality items to Fabulous Finds fore resale, please see our store hours and item drop-off information below:
If you are interested in volunteering with KCWS at Fabulous Finds, apply today to join the crew! We are always looking for individuals with a sense of style (and who love sorting through and displaying pre-loved treasures).
We hope to see you soon during your next trip to Fabulous Finds!
If you, or someone you know, is experiencing domestic abuse, our 24/7 Hotline is available. Call us any time at 800-495-8078 to create a safety-plan and start towards building a new future.
About the Author
Prior to her service at KCWS as the Research & Education Coordinator, Sarah received a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Colorado Boulder and a Master of Science degree in Research Psychology from the University of Texas at San Antonio. Having dedicated the past six years to researching factors related to posttraumatic stress, Sarah has collaborated with domestic abuse, foster care, and military support agencies. She is passionate about enhancing trauma-informed policies and practices, and is on track to obtain her PhD, Spring 2025.
Email: sarah@kcwstexas.org
KCWS Phone: 830.428.4930
Acknowledgements: Thank you to Texas Tech University Student & KCWS volunteer, Aberie Shea, for her contributions to the research and presentation of this blog post.