Coach motorcycle leather jacket // vintage rainbow dress // ban.do headband and rainbow bag (from The Period Shop)// Karen Walker sunglasses // b.a.i.t heels // Kate Spade heart crossbody

Last week, I had the absolute pleasure of attending The Period Shop by Kotex, a fun and colorful pop-up all about female empowerment. All of the proceeds were donated to Susan’s Place, a local shelter that houses, feeds, clothes, and gives social and health services to medically or mentally ill women in need. It’s a cause that’s near and dear to my heart, and I loved the message behind it. Whether it’s about our bodies, our minds, our rights, our needs…these are important issues that shouldn’t be swept under the rug. Let’s talk about it. Let’s listen. Let’s be there for one another and build each other up, rather than tearing each other down. And while we’re at it, let’s help those who are in need. Even if you can’t afford to donate, you can surely help spread awareness. I’ve spoken before about being raised by a single mom, who worked several jobs to keep a roof over our heads. It was always a struggle, and we went through some really, really hard times. There are organizations out there that probably could’ve helped us get out of some dangerous situations, but we didn’t know about them. This was before we had the internet (at least, in most households), before so many of these organizations had so many potential voices beyond pamphlets and local bulletin boards. We have the platform to make a visible, tangible change.

If you doubt your influence, consider this: The Period Shop all started with a Tumblr post by Sarah Michelson…and they made her vision come to life (see below for the post, which was displayed on the wall upon entry)! It marks the launch of U by Kotex’s new series of Period Projects, each inspired and led by a real woman who shares the brand’s passion for creating change and taking away the stigma that comes with thinking about, talking about, and shopping for periods. Heck yeah, Sarah M…you helped make it happen.

 The shop had everything Sarah envisioned: ice cream, massages, nail art, a wall of chocolates by companies founded by women, a shop full of kitschy, fun products (of which I bought many), female DJs and performances, and so much more. Best of all: the proceeds went to such a great cause, and it started a conversation amongst the community.  Check out my videos, below, for a peek behind the scenes.

Check out Period Projects and their Digital Period Shop, and find more information about Susan’s Place, here.