Working Wardrobes

I just wanted to drop a note to say that VetNet guys, Cory Vigil and Edward Gallegos are a great help. It really shows that they really do care about us veterans. Thank you to them and the rest of Working Wardrobes.

Pretty helpful. If your a vet that needs help with résumé writing, LinkedIn profile, mock interviews, etc. this is a great resource. You’ll go through a systematic process and get fit with a suit to get ready for an interview at a job.

A rare gem; the business and staff are both a perfect blend of sophistication and sincerity. In particular I’d like to thank Andrea Carpena who took very good care of me from the moment I emailed her several weeks back, until about an hour or two ago when I left their wardrobe center. Wow. Great work, guys. I definitely felt the vibe that one and all were not only happy in their work, but genuinely earnest in assisting their clientele in meeting their goals.
The store has the feel of an upscale galleria outlet (next to Tesla Motors to add the atmosphere of contemporary and pro), very well branded, positioned & marketed. The personnel are as professional as the attire they provide. I was greeted by a pleasant receptionist who directed me to Andrea. She had several jackets and shirts all ready for me when I arrived for our appointment. Due to some bad intel from me (about my size) I didn’t quite fit the clothes she had waiting. Ms. Carpena was undeterred though. A moment later a tailor’s tape appeared – presto! – a few magic passes across my back, around my throat, and down to my elbow, and my accurate sizes were soon determined. It seems that I’m a perfect 54. Well, a 54, anyway. As to how perfect I am, I’ll leave to others to judge.
Next: shoes. Right on the mark. All that was left was a cinch for my waist, and some drapery for my neck. As Andrea went off in quest of a black belt to suit my suit, a very bubbly lady named Bobbi took over. Then we were selecting ties. As my shirts and slacks were either all black or all white, Bobbi went for the wild colors in the accompanying neckwear. Those of you who know me know that’s right on target. Three Pow! Bam! ties later, and Andrea re-​appeared but alas: her quest for a belt in my size yielded nothing. I could tell from the exasperated look on her face though that she had searched high and low and even hither and yon throughout WW’s impressive stores. I’m just a difficult to belt.
So; yeah. Andrea then even took me through to Working Wardrobe’s job-​search lab, right past the men’s changing area. Leave us not forget, The Job’s the reason we’re all gathered there! And thier facilities looked impressive.
A special shout-​out to Dina Paton at the Irvine One-​Stop for vouching for my voucher, and getting me in to see the WW ladies in Costa Mesa. On Friday I interview at a staffing agency. If I don’t snag a spot on the roster it won’t be from any lack in sartorial splendor from Working Wardrobe.

I would like to express, as a veteran, the work that the Staff does at VetNet/​Working Wardrobes; valuable, priceless and commendable.
I have spent countless hours and time at online job boards, social media employment links and other internet resources for employment as well as going to to Career/​Job Fairs, Veteran Services Organizations such as the Veteran Division at EDD and Hire a Hero Events and other networking events around Southern California in the past 3 – 4 years where I had been left with a great network but no real connection with employment.
Since I have connected with VetNet/​Working Wardrobes, I have found no other organization as excellent as this. You all put in such hard work to help people move forward in their lives and I can say that I am finally getting somewhere with my career goals.
I really want to express my heartfelt appreciation for the entire staff at VetNet/​WW for all the effort and work you put in to making people’s lives better. Your hard work and effort has not gone unnoticed and I wanted to let you know how much I appreciate the work that you do.
The resources, services, assistance, seminars, workshops and training are of the utmost value and the wonderful quality of work that you all do to help veterans and underprivileged people, in general, is highly, highly commendable and greatly obliged.

I am more confident and can better prepare myself for when the time comes to interface with employers because of this wonderful organization.

Referred a veteran to Cory Vigil, outstanding organization committed to improve lives and improving our community.

I volunteered with Working Wardrobes in college and I have been continuing to work with them for the past seven years. In the past I have donated my business clothes for their program to get girls and women the proper clothing and training to obtain a job to provide for themselves. They also have a career center where women are brought in to learn interviewing skills and how to manage their own finances to be successful. It is one of the most practical and sustainable ways of providing for the community: showing people how to help themselves.
There is also the Cinderellas for Life Project where high school girls are invited to pick out their favorite prom dresses! Most of the dresses have only been used once or twice and girls who can not afford a prom dress can go in a select one of their choice!
When I came here to do a drop off, they were collecting women’s clothes and prom dresses (even though it isn’t prom season). The man at the registry was very nice. They also told me that they are in need of looking for men’s clothing because they are starting a program to help young men from foster homes, who are homeless, or migrants. They are also making workshops that will help men with job interviews and finance security! You bet that I am going to raid for boyfriend’s closet for old collared shirts and pants. They are looking for clothes in all shapes and sizes — and they are in particular need of smaller sizes for men.
Purses, belts, and accessories are accepted too!
Bottom Line: Help your community in whatever way, shape or form! Working Wardrobes is an awesome opportunity to give back to the community and young adults to seniors everywhere.

Went in today and found what I needed. Great service and employees were great and helpful. Will come back in near future.

Went to Working Wardrobes to get help. Was told a lot of good things but was just talk. Seemed to be judged from the moment I walked in the door. They claimed to help me with food bus passes and a suit for interviews. Supposedly this is what they do for veterans. Was basically ignored until threatened with bad review and letter to president. So Don’t Support this non profit.

Real work to put people back to work, I saw a room with classes an a computer room to write a resume and a beauty salon to get a cleaned up look this an a few new threads is what most people need to feel as if they CAN take on the daunting task of finding a job! Nice going working wardrobe may you see another 22 wonderful years plus of service to orange county! Thx for all you do!

Great charity that works to help put men and women back to work by furnishing them working wardrobes.
The number is accurate but the location is not. They accept donations for shoes, suits and other work related wardrobe from 10:00 — 2:00 pm at their Costa Mesa location off the 55 fwy and Baker on Pullman.

A non profit organization started by an intelligent woman who just wanted to help out. This woman (of which I totally forgot her name when I met her) who started out in a closet of a space out in Irvine decided to call out to the clothing stores and asked if they would like to donate any used, broken and or clothing garments which the company was to just throw out. In hopes of starting something to help women get back on their feet.
Working Wardrobes, the company, started out with an idea and was followed through with execution. This company helps abused women who may have little to nothing or just the clothes on their back start a new life. By being provided clothing; blazers, suits, skirts, you name it!
I once volunteered at one of their «Days of Self-​Esteem» fairs and from what I had gathered at the time was that Working Wardrobes had a step by step program for these women. Anywhere from resume building, facials, manicures, interview assistance and self esteem coaching. Working wardrobes has been doing this for years now. They’ve also set up resale boutiques in several locations such as Tustin, Laguna Niguel & Brea called «The Hanger» selling those donated clothing at a discount to the public.
Today, Working Wardrobes has evolved so much that they’ve also branched out in helping not only women but men and young teens. They do career fairs for men and do prom events for young teens who aren’t able to afford nice looking clothes so that they too can have a memorable time.
So, if you have a friend, relative or bump into anyone that may need help like this — let them know!
Working Wardrobe’s website: