OC Style Bloggers Pick Out the Perfect Outfit for New “CHOC Buddies!”
Written By: Alana Aronson Outlets at San Clemente and CHOC
Photographed By: Kait McKay Photography
During the weeks leading up to December’s most popular holidays, we find ourselves frantic looking for the perfect gifts to give—and can’t help but compile wish lists of our own. This year, Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC) partnered with Outlets at San Clemente to give patients from the ages of four to 21 an experience they will never forget.
On Dec. 2, Outlets at San Clemente welcomed six popular style bloggers into their fabulous VIP Lounge where they would be matched with a young CHOC patient. Each blogger was given a style profile on their new friend, which included the favorite colors, style influences, shoe and clothing sizes. Bloggers Rachael Dickens (OC Style Report), Cassydy Berliner (We Wonder and Wander), Beth Jones (B. Jones Style), Jen Hayden (Jen Hayden), Rebecca Araoz (Tailored Tantrums) and Kimberly Luu (According to Kimberly) were all in attendance and eager to get started on finding the perfect gift for their brave new buddies.
The festivities ramped up when it was announced that each blogger was given only one hour to spend their $125 Outlets at San Clemente gift card on the perfect holiday outfit for their “CHOC Buddy!” The challenge was met with much success by all who participated. After the hour the bloggers returned to the VIP Lounge to enjoy Blaze Pizza, Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory goodies, wrap up their new outfits and write up holiday cards for the kids!
The fun didn’t stop that evening, though! Just a little over a week later, on Dec. 13, Santa Claus himself made a special appearance at CHOC—with new outfits in hand. The kids were thrilled to meet their “personal stylists” who had picked out a carefully curated ensemble for each of them. The kids and bloggers got the chance to celebrate together and gathered for cookie decorating, hot chocolate and a meet and greet with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Cassydy Berliner of We Wonder and Wander had a more than memorable experience with her “CHOC Buddies.” She noted that, “For a short time these adorable kids were able to take their focus off of treatment, sickness and fatigue and instead focus on fashion, fun, cookies and Santa. I am so grateful for Outlets at San Clemente for their charitable hearts and the team at CHOC that loves these children and their families as if they were their own.” The opportunity to “be in the presence of amazing children fighting an unthinkable battle yet still so filled with joy is more than inspiring, ” she says, and the smiles on their faces only affirm what the holiday season is truly about.
For opportunities to volunteer or donate to CHOC, head to their website. Outlets at San Clemente often hosts events that benefit various charities and our community. San Diego Blood Bank Blood Drive will be held on Dec. 29, and the new year is sure to bring more opportunities to get involved and give back!
Outlets at San Clemente
101 West Avenida Vista Hermosa Ste 190
San Clemente, CA 92672
949.535.2323
Children’s Hospital of Orange County
1201 W La Veta Ave, Orange, CA
CHOC and Outlets at San Clemente Partner for Holiday Event
Raised in Orange County, Alana loves all things local: hikes in the canyons and by the coast, runs in Corona Del Mar, and stories from the people who live in Orange County. With an English Literature degree from California State University, Long Beach, she is excited to join LOCALE Magazine and its love for local heartbeats.
