The Philly native helping women ‘Dress for Success’

Tory Burch, a designer who has helped prove that “Philadelphia style” is not an oxymoron, took part in what is becoming a holiday season tradition for many businesses across the region and “Dressed for Success.”

Burch, who owns boutiques across the country, allowed representatives from the charity organization that provides disadvantaged women with professional attire to come into 14 of her 36 stores, including the one in King of Prussia.

They then picked an item of work-related clothing up to $500 in value.

“One of the worst situations to be in is not being able to provide for your family,” said Burch, a Main Line native who graduated from the Agnes Irwin School and the University of Pennsylvania.

Her own foundation is also giving back this holiday season and throughout the year, focusing on helping women entrepreneurs.

Running a small business, after all, is something Burch knows a thing or two about. Her company started with two employees in her apartment and now employs 700.

“The Tory Burch Foundation will empower women through microfinance,” said Burch. In partnership with ACCION USA, “the foundation gives women the financial support they need to start and grow their own businesses domestically.”