You can't miss Christena -- in fact, that should actually be written on her business card. Her signature crimson bob and sonorous voice announce her the minute she's in your orbit, and you're all the better for having paid attention. Christena Reinhard is a career fundraiser. A born relationship builder who like myself, also worships at the retail altar. We first met in a development office where Christena's personal style attracted me to her like moth to a flame -- this woman had professional retail experience -- I could sense it. Turns out I was correct, and as only two former retailers both working in development can do -- we bonded.

How does a bonafide style maven leverage a career of fundraising experience? She co-founds Union & Fifth, that's how. Seldom do I get giddy over a brand concept, but Union & Fifth is the exception. The brainchild of both Christena and her philanthropist sister law, Pamela Trefler -- Union & Fifth turns the traditional e-commerce model on its head. The premise is simple: "shop for good," as their company masthead encourages. Born out of an epic closet purge in which the sisters-in-law amassed $40,000 from consigning their luxury goods cast-offs (then donating the full sum to charity) the Union & Fifth concept was born.

You can participate in Union & Fifth's philanthropic retail model two different ways. The first couldn't be lower lift -- just shop the site and a portion of your purchase will benefit the charity or non-profit listed under the item for sale. Easy. The second way is to be a donor; sign-up on their site, select one of the partner charities listed, or choose any 501c3 non-profit, clean your closet, ship your loot to Union & Fifth where it will be listed on the website, and then wait for your item(s) to sell -- at which point 75% of the item(s) price will be sent to the charity of the your choice, AND you'll receive a tax write-off for 100% of the sale price. Boom. That ladies and gents, is retail philanthropy.

Fast fashion and disposable clothing is inundating the retail market -- and who among us can afford a classic Chanel flap bag on a non-profit salary anyway (asking for a friend)? Union & Fifth however, is operating under the premise that apparel doesn't have to be disposable, and that aspirational brands can (and should) still be included in your closet -- but best to do some social good in the acquisition process.

So shop for good, sign-up with Union & Fifth and feel great about treating yourself to that pair of red bottoms you've been lusting over.

FIVE QUESTIONS WE ASK EVERY FEMALE PHENOM

1. Current book on the bedside nightstand:

The Dry by Jane Harper.

2. What female public figure (living or dead) would you like to have as a personal friend?

OMG how do you answer this?? There are so many! I’d like to host a dinner party with Michelle Obama, Madonna, Sandra Bullock and Joan Rivers.

3. The thing that keeps me up at night is:

How to make sure my parents and my whole family will always be OK. Cost of living in California is rising and regular people jobs, not in tech, are not paying enough to keep people afloat – rents are crazy! I worry about everyone I love having enough to make it work.

4. If I wore a daily uniform I would want it to include/look like:

It would have to have tulle and glitter and probably leather – oh! -- and great shoes or boots for sure.

5. Favorite lowbrow pleasure:

Chic Lit – I read like a fiend but rarely anything highbrow.

Union & Fifth | Fashion as a Force for Good