The story of Birdie & Claire started with inspiring women. Guided by the influence of several incredible women in her life–mothers, grandmothers, great-grandmothers, aunts, mentors, neighbors–our founder set out to create a clothing brand that reflected these women we know and love, our ultimate role models.
Today, we continue to source inspiration from so many lovely women in our orbit. Women we admire, women who embrace the beauty, confidence and wisdom that comes with age. Women driven by purpose, women dedicated to supporting and lifting up other women.
Which brings us to our friend, Susan Kanoff (@themidlifefashionista), founder of the nonprofit organization and brick and mortar boutique, Uncommon Threads.
1. Tell us about your work at Uncommon Threads.
Uncommon Threads is a nonprofit dedicated to empowering women in need through clothing, personal styling, and confidence-building programs. Housed in a vibrant 4,000+ square foot space, we offer a range of services—including multiple clothing programs, monthly self-esteem workshops, and community-building events—all supported by a passionate team of eight staff members and hundreds of dedicated volunteers.
In the past year alone, we served over 6,000 women, helping them access not only clothing for health and safety, but also the confidence to move forward in life. We proudly welcome women of all ages—from 18 through their senior years—ensuring that at every stage of life, they have access to high-quality, dignity-affirming clothing. Whether it's for everyday wear, a job interview, or a special milestone, Uncommon Threads is here to ensure every woman who walks through our doors feels seen, supported, beautiful, and empowered.
2. What led you to start Uncommon Threads? Tell us about your background in social work and how this influenced you.
Uncommon Threads was born from my deep passion for both social work and fashion—and a strong belief that clothing can be a powerful tool for confidence, dignity, and empowerment. While working as a social worker leading a federal program to help low-income families move out of poverty, I launched a side venture as a wardrobe stylist and style influencer. Many of my private clients, eager to give back, would ask where they could donate their beautiful clothes directly to women in need.
This inspired me to start a small “closet” in my office, where I provided gently worn clothing to my clients, who were mostly low-income single mothers. What I witnessed was remarkable: women who came in feeling defeated would leave standing taller, smiling brighter, and radiating a renewed sense of self-worth. It wasn’t just about the clothes—it was about how they felt in them. That small closet eventually won a state award, and the recognition affirmed what I already knew: this needed to become something bigger.
In 2016, I took a leap of faith, rented a small space, and launched Uncommon Threads. Today, eight years later, the organization has served more than 15,000 women in need—providing quality clothing, support, and community.
3. Your Instagram (@themidlifefashionista) is such a great resource for styling and inspiration to embrace fashion at every age. How did it come about?
In 2014, I started my blog and social media accounts to complement my styling business.
The women who hired me often expressed their need for daily style inspiration, so I wanted to create a space where I could share outfit ideas, tips, and fashion advice in a way that felt accessible and relatable. And that’s how The Midlife Fashionista came to life!
Over the years, The Midlife Fashionista evolved into a platform not only for fashion, but also for empowerment, beauty, lifestyle, travel, and wellness. My blog and social media presence have opened doors to collaborations with national brands and local businesses, allowed me to connect with an incredible community of women, and has given me the opportunity to share my personal journey—including my battle with cancer—to inspire and uplift others. I truly believe “the more we share, the more connected we become."
Today, my blog has over 2.4 million views, and my social media accounts collectively have over 44,000 followers—all through pure, organic growth, something I’m incredibly proud of.
4. Where do you draw inspiration for your personal style?
Honestly, my inspiration comes from everywhere! I love following other style influencers on Instagram and Pinterest because they always have fresh and creative takes on fashion. I’m also a big fan of reading fashion blogs and flipping through magazines to see what’s trending or to just get ideas for new ways to style my favorite pieces.
But sometimes, the best inspiration comes from simply spending time in my own closet. I love experimenting with different combinations of clothing, accessories, and shoes. It’s like my personal creative playground where I get to try new looks and see what works. I would describe my style as a "chameleon" because it’s ever-evolving. Some days I’m feeling bold and edgy, and other days, I’m all about comfort and simplicity. It really depends on my mood and what I’m inspired by in the moment. I think style should be fun, versatile, comfortable, and most importantly, a reflection of who you are on any given day.
5. Are there any women in your life who have inspired you along the way?
For me, it was actually my childhood friend Diane’s mother, Barbara. She had an incredible influence on me, and I’ll always be grateful for it. Barbara would let us play dress-up in her closet, and she gave us free reign to explore her beautiful clothes, heels, jewelry, and makeup. I was completely in awe of her style and grace, and those moments left a lasting impression on me. That said, I can’t say I had the same level of trust with my own daughter when it came to letting her and her friends loose in my closet!
6. What is an outfit that made you feel amazing? A memorable outfit, or your go-to ONE outfit that brings you the most confidence?
It’s hard to pinpoint just one outfit, as I’ve had many moments where I’ve felt incredible in different looks. But if I had to choose a style that always makes me feel amazing, it would be an all-black outfit. There’s something so powerful about wearing black—it’s timeless, chic, and just the right amount of edgy.
One outfit I always feel confident in is a sleek black dress paired with boots and a leather jacket. It’s simple yet bold, and I love how it can go from day to night effortlessly. The monochromatic look feels so polished, and I’m obsessed with mixing different fabrics and textures. There’s something about that contrast that adds dimension and interest to the outfit while keeping it chic and sophisticated. And of course, I always feel fabulous in Birdie & Claire! BIG thank you to Birdie and Claire for being a clothing donor to Uncommon Threads. I’m so grateful for their support, kindness and generosity. #womensupportingwomen
