Local women invited to afternoon of fashion, fellowship Saturday

Thursday, September 16, 2010
Cassie Hardy and Lisa Copp-Downing were among the volunteers who helped out at last year's Fall Fashion Swap at Greencastle Christian Church. This year's event will take place from 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday at Greencastle Christian Church and is open to all women ages 18 and older. Courtesy photo

By JAMIE BARRAND

Editor

GREENCASTLE -- Local women will have the chance to shop 'til they drop -- for free -- at Greencastle Christian Church on Saturday.

The church's annual Fall Fashion Swap, coordinated by members of its Women's Ministry Team, is set for 2 to 5 p.m. Attendees can bring bags of clothing or accessories to the event to swap them for items other women bring in.

Each woman who attends the event will receive 12 tickets she may use to "purchase" items others have brought to the swap. If any attendee would like to go through again after purchasing her first 12 items, she may do so.

The fashion swap is open to all women ages 18 and older.

"This is the fifth or sixth year we've done this," said event organizer Angela Huff. "It actually started with a few of us in a garage. I was on maternity leave. I had just seen something on the 'Today' show ... fashion swaps were becoming a national trend."

About 25 women attended the first fashion swap, Huff said. Last year, 125 women attended.

"We hang the clothes on racks and fold some on tables," Huff said. "We have everything we need to actually turn part of the church into a store."

Huff said she and the others who organize the event each year have been pleased with the outcome.

"We're really hoping it just continues to grow," she said. "People have been very generous with donations ... a lot of them drop off tons of stuff. We get items all year long for this event."

All types of clothing, from casual to business to formal, will be available at the swap. Other items, such as shoes, jewelry and purses, are also welcome to be brought in for trading.

"We do get some random items," Huff said with a chuckle. "Last year we got a foot bath. We get all kinds of things women can use."

Shoppers at the swap will be able to try on items before purchasing them, and designated "stylists" will be on hand to help out.

Attendees are asked to bring their own shopping bags if at all possible. Those without items to swap are invited to come and shop anyway, Huff said.

In addition to the shopping, the event will also feature a Christian speaker, Starr Paterson of Stonecroft Ministries, music, food and giveaways. Several local independent consultants will also be at the swap.

Any items remaining at the conclusion of the event will be donated to charity, Huff said.

"This is a really neat event," Huff said. "It's an easy, free opportunity for women to get together and get some things they need."

Greencastle Christian Church is located at 620 Primrose Lane. For more information, e-mail Huff at angela_k_huff@yahoo.com.

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