Some of the best clothing finds are often discarded, unwanted hand-me-downs that might be of no use to one person, but may be a real finds for someone else. Traditionally people looking for second hand clothing are relegated to thrift and vintage dress shops. Other times they must rely on friends and family to pass along useful apparel. To buck the trend, one group of Buffalonians has been getting together each spring to exchange perfectly good yet unwanted wardrobe pieces. Now that same group, known as Communify, will be hosting a Spring Clothing Exchange that will be open to the public for the first time. The event will take place on March 9 at the Pierce Arrow Film & Arts Center (see here).
The way that Communify works is that people bring clean, intact wearable items to the exchange. The clothing is then hung on provided racks for others to browse. The person who brought the items is then free to browse through other racks, and may acquire as many items as he or she desires (limit is equal to amount of clothing brought by the browser). “I’ve held many clothing exchanges on a much smaller scale with close friends,” said creator Stephanie Brochey. “I felt that this event would be a perfect kick off for Communify; it has the potential to really do some good, and to get people interested in participating in fun events that have positive results within their community.”
For those fashionistas who don’t want to participate in the barter exchange, there will be a selling component as well. Elmwood Avenue consignment shop, Second Chic (see here), will also be participating in order to help sell clothing items from owners who are looking to make a couple of bucks. “I knew some people would have items they weren’t comfortable exchanging due to their worth. We’re very excited to have Second Chic there to offer attendees an opportunity to sell those items on consignment at their shop,” said Brochey.
*The Clothing Exchange will be held at Pierce Arrow Film & Art Center on March 9 from 8-10 p.m. There will also be a $5 donation at the door. There will be refreshments and music as well. All leftover clothing is being donated to Goodwill of WNY.
Communify – Spring Clothing Exchange – March 9, 2013 | 8pm-10pm
Pierce Arrow Film & Arts Center
Pierce Arrow Building
1685 Elmwood Avenue
Buffalo, NY, 14207
Communify – Facebook