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Clothes-Minded People Swap Items At Benefit

Tribune photo by MICHAEL SPOONEYBARGER

People gather up garments during the Buffalo Gal Vintage Clothing Swap.

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By CLOE CABRERA

The Tampa Tribune

Published: March 28, 2009

ST. PETERSBURG - Not long ago, Frankie Martire didn't think twice about buying clothes at upscale stores like Abercrombie and Fitch for herself and son. But that's all changed.

With the economy in shambles, Martire is looking for ways to save money. Instead of holding a garage sale today, she decided to go to her first clothes swap.

"I love it," said Martire, rifling through piles of clothes jumbled on blankets in the parking lot of Buffalo Gal Vintage store in St. Petersburg. "You can really find a lot of nice things. They're gently used and really nice. We all need to save money."

Martire, who is visiting from Pittsburgh, nabbed some Gap capris, a couple of gauzy summer skirts and a few camisoles in a size 2.

"I was looking for a summer wardrobe," she said. "I think I found it."

Martire was among about 150 shoppers who flocked to the second annual Clothing Swap organized by Buffalo Gal Vintage.

Owner Desiree Sheridan said the faltering economy has made exchanges like this more popular than ever.

"Not everyone can afford new clothes," Sheridan said. "This is a very green event that allows you to enjoy clothing and recycle it."

Kelly Royds of Dunedin was delighted to find several button-down shirts.

"I love to button-down shirts," said Royds, who attended the swap with her husband and two daughters. "When I have stuff to get rid of, I don't want to wait and sell it. I'd rather donate it for a good cause. And this gives me something in return."

Today's clothes swap was a fundraiser for CASA, Community Action Stops Abuse, a nonprofit agency that helps families of domestic violence.

Dozens of bargain-seeking men, women and children brought bags and boxes of their own clothes, then were allowed to dig through mountains of garish floral prints, pleated pants, wicker tote bags, lots of denim and – gasp - even a Members Only jacket.

Visitors who showed up without any threads could donate $5 to benefit CASA. All the clothes that weren't scooped up will go to CASA's thrift store.

"We're speaking on behalf of all service agencies when I say we are seeing more people than ever and with fewer resources," said Tuesdi Dyer of CASA. "Every little bit helps."

Today's event also included a Trashy Fashion Show where models walked a green carpet donning outfits made from recycled materials like newspaper, cans, towels and neckties.

Designer Brianna Role won the "Best Trashiest" designer for her "Concept Bait" dress made from discarded tricot.

Cloe Cabrera can reached at (813) 259-7656 or ccabrera@tampatrib.com.

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