KENT—Kent Memorial Library was transformed into a boutique, not for books, but outfits during a recent clothing swap.
Having scoured their closets for blouses, sweaters, pants, dresses, accessories and more, participants came from as far as Southbury on Jan. 11 to build new outfits for a new year.
Library Director Sarah Marshall helped sort and arrange the articles and explained the rules of the swap to the guests.
Both restrooms were quickly in use as changing rooms, with the young and the young at heart re-emerging to hoots and hollers on the reading room’s catwalk.
“Kent needs more parties to wear dresses to,” exclaimed Wendy Murphy, as she watched the youngest participant model a floor-length plum-colored satin gown she took home by the end of the event.
Also in plum, Alicia Winter showed off a new-to-her long winter coat. Trading in one piece of cold weather gear for another, Winter brought ski pants to give, explaining they had been used much more when she lived in Colorado.
Whether they no longer fit a body, a lifestyle or a sense of style, the clothing and accessories at the swap were given opportunities for a new life with a new owner.
“Even if it doesn’t go home tonight, it will be donated,” said Brittany McAllister, the library’s director of adult programming and special events.
Leftover articles were packed in three brown paper bags, ready to be delivered as a donation to Kent’s Quality Thrift Shop.
Attendees not only enjoyed swapping clothing and accessories, but engaged in conversation about town activities and how to get involved, and what possible future clothing swaps may look like, including a focus on men’s clothing.
