Looking for a unique and rewarding way to refresh your wardrobe? Have you ever wanted to try out a new type of clothing but felt uncertain spending money on something that is new to you? Here is your chance to try new things in a safe and cost-free environment. This no-cost, pop-up boutique event is queer organized and open to everyone.
Following spirited participation in a Pride month clothing swap held earlier this summer, Cassie Provinzano, 21, of Toms River, has decided to form Community Closet, a new organization hosting clothing swaps by the beach in the Silverton section of Toms River.
“After the overwhelmingly positive engagement with our first event, I saw a need for this type of community resource,” Provinzano said.
Community Closet’s events offer community members and allies a chance to give their once-cherished garments a new life while trying out and trying on new styles. We especially encourage those interested in finding more gender affirming clothing to come check out this event.
In addition to our stock of everyday clothing, we will also have costumes available. For this Halloween-themed swap, we also encourage participants to bring Halloween costumes of years past so that someone else can bring it back to life this Halloween!
Provinzano, a Kean University education major, conceived the idea because she has “always been interested in fashion and events that bring people together without involving money.”
“Recently, I was thinking about Pride and realized that a clothing swap would be a perfect event to invite those who are interested in exploring gender-affirming clothing in a safe space without needing to spend money to do so.”
Along with being a great way to give clothes a second life, this free event is a way to make fashion more sustainable for anyone. Clothing donations are not required, but that old piece in your closet might be exactly what someone is looking for!
Join us on Oct. 8 for the last swap of the year. The swap will take place from 7 to 8 p.m. at 34 Sea Breeze Road at the Silver Bay Harbor Association in the Silverton section of Toms River. For updates on upcoming events, follow Community Closet’s official Instagram page, @community_closet_nj. Please bring a bag for any clothes you might want to take home.