We decided to bypass the racks of $20 cashmere sweaters and $50 European suits, instead, indulging our fantasies with one-of-kind couture gowns. Cecily tried on a brand new Zac Posen dress that's selling for $360, and a sequined number direct from Oscar de la Renta's showroom. I went all out and tried on an Armani gown that Sophia Loren wore. It's selling for $1,200.
The Community Clothes Charity sale started in the 1950s to raise money for music programs for wounded veterans.
"When we first started in 1956, we were the Hospitalized Veterans Services of Pennsylvania, and we provided musical services for three hospitals in Pennsylvania," explained Nancy Coates from the Community Clothes Charity.
Every year, shoppers in the know head to the Village Hall in Wayne the last week in October to snatch up deeply discounted clothes and shoes from names like Chanel, Armani, St. John, Manolo Blahnik, and more.
This year, the ladies decided to return to their charitable roots and donate the sale proceeds to Puppies Behind Bars, an organization that trains service dogs for returning veterans.
Turned out to be a fashion coup!
"Because our charity is in New York, they have many supporters from the fashion world," said Julie Jensen Bryan, also from the Community Clothes Charity. Those connections resulted in some great clothing donations.
In addition to the designer gowns, there are sweaters, suits, pants and even children's clothes.
The sale opens to the public on Thursday, when there's a five dollar donation to get in. On Friday, admission's free and prices are reduced, and on Saturday, just about everything's that left is just $5.
Here's a website that will give you all of the details about the sale (although there may not be any clothes left by the time Cecily's done): http://www.communityclothescharity.org/The location of the sale is:
The Village Hall at Eagle Village Shops
(formerly called Spread Eagle Village)
503 West Lancaster Avenue
Wayne, PA 19087
