Swap 'til You Drop at the Phoenixville Green Earth Festival

Trade something old for something new this weekend in Phoenixville.

As part of this Saturday’s Second Annual Phoenixville Green Festival, LuLu Boutique and Gifterie will be hosting a Clothing Swap at the site of the Phoenixville Farmers' Market.

The shop, now approaching its six-month anniversary, was approached by festival coordinators to put together the swap. The boutique deals in consignment clothing among other things, so a swap seemed to be a natural fit.

In order to participate in the swap, bring men’s, women’s or children’s clothing to the festival. The clothing should be in good condition, and something the owner has outgrown or grown tired of.

Participants can then trade their threads in for new-to-them clothing  turned in by other swappers.

“We want to stay away from pajamas, especially, and no old gym tee shirts or lingerie," said Joan Moore, who helped start Lulu Boutique with Keely Wrigley. “You’d be surprised what people will try to consign.”

One could only assume the Golden Rule of swapping applies here: if you wouldn’t take something in your item’s condition, chances are someone else won’t either.

Not to fear, though, because any unclaimed clothing will be donated to a local charity organization, such as the Phoenixville Hospital thrift shop. All styles are welcome but no badly stained or torn clothing should be brought to swap.

LuLu Boutique and Gifterie, which recently won first place in a local window display contest, opened in March. Moore and Wrigley are both busy mothers with additional jobs (wedding planner and scientist, respectively), and this dynamic team has been thrilled with the growth of the customer base and are loving the Main Street location.

“People are finding out about us slowly,” Moore shares, and events like the clothing swap can help get the word out.

In addition to consignment items, the boutique specializes in one-of-a-kind gifts. Moore makes most of the jewelry and Wrigley focuses on sewn goods, especially baby items like custom onesies and blankets. The pair will be handing out 10 percent off coupons at the clothing swap.

For more information on the other events and participants of the Phoenixville Green Festival check out the Green Team's website and find LuLu Boutique and Gifterie on Facebook.

If You Go to the Phoenixville Green Earth Festival:

Where: Schuylkill River Trail, next to the  under the Gay Street Bridge

When: Sat., Aug. 6, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Cost: Free 

More information: Check out www.phxgreen.org to find out more.