Town resident Donna Newman wants to share her massive clothing collection with you. In fact, she hopes you’ll find something you like and make a purchase.
Newman will host the first Neighborhood Ladies Clothing Sale from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 14, at her house on 107 Huntleigh Ave.The self-described clothing lover has an estimated $50-to-60,000 catalog, much of which she says is in mint condition.
“I have this fantastic wardrobe that just sits in my closet,” Newman said. “I can’t fit in them anymore so I’m not wearing them. I’m no longer that person anymore; I’m happier in a flannel shirt and boots while hanging out in the barn.”
Newman came up with the idea because her wardrobe spans years and comes from such outlets as Cara’s Boutique, Talbots, Ann Taylor, Chicos and Misfits. She says she never wore the same outfit more than two times in two years.
While she hopes to make some money back, the true reason Newman is holding the event is to try and bring the women of the community together for a “chick” outing. She hopes to make it an annual affair depending on this year’s success.
“I want women to come by with the clothes they want to sell and also to bring wine,” she said. “We can sit around and chat about this over a glass. I’m trying to make this as fun as possible.”
Newman mentioned that Jackie Watson, mother of Jenni-Lyn Watson, a 20-year-old who was murdered by her boyfriend in Clay in 2010, is her best friend. While she doesn’t have an idea as to how much she wants to donate, Newman said if her sales go well she will make a personal contribution to the Jenni-Lyn Watson Memorial Fund.
One thing Newman made clear is that items are not to be sold for more than $50, something she is pat on.
“I’m doing this so people can afford the high-end stuff they might not be able to buy brand new,” Newman said. “But a lot of the clothes I’m selling have never been worn, or have been worn only once. I mean, I have a pair of leather pants that I absolutely love, but have never worn. I’ll just say that I’ve outgrown them.”
For those planning on selling items, Newman asks that you come prepared. You will need to price them and set them up however you want in her makeshift gallery. And if you can’t attend, Newman said she will keep her clothes set up for a short period of time after the show ends.
Neil Benjamin Jr. can be reached at [email protected]
