Can you dress for under $10?
According to the members of Robbi’s Closet, you can. They will show you how it’s done at the first Spirit of the Summer fashion show and luncheon at Pilgrim Congregational Church on Saturday, June 25.
“You don’t have to spend a lot of money on clothes. We have a huge selection of very nice clothing for a low cost,” said Robin Gonzales, organizer of the show.
Most of the outfits in Saturday’s fashion show will come from Robbi’s Closet, an ongoing clothing sale located in the basement of the St. Mark African Methodist Episcopal Church, 530 N. Fifth Ave. E. All of the items sold at the closet cost $10 or less. The sale is open every second Saturday of the month from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
“We want to let people know that we’re here, we’re open and to show what kinds of clothes they buy out of it,” said Natasha Garner, vice chair of the St. Mark trustee board.
What kinds of clothes can you expect? Anything from casual to professional attire.
“We sell clothes, shoes and accessories for men, women and children. There’s everything from jeans to three-piece men’s suits,” Garner said.
The items accepted by the closet are extensively selected to ensure garments are not tattered or stained.
“We don’t sell anything that’s not something we would wear,” Garner said.
The closet began about a year ago and was named in honor of Roberlene “Robbi” Carter, who served as the AME church’s missionary president for many years. The closet was started by Carter’s friend Joan Logan. Carter died in 2004 and Logan wanted to find a way to honor her while helping St. Mark members.
Logan, a member of Pilgrim Congregational Church and a community activist, began informally donating clothes to St. Mark and fellow members followed suit. Donations came largely from St. Mark members, as well as Pilgrim members. Logan was unable to see the first opening of the closet last year as she passed away in 2012.
The show begins at noon at Pilgrim Congregational Church and will feature a luncheon and musical guests. Tickets cost $10 and are available at the door. Funds raised will go back into the closet. If you are reading this on Saturday morning and want to attend, Garner said it’s fine to just show up.
What: Robbi’s Closet Spirit of the Summer fashion show
Where: Pilgrim Congregational Church, 2310 E 4th St
When: Saturday, June 28, noon
Cost: $10, available at the door
