A fundraiser with bells on

Swap till you drop.

It's a green way to shop. Bring your unwanted junque - take away other's castoffs.

Clothes. Jewelry. Purses. Doodads.

Other people's stuff is always better, right?

Sure looked that way at Saturday's Repeat Boutique fundraiser for the Pikes Peak Justice and Peace Commission.

The swap, definitely geared toward females, continues today at the Gay & Lesbian Fund for Colorado, 315 E. Costilla St. A $10 donation at the door covers wine, appetizers and reckless fashion abandon.

"I wanted to clean out my closet, so I brought four bags of stuff," said Saturday shopper Megan Fisher, 28, of Colorado Springs.

She collected new-to-her items to put back in her closet.

It works like this: Swappers bring bags of their wardrobe and décor discards. They take away all they want. There's no keeping tabs. No price tags. No questions asked ... despite some questionable fashions.

"There's some crazy '80s midriff things. Weird stuff," said volunteer Dakota Kocher, 16, who helped sort items brought in. The teen found plenty to her liking, though.

Rounding out the plunder were numerous garments donated in advance by consignment shops.

It's an Earth Day celebration, of sorts.

"It fits into our mission," said Pikes Peak Justice & Peace Commission director Jeff Briggs. "There is a focus of sustainability, on reusing resources."

Recycling is not only sensible - it's sexy.

Among the offerings: A slinky cocktail dress and a strapless 38DD black underwire Nordstrom bra.

Mila Garelle, 5, brought recycling full cycle.

The Manitou Springs girl keenly perused all the loot, then chose a colorful beaded bracelet - donated by her mom.

All the good stuff isn't gone.

The men's red-andgreen velvety jester boxer shorts with tiny jingle bells - and the store tags intact - are still looking for a home.

CONTACT THE WRITER: 636-0253 or andrea.brown@gazette.com

IF YOU GO
Repeat Boutique continues today, noon to 4 p.m. at the Gay & Lesbian Fund for Colorado community center, 315 E. Costilla St. Bring your own shopping bags.
Online: www.ppjpc.org