Rachel Clifford
Contributing writer
Women wishing to buy low priced, formal dresses while also helping the community can come to the third annual Fashion 4 Paws.
“Fashion 4 Paws is a dress consignment sale that’s really more of a ladies’ day out,” Lindsey Harlan, Fashion 4 Paws coordinator, said.
Harlan, a Murray State alumna, is also a part of the Humane Society board.
“We have formalwear at amazing prices that has been donated or consigned by people in the area,” Harlan said. “Some of the gowns are priced as low as $5. We also have accessories, such as purses and shoes for low prices.”
All of the dresses are either consigned or donated. In the case of consigned dresses, the consigner receives 70 percent of the profit, while the Humane Society of Calloway County receives 30 percent. All profits received from the donated dresses will go directly to the Humane Society.
“Most of our dresses have been consigned, but we have had people just bring in their dresses and say ‘these are yours and you can keep all of the money,’” Harlan said.
The Humane Society of Calloway County held its first Fashion 4 Paws in February 2010, where they sold more than 100 dresses.
“Four years ago, we met to talk about Bark in the Park and do some brainstorming and this was one of the ideas that was thrown out, so we took it and turned it into a day that women could come out and have a good time, and get really good deals on nice dresses at the same time,” she said.
Since its inception, the event has grown. The Humane Society of Calloway County has received nearly 200 dresses so far and expect more to be donated.
“We have every style you can imagine, from prom dresses to dresses for sorority formals and mother of the bride dresses,” Harlan said. “We have sizes from small girls to 26. People have even donated bridal gowns and entire bridesmaids sets.
Along with being able to buy the dress, there will be free alterations and consultations.
“It’s just a really neat way to buy dresses or costumes for next to nothing,” she said.
The event features more than just discount dresses, however. The local country band Bordertown will play at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. and a silent auction will also be held.
Harlan said some of the larger items that will be auctioned are a pair of Titans cleats signed by Mike Griffin, autographed Heather Bond CDs, and dresses that have been donated by two local celebrities. Murray State graduates Chrishell Stause, who played on “All My Children,” and Krista Floyd, a model with Elite Model Management in Los Angeles have both donated dresses for the silent auction. There will also be an autographed Murray State basketball.
Fashion 4 Paws will also feature free make-up tips, custom-designed jewelry by Mary Ware, and a booth featuring dog clothing and costumes.
“With Mary Ware you can buy your dress and then pick out jewelry to match it,” Harlan said. “Basically, Fashion 4 Paws is just a fun, ladies’ day out where they can shop and have a great day while helping the Human Society at the same time.”
Fashion 4 Paws will take place from noon to 6 p.m. Saturday at the Curris Center.
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