Get Your Swap On

Sun., June 28, 1-4 p.m., $5, The A-Space, 4722 Baltimore Ave., the-aspace.org.

by Carlene Majorino

[ shopping ]

Big may be beautiful, but it can also be damn hard to clothe. Most department stores treat size 14 like it's huge, and few local boutiques offer plus-size digs. This Sunday, though, the A-Space is doing something just for the fat-bottom girls: a plus-sized clothing swap.

"We definitely felt like, obviously, people are struggling financially," says Joyce Homan, a member of sponsor Full Bloom Women. "And if you're a plus-sized woman it can be a real challenge to find clothes."

Get Your Swap On organizers modeled their event after New York's Fat Girl Flea, which donated plenty of clothing to show its support. The only difference between the two, essentially, is that the flea is pay-as-you-go, and the swap is all-you-can-stuff-in-a-bag for $5. "Everyone has something in their closet that they want to get rid of," says Homan. "So why don't we get together, bring something, hang out and swap?" If you agree, you can donate your new or gently used garments ranging from sizes XL to 6XL.

The event will also feature treats, fair trade coffee and a speech by Golda Poretsky about health at every size. "We want people to be able to feel like, 'Hey I'm great,'" says Homan. "It's that simple."

Sun., June 28, 1-4 p.m., $5, The A-Space, 4722 Baltimore Ave., the-aspace.org.