Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, February 21, 1995 TAG: 9502210056
SECTION: EXTRA PAGE: 1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: KATHLEEN WILSON
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
But Saturday afternoon in Blacksburg, Peggy Meszaros, the university's new provost, turned out at a fashion show at the YMCA's Thrift Shop and showed how you can tighten a belt and wear a smile at the same time.
She was just one of some 30 community members who modeled high-fashion, low-dollar clothing in the ``Everything's Under Seven Dollars!'' fashion show that kicked off the grand opening of the Thrift Shop's new location in Gables Shopping Center on South Main Street.
Peggy could have easily subbed as one of ``Price is Right'' host Bob Barker's ``Beauties'' as she waved her hand down the front of her red dress to show off the triangular black buttons.
``And it expands, too!'' she pointed out to the audience, who got a giggle as she demonstrated how the waist could be let out, if needed.
``See? You could wear that to a buffet!'' ad-glibbed Andy Sisson, who was wearing a baseball cap with a pink flamingo as he emceed this off-the-wall, but thoroughly entertaining fashion extravaganza.
Terence Robinson, 11, Teressa Robinson, Shareka Baylor, 10, Cara Kwansa, 9, and Emily Kwansa, 7 - all members of the Y's after-school program - took turns on the runway wearing clothes they selected themselves.
``I want to buy this,`` Terence declared of his suede cap and striped cotton shirt, each priced at $2.98.
Emily Kwansa was a blur as she flew down the runway in her Esprit pants and turtleneck - totalling only $2.50 - which she topped off with a felt hat that cost only a buck fifty.
The Thrift Shop was founded more than 30 years ago when Emily Stuart moved here and was shocked to discover no yard sales.
``We used to do all of our shopping at yard sales,'' she said.
The YMCA Thrift shop has had about a half dozen homes in those 30 years. But the new location in Gables Shopping Center was the big move many had waited for.
``Quick! Someone go out and take a picture of all those cars in the parking lot!'' exclaimed one woman. ``It might help when it's time to discuss the lease.''
The lot was indeed packed.
This was big excitement to those who have put their hearts, souls, time and energy into this effort over the years.
``The last location only had five parking places,'' explained Su Clauson-Wicker, who organized the ``Everything's Under Seven Dollars!'' fashion show and will proudly tell you she is a regular customer.
On Saturday, she looked quite lovely in her pink bib ski outfit.
But does Su ski?
``Not really,'' she admitted. ``But I got a lot of use out of this last year when we lost electricity for nine days.''
While some scoured the racks, others munched on food donated by Wade's Foods from across the street, while Margaret Branch sang and played guitar.
Alyn Moss, who sat next to me during the fashion show, had her arms filled with sweaters, which she planned to take right to the register. Alyn is a connoisseur. Just like there are those who will only drink single-malt whiskey, Alyn will not tolerate blended fabrics.
``One hundred percent cotton - $2.98! One hundred percent virgin wool - $2.98!'' she enthused. ``Feel my sweater. One hundred percent cashmere! They just don't make clothes like this anymore.''
It's hard to steal a fashion show from any woman, but two men did just that when they took their turns on the runway.
Jason Overton, who volunteers as a program leader for the YMCA's after-school program, had a bout of night fever in the John Travolta-inspired off-white jacket and pants in the grooviest of polyester, topped off with a couple of gold chain necklaces.
The entire ensemble only set him back $8.90.
And only David Wynne would have danced his way down the runway wearing the Indonesian print pants and patchwork batik shirt. David figures it might have set him back $100 at an international boutique, but at the YMCA Thrift Shop?
Sixteen bucks.
I was particularly happy to see Virginia Tech's retired university health educator, Joann Underwood. Described as Tech's answer to Dr. Ruth, Joann took to the runway wearing her stethoscope and red ribbon AIDS awareness pin, showing off walkers and crutches, just two of the many non-clothing items you'll find in the shop. (Here, you'll find everything from mattresses and Macado's specialty drink glasses to $19.98 10-speed bicycles.)
It was somewhere around now that Alyn turned to me, clutching her 100 percent wool treasures and commented, ``Wouldn't it be great it there were thrift shops like this for cars?''
Then she shook her head and added,
``Or teeth?''
by CNB