Swap ‘til you drop at The Huntress

Locals Closet founder Valerie Jana Smith at the December Swap & Shop.

Editor’s note: Due to inclement weather, event organizers rescheduled the Locals Closet Swap and Shop to Saturday, Feb. 7, from 1 to 5 p.m.

By JOYCE CORRIGAN

“Girl math” calculates an accessories swap like this: the old bracelet sitting in your drawer was earning negative value, while trading it for a shiny new one yields emotional profit. Plus, you leave with something new without swiping a card, so the bracelet is essentially free.

Back by popular demand after a successful December event is the follow-up Locals Closet Swap & Shop taking place at The Huntress in Pound Ridge (originally scheduled from 3 to 7 p.m.,Saturday, Jan. 24.). While December’s popup focused on bespoke and “archival” clothing, this one celebrates jewelry, scarves and bags. Bring your own (or grandma’s) baubles and bangles to trade — with the added bonus of access to local designers and the eclectic mix of sophisticated décor and accessories always available at The Huntress. “New Year, New Energy” is the immersive experience’s official name and includes an artisan-led bracelet-making workshop and a cacao-sipping ceremony where the elevated hot chocolate consumed in a ritual-like way is designed to inspire openness, creativity, or spiritual connection. And just maybe an extra brain boost for focused style hunting.

NYNE Swap & Shop shares an ethos with the wildly successful Ticking Tent at oHHo in November with its treasure trove of antiques and unique fashion and décor finds. Both are ticketed, thoughtfully organized, experience-driven events that last a day or two, hosted in carefully chosen, impeccably styled venues. They mirror a growing trend toward gathering-based commerce where true luxury lies in discovering the one-of-a-kind pieces, all within an atmosphere that supports sustainability and storytelling through style.  

“There is integrity in less is more,” says founder and Katonah-native Valerie Jana Smith. “Swaps are the ultimate in circular fashion because it gives an item a second or third life, and support the mindset of ‘reuse, don’t use and discard’.” The antithesis of consumerist fast fashion, circular commerce, she explains, also encourages creative sharing and reduces the demand for new materials and wastefulness. 

“Personally, I don’t resonate with online shopping, and I don’t go to malls,” Smith added. “I have to feel what a piece of jewelry or clothing feels like on, ideally in a setting where I can meet the person who made it.” 

“In the age of e-commerce & social media people are eager for personal connection — not only to each other but to what they wear and what they buy,” commented Sophie MacNeil, store manager of The Huntress. “In December people stayed chatting in the shop for hours — how nice it was to bring people together during the cold winter months.”

Smith grew up in Katonah and Pound Ridge and started her popular clothing swaps on campus while a student at John Jay. While pursuing a degree in PR, she took a life-changing Design for Sustainability class at the Savannah College of Art and Design. Relocated to Miami after graduation and working at a Sunday Farmers Market enjoying the ceramics, spices and jewelry from Miami artisans, she launched her first Locals World. 

“It started as a lifestyle guide to help others immerse themselves in the sights and style of a given place, celebrating the hands and hearts of local creatives who make it unique,” she offered.

First Miami, then Pound Ridge, but judging from the success, it’s just the beginning. “In December the swap was pretty much cleared out and the few things that were left I took to Goodwill in Norwalk,” recalled Smith. “I felt good about that, as there are always good quality items there.”  Circular fashion does seem to add up to environmental, financial and psychic self-care — something even Pythagoras could get behind. 

For workshop tickets & inquiries, email sophie@thehuntressny.com