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KINGSTON — Theresa Hillman had already bought what would almost certainly be a one-wear dress for her daughter’s confirmation this year, and was grateful for a chance to get another gown at a discount, this one for an eighth-grade “farewell” dance.

“This is exactly what a single parent needs,” Hillman said as she picked through dresses on display at the American Legion Post 395 in Kingston on Sunday.

About 100 dresses — most new but 14 on consignment — were on display from noon to 3 p.m. They were being sold through “Swirl It 4 Less,” the budding business idea of Georgette Swire and Jill Sperl.

While the name hints at a daughter twirling in front of the mirror to show off her new gown, the “Swirl” is also a combination of Swire and Sperl. Get it?

“We had our first event like this at Lake-Lehman High School two weeks ago,” Swire said. And business nearly doubled since then.

The two buy dresses, sell them on consignment and take donations. They have no overhead because the clothing is stored at Sperl’s home, and they market through word of mouth, Facebook and mini-sales — like the one Sunday — if they can find a place willing to donate space for a while.

They post every new acquisition on their Facebook site, and will consider delivery if you are close enough to their homes (two shoppers Sunday had travelled from Scranton). The goal is to get dresses that can cost up to $600 into the hands of those with much tighter budgets.

“The most expensive dress here is $60,” Sperl said with a smile. “The least expensive is $15.”

Although the business is still new, they are trying to increase the offerings. Swire said they have started to add shoes and purses.

Hillman had a suggestion for a third product. Her daughter’s confirmation dress has no sleeves, so she needs something to toss over her shoulders.

“Do you have cover-ups?” she asked.

Put it on the list.

Chloe Scott, 14, and Isabella Green, 15, of Dallas, try on prom dresses at the American Legion in Kingston during a ‘Dress Extravaganza’ event on Sunday at which women and students could shop for discounted and consignment formal and all-occassion dresses.
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/web1_ttl042516dressmg-2-1.jpg.optimal.jpgChloe Scott, 14, and Isabella Green, 15, of Dallas, try on prom dresses at the American Legion in Kingston during a ‘Dress Extravaganza’ event on Sunday at which women and students could shop for discounted and consignment formal and all-occassion dresses. Amanda Hrycyna | For Times Leader

Theresa Hillman, of Trucksville, looks for a dress for her daughter, Cheyanne, during a ‘Dress Extravaganza’ event Sunday at the American Legion in Kingston.
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/web1_ttl042516dressmg-3-1.jpg.optimal.jpgTheresa Hillman, of Trucksville, looks for a dress for her daughter, Cheyanne, during a ‘Dress Extravaganza’ event Sunday at the American Legion in Kingston. Amanda Hrycyna | For Times Leader

Theresa Hillman, of Trucksville, texts her daughter, Cheyanne, about a dress she found for her during a ‘Dress Extravaganza’ on Sunday at American Legion Post 395 in Kingston.
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/web1_ttl042516dressmg-4-1.jpg.optimal.jpgTheresa Hillman, of Trucksville, texts her daughter, Cheyanne, about a dress she found for her during a ‘Dress Extravaganza’ on Sunday at American Legion Post 395 in Kingston. Amanda Hrycyna | For Times Leader

Chloe Scott, 14, of Dallas, looks for shoes Sunday at a ‘Gown Extravaganza’ at the American Legion in Kingston after trying on a dress for one of her upcoming semi formals.
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/web1_ttl042516dressmg-1-1.jpg.optimal.jpgChloe Scott, 14, of Dallas, looks for shoes Sunday at a ‘Gown Extravaganza’ at the American Legion in Kingston after trying on a dress for one of her upcoming semi formals. Amanda Hrycyna | For Times Leader

By Mark Guydish

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Reach Mark Guydish at 570-991-6112 or on Twitter @TLMarkGuydish.