Thursday June 8th, from 5PM-9PM Downtown Bellingham’s Depot Market Square, will become New York fashion week with a mission. Lydia Place, along with event partners Whatcom County Association of Realtors, The Beauty Institute-Schwarzkopf Professional, Labels Consignment and Wise Buys Thrift Store present Handbags for Housing, Downtown Bellingham’s largest ladies (gentlemen welcome) night, fashion extravaganza and handbag exchange. Hundreds of handbags, a beauty bar, cocktail and wine vendors, along with local boutiques and retailers all come together under one roof (and a 3,2000 square foot tent), to showcase the sheer power of local fashion and philanthropy. Tickets go on sale April 3rd via the event website handbagsforhousing.com, with all proceeds benefitting Lydia Place services and housing for local homeless families.