WESTERLY, R.I. (WPRI) — Westerly High School's new student boutique is a small space with big dreams.
Ocean Lombard has made perfecting the Bulldog Boutique her priority.
"Growing up my mom owned a clothing store, so I've always been surrounded by fashion," the 16-year-old junior said. "From a young age, I have always really valued owning clothes that I feel comfortable and confident in."
That's why it was a no-brainer for her to team up with family and consumer science teacher Susan Ljungberg to make her idea a reality.
"I instantly loved it," Lombard said, referring to when Ljungberg first pitched the boutique to her.
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The Bulldog Boutique will eventually be moved from Ljungberg's classroom to an unused storage closet, according to Lombard.
Though it's still under construction, Lombard said it's slowly taking shape. She's especially grateful for the assistance she's received from students in the high school's construction department.
"The construction department has been incredible and has really just outdone themselves in creating it," Lombard said. "They just made a dressing room and they're going to put racks in there to put the clothes on, so when [students] come they can get the full boutique experience."
Lombard said the Bulldog Boutique has a wide range of clothes available for students, from everyday wear to tuxedos and gowns for prom. The clothes are free to students, no questions asked, and there's only one stipulation.
Each piece of clothing taken from the Bulldog Boutique has to be worn to a Westerly High School event.
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Lombard said she was surprised to learn just how many of her classmates were struggling.
"I think for someone like myself who's fortunate to have clothing, it's hard to notice those who don't," she explained. "It's really nice to be giving this opportunity to so many students."
Lombard told 12 News she's collected more than a thousand donations herself to stock the boutique.
Ljungberg also had dozens of donated prom dresses at her disposal as well.
"It started by just bringing clothes in so the kids could upcycle," Ljungberg said. "Then people started donating these beautiful dresses and I thought, 'Wow, we could use these for prom.'"
"It was a perfect storm," she added.
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For Lombard, it's been heartwarming to see the outpouring of support.
"This boutique solely runs on the generosity of the community, and the Westerly community is just so generous," she said.
The Bulldog Boutique is currently set up in B304, which is Ljungberg's classroom. For more information, follow the Bulldog Boutique on Instagram.