|
 |
Organize a Clothing Swap
I bumped into a friend at the supermarket the other day. She
eyed my sweater a bit too enviously. "Love that color," she
said. "Do you want to get rid of it?" We both laughed and I
politely told her to take her paws off. It wasn't ready to
be swapped - not yet.
We, along with about a half-dozen other friends, are clothes
swappers. We meet every so often with our bags of unwanted
clothing after a spring (or fall) cleaning frenzy to, well,
swap clothing. I'm not sure when this ritual started - I was
invited to a clothes swap two years ago after a friend (who
probably realized we were about the same dress size) invited
me to a clothes swap she organized at her house.
At first, I was skeptical on what kind of clothing I could
get, and, frankly, a bit embarrassed over the hopeless
clothes I lugged along that nobody in their right mind would
want.
But, what ensued was a cross between a slumber party and an
open fitting room at Filene's Basement. There were about 8
of us at my first clothes swap. Veteran clothes- swappers
immediately told us to dump our goods on the bed, and dig
in. It was finder's keepers - but you had to try it on
first! One hand pulled out my awful maroon wool dress (that
previously belonged to my mother-in-law and fit too snug and
short on me). I had to admit it was mine. It was gingerly
picked up by a petite woman who I only knew in passing. Was
she just trying to humor me by trying it on? When she
emerged from the bathroom it was like was tailor-designed
just for her. It was snug in all the right places; the hem
hit just above the knee, where it should have. "I'll take
it," she said and quietly folded it up into a growing pile
she was gathering at her feet.
Wow. Hey, maybe this wasn't so bad after all! One woman
threw a very loud flowered dress at me. "This is YOU," she
said. Huh? Me, who wears muted greens, grays and black? It
was not a dress I would ever try on, never mind wear. But,
with prodding from the group, I did try it on and sheepishly
modeled it. Claps, cheers. "Take it!" "Oh, it IS you!" I
laughed and kept it, I mean, what did I have to lose? (I've
since worn it several times. A special notice to all my
friend swappers: I'm now tired of it and it will emerge
again at our next clothes swap).
Which brings me to the point of a clothes swap. There is
nothing to lose! I have come home with the most amazing
clothing that I could not believe women would want to part
with: a genuine pea coat, an Alpaca sweater, t-shirts &
turtlenecks in every color, an elegant purple dress. The
clothing also carries a special significance. While casually
flinging a silk scarf around my neck, the owner of the
article said it used to belong to her mother. I think of the
history of that scarf whenever I wear it. In turn, I often
see my clothing on friends. "Hey, that's mine!" I'll say
jokingly. "But it looks better on you," I add, sincerely.
It's nice to know where my clothes are. And it's nice to
know where they came from.
After the end of 2 or 3 hours, the group of clothes swappers
reaches the end of the pile on the bed. There is an
unbelievably deep sense of satisfaction knowing that your
clothing has found a new - and appreciative - owner. And,
you leave with a pile of clothes that you want to wear! And
it's free!
So before you dump your clothes in the Goodwill box, think
of your friends!
How to organize a successful clothes swap:
- Invite your friends & ask your friends to invite their
friends
- About 10-15 people is the goal - aim for all shapes &
sizes
- If you are hosting the swap at your house, make sure you
have at least two full-length mirrors available
- For those of us who are modest, make sure there are other
rooms available to dress and undress. If this isn't
possible, remind people they can wear a body suit or bathing
suit underneath their clothing if they wish.
- Clothes swaps can be seasonal, but they don't have to be:
The best clothes swaps have all seasons clothing.
- If two people want the same item, you can have fun with
this by either a coin toss, or having each person model the
item of clothing and have a vote (do this only if you're
sure there won't be hard feelings).
- If you have second thoughts about an item you have up for
grabs - speak up quickly. A simple "Hmm, I'm not so sure I'm
ready to give that up yet," should suffice, before someone
else gets too attached to the item.
- Be prepared - for a good time! You'll be surprised how
much fun you'll have with a group of women trying on
clothing!
About the Author
Marcia Passos Duffy is a freelance writer and the publisher of The Heart of New England online magazine & e-newsletter, publications that celebrate the unique character of the northern New England states of Maine, New Hamsphire & Vermont. Subscribe to the weekly newsletter by sending a blank email to heartofnewengland-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
Related Articles: Consignment Shopping Pays Off | Frugal Fashions For Teens |"D" Clutter the Closet | More Money Articles
Helpful Hints & Tips: 5 Money saving Ideas For Smart Car Owners | 5 Questions To Ask Before Buying Anything Over $20 | 10 Easy Ways To save Your Hard-Earned Dollars | Save On Your Electric Bill, Monitor Usage | More Hints & Tips
Did you enjoy this article?
Rate
It! | Tell A Friend!
 Recommended Reading: One of the most critically important aspects of sound financial planning is the establishment and maintenance of a sound credit rating. But sometimes "things happen" that result in damage to a credit rating. In Your Credit Score: How To Fix, Improve, And Protect the 3-Digit Number That Shapes Your Financial Future, personal finance journalist Liz Pulliam Weston provides the reader with a complete and accessible plan for improving a credit score that has been damaged through error, neglect, or debt load. Readers will learn what a FICO score is and why it's so important to their financial well being both short term and long term. Readers will learn how to lighten debt loads, cut credit card rates, review their credit history, improve their credit rating, save money, and employ a credit rating to their best personal and professional advantage. No personal or community library Money/Finance Management reference collection can be considered comprehensive or up-to-date without the inclusion of Liz Weston's Your Credit Score!
(courtesy Amazon)
|
Related Articles: 
Missed the last couple of newsletters? Haven't visited for a while? This section highlights articles and crafts that have recently been added to FC...
Start your own album by 
