The word “recessionista” emerged to define women who still want great fashion while on a budget. Oftentimes, a budget still prohibits you from being able to shop for anything beyond the necessities. Fashion swaps are great ways for women to change up their style with little to no cost involved.
Planning a fashion swap is a simple process. First, tell all your friends of the date, time & location of your swap. Ask them to bring over 3-4 gently used in season items that they no longer wear. Let them know that everyone is being asked to bring the same number of items, so there will be a nice assortment of items to swap from.
Second, plan to provide some light snacks, wine and soft drinks for guests. If you feel comfortable to do so, ask your guests to bring their favorite covered dish and/or a bottle of wine. This could be another way for them to contribute to the event.
Third, plan where the swap area will be. Will you convert your closet into a swap closet or will you set up separate zones or “departments” for clothes, handbags, accessories and shoes? The choice is yours! Either way, make it a smooth, fluid swap experience for guests.
Finally, have shopping bags for guest to carry their “new” items out in. Carrying out a bag, full to the brim, is part of the shopping experience at a swap. Also, don’t forget tissue paper for guest to wrap up delicate accessory items.
Fashion swaps are about sharing, socializing and shopping on a budget. You can find some great “new” items when you invite your closest friends to bring over the pieces they want to purge. In the end, after everyone has made their selections, offer to donate anything that remains to a local charity.
Leslie Chatman is a chic thirtysomething in Dallas with a passion for jewelry. Leslie is the owner and designer of LunaTeal Jewelry. She also writes for fine art of jewelry, a jewelry blog.
Photo Credit © Stephanie Swartz | Dreamstime.com
