Once a year a group of gorgeous women and I get together and borrow each other’s clothes permanently. We spend a few weeks purging our own wardrobes of clothes that we love but just don’t gravitate towards anymore. And with a plate of food, bottle of champs and an armful of clothes we converge onto Lara’s backyard to begin our annual clothes swap.
There are a couple of guidelines that keep this pilgrimage of sorts a success:
• Clothes must be of good quality
• Only bring home what you love and will wear
• Try things on you wouldn’t normally
• And have fun
One of my favourite parts of the clothes swap is seeing my clothes on someone else who is thrilled to have scored something special. I love the idea of clothes being passed on to other people to continue their story and create new memories with their new owners.
It’s also amazing to see how one item of clothing can look so different on everyone. What can be a definitive “no” to one is the winner of the day to another.
It is such a beautiful, safe, supportive environment that has this incredible energy. It’s amazing to see how encouraging and loving everyone is in helping each other find the perfect outfit. Its quite common to hear “this would look absolutely fabulous on you”.
It’s also incredible what other people see in you that you cant see. You tend to always gravitate towards a certain style of clothing but in this environment you can often be steered towards items you would never entertain the thought of trying on, at someone else’s suggestion and actually rock it!
At the end of the swap whatever items of clothing remain are passed onto a charity. This year it’s “Giving Grannies”. A beautiful organisation that works with families in need. The work wear is off to “Dress for Success” Brisbane. A fabulous organisation that has volunteer stylists to choose and fit outfits for women re entering the workforce.
From a Super Organised point of view, a clothes swap is a fabulous idea to purge your wardrobe of items you no longer love, provide you with a deadline and a sense of community as the charities are thrilled with their donations.
Golden rule to remember is only take home what you love and will wear.
Happy Clothes Swapping!
Awesome idea Bec!
Great idea!