How to Host A Clothing Swap in 5 Simple Steps

How to Host A Clothing Swap in 5 Simple Steps

Happy Friday! What are you up to this weekend? My mother-in-law is coming to visit us for Easter, and I'm hoping for warm weather, great food, and lots of relaxing.

Last weekend, I was asked by a dear friend (and client) to come help out at the clothing swap/brunch she was hosting. It was so much fun! 

I've hosted a clothing swap usually twice a year in every city I've lived in (Philly, NYC, Houston, Chicago, Northern VA), and this friend attended the one I held around my birthday last October. She picked up on a few keys to hosting a successful clothing swap there--and brought her own party hosting prowess to the table, too!

First, be clear about what you're asking. Invite friends over to a clothing swap. Ask that they bring clean clothing and accessories to the location. All sizes and items should be encouraged, including wild card items that can be used for costumes!

Second, divide up the items by size and category. This weekend, our host had little cards near each area for tops, bottoms, jewelry, etc, and cards showing each size category. This makes it easier for everyone to set their items out when they arrive as well as have a general idea of which areas to "shop."

Third, have something to eat or drink. Our host went above and beyond here with mini egg muffins, a yogurt parfait, scones, veggies & dip, mimosas and more! I've had just wine and snacks before, but it's good to have something for everyone to nibble on. Partly it serves as an ice breaker, and partly people need something to break up the time just trying on clothes.

Fourth, encourage guests to wear a tank top so that they can easily try on tops, but have some areas available (bathroom, closet) for guests who are not comfortable changing in a crowd.

Fifth, provide bags for guests to bring clothing home, and be ready to donate lots of leftover clothing! I think it's smart to let guests know ahead that you'll be donating anything left at the location so that they can decide whether they'd like to give things to family members or donate themselves later. You could always all decide to consign items and donate the proceeds, but that's a lot of work in sorting what things consignment stores will take. Up to you as the host!

That's it! Let me know if you have any questions before you host your own. If you're considering hosting one in the DC area, let me know if you'd like me to come and consult on outfits and choices with your guests. We had so much fun!

Clothing Swap Sneak Peek

Clothing Swap Sneak Peek

On Friday, I'll be sharing 5 tips to hosting a clothing swap, but I wanted to share this adorable picture from the clothing swap that I helped a client friend host at her home last weekend!

My thoughts before hosting a clothing swap are always: hoping people bring enough clothing, feeling relieved to have the emotional weight off my shoulders as I bring clothing to swap (or donate), too, excitement to meet new potential friends and clients, worry that someone will feel left out of sizing or style, interest in what people will bring. 

This swap was no different! I'm so touched to have been asked to come help out, and I loved some of the conversations I had. We had a beautiful conversation about embracing our bodies now and as they are instead of waiting until a day that may never come. I found the references to what our significant others think about our bodies (very positive!) such an interesting contrast to the remarks made about ourselves (much less positive). Maybe we have something to learn from those around us?

How To: Receive Compliments

How To Receive Compliments

Image via

At work lately, I've noticed on more than one occasion that female coworkers struggle to accept compliments. They'll say things to diminish what they did or say "thanks, but..." and explain why they should have done better. 
I wanted to write about this, but I'm struggling a bit. I've noticed it to be gendered, but I also largely work with women, and most of the women I work with are the ones kicking ass and getting complimented. I have a knee-jerk reaction to the idea that women aren't as able as men to accept compliments, but I think it's worth thinking about. 

How Can I Dress Up a Plain White Button Down?

How Can I Dress Up a Plain White Button Down?

In the winter, I worked with a personal styling client who struggled between two extremes: she had, on the one hand, lots of classic pieces and, on the other, memorable pieces that stood out too much in her mind. For example, she had a pile of white button downs and conservative blazers. She also had silky, patterned skirts and dresses that she found mostly while traveling overseas.

She wasn't sure how to blend the two into a cohesive, professional wardrobe that still showed off her sense of personal style. One outfit that stands out for me that I put together for her is this one:

I love how simple this outfit is yet how pretty she looks! The basic white button down could feel boring with a solid skirt, so pick out a skirt from your closet that feel special. Then, try a second classic piece, like a Jackie O-inspired blazer, to tie the two together. You could absolutely stick with a solid shoe, but I had her try on her neutral snakeskin flats because the colors related so well to the rest of the outfit.

That's it! White button down + Printed "special" skirt+ Classic blazer or sweater + Neutral shoes

Wearing Floral Prints (without feeling like you're going to a wedding)

Wearing Floral Prints (without feeling like you're going to a wedding)

Thanks for bearing with me on the fertility stuff. I feel honored to have such amazing people around me, and I love the chance to share some of their acts of kindness with you all. Another amazing act of kindness? One of my favorite blogs, Between Naps on the Porch, posted about me today in her Friday Fun series! I feel so famous and honored! I fell in love with her decor knock offs long ago, and it's inspired me to knock off as much as possible when I DIY for our house!

I didn't want to leave you without talking about style today, though! And I have a confession to make: I wore stripes every day last week...and most days this week. There! I said it! I feel so much better now. I do love stripes, but this was an accident. Here's a shot from the day that I realized what I was going without meaning to.

However, you shouldn't be like me. You should be one of those women who wears florals often and effortlessly. I've got a few ideas for how you can wear flower prints without feeling like it's Easter or you're headed to a wedding. Because I just don't go for the pastel, floral, girly look very often, but that doesn't mean that I can't fall in love with flowers now and then. I've got two ways for you to wear flowers that I just adore.

Bold Stripes + Bright Florals

 

One of my personal styling clients, Sharen, had the best striped top to wear with everything and the best floral skirts.  I'm sorry to cut her face off in this picture, but I tend to take lots of body shots when I'm doing a personal styling session so that my clients have these images later on for their own reference. I've gotten better at keeping you all in mind when I'm working since taking this picture!

Edgy Floral Prints+ Floral Accessories

If you've got something with flowers on a dark background, try something along the lines of the outfit I put together for my friend Hannah the other day.

This combines an edgier floral kimono with a graphic print tee and a floral necklace. It's a double floral, but it doesn't read as too sweet. I love it! I'd pair ripped denim shorts with this outfit, but boyfriend jeans, camo, or even a skirt would work, too. 

For shoes, try something neutral so you don't fight with all of the pattern and color you have going on. I'd especially like something a bit gritty like cowboy boots or slightly beat up sandals. 

Have a great weekend! We're doing a staycation in DC full of great food (dinners here and here and hopefully a tasting and factory tour at Dolcezza gelato-I'll bring my Lactaid!), flea markets, some live music at The Hamilton (thanks for the tip, Ashley!), and lots of hand holding and sleeping in (we're not taking the dogs!). I hope you have a wonderful, romantic weekend, too!