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!

Secondhand Shopping with My Mom

Secondhand Shopping with My Mom

My mom is many things, and one of them is an avid secondhand shopper. She's also an incredibly talented seamstress who can make even the most worn, sad items into exactly the things you want to wear. Oh, and she's silly! I love that.

A few months ago, she came to visit me, and we went to a secondhand store near my house. I had never been there before, but of course my mom sniffed it out as having great items-and prices! Here are some of the things I tried on and lessons I've learned over the years from her.  You might know some of them already, or you might still be learning, like I am!

Try on anything you might possibly like.  

The worst that can happen is that you feel frustrated and leave empty handed. The best that can happen is that you go home with new clothes at a low price! If there's something that catches your eye, bring it into the changing room with you and give it a try!

Try on all sizes that look relatively close to yours. 

In stores that sell new clothing, I typically recommend that you go into the fitting room with clothes that are your size, plus one size up and down, especially if it's a store you don't typically shop at or if you are unsure of your size. For secondhand shopping, that rule goes out the window. Eyeball it and bring it in if it's at all close. As you likely know, sizes have changed a lot, and you might end up with a size that is a lot bigger than your current size! I typically try on anything from a 4 to a 10 or even a 12P while secondhand shopping. See the tags above? S, M, and L.

Use the trick of measuring the waistband around your neck to see if pants or skirts will come close to fitting you. Quality material is worth having altered (or altering yourself) if the size is close-but-not-quite-right. 

Try secondhand pieces on with clothing you already own and like-or find something that works.

When I plan ahead, I like to wear something simple that fits me well to go secondhand shopping so that I can try on everything else with it. If you end up there with a bright patterned shirt or a dress or something less than ideal, grab a simple top and try that on with everything else.

Happy Shopping!