Wardrobe | Become a Swapaholic

INDIANAPOLIS - I wrote about the Swapaholics and swapping in general last August, a concept turned into action by Amy Chase and Melissa Masello. Two ladies with passion for vintage clothing and thrifting, they began planning swaps in the Boston area. Their events brought others gently used clothes, shoes and accessories to one place to find new homes. 

Now they’ve gone global, from regional swapping events to New York Fashion Week to spread the word about swapping.

Their mantra sums up perfectly the why the idea of swapping makes sense.

“Swapping is social, sustainable and stylish.”

It’s basic. It’s what you should have learned as a child – sharing is caring. At a swap, you get together with your friends, meet new ones and possibly come home with an entirely new wardrobe. Trade in your Anne Taylor suit for someone else’s H & M. Bring in something pink, go home with something purple. Bored with last year's accessories? Swap them with someone else's.

On top of all that, it’s usually free.

“The Swap movement is about creating a worldwide community of people who love to share. We want to give our gently loved stuff a good home while finding new-to-us stuff to take home and love.” - the Swapaholics

We all want to save money and look for ways to cut corners, so a swap is a fantastic way of saving money on recycling your old stuff while renewing your wardrobe.

World Swap Day, January 21, started last year by the Swapaholics is being celebrated all month. There might be a swap near you if the idea of a social event and fashion interests you.

What if you want to hold your own swap? The Swapaholics have great tips for getting started.

Set the date
Confer with your friends and then pick a day when you think you’ll get the most attendance. There are plenty of ways to promote your event and reach a bigger audience. Social media sources are great ways to get the ball rolling.

You can set up an event through Facebook and invite attendees. You can use Evite to send personal invitations. Once you’ve got the date and details settled you can register your event at Events.Swap.com. People will be able to search for it by location.

What to swap
It’s tough to go through your closet and pick things to give away, but the Swapaholics recommend choosing things that you haven’t worn in at least a year. And bring the best to the swap, gently used and in good, clean condition.

Get your swap on
Make sure to recruit a few volunteers. You’ll need them to help run errands and set up tables, chairs and decorate. Prepare your food the day before and any cocktails you’ll be planning. One of the biggest things to remember is that this is not a rummage sale, so think classy. You want this to be an organized event, not a free for all (although it can be free.)

For more in-depth tips and ideas for hosting your own swap, go to their site. You’ll also find event listings, their blog, and links to their online swap market site, market.swap.com, where you can list items you want to swap and barter with folks all over the world.

You can even check out my items I'd like to swap! Just search for twinklevanwinkle!

*Twinkle gives the Swapaholics 5 out of 5 stars.

 

"Good, smart style doesn’t die, it evolves." – Me.

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For more on Twinkle’s thoughts on fashion, music and much more, check out twinkvanwink.tumblr.com. Follow her on Twitter.

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