CLOTHING SWAP!

First annual
CLOTHING SWAP!

This was so much fun. I'll tell you how I came up with the idea. I had dropped some weight recently, and needed to find a home for some of my clothes. I had considered dropping them off at Goodwill, but they charge way too much for used clothing. Then I thought about selling them on ebay. But finally I realized that we had several teen girls in our christian academy that could benefit from some gently used clothing. The idea of a clothing swap entered my mind and I began searching for ideas online. I came across a set of guidelines and it is basically what I used to set up our swap.

Prior to the swap, I had organized the tables into different sizes and categories. Skirts - small, skirts - medium, etc... I also had several racks rigged for hang up clothes, dresses, suits, etc... As the ladies arrived with their clothing, I would ask them how many items they brought, and then give them the appropriate number of tickets - to use to "purchase" their swap items. The tickets also served the purpose of winning the give-aways that I had throughout the evening. I would call out a number every 15 minutes or so and whoever had that number on their ticket got to choose a gift from the table of give-away items. There was a pretty Fall wreath, a set of Autumn fingertip towels, an Autumn scented candle, a set of Tupperware bowls, and a tablecloth to choose from.

I sat out fresh veggies & dip, cookies, mini donuts, popcorn - popped fresh by my hubby prior to the event, soda pop, water and coffee. The ladies that had their clothing all sorted and ready for the swap were invited to partake of refreshments while the others finished sorting theirs and getting ready for the swap to start.

I was pleasantly surprised by the turn out! Especially with it being our first one. At one point, there were over 30 ladies chit-chatting and swapping clothes! It was great fun!




The teen girls really got "into" the swap! Teen girls do that all the time anyway - trade clothes! So this was right up their alley. Some of them even brought in purses, fingernail polish, etc (things they bought but never used).

Girls trying on clothes in one of the changing areas we had set up.
Good thing they're all related, huh? LOL

I had 4 different changing areas set up, with mirrors for the ladies to be able to try things on.

Someone made her try this on, but she didn't like it, so took it back off! LOL

It wouldn't be a swap without SHOES!

There were some REALLY cute pieces of jewelry brought in! As soon as I said "START SWAPPING" I headed straight back to the jewelry table, as I had my eye on the cutest silver bracelet, before the swap started. As I was walking back there, I noticed one of the other ladies walking away fastening it to her wrist! LOL I had a good giggle with her about it! But I was happy that she got something she liked.

UhOh, I think I left my camera laying somewhere and "someone" got ahold of it to play around! haha

CLOTHING SWAP GUIDELINES

ALL Ladies and Teen girls are invited to join us!

Saturday, September 20, 6:00 p.m.
In the Fellowship hall

1. De-clutter your closet of unwanted clothing, shoes, hand bags, jewelry, belts, scarves, & hats. Let go of clothes you haven't worn in over a year. How about that blouse you bought that still has the tag on it. You plan to wear it some day, right? Bring it in & trade it for something you WILL wear! All sizes are welcome.
We respectfully request that no pants, shorts or immodest tops be brought to the swap.

2. Launder them. Be sure they're clean before you swap them.

3. Bring as many bags of clean, fashionable, new, gently used, or never worn clothing as you'd like! You'll receive "Swap" coupons for the items you bring, so the more you bring, the more you get to swap. At the end of the evening, all unclaimed clothing will be donated to a local charity. Please contact me if you know of a charity that could use unwanted clothing.

4. DO NOT BRING undergarments, bathing suits, or clothing with stains or holes.

5. The first hour from the time the event starts, you will enjoy hors d'oeuvres & fellowship, while we sort the clothing. Clothing will be organized by item (shirts, dresses, skirts, culottes, etc..) to make things simple. When the announced swapping begins, swap til you drop. Food & fellowship will continue throughout the night!

6. Dressing areas & mirrors will be provided. We recommend you wear something comfortable and easy to change in & out of.

7. NO FIGHTING over items! If you both love the item and can't decide who should have it, we'll flip a coin! Divas or Fashionistas. (heads or tails)

8. Have fun! Chat, Laugh, Swap! Take advantage of your night out with the Girls!

Next year I'd like to have some bigger give-aways. I know several ladies that do home parties of some sort: make-up, tupperware, Pampered chef, etc... Some of them have already agreed to set up a table and have a give-away during the event.