Hot Mama Daily - Beauty, Fashion and Style for Women of Color

Still Shopping? Start Swapping

by Tracy Hopkins on November 15th, 2008

Attention hot mamas.  In case you haven’t noticed, we’re in a recession. And even though retailers are practically giving merchandise away thanks to deeply discounted sales, I’ve discovered a way to shop without spending a dime. How, you ask? By swapping clothes I no longer need or can’t fit with friends and swap groups.

On average, I go to about one or two clothing swaps a month and have an eclectic wardrobe to show for it (see the above You Tube video I did on a clothing swap in New York City). Through Meetup.com, Freecycle and other social organizations, the clothing swap trend has taken off in New York City, San Francisco, Los Angeles and other major cities, but you can host a swap anywhere.

Here are a few basic swap rules:

1) Like the golden rule, don’t bring clothes you wouldn’t want to receive. That means no dirty, stained or torn items. If you wouldn’t wear it, chances are no one else wants it.

2) To avoid swapper’s remorse, don’t bring items you can’t stand to part with. Only bring items you’re ready to give a new home.

3) Don’t expect the swap to be an even trade. Sometimes you will bring a bag of clothes, shoes, and accessories and leave with only one or two items. Other times, you may bring a little and come home with a lot.

4) Be patient. Swapping is like mining for buried treasure. I’ve found brand new clothing from H&M, Forever 21, Old Navy, and Banana Republic with the tags still attached. But you have to be willing to hang out for a while and wait for new people bearing fresh swap items.

5) Have fun. Swapping is a great way to meet like-minded fashionistas, double your wardrobe,  and promotes recycling, which is good for the environment. 

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POSTED IN: Fashion, Fashion Trends, Hot Picks, Real World Hot Mamas!, Shopping