Posh Swaps Blog

Posh-swaps.com was at the Southbank Centre in London on Wednesday for the Sustainable Clothing Conference and update of the Sustainable Clothing Roadmap. The conference included entrance to Estethica, London Fashion Week’s sustainable trade show, a reception and address by Environment Minister Dan Norris.The conference brought together over 200 clothing industry representatives to discuss the ethical and environmental impacts of clothing.

One year on from the first sustainable action plan in which Posh Swaps pledged to promote recycling and reuse of clothes by encouraging clothes swapping and buying and selling of second hand clothes as well as other eco fashion and sustainable clothing. A further 40 companies and organisations have signed up to the action plan including British Retail Consortium, Ethical Fashion Forum, Forum for the Future, Levis Strauss, MADE-BY, Cotton Made in Africa, RSPCA, Society of Dyers and Colourists.

Since its creation the SCAP has brought together over 40 organisations, from high street retailers, to designers and textile manufacturers to battle the environmental and ethical impacts of ‘throw away’ fashion.  Some of the biggest names in fashion are working to take actions which will make a significant difference to the environmental footprint and social inequalities which blight some of the consumer fashion supply chain.

Many of the initiatives from the original action plan are now well underway including Tesco’s new sustainable clothing range in collaboration with From Somewhere which will launch this Spring and the Oxfam ‘Clothes Exchange’ partnership with M&S.

There was also the announcement of a £3.5 million fund to be made available over 3 years by the Responsible and Accountable Garment Sector (RAGS) fund for bids from organisations who want to make the clothing business more ethical and contribute more strongly to development in poor countries.

Swish 3rd - Cancer Research

06 Mar 2010 19:00

Venue: St. Gregorys Social Club, Swarcliffe Leeds

This is the third Swish Party I will have organised; only this time this one is at a Venue!

I charge £5 for tickets and ALL PROCEEDS go to Cancer Research UK as the kind people at St. Gregorys are letting me have the room for free!

If you would like to come or donate a prize for our Raffle; please email me at nickicarney@aol.co.uk

Thanks

Nicola

Email: nickicarney@aol.co.uk

Kid Frock Harrogate

11 Mar 2010 10:00

Venue: withheld…

A SWISHING EVENTS FOR JUST KIDS CLOTHES

AGES 0-6

£6 ADMISSION FEE

FREE MAKEOVERS & NAIL TREATMENTS

RING 01423 505368

Email: info@pacaconcept.co.uk

Clothes swap party hosted by Carbootles

23 Feb 2010 19:30

Venue: The Plough, Northfields Avenue, Northfields

The FIRST BIG CARBOOTLES clothes swap of 2010!

Carbootles have hosted many a clothes swap party gaining the experience needed to make any clothes swap run smoothly enabling all guests to enjoy the clothes swap scramble! Hehe….

Please don’t hesitate to contact Christina with any questions you may have either by phone or email.

To join the Carbootles mailing list email info@carbootles.co.uk subject header ‘mailing list’. You can also join our facebook group page - just search Carbootles.

Peace out!

Email: info@carbootles.co.uk

Dr Challoners High School ‘Big Swish’

12 Mar 2010 19:00

Venue: Cokes Lane, Little Chalfont, Buckinghamshire

A senior school Swishing Party for girls & parents to raise funds. All female event, entry £5, get exchange token for quality clean pressed items you bring along (max 5). Viewing from 7pm - Swish begins at 7.45pm. Girly drinks & nibbles available - great night out!

Email: committee@dchs-pa.org.uk

The Shelford Swish

12 Mar 2010 20:00

Venue: Great Shelford Memorial Hall

The Great Shelford Swish promises to be the glam, feel good event of the Spring for Cambridge ladies.

Email: alison_j_denton@waitrose.co.uk

Frugal Fashionista Clothing Swap

21 Mar 2010 12:00

Venue: Orgasmic, York

A whole new wardrobe for only £5 entry fee (pay on the day on entry)
which all goes to a great cause- the British Heart Foundation.

If you haven\’t been able to afford to treat yourself to any new fashion pieces lately because of this crazy credit crunch then this is the perfect event for you to come and cheer yourself up…..Come to enjoy a fun afternoon with friends and SWAP not SHOP!!
Clothes swap parties are a sociable, fun, exciting eco-chic way of shopping. You can refresh your wardrobes and feel fabulous with your newly exchanged finds. You and your girlfriends can be sure to enjoy an evening of fun, fashion & treats in style
Bring in your nice, quality, clean clothes, shoes, bags and accessories that you haven\’t worn for ages or simply dont fit anymore and swap then for a whole new refreshed wardrobe- it couldnt be simpler.
Drop in to the upstairs at Orgasmic Bar in York from 12 onwards to early evening time, bring in any items you want, refreshments available from the bar and you can also treat yourself to some sweet treats on sale- remember it is all in the name of CHARITY!!
Hope to see you all there!

Email: nicthechick8@hotmail.com

THE CITY SWISH

24 Mar 2010 18:00

Venue: London, South African High Commission, Trafalgar Square,

Get your stylish girlfriends together for a fabulous evening of clothes swapping, bubbly and treats! Raid your wardrobe for three gorgeous pieces that are unworn or that you no longer wear to swap for other lovely pieces in return. Friends and fashion - what a perfect evening out!

Buy tickets now at www.starfishcharity.org

Bring: Shirts, tops, skirts, dresses, jumpers, cardies, trousers, coats, jackets, shoes, handbags, necklaces or scarves simply bring them to be swapped 1 for 1 for some lovely new pieces for your wardrobe.

Don\’t bring: As we like to keep the exchange as fair as possible, please leave at home the shabby old bits that you aren’t wearing simply because they are worn out. Please bring between 3 and 10 clean quality items that you would be proud to pass on.

Why should I go? Swishing is a sociable, fun, exciting eco-chic way of shopping. You can refresh your wardrobes and feel fabulous with your newly exchanged finds. You and your girlfriends can be sure to enjoy an evening of fun, fashion & treats in style.

About Starfish Starfish Greathearts Foundation is an international development charity, aiming to bring life, hope and opportunity to children orphaned or made vulnerable by the AIDS pandemic in southern Africa. Starfish supports community based organisations providing services at grassroots level in the areas of crisis intervention, community support and building sustainable capacity. Starfish relies on the support of individuals across the globe to help provide a positive response - one child at a time. For more on Starfish information, please email ukinfo@starfishcharity.org or visit www.starfishcharity.org.

Where your money goes? This event has been sponsored by Investec so that 100% of the ticket price goes directly to the children Starfish support.

Email: alice.gilkes@starfishcharity.org

SWISH - Plymouth’s Biggest Clothes Swapping Party

26 Mar 2010 18:30

Venue: Plymouth Guildhall

SWISH - Plymouth\’s Biggest Clothes Swapping Party! TICKET ONLY event. Available in advance £8 each: 01752 492626.
Doors open at 6.30pm - Browsing from 7.30pm
SWISH countdown at 9pm!
RETAIL & BEAUTY STANDS, PERSONAL STYLISTS, CATWALK SHOWS, ENTERTAINMENT, BAR & REFRESHMENTS …PLUS…FANTASTIC MAKEOVER STAND TO HELP YOU RESTYLE & FIT YOUR OLD/NEW GARMENTS!!
Book early to avoid disappointment: 01752 492626
www.stlukes-hospice.org.uk

Email: events@stlukes-hospice.org.uk

The Pink Shoe Spring Swish

31 Mar 2010 18:00

Venue: Westminster

Spring clean your wardrobe & swap your quality cast-offs over fizz & nibbles in luxurious surroundings! To support Dress for Success, helping disadvantaged women back into work so bring an extra interview-ready outfit if you can!

Email: info@pinkshoeclub.com

Today we have some great examples of second hand style and how you can make great outfits with thrifted or secondhand clothes. The photographs were sent to us by Cynthia, who has a website and Etsy shop selling beautiful re-purposed clothing, purses, hats and lovely accessories.

This piece is adorable, it has a lot of vintage stuff on it. The fringe is actually off of an old drama curtain. It hangs beautifully around this lace and satin ruffle. She added a few bobbles with the vintage earring broach it is removable for dry cleaning. Every thing in this piece is up-cycled for new use.

vintage slip remade, skirt goodwill, boots thrifted‏

This is a really darling coat. It just glitters with thoughts of the holiday season. Small multi-color sequins have been sewn on the coat for the festive feel. Great for over your special party dress. Looks super with jeans as well.

Today we have some great examples of second hand style and how you can make great outfits with thrifted or secondhand clothes. The photographs were sent by Cynthia, who has a website and Etsy shop selling beautiful re-purposed clothing, purses, hats and lovely accessories.

If you are looking for a clothes swap party or swish for February, then look no further, here are some of the main events taking place this month.

Dolly Mixtures

11 Feb 2010 17:00

Venue: Electric Circus, 36-39 Market Street, Edinburgh.

DOLLY MIXTURES (weekly from 14th January, except 28th)
doors 5pm, £3 in advance, £6 on the door for the whole evening – call 0131 226 4224 for group bookings
Beat those January blues with high tea, cocktails, swishing/clothes swapping, tribute acts and party tunes till the wee hours.
Bring the girls along for some high tea nibbles, teapot cocktails or a nice bottle of wine and have a rummage through our stalls of vintage clothes, hand made jewellery and cute crafts. Bring along a quality unwanted item from your wardrobe and when the bell rings swish away!
Then settle in for a top night of entertainment! A sensational sing-along with a top tribute act every week, then kick off your shoes and have a dance with our party tunes dolly mixture djs till it’s time for bed. This is set to be the finest ladies night in town!
Live sets – 14/01 – Madonna, 21/01 – Robbie Williams, 4/02 – Abba, 11/02 – Kylie
Drinks from £1.50

University of the Arts London Student SwapShop

11 Feb 2010 18:00

Venue: UAL HUB, London

Fashion SwapShop
Thursday 11th February
HUB Davies Street
6pm-9pm

MA Fashion and the Environment students in collaboration with the Centre for Sustainable Fashion host UAL SwapShop!

Presentation on the importance of reuse and swapping from TRAID,
Clothing customising workshops,
and for one night only in London - Mercatino Michela Italian Vintage Stall

If that second installment of student loan has gone already come and update your wardrobe the SwapShop way!

Save money, save the planet

Search your wardrobe for garments you never wear, bring them along, and swap them for ones you will wear and love! Come along any time with your unwanted clothing.

See you there!

Harpenden Frock Exchange

12 Feb 2010 19:00

Venue: St Nicholas Hall, Church Green, Harpenden

1st Harpenden Frock Exchange. Browsing starts 7.30pm, swishing starts 8.15pm prompt. Come along and join the fun!
£5 on door, includes glass of wine. In support of Cancer Research and Needy Young Persons Project.

Brighton Swish

13 Feb 2010 15:00

Venue: Latest Music Bar, 14-17 Manchester Street, Brighton, BN2 1TF

Bring styles and smiles for swopping joy.

FREE -3-7pm

We will have nutritionists, massage therapists, reflexologists and style consultants on hand for free feel good sessions and tips.

The first event of many.

Email: dibbosback@yahoo.co.uk

HARROGATE FROCK EXCHANGE

18 Feb 2010 19:00

Venue: PACA HARROAGTE

£6 admission fee

Free make overs and nail treatments on the night.

Ring 01423 505368 for more info

Email: info@pacaconcept.co.uk

Clothes Exchange and Competitive Cupcakes

20 Feb 2010 14:30

Venue: The HiFi Club, Leeds

Everyone has a collection of unworn shopping-spree residue that doesn’t fit but sits at the back of the wardrobes, crumpled and rejected. HiFi Club knows this and aims to provide an outlet for these unloved possessions by holding a swap shop on Saturday’s. £2 will get you into the first event on 20th February and from 2pm to 5.30pm people will be free to exchange what clean, well kept clothes they have with them.

If the prospect of new clothes wasn’t enough, HiFi are holding the Swap Shop in unison with a themed cupcake competition that will offer prizes to the top three cupcakes. This month’s theme is music - so if you can’t handle the wardrobe, get into the kitchen!

20 February, The HiFi Club, 2 Central Road, LS1 6DE, 0113 242 7353, 2pm-5.30pm, £2 (free with a cupcake entry). All bakers must register by emailing sophie@thehificlub.co.uk. For more information, visit the Facebook page by searching for ‘Clothes Exchange and Competitive Cupcakes’

Email: sophie@thehificlub.co.uk

The Happiness Centre Swish

21 Feb 2010 10:00

Venue: The Happiness Centre, 32a Leeds Road, Ilkley

Come to The Happiness Centre Swish in Ilkley. 10am-5pm. If you can drop off your clothes to swap before the event that would be great. £10 entry includes snacks & drinks Call 01943-601517 or email Gerda for more details. our website address is www.liftthespirithealthesoul.com

Email: info@liftthespirithealthesoul.com

Swapaholics Swishing Event, London

21 Feb 2010 13:00

Venue: Juno, 134-135 Shoreditch High Street, London

We’re back by popular demand. A nice civilised swishing event. You won’t end up feeling like you have just endured the worst sale shopping of your life.

We will be holding the swish at Juno, a cool bar in Shoreditch where you will be able to grab a spot of lunch from their great menu.

Bring a minimum of five items to swap CLEAN new or gently worn clothes, shoes, accessories or anything another woman would love.

No undies!!! (apart from the ones you are wearing, of course)

If everyone makes a pledge to bring these items, we are guaranteed to have a great time and go home happy bunnies

When you arrive we take your items and sort them into categories. You go into the bar and have a few drinks and a natter with your friends until browsing time commences.

Browsing time allows everyone to see what is available, try items on and see if you LOVE them. Then the swap rounds begin and you can take what you want for free. If two or more swappers want the same item, we hold a raffle and the winner is the lucky new owner. I will be available to give style advice to anyone who needs it.

All items left at the end of the event will be donated to charity.

This is a ticket only event. Tickets cost a credit busting fiver and need to be paid for in advance. We have limited number of tickets available so you need to grab one fast. Please go to www.raejames-personalstylist.com/page9.htm for more information and to purchase tickets.

For more details please contact me at
tracey@raejames-personalstylist.com

This gorgeous neutral coat (Available to buy on Posh-swaps.com) is great for weathering the April showers in style, very SS10!

As the SS10 trends start to emerge in the shops, magazines and fashion websites, you might well be getting something of a feeleing of deja vu. This is not unusual as in the case of so many of this seasons (and every seasons) trends, we quite simply have been there before. The looks are usually inspired by fashion from a previous decade or just another take on a trend that comes around every few years. Take for example polka dots, we have most definitely visited this one before on numerous occassions, I should know, I have enough of it in my wardrobe. So what is so different about it this time - not that much really. Mix with a pop of colour or clash with a floral pattern and voila you have an up to date and trendy look for Spring Summer 2010. So here are a few trends for 2010 that you may well find on the rail of a second hand clothes shop (or this website) which can easily be updated for SS10.

Neutrals - this is a really easy one. Anything in beige, cream, nude or neutral will be big news this year. Chiffon dresses, jackets, shorts, trousers take your pick then wear with tan colour or neutral shoes a simple hairstyle and natural looking make up.

Trench Coats- these classic just keep coming back season after season. Try wearing with a contrasting brown belt as seen at Burberry Prorsum for for an updated look.

Florals- another key look that doesn’t really ever go out of fashion. Florals for SS10 fall into 2 categories. The dark ditsy print florals which can be worn with black opaques and Doctor Martin boots for the Nineties revival grunge look and the really bold and bright florals which are great for layering and clashing with bright colours and prints.

Minimalist -clean cut simple tailored pieces worn with minimal jewellery, pattern or fuss were another big nineties trend that is on its way back in this spring. This is a great trend to do second hand as you will be able to afford slightly better tailored pieces than you would new. For an updated look try wearing a minimalist tailored jacket with rolled up jeans and some strappy heels.

Safari / tribal prints- this season both safari and tribal prints were mixed for a eyecatching effect. Try layering different bold prints with the neutral sandy coloured safari pieces to work this trend. Also look for scarves with bright graphic prints to accessorise the look.

Denim - this never really goes out of fashion but for SS10, try all over denim (easy jeans plus denim jacket) or mix light colours with light blue denim. Another great look is the classic white shirt and denim skirt seen at Stella McCartney.

So there you have it. It is really not difficult to create this seasons looks from second hand clothes. Just mix it up a bit, layer pieces, roll the sleeves or trousers up and combine with up to date shoes or accessories. Not only will you save money but you will be investing in some great quality pieces that are sure to come back into fashion again in the future. The best thing is that no one will even know that you are wearing second hand clothes.

The principles of sustainability can be applied to almost anything but for humans, it is the potential for long-term maintenance of wellbeing, which depends on the wellbeing of the natural world and the responsible use of its resouces. Fashion and clothing are well recognised as having a high environmental impact and being unsustainable. Here are just a few ways that you can become a more sustainable shopper when it comes to clothing and fashion:

• Buy clothes to last - choose quality pieces in classic styles that will not go out of fashion quickly.
• Look after clothes- ensure that clothes are washed according to instructions, protect from moths using cedarwood balls and make minor repairs as neccessary.
• Where possible buy second hand clothes or swap clothes.
• Recycle old clothes by selling them, swapping them or donating to charities.
• If you do buy new clothes, opt for sustainable fibres like organic cotton, bamboo and hemp.
• Consider carefully how you wash clothes and the environmental impact. Wash on a low temperature, line dry and use eco detergents where possible.

Spring is on its way and I can’t wait, longer days, warmer weather and a whole new wardrobe. Well actually, just because we are about to move in to a new season, it doesn’t mean that you need to buy a whole wardrobe of new clothes. It is likely that you will already have many items in your wardrobe that fit in with the seasons new trends or some really classic items that never go out of fashion. If you really don’t have anything or are in desperate need of an updated look why not try swapping some of your old clothes or buying some second hand clothes? Not only is it environmentally friendly, but you are likely to get more style for your money and will be able to afford better quality that will last for seasons to come. Here are my tp 5 items to swap or but second hand this spring.

Tailored Jackets - for a really up to date look, try wearing a tailored jacket with jeans or a t shirt and pencil skirt. Tailored jackets are a great secondhand buy as they have usually only had light wear. They are also usually quite flattering. I love this black and white tweed jacket which would look great over a really bright pink t shirt.

Trench Coat - this is one of those pieces of clothing that just keeps coming back into fashion time and time again. In fact, I am not really sure if it ever really goes out of fashion. It is classic, versatile and practical. I love this purple mac, it will work equally well for daytime or evening.

Unusual Jewellery - an unusual piece of jewellery is a great way to update and finish an outfit, add interest and stand out from the crowd. By wearing something unusual, you will not need to worry about following trends, you will be unique. I love these sweet earrings, they would look great with a bright green, pink or blue top or dress.

Leather Handbag - a good leather handbag will become better with age. A designer bag is always a good investment buy whether it is new or secondhand. This brown Mulberry messenger bag is the perfect colour and style to go with almost any casual spring outfit.

Designer Dress - the great thing about a second hand designer dress is that it is a fraction of its price new but is likely to have been well looked after and in good condition. This Notte by Marchesa Gown will really turn heads at parties, weddings and other events over the summer.

An interesting report entitled Well Dressed? and published by the University of Cambridge, Department for Manufacturing in 2006 explores the present and future sustainability of textiles in the United Kingdom. Most of us are probably aware that there are many issues surrounding the sustainability of the textiles industry in the UK but the report gives a really in depth and neutral look at the problems and identify the potential for significant and lasting change.

The report is highly relevant for consumers, media, business, education, government and campaigners and provides balanced evidence based information. Some of the key findings of the report in relation to the recycling of clothes are summarised below:

• The UK’s current behaviour in disposing of used clothing and textiles to landfill is not sustainable as volumes are growing.
• The second hand sector is growing and there is further demand so improved collection and sorting procedures will be beneficial in reducing waste and providing usable clothes to developing countries.
• Recycling is siginificant for materials with high impacts in the production phase.

According to the analysis in order to create change a consumer would:

• Buy second hand clothing and textiles where possible.
• Buy fewer more durable garments and textile products.
• When buying new products, choose those made with least energy and least toxic emmissions, made by workers paid a credible living wage with reasonable employment rights and conditions.
• Lease clothes that would otherwise not be worn to the end of their natural life.
• Extend the life of clothing and textile products through repair.
• Dispose of using clothing and textiles through recycling businesses who would return them for secondhand sale where ever possible but otherwise extract and recycle the yarns or fibres. 

Swapping, buying and selling second hand clothes is a great way of recycling and improving the sustainability of textiles. You can swap, buy and sell your second hand clothes for free on www.posh-swaps.com.

We are delighted to welcome some fashion bloggers to our online swap party in celebration of International Day of Swishing tomorrow. below are just some of the gorgeous items that have been listed so far. To see the full list of clothes to swap go to http://www.posh-swaps.com/swap.php?type=S

From Sherin of Hi Fashion

Pink plaid skirt

Pink Heart Necklace

Grey Denim Skirt

From Illustrator Claire

Wine Ruffled Jacket

From the Style Eyes Fashion Blog

Pink Jaeger Jacket

Cream studded leather handbag

Vintage style green beaded choker

A big thank you to all those fashion bloggers participating in tomorrows online swap party. For those who would like to join in, all you need to do is register with www.posh-swaps.com and add your clothes, shoes, handbags and accessories.

We would also like to thank the following fashion bloggers for their supports and mentions:

 Mizzj of Being High Maintenance Not Bitchy

Stephanie Grace Blog

Intrinsically Florrie

Posh-swaps.com will celebrate International Day of Swishing on 9th January 2009 with a free online swishing party. The party is open to anyone and everyone with the opportunity to list and swap as many clothes as they like for free. The phenomena of swishing or clothes swap parties have become hugely popular as they are fun, frugal and environmentally friendly. Online swapping is the perfect alternative to swishing for those who prefer to swap from the comfort of their own home.

9th January 2009 has been declared International Day of Swishing by Futerra Sustainability Communications and Lucy Shea founder of Swishing. The flagship event will be held at the Andaz Liverpool Street Hotel in London but for swappers all over the world who want to take part, there will also be an online swishing party at Posh-swaps.com on 9th December 2009.

Swappers can join the online party by registering with posh-swaps.com, before listing as many items of clothing as they like by uploading a photo, description and details. They can then browse swap items listed by others before proposing as many swaps as they like. The website is completely free to use including registering, listing, swapping buying and selling second hand clothes. Fashion Bloggers from all over the world will also be invited to attend and help promote sustainable style by listing their clothes.

International Day of Swishing is such a great opportunity to get people from all over the world online at once to swap clothes, have fun and promote sustainable style. It is also a great way to refresh your wardrobe for the New Year without spending money and swap any unwanted Christmas presents.

Attend the posh-swaps.com online swap by visiting www.posh-swaps.com to register and list your items of clothing on or before 9th January 2010.