Posh Swaps Blog

The two latest trends around in the fashion world at the moment is Clothes Swapping- clothes swapping parties and clothes swapping websites. The idea of clothes swapping is for us ladies to be able to update our wardrobes, on a budget and by doing so, helping the environment as you are recycling rather than throwing away clothes and buying new ones. But which one is the better one to do?

With a clothes swap party, you can make it in to such a fun time, allowing you to socialise with people. You can invite your best friends, your work colleagues, and even your neighbours and ask them to bring a friend with an armful of clothes, so that you have even more choice and the chance to make new friends as well. You will have the opportunity to see clothes up close, and if there is a designated changing area, then you also get the chance to try items on. However, no matter how many people do come to your house/party, the choice will be almost nothing compared to what you will find on a website. Your friends/neighbours/colleagues may also have different sizes to you, so what you do like may not fit you. The items are there for you to take home right away, but there could be arguments over certain popular items.

On a clothes swap website, you will have an endless choice of items from all over the world, so that this way you have more control over which items you receive in the swap. It may take a while to negotiate the swap as you may have to wait for the other-end person to come online, and if you are swapping from abroad, you may get caught up in each others’ time differences. Normally with clothes swapping, not a penny gets exchanged whereas online you may have to pay postage and packaging. However, the price of a parcel may just be worth it for that gorgeous dress that’s only available in America!

Some more very green and very stylish posts from our Green Chic friends this week - enjoy!

Factio Magazine goes green this spring with eco chic footwear! Naya shoes are made with style and comfort in mind while still being gentle on the environment.
Fashion Tribes Check out Dita Von Teese in eco-chic, plastic fantastic shoes by Jean Paul Gaultier for Melissa -
Guiltless & Glamorous reviews a hot new cruelty-free skincare line made in Vancouver!
My Beauty Bunny tells us about the new USPS shelter animal stamps that help save animals’ lives!
Posh Swaps has some great tips on organising a clothes swap party or swishing
Runway To Retail checks out the spring/summer 2010 collection of AGGA B.that is sure to intrigue you.

picture from Runway to Retail

A beautiful new collection has appeared on racks and shelves in H&M shops- The Garden Collection, named for its floral patterns and use of organic and sustainable materials. The collection has arrived just in time for Spring to show off our romantic, exotic and glamorous side with plenty of floral patterns which includes big, bold prints, sunny landscapes, vibrant green gardens, and the cool 70’s hippy flower print look. The collection is made entirely out of organic and sustainable materials such as organic linen, organic cotton, tencel, and recycled polyester. The organic cotton and organic linen for this collection has been grown without the use of hazardous chemicals, the recycled polyester tops and dresses are made from PET- bottles and textile waste, whilst the tencel provides you with a silky, renewable material that has been produced with minimal environmental impact, so that when you buy these clothes you are helping to do your bit for environment!

The sumptuous designs mixed with sustainable materials helps to create a sensuous sophistication, whilst the vivacious patterns spread the radiant richness of the season. The stunning floral and bright trends will offer a modern yet sustainable look to everyone, no matter what their own style or taste is as the collection also includes pretty neutrals as well as the bright and the bold. You can combine a vibrant floral top with neutral cropped trousers or linen shorts, or wear a feminine chiffon dress with plenty of floral print combined with a beige anorak which are all available in the collection. These fantastic floral prints will really add some sparkle to your wardrobe, helping you to update and totally rejuvenate your own collection.

For those of us looking to update our wardrobes, there is a new craze sweeping around which could be the answer to all our shopping dilemmas- Swishing Parties. Swishing Parties are great as they don’t cost anything, you get to clear out unwanted items from your wardrobe and gain new pieces simply by swapping what you no longer need for something that you really want but what your fellow swisher doesn’t want. You can do swapping online as there are more websites appearing that are dedicated to swishing, or you can organise one in the comfort of your own home. All you will need is a few friends/neighbours/colleagues with an armful of clothes that they are each willing to trade! And because you’re not throwing away your clothes or spending money, swishing parties are environmentally friendly- even more perfect!

How to organise your swishing party:

. First round up as many friends as possible, telling them to completely empty their wardrobes and decide on what they no longer need. This can be clothing, shoes, accessories, jewellery, and bags.                           

. Next, decide on a date and venue for your party, sending out invitations/emails if necessary.

. Encourage your friends to bring along other friends so that you have a wider variety.

.You will need to think about how to organise everyone’s clothes for show, perhaps by size or by type, and use whatever space you’ve got- doors, chairs, tables etc.

Once you have organised everything, you will need to lay down a few rules so that everyone knows where they stand and that it works out fair for everyone.

. First things first- No money should ever be exchanged- all clothes are free!

. Second- Everyone must bring at least one item but can leave with as many as they like!

. Third- If two people are arguing over the same item, then toss a coin to make it fair.

. Forth- No one can claim items before the opening of the swish- it’s first come, first served!

. And finally- Whatever people take is theirs, but make sure that you are happy to give things away (although you don’t have to). To prevent people from walking out with armfuls of clothes they may never use, encourage them to try things on- perhaps create a dressing area in a room with the curtains closed and where no one can accidentally walk in!

If your party is a success, then maybe next time you could make it even bigger. Find a suitable venue such as a cafe and create posters to advertise it.

picture from the Fashionable Housewife

It is that time again when we share with you some great posts on eco friendly and ethical style by our green chic friends - enjoy!

The Fashionable Housewife is excited about the new H&M Garden Collection made entirely from environmentally adapted materials (including organic cotton, organic linen and recycled polyester). The collection boasts 80 gorgeous items and 10 accessories – all under $59.95!
Factio Magazine checks out the Karl Lagerfeld salad. That’s right the German fashion designer is no longer only a fashion icon, but an entrée as well!
Fashion Tribes Acqua di Gio helps needy kids and communities get clean water…and you can help!
Guiltless & Glamorous takes a quick look at the Kardashian sisters’ bebe collection.
My Beauty Bunny shares a cruelty-free exfoliation beauty secret!
Posh Swaps is really excited to announce Posh Swaps blog goes carbon neutral found how you can make your blog carbon neutral too!
Runway To Retail checks out steal deals… Today save 50% on J DE L’O ORGANICS at Editors’ Closet! Our favorites include the Leaf Soap Pure Vegetable, Organic Liquid Soap and the Rejuvenating Mask.
The Fashionable Bambino is giving away a Kokopax City Baby Carrier worth $99!
The Fashionable Gal wants Sephora Beauty Insiders to check out the Tarte Favorites Exclusive Value Set on sale exclusively from Sephora.com

There has been a lot of talk lately about sustainable clothes and eco fashion. Every day a new brand emerges that is in some better for the environment than conventional clothing and usually more ethically produced. But with fast fashion and the culture of buying cheaply (and often unethically) made high fashion clothing still highly popular and ‘environmental green washing’ becoming the new in phrase, what really can be done to make clothing more sustainable?

At Posh Swaps we believe that there is no right or wrong way to become more sustainable, anything that we can do, no matter how small is a positive step in the right direction. But there are some things that we can do that are likely to have a more positive effect than others.

1. Buy less clothes - it is quite simple really, the less clothes that we buy, the less environmental damage is caused in their manufacture and the less waste we make. Clothes swapping is a great alternative to buying clothes. It allows you to update your wardrobe without having an impact (or a very minimal impact on the environment)

2. Buy second hand clothes- this is the most eco friendly way to buy clothes. There is no additional carbon footprint (except for transport) associated with buying new clothes. But we understand that you cannot always find exactly what you want second hand and will sometimes need to buy new.

3. Buy quality clothes that will last, where possible in Eco friendly fabrics- fabrics made from recycled materials, probably have the smallest footprint as they do not have to be made from scratch. There is also the benefit of having saved materials that may have otherwise ended up in landfill. Other eco friendly fabrics including organic bamboo, cotton and hemp are all better than their conventional alternatives but still have a carbon footprint associated with their growth and manufacture and contribute to the problem of waste so should always be bought to last.

Finally, in order to ensure that your clothing is really sustainable, you should consider its whole life  cycle:

• Buy clothes to last
• Wash and dry (or clean) in as eco friendly manner as possible
• When you no longer need them recycle by selling or donating to charity.

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

For the second season at New York Fashion Week, the Green Shows featured a range of global eco designers and brands sending a very clear message that New York can do green with style. The collections featured a range of ecofriendly fabrics including recycled and upcycled, organic and sustainable fabrics.

The Green Shows opened with an extravagant and elaborate couture , inspired collection, by London designer Gary Harvey featuring recycled clothes made into beautiful full skirted outfits.

Another fresh and charming collection was by Samantha Pleet whose organic cotton and wool clothes are made in a wind powered manufacturing facility in New York. Her designs are young and fresh and worn by a number of indie bands. This time her collection featured some very desirable pieces, simple but with a touch of fantasy.

JoAnn Berman’s colourful and eclectic collection was made using recycled and upcycled materials.

There was plenty more in terms of creative and wearable eco fashion at The Green Shows. John Partick Organic showed his collection at the main fashion week and has long been a shining example of Eco fashion in New York. His collection featured elegant and timeless pieces inspired by Lady Di and Joni Mitchell. Classic and nostalgic with some great tailoring.

Just sometimes the process of using recycled materials in fashion designs causes something amazing. In the case of his SS10 collection it was Christopher Raeburn who brought about this transformation turning decommissioned military stock that would usually be destined for the bin into some very beautiful clothes. The designer who is a graduate of the Royal College of Art and has recently been awarded NEWGEN sponsorship reinterprets streetwear into luxurious high end pieces made from parachute silk, heavy wools leather and quilting. The collection will also be accompanied by a range of hats and bags.

This has to be recycling at its best.