Posh Swaps Blog

You may have heard of the term swishing and wondered whta on earth it means? Swishing is a relatively new term used to describe a clothes swap party. It can be a small party amongst friends arranged at someones house or a large scale party with hundreds of swappers. The term was coined by Futerra Sustainability Communications in order to promote the recycling of clothes.

The general idea of a swish is that each attendee brings along at least one piece of clothing that they no longer want but would be proud to pass onto someone else. All of the clothes are laid out and guests are given the opportunity to browse, perhaps whilst enjoying a glass of wine or some light refreshments. A warning is given 5 minutes before the beginning of the swap and then the swap begins. Everyone can choose which items of clothing they would like. Things can get quite heated a bit like in the sales with everyone grabbing for the stuff they want.

Each swishing party is different, some have stalls, beauty treatments, entertainment of refashioning where party goers can adjust and change an item of clothing that they love some aspects of but is not quite right.

Swishing is proving o be immensly popular in the UK and all over the world, which is understandable, it is eco friendly, a great way to refresh your wardrobe without spending lots of money and best of all it is really fun.

If you fancy going along to a swish, find out about Posh Swaps Clothes Swap parties. Alternatively you can swap your clothes online at www.posh-swaps.com.

Last night, we held the first ever Posh Swaps Clothes Swap, co- hosted by Total Renewal and Style to Wear. I am very pleased to say that, we had plenty of happy swappers. Although things got a bit heated at times as the swappers rummaged and grabbed at the  best bargains which included Marc Jacobs coat, shoes, coats, jeans and lots more gorgeous stuff but there was a really warm and friendly atmosphere.

Alice of Reflection of Alice and friend, Jackie with their swaps which included a Missoni dress.

Personal Stylist, Emma was on hand to give swappers some style tips and inspiration.

One luck lady got the opportunity to be styled by Emma of Style to Wear using clothes from the swap and have a makeover by Nicole of Total Renewal.

Swappers also indulged and relaxed with a manicure or massage and glass of wine whilst browsing the fashion and beauty market and swap.

With less than 2 weeks to go, we can’t wait until the first ever Posh Swaps Clothes Swap party on 17th September in Chiswick. The tickets are selling fast so buy soon to avoid disappointment. Why not get together a group of friends for a really fun, frugal and eco friendly night out. There will be lots to do besides swapping with a free glass of wine and a mini manicure or neck and shoulder massage included in the price. There will also be lots of great stuff at the Posh Swaps fashion and beauty market including jewellery hand bags and shoes and some food for those who are hungry.

Not only will you go home with 5 newly swapped pieces of clothing but you will also recieve a posh swaps goody bag filled with discount vouchers and product samples.

 http://www.total-renewal.com/page21.htm or by emailing info@total-renewal.com

If you fancy going along to a swishing or clothes swapping party, here are just a few of those going on over the UK in July

POLAR FORD SWISHING PARTY

08 Jul 2009 19:00

Venue: POLAR FORD NEW CAR SHOWROOM

Ladies,Bring your clothes, jewellery, handbags and shoes and exchange the same amount for the same again! Nibbles and wine will be served and proceeds will to Help The Aged Charity. £5.00 entry fee

Email: maureen.mcevoy@polar-motor.co.uk

Come SWishing

08 Jul 2009 20:00

Venue: Harrison’s Bar, 15 - 17 Bedford Hill, Balham, SW12

Come SWishing!

SWish is back on 8th July at Harrison’s Bar, 15 - 19 Bedford Hill…and this time we’re upping our game! This SWish is all about those lovely items that you fell massively in love with…but just haven’t worn since, ooh, we last had a decent summer!

Step 1: Bring along 5 items of clean, stylish summer clothing, shoes or accessories that you no longer wear but you think another woman would love. Serioulsy…respect your fellow SWishers and bring along some fabulous gear!

Step 2: We get the items ready for you whilst you have a drink and wait for browsing time to begin…then the swapping starts!

Step 3: We SWish in rounds and raffle items that more than one person wants to claim

Balham Bou wowed us at the last SWish with the most amazing dress, which went to a lucky lass who had a wedding that very weekend…result!

Please bring your items at 8pm, the SWishing will begin at 8.30 pm. Entry is £5 on the door.

For more details and to book your place email jo at comeswishing@yahoo.co.uk

Clothes Swap for FUN

11 Jul 2009 11:30

Venue: The Royal School, 65 Rosslyn Hill, Hampstead

*BRING - good quality items you no longer love and SWAP - for items you will adore forever*

Look good on the outside and feel great on the inside knowing that you have supported FUN, a charity that has been helping disadvantaged children in London for over 25 years.

Advanced entry donation £5, on the door £6.
To book: email amy@friendsunitednetwork.org.uk or
call: 0207450900

On the day: sale of fantastic high-street designer clothing, cakes, refreshments and raffle.

Email: amy@friendsunitednetwork.org.uk

Clothes Swap Party

11 Jul 2009 19:30

Venue: The Nightjar, Mead Vale, Weston super Mare

This is our first swishing event, and we’re hoping it will go with a swing! If anyone in the area would like to donate clothes rails, or can offer to help with organising swishers on the night, please email.

Email: partridgebazaar@tiscali.co.uk

Swansea Summer Swish

17 Jul 2009 17:30

Venue: St. Phillips Community Hall, Bathurst Street, Swansea,

Need something new for the Summer but feeling the pinch of the credit crunch? Is your wardrobe bulging with clothes that you don’t wear and want to see go to a good home? Looking good doesn’t have to cost the earth!

Come to the second Swishing party hosted by SCRAP, as part of Swansea’s ‘Wise up to Waste Week’, for your chance to make your unwanted items another person’s treasure and take home some new delights for your own collection.

Attendees must bring at least one item of clothing, jewellery, shoes or accessories. You will be able to take home as many items as you can get your hands on. But remember, This isn’t an excuse for you to dump your ripped, stained, unwearable clothes but an opportunity to really clear out your wardrobe of all those things that don’t quite suit you or no longer fit and exchange them for something that you will truely value.

The evening will go as follows:

5pm - 6.00 Guests arrive and place their items on the appropriate rails/tables

6.00 - 6.30 Time to browse through and try the items on (but no claiming until the Swish begins)

7.00 - 7.30 The Big Swish begins, run for your favourite item (with dignity & respect please. Remember ladies, no scratching, spitting or snatching)

Please bring your clothes on hangers and lots of your friend to join in with the fun.

Entry is just £4 and all guests will be treated to a glass of wine and other refreshments. All proceeds will be donated to the Environment Centre and any items left over will be evenlyu donated to the MOre Green Project & RSPCA Llys-Nini.

We look forward to seeing you there. For more information or to volunteer to help out please e-mail.

Email: info@scrap-partnership.org.uk

Swish North East

23 Jul 2009 18:00

Venue: Thistle Hotel, Fry Street, Middlesbrough

have the ultimate girls night out in Middlesbrough, chance to go out with friends and family and get a new outfit into the bargain. Not only loads of clothes, shoes and accessories to pick from but a wide range of local retailers including hairdressers, Style and Colour Consultants, Massage, nails, shoes, bags etc etc.

Email: pauline.osborne2@ntlworld.com