Posh Swaps Blog

Frugal living is currently a necessity for many people but has also become quite fashionable as people find new and creative ways to live on a minimal budget. The media have likened this frugality to the second world war when rationing and shortages forced people to ’make do and mend’. John Lewis has even rewritten a wartime make do and mend booklet for modern times. It gives some great tips that still apply today as well as some new ones such as the economic use of the central heating.

This make do and mend philosophy, is not just frugal but also environmentally friendly and a real contrast to throw away society that has become so prevalent in recent years. Make do and mend positively encourages a reduction in waste and recycling in all sorts of different ways. Some thing that may be quite alien to many but that fits in perfectly with the current economic climate and make do and mend philosophy is making do with the clothes we have instead of buying new. Of course it help greatly if the clothes were great quality and classic styles in the first place.

A whole movement of fashionistas has began to spring up around the make do and mend idea. Clothes swapping, swishing parties, clothing repair and alteration, buying and selling second hand clothes and refashioning/ reworking old clothes have all become popular ways not just of saving money and the environment but also of creating unique, interesting and beautiful outfits.

Clothes swapping is the latest craze to sweep across the UK. Everyone is swapping and this trend is becoming even more popular as the recession hits and consumers look for ways to cut back on their spending. But where did clothes swapping start?

Clothes swapping has been around in the US for a while and it was only a matter of time before we caught on in the UK to the benefits of clothes swapping which helps to reduce waste and the environmental impact of clothing manufacture. Clothes swapping parties have been named Swishing and are promoted by Futerra Communications. Their website gives potential swishers details of events around the UK and beyond as well as details of how to arrange a swishing party and even invitations to download.

Swishing is described on their official website www.swishing.org as “To rustle clothes from friends. The Art of Swishing involves getting your friends together to swap gorgeous clothes and party at the same time. Every lady must bring at least one good quality, clean item of clothing, or an accessory, that she’d feel proud to hand on. (Large sacks of designer frocks are also gratefully received. And people who bring along anyone else with a bulging wardrobe.)”

Lately many people have started to swap their clothes through sites like www.posh-swaps.com as it is a quick and convenient way to swap and also allows swapper to browse potential swaps and take their time in making a decision on what they would like to swap for. Clothes swapping websites also give swappers the choice of a wide range of clothes and more control over what they get from the swap.

Swishing parties still remain popular for those who love the social aspect of clothes swapping and don’t need an excuse for a party.

07 May 2009 19:00

Venue: Holiday Inn Banbury

FROCKSWAPPERS are running their first SWISHING event in Banbury. Bring good quality clothes (on hangers), shoes, handbags or accessories and receive a voucher to exchange for other items.

Minimum donation 2 items, max 6 items. Donations start at 7pm, browsing for 1 hour from 7.30pm. The SWISHING begins at 8.30pm. Cafe/bar available. Admission is £5 which includes free prize draw!

All remaining items will be donated to Katharine House Hospice.

For more info please call Lucy 07971 573117 or Rachel 07814 665671

07 May 2009 19:00

Venue: Hampstead, London, NW3

Have you been swishing before but have been disappointed with the quality of clothes on offer? If so, this is the event for you. Only clothes of high quality and in good condition will be accepted for swishing. It’s first come, first served so make sure you arrive on time to avoid missing out! Ticket price is £5 and includes a glass of wine. Please email me at roisin_traynor@hotmail.com for further details and to book. Please note that entry to the event will only be granted to those who have booked in advance.
Any clothes left over at the end of the evening will be donated to local charity shops. Proceeds from the evening will be donated to The Stroke Association.

Email: roisin_traynor@hotmail.com

13 May 2009 20:00

Venue: Harrison’s Bar, 15 - 19 Bedford Hill, Balham

We had a fabulous first SWish at Harrison’s in March…some gorgeous gear and everyone went home with a huge smile on their faces!

This SWish is all about getting ready for the summer…holidays, weddings, balls and sun-kissed days out. Have a rummaged through your summer wardrobe and select 5 itmes that you don’t think you are going to wear this summer: clothes, hats, shoes, maybe some sunglasses? Bring them along and swap them for some fresh items which will make you look gorgeous and glam this summer.

As ever, show some SWishing respect and make sure your items are good quality and super-clean.

Harrison’s Bar is a fab venue with the bar downstairs just built for swishing with its wall-to-wall mirrors and private changing room.

To give things an extra WOW factor, Becky, personal stylist and co-founder of Balham Bou, Balham’s leading home of fashion (as featured on Mary, Queen of Shops) will be on hand to help you select the items which look gorgeous on you and tips on how to accessorise your new finds. There will also be some fabulous surprises on the night, all courtesy of Balham Bou.

Please drop your items off at 8pm and then relax with a drink from Harrison’s cocktail menu whilst we organise the items so they are easy to swish through.

We’ll invite you to browse and try on the items at 8.30 pm for 20 minutes when we’ll start the first swishing round…any lusted after items will be put into a raffle to make things fair and square.

Entry is £5 on the night, cash no cards please.

Please contact Jo to reserve your place or ask any questions. We reached capacity last time so do book early!

Everyone’s welcome, we’re looking forward to another brilliant swishing event in Balham!
Email: comeswishing@yahoo.co.uk

This week it really feels like spring has sprung. So time to cheer yourselves up with some very stylish second hand outfits.

Our first outfit from Karla of Karla’s Bonanza shows how to do second hand classic style. At second hand prices you can afford to be uncompromising about quality and Karla has managed to find some great quality pieces.

Thrifted: 100% Wool Jacket, made in Italy (it’s actually a knit, comfy and beautifully constructed): $10
Brown leather clutch (also beautifully constructed, with a clip inside for your keys, and other wonderful design details) $5

This lovely jumpsuit worn by Mai Le, is living proof that fashions come and go. What is out of fashion one year will be back in again another. This photo is from Mai’s photo stream on Flickr, she also has a great blog http://fashioni.st/.

sunglasses: bought on st. laurent
jumpsuit: $3.99 community thriftstore in montreal
black leather belt: $1 value village in montreal
leather peep toes: brand = bay club, $1 at community thriftstore in montreal

Here are Posh Swaps we are swapoholics, any excuse for a spot of clothes swapping. That is why we love the idea of Rag and Beau clothes swapping parties so much. For  a small(ish), fee Rag and Beau will arrange your very own clothes swapping party with a difference.  A Rag and Beau party combines the fun of clothes swapping with the treat of a variety of beauty treatments so you and your friends can go home with a new outfit and feeling rejuvenated and beautiful. Rag & Beau offer a whole range of treatments including manicures and facials. They even offer make up or tips on what to wear and how to wear it.

As with any good party the clothes swapping and treatments are accompanied by a bottle or two of bubby and lots of fun and games. I think this sounds like a great idea for a hen do, a birthday party or just a bit of a gathering.

Even if you don’t fancy holding a clothes swapping party, the Rag & Beau shop is well worth a visit. They are committed to recycling of clothes. They sell by new, second hand and vintage clothing. They have their own childrens label Rag&Beau Baby which is made from completely recycled materials and they can prolong the life of your clothes by repairing, altering and restyling them.

In the current economic climate, some have expressed concerns that the eco fashion industry that has been doing so well over the past few years, may experience some set backs. This is a result of more cautious spending and lack of disposable income. Eco fashion tends to more expensive than conventional clothing and in times of hardship, people just may not be able to afford it.

But there is one way of being frugally fashionable in a sustainable way - clothes swapping. Clothes swapping is the ultimate guilt free alternative to clothes shopping. It is a greay way to completely revamp your wardrobe without spending any money. It is also a great way to recycle your old clothing, reducing waste and reduce your carbon footprint and the pollution and environmental damage caused by the manufacture of new clothing. Second hand clothes are a great way to try out new looks and you can get a whole new look by swapping all of your old clothes.

There are lots of different ways to swap clothes. Swishing is the name given to a clothes swapping party. You can go a long to an organised swish or try arranging your own with friends. The easiest and most convenient way to swap clothes is to use a clothes swapping website like Posh-swaps.com. Why don’t you give it a try?

30 Apr 2009 18:00

Venue: The Glyn Clydach Hotel, Neath

This swish is to raise funds for Chloe’s World - an organisation set up to raise money for equipment and adaptations for a local 10 year old girl. Chloe is a beautiful little girl despite being blind, have learning and physical disabilities, and complex health needs she is a very happy, and brings joy to everyone around her

Email: sal3legs@hotmail.co.uk

25 Apr 2009 20:00

Venue: Greenmount, Bury, Lancashire

Want something new to wear without breaking the bank? Then come swishing with Bury & Rossendale NCT. Entry by ticket only - £3.

Every lady must bring along at least two good quality clean items of clothing or accessories (no underwear!) that she would be proud to hand on. Maternity clothes very welcome.

Tel: 0844 2436067 for tickets
5p per minute from a BT line

All proceeds to Bury & Rossendale NCT, The National Childbirth Trust, Registered Charity No 801395.

Email: burynctswishing@btinternet.com