Posh Swaps Blog

Posh-Swaps.com have announced that we are celebrating our first birthday at the end of April 2010! Our website, which is fast becoming a popular place to swap, buy and sell clothes, will celebrate the occasion with a fantastic prize-draw for anyone that registers and lists clothes to swap during the month of May 2010, with prizes to be won including £100 of shoe vouchers! The website was launched almost a year ago for people to do clothes swapping for free.

There are other clothes swapping websites which have introduced fees everytime someone swaps, buys or sells, but we have no plans to do so ourselves. The aim of the free service is to encourage everyone to swap clothes without the need to throw them away, and so recycling them to do our bit for the environment.

This first year has certainly been a busy one for us at Posh-Swaps, with plenty of successful online swaps and two swapping parties (known as swishing) held in Chiswick and in Bath. Clothes swapping is becoming increasingly popular lately, as it is a great way to refresh your wardrobe- gaining new clothes and discarding others which you never wear, and thanks to Posh-Swaps, all for FREE! You also get a great sense of having done a really good thing for the environment, by reducing what goes to the landfill sites and reducing the environmental impacts associated with the manufacturing of new clothes.

Our website constantly keeps you up to date with the latest fashion and eco-fashion news with plenty of different blog posts published each week, plus a fantastic newsletter that gets sent out every fortnight to let ypu know of the latest items available for swapping.

Picture taken from www.ask.com

A new online boutique company called Sequel London has arrived on our scenes- one of the latest boutiques to launch that are eco-friendly. Sequel London offers a range of leather handbags, which have been made from recycled leather jackets, discarded silk ties and curtains that are no longer wanted. The company has been created by cousins Claire Baigent and Laura Queening, both of whom want to reduce waste and to encourage sustainability in fashion by choosing unwanted clothes and accessories from Oxfam’s Wastesaver Warehouses, and using the materials to create their stunning new range.

The collection features bags made from leather including leather buttons, a removable silk tie decoration to add colour and style to the bags, and recycled curtains which are cut so to provide the lining of the bag. The ties on each bag will vary by design and will depend on the amount donated to Oxfam, so no two pieces will be the same. All of the Sequel London products are made in London itself, and the company is aiming to use recycled materials wherever possible- from the leather and the curtains, to the packaging and the stationary which will be made from recycled paper. All of the products have been designed by co-owner Laura Queening, who graduated from the London College of Fashion in 2007. “We decided to launch Sequel London as a way of encouraging sustainability in fashion by using those cast-offs that most of us have in the backs of our wardrobes, to produce classic, beautiful pieces that can be worn with pride time and again,” comments Laura. “We only choose the best quality material, even if the clothing itself has passed its fashion sell-by date.” Claire Baigent graduated from Newcastle University in 2006, and holds a CIPR Advanced Certificate in Public Relations.

The Spring/Summer collection, which is only available to buy online at sequellondon.co.uk, consists of six designs which are priced from £39 to £79, and offer beautiful and durable designs to last a life-time at high street prices.

Pictures and Quotes from www.sequellondon.co.uk

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

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.

(more…)

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

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

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.