Posh Swaps Blog

We have already established that clothes swapping is a great idea because it is environmentally friendly, frugal and fun, we have also discussed how to arrange a clothes swap. If you have already had a go at clothes swapping and enjoyed it, here are some ideas for clothes swaps with a difference.

1. A children/ baby clothes swap - this is a great way to recycle childrens clothes as they grow out of them. As baby clothes are only worn for a short amount of time they are often in really good condition. If you arrange a ticket system where everyone brings a bag of clothes and gets a number of tickets in return, it will allow people to swap clothes for the right size for their children.

2. A clothes swap and customising competition - not only can you get some new clothes but you could also get a completely unique and individual outfit that no one else has. You can ask frinds to bring along a sewing kit and any old buttons, trims, beads etc that they have. Once you have swapped, you can then spend the evening embellishing your clothes over a glass of wine or two. At the end, you can show off the clothes in a fashion show and award a small prize to the best creation.

3. Vintage clothes swap - If you and your friends love vintage clothes, why not arrange a vintage clothes swapping party. This is a great way to refresh your wardrobes.

4. Themed Clothes Swaps - for a bit of fun why not arrange a themed clothes swap. Perhaps try a flowers theme or  choose a particular colour which everyone should bring clothes in. In the run up to christmas, you could arrange a sparkly clothes swap with sparkly or evening clothes.

5. Accessories swap - you could arrange an accesories swap for accessories in general or for one particular type of accessories such as shoes, hand bags or jewellery.

Let us know your fun ideas for clothes swapping.

11 Jun 2009 06:30

Venue: INC space, Holborn WC2

Launching our new Daisy bra and modelled by Amazon, Galdiator from SKY TV, our swishing evening will kick off at 6.30. As well as the swish, it will feature an ethical styling demonstration by Lupe Castro, music from top green band, The Phoenix Rose, burlesque dancing and shopping opportunities from ethical fashion brands including Bochica, Makepiece, Bourgeois Boheme, and natural beauty company, Green People.

Advanced tickets are £10.00 availble from nicola@daisygreenmagazine.co.uk

09 Jun 2009 17:30

Venue: Borough Bar, 10-19 London Bridge Street, SE1 9SG

Buy a ticket for the London Frock Exchange and be in with a chance of winning an LK Bennett handbag, a magnum of champagne and more! Tickets are just £10 and include a glass of bubbly on arrival. Buy yours today at www.londonfrockexchange.org.uk.

Confirmed: Pat McNulty and Kat Webster from InStyle.co.uk will be at the London Frock Exchange giving fashion advice and helping you put your new outfits together!

The London Frock Exchange is in aid of the Alzheimer’s Society

05 Jun 2009 19:00

Venue: Charing Cross Hotel, London

“Shoe Spectacular” is a party for all those women who just love shoes. There is an accessories swap (swap up to 5 of your unwanted items), a mini fashion show, live music, shoe artists exhibitors, shopping opportunities and beauticians onsite. All guests will receive a goody bag.
Tickets are on sale for £8 (advance). To buy tickets or find out more, please visit http://www.lagenevenorthevents.co.uk/

Email: theresa@lagenevenorth.co.uk

02 Jun 2009 20:00

Venue: Pink Bar, 93 Feet East, 150 Brick Lane

The East London Craft Guerrilla are back in the Pink Bar at 93 Feet East holding the second of their monthly clothes swap on Tuesday 2nd June. Once again, ladies and gentlemen, fling open your drawers and bring all those clothes, shoes and accessories that you don’t wear anymore (although please make sure they’re clean and in good condition) and swap them for new ones! The Craft Guerrilla tutors will be available to help you pimp your new clothes with vintage buttons and other trimmings.

As with all our DIY Craft Nights, please feel free to bring your own projects. Foxed by a knitting pattern? Got your garter tangled with your stocking stitches? Running stitch run away with you? Want to learn how to darn / knit / crochet? Ask our tutors to help you out!

£5 cover charge if you’re taking part in the clothes swap or free entry if you’re bringing your own projects.

Please get there with your clothes by 8PM as the first hour will be spent hanging them up and eyeing up your potential swaps. Please bring at least one item to swap per person with a maximum of five items in total. The amount you bring is the amount you can take home.

Craft Guerrilla DJs: Masonic Boom / Anna / Dawn Chorus / Handsome Twins will provide some crafty beats while you knit, sew and pose in your new clothes.

For more information and to download the flyer click the image below or visit the events page at www.craftguerrilla.com.

Clothes swapping is the latest craze hit the UK. It first became popular in the US, where groups of friends joined together to swap clothes and accessories that they no longer wanted. Clothes swapping events have now become big news with both large and small scale events being organised all over the UK.

Clothes swapping is probably the ultimate guilt free alternative to shopping. It helps to reduce waste and the environmental impact of manufacturing new clothes. Clothes swapping comes at a time when consumers are becoming more aware of the ethical and environmental credentials of their fashion. People are also keen to recycle and reuse in an attempt to reduce consumerism and its damaging effect on the planet.

Clothes swapping parties have also become really popular as they are a great way to get some new clothes, catch up with friends and have fun. Sustainable Communications consultancy  Futterra Communications have given clothes swapping parties the name ’swishing’, after the sound made by silk. Their website www.swishing.org gives loads of information on how to hold a swishing parties and even has invitations to download.

Basically, it is quite simple to organise a clothes swap. Invite your friends along. Each should bring one lovely piece of clothing that they no longer want and would like to swap. The clothing should be in great condition and something that someone else  would love to have.

At the beginning of the clothing swap, all the clothes should be laid out for everyone to browse and the rules explained. This is also a good time to serve drinks and nibbles and for everyone to have a chat. You can then count down to the beginning of the swap. Once the swap begins, everyone can grab which ever pieces of clothing they want.

Futerra suggests a very simple set of rules:

• When the swish opens, whatever people take is theirs
• Everybody must bring at least one item but can leave with as many as they like
• No one can claim items before the Opening of the Swish

You could try adding a bit more interest to your swap by adding a sewing machine for an crafty friends to alter or customise clothes- a great way to get some unique and individual clothes.

You could also try swapping your clothes online at www.posh-swaps

picture of Rag&Beau clothes swap, 23/04/09 from www.swishing.org

10 Jun 2009 20:00

Venue: Sue Ryder Care - Nettlebed Hospice, Henely-on-Thames, Oxon, RG9 5DF

Swap ’til you drop, The Mini Swish and now the third in the series, The Summer Swish!

Looking for an outfit for Ascot, Wimbledon or the Regatta?

With live ‘Cool Summer Jazz’ music being provided by The Supper Club, come and enjoy a glass of Pimms or two whilst browsing the Summer collection!

Bring along up to 5 good quality items of clothing, shoes, bags or accessories to swap - THE BETTER THE QUALITY, THE BETTER THE SWISH and once the Swish is declared open you can take home with you whatever you like!

£10 entry fee. All proceeds go to Sue Ryder Care, Nettlebed Hospice (including anything that remains after the event).

Must book tickets in advance. Pls call: 01491 641070
or you can book tickets on:www.suerydercare.org/summerswish

09 Jun 2009 17:30

Venue: Borough Bar, 10-19 London Bridge Street, SE1 9SG

Take part in London’s top swishing event! Tickets are £10 and available online at www.londonfrockexchange.org.uk. The London Frock Exchange is in aid of the Alzheimer’s Society.

Email: gilly@londonfrockexchange.org.uk

02 Jun 2009 19:00

Venue: JUNO SHOREDITCH

Support PEACE and your purse by joining International Alert – the UK’s leading peacebuilding charity - for our clothes swap night on Tuesday June 2nd.
Ladies, this is your chance to remix your wardrobe without going on a spending spree, and you get to take home a free goody bag!

Hosted by personal stylist Tracey Sinclair, who will offer styling tips and advice on the night http://www.raejames-personalstylist.com

Tickets cost £10 and places are limited so must be booked in advance. RSVP to fundraising@international-alert.org

All funds will go towards International Alert’s work with people affected by violent conflict in Africa,the Caucasus, Asia and Latin America.

01 Jun 2009 07:00

Venue: Chicago Rock Cafe Tamworth

K2 Events Proudly Presents Get Frocked Swap Shop Swishing Event @ Chicago Rock Cafe Tamworth.

Share What You Don’t Wear!!Starts @ 7pm ladies only!!

Free buffet and glass of bubbly - mini stalls available.

Tickets £6.00 can be brought off the website: www.getfrockedimageconsultancy.co.uk or £7.50 on he door.