Cheap Trick: Clothing Swap

"All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved."
--Acts 2:44-47

Doesn't this sound like the life? Sharing everything with your friends, spending your time and meals with them, and all while honoring God and doing His work. I came upon an idea a few years ago that let me share my clothes with my friends. A clothing swap is a fun way to get new things for free and to use what you have to help your friends. Here's the basic premise:

1. Invite over a handful of friends.
2. Everyone brings all the clothing/shoes/accessories/etc. they don't want anymore.
3. Set up your space so that the items are organized and visible.
4. Everyone chooses a few items at a time to try on and keep.
5. Once everyone is finished, pack the remaining items up to donate to charity.

The first year I did the swap, one of my girl friends and I basically traded our entire wardrobes. She had lost weight and dropped a size, and I had gained enough to move up a size, and it just so happened we switched to each others' sizes! What a nice feeling it was not to have to go buy a whole new set of clothes to fit, when it was right there in front of us.

You might actually be surprised how much of a range of sizes will fit you. I can wear up to two sizes smaller or larger than what I would buy in the store (because of brand differences, prior shrinkage, the lure of its being free...), and I have shared clothes with girls who are 6 inches shorter or 30 pounds heavier than I am. If you are nowhere close to the same size as the rest of your friends, there always seem to be sunglasses, scarves, necklaces, and other accessories that you certainly could pick up or give away. I always serve food, and the atmosphere is fun even if you just come to socialize! I would guess about a third of my entire wardrobe comes from swaps!

This outfit's possible inspiration ;)

Here is a clothing swap blouse (Express brand); khakis, $13, Old Navy; belt came with a skirt, Forever 21; headband, made from ribbon, Walmart, 50 cents/yard); earrings, $6, Target

Shoes, $10, KMart

Purse with pin, $10, KMart
Total outfit cost, with accessories: $39.50