I’ve wanted to throw a clothes swap party for FOREVER. What could be more fun than a bunch of stylish friends bringing their good but no longer favorite items together. Everyone gets something new and no one spends a dime.

I think I’ve talked about it for at least two years before someone really grabbed on to the idea and helped make it happen. Thanks to some poolside cocktails with Julie and Courtney (and lots of me blabbering) – this party went from fun idea to fun event. Julie graciously hosted it at her house and Courtney helped get all the details nailed down and took all the left over clothes to The Salvation Army where we donated them to their Transitional Housing for Women and Families.

With their encouragement the email went out with the official rules. Here’s what we settled on.

* Everyone had to bring at least 4 items and up to 10 items (some people brought more and it was awesome).

* You could bring clothes and accessories – so bags, jewelry, belts and scarves were all fair game.

* The more the merrier, invite as many people as you’d like. This made sure we had a wide variety of sizes.

* Bring the good stuff. So no clothes with stains, holes or piling. Basically, we just wanted everyone to bring stuff they liked but either didn’t fit, wasn’t really working for them anymore or they’d already worn a few times and were tired of. But all brands were allowed so we had a wide range of things. From Target and Forever 21 to Gap and Banana Republic to Alice + Olivia, BCBG, Frye, Tracy Reese and Leona.

* We asked that everyone arrive between 6:30 pm and 7:30 pm with the official shopping starting at 7:45.

* To get things started, we drew numbers. Then, in order, everyone was allowed in one at a time to pick out their first dibs, favorite item. After all of us got one free spin, it was a free for all!

On to the pics…

We ended up having 17 people come plus clothes from a few people who couldn’t make it but sent trusty friends who were on the hunt for them. After everyone found a favorite, I peer pressured some of the gals into taking a picture with it. Smiles for days.

Lee with her new with tags Frye sandals | Callie and a her Rachel Roy shift with neon trim | Megan and her floral peplum dress (forget what brand it was – maybe BCBG)
Elizabeth and her new red dress with cut out back (recognize this?) | Megan and a new printed Plenty by Tracy Reese number | Shannon with a new black one shoulder number
Kelly with a new printed blazer | Julie rocking her entirely new ‘fit | Mandy and a new cute aztec print top

Kristen (the swap party’s fairy godmother – she brough SO much loot to choose from), Meggie and Cary (I’m pretty sure I snagged an Alice + Olivia dress thanks to one of these gals)

Stylish Swappers Jaclyn and Mallory

Things got weird (in a good way) at the swap.

Since the party, I’ve been wearing my new finds non-stop. I think the three days post-party were all spent in {new to me} clothes. We’re already planning a fall swap for early November and I’m hoping that we can make it even bigger. I’d definitely recommend getting some gals together and hosting one of these parties – we had the best time and all left with tons of new and free! stuff.