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DANIELLE RUDY DAVIS

Just an overcommitted girl trying to keep up with it all. Mom of three, co-owner of Lemonade PR, sports lover and F1 enthusiast always counting down to the Kentucky Derby. 

Event + Style Spotting: The Swap Shop * Summer Clothes Swap

Aug 7, 2013

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.

Favorite Finds from the Clothes Swap 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.

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  1. Courtney says:

    Great post! So fun! Thanks for all you did.

  2. shannon says:

    yep. that last picture was as weird as i imagined. can’t wait for the fall extravaganza!

  3. AJ says:

    I seriously need to snag an invite to this party next time you gals have one! Amazing!!

    -AJ
    FitTravelerAJ.com

  4. […] up a colorful new client and a new friend in Laura from Kluster | Hosted a killer clothes swap party Rocked my clothes swap finds as many times as possible from the colorful looks |to the more basic […]

  5. […] Check out Danielle’s tips on how to host your own clothing swap party on her blog, Lou What Wear! […]

  6. Jessica says:

    Oh my gosh I love it, looks like so much fun! I am bookmarking this because I have been talking about this for years too & I swear I am going to do it now!

    xx
    Here&Now
    Enter to win my J.Crew giftcard giveaway!

  7. shawanda says:

    I’ve been wanting to host a clothing swap party! Looks great – thanks for sharing.

  8. […] Blouse: Forever 21; Skirt: Forever 21 (from the clothes swap!); Boots: LOFT;  Earrings: c/o Lipstick Rose; Initial ‘D’ Necklace: Moon & […]

  9. Mary says:

    Love this post! Glad to have found another SBS member : ) Following you now and will look forward to your updates!

    x, Mary

    LaylonBeauty.blogspot.com

  10. […] was another #nonewthings outfit – pulling out this Clothes Swap score of a skirt, an old H&M tee and my favorite black blazer. Finish it up with my favorite […]

  11. […] Just remember the items they are most in need of: pant and skirt suits, work blouses, professional shoes, jewelry and accessories, purses, umbrellas (who knew?), scrubs, high-quality casual clothes and new hosiery. I’m thinking of doing it again in the fall as part of a clothes swap (which is another great way to go home with goodies for yourself while also helping out a good cause – read about how to host one here). […]

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