Clothing...it's.... EVERYWHERE!

(Not my closet. )

If you're anything like me, you've bought clothes and said...oh, sheesh,I'll totally wear that. You might wear it once. Or twice. And then it goes back into your already-too-small closet and you think, darn...why did I EVER buy that?

I recently started going to thrift stores. I can't tell you enough. I. Love. Thriftstores. I once helped my grandmother sort through donations and found a bag of BRAND NEW, WITH TAGS, DESIGNER CLOTHES, ALL IN MY SIZE ! (I kid you not.) Needless to say, most of it came home with me. Guess what? I barely wore anything out of it. Except for maybe three things that I am absolutely obsessed with.

Yes, I'm frugal. And in recent months, I've trimmed my waistline a bit, developed some new tastes, and I've gone through my closet. The result is a huge pile in the corner of my bedroom that says "I'm gonna eat-cha" every time I look at it.

What to do? I need/want/should replace (that's a lie) clothes. I don't have much money since I'm saving for my upcoming & dreaded student loan repayments in December...so I got to brainstorming. I remember reading one time about having a clothes swap party, so I decided to look it up online and see how it works.

1. Friends are invited.

2. Each person brings their unwanted clothes that have been washed and folded or hung on hangers. Purses, shoes, accessories are welcome too!

3. The area is set up "like a store" (thank you EHow.com) with clothes on clothes racks, folded on tables, etc.

4. Each person takes turns picking a piece of clothing.

5. Dressing rooms are designated if someone wants to try something on.

6. Everyone goes home with a new wardrobe instead of those old "back of the closet" shtuffs.

7. Oh, and because I love to eat, appetizers and wine will have been provided so everyone goes home with full & happy tummies, too!

I mean, seriously, what a fabulous way to get rid of your old things and go home with something completely new-to-you? I've gotten more compliments on my second-hand wear than most of my things I've actually bought and paid full price for. I'm actually getting pretty excited about this. I think I'm going to be hosting my first event at our little apartment soon! What are your thoughts on clothing swaps? Would you host one? Would you go to one?