Have you caught it yet? Spring cleaning? You know it will get you as the weather starts to get a little warmer. I think we all go through times, maybe not even in the spring, when we just have to get rid of the stuff we don’t use anymore. We have the urge to purge clutter and get something newer and fresher in. Maybe it’s from staring at it too long during the winter. Maybe you have changed weight over the winter and need something new. Maybe you’re moving. Maybe you are just incredibly bored. Maybe your students have made your clothing choices into a game to see how many times you wear the same type of pants in a month… oh… that’s just me?
Getting a whole new wardrobe seems out of the question, though. I mean, with everything I just had to pay for with taxes, there is no way I could ever afford to buy a bunch of new clothing, even at Goodwill and thrift store prices. A few pieces here or there would be cool, but a full new wardrobe? My husband would have my head. So what is a bored girl to do? Clothing swap!
For those of you who are new to swaps, they are when you bring a bunch of clothing you wish to be rid of and have others do the same. You then swap your old clothing for new-to-you pieces that others have brought with them. It’s pretty simple in concept and pretty awesome in execution. I went to the SwapMaine event last October (can’t wait for their spring event!), and it ROCKED. I was hooked on swaps from there.
Then, when I was still on that misguided adventure of only spending $10 a month on clothing, my friend Amy sent me a giant box of clothing she didn’t wear anymore. Amy lives in Texas, and I guess their thrift shops down there just aren’t as great as here, so she thought her clothing would do more good with me here in Maine. And when I say it was a giant box, I mean giant. Look, I fit into it!Within that box was a treasure trove of clothing, some of which I have made good use of and some of which will be going to the SwapMaine event for the spring.
New York and Company Streetwear Gray Linen Skirt: Paid: $0 / Retail: $29.95, on sale right now for $8.98
Verdict? Keep for now. I think I can rock this when it gets warmer at work because of its length. The waistline is a little on the big side, though, so I might pass it on if I reach my lower weight goal.
Gap Tan Bermuda Shorts: Paid: $0 / Retail: $39.95
Gap Black Bermuda Shorts: Paid $0 / Retail: $39.95
Verdict? Both are keepers. Again, these are pieces that fit and I can wear to work when it gets warmer. They are also incredibly soft and in great shape.
Gap Tan Shorts: Paid: $0 / Retail: $39.95
Gap Brown Shorts: Paid: $0 / Retail: $39.95
Gap Teal Shorts: Paid: $0 / Retail: $39.95
Verdict? Keep, keep, keep! I am always in need of different shorts that fit, and these fit the bill. The teal is also super on trend for the summer, which will add some lovely color to my wardrobe.
Gap Tan Pants: Paid: $0 / Retail: $49.95
Verdict? Well, originally, it was keep, but now that I have worn them once, they need to go. I could button them all the way up and then pull them off without undoing anything. I don’t think that means they fit. They are great pants, but they could be great pants on someone else.
H&M Gray Wide-Leg Pants: Paid: $0 / Retail: $34.95
Verdict? These will be leaving me as well, only because the legs are way too wide for my taste. I like pants with slimmer profiles, and these don’t fit into that category. They fit okay, but if I don’t like the style, I am sure someone else will get better use of them.
Old Navy Black Side-Zip Trousers: Paid: $0 / Retail: $29.94
Verdict? Super cute, and they will be staying. They fill a niche that my other black pants don’t fill, so they add a little bit of variety to my black pants menagerie. Well… as much as black pants possibly can…
Old Navy Red Terry Cloth Skirt: Paid: $0 / Retail: $26.94
Yuva Wide-Leg Trouser Jeans: Paid: $0 / Retail: $35.00
Verdict? They’re going. Both of them are waaayyy too big for me, and with my weight goals, I don’t want to keep any clothes in my wardrobe “in case” I get larger. No thanks. I was really hoping that they would both fit, but sadly, they didn’t. Someone else can rock them!
WWF “Green Chic” T-shirt: Paid: $0 / Retail: $31.00
Verdict? It’s pretty cute, but the fit isn’t totally what I want. I’m keeping it for now, but it may end up in the swap pile last minute. We’ll see.
Iz Black Dress with Studded Belt: Paid: $0 / Retail: $48.00
Verdict? Keeper! I know how many black dresses I have, but this (yet again) is a different style. I like it, and the belt is awesome! Worst case scenario, I keep the belt and get rid of the dress at some point.
So I got some great pieces for spring and summer just by encouraging people to donate clothing. Sounds pretty awesome, right? Well, you can do it too! Get some friends together and swap! You can start small with accessories or you can just go for it all at once. Try it out! It’s totally worth the effort.
If you would like tips for hosting your own swap party, check out this post on Goodwill New England’s blog (nope, I didn’t write this one!).
So, thanks Amy! I love the clothes, and the ones I’m not keeping will be loved by someone else as soon as SwapMaine hosts their spring event.
Have you ever gone to a swap event? What do you do when you get tired of your clothing?