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We all suffer through it. We all loathe it. We all let it … linger, like a New Year’s Resolution gone-bad or just plain ‘ole GONE.
What am I talking about? The dreaded annual closet clean-out — that time of the year when we all have to let go of a few things that have gone unworn, unused and as a result, are unwanted objects sucking up space in our minimal closet space.
The annual closet clean-out isn’t just a chore and a bore, but it can also be a grievance. We are forced to evaluate our style, our shapes and our sense of self. We may have put on some weight or transitioned to a new job. We may now have boyfriends and husbands or even children — realities of life’s progress that affect how we dress everyday and the pieces of material possessions we hold nearest and dearest.
I encourage you to grow with your clothes, and to feel relaxed knowing that there’s always a Swap Party around the corner to help breathe new life into your dying duds. At swap parties, you bring a few bags of your unwanted attire to donate to the cause of sustainable exchange. Then, you grab your own new finds that others’ no longer wanted, and they do the same with yours. Everyone goes home happy, either from release of “letting go” or the shopping ecstasy of getting something they like for practically free. The holidays just passed and we’re heading straight into the heart of winter. On Saturday, a venue near you — or maybe even yourself! — is hosting a swap party in honor of NATIONAL SWAP DAY so that you can make room in your closet for what you really love and wear for this season and the spring/summer months ahead.
I did a quick Google search to provide you with the best resources for finding a swap event near you this Saturday. Whether you live in the northeast like me, or hail from the south, mid west or maybe all the way other there on the west coast — there’s a swap-happy event just waiting to breathe new life into your clothes and to add some fresh flavor to your wardrobe, too.
As if I weren’t selling you on swapping enough: Take note that swap parties are sustainable style that’s SOCIAL! You have the chance to meet other progressive-minded ladies and gents who may become your new friends or at the very least, afternoon fashion comrades.
Happy swapping this Saturday, January 22nd, folks! I can’t wait to hear how you let go and how you gained on Twitter, Facebook and in the comments below. Because giving is receiving … and swapping? It’s just plain ‘ole sweet and SMART!
xx, SD
THE NORTHEAST
BOSTON!
WHO: Swapaholics
WHERE: Arts at the Armory // 191 Highland Ave // Somerville, MA
WHEN: Saturday, January 22nd from 8 to 10PM
TICKETS: http://nationalswapday.eventbrite.com/
NEW YORK CITY!
WHO: Stop n’ Swap
WHERE: Inwood, Manhattan // S. 52 Cafeteria, 650 Academy St. b/t Broadway & Vermilyea
WHEN: Saturday, January 22nd from 11AM to 2PM
DETAILS: http://www.grownyc.org/swap
THE SOUTH
WASHINGTON, D.C.!
WHO: Quarter Life Blog & Nana
WHEN: Saturday, January 22nd from 1PM – ?
WHERE: Nana // 3068 Mt. Pleasant Street, Washington, D.C.
TICKETS: http://swapday.eventbrite.com/
SILVER SPRING, MARYLAND!
WHO: Fashion Night Out
WHERE: Eggspectations // 923 Ellsworth Drive // Silver Spring, Maryland 20910
WHEN: Friday, January 21st from 6PM – 8:30PM
TICKETS: http://fashionniteout.eventbrite.com/
ATLANTA!
WHO: Fashion to Envy
WHERE: Nikki Darling Boutique // 227A Mitchell St. //Atlanta, Georgia 30303
WHEN: Saturday, January 22nd from 5PM – 8PM
TICKETS: http://fashionenvyevents.eventbrite.com/
ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINA!
WHO: Frugal Fashionista
WHEN: Sunday, February 27th from 1PM – ?
WHERE: Franconia Governmental Center // 6121 Franconia Road // Alexandria, VA 22310
TICKETS: http://www.meetup.com/frugal-fashionista-clothing-swap-alexandria/
NEW ORLEANS!
WHO: Ruffian Swap
WHEN: Saturday, January 22nd from 4:30 – 7PM (Central Time)
WHERE: The Beach House // 124 Girod St. // Mandeville, LA 70448
TICKETS: https://www.eventbrite.com/register?orderid=25051462599&eid=1183436691
WEST COAST
SACRAMENTO!
WHO: Peace Loves Swap Kids Clothing & Gear Swap
WHEN: Friday, January 28th from 6PM – ?
WHERE: The Bounce Spot // 2939 Promenade St. // West Sacramento, CA 95691
DETAILS: http://peaceloveswap.com/findanevent/sacramentoca.html
SOUTH WEST
PHOENIX!
WHO: Swap Phoenix
WHEN: Saturday, January 22nd from Noon – ?
WHERE: Join meetup group for location
TICKETS: http://www.meetup.com/swapphoenix/
WHEREVER YOU LIVE!
Sammy Davis Vintage at Philly’s Fall Swap o’ Rama Rama Event!
Hi Sammy! thanks for giving peace. love. swap a shout out. We not only have the swap in Sacramento – but we also have a swap in Vacaville, CA on the 2/5; Roseville CA on 2/19; Natomas CA 2/20.. We also have swaps in Colorado, Southern California, Virginia & new locations are popping up every day. We help moms start their own successful swaps in cities across the US. : )
meg
Thanks Sammy for giving us a shot out on your blog!! The Atlanta swapnistas are so excited about #nationalswap day….the countdown to Saturday begins!