We’re at it again. Black Eyed Susie and I are joining forces to bring you another fantastic swap
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More fun photos from Swap Til You Drop World Swap Day
Below are a few more fun photos from World Swap Day I wanted to share with you. Look at all the bags of clothes these ladies hauled away. Thanks to all the volunteers, The Swapaholics and Susie for closing her shop for the day to make this swap possible. Susie and I are already planning for the next swap in April. Be sure to get your tickets early.
Don’t be tardy to the Swap Party ladies 
“World Swap Day” Swap Til You Drop #3 in Review
A little over a year ago I attended my first clothing swap as part of National Swap Day. It was organized by Anika Alexander and held in Silver Spring, MD. There were approximately 25 women who attended. I had so much fun I decided to forego my plans the next day and attend another swap the next afternoon at Nana’s in Mt. Pleasant DC where there were at least 50-60 women in attendance. I never would have guessed a year later I would have attended at least 13 swaps, stopped buying clothes for a year and hosted three swaps of my own. Wow what a difference a little inspiration makes.
Last summer I partnered with Susie of Black Eyed Susie after acquiring the Greater Washington DC Clothing Swap on Meet Up. At that time there were just over 300 members and we have grown to 377 with new members joining everyday. It has been challenging yet fun every step of the way.
Each Swap Til You Drop event Susie and I have organized takes on its own look and feel. Each one has its own unique outcome and they just continue to get better and better. Friday nights swap was no different. First and foremost it was in the evening. This was the first time we tried an after work swap and surprisingly about 55 women showed up. We sold out almost two weeks ago. They were all so positive, brought great items and had such a great time.
Thanks to the lovely ladies, Melissa Massello and Amy Chase of the Swapaholics out of Boston for their encouragement and the inspiration of World Swap Day. They sent us some cool goodies to go inside the tote bags they provided which added to the energy and excitement of the evening.
Diehard Swapnistas braving the DC cold to find some fabulous treasures
The Swapnista’s began to arrive to Black Eyed Susie around 5:30pm. Dropping of their items and, picking up their drink tickets and chatting with one another. Most went over to the Getaway to get their free glass of wine and have some appetizers and about 6 others stayed behind to volunteer. Thanks to you guys we were able to get the clothes up on the rack in record time with moments to spare.
Susie checking in attendees for the swap
The clothes are just beginning to pile up
Even though is was a little frigid outside you never heard anyone complaining and when 7pm rolled around we were ready to let the swapping begin. Click below to see all the happy swappers coming into the store.
And in they come!
Once inside the swappers headed to their own special area. Clothing was separated by small, medium and large. Shoes were on the shelves and purses were hung on the wall. We had so many accessories we had to use the table and the counter.
Let the swapping begin
So many clothes we had to bring out extra clothing racks and hangers just to get everything hung up.
Shoes and boots galore
Racks and racks filled with dresses, skirts and more
In the end these fabulous Swapnista’s walked away with some pretty great items.
Black beaded Betsy Johnson dress. another fabulous treasure
what a cute dress!
A woman after my own heart. Karen wants to refashion this in our next Refashioning Class. How exciting!
She found a two piece pin stripped suit, like new!
This lucky girl found some PJ's
she found a fabulous dress
Many other swappers left with heaping bags of clothes, shoes and accessories.
After the swap. She made out with some great stuff
More smiling faces after the swap
Another one of our fabulous volunteers. she stayed until the very end
One of our volunteers!! Thanks so much!
Susie and I just can’t wait to do this again. Keep your eyes peeled for our next swap coming in April. You can begin cleaning out those closets now in preparation for spring cleaning. Springtime swaps are always so much fun! See you then.
Susie and I after the swap. WHEW!! See you in a few months
Only 12 spaces left for Swap Til You Drop World Swap Day!
Join Sew Frugal and Fashionable and Black Eyed Susie for
Swap Til You Drop Part 3 in Celebration of World Swap Day!
Get your ticket today Click here!
Swap Til You Drop Part 3 – World Swap Day!!
Join Sew Frugal and Fashionable and Black Eyed Susie for
Swap Til You Drop Part 3 in Celebration of World Swap Day!
Swapping with dewdropDC – a Veteran Swappers view
What fun I had during Saturday’s dewdropDC swap. The best part of it was I didn’t have to organize it YAY!! Didn’t have to worry about set up, refreshments, hangers, tables etc. What a relief. All I had to do was collect enough clothes from my closets and drawers and bring them to Hillyer Art Space for the swap. Sweet!
Overall I think Kristine, the organizer, did a good job with securing a venue that was spacious and comfortable. The deal is you take away as much as you drop off. I dropped off 12 pieces and wish I would have brought more.
Unfortunately I arrived 30 minutes late looking for a parking space. But once inside I found there was plenty to choose from. I found 3 brand new dresses (moda, BCBG and calvin klein), a pair of jeans, two pairs of shoes, a sweater, a jean jacket and two long sleeve t-shirts. I scored!
A little swap advice from a semi swap vet
Swaps can be a hit or a miss. You never know what you will find. Remember swaps typically are a gamble and perhaps you will walk away with great items and maybe you won’t. If you have really high end clothing that you aren’t wearing take it to a consignment shop and get $$’s for it. Don’t end up with regrets because you took a Betsy Johnson dress to a swap and walked away with a dress from Target. No offense to Target but there is no way you will get an even deal on that one so don’t expect it.
I have been to at least 25 swaps in the past year. Each one is different and I set my expectations accordingly. I consistently bring good quality clothing that is in good condition but I’m not taking my Karen Millen or Louis Vutton purses. I will however bring BCBG, Tahari, ann Taylor and Banana Republic just to name a few. Just as I don’t want to walk away with buyers remorse I don’t desire to have swappers remorse.
Want to organize your own swap?
When planning your own swap I suggest you start off small. Swap with a group of your girlfriends in a more intimate setting and attend other swaps so that you can find our what works best. Take your time and organize it well. Then build up to bigger and better. Collaborate with others and get good helpers. They will be key.
Is swapping for you?
Lastly, swapping isn’t for everyone. Many people have hangups about wearing another persons clothing or rummaging through piles of clothes. If you are that girl then stay clear from swaps. If you are open and looking for an adventure be sure to check with and ask questions to the organizer before you buy a ticket or make your way over to the swap. Find out if the clothes will be separate by size, how many participants will there be, if there is a message board ask the participants what sizes they are bringing, will there be food, will clothing be on a hanger or on tables? All these things make a difference in your experience. If the swap is missing some essential components that are important to you then it best you stay home and catch the next one.
What I love about clothing swaps
Bottom line is I love swapping. I’ve spent a year avoiding department stores and have successfully used swaps and thrift stores to build my professional wardrobe. I’m looking forward to continuing in this direction for year two. I’ve saved so much money and have found some great unique items to add to my wardrobe. Thanks to the great donors. I look forward to more swapping fun.
See below pics from dewdropDC this past weekend
Enjoy!
Me and Kristine the Organizer of dewdropDC Clothing Swap
The Review from The Feast by Tobey Ward
Feast Dispatch by Tobey Ward Sep 19, 12:11PM in Shop
Over Sixty Swappers Cram Black Eyed Susie for Clothing Exchange
Swappers lined the curb on 14th Street waiting for the green light from Saadian.
Photo: Tobey Ward/The Feast
PHOTO 5/11
On Sunday, Columbia Heights second-hand boutique Black Eyed Susiehosted a clothing swap that packed the tiny shop to capacity. We caught up with event organizers Susie Saadian and Jennifer Mason as they sorted clothing before the madness began.
“We had our first swap in May,” Saadian told us, “and it went so well, we decided to try to do them quarterly. It’s a really great, inexpensive way for people to get new clothing.” And judging from the mountains of clothing strewn around the shop, swappers were eager to clean out their closets for the event.
Of this swap’s selection, Mason said, “I’ve noticed a lot of brand new items with the tags still on and some fabulous accessories. Someone brought 15 amazing leather purses.”
Click through to see the crowd and the goods at D.C.’s latest swapping extravaganza.
We Swapped Til We Dropped………..
I have to admit this swap was so much fun! Even as a planner this was more fun than the last Swap Susie and I held back in May.
Approximately 60 women from the DC area showed up to swap out their gently worn clothing for new gently worn clothing to add to their wardrobes. The women were cheerful, excited and anxious when they stopped by Black Eyed Susie around noon to drop off their clothing.
Ladies waiting patiently to swap
By 12:15pm Susie and I had a steady flow of participants who brought anywhere from 5 to 41 pieces of clothing, purses, shoes and other accessories. For about 45 minutes Susie, myself and about 6 other volunteers scrambled to get clothes hung up on the racks and shoes lined up on the floor.
After the ladies dropped off their wares they went across the street to The Getaway to pick up their free Mimosa. At about 12:55pm we almost had everything hung up on the racks.
Trying to make chaos out of confusion
- Susie and I scrambling to get the final count of participants
Susie and I then began to give away the prizes. We gave away 3 BES gift certificates and 3 free Sewing Classes.
Winner of one of our grand prizes
Winner of one of our grand prizes
A few minutes later the swapping began:
After the mad dash swappers were finding great items
Swappers in the swapping frenzy
Midway through Susie was making pitches for various leftover clothing
Susie telling participants how fabulous this blouse would look with a high waisted skirt
Kaarin with a big smile. Visit her blog at http://www.ClosetCaucus.com
Below are some of my fantastic finds. Thank you to all the donors for bringing sucj fabulous ites to the swap.
Adding more stuff to my bags for the swap…..
Doing my best to unload as much as I can this weekend at the swap. Remembering clothing swaps are only as good as the stuff you bring to them. I washed a couple loads of clothes and threw a few unwanted items in the wash so that they are clean for the swap.
Digging around today, and I’m not done yet, I found another pair of boots, more shoes I’m no longer wearing, a sweater and two suits. Tomorrow I’m going to look through all the sweaters I stored under my bed and look through my jeans, skirts and blouses.
So far so good. Three bags of clothes and shoes
Take a peek into what’s in my swap bag. Perhaps you can grab some of these items at the swap.
Straw butterfly handbag. I love butterflies but we must part ways
Little straw handbag I picked up at a swap earlier this summer. Never used it
Mizrahi Satin ankle straps, size 6 1/2 in excellent condition
3 inch denim patchwork boots. worn one time. Too high for my taste, but cute
Red patent leather flats. great for walking. Wore them once
Michael Antonio sandals size 6 1/2
Allyson Taylor crinkle blouse Size M
2 piece Benetton wool suit, Size 4
2 piece business suit black, size 8
Brown tweed pants - H&M Size 8, NOT! more like a 6 or a 4
Size 10 pleated skirt with tags still on
Size 8 linen pants from the Gap, brand new never worn
Brown sweater still on the fence about. Size M, H&M
All participants in the swap received a free bag to swap with compliments of the Swapaholics
More pieces will be added tomorrow and Friday……
What I’m bringing to Swap Til You drop Part deux
I struck a deal with myself when I began “the 365 day challenge”. I said self, for every item of clothing picked up at a thrift store or a swap, you must donate or swap out an item from your current wardrobe……….Well let’s just say I didn’t really keep up my end of the bargain with myself and now I’m bursting at the seams with two rolling racks of clothing.
Although everything is organized by category I could afford to purge a few items
I have a bag of clothes already started in the trunk of my car so I thought I would put a little pressure on myself to pull at least 10 items from my closet this evening to add to the growing bag. Surprisingly enough I was able to pull 16 pieces of clothes and shoes. By the time Saturday evening rolls around I hope to have at least 40-50 items to bring to the swap. Buy the way. I’m not participating in the swap ok ok, unless I see a really spectacular pair of shoes or a purse I must have.
Below are a few of my items:
#1 size 6 sheer plaid skirt. Its cute on, Its been worn once
#2 Size small tie die pleated skirt by Zara. Too short for my taste. Good quality fabric though
#3 fully lined wool pants size 6. Nice, I just don't like the fit
#4 Limited size 8 Cassidy fit pants. Too short. I like to wear at least 3 inch heels
#5 wool skirt size 4 - too tight in the waist but I really like it
#6 Size 6 gray pants with front pockets. Too tight across the hips but cute style
#7 Tag says size 12 but its more like an 8. Jennifer Beale Design Jacket. I liked it in the store. Not so much when I got it home.
#8 Black Boots Size 7 Nine West - I own two pair
#9 Size 6 1/2 Anne Klein beige Sling Backs - I've two pair of these too
#10 Euro size 37 Dana Stein espadrilles. Worn once
#11 Franco Sarto Sandals Size 6 1/2. Just decided I should put theses babies to rest. Didn't wear them at all this summer
#12 Size 7 (run large) Nine West white leather pumps. Haven't worn in 3 years
#13 size 6 Etienne Aigner lime green linen wedges. These hurt like all get out 
I can't stand it any longer
#14 Size 5/6 sleeveless sheer scoop neck blouse by Express. Never worn
#15 Size 8 shirt by Metro Style, ruffled front. wore with a suit once. Don't want it any more.
#16 Size M, INC Black & White shirt. Its been hanging for months. Just decided I didn't like it afterall.
I will post more items tomorrow…..sundresses, shoes, purses, jewelry boxes and more……
Only 7 more tickets left for Swap Til’ You Drop – Part Deux
Hi Everyone,
Sew Frugal and Black Eyed Susie have joined forces again for “Swap Til’ You Drop – Part Deux with a free Mimosa”.
Only 7 more tickets left. Visit SwapBES.EventBrite.com to get your tickets today.
Sunday September 18th
Clothing Drop off 12-1pm
1 Free Mimosa with ticket purchase 12-1pm only
Receive a free bag to swap with while supplies last. Compliments of Swap.com
Swap begins promptly at 1pm
Bring at least 5 items
Clothing, shoes, accessories, coats, sweaters etc.
All remaining clothing will be donated to Goodwill of Greater Washington
Door prizes:
3 free sewing lessons
3 $25 gift certificates to Black Eyed Susie
1 prize given to the person who brings the most items
How exciting!!! We can’t wait to see you at the swap. There will be door prizes and a prize given to the person who brings the most items.
Happy SWAPPING!!!
Swap Til’ You Drop Part Deux
Get your tickets to the swap today @ http://swapbes.eventbrite.com/
Controlled Chaos, Behind the Scenes Before & After: Reviewing DC Sip & Swap w/ @TheSwapaholics
I can’t begin to tell you how exciting Thursday night was at the DC Sip & Swap with the Swapaholics from Boston, MA.
Around 5:15pm we could already feel the energy in the Clarendon Ballroom in Arlington, VA. Ladies were steadily dropping off bags and bags of clothes and picking up their complimentary bag for the swap. Some stayed around and relaxed on the sofas and others went to the bar.
Check-in table
Swappers lounging in the waiting area
Silver Spring Sewing Sisters showed up for the DC Sip & Swap
Silver Spring Sewing Sisters, Kanisa, Xtine and Hadiya turned Swappers for a night
My girlfriends and I came a bit early to assist with the sorting. This process is no joke. We had to make sure only the best and most current clothing items were to go on the swap floor. Thanks to Lily and a few others for doing such a great job.
Lisa and Lily sorting clothes before the swap
Lily was very focused on sorting clothing. Eventually she had to remove her shoes for more comfort
By 6:30pm we were in full swing. The bar and the waiting area was buzzing with anxious women who couldn’t wait to get their hands in some fabulous clothes. Many were ordering appetizers and making new friends
Ladies waiting patiently
At the bar sipping before the swap
We were slowly but surely getting things sorted and put out on tables. Such helpful volunteers who were focused and dedicated.
Almost done. We're getting there
The jeans table was beginning to grow
More dresses
At 7:30pm the intensity was up by ten times and most were sitting on the edge of their seat or standing near the curtain. I was concerned folks might get trampled on the way in. It sorta reminded me of the Running of the Brides at Filene’s Basement. Total craziness!!!!
About 15 minutes before the curtain gets pulled back
One last look at the room before the swappers come in. Everything looks good and we are just about ready.
Moved the tables closer to give swappers more room
At 1 minute to 8:00pm as I sent my final tweet before the swap Melissa from the Swapaholics went on the other side of the curtain to say a few words and set the ground rules. Then the curtain opened and that was all she wrote.
Posing for the camera before entry
This is the only pic I have from the mad dash. See the full video later in another blog post
By 8:05pm the women were already pulling accessories from the stage and finding plenty of clothing on the tables. The selection was endless.
These ladies were going to town
Even I was getting in the mix of things. I picked up a couple of tank tops. That was all I managed to grab
Controlled chaos is what we like to call it Photo from The Swapaholics
17 minutes later the racks were empty, the tables were almost cleared off and most of the shoes and purses had been stashed in the ladies bags. Whew! I was worn out just watching them.
Empty Racks
Empty hangers in 15 minutes
All that was left of the shoes. Completely wiped out
Toward the end of the swap the women were taking pictures
in their fabulous finds and most were all smiles.
This swapnista looks fabulous in her new halter dress
Lily after putting in all that work found some great items
These ladies were so happy with their finds
One of Silver Spring Sewing Sisters walked away with this stylish coat
Pretty blue dress
My friend Georgiana found this great designer skirt
In the end nothing but table clothes and a few miscellaneous pieces
After the swap ended the Swapaholics moved on to the raffle. Four participants won great giveaways
Melissa getting ready to pull for the raffle but always prepared for a photo op.
Overall it was a good time had by all and we can’t wait to do it again. The next Sew Frugal and Black Eyed Susie Swap will be in mid-September. We will be announcing the date very soon and we hope to see you all there.
From left to right: Yours Truly Jen from Sew Frugal and Fashionable; Melissa and Amy from the Swapaholics, Lisa Rowan of QuarterLife; Amy; Shanna Gadwani of Goodwill of Greater Washington; and KT Boyle, Speaker of the Blouse at the Washington Post.
Fun Swap Stuff
Enjoy the rest of pics!
Me on the phone around 5:20 on a conference call from work. Don't they know I have serious fashion business to deal with JK it was important
These ladies were going to town
No pushing or shoving. Everyone swapped peacefully
After a few minutes there was no more chattering. All you could hear were feet going pitter patter on the hardwood floors
Me and Lily
Swappers going through the short sleeve shirts
Clothes going to Goodwill
All done.....After all that it was sad to see everyone gone
The Goodwill truck came to pick up the left over clothing
Kaarin having a little fun with the balloons
Kaarin trying to keep balloons steady for the word SAP
PAWS - Made me miss my dog, who by the way has been at home waiting patiently for me to come home. I think I should leave now
Eventually we had to say goodbye to all the SWAP balloons
Can't leave until me and the organizers take one last picture
Giveaway- Two tickets to The DC Sip & Swap
Today’s giveaway is 2 tickets to attend Swap.com’s Sip & Swap on Thursday, July 14th. I know, exciting right? Two lucky readers will join in for a fun night of summer swapping & socializing at the historic and uber chic Clarendon Ballroom. You bring a bag full of all those like-new and gently worn clothes, shoes, accessories, and jewelry just taking up space in your closet and trade them in for a new bag full of finds from fellow DC fashionistas. Everything left over at the end of the night goes to support Goodwill of Greater Washington, to be sold in their shops to raise money for their important education & employment programs. Here’s the link to see more information:
For a chance to win, leave a comment on this blog post no later than 3pm Wednesday July 13th. Two winners will be selected at random. The winners will be announced at 5pm July 13th . Good luck everyone!
SWAP.COM PRESENTS:
DC Sip & Swap
Thursday, July 14th, 2011
Clarendon Ballroom
Arlington, VA 22201
Clothing Drop-Off:
6 to 7:30 p.m.
Pre-Swap Mix & Mingle Reception:
6 to 9 pm
Swap:
8 pm SHARP!
Join The Swapaholics, America’s favorite swap hostesses,
for a fun night of summer swapping & socializing
at the historic and uber chic Clarendon Ballroom.
We’re coming to the Beltway for the first time, bringing together swappers from far & wide
for a fun night of retail therapy and recycling — and everything left over at the end of the night
goes to support Goodwill of Greater Washington, to be sold in their shops to raise money for
their important education & employment programs.
Bring a Bag, Get a Bag:
Bring a bag full of all those like-new and gently worn clothes, shoes, accessories, and jewelry just taking up space in your closet and trade them in for a new bag full of finds from fellow DC fashionistas — all for just the cost of admission!
Show Off Your Swap Style:
Take pictures with your friends and all your new favorite scores in our Swap Style Photo Booth. Pose with swap finds then tag yourself on Facebook to share your swap scores with your friends & post them to Twitter with the hashtag #DCSWAP to @Swap or @TheSwapaholics, or both!
Feel Good & Do Good:
All the clothing left over at the end of the swap will be donated to Goodwill of Greater Washington,helping to support their mission of transforming lives & communities through the power of education & employment.
SPONSORS:
Awesome Shoe swap by @FashionNiteSwap
I’ve been waiting for almost 6 months for this Shoe Swap to take place. I must say it was well worth the wait.
Shoe S(he) Swap by Anika Alexander, Fashion Night Out Swap. Most of you know I have given up buying any new clothes for one year and this includes shoes. Yes shoes!! I can’t remember the last time I bought a pair of shoes. Shoes are my weakness and that’s been the most difficult part of the 365 days of not shopping department and specialty stores. Right now my running shoes need replacing along with my bike shoes and those are the exception to the rule. I get a little weirded out about wearing athletic clothing and footwear knowing someone else had their sweaty body in it. Yuck! Some things you just can’t thrift or swap, but that’s for a later discussion.
Saturday night me and my girlfriends hauled our “bag o shoes” over to the Civic Center in Silver Spring for an awesome shoe swap. There were over 100 pairs of shoes and a little over 30 participants. That meant at the very least 3 pair of shoes per person at the mere price of $10 admission. What a deal!
I walked away with 6 pairs of shoes and a pair of boots. I was so happy and excited I could hardly contain myself. Anika is not planning another shoe swap until December but I might try to twist her arm a bit and see if she could do it in the fall instead. C’mon Anika this was way to much fun and helpful to the wardrobe!
Anika knows how to do a shoe swap up right. She had food catered in and we had games, prizes and a raffle. The ladies laughed and had so much fun. Definitely good food for the “sole”.
See below pics from the event:
