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 
