On Saturday, I hit u.swap, a clothing swap put on by U-Turn Art Space and vintage shop Chicken Lays an Egg (check out co-owner Jessy’s blog, Mascara or Motoroil).
Surprisingly (to me), I found ten items I was ready to part with–I have a hard time letting go of clothes–and managed to bring home a few new things in support of what I’ve decided to deem “sustainable shopping.” What? It’s a real movement.
Clothes kept coming in as people arrived, so there was plenty to choose from.
The place was packed with swapper-shoppers and filled with sweltering heat. No air conditioning + 90 degrees + lots of people = sweat dripping down my face. I tried not to sweat on the clothes up for grabs, but I’m not making any promises. Launder your stuff, ladies.
Rosie from The Brush Factory doing some on-the-spot alterations. Brilliant.
I have a habit of buying stuff that doesn’t fit from thrift stores and convincing myself that I’ll get it altered, or even less likely, promising to alter it myself using my handy DIY skills. Needless to say, none of this ambition leads to any actual productivity.
Whirly Girl + Kitchenette macaroons
However, I am productive when it comes to procuring anything even remotely dessert-y, so after I’d bagged my goodies from the swap, I marched straight over to the Whirly Girl truck and indulged in a macaroon. Which I insist on over-pronouncing in French as macarON. ‘Cause I’m pretentious like that.
UPDATE: I did a haul video about my finds! Watch it here.
Have you ever been to a clothing swap? Did you come home with anything good?
The Big Switch
Sweetie Pie
Tumblr Tuesday: Floating Beds and Trekkie Dreams
I Kissed a Girl (Stingray) and I Liked It
Tumblr Tuesday: Covered Boats and Watercolor Cake
STF + Radiant Cosmetics Giveaway WINNER!
Tumblr Tuesday: Book Tornadoes and Blonde Brownies
I’ve never participated in a clothing swap before but I’d be interested to find out how they’re organized. I would consider doing one in Orlando if I only had some idea of how it should work.
Those macaroons look delicious!
It was fun! There’s basic info on how to set one up here. The trick is to make sure everyone arrives around the same time so all of the swap items are available to everyone.
Haven’t been but I’d love to go to the next one! Where can I find out about all these happenings?
I think I randomly came across it on Jessy’s blog…The Brush Factory (brushmanufactory.com) has a mailing list that usually has updates & such about stuff like this.
Sounds like fun, minus the sweating. I love that the seamstress is drinking Pabst Blue Ribbon!
I have! It was really nice, too. Nothing like “free clothes.”
On-site alterations, though? #ohyoufancyhuh
Of course we’re fancy! You know how we do…
You’re right, the sweltering heat was terrible…lol.
I’m Alison…I came up and introduced myself to you, after I recognized you from your blog. I feel like such a stalker now
I think there should be another clothing swap in Cinci…some place with air conditioning. And maybe some music. The on-site tailor was great.
And definitely everyone arriving at the same time…I didn’t find anything for myself really(a cute brown purse), but found a few things for my daughter. I saw cute things coming in as I was leaving, though.
I think practically everyone on Twitter or Facebook qualifies as a stalker these days, so don’t feel bad! I agree we should do it again–with a few tweaks.
Thanks for coming to the swap! Jessy and I have been talking about hopefully doing another one sometime in the winter, thankfully we do have heat for the gallery
It really was fun, thanks for putting it together.