Organizing a swap - help - YouLookFab Forum

Organizing a swap - help

BlondeAmbition

Whenever I go through my closet I usually end up donating a lot of clothes to the salvation army. This time I'd like to organize a swap meet but not sure how to do it. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to make this a fun event at my house? What would I need? Should I only invite girls that are plus size like me?

With some help this could be a really fun afternoon.

13 years ago

General

9 replies

Latest reply was from BlondeAmbition

Kristin L

Veteran

I think a swap would be a great idea! I think you could invite ladies of all sizes, because while everyone may not wear the same size, people may have accessories they want to swap. I would plan it similar to regular party or shower. I've heard that you should have an area to keep things you don't want to swap (like the purse with your wallet and keys) and maybe have a changing area.

13 years ago

HeleenH

Veteran

There is loads of information on YLF, http://youlookfab.com/2011/01/.....wap-party/ or http://youlookfab.com/swap/ is a good starting point. Good luck with the swap.

13 years ago

cheryl

Veteran

I think a swap would be so much fun. I agree to invite friends of all sizes and make sure to request accessories because they cover many sizes. Good luck and have fun!

13 years ago

christieanne

Veteran

My sister went to a swap in the recreation center/common area of an apartment house - they set up tables and made a changing area in one corner. It was all sizes but they sorted it by s/m/l/etc.
I think she was asked to bring 5 items to swap. Sounds fun!

13 years ago

BlondeAmbition

Active Member

So it kind of like a free-for-all? Just pick up and take whatever you want, or do you have to literally make a swap with that person? What if someone wants to have my blouse but I'm eyeing someone else's skirt?

How many people do you think I could reasonably invite without creating chaos? What kind of rules should I set up?

13 years ago

rae

(website)

Veteran

I've been to a few swap parties, and as long as you invite people you know well, I think the free-for-all approach is best. These are things that would be donated, anyway, so IMO it's even better if they go to my friends - regardless of whether or not I find a stitch for myself. When I've gone, the minimum has been around 5 pieces, to be sure everyone is contributing a fair share.

A 1-1 swap feels icky to me, because then you get into whether my piece is "worth" two of yours and oh, my blouse looks perfect on you, but you can't have it because your stuff doesn't fit me. To me, that's not fun.

As for the sizes, my experience has been that all sizes should be represented. Most of us purge stuff that *doesn't fit us* right? I may be a size X, but can bring to the swap all those size As I've been saving for 10 years to torture myself. Plus people can bring shoes, bags, scarves, and jewelry.

13 years ago

BlondeAmbition

Active Member

Thanks rae, great info!

What would the rules for a party like this be? I'd want to avoid arguments and hurt feelings.

13 years ago

rae

(website)

Veteran

From what I remember, the rules were loose and mostly unspoken, but something like:

- bring 5-10 items to contribute
- bring your own hangers
- first-come-first-served - you have dibs on whatever you grab to try until you've decided to keep it.
- if it doesn't work for you, let someone else try it.
- if you don't like the item after you take it home, try to keep it for the next swap party rather than donating or selling
- optional $5 contribution for food and clothes rack rental (if you decide to provide either of those)

I would hope no one would get into a fight at a swap party, but I guess better safe than sorry.

13 years ago

BlondeAmbition

Active Member

Thanks rae, I'll let you know how it goes, I'm planning it for late June.

13 years ago

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