Clothing Swaps and Frugalistas

Actress Lindsay Lohan, queen of the recyclable tabloid headline ("Another Scandal for LiLo!"), staked out a new domain for promoting reuse this summer: Visa Swap, the United Kingdom's annual vintage and gently used clothing fest. Lohan's was the fashionably furrowed face of this year's three-week-long extravaganza, in which people traded unwanted clothes, shoes, and accessories for points. Earlier this month, swappers used their points to buy stylish second-hand stuff brought in by fellow participants. Anything not snapped up went to the charity Textile Recycling for Aid and International Development, which collects and sells used clothing to help fund projects like a solar-entrepreneur-training program in northern Malawi. Scandalous!

Of course, the idea of trading clothes is older than even the most dated dress in your closet. But today's economy and shopper's heightened awareness of environmental and social issues have infused swap soirees with a new buzz. Clothing Swap founder Suzanne Agasi touts swaps as a way to do right by the planet, while London's Sun traces the trend to so-called frugalistas--would-be fashionistas hit hard in recent months by the credit crunch who have found new (well, new-to-them) ways to revive their wardrobes.

This convergence (frugality + high-fashion + enviro ethos) represents something new for the world of eco-fashion, which has largely catered to buyers willing to pay a premium for a bona fide green look. In 2006, Wired described driving a Prius or wearing an organic-cotton shirt as "a way of "peacocking individual virtue and pursuading others to change their ways." What do you think it says now?

Are you a swap master? Share your tips and stories about great second-hand finds.

Comments

[Nichelle]

Clothing swaps are fun! it's cool to tell people when they ask "where did you get shirt?" that you got it at a swap. Right now, I am actually wearing a belt that I got at a swap last year. I organize clothing swaps as well as blog about clothing swaps here in New York City. http://fashionswapandmeet.wordpress.com

[Trittydi]

I paid less than $20 for four GOOD pairs of pants in great summer colors in perfect condition (one still with tags) for myself, and one beautiful and perfect designer shirt for my husband -- at the salvation army about two weeks ago. Two weeks before that I bought five very nice knit summer shirts for myself - some designer - in great condition - and two for my husband. Again, for about $20.

This is actually the only place we can afford to shop, but I bought used clothing for all my family including the kids - for years. Not to mention the other wonderful, occasional finds - glassware, ceramic dishes, expresso makers for $7 unused, couches and chairs when we need them, etc.
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[DavidMG]

otsof similar ideas in Choose to Reuse

[thisisbatcountry]

here's the best fashion present i ever received....a sewing machine!! i buy clothes for super-cheap at a thrift store & then alter them to fit me at home. buying clothes at thrift stores is sometimes more cost-effective than buying a pattern plus fabric, and it's always more time-effective.

plus, do you know how much money you can save for b-days & christmas? and what's a better gift than a one of a kind, fits like a dream skirt or shirt or tote bag or dress or...you get the idea.