We have all heard of fast fashion and how it’s bad, and we shouldn’t be doing it, right? But clothes shopping is fun! We like the feeling of having something new, a little wardrobe update, don’t we?! But the sad truth is that fast fashion is bad. Statistics from the UN Environment Programme state:
“Fast Fashion is the biggest consumer of water and is responsible for 10% of global carbon emissions – more than all international flights and maritime combined”
HOWEVER slower shopping can still be fun, and coming along to The Big Clothes Swap is one of the ways that you can help the planet and have fun shopping! As a Style Coach I encourage my clients to shop their own wardrobes before spending more money. They are always surprised at what they find!
What is The Big Clothes Swap?
A fun night out with the girls. And that’s whether you come with a group of friends or on your own because the room is full of likeminded women with the same intentions as you. Those intentions might be:
- The opportunity to clear your wardrobe
- To find ‘new to you’ clothes
- To find new clothes that won’t break the bank
- Make new friends
How does a Clothes Swap work?
It’s easy. You buy a ticket and find up to 10 items in your wardrobe that you no longer wear and bring them along (on hangers please) to the Guildhall at 6pm. These clothes can be ANY size and ANY brand, but they must be in good condition – think “Would I give it my best friend?”, clean and ironed (please).
Sign in at the desk as you come in and say goodbye to your clothes. They will be taken from you and hung along with everyone else’s items. And you are free to go to the bar or have a chat while we sort the clothes.
At 6.30pm there will be a quick introduction from me with your instructions for the evening ahead.
Meanwhile, the clothes will be being sorted.
And then I’ll shout, “Let’s Swap!”
Then you are free to browse the rails and try on. You can take home the same number of items that you brought with you i.e. If you brought 7 items, you can take home up to 7 items.
AND I’ll be on hand to offer free styling advice.
FAQs
- Can I bring shoes and handbags and shoes?
Yes, but not accessories such as jewellery or scarves and hats
- Is there a changing area?
Yes, however not individual cubicles.
- Is it only second-hand clothing?
I prefer to say preloved, but no there have been lots of clothes with tags on at previous events
- Is it ladies only?
Yes.
- Can I bring children’s clothes?
No, this is an adults only event.
- Is there parking?
There is a little bit of on street parking outside the venue, and there is a car park a very short walk. It is free after 6pm.
- Will there be all sizes?
I can’t guarantee what sizes people bring. However, in previous events there have been sizes ranging from 6 – 22.
- What if I don’t find anything that I like/fits?
That’s unlucky I’m afraid! But I’ve never seen that happen, and at least you have cleared your wardrobe of items that you don’t wear.
Remember you don’t have to take your full allocated amount home i.e. If you brought 7 items, you could take home just 3.
- Can I take home my items if no one else takes them?
Yes, if it’s included within your allocated amount, but not in addition.
- What happens to any leftover clothes?
They will be distributed between the local charity shops.
Testimonials from previous swappers:
“I went to the Swish with a friend and we had a great time and loved exchanging preloved items for new preloved items. Would definitely do it again!” – Carrie
“Great evening…lots of clothes on the rails, very happy with the items I chose, looking forward to the next one” – Sue
“Great evening swapping clothes with lovely ladies to refresh our wardrobes. With Michelle on hand to give advice and tips it was a real treat at low cost and very sustainable with any leftover clothes going to a worthwhile charity” – Debbie
Next steps
The next Big Clothes Swap is on Thursday 19th March, 6pm at the Guildhall, Grantham. All you need to do is book your ticket here:
The Big Clothes Swap – Swap til You Drop
Your wardrobe, bank balance and the planet will thank you!
Mrs Stylewright
