8 steps to a successful clothes swap party

1. INVITE A GOOD HANDFUL OF PEOPLE.

5 might be too few, 10 too many, logistically. This also depends on how much stuff everyone has to get rid of. Maybe it's a good idea to get an idea of peoples' amount a week before the party date, and perhaps invite more people if the selection seems scarce.

2. PROVIDE HANGERS AND MIRRORS, CATEGORIZE THE CLOTHING.

This makes the whole séance less crowded, chaotic and dusty, and more pleasant.

3. HAVE DRINKS AND SNACKS AVAILABLE.

Putting on and taking off clothes is a workout! Not to mention the wrestling for the best pieces (embroidered silk blouse, you're in my dreams). Which leads me to the next tip:



4. WORK OUT RULES BEFORE STARTING.

There's bound to be some disagreement on who wants what. We've tried giving speeches, working out the numbers, but this time we simply drew straws which seems like the most diplomatic solution. If someone is on the verge of tears or winds up with nothing, your true friends will show some compassion (or find you something you hadn't seen). Or you will have to deal with your emotional issues toward material stuff, which is probably the most mature way to handle it. It's just clothes.



5. HAVE A PLAN ON WHAT TO DO WITH THE LEFTOVERS.

Decide who, when and which charity you will bring the leftovers to, so the host doesn't end up with all the responsibility.

6. SIT IN SILENCE AND MOURN ALL THE MINDLESS CONSUMPTION YOU'VE DONE.

(Harshly put, but seriously:) Think of the child labor and waste of material behind the leftovers. Appreciate your privileged position in the world, be thankful for the new items and concentrate on taking care of what you now own.

7. GO HOME AND INTEGRATE YOUR LOVELY NEW PIECES INTO YOUR WARDROBE.

Combine the new items with your old items into outfits. Put the new items somewhere visible, to make sure you remember to wear them in, so to speak.

8. After the swap party: REMEMBER THE MASSIVE AMOUNT OF CLOTHES AT THE LAST SWAP PARTY BEFORE YOU ENTER A STORE.

Which needs are you trying to fill with mindlessly consuming, fighting boredom/depression, finding self esteem/happiness? Shopping is not the answer. Give yourself time to mull items over before jumping the consumption gun.