| Fashion From Another Closet By: Christina Anthony Do you have a closet full of clothes and nothing to wear? This problem can easily be solved with a fashion exchange party. Jill Koslic has been hosting fashion exchange parties nearly twice a year since she was 16 and loves it. “It’s an easy way to get a new wardrobe without spending a dime,” Jill says. The idea is simple. You already go through your best friend’s and your sister’s closets, why not expand the selection? Invite all your friends to clean out their closets and dressers to find the shirts, skirts and pants they aren’t wearing but are still in good shape. Ask them to bring everything to your house for the exchange party. Chances are your friends share your fantastic fashion sense, so items they bought but aren’t wearing will most likely be your next date clothes. The phrase the more the merrier also applies here, Jill explains. Don’t limit your party to just your jeans and tops. Expand. Accessories are also great exchange items. Purses, jewelry and shoes shouldn’t be left out. Besides, chances are that when you and your friends originally bought the clothes you’re exchanging, you also bought the accessories to match, so keep the look together and bring it all. In this age of technology, Jill suggests using Facebook and MySpace to get the word out about your party. The more people you invite, the more styles and sizes there will be to choose from. Just be sure you really know who you are inviting as part of Internet safety- stick to the friends you know. Carry on your fashion exchange party just as you would any other party. Get the music going and order a pizza for a girl’s night in. What could be better than shopping in your own home with all your best gal pals and catching up on the latest chit chat? However, if you’re looking to enhance the excitement, have an exchange fashion show. Put together outfits for your friends out of the random pieces you found in the back of the closet. Try new combinations. Your friends will love trying their hand at coordinating a new look for you. You can mismatch the pieces for a laugh or select specific items for your BFF to wear on the next night out. You can also have the party for a specific event. Host a party for your friend’s birthday in which she gets first choice on everything. Host one for the school dance where you can do each other’s hair and make-up after choosing an outfit. Host one just for dressing up or seasonal items. There’ s no end to the themes you can create for your next fashion party. And when the party is over, you and your friends can choose to take the leftover fashions home or donate them to the local Salvation Army or homeless shelter. This gives your closet room to breathe and helps out someone in need. |
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