The Swap

We arrived with our arms piled high, laundry baskets and shopping bags, boxes and shopping bags brimming with jewelry, perfume, hair accessories, shoes, scarves, sweaters, pants and purses.

Meg had suggested the idea a few months back at our Edgy Bookworms Book Club holiday luncheon. “Let’s have a clothing swap,” she volunteered over bangers and mash at Brix and Stones, and we’d agreed it was a perfect idea. I, for one, was on board – eight months into Not Shop, my wardrobe is tired, and I’m desperate for some bling, even used bling.

So on Saturday morning seven Edgies arrived at her house toting items bound for Goodwill. I was surprised by how many pieces I managed to dredge from my closet and drawers: two purses, several scarves, a bunch of jewelry, a Jones New York suit, a fleece jacket and a floral skirt. Even after eight months of not shopping, my closet still produced plenty to give away.

 The clothes table

The purse table -- a favorite spot

One of two accessories tables

We began at the purse table and methodically progressed through jewelry, accessories, shoes and clothes. When a particular item caught our eye, we held it up, announcing, “I like this – anyone else?” If two women coveted the same item, cards were drawn. No cat fights, no haggling, no pushing and shoving – we Edgies are a civilized group when it comes to fiction and fashion.

The Edgy Bookworms

All in all, it was a fruitful morning. I left with four purses (yes, I realize that's two more than what I brought), two necklaces, a bracelet, a pair of silver earrings, two rhinestone pins, two shirts, a pair of Banana Republic jeans, a black jacket, a bottle of Grace perfume, Burt’s Bees lip gloss and a book light for Noah. And before you go assuming that I hogged all the best stuff, I just want to say: all seven of us (plus the baby) scored some thrift couture, as did the Goodwill.

My haul

  

Displaying three of my four purses

On Monday morning I sashayed into work wearing a new(ish) black jacket, silver earrings and a snazzy red purse. "Looking pretty fashionable there, DeRusha," observed a co-worker. Just goes to show you…one woman’s trash is indeed another’s treasure.

So how 'bout it -- are you up for hosting a clothing swap of your own?

**And many thanks to Meg for hosting the First Annual Edgy Bookworms Swap (she provided delectable eats, too!).**

This post is part of the Shop-Not Chronicles -- an adventure in a year of not shopping. Read more about the journey here.