Swap is the new shop: How to host a style swap party
If you're like us, you've probably got a closet full of perfectly good belts, bags and necklaces that won't ever see the light of day again. Well, you paid the price for fashion once, but thanks to this idea from our style maven Gretta Monahan, you won't have to do it again! Turn unwanted "rags" into riches at an accessories swap party. With a little planning, Gretta turned her living room into a chic boutique for her friends to "shop." And since most of her friends' castoffs were one-size-fits-all, everyone walked away with a bag full of swag to add to their wardrobes. Says Gretta: "I can't think of a better reason to clean out your closet!"
HOW TO SET UP YOUR STUFF
Use items from around the house to display the giveaway goods.
• Hang earrings on large corkboards.
• Place rings and pendants in plastic ice cube trays or acrylic desk organizers.
• Fill martini glasses or teacups with cuffs and bracelets.
• Perch wallets on shoeboxes wrapped in decorative paper or fabric.
• Drape hats and belts on coat racks.
• Hook sunglasses on pieces of ribbon pinned to a all. Place a vanity mirror nearby so guests can try them on.
• Hang shoes on the rungs of a ladder.
HOW TO SET THE MOOD
Transform your living room into a cool shopping space.
• Hang a bell on the front door so you'll hear "shoppers" enter the party.
• Rearrange furniture to create distinct areas for guests to try on their pieces.
• Place full-length, wall and vanity mirrors around the room. And don't forget to position a few on the floor for trying on shoes!
• Display items on tables, shelves and knickknacks.
• Hand out small shopping tags and ask guests to jot down a fact about each piece, like "only worn once" or "a gift from an ex."
• Hand out shopping bags so guests can carry their fashion finds home.
WHAT TO SERVE
Recipes by Tracey Seaman | Photography by John Kernick
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