Contra Costa Times

Clothing traders find treasures to update their wardrobes in a guilt-free way

Body + Soul

October 2007

Paying for clothes is so last season. Chic, savvy, conservation-minded consumers now update their wardrobes by taking part in clothing swaps.  All you have to do is gather up gently worn items from your closet, bring them to a central location, and choose from others' castoffs.  Everyone gets the chance to find new looks without contributing to the rampant waste in the textile industry.  Organizations such as Clothing Swap®, Swap-O-Rama-Rama and Buffalo Exchange set up the fashion exchanging events. Or consider hosting your own.  Invite friends, set a minimum number of pieces for each to bring, and trade away.

A Martha Stuart Publication

Alumnae Club News
July 2006

Alumna-Business Owner Reaches Clothing Swap Milestone

Suzanne Agasi '93, founder of Clothing Swap, was raised on hand-me-downs and felt forever fashionable.  She built her business to share the idea that anyone can look like a million bucks with creativity and style.  This month, Suzanne hosted her 100th Clothing Swap.  She has organized swaps in the San Francisco Bay Area and New York City for more than a decade.

The events are for women only, and women of ages, styles and sizes are encouraged to attend.  She asks attendees to bring clean, gently worn or new items.  Once the swap begins, attendees try on clothes and take home what they like.  All unclaimed items are donated to the local women's shelter/clothing bank the next day.

WOMEN CAN PICK OUT FREE CLOTHES AT BENEFIT:

One woman's outdated or outgrown garment is another woman's apparel treasure.  That's part of the premise of the Diva Eve Clothing Swap, a woman-only charity extravaganza coming to the Pear Street Bistro in Pinole on Tuesday.  "Great food, goodie bags free clothes-it's everything women want under one roof," said event founder Suzanne Agasi who uses the slogan "fashion, fun and philanthropy."

Stephanie Simons - July 2007

Need a new fancy frock? Don't think you need to spend big bucks at a high-end boutique.  Instead, get your gal pals together for a "clothes swap" soiree.  It's the hottest fashion trend since oversize sunglasses-straight from Manhattan to the East Bay burbs.  At a swap, guests bring designer duds and accessories they've grown tired of to trade with friends.