Host a Naked Lady Clothing Swap Party
A Fun Way to Get "New" Clothes and Clear Out Your Closet
Dec 14, 2008
It's the holiday gift-giving season again, but this year consumers aren't in the spending spirit. With the global economy imploding and unemployment rising at the fastest rate in decades, it's no wonder people the world over are snapping their wallets shut - or even hoarding money under their mattresses.
In times like these, what's a fashion-forward woman to do? The wardrobe needs an overhaul, but the bank account can't be overdrawn. Believe it or not, you can score classy clothes and clear out your closet without spending a cent, and have a blast to boot. Make your next "ladies night" a Naked Lady Party, and swap clothing while sipping cocktails with your favorite friends.
Naked Lady Party Preparation
The concept of the Naked Lady Party (NLP for short) - a classy clothing swap with people you know - is so simple that preparation almost seems like overkill. However, following these guidelines will help you throw a more successful soiree:
- Fifteen people or less. Any more and it will be utter chaos.
-Spacious surroundings. With 15 or so women trying on numerous articles of clothing, adequate space is essential.
-Privacy. Since you and your friends will be removing clothes left and right, make sure your space is relatively private, i.e. a large room in your house with the blinds or curtains drawn.
-Refreshments. As any woman knows, trying on clothes can be physically and emotionally exhausting. Have snacks and drinks on hand. Many NLPs double as cocktail parties, so this may already be a key part of your party plans.
The Naked Lady Party In Action
-#1: Sort items by category. Place all the shirts together, all shoes in one group, and so on. While some NLP organizers have guests dump all their clothing in one pile in the center of the room and then sort, others prefer to designate item-specific piles for greater organization and reduced chaos. If you're even more meticulous, you can ask guests to sort items by size, or have everyone make and label their own clothing pile so that if someone has a question about an item she knows to whom she should direct it.
-#2: Swap. Guests visit the various piles, trying on items and asking questions of the item's owners along the lines of, "How long have you had this?", "What do you wear with this?", or "What's a good story that goes along with this article of clothing?"
NOTE: The swapping process has immense potential for conflict, but there are numerous ways to avoid catty competition and hurt feelings. One of the most creative is to hold an auction where a designated "auctioneer" holds up an item, describes it - size, fabric, brand - and takes "bids" (raised hands instead of cash) from the "audience." Those interested try on the item to determine who should receive it. If there is a "tie," a closed-eyes vote is held to select the "winner."
-#3: Donate unclaimed items to charity. Your local Goodwill, Salvation Army or similar thrift store will be more than happy to take your leftovers. It's a great ending to a great event. You and your friends will feel great about your "new" clothes because, through sharing with each other and the less fortunate, you've both given and received without breaking the bank.
Find a Clothing Swap Near You
Want to take the clothing swap to the next level? Swap-O-Rama-Rama is an international network of clothing swaps and do-it-yourself workshops that emphasize reusing and transforming clothes and accessories in creative ways. The site provides dates and locations for swaps and workshops in numerous regions.
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