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Nov 21, 2008 9:22 am US/Eastern
4 Your Money: How To Stay Chic Without Spending
MIAMI (CBS4) ―
The times may be tough, but some creative ladies have found ways to have a good time and stay chic by getting new wardrobes for free by attending a "swap party."
The racks of clothes at swap parties often resemble the racks of high end department stores but they actually take place in private homes. The designer duds are pre-owned and it's the latest way creative fashionistas have found to get new clothes without spending money, courtesy of our troubled economy.
CBS4's Lisa Petrillo attended Lana Bernstein's swap party.
"Everybody brings as many pieces of clothing, handbags, jewelry, accessories that would want to swap with somebody else, whose merchandise they like so the premise is like you give to get," explained Bernstein.
The ladies drink, and shop, talk and swap.
"I think it's fabulous, in this economy, if you're a fashionista, you have to change your evil ways and become a recessionista," said swap party shopper Michelle Villalobos.
This particular swap party is designer label heavy and some items have never been worn before.
"There's Gucci, there's Fendi, there's a Chanel watch and then over here, there's ready to wear," said Bernstein.
"There are so many things here, I wish somebody had size 9 shoe because there are great shoes here. It's a great way to have fun with your girlfriends and clean out your closet," said swap party shopper Leslie Wolfson.
Villalobos says she follows a couple of simple rules when it comes to deciding what to bring to the swap party.
"If I hadn't worn it in a couple of years if, it didn't fit anymore and if I had to lose more than 10 pounds to get back into it, it was gone."
As the night went on, the swap transactions were made.
Villalobos swapped a dress for a pair of pants, proving that swap parties are a place to mix friendship and fashion for no money down.
Remember, you don't need to have big designer names in your closet for a great swap party. The key is to invite people whose style emulates yours. If you have a similar taste in clothes and similar sizes, then you can also clean out your closet and fill it up with fresh finds for no cost at all.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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