Swishing is basically the sport of swapping your unwanted clothes for someone else’s. Fashionistas do this because 1) they want to save money 2) they’re eco warriors who believe recycling clothes is doing their part to protecting the environment 3) They want to par-tay (obviously!). I attended my 3rd ever swishing soiree (hosted by charity Fashion4Change) on Friday. I actually didn’t have any unwanted clothes, so I quickly rummaged H&M the day before to buy a couple tops that wouldn’t break the bank and could be a worthwhile investment towards anything I managed to grab on the night.
You might have noticed I called swishing a ‘sport’. Well, it is – and what many don’t realise is that in order to be successful you have to understand the rules otherwise you might leave with someone’s sloppy seconds.
So my rule number 1: Scan the swishing shop as early as you can. It’ll be rare you’ll actually be allowed to go through the racks beforehand, but this is when your eyes need to work like scanners - dit dit dit dit dit DIT! Take note of the colours and styles you like (not point in wasting time over those burnt orange harem pants), and strategise the quickest routes to the shop once the whistle blows. I already knew that it was much better to sit as close to the shop as possible, at the end of the row (in this case, near the back), while all the newbies sat innocently at the front. Suckers.
My rule number 2: Once the whistle blows, head over to the shop, and grab at least four items in one go that vaguely resemble something you might go for. You’ve got to be quick though because once everyone else catches up with you after choking on your dust, they’ll be trying to adopt your technique – and there’s a good chance at least one of those four items will be a keeper. I managed to grab a pink dress, a green chiffon-style top, a black and white print dressy top and a gray shirt dress (which was actually the one I brought, hee hee! I put it back though!), but it turns out the pink dress wasn’t my size. And the black and white number actually belonged to one of the workers who accidentally left it on the side, only for it to be placed in the shop! LOL
My Rule number 3: Forget the accessories. I rarely go for these, and would only consider them as a last resort. Accessories (bangles, belts, etc) in my opinion are relatively cheap – and I’m trying to get my £8 entry fee’s worth, HELLO!? Saying that, I did manage to get a Burberry Bag at Swishing number 2, but it was, like I said, a last resort (and good fortune!)
Some events might also hold auctions - and Fashion4Change put on a fashion show/auction which featured some AMAZING items. I managed to land a lovely River Island cocktail dress for £7!!!!! Oooo, I do love a bargain (downside though: must diet to fit in it LOL. No rules for this except always think about the maximum you’re willing to spend on an item and bid in tiny increments, like eBay.
So if you’re into fashion and might want to your part for charity in a unique way, go to a swishing party ASAP. You can keep up to date with Fashion4Change here.
Matilda Egere Cooper http://theculturalexpose.tumblr.com/
