With school out, temperatures rising, and the summer months finally here, it’s easy to spend, spend, spend buying new summer threads and treats. It all certainly can get quite expensive. And while there is nothing wrong with treating yourself, there’s no reason why we can’t amp up and refresh our wardrobe with new clothes without feeling stressed about the next credit card bill.

A picture of the front desk of the Goodwill of Greater Washington Headquarters. On the back wall there is a Goodwill of Greater Washington logo and for painted pictures of people who have been served by Goodwill of Greater Washington

And that’s what the 2nd DCGF Swap & Shop was all about! From 11 AM-2 PM on May 21st at the Goodwill of Greater Washington HQ in Washington D.C., I held my second ever clothing swap as the DCGF. This event aimed to provide members of the community a venue to swap clothing and other goods to build a new wardrobe without spending a lot of money.

Picture of a 2017 DCGF Swap coupon saying that attendees will receive 25% off their purchase of donated items at Goodwill of Greater Washington retail stores

If attendees wanted to build a new collection of clothes and accessories even further, all were encouraged to shop at the Goodwill retail store downstairs with a 25% off coupon (exclusive only to swap attendees).

It was truly a full afternoon of indulging in clothing while being economically smart and fashionably savvy.

Not only did friends and familiar faces come to the swap, but new swappers came out as well. For many, this was their first clothing swap, so it was especially exciting to see them having fun and digging into the clothing trenches.

A picture of the DCGF Swap attendees looking through the items that are being swapped. Most of the items are clothing and are placed on table.

A picture of the DCGF Swap attendees looking through the items that are being swapped. Most of the items are clothing and are placed on tables.

A picture of the DCGF Swap attendees looking through the items that are being swapped. Most of the items are clothing and are placed on tables and on racks

A picture of the DCGF Swap attendees looking through the items that are being swapped. Most of the items are clothing and are placed on tables and on racks

As you can see, the swap was hustling and bustling!

A gold Kate Spade New York logo on a purse (closeup of the logo itself)

I spotted a Kate Spade wallet…

purses and head pieces

 

vintage tops

…along with some brand new purses, classic headpieces, and vintage tops!

A picture with dozens of pairs of different kinds of shoes in front of a window

A picture of a few different pairs of shoes: leopard print heels, white shoes with pink soles, pink flats, silver open toed heels, and tan shoes

A picture of multiple pairs of shoes: a tan pair of short heel boots, silver sandals, black heels, and tan sandal heels

The collection of shoes was unbeatable. It felt like I was at DSW shopping for shoes! There must have been at least 50 pairs.

A picture of two women: the DCGF in a floral long skirt and leather jacket and another woman in a brightly patterned jacket, black pants, white shirt, and black glasses

A picture of two women: the DCGF in a floral long skirt and leather jacket and a second woman in a long dark green jacket, black pants, and black shirt

A picture of two women: the DCGF in a floral long skirt and leather jacket and a second woman in a black, green, orange, red, green, and blue striped skirt, and sleeveless jacket with patches, a black shirt, and multiple tattoos

It was especially fun catching up with friends and meeting new ones as well! I just had to snap a few pics with some of my girls.

A woman in black pants and black shirt with a large silver purse

One new friend and Meetup attendee stopped at the store downstairs and found this silver Marc Jacobs purse! This name brand designer find topped off her Swap & Shop experience.

 

While I didn’t pick up too many items because I’m really trying to downsize my closet, I did happen to snag a pair of really cute brown heels (I forgot to take a pic!). I couldn’t believe it! I scored a pair of almost $500 Camilla Skovgaard modern heels in like new condition FOR FREE! Weeks later, I’m still speechless.

A picture of leftover donations from the DCGF Swap and Shop in white trash bags and on hangers

I can confidently say this second swap was a BLAST! I had such a wonderful time meeting all my local fashionistas and bonding over a shared passion and lifestyle: shopping smart. The afternoon was filled with mountains of clothes, yummy snacks, and smiling faces. All leftover clothing (there was a lot!) was donated to Goodwill. I couldn’t have asked for a better popping’ event.

Thank you everyone for coming out! Your clothing contributions made the event a smashing success. Big shout out to Marikia, Nicole, and Kendra for volunteering to help organize and sort all items throughout the duration of the event! 

See you all at the next swap! It will be even BETTER than this one. 

P.S. Take pictures of your swap finds and I’ll share them on the page!