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Nancy V.

Owner of White Book (PR & Marketing); Project Manager/Diversity & Events Specialist

Hmm…about me, well, I am always and never the same, which makes for my own interesting world where I constantly recruit individuals to join my planet. Take myself very seriously, but prefer not to, so I dress in outfits that often do not match and say things that I shouldn’t under the guise of �...

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Fashion Swap

Nancy Vaughn

I consider myself a shopper – of various items, and I’d like to think I’d be open to it, but I don’t think I’ve ever purchased used clothing. I believe I have purchased other used items, but never clothes. I’ve considered it and have met people who have found wonderful items at thrift stores and second-hand clothing stores. Years ago I met a girl who bought a Vera Wang dress for $10 from a thrift shop. She wore it to a black tie affair, and she looked stunning.

I’m not sure if second-hand clothing purchases make sense to me all the way. Maybe because the spoiled part of me thinks that used clothing should just be given away. And another part of me would rather just do without it. I have worn hand-me-downs before from play cousins. I thought it was cool to wear clothes they had once worn because I thought my cousins were so cool. Perhaps I thought it would turn me into instant funky freshness.

Clothes from play cousins is usually as far as it went though. I’m not opposed to second-hand items, I just can’t recall ever purchasing used clothing and when I’ve been into thrift stores looking for that “hidden gem” – I usually just find dusty, dated items.

Well, I stumbled upon this site called My Fashion Swap and I’m thinking it might’ve come in pretty handy had I followed through with the S.O.S. program. They have several stylish items available for trade, and it’s like a local Bag, Borrow or Steal. The really cool thing is that Fashion Swap promotes saving money, while lessening one’s environmental impact (supposedly, according to the site’s MySpace page, the textile industry accounts for 4% of household waste). The site’s MySpace page also asks: ”Who has a closet full of clothes they don't want? Who wants some new clothes without spending a ton of cash? Who wants to lessen their own environmental footprint?“ I felt like shouting, “ME!” (Well, maybe not a closet full of clothes I want to part with, but an item or two might be able to go.)

Since I want to be a well-rounded shopper, perhaps I should consider second-hand clothing items and these swap sites. Or perhaps I’m trying to find a way to work around a budget, and hopefully discover a way to get more for less! I’m more likely to wait around and save for that much desired item though. Thing is, bet I could probably save more if I considered spending on items that were not brand spanking new. Or even swapping items. Maybe I’ll sign up and see how it goes.

Have you ever bought second-hand clothing? What are your thoughts? Ever tried a swap site?