Clothing Swap party

from Evite.com

Trading clothes with friends or family isn't a new phenomenon, but the trend is booming in popularity, thanks to our sinking economy and growing interest in all things green and reusable.

Not sure how to host a clothing swap? We've got you covered.

1. Choose an Evite invitation with fashion flavor, like the one above. In your message to guests, set the ground rules. Everybody brings new and gently used clothing, jewelry, bags and belts in wearable condition — no rips, stains or odors. Also, ask your guests to reply with the types of items they're bringing and what they're hoping to pick up. Finding out that someone is craving a silver miniskirt might remind another guest that they just happen to have one way back in their own closet.

2. Create your guest list. Either invite 8-10 friends for a small, informal get-together, or make it a larger group and charge a small admission fee, which can go to renting clothing racks and extra chairs or to buying food and drink.

3. Get your place swap-ready. Set up tables and mark each one for the clothing items that should go on it, so guests can set out their wares and, later, easily find the items they're most interested in. Turn another room into a changing area by propping up a full-length mirror and making sure there's ample lighting.

More Tips for Avoiding Fashion Mayhem

What if some people bring expensive things and others don't? Decide with your guests if you want to assign values to each item rather than swapping on a one-to-one ratio. To assign a value, consider factors like whether the item is new or worn and whether it was above a certain dollar amount, then use color-coded stickers (or a numbering system) to give it a value. That way, a purple-stickered item can equal 2 red items or 3 blue items.
What if some of my friends are too grabby? Start the party by letting your guests browse around and try things on without "calling" any items as their own. You can also set limits for how many items each person can take, either by letting people take only as many items as they bring or creating rounds in which everybody can only take a set number of items.
What if more than one person wants the same thing? Use a tie-breaker, like a coin toss, or create a rule where the item goes to the person who has the fewest items.
Does everybody have to be the same size? Good friends come in all shapes and sizes, and all should feel welcome to swap it up together. If you're concerned some people will feel left out, focus your swap on shoes, purses and other accessories.
What if there are items left over? Donate any extras to charity.