Painfully Hip’s Major Hip Replacement clothing swap in Chicago was so fun, it was painful. Painful to see all the amazing clothes that people were letting rot in their closets…
I loved the way the swap worked out. We set it up with a bartering system so it felt a bit like shopping but without the guilt, and with an easy, mingly cocktail party atmosphere. The fact that you were sorta being held responsible for the quality of your wares totally upped the ante on the selection. Another cool thing that happened was that in an effort to make a “deal,” the girls were encouraging each other to try new things by specially choosing pieces from their stashes for one another that they thought might be a good fit.
In fact, I am so stoked on my new, free wardrobe that I decided to show off my favorite pieces with a really fun shoot by my friend (and talented fashion photog for hire), Nick Avey. Everything is from the swap except the accessories, which were all thrifted.
This pearl-encrusted dress, in perfect condition, was in the unwanted leftover grabfest pile at the end of the evening because everyone thought it looked a bit too “Jersey.” So I staved off the “nouveau riche” vibe with some black accessories and flat oxfords. Now it’s sorta got a Little Orphan Annie feel, which, come to think of it, is quintessentially nouveau riche. Ah well.
In spite of the sour mug, I do love this outfit. The tea-length boucle pencil skirt was scored off of one of my favorite Chicago bloggers, Whimsical Nerd, who traded it for my green floral cotton skirt which on me was frumpsville but on her almost 6 ft frame it magically turned into an adorable high-wasted mini skirt. I hope I see her wearing it on wardrobe remix, she’ll totally be a thrift star that day.
No idea what I’m doing in that photo, but this is probably my favorite single piece from the swap. My friend Andrea brought it because it didn’t fit her, so she didn’t even ask for anything in return! It’s in beautiful vintage condition and fits perfectly! I love this dress so much I would trade my own grandma for it. It has these profoundly deep and gorgeous pleated pockets which satisfy me to no end. God, I think I have a pocket fetish.
By the way, I’m thinking about setting up a Painfully Hip Major Hip Replacement Clothing Swap tour. Which cities are most in need? Please vote in the comments, and we just might see you in your city (but only if you wish on a rainbow)!
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