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 sculptural 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)!
Bay Area Bay Area Bay Area!!
Also, that black dress is beyond amazing.
San Francisco!
Everyone would score so much good stuff! We are in desperate need of you guys!
Washington DC Washington DC Washington DC!!!!!!!
AUSTIN, DALLAS, or FT. WORTH TEXAS.
Although I think you’d enjoy Austin the most. It has SUCH a great scene; fantastic vintage/thrift.
Dallas isn’t that bad, either.
-Praying for a rainbow to wish on-
Oh darling. Please come to West Tennessee. I surely wish you’d make it to Jackson, TN, the 3rd largest city in TN, but I’d settle for Memphis.
The last dress… I will have dreams about that dress for a loo-oong time!
Hopefully some kind philanthropist can stump up the money for you guys to come and do a London swap.
You should bring it to Austin!
RICHMOND, VA
It’s the Capital City, small, inviting, affordable.
Has major universities and lots of young (and young at heart), hip people who’d be willing to do something like this.
1 vote for Orlando, Florida!
Wishing on a rainbow
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Gotta keep wishing
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A british swap =)
Manchester would be good
or
newcastle
hint hint
xx
Great blog
Very very cute dresses and awesome blog.
yo, there is zero chance you’ll come to canada, or at least ottawa.
digging the idea and the clothes
A clothing swap! What a fun idea!
Looks like you walked away with a few gems!
Cassandra Marie´s last blog ..Stomach Flu
How do people put together such great blogs!
Nice work man. I found you on google when I was actually looking for my weight loss blog! 