Feb 16, 2008 12:05 am US/Pacific
'Fashion Swaps' Help To Clear Closets, Save Money
(CBS 5)
The economy is taking a dive and shoppers are taking a break, but there's one trend that's taking off. They're called fashion swaps, an event that's happening on college campuses and clubs across the country.
They came for relaxing massages, to get their hair and make-up done, as well as to socialize while enjoying good wine and delicious food. But the real draw to a nightclub in San Francisco wasn't any of these treats. It was shopping in the form of "swapping"
"I brought a dress that's real '60s." said Francis Amella.
Amella said she turned in the clothes she no longer needed in the hopes of swapping them for clothes she wants. The fashion swap is run by Susan Agassi.
"Women clean out their closets and they bring items they no longer wear or use...clothes, shoes, purses from work out wear to fancy dresses to suits..." Agassi said. "We have sorters sorting by category...it's like a boutique...and while the sorting is taking place women can get two hours of unlimited spa treatments..."
After two hours of being pampered, the curtains are opened and the women start to swap. What the 80 women discovered is that what some women are willing to ditch from their closet was truly another women's treasure.
But it was not just the women here tonight that were the winners. All of the clothes left over went to a great cause.
"Most of the women that come into the shelter come with only the clothing on their back..." said Christina Castillo.
Castillo works with La Casa Women's Shelter, a non-profit that provides shelter and help to over 10,000 women a year. They focus on women fleeing from an abusive relationship.
It is a win-win for everyone including Amella.
"It's a brand new dress...it's probably never been worn...it's got the tags," she said while showing off the treasures she picked up. She scored boots, a floral dress and a Liz Claiborne sweater.
There was still plenty left over for the women at La Casa shelters.
Amella added "It's going to a great cause...I love it! I had a great time!"
Fashion Swaps generally cost $20 which includes all the pampering.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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