Recently we posted a blog on this website about the publication of a new book entitled Women in Clothes – an exhaustive study of 639 women and how they dress.
Later on, I spotted an article in the New York Observer that described a book-and-swap party to celebrate the launch of this book. It was held in Rachel Comey’s boutique in Manhattan’s Soho (she is one of the contributors in the book) and it was a festive affair of book party-and-clothing swap rolled into one – accompanied by lots of champagne.
ONE HUMOROUS STORY came out of this event. A participant brought her would-be wedding dress. She had changed her mind at the last minute about the dress (not the fiancé). Can you imagine? A wedding dress stood up at the altar! But who would swap for it? After several glasses of champagne one attendee said, “Wearing this dress would be a great way to cook breakfast”.
Which brings us to this: why not throw a swap party for 8 to 20 people? After all, it’s much more fun than a yard sale – plus it’s a good way to clean out your closet. Let’s take a look at all the elements of this swinging social:
THE FOOD Keep it simple with easy-to-handle hors d’oeuvres and champagne, wine or beer and lots of cool music.
WHAT TO BRING Ask the ladies to bring “gently used” clothing that they no longer wear or have use for.
HOW TO ARRANGE THE CLOTHES Push back the furniture in the largest room in your home and bring in extra tables. Then make up categories any way you wish: tops/bottoms OR summer/winter OR you can just lay everything out.
WHO GOES WHEN Have each participant write her name on a slip of paper and put all the names into a big bowl. Draw a name and that person goes first. A name is drawn each time a new person picks.
HOW MANY PICKS The rule is simple. If you brought five pieces, you are allowed to pick five pieces brought by others.
WHAT ABOUT LEFTOVERS? Bundle these items up and drop them off at your local thrift shop or the Salvation Army. They’ll love you.
MAY WE SUGGEST…
The best leggings you will ever wear are coming in December. We’ll let you know more in a couple of weeks. Stay tuned.
- Shaun
Comments will be approved before showing up.
I just read an article that sounded – to me at least – like “a canary in a coal mine” or an early warning of danger. This piece, written by Joe Pompeo, appeared in the May 2020 issue of Vanity Fair magazine with the title “The British Tabloid Invasion” and a subtitle that read, “How the Daily Mail is conquering American gossip.”
The paparazzi horde, La Dolce Vita, 1960 – photo courtesy of Vanity Fair
Apparently the good old U.S. is a nation of “not great” sleepers. Really? And I thought I was the only one! According to a recent study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention it was revealed that one out of three Americans are chronically sleep-deprived. Yikes!
I think we’re all taken by the incredible mystique of the famous French fashion house, Hermès that has been with us for two centuries and is still owned and operated by the same family. From its beginnings in fine equestrian leather goods, they are – in the tumultuous year 2020 – best known for their handbags and many other items.
My image of Hermès has always been rarified products at equally rarified prices so imagine my surprise when I recently received a very stylish publication of theirs in the mail.
