Wednesday, May 23, 2012
By Avery Yale Kamila akamila@mainetoday.com
Staff Writer
Need a new spring look but don't have a lot of cash? Show up at Head Games Salon in Portland on Saturday, where a fashion-forward clothing exchange will take place.
SWAPMAINE
WHEN: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday
WHERE: Head Games Salon, 116 Free St., Portland
HOW MUCH: Free with clothes dropped off by today. Day-of-event cost is $5 with a bag of clothes and $10 without a bag.
INFO: swapmaine.com; swapmaine@gmail.com
WHAT TO WEAR TO THE SWAP
THERE WILL BE full-length mirrors but no dressing rooms at the swap, so it's a good idea to dress accordingly.
• Tight-fitting is your friend -- For women, the ideal swap-shopping outfit consists of a tank top and leggings (with maybe a cardigan or skirt thrown on top for style). This will allow you to try on finds without stripping to your skivvies.
• Wear slide-on shoes -- To get to the best items before someone else does, you'll need comfortable footwear. And should you want to try on shoes or pants, it'll be easier if you can quickly remove the ones you're wearing.
• Lose the purse and bags -- You'll be handed a shopping bag when you arrive, so there's no need to bring your own. And if you like to sport an oversized handbag, leave it at home -- it will only slow you down.
Called SWAPmaine, the first-ever event of its kind in the state happens from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The premise is simple: Bring items that have worn out their welcome in your closet and take away clothes looking for a new home.
People who drop off clothing, shoes or accessories in advance receive free passes for Saturday's swap. Today from 4 to 7 p.m. at Head Games is the last chance to drop off items in advance and receive a free entry pass.
Those who arrive on Saturday with a bag of clothing to swap can get in for $5. Anyone without a bag to trade must pay $10 to enter.
When they arrive, shoppers will be given a cotton bag filled with a few promotional items. This bag then serves as a shopping tote, and each person can take away as many items as will fit in the bag.
The swap is the brainchild of a group of Portland fashion bloggers who felt Portland could benefit from such an event.
"It all came about several months ago," said Laura LeBrun, who blogs at sweetersalt.com and is helping to organize the swap. "Individually, several of us were thinking a big, citywide swap was something Portland was missing. Alexandra Munier (who blogs at broke207.com) sent out a tweet, and it went from there."
The other bloggers organizing the stylish swap include Laura Serino of forefrontfashion.com, Ashley Jordan of ohsweetwilliam.blogspot.com, Kate Sullivan Jones of asweetdisorder.wordpress.com and Mara Higgins and Keriann Russell of mainelymara.com.
"It's a good way to meet people and get some new clothes," LeBrun said. "A lot of us don't have a lot of money right now, and a lot of us are interested in vintage. We're also interested in promoting Goodwill."
Not only are the Goodwill shops prime places to spot Portland's fashion blogging elite, the nonprofit will also benefit from the event's proceeds and the donation of any items left over when the swap ends.
At the moment, the piles of goods destined for the swap are growing fast.
"We have quite a bit of stuff," LeBrun said. "Right now we're kind of heavy on women's, but we anticipate guys (and their donations) will show up the day of."
And what does the fashionista, who is often featured on her blog sporting L.L. Bean Signature, H&M and J. Crew, covet among the items dropped off so far?
"I saw a Nicole Miller dress, some really pretty silver jewelry and a cute pair of sandals I was tempted to snag," LeBrun said.
But for the sake of the swap, she restrained herself.
Instead, this expert thrift-store shopper offered some tips for those headed to the swap.
"Keep your eyes open and look for something unique," LeBrun said. "The trick is definitely going in open-minded and trying new things."
Staff Writer Avery Yale Kamila can be contacted at 791-6297 or at:
akamila@pressherald.com
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