We had a beautiful intimate swap, complete with Valentine’s Day Cupcakes, and there were some stunning frocks and plenty of fancy shoes up for grabs.

Quite a few happy first time swappers and a few seasoned campaigners scored some lovely treasures and were happy to show them off for the camera.

Our next Melbourne event is part of the LMFF Cultural Program. This event always draws Melbourne’s most fashionable ladies and must not be missed! Have a peek and get in quick! Buy tickets.

I came across this wonderful recipe for flourless cupcakes using almond meal instead of flour.

I think the finished product looks pretty good so I hope there will be lots of hungry swappers ready to treat themselves tonight.

http://www.blovedweddings.com/blog/tag/coloured-wedding-dress

When we buy (or swap) a garment, we’re making a commitment to it. It’s a bit like a marriage. We’re promising to pay due honour and respect to the person (child?) who made our new item by loving and cherishing it, by caring for it (laundering it) properly, by extending its lifecycle as far as possible by refashioning it if trends change or signs of age appear, and by giving it a decent after-life once it’s past its use-by date. Use it as a rag, cut it up for stuffing for cushions or toys – anything to avoid burying it in landfill.

Thinking of clothes as Fabric Friends helps us prolong the lifespan of our dearly beloveds. It also helps us think about the kind of community we’re creating in our wardrobes. We want our friends to get along, right? Before making a purchase I always encourage my clients to think of at least three things they already have at home that will get along well with any newcomers. It might be love at first sight for you and your new prize, but what will your friends think?

It sounds cruel, but we want to avoid bringing home any orphans (clothes that don’t coordinate well with what we’ve already got). We’re looking for some serious chemistry between our clothes. Consider the colour of your new number. Is it going to complement your established circle of friends? What about the cut? Do your garments look like they were made for each other? You can create heaps of different looks and outfits with the addition of a carefully chosen garment. We’re not talking about bringing home random nobodies. We’re looking for a match made in heaven. So go on, spread the love!

After having her head in the books for some years… we are pleased to announce that our founder is now one “Dr Kate Luckins” having completed her PhD in sustainable lifestyles. Kate joined a host of RMIT PhD graduates at the RMIT ‘arena spectacular’ graduation ceremony last year.

Having developed The Clothing Exchange as her Masters of Fashion at RMIT University during 2004-06, Kate’s exciting approach to research sparked some keen interest and won her the opportunity to undertake a PhD Scholarship under the watchful eye of Prof. John Fien, the sustainability innovation professor of RMIT. Over her years of study, Kate has traveled to the Philippines, Nairobi United Nations Headquarters and COP15 in Copenhagen to share both the story of The Clothing Exchange and the sustainable lifestyle stories she collected for her research. Her PhD Thesis: Elegant Sufficiency, How Young Australians are living better with less, passed with flying colours when reviewed by international author and consumption expert Juliet Schor and director of the Australia Institute, Richard Denniss. It is with great pride that she continues to develop The Clothing Exchange which exemplifies the kind of sustainable innovation we need to help reorient our consumerist lifestyles towards a sustainable future.

2012 is well and truly here. And we’re ready to kick off with the first Melbourne Swap for the year!

In conjunction with the Sustainable Living Festival we will be making an appearance at one of our all time favourite venues – the gorgeous BMW Edge at Federation Square – on the evening of Monday February 13th, just less than 1 week away!

With a new hosting team in place, this event is sure to start the year off with a BANG so come on down and pay us a visit. Bring any items you might have received over the silly season that you think someone else will LOVE! This includes shoes, accessories, clothes, etc. Every swapper can bring up to 6 items to exchange. You can check out the guidelines to swapping on the website if this if your first swap or if you need to jog your memory.

And if you’re keen to get along to some other great events throughout February visit the Sustainable Living Festival website for details/dates.

This event is always one of the best for the year so get along with your six items or less and find something new for the coming Autumn/Winter Season.

If this is your first swap, we encourage you to have a read of the Swapping FAQs on the website.

DETAILS:

Monday 12th March
BMW Edge, Federation Square, Corner Flinders St and Swanston St, Melbourne
Admission $25, book online/ tickets at the door according to availability

Be there for 6.30pm check in!

Bring 6 items you value but no longer wear to swap for those you will – quality screening at the door.

Swapping How-To Guide

Peta is an image consultant, and a great friend of the Clothing Exchange. She will be sharing her pearls of wisdom on getting the most out of your wardrobe and shopping smart here on the blog. Think of it as free styling advice!

You may also see Peta’s smiling face at the odd event in and around Melbourne over the coming months. She’s always happy to meet new people so don’t be shy  and introduce yourself!

Thursday the 16th of February

Waverley Bowling Club

163 Birrell St, Waverley (very close to Bondi Junction)

Check-in: 6.30pm for a 7.30pm swap

Barefoot Bowling begins at 5.30pm

Tickets : $25  (includes barefoot bowling fees and lucky door prizes)

How: Bring up to six items you no longer wear but think others may value to swap with other like minded women

Why: Enjoy the best of Sydney in the evening, barefoot bowling and swapping fashionable threads

If you are dreading the Christmas shopping mission, we have a great way for you to avoid all the hustle and bustle. Just head to the Dead and Buried open studio nestled in the quirky Nicholas Building (which also houses Alice Euphemia, Retrostar Vintage and Button Maniam among others). The details are in the flyer above… but to check out some of the master crafting that will be available see Dani M Designs (below) and the Dead and Buried Blog. There will be all kinds of neat treats for the buying that aren’t available at any other retailers so it’s a great opportunity to stock up for those stocking stuffers!

We normally advocate swapping over shopping but at times of celebration, we get a bit carried away… Here is our list of the more sustainable Christmas treats we can’t wait to get our hands on!

#1 Ellie Mucke’s divine reclaimed textile necklace

#2 Mina and Oli’s charming recycled leather tote

#3 The Sustainable Table cooking book