A Clothing Swap
This ankle injury has made outfit picture-taking a confounding experience. The reality is that I have worn, exclusively, these Allbirds Mizzle high-tops ever since I received them several weeks ago. They’re the only thing I can get my foot into without causing additional pain.
They’re attractive as far as sneakers go, but as a self-declared “shoe person,” wearing the same pair of shoes every day is simply not inspiring.
State medicaid refused my doctor’s MRI request, so I am awaiting the six-week mark of the injury (which is next week) to request again.
Details: Turtleneck – Everlane ; Shoes – Allbirds ; Dress, Hat, Belt – secondhand
But this post is about a clothing swap
About a month ago, a few divinity school friends and I planned an informal clothing swap. There were no rules or expectations: no one had to bring something in order to take something and there were no limits on what people could take.
We set up shop at a local church’s community space within walking distance of the div school, laying out items around the room. More than anything, it was a chance to mingle with other members of the community in a low-stakes way. In the end, most people left with a couple new treasures and we donated the rest to a local shelter.
My advice for a swap is: just do it. Start with a fairly established community – like a religious group, club, school, or neighborhood – then get the word out. It doesn’t have to be streamlined or perfect. There will be people who find a lot and people who leave empty-handed.
But as long as you set fair expectations and strive for some size and style variety, you will be fine. I left with a handful of things – including the hat and belt featured in this post.
Leah Wise is the founder of StyleWise Blog. She has been writing, speaking, and consulting on sustainable fashion, the fair trade and secondhand supply chain, and digital marketing for over ten years. An Episcopal priest, Leah holds a B.A. in Religion from Florida State University and an M.Div. from Yale Divinity School. When not working, you can find her looking for treasures at the thrift store.