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"This week, we attended a rooftop fashion swap put together by the blog [Jezebel.](http://jezebel.com/5638914/jezebel-had-a-clothing-swap-and-you-were-there/gallery/) The idea was that their NYC-based readers could score new clothes free (and during fashion week no less), while enjoying the city skyline and free booze and snacks. After sipping our red wine safely away from the tables of clothes, we traded in a very cute but ill-fitting top for a chunky plastic bracelet. All in all, a good night. Feeling inspired to throw your own clothing swap? Or just score good clothes attending one? Check out these tips from lifestyle expert and frequent swap holder Cayli Cavaco Reck of [The Contact List](http://www.thecontactlistonline.com/index.php).\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n__FOR THE HOST:__\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n  __Give lots of notice.__ \\\"You want to send out your invite two weeks before the event to give your guests at least one weekend to go through their closets.\\\"\\n\\n\\n\\n__Be suggestive.__ \\\"If you're having 15 or fewer people, tell your guests to aim to bring at least 10 items. (The more the better.) If nobody brings enough stuff, it's going to be boring. Make it clear that you want accessories too, which are more inclusive and can ensure that all of your guests will leave with something.\\\"\\n\\n\\n\\n__Light it well.__ \\\"You can get a full length mirror at a drugstore or Bed Bath &amp; Beyond for about $10\\\\. Put it somewhere so that it's available to all of your guests at once\u2014and place lamps nearby. Good lighting is important: I had a friend who left a nighttime swap wearing what she thought was an amazing black motorcycle jacket. Later, in the bathroom at a restaurant, she saw that it was brown\u2014a color she hates.\\\"\\n\\n\\n\\n__Rack it up.__ \\\"Buy or rent a clothing rack. I like to have a rack at my swaps because then you can really see the clothes and it feels more like you're shopping with your best girlfriends. Organize the items by type of garment and color\u2014they'll look more desirable.\\\"\\n\\n\\n\\n__Do have drinks.__ \\\"Water, of course; champagne to comfort those who aren't finding anything, and Coca-Cola to caffeinate someone whose really getting her shop on. Just make sure that doesn't get near the clothes.\\\"\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n  __FOR THE GUESTS:__\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n  __BYO-Bag.__ \\\"Luggage or a nice shopping bag are preferable to trash bags, which set the wrong tone.\\\"\\n\\n\\n\\n__Clean up your accessories.__ \\\"Many swappers are game to take shoes and bags for repairs, especially if they're nicer items. But you definitely want to put your best foot forward. Swipe the inside of your shoes with a baby wipe, just so they're a little bit fresher. If you have bags to trade in, try to remove the scuffs.\\\"\\n\\n\\n\\n__Leave the real junk at home.__ \\\"Bring clothes that are in good condition. You should be giving these things away because they don't fit you well or they're not your style anymore, not because they're faded or damaged.\\\"\\n\\n\\n\\n__Don't be a snob.__ \\\"Some people only want to trade a designer item for another designer item. But the item you brought isn't valuable if you're not wearing it. If something fits you better than anything you brought, that's a better thing to take home.\\\"\\n\\n\\n\\n__Experiment with sizes.__ \\\"A broader range of sizes can surprise you. Sometimes a small woman will look great in a larger dress and a tighter jacket will look great on a bigger woman.\\\"\\n\\n\\n\\n__RELATED LINKS:__\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n  [How to Get Your House Party-Ready](http://www.allure.com/howtos/2009/12/get_house_party_ready)\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n  [How to Make a Party Playlist](http://www.allure.com/howtos/2008/05/make_a_party_playlist)\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n  [How to Save a Dying Party](http://www.allure.com/beauty-trends/blogs/daily-beauty-reporter/2009/12/how-to-save-a-dying-party.html)"^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://www.allure.com/story/fashion-ideas-tips-for-an-amazing-clothing-swap>