FASHION, ACCESSORIES, SWAPPING!

“Everyday I wake up and I thank God for my unique ability to accessorize.”   

This inspiring quote is from a postcard the late Stanley DeSantis sent me ages ago. I keep it right above my computer as a lovely reminder of how important accessories are to every wardrobe. These days, I’m pretty focused on accessories since I’m 3 weeks into a shopping-from-my-closet ONLY fashion experiment. Accessorizing is vital.

Accordingly, I recently attended a fabulous fashion event called the ThinkThruFashion Accessory Swap Soiree at the Avalon Hotel in Beverly Hills. The event was put on by Sydne Summer, ThinkThruFashion’s Editor-in-Chief, in celebration of 6 months of her ttF Fashion Staple Series. I’ve been following Sydne AKA @SydneSummer on Twitter for awhile now and find her tweets, links, and twitpics seriously engaging. It was fun to finally meet this Twitter fashion expert in person! 

photo by Felix Salzman

In addition to the swap, Michael Stars had a pop-up shop in one of the poolside cabanas featuring a summer sale of their ultra-luxe cotton pieces. I have a major love affair with high-quality cotton and could have picked up so many of the Michael Stars tops (at great prices!!) but alas, I’m committed to 6 months of no shopping . . . only swapping!

For the swap portion of the event, each attendee was instructed to bring 3-5 accessories that she wanted to swap out. You would turn in your items and receive either a gold (luxe) or silver (chic) star for each item. I ended up with 3 gold and 2 silver stars, so off to the accessory table I went – my stars as currency.

In exchange for my Betsey Johnson sunglasses, 2 bangles, a black bauble necklace, and large green-stoned necklace from the Tori Spelling Collection (yes, you read that right . . .) I got some great booty! I selected a dainty yet weighty gold necklace that I’ve earmarked for my cousin’s September wedding, a neutral 2-toned scarf, and 3 bangle bracelets; one of which was exactly the same as one of the bangles I turned in, except that now I have it in a bright yellow. I’m super happy with my “shopping” experience, though I wish I had cashed in a little earlier, as one of my fellow fashionistas landed a L.A.M.B. watch! 

photo by Ray Wongchinda

Fashion events, without fail, always have the best gift bags. This one topped just about any swag bag I’ve ever gone home with:

·      High-waisted cotton bloomers by American Apparel (looooove!)

·      An adorable sleep mask by Bedhead Pajamas

·      Haircare by Unite Eurotherapy

·      A fab make-up kit that includes 5 eye-shadows, lip gloss, and eyeliner by NYX

·      Anti-aging serum by Bellanue (can’t get enough anti-aging products!)

·      A Style Network emery board

·      Tanning lotion by Beautisol

·      PaperTweet by Knock Knock Nifty Notes (hilarious notepad for us Twitterbugs)

·      Pro Active oil blotters, compliments of Queen of the Quarter-Life Crisis

·      Certificate for a treatment at DERMALOGICA (my favorite!!!!)

Additionally, Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics reps were on hand for touch ups and were giving out full sized lipsticks. Mariska Hargitay’s The Joyful Heart Foundation was the big winner of the night, as there was a benefit raffle that helped raise over $2,000 for the organization which supports survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, and child abuse. I was happy to purchase a raffle ticket and give money to such a needed organization and was even happier when I won a eco-friendly Hemptress bag!

Although it’s fun & fabulous to attend fashion events with amazing people, swapping is something we can all do on our own, with our own group of friends. I’ve attended various swaps – sometimes with just a few girlfriends; sometimes they’re highly organized with 50+ attendees! No matter the size, you’re bound to find a few items that work with your current wardrobe. To me, swaps are an essential part of closet organization because not only do you get to take home your best friend’s sweater/wrap dress/hat that you’ve been coveting, you have the opportunity to get rid of your own closet clutter. For more on de-cluttering your closet, check out the Wardrobe Consultation under Services at www.soignee-la.com.

Happy swapping and accessorizing!