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When it comes to replenishing your wardrobe, why send your precious dollars into the vicious cycle of capitalistic consumption when Barb in HR might own the blouse of your dreams? Women are now turning to clothing-swap parties as a frugal, sustainable way of "shopping."

Intrigued? Read on for helpful tips on organizing your own swap. Remember: One gal's trash just might be your treasure.

Invite Right
Keep it small -- six to eight people is good -- and keep in mind your guests' ages, tastes and clothing size. (Auntie Ruth's XXL "before" pants might not find any takers.)

Pick and Choose
Personal stylist and clothing-swap hostess Catherine Horgan of Closet of Style recommends asking each guest to bring at least five clothing items to swap. "Decide on your number and make sure everyone sticks to it," Horgan advises. "Accessories can be additional and are always a crowd pleaser. The condition of the items should be new to good -- what you would consider consigning."

Don't forget the hangers! Tell guests to bring a hanger for each garment, so you can easily hang everything up to display.

Click here for more swap tips


Plan Ahead
To make sure things flow smoothly, develop a game plan before your guests arrive. Do you want to keep it casual, or do you prefer a more structured setup with a drawing to determine the shopping pecking order?

Says Horgan, "The issue you may face if you wait for everyone to get there is a mad dash and panic when you say, 'Go.' It's better to casually let people shop as they come in. As others arrive, it adds excitement because more pieces have entered into the mix."

Brand Love: Clothing Label Tattoos

    Lacoste croc Fact: In the 1930s, this reptile marked the first time a logo appeared on the outside of a shirt. Fiction: He's going to want to rock this look forever.

    from the book No Regrets (Hachette Book Group USA)

    Converse Chuck Taylor logo No one at the beach will have to wonder what he'd rather have on his feet. Though by the looks of his flesh, he's not spending too much time there anyway.

    Flickr

    Nike swoosh This guy likes Nike. He reeeeaaally likes Nike.

    virginiamiracle.com

    Chanel C's The most popular label tattoos seem to be the Chanel double C's. Whatever would Coco have said about this?

    fashionista.com

    Puma brand cat Sneaker aficionado? Big cat fan? Possibly both.

    strong62kenny, Flickr

    Abercrombie & Fitch moose Whoa. We grew up believing that nice guys don the Abercrombie mascot; bad boys get tattoos. With one strategic swatch of ink, this young buck has blown our minds.

    Photobucket

    Chanel C's This rad belle's double C's appear to be either on fire or melting. Is that a compliment?

    sparkshelf.com

    Louis Vuitton print A Belgian artist anesthetized, then inked these porkers. Brand-name bacon, anyone?

    Photobucket

    Nike AirMax C'mon, you've heard the old saying: If you find a pair of comfortable shoes, buy two. And then have it tattooed on you permanently. What, your grandma never said that?

    vimby.com

    Betsey Johnson signature rose Love a designer but don't want their actual signature on you? Do like this lady, who borrowed Betsey Johnson's oft-used flower for her shoulder art.

    ask-fashion-kitty.blogspot.com





Animal Fashions

    The shoes on the right graced a Fani catwalk, but the frilled lizard on the left rocked the look way before.

    Getty Images (1) / Petros Giannakouris, AP (1)

    A feathery bodice on a Chanel dress highlights one's swanlike neck. And the feathers on this black swan do the same thing without the middleman.

    Getty Images (1) / Wildlife Conservation Society (1)

    Orange, looped-hem dress designed by fashion god Jean Paul Gaultier. Hungry garter snake designed by actual God.

    Getty Images (1) / Edmund D. Brodie, Jr. (1)

    Chanel's haute couture dress has a certain Bumble the Abominable Snowman aesthetic. Does looking like a creature from the "Rudolph" TV shows make it "colde" couture?

    Getty Images (1) /

    Mayhaps a squirrel fish inspired the panels on Georges Chakra's slinky evening gown.

    AP (2)

    Maurizio Galante's dress glides like butter down the runway, all the while reminding us of a bright jellyfish.

    Getty Images (2)

    Male frigate birds inflate their bright red neck pouches to attract mates. Female humans wear this bright, pouch-like Valentino frock to ... well, we don't actually know why anyone would wear it. 'Cuz that is one unflattering silhouette.

    Getty Images (1) / Corbis (1)

    The neckline details on this Alexis Mabille dress echo the winking feathers of a white peacock.

    Getty Images (1) / AP (1)

    Who wore this wavy look better: The model in Jefferson de Assis's fashion show or a coral reef?

    AP (1) / AFP / Getty Images (1)

    Perfect look for the out-and-proud Aries: designer Hu Sheguang's ram-looking headdress.

    AFP / Getty Images (1) / Getty Images (1)