boysRsmelly

Creative, Money-Saving Idea: Host Your Own Accessory-Exchange Party

Clothing-exchange parties certainly aren't anything new, especially among us shopaholics. Everyone brings articles of clothing that they no longer wear to the party. The clothing is laid out for everyone to see and a system is usually established for who gets to have first pick. It's a great way to get rid of your old clothes, score some new clothes for free, and have some fun all at the same time.

But this whole clothing-exchange party thing got me thinking. What happens if you and your friends don't all wear the same size? After all, this isn't a perfect world that we live in. And what if you and your friends have a severe handbag and/or accessory fetish? My idea is to host an Accessory-Exchange Party instead! Just think about it! You could save some money in these tough economic times and still satisfy your urge to acquire some new goodies! Here's how it would work:

1. The hostess in charge of the party sets up her living room like a designer boutique. She can arrange the furniture so that there is plenty of room to walk about. Her sofas, chairs, ottomans, coffee tables, or whatever can become "display cases". Full-length mirrors are set up near each display. Finger foods and refreshments are available to promote mingling.
2. Each person invited to the party brings handbags and accessories that they no longer use (make sure the items are still in good condition, of course). The items can get sorted into groups (handbags, wallets/small leather goods, belts, shoes, scarves, etc.) and displayed nicely within the "boutique".
3. Everyone is allowed some time to browse and try stuff on in front of the mirrors.
4. The hostess then has everyone draw a number from a hat or bowl. The person that draws #1 gets to choose something first, the person that draws #2 gets to choose something second, and so on. Once everyone has had a turn, the numbers go back in the hat or bowl and they are drawn again. Continue until all the items have been selected or nobody has an interest in anything else.
5. Allow people to offer to trade with one another if they were really wanting something or if they are having second thoughts.
6. The hostess takes the leftovers and donates them to a local charity organization. A battered-women's shelter is an excellent choice and they are often looking for handbags to be donated.

Additional Tips:
1. Try to invite at least ten people, preferably those that have a lot of handbags and accessories in their repertoire. You want to make sure you have plenty of items to go around!
2. If you plan on hosting such a party more than once, try inviting some different people to each one. This will help ensure some variety in the selection of items and, hopefully, prevent items featured at a previous party from returning for a second round.
3. If two people are having a dispute over an item, have the group vote on who they think it looks best on. The person with the most votes gets to keep the item.
4. Have fun! This is a party, after all!

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Jennifer

Very awesome post brs

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Zombiegirl

OMG what a great idea bRs!!

I would love to do this but I don't know anyone local that has a great handbag collection.

OMG, Chicago TBF Meetup idea!!

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frbspa

Agree with everyone, it's a brilliant idea bRs! I so wish I live across the pond so can join in the Chicago meet

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'There is no depth without any surface'

vuittongirlxoxo

This is a great idea! I agree with zg, I don't know anyone around me that I'd want to trade with!

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tacuddy

What an awesome idea, bRs! Although, I only know one person who had a great handbag collection.

boysRsmelly

Thanks girls! I think I did a pretty good job with this one. Hehe... maybe you could place a personals ad or something. LOL!

BTW... nobody commented on my new Gryson going into the bag. Haha! Don't worry though, it was just to make a good picture.

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Zombiegirl

^ I was too busy admiring all of your goodies!! I love that denim MBMJ!!

Pat yourself on the back! I love this post!!

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boysRsmelly

LOL! Well thank you Zombs! I just put a few of my things in the bag that I thought would look nice. I don't think I plan on parting with any of those things any time soon though.

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warhols__muse

My friend had a party kind of like this last week it was a Jon & Kate plus 8, CD exchange, and cocktails slumber party.

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If love is the answer, what is the question?

nyc_besos

very good idea! I just wish I knew people who I could trade with lol