Swap My Style

A great new resource for australian shopaholics is Swap My Style, a company which specialises in holding major fashion swap events to update your wardrobe without running up the credit card bill. Does the idea of joining up with 100+ fellow shopaholics to reinvent your wardrobe sound good to you? Shaughla Ahmed,confirmed swapholic, and the brains behind Swap My Style, agreed to answer a few questions about the upcoming swap event in Sydney (and give us the lowdown on when the rest of us will get to start swapping too!)

Tell us a bit about how Swap My Style came about?

Growing up with two sisters, swapping and sharing clothes with each other is quite common.  Our styles are so different; I think that’s what makes sharing clothes so great.  I have access to three amazing wardrobes.
Swap My Style came about when my sister went overseas for work.  She asked to borrow a few clothes.  I later discovered a few clothes turned out to be half my wardrobe!

This got me thinking; there must be more of us that like to swap. Imagine being able to pick an outfit from more than three wardrobes.

Swap My Style has evolved from a group of sisters and friends organizing social fashion swaps to a swap event for over 200 participants.

The first swap night is coming up soon, what can potential swapholics expect on the night?
The first Swap My Style event is going to be so much fun.  Participants will be able to get style tips from our resident International Fashion Stylist, have exclusive fashion discounts available on the night, relax and mingle amongst friends, receive delicious finger food on arrival, enter the draw to win a $1000 Shopping Spree.  Plus enjoy browsing the Swap Shop and picking up some fabulous finds!

What products and sponsors will be at the Swap My Style Event?
Swap My Style has been very lucky to have some great well known brands supporting the event.  Some of our sponsors include Zoom Whitening, Ideal Image, Devine Tanning, Lattouf Hair and Spa, MsAnna and Celebrity Vogue Photography.  People can join our V.I.P club and have access to some great fashion and style discounts.

Tell us a bit about the fashion stylist who will be on hand on the night offering tips?
Swap My Style has been lucky enough to have Fiona Tuite come on board as the resident style guru.
Fiona Tuite is the founder of “The Whole Shebang Image and Style”, and as a Fashion and Image Consultant who spends her time in Sydney, New York, London and Dublin. Fiona is passionate about women looking their absolute best by choosing clothing and accessories that accentuate all their positive attributes. Fiona helps women to understand what colours, shapes and styles work best for them, as well as keeping us  in the know about everything fashionable and stylish.

Is the swap only for women or can you bring your boy along to spiff up his wardrobe at the same time?
Swap My Style is for both females and males.  Many of my male friends are actually excited about having so many females in the one room!  Down the track, Swap My Style will be hosting a cufflink and tie swap and also a swap event to coordinate with the rugby.  Leave your boy by the T.V while you have fun swapping and finding some fabulous pieces for both your wardrobes!

As an expert swapaholic, what do you recommend people bring for a successful swap? Is it best to bring a mixture of items (eg. clothing and accessories)?
Coming to a swap event is a great way for someone to assess their wardrobe.  If something has been in a wardrobe for more than six months tags still attached-then it definitely should be brought to a swap event.  Generally, I find people bring a mix of clothes, shoes, handbags and jewelry.

My only rule-if you can’t bear to be without a particular fashion item, please do not bring it to a swap event. It is important that you are detached and happy to see your fashion items go to a new home.

How big will the swap event be?
Swap My Style events will have 150-200 people attend each event.  We have over 20 volunteers on hand to make sure everyone has a fantastic night.

What has been your best swap-find?
A stunning pair of Robert Robert shoes that did not fit my friend and a Nicola Finetta dress.

Which Charity will you be donating any leftover swap pieces to?
St Vincent De Paul Society of Australia.  Later in the year Swap My Style will host an event with all proceeds going to a chosen charity.

Now, an important question for all us non-sydneysiders – how far away are interstate swaps?!
Swap My Style will be hosting an event in Brisbane mid March.  Melbourne, Canberra and Adelaide all have a Swap event planned for June/July.  You can register interest via the website.  This way Swap My Style can let you know when we will be in your city.

Event Details

The Swap My Style Sydney Swap will be held on Wednesday 20th Feb , 2008. Head to Swap My Style to register online

WHERE:
DOME @ the Crown Hotel
589 Crown Street
(Cnr Crown and Cleveland Street)
Surry Hills NSW 2010

TIMES:
6.00pm – 7.00pm Swap Check In
7.30pm – 10.00pm Swap Shop Is Open
$30 (incl GST) online
$40 at the door