The story is simple: as usual, when summer came I found that I had nothing to wear... and this tunic was my favorite summer find. I discovered that I wear it practically with anything and practically everywhere... to the movies, to the fancy dinner, to walk the dogs, to the club... 
Source: www.californiaclosets.com
So I have started to think of organizing a clothing-swap party for myself and my girlfriends and getting rid of all too tight t-shirts, too short skirts and too-itchy sweaters... What is a swap party? In short it's a bunch of women getting together to trade their wares. And what's more it is one of the best ways to refresh one's closet and have a lot of fun without spending a penny...
I love this swap-party invitation I found on operahouse.com
The rules are simple:1. It should feel like a true party: music, food and drinks are as important as clothes themselves
2. Everyone invited has to bring in items and accessories they do not wear anymore
Great coat for unpredictable Seattle weather
Coats: Fall / WInter 2008 Collections Source: Style.com
Source: http://img.thesun.co.uk/
So although my closet is bursting at the seams I keep dreaming about submerging myself for a day in the deeps of Bellevue Square… But this year instead of doing so, I decided to take more cool-headed approach and hit the floor running well-armed in Ten Sales Commandments.
Here they are:
1. Do a closet inventory: analyze what you already have, what you need and what you want
2. Explore hunting options: do a reconnaissance of your favorite stores beforehand - in most cases store websites feature all items so you can do some web surfing before entering the stores
3. Take advantage of on-line sales - some stores even give preference to on-line shoppers
4. Decide on the shopping budget and stick to it. I can tell you that it will be hard – but what about our strong will?
5. Go shopping on the first day of the sale when the selection (of items, colors and sizes) is the widest. Have in mind that you are not the only one afflicted by shopping madness and there are hordes of women turned hunters who are just like you.
6. Go shopping on the last days of the sale if you are looking for real bargain treasures (reduced 75% or more)
7. Find out about store return / exchange policy – from my experience, in most cases, all sale sales are final. Sales tend to turn us irrational, let’s admit it – making us buy items we would never consider “worth-buying” at the full price... Do you want to end up with a ton of unwanted items and empty wallet?
8. Buy wardrobe essentials. Sales are a great opportunity to stock your wardrobe in quality basics like white shirt, trench or jeans.
9. Buy shoes, bags and other accessories
10. Do not purchase one-season pieces which will be out-dated in a month or so
And the most important: we are only days-apart form fall collections hitting the stage!
4. Accessories: big necklaces, lace-up shoe-boots
Photo source: style.com
