The Swapping Closets Blog

Why Swap?

2010-10-16T14:33:00.000-06:00

Do you like to shop???? Have fun with friends????? Help out other women that may be struggling??? Then consider joining us at the next Swapping Closets event. A portion of the $25.00 ticket fee will be donated to The Alpha Center in Fort Collins. This is a wonderful organization helping women in Northern Colorado. Please visit their web-site to learn more about all they do for our community http://www.thealphacenter.org/
Now is a great time to clean out your closets and share some great clothes/accessories with your friends. Bring in 5 items that just no longer "work" for you and take home 5 new fabulous finds!
October 28th is just around the corner, so start cleaning closets!!

Guest Speaker - Patrica Belanger – Patrica’s Closet Boulder, Colorado

2010-10-11T11:47:00.000-06:00

Guest Speaker Patricia Belanger at next Swapping Closets event - October 28th, 2010.

Patrica Belanger had no idea that her time spent as a Television Host and Producer would be the inspiration for Patrica’s Closet. “When you are on camera covering high profile events, you have to look fabulous which means your wardrobe and accessories must be chic, polished and professional,” says Patrica.
She learned the tricks of the trade as to what colors to wear and what style of clothing worked best while working with some of the best stylists in the industry who taught her that wearing quality clothing made from beautiful fabrics was definitely the way to go.

High end designer clothing is not inexpensive and Patrica wanted to figure out a way to gain access to fabulous clothing that she could make available to women at a fraction of the retail price, while teaching them how to dress well in colors and cuts that best suited their figures.
She started by taking inventory from her own closet which consisted of very high end designer clothing and when a friend asked if she could take a look at what she had, she spent the afternoon dressing her in a series of outfits that looked amazing on her. Her friend received so many compliments from her new look, that soon other women were calling Patrica, wanting that same transformation done on them.
As word got out, Patrica was able to gain access to women with large wardrobes, who loved to shop at high end retailers, where price was not an issue. She now acts as a clothing broker for these women who ship her designer clothing, shoes, purses and accessories, which she sells at incredibly low prices. Much of her merchandise comes in new with the original price tags still on them and the sizes range from 2 – 20.
While the women love being able to buy clothing at such low prices, the real value in shopping at Patrica’s Closet is the personalized consulting service that she offers to each of her clients. She hand picks items from her large inventory and acts as their personal shopper and stylist, dressing them from head to toe. She knows exactly what colors and cuts they should be wearing and does not charge an additional fee for her expertise; it is all part of the service. She loves spending time transforming women from ordinary to amazing and teaching them that what they wear and how they look can have a tremendous impact on both their personal and business lives. Patrica states that “women think nothing of investing money in their business cards, promotional material and websites and need to remember the importance of investing in themselves, as first impressions do matter”.

Her customers love the whole private shopping experience and that combined with Patrica’s outgoing personality and incredible enthusiasm makes shopping at Patrica’s Closet something her clients rave about and definitely look forward to!

Guest Speaker, Barb Tobias, for next Swapping Closets Event 10/28/10

2010-10-11T11:44:00.000-06:00

Barb Tobias has spent a lifetime transforming trash into treasure. She is a master at creating stunning interiors, dressing clients like supermodels and turning the forgotten into the unforgettable—for a fraction of the cost. Barb is a professional speaker, an inspiring coach, and renovates lives by sticking her curious little nose into other people’s “thrifty business.”
Her new release, Tossed and Found, is not only a whirlwind of personal transformation, it teaches a newly frugal nation how to purchase, purge and profit from thrift.

Barb Tobias is a hopeless Thrift-a-holic. She is also a best-selling author, speaker, and frugal decorating consultant. A newly cost-conscious and environmentally aware nation has embraced Barb’s new book, Tossed & Found, giving the reader an insider’s view of the riches to be discovered in the dimly lit corners of the thrift world. Her story beckons you to step behind the scenes and follow her journey from farm girl, to fashion model, to single mom, to America’s Thrift Talk Diva.

~Orvel Ray Wilson, Best-selling Author, Speaker on Guerrilla

“WOW!” Audiences are amazed when Barb Tobias speaks. You'll listen ... and be intrigued, entertained, and enthused as you set out to find the "gold" in what others have tossed. Her book, Tossed & Found, is perfect for anyone seeking bargains. Barb’s delightful sense of humor and keen insights make her a natural choice for your next event.

~Dr. Judith Briles, Best-selling Author and Who’s Who of American Women

Speaking ~ Coaching ~ Workshops
Guest Appearances ~ Entertainer~ Media Events

1-877-711-DIVA (3482)

BarbTobias@ThriftTalkDiva.com

http://www.thrifttalkdiva.com/

Tomorrow's Event

2010-08-27T15:39:00.000-06:00

Don't miss out on the next "Swapping Closets" event! Saturday 5pm-7pm at the Re/Max Alliance office in Loveland, Colorado. Variety of styles and sizes available for you to exchange for those goodies in your closet that just no longer work for you! Enjoy a glass of wine and snacks while you shop. Cooler weather will be here soon, so bring a sweater and jacket to swap.

Swapping Closets' founder Robbie Emge

2010-07-15T16:50:00.002-06:00

Colorado native Robbie Emge is a woman of many talents and passions, and one whose professional pursuits are balanced with her commitment to family and her charitable spirit.

Raised in Colorado Springs, Robbie has spent the last 18 years in Northern Colorado where she has established herself as an accomplished Realtor with Re/Max Alliance in Loveland and as a fashion-conscious entrepreneur. She founded her company Swapping Closets, an upscale clothing exchange, in 2009 to give women a fun social outlet that offers an economical alternative to pricey “retail therapy” and a way for women to give back to their community. Each Swapping Closets event raises money for a select local non-profit organization.

As a Realtor in the Northern Colorado market since 2003, Robbie has maintained an active role in the national Women’s Council of Realtors (WCR). She has held various positions since 2005 including the Northern Colorado President-elect, Northern Colorado President, Northern Colorado Vice President of Membership and Colorado State President. Her real estate knowledge is coupled with a background in banking: Emge served as an internal auditor and branch manager for World Savings bank before becoming a full-time mom and home-school teacher to daughter, Korrie, and son, Kyle.

Today Robbie enjoys spending time with her husband of 27 years, Marty, and reveling in the accomplishments of their now-grown children. Korrie is 23, married and living in Denver. Kyle is 19 and attending Denver’s Regis University on a soccer/academic scholarship.

When Robbie isn’t playing the role of business woman, volunteer, Realtor or mom, she can be found embracing an active lifestyle that includes running half marathons, trail running, boating and skiing.

THE CLOTHING SWAP EVOLUTION

2010-03-17T10:23:00.003-06:00

THE CLOTHING SWAP EVOLUTION: A JOURNEY TO TODAY'S CELEBRATED EXCHANGE

While Swapping Closets is certainly offering something new and exciting for women around the region, the concept of clothing swaps is one with deep roots in 20th Century culture. As discussed by fashion and textile historian Heather A. Vaughan in an article on wornthrough.com, clothing swaps can be traced back to the 1940s when wartime restrictions sparked the 'make-do-and-mend' campaign. Great lengths were taken to ensure no 'hand-me-down' stigma was attached to one's personal participation. As described in a 1943 article in the Saturday Evening Post:

"The garments are entered in a record book and the owner is given a number. On each article is placed a tag bearing the price, fixed by the owner, the size and the owner's number. The owner's identity is of course, buried in this process. The garments are displayed on racks. When an article is sold, the tag is removed, put in an envelope with the money, and the owner's name written on the outside. He collects at leisure."

Swaps enjoyed a resurgence in the 1960s but again carried with them some underlying shame for their second-hand status. So when did the mainstream fashion world truly embrace recycled garments? When did it officially become hip to care about looking good on a budget?

The modern-day clothing swap actually began taking shape in the early 80's when the women's movement sent career-minded ladies in search of suitable yet affordable office attire. These pay-to-exchange events gained steam in the 1990s, but as we welcomed the 21st Century, the clothing swap became more than a fad for the frugal. It became part of the green movement ... a way for ecoconscious consumers to make a social statement as much as a fashion statement. Recycled clothing became as counter-culture-cool as vintage fashion.

Then came the economical meltdown of 2008. Suddenly, clothing swaps weren't just earth-friendly, they were budget friendly, and designer-label divas around the world were shedding any shame they may have had about second-hand threads and embracing the swap wholheartedly. The UK publication The Sun published an article on July 14, 2008, on clothing swaps that began:

"IT WAS only a matter of time before the credit crunch started wreaking havoc with our wardrobes.

Window-shopping has become a national epidemic and stylish splurges are a thing of the past as we all try to cut back. We haven’t felt a squeeze this tight since we tried to get into our skinny jeans after Christmas.

Cue the rise of the “frugalistas” – cash-poor, style-high girls finding low-cost ways to stay in up-to-the-minute looks."

Today, events like those organized and promoted by Swapping Closets are part of a coast-to-coast movement that celebrates looking good, feeling good and being good ... to the environment and to our bank accounts. By incorporating food, cocktails, beauty services/products and charitable causes with clothing swaps, the modern-day clothing exchange is more than an alternative to shopping: it's an experience!

SWAPPING CLOSETS INVITES WOMEN TO INDULGE IN BEAUTY

2010-03-08T17:58:00.005-07:00

SWAPPING CLOSETS INVITES WOMEN TO INDULGE IN BEAUTY, FASHION, FOOD AND SPIRITS AT UPCOMING CLOTHING EXCHANGE

April 9th event to raise funds for H.E.L.P. International

LOVELAND, Colo. (March 8, 2010) – Swapping Closets, Colorado's premiere high-end clothing exchange company, holds its next swap event Friday, April 9, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Enchante, A European Salon and Spa located at 548 N. Lincoln Ave. in downtown Loveland.

As with every Swapping Closets event, the April 9th swap gives style-conscious, budget-sensible ladies a unique venue where they can trade in their “old” clothes for “new” ones ... just for the price of admission and at least five gently worn clothing items or accessories. Tickets can be purchased in advance for $25 each by visiting www.swappingclosets.com/events.html or for $30 each the night of the event. Those who buy tickets in advance will automatically be entered to win a designer purse.

In addition to a fun and fabulous clothing and accessory swap, the evening's festivities will include an array of activities made possible by the event's valued sponsors including Clear Channel Radio 97.9 KXBG-FM, Enchante: A European Salon and Spa, Henry's Pub, Wilbur's Total Beverage and Stenbakken Photography. Among the evening's highlights are:

• Optional salon services: Spa staff from Enchante will be on hand to offer $10 eyebrow threading while its renowned hair experts will offer blow drying and styling services. Enchante offers services rarely found in Northern Colorado including European color and highlight techniques, threading, dry cutting and European hair extensions.

• Food and wine: Henry's Pub, a contemporary local favorite in downtown Loveland, will provide a variety of tasty appetizers from its upscale menu while Wilbur's Total Beverage of Fort Collins will host a wine tasting.

• Professional photo shoot: Stenbakken Photography will have an on-site studio where attendees can enjoy a personal professional photo shoot. One image from each shoot will be selected and a set of prints created of that image. The print package includes one

8" x 10" print, one 5" x 7" print and eight mini-wallet prints. The only cost for the shoot is a $20 minimum donation, and 100 percent of donations go toward the local chapter of H.E.L.P. International.

The event's designated charity, H.E.L.P. International., is a non-profit organization whose participants respond to major disasters as well as the development of depressed areas by providing medical supplies and equipment and humanitarian aid. H.E.L.P. at Home serves as a liaison between those who have so much and those who have too little. It reclaims supplies and equipment that would otherwise fill landfills and uses them in community development. Local distribution of food, clothing, furniture, house wares and medical equipment have helped hundreds of families.

Raising funds for a non-profit like the local branch of H.E.L.P. International is a primary focus of Swapping Closets organizers. The last swap raised money for Colorado's chapter of Alternatives to Violence.

"Swapping Closets events are designed to showcase not only the latest beauty and fashion trends for women across Colorado but also to raise awareness of and funds for various charities," said Swapping Closets' founder Robbie Emge. "We put a lot of emphasis on creating ways for women to feel good about themselves, and part of feeling good is derived from giving to others."

The upcoming swap will follow the basic guidelines of every Swapping Closets event. Ticket holders must bring at least five in-style, clean and gently worn or new clothing items or accessories. For each item an attendee brings, she will be allowed to shop for an equal number of items. It's a revolutionary way to refresh a woman's wardrobe without paying high retail prices.

For more information on Swapping Closets and the upcoming swap, visit www.SwappingClosets.com or contact Emge at (970) 443-2122 or info@swappingclosets.com.

Swappers Unite for Local Charity

2010-02-17T11:26:00.002-07:00

Style-conscious couture seekers from around the region gathered Feb. 6 for Swapping Closets' debut event in Northern Colorado. In addition to a fun-filled clothing exchange and wine tasting by Wibur's Liquors, the event raised money for the local branch of Alternatives to Violence, an agency committed to the intervention, education and prevention of domestic violence, sexual assault and other violent crimes. Burke Cleaners locations offered swap attendees 30 percent off dry cleaning in preparation for the clothing swap, and Burke Cleaners also donated a portion of its proceeds from swap attendees to Alternatives to Violence.

Alternatives to Violence began in 1982, and a Colorado chapter was formed in 1988. Since that time, it has been instrumental in providing counseling, support groups, children's groups, transitional living programs and community education to victims of domestic violence in Colorado.

Giving back to a local charity is something Swapping Closets is passionate about incorporating into its business model and will continue to do at future events. Stay posted to SwappingClosets.com to learn about upcoming swaps and charitable opportunities ... because giving back never goes out of style!

Swapping Closets' - High-end clothing exchange promotes swapping over shopping

2010-02-04T10:24:00.001-07:00

LOCAL COMPANY OFFERS WOMEN A CREATIVE, INEXPENSIVE WAY TO UPDATE THEIR WARDROBES

High-end clothing exchange promotes swapping over shopping

LOVELAND, Colo. (February 4, 2010) – Why shop when you can swap? That is the question one fashion-forward company is asking women across Colorado’s Front Range.

Swapping Closets is a Loveland-based event business that is organizing a series of clothing swaps where style-conscious clothes lovers can exchange their own gently worn fashions for “new-to-you” threads. All it costs each participant is a $25 admission fee to attend a Swapping Closets event and at least five but no more than 10 gently used, in-style clothing items freshly laundered, pressed and ready to wear. Accessories such as purses, jewelry and belts are also welcome, and there is no limit to the number of accessories one can bring to the swap.

According to Swapping Closets founder and event organizer Robbie Emge, the concept behind the clothing swap is to promote a more economical and environmentally friendly way to stay stylish and follow current trends. It’s also a fun social event where women can mix and mingle while enjoying a glass of wine and some guilt-free ‘retail therapy.’

“Women across Northern Colorado are really excited about the upcoming Swapping Closets events and the concept they represent,” said Emge. “Not only is each event going to be a unique and fun social outlet for women, but it’s giving women a chance to do something for themselves and a local charity at the same time.”

The debut Swapping Closets event is slated for Saturday, Feb. 6, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at The Harmony Center located at 6432 Grand Tree Blvd. in Timnath. Tickets can be purchased online at swappingclosets.com. Wine tasting will be provided by Wilbur's Liquors.

A portion of all ticket sales will go to the local branch of Alternatives to Violence, an agency committed to the intervention, education and prevention of domestic violence, sexual assault and other violent crimes. (http://alternativestoviolence.org/index.asp )
As attendees clean out their closets and get their trade-in items ready for the exchange, they should follow the “Clothing Guidelines” posted on Swapping Closets’ Web site. Additionally, all Burke Cleaners locations are offering 30 percent off dry cleaning of up to 10 items in preparation for the clothing swap. Attendees will receive a coupon for this discount upon completion of each online ticket purchase. Burke Cleaners also will donate a portion of its proceeds from swap attendees to Alternatives to Violence.

Attendees who do not have at least five items to exchange may purchase swap tokens for $5 each. One clothing item per token will be donated to the swap under the attendee’s name and qualify her to shop at the swap.

For more information on Swapping Closets or to purchase tickets to the Feb. 6 event, visit swappingclosets.com or call 970.443.2122.

Welcome!

2010-01-06T10:53:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the new Swapping Closets Blog! Check back often or subscribe to my RSS feed to stay up to the minute on Swapping Closets news. In the mean-time, check out my new website at swappingclosets.com or mark your calendar for the first Swap on January 14th. Tickets will be available online soon!