Swap ’Til You Drop

Spring has sprung in the Lowcountry and with each sunny day we inch a little closer toward that innevitable, annual closet clean-out  — a tradition shared equally by both rich and poor, young and old, small and large. Instead of donating or sending those clothes to the landfill, bring them to the next Re-Trend Clothing Swap and leave with some new-to-you styles that will make-over your closet!
Re-Trend is a guerilla clothing and accessories swap run by a local budget-conscious fashionista, set on keeping her closet fresh, cute, and unique. The next swap will be held at Fabulon in West Ashley (1017 Wappoo Road) on Sunday, May 22, from 3-6 p.m. It costs $5 to get in with the first 100 swappers receiving a coupon for 25% off to any Palmetto Goodwill store!
Re-Trend welcomes women’s and men’s clothing of all shapes, colors, and sizes, as well as shoes and accessories such as purses, belts, boots, and scarves. All that is asked is that the clothing be clean and completely free of any stains, smells, and non-trendy holes, with a preference toward better brand names. This is a true swap, where you swap for the number of items that you bring, up to eight items. More items can be purchased beyond the maximum eight swapped items for just $3 per item.
Re-Trend founder and West Of sales manager Lindsey Chambers, along with a friend who shares a passion for clothes on the cheap, came up with the idea of the swap while having drinks and complimenting one another on their recent Goodwill purchases that they were wearing.  You can find Chambers almost daily browsing the racks of Goodwills, thrift stores, and consignment stores across the Lowcountry.
Chambers is as passionate about used clothes as she is about sharing it with others. “I started Re-Trend as a way to share my love of buying used!” says Chambers.
According to Chambers, it’s the best feeling to see a long-time Re-Trend swapper jump with excitement over a new dress from the swap. “That happiness is what I feel every time I sift through a thrift store and emerge with a new favorite item!”
Over the years, the swap has evolved, having been hosted by a variety of venues, ranging from the patio of a popular West Ashley bar, the backyard of a Folly Beach saloon, the upstairs at a popular West Ashley pizza restaurant, outdoors at eco-friendly events, and now at an art studio.
Having the need to expand after packing the upstairs of Mellow Mushroom Avondale last year, Chambers decided on the new location — Fabulon Art Studio. “There’s a lot more room to move around and we’ll actually be able to have a proper dressing room at this new space. The owner of the studio [Susan Irish] has a contagious passion for all things unique and artistic, and I think we make a good match, bringing the art of fashion to her space,” says Chambers.
The swap has evolved from being very lenient with what’s accepted, to where it is today. The standards have changed a bit, and the new price ($5 versus $1) will help cover the costs associated with planning and putting on the swap.
The next Re-Trend Clothing Swap will be held Sunday, May 22, 3-6 p.m. at Fabulon, located at 1017 Wappoo Road, Charleston, SC 29407. It is $5 to participate. For more information, find ReTrend on Facebook, or contact Lindsey Chambers at (843) 530-0877 or retrendswap@gmail.com