The idea came to me as I despaired my lack of clothes- buying funds.  I am constantly on the look out for that perfect pair of black pants, a button-down shirt in a particular shade of blue or an item to spice up my entire fall wardrobe.  It's not just an urge to buy that I can't always keep quelled, the need borders on neurosis.  Now that would be fine if I were rich; spending $200 on a whim wouldn't mean I had to go without eating for a week.  I exaggerate.  A little.  Since I'm a poor student I had to be a little creative with my money.  I decided that, just because I wasn't going to wear the clothes in my closet, maybe one of my friends might.  And maybe some of my friends had clothes in their closets that I would love.

This idea led to the first clothes-trading party.  I sent out invites a month in advance to 15 friends.  The turn-out at the first party was slim, but the clothes were better caliber than I expected.  All who attended felt they'd hit the jackpot.  Free clothes!  Who could pass that up?  Since that first party the range of items traded has expanded to books, CDs, furniture, pottery, etc.  The number of women attending the parties is steadily growing as well.

One of the most wonderful things about the clothes- trading parties is that it's an all-girl gathering.  It's great to be able to relax, act girlie and have fun.  And so often I find that, like me, other women are just dying to forge new female friendships.