How to Lead Like a Girl in a Down Economy

Check out the Greater Washington Clothing Swap's Facebook page. Or better yet, attend one of these awesome events and come away with something 'new to you!'

Fashion is fun! Clothing swaps can make everything old new again! So attend one or organize your own to update your summer wardrobe!

I love to shop. I mean LOVE it! Any other girls out there with me? Clothes, shoes, handbags...they're all so much fun!

But let's not kid ourselves...the economy isn't what it was a few years ago and some of us don't feel quite as good about buying a new pair of shoes for our closets (this is a real sacrifice for me...some of my friends call me" Little Imelda" if that gives you any idea how much I love shoes!).

But who says we have to BUY something to have a new & fabulous outfit?!

Clothing Swaps have become all the rage across the US since the economy took a turn for the worse. They've been featured in several magazines including Real Simple, The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, The Today Show, CBS This Morning...they've even been mentioned on Oprah! In fact, someone started a whole website dedicated to clothing swaps and how to host them: http://www.clothingswaps.com/in-the-news/.

Leading like a girl in the truest sense, my friend Frances has organized an entire organization for women who want to participate in these events in DC. It's called the Greater Washington Clothing Swap (she has a facebook page...check it out! Or you can follow her on Twitter: Gidget654). The next event is Sunday, June 28 at 2:00pm. See the facebook page for more details.

She has taken a small gathering of friends trading their closet cast-offs and turned it into a major event including a chance to edit your closet, network, grab a bite to eat and a glass of something tasty...and even leave with a goody bag! Plus, she's coordinated with Goodwill to come pick up the items that no one takes (and to provide you with tax donation slips!). How's that for one stop shopping?!

So...if the economy has you down but you still need a few items to add that va-va-voom to your summer wardrobe, consider a clothing swap. Your friends will thank you for it and you'll all walk away looking fabulous!

And get creative...no reason to confine our swaps to clothes. Think big. Got a bedspread that's in great condition but you're looking for a new color in your bedroom? Try a home decor swap. Really! When you lead like a girl...the sky's the limit!