24 Jul What’s in your closet ?
First published in Pink Magazine – July 2013
Most women just love fashion; there’s no arguing about that.
We might not agree on style, colours, and the definition of chic, but most of us can shop till our legs give in, our backs give out and, our wallets are as dry as dust.
We can all identify with that exhilarating feeling of hunting down that perfect garment, that elegant pair of shoes and then, to top it all off, finding those matching accessories to give the whole outfit that extra oomph.
Let’s face it, it’s a feeling of euphoria that’s unmatched by most other experiences.
But what if your credit card is already maxed out? What if your wardrobe is busting at the seams and you’re verging on hoarder status?
What if everything you buy triggers a sense of guilt because deep down you know you should stop?
Good friends and family members will advise you not to hit the shopping malls again, but Olivia Bilocca, an HR Executive and mother, disagrees.
“I can’t imagine not being able to feed my passion for fashion,” she says, “but we don’t need to stop doing what we love, we just need to think outside the box, or in this case, outside our wardrobe.”
Some time ago, Olivia and three of her friends were having a chat over some sushi. Soon enough the subject of shopping out of control came up.
That’s when Christine shared the idea of organising a clothes swap.
“At first it was unclear as to how it would work,” says Gaby, “but within minutes all the creases had been ironed out and we were all on board for the ultimate clothes swap adventure!”
Clothes swapping events started in America almost a decade ago, and since then they’ve taken off with great success. Today swapping parties and charity events are organised all around the world.
Swapping events work on a very basic concept of exchange. Participants must willingly donate an item from their wardrobe, and once they have given an item they are free to choose something of interest from what others have offered.
Swappers do not necessarily get an item of equal value to the one they provide, so the fun is doubled when they manage to find something of an even higher value. “It’s like a double digit bargain,” explains Deborah, “and that’s not only is it good for the pocket, it’s also great for the environment, because essentially this is a new form of recycling.”
If you fancy getting your hands on some fantastic clothes without dipping into your pockets and without cracking your wardrobe’s joints, pencil in these dates:
It’s happening on Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th July at St. James Cavalier. You can either submit the clothes that you would like to swap on the day or contact the Closet Girls on clothesswapmalta@gmail.com for a different arrangement.
“By participating in what is possibly Malta’s first grand scale clothes swap, not only will you save money and walk out with some great things to wear, but you will also be helping us raise funds for a worthy charity,” explains Gaby.
A small participation fee of €5 will be charged at the door, with all the funds going towards a theatre group that caters for young adults with learning disabilities called Opening Doors.
Opening Doors Theatre Group during their last performance in June 2013
“Despite their learning disabilities, despite the hardships that they have to face in life, and despite the resistance they have had to fight off, have somehow still managed to forge ahead and make their artistic dream come true,” explains Opening Door’s Chairman Toni Attard. “Unfortunately we need funds to keep it running, and we can’t be more grateful for this event which will help us reach some of our financial goals.”
“We encourage everyone to come along,” says Christine. “Bring all the clothes that are just lying there waiting, begging to be worn but, are probably forgotten in a dark corner of your closet. And what about that dress you bought online but was the wrong size? Bring it in and swap it for something useful. And remember to bring along tote bags because we can assure you that you will be filling them with your newly swapped items.”
These are The Closet Girls Malta :
Deborah Costa (24) – Accounts Officer.
With a background in administration and accounting, Deborah was the one who got down to the nitty gritty details and took care of most of the logistics for the event. Deborah is the sophisticated type who refuses to wear flats even for dress-down days! She’s known for her entertaining sarcasm and her ability not to miss out on fantastic bargains!
Gabrielle Gauci (23) – Front Office Executive
Being the social guru that she is, it was only natural for Gaby to be the one to start off a Facebook Page – Closet Girls Malta. Gaby is the youngest of the group, a chatterbox who loves baking cupcakes, loves fashion, and constantly joking about. She has the ability of picking up the most odd-looking pieces of clothing and creating a unique beautiful outfit. She loves colours and always opts for crazy nail polishes which find themselves in serious competition with her hair experiments.
Christine Fava (24) – HR Manager
Between work and helping out her family business Christine still manages to come up with fabulous ideas to help the community. Christine loves summer and water sports. She also enjoys trying new cuisines and to sing along to any catchy song on the radio! She has a flair for shoe shopping and always teams up a gorgeous pair of heels with a matching bag and scarf!
Olivia Bilocca(34) – HR Executive
Fan of The Killers and Pink, Olivia is the least girly girl of the clan. She juggles between being a mum to a bubbly 6 year old girl, with work and play. She loves cooking, wine and, burning off the calories by going camping, trekking and yoga! Olivia is the woman behind the crazy photos on the Closet Girls Malta Facebook Page and the tons of encouragement to make this clothes swap a success.
Photographer : Isabelle Sciberras | Make up – Marija-Helga DeBattista Zammit.
Pencil it in :
Clothes Swap of Women’s Clothing
Saturday 27th July 4-7pm and Sunday 28th July 9am – 12pm
At St. James Cavalier
Entry fee €5 in aid of Opening Doors Malta
Bring your unwanted clothes with you, and swap away.
Alternatively contact us on clothesswapmalta@gmail.com
or
Find us on Facebook – Closet Girls Malta
Tokens will be given in exchange for the items you bring in which can then be used at the swap. A judging panel will assign the token value to each item. Extra tokens can also be exchanged for raffle tickets to be in with a chance to win super lottery gifts from Max & Co
Alternatively contact us on clothesswapmalta@gmail.com
