As the cost of living soars and climate fears loom, many Bedfordians are looking at ways to cut their costs as well as finding ways to live more sustainably.
One such way is a clothes swap or ‘swish’ event, which, organisers describe as an evening of guilt-free shopping.
Tomorrow (Thursday), local sustainable fashion brand, Clemency Loves Jude, is joining forces with, Herd on St Cuthbert’s Street to host their second swish and clothes swap event.
You can purchase tickets here.
Clemency Loves Jude, founder, Emma Talbot said: “The aim of the swish is a fantastic way to freshen up your wardrobe as we head in to autumn, without breaking your clothes allowance budget.”
The premise is simple. Buy a ticket, bring your old clothes, accessories and shoes, which may not feel comfortable anymore or for some reason you just don’t wear and you can swap with others on the night.
There will also be a raffle for Breast Cancer Now and hand massages by Tropic Ambassador, Helen Dredge.
“With the awesome backdrop of Herd in Bedford and with music thanks to DJ Winging It, what better way to get autumn ready with some free clothes.”
One Bedfordian particularly looking forward to the event is Ceri Evans, who has made the decision to not buy any new clothes for a year.
“When the courier knows your name and says hello in the street, you know you’ve been doing far too much online shopping,” Ceri told the Bedford Independent.
“With my wardrobe bulging and labels on clothes I bought months ago, something had to give.
“So I set myself a challenge – no new clothes for a year, including secondhand websites and charity shops. But there’s just one exception – I can swish.
“Swishing is a fantastic way of getting my shopping fix without actually buying anything – swapping clothes I don’t wear for those I most certainly will is the way forward….at least for the next 350 days.”
And it’s not the end of the line for any clothes left unclaimed at the end of the evening.
“Clemency Loves Jude then uses the swish to gather remnant fabric from the old clothes left on the night,” said Emma.
“These are then used to make my hair accessories and clothing designs.
“I’ve always set out with a business ethos to be as sustainable as possible and I love seeing beautiful fabrics turned into new creations.
“Also being an online business, I find hosting a live event to meet my customers is a real joy and I can’t wait for Thursday night.”
You can purchase tickets for the second Clemency Loves Jude swish and clothes swap event here.
There are two-tier prices for the tickets;
General admission at £12.50 or Golden tickets at £16.50. The golden tickets allow you to pick two items before anyone else has a chance to grab.
Once tickets have been purchased you will be notified about drop-off points and when they will be available and receive more detailed information about the rules.
