Not a swap per se, but depending on how much stuff you find, it can be just as cheap. Admission to this monthly shopping event is free, and each item costs $2.
Pros:
Convenient location. It's just up the street from Spadina subway station.
Most sizes seem fairly well represented, from XS - XXL.
Cons:
The clothing is Dress your Best cast-offs, so keep an eye out for stains, tears, and other signs of wear.
There are no change rooms and few mirrors, so dress appropriately (layers!), and be prepared to stake out a corner of the room to try on your finds.
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| An awesome snap-front cord skirt for these last days of cold, and a cute peplum blouse for when it starts to warm up |
Good for:
Work-wear. As mentioned, the clothing came from Dress your Best (a charity providing work clothes for those in need), so there are a LOT of blazers, pencil skirts, dress slacks and the like.
High-end labels. I was surprised to see lots of higher-end brands on offer, such as Ted Baker, agnes b. and Pink Tartan. I picked up a tan pleated Missoni skirt (which I later gave up to someone who loved it more than me) and a cute white alice + olivia blouse.
Vintage. The 80s are alive and well at this sale. So. Many. Shoulder pads. There generally isn't much pre-70's stuff, but if you're into the Working Girl look, you'll be in heaven.
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| Excited to incorporate my new raffia clutch and oversized blazer into my wardrobe (less sure about the taupe floral skort)! |
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Bad for:
People looking for an easy, convenient shopping experience. Clothing was piled high on tables. Men's clothing was on a separate table, but other than that, it was pretty chaotic.
Much like the average clothing swap, it's important to arrive early to get the best selection, but it's also at it's most hectic.
If you're able to see the potential in clothes, you'll be rewarded, but if you're just looking for items you can wash and wear right away, you may be disappointed. Most of the garments I found were in need of minor repairs or alterations, so if you don't have the eye or patience your selection will be limited.
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| So many pencil skirts! So many blouses! |
Brought:
Cash and shopping bags.
Left with:
24 items (!) One recommendation I would make is, if you go to this sale, bring a friend. With few mirrors, no change room, and a $2 price tag on everything, it's very easy to leave with too much stuff. Having someone to tell you "no, you do not need yet another romper you'll never wear" or "yes it's designer, and yes it's only $2, but it's still not flattering on you" and other important 'voice of reason' gems is a must.
That said, it's a very social group, so even if you go alone, you're bound to make some new friends.
Charity element:
Money is donated to Live to Give Relief.
Overall:
Such a great experience! I'll definitely return (although probably with a pragmatic friend, and a slightly more discerning eye). It happens the first Saturday of every month, and if you go - get there early!
Contact info@dressyourbest.ca to sign up for their email list or check our
Events page for info on upcoming sales.
