I admit it, I routinely stand in front of my closets and claim I have nothing to wear. And yes, closet was meant to be plural. That’s why swap parties have always been fun. It’s a great chance to socialize with your gal pals and turn your barely worn, no longer loved items into another gals “new” wardrobe treasure.

After moving to LA, I was in search of a “greener” shopping experience. Consignment was lacking and thrift stores were disorganized. There had to be a better way and then lo and behold this adorable gal, Dora Copperthite, came up with a truly innovative business plan.

She created Give + Take. It’s an alternative way to shop called a “swap boutique.” The system is basically a trade system. You bring in designer (or semi-designer) clothes, shoes, accessories you don’t want and trade for stuff other girls no longer want. It’s recycling on a simple and stylish, “I get it and don’t need to compost to make a difference level.” On other words you to get revamp your wardrobe as oft4en as you want.

If you bring in, say, a pair of $150 J Brand jeans, you get 150 points to spend on something else. Or, you can do a “one-for-one” swap (one H&M dress for one Forever 21 dress). Her boutique is organized by rooms; there’s the high end designers to contemporary, then the one-for-one room and then she’s even created the room of freebies—yes a rack of various pieces you can just take, no questions asked. There is a small catch, you pay a $25 monthly membership fee for unlimited swapping. If that doesn’t faze you, hell, drop off your entire wardrobe and exchange it for a whole new one. It’s worth it even if you just join for a few months.

Since being turned onto this boutique, I’ve handed over several bags of designer brands including Jill Sander, Marc Jacobs, Tori Burch, Tibi, Juicy Couture, Cole Haan, DVF, BCBG, Theory, … and in return I accumulated about 1,000 points to shop the racks of other swap items. So far I’ve added to my closet a dress from Foley & Corrina that I wore last weekend in Palm Springs that my husband still cannot believe that I got for free, totally hip navy pants from Peter Som, a fabulous black top from See by Chloe and a dress from Corey Lynn Calter. Can you tell I’m gushing? And I still have plenty of points. And Dora updates on Give + Take’s Facebook page so everyone can learn what’s new in the shop.

These are two of my recent swap finds.

It’s a chance to have your own revolving closet for a pittance of what you’d pay retail or even on sale just by recycling your pieces with other girls. And you’ll no longer be bored with your wardrobe or try to convince yourself that a certain top is cute when it’s just not cute on you. Or you could just do what I’ve done in the past and set up your own swap at home with your gal pals.

Check it out at: www.giveplustake.com

Also check out my contribution to, www.mommygreenest.com