Friends + Finds = Fashion

Part of the timing for my personal style makeover (in progress...) was driven by my semi-annual Book Club Clothes Exchange extravaganza. A few years ago my friends and I realized that we really loved one another's looks, and when one person tired of a favorite item, there were always a few ladies waiting in the wings to give the beloved garment a new lease on life. So was born the Book Club Clothes Exchange.

In addition to being "green", it's given us all a little more courage to let go of favorite items. After all - who doesn't want to see their beloved jeans that no longer fit go to a friend who is going to rock the look, and probably call you each time she does to let you know how grateful she is? Oh - and the price is right on all items at the exchange (free!) and anything that doesn't find a home goes to charity.

This year we added a new element, inviting awesome Stella & Dot stylist Amy McDowell to join us to help accessorize our new looks (and participate in the exchange, of course!) I'll be featuring photos of each girl and her favorite look in the coming days, but in the meantime, here are a few previews from the exchange itself. We had more clothes than ever before and tons and tons of fun (but that's just a given...)

Highlight of the exchange included toasting Tori's engagement (that's her on the right)
while traveling Europe a few weeks ago. Sarah's was the lucky one who got to cozy with Tori
while she spilled the beans on the big moment.

Laura & Ashley pillaging the skirt section of the exchange.
Note Ashley's laser kitty tee. Not part of the exchange,
but a find that someone is surely "eyeing" for the future. Get it, "eye"ing...?

We had to know that Tobie would be drawn to the sporty pants!

Jessica digging in to the shirts, and looking awesome post-baby!

April in action!

Amy Claire Wild lives up to her name.
Awesome tank donated to the exchange...

In addition to fashion, other statements are made at clothes exchange.
One of us works for Planned Parenthood.
Wonder if that's the same person who brought this shirt? (Answer = yes. Awesome.)