I attended my very first clothing swap party some months back. A clothing swap party is exactly what it sounds like – all you need is a person to host the party and a group of gals to bring in unwanted clothing/accessories/shoes/handbags. The rules will vary from party to party, but the single most important requirement is that all who participate must contribute something to the swap. What better way to empty your closet and also shop for a “new” wardrobe? Let the swapping games begin!

I almost passed on this pair of striped shorts. It is a size too big and the Bermuda style looks tomboyish on me, but I saw the potential – and it was FO’ FREE! There was no need to worry about buyer’s remorse here.

My inspiration for this outfit materialized merely by accident. I’ve gradually accumulated blue and white striped items in my closet, and one day I had a stroke of genius to wear all the stripes together. If you’ve been a reader of mine from the beginning, you know that I’ve always been a bit nautical by nature. I wore my go-to maritime rope belt with my favorite compass necklace; it will come in handy in case I get lost at sea. Not one to be too matchy matchy, I also threw in a vintage brown and goldenrod paisley scarf for good measure.

I’ve got on more stripes than I can spot.

Truly Madly Deeply striped shirt (similar here & here) / Japanese bermuda shorts (similar) / White Mountain espadrilles / Urban Outfitters rope belt (similar here & here)/compass necklace (similar) / Urban Outfitters zodiac watch (similar)