Golden Tickets Galore!

Swop2Shop are handing out they’re very own Willy Wonka-esque Golden Tickets! We’ve all been going a little doo-laly in the office with the constant changes in weather and the start of the school season, so in the spirit of madness every month we will be placing two tickets in Swop2Shop bags worth 10 points!

We can only send out special golden tickets in bags of Swop2Shop stock so start your swapping frenzy today for more chances to win!

If you are a lucky recipient of a S2S Golden Ticket, just e-mail admin@swop2shop.co.uk and we will credit your account with your free points straight away!!

Hidden Gems

When the gentle thud of the latest wedding invite hits the doormat, why is the first thought we have always about what to wear? We all have glamorous gowns, sparkly cocktail dresses and of course, our trusty LBD nestled in the back of our wardrobes. So as the occasion creeps closer,why do we break out into panic sweats?

The decision would be so much easier if we were all A-list, red carpet celebrities. For instance, how would you feel if you spent the day choosing between Christian Dior, Caroline Herrara or continuing the age old battle between Gucci or Prada? That’s how many of the stars spent their weeks in the lead up to the 37th Annual Emmy Awards. Designers fought over the starlets to ensure that their dresses were seen in all the right places and there were some gorgeous pieces exhibited on the night.

Sound like a fairytale…?

Not for award winning Mad Man actress, Christina Hendricks. She has a 38E-30-39 hourglass figure that any women would be proud of. However, her womanly figure poses a problem for many designers as they only typically lend out sizes 0 and 2. So we salute Zac Posen for his plunging, lavender creation, perfect for Hendricks hourglass figure and complete with ostrich feathers.

Hopefully the tips below will help you dress for your shape whilst showing how you can create the celebrity look for less…

This dress is a favourite of S2S – the vibrant pink and ruffle detail will make any woman feel like they should be on the red carpet!  Our very own Vintage dress looks as expensive as the Marchesa designer gown seen at the Academy Awards. Contrary to popular belief, this ruffle design is flattering for all body shapes and our own glamorous dress tucks you in at the waist whilst modestly revealing your shoulders for a elegant and sexy look.

A sweeping, backless dress is suitable for many occasions…a ball, a wedding or even a glamorous christmas party. Be sure to choose a dark colour to enhance your shapely silhouette and this will ensure it can be worn season after season!

Glitter and sequins are still everywhere this Autumn so be bold, bright and brash! Make a statement like Claire Danes in this gorgeous Armani Prive dress. This stunning, backless, sequin gown is a staple investment piece!!

All these beautiful dresses are available from the Swop2Shop website, so you can stop stressing about what to wear and use the money you’ve saved to splash out on a pair of killer heels!

Until next week…

Be Bold…

How many of you wear the same jewellery season after season? Understandable if you are fortunate enough to be dripping in diamonds, but if like me you are lacking in a significant other and refuse to buy sparkly jewels for yourself, today’s blog is a rundown of affordable accessory styles for Autumn/Winter 10.

Supersize Cuffs definitely make a statement and guarantee to get you noticed! Wear in the daytime for bohemian boldness, take it to your chosen summer event and be festival chic or wear it in the evening to reveal your individual style! Your choice of bangle/cuff can make or break an outfit so keep to the basic fashion trends and add detail with jewellery. If there’s nothing that takes your fancy in the shops why not recycle an old favourite necklace into a bracelet?

To keep on trend with this seasons focus on texture, mix and matching your jewellery is the way to wear accessories this Autumn. Don’t be scared to laden your neck with all your favourite jewels. Be bold enough to wear your statement necklace with your delicate charms and pendants. Try it with your rings too! Be daring enough to wear a costume ring next to your dainty designs to create an eclectic mix.

Ok, before you double take at the next style tip, I am being deadly serious… Pat Butcher earrings are back!

Chandelier tier earrings are a classic investment and the fun shapes and jewels are cheaper whilst still being on trend. If you don’t go overboard and add them to a statement necklace, earrings that resemble Christmas decorations can change the look of any outfit. Still not sure? Then wear them with your hair down, so they are subtle and understated.

There are various shapes, sizes and jewels to match any personality. Trinkets and chains resemble a vintage feel whilst delicate, twisted metal with colourful jewels will add a bit of glamour to any outfit.

Remember to email me if you have any fashion questions or if there are certain trends that you want to hear about in the following weeks!

SNAP YOUR SWAP!

Swop2Shop are giving away a DKNY handbag to the winner of our latest competition – SNAP YOUR SWAP!

All we want from you is a picture of your most stylish and most favourite accessory or item of clothing that you’ve swapped with somebody else.

It doesn’t have to be something you’ve swapped on Swop2Shop; it can be something you’ve swapped with a friend, a member of family or through an online website! It can be a top, a handbag, a pair of trousers, a favourite piece of jewellery, a pair of shoes or a comfy coat. Just make sure it’s your most stylish!

Once you’ve taken your picture, visit Swop2Shop’s Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/pages/Swop2Shop/239545937482?ref=ts, ‘like’ our page and post your picture up on the Swop2Shop wall. Underneath your picture, write a few words telling us why you love your swap! The most stylish swapper will be announced at the end of September and will win a DKNY handbag!!

Plus, if you register with Swop2Shop you’ll receive your first 5 points for free! Visit www.swop2shop.co.uk/register and enter a few details to become a Swop2Shop member. Make sure you enter ‘snapyourswap’ in the ‘where did you hear about us?’ box to claim your free points.

What have you got to lose? Snap your swap today!

My Zero Waste – Alternative ways to shop!

My Zero Waste encourages swapping not shopping!! Head to http://myzerowaste.com/2010/02/how-to-recycle-clothes-textiles/ to read all about it.

Maternity Wear for Expectant Mums!

Maternity clothing is short lived and expensive. Swapping your unloved clothing for your growing bump is the best way to create a new wardrobe that meets the demands of your changing body. Swapping is a great alternative to shopping – you don’t have to spend loads but neither do you have to wear the same maternity t-shirt for the whole 9months!

Swop2Shop has been inundated with Maternity wear, ranging from size 8 to size 18, all of it in good quality condition. Below are just a few examples of what we have to offer. Why not swap your pre-pregnancy clothes for Maternity wear? Plus, when your new baby arrives, you can swap all your maternity clothes for newborn outfits! Try Swop2Shop today…you just can’t lose!

Stress free Swapping!

You’ve got a mountain of clothes ready to be swapped but you just can’t find the time to write a description for every single one. Plus you’ve got to take at least three pictures if you want to get people interested. There’s a dress on the website that you really like, but you can’t get your points until you start listing some items. What do you do?! Well, instead of resorting to bribery, why not try our Premium Service?

We send you a freepost bag; you fill it with clothes and send it back to us. We value the clothes and credit your account with the points. We then list and photograph the items for you so you don’t have to do a thing. At the moment, Premium Membership is only £9.99 and you get your first, freepost bag for free. Every bag you request after that is also just £9.99. No hassle, no stress and immediate points for you to spend on whatever you want!

Sign up for Premium Membership today and take advantage of our 20 points for £10 special offer!

Fur is back in Fashion

One of the things that I enjoy about the change of season is the excuse to buy new clothes and more importantly…new shoes!! Having done some research for this week’s blog, I came across some interesting facts about the nation’s obsession with shoes. Read on girls, I bet you’ll be able to relate to at least two of the following…

33% of women have trouble finding the room to store all their shoes.

15% of the female population have 30 plus pairs of shoes in the closet.

97% of women say that their shoe shopping has never caused financial problems for them, however 13% of them have hidden a purchase from a significant other.

With shoes the hot topic for this week’s blog, here’s a quick breakdown for Autumn/Winter trends 2010:

Clogs: the resurgence of the clog has proved successful this summer and its popularity is sure to carry into Autumn and Winter with the addition of a key fabric – Fur! Decorating clogs, lining boots and now moving into clothing and accessories, it is already proving to be an essential Autumn trend!

Equestrian Leather Boots: Seen on the catwalk year in and year out, these boots are a staple item of any closet. Slightly modified for every season, this year’s look has a military twist.

Sheepskin Boots: You only have to mention sheep skin and a brand beginning in U and ending in G springs to mind. Yes, everyone will still be wearing them this Autumn but dare I say it, have they ever actually been in fashion or is it a pure comfort item? Be sure to see Sheepskin lining in most shoes this season, from boots, clogs to trainers!?!

Animal Print: Staying with the neutral colour scheme of camels, browns and black for Autumn/Winter 10, it seems that Jimmy Choo has reignited their love for leopard print, a popular print that can add a certain edge to a plain outfit. Just remember to keep it subtle else you’ll end looking like Bianca Butcher!

It is obvious that texture is going to be a massive feature this year. Heavy knits teamed with suede and faux fur has heavily featured on the runway for Chanel and can be seen on the high street in Whistles and Zara.

An easy way to wear this Autumn trend is to wear a gilet; it looks good in any size, on any body shape and it can be worn in the daytime or evening. Try different styles and fabrics to keep the look fresh. Below are a couple of examples to help you on your way! Accessorise with a loud belt to cinch the waist and if you wear subtle tones underneath, it will keep you looking classy, warm and on trend!

Stay tuned for next week’s fashion tips and remember, if you’ve got any questions, Jess is happy to answer any of your style queries. Contact her at jess@swop2shop.co.uk.

*information taken from http://www.shoeclosest.wordpress.com

The Unfashionable becomes Fashionable

Better known as ‘granny shoes’ for their renowned comfort and ease of use, unfashionable shoes were once restricted to those over a certain respectable age. Crocs, (we thought) were a one-off; shoes that slipped through the net, so to speak.  However, it appears that unfashionable shoes are scarily becoming somewhat of a fashion trend.

We can all accept that certain styles rotate and are reinvented to meet modern demands – take for example the playsuit and over-stated shoulder pads. However, you have to question the intention of the fashion world when shoes like the worishofer are suddenly being worn by the likes of Kirsten Dunst. If you don’t believe us, head to http://uk.lifestyle.yahoo.com/beauty/certain-ugly-shoes-fashionable-article-huib.html to see the proof in colour.

Swop2Shop likes to keep on trend with current fashions as much as we possibly can, so to commemorate the fashionable/unfashionable shoe, we have a pair of open toe, Carvela shoes to offer you that are very much like the worishofer! These platform shoes boast a 3 inch wedge heel and are slip-on design for easy wear. This shoe is guaranteed to make you a number one trend setter!

Summer Love

A true fashionista has to be daring enough to impose her own style, but if you struggle with making clothes your own, you can’t go wrong with the return of the romance trend.Think chiffon, think ruffles, and think ultra feminine with a cute, sexy edge. This starry eyed style is here to stay!

The Romance trend boasts floaty fabrics, soft pastels and delicate lace, making you feel like a princess in a modern day fairytale. This key trend can easily be transformed from day to evening with some minor adjustments. A few jewels, a scarf and a cardigan and you are ready for any occasion.

Make the most out of your accessories – an eclectic mix of textures, embellishments and fabrics will set you apart from the rest and will be sure to make heads turn. This first look shows how an on trend playsuit can be transformed to accommodate the weather and occasion. An important piece for your wardrobe these pictures show how it can be dressed up and dressed down.

Not for you? If you feel that a playsuit is too feminine, don’t fear; all you need to do is keep layering with some darker shades. A few stronger lines and details will make you feel less fairylike! However, don’t go overboard with the layers, make sure you balance them out with a few accessories.

We all know how unpredictable the English weather can be, so to stop getting frostbite, keep in vogue with pastel colours but remember to add new textures. Layering up the cashmere, chiffon, silk and sweatshirts will help keep you warm, but more importantly keep you on trend throughout the Winter months!

This look is perfect for moving into Autumn and a woollen knit worn slightly off the shoulder will add the sexiness to the style!

Next week we’ll be talking about more emerging trends for Autumn!