Fashion, chocolate and fun were the fabulous combination that made Saturday's fashion swap party a hit. The rain did little to keep eco-fashionistas at bay. Arriving with armloads of purses, rings, shoes, scarves, bangles and brooches, the ladies arranged their pre-loved treasures on the tables, mingled over cheeses and nibbled lavender truffles from Boardwalk Chocolates.

To kick things off, Marilyn Weston (aka The Wardrobe Doctor), talked to the group about the importance of selecting accessories based on personality, shape, lifestyle and taste. Above all, she says, choose things that really speak to you. Mary Lynn, the winner of our Eco-Fashionista green Barter Auction says, “I have been interested in second hand clothing, colour theories, and helping people dress for quite a while. (Marilyn) encouraged us to remember to add pieces to our wardrobe that make us feel good inside - I think we all know instinctively what those are!” Mary Lynn bid on free entry to the fashion swap by pledging to help support and raise funds to buy solar panels for Kew Beach Public School, therefore bringing clean, green energy to 400 local students. We’ll keep you posted on her progress. Along with Mary Lynn’s kudos, we received several notes of warm appreciation that day.

With Marilyn's words in mind, the swappers approached the tables one by one and chose wisely from the display. A beaded necklace was the first to go and in minutes, the items had nearly melted from the tables, destined for a new life in new wardrobes. Anything left over was gathered up for charity.

Swapping helps us make good decisions for the earth and our wallet, but it’s events like these that show us how it can also connect a community of like-minded people, especially one with such a passion for fashion.

If you missed this event be sure to join us for our next one, a DVD swap. Freshen up your film library by trading your old favourites for some new ones.