Heart & Soul

Before shopping for fall’s hottest trends, we’ve got to clean out our closets. Emerge Events partners Tinika Brown and Erica Lee recently hosted the Emerge Fashion Exchange at the Alvin Ailey Dance Studio in New York for women to swap never worn items. The city socialites share how you can do the same with friends and shopping tips for a timeless wardrobe.

HEART & SOUL: We love the idea of upgrading the traditional clothing swap. What inspired you to host this event?
TINIKA BROWN: My goal has always been to host fun and creative networking events for professional women of color for a cause. My inspiration for the fashion exchange began when a friend came to my house and saw my piles of clothes and shoes that I either couldn’t or didn’t want to wear. What was boring to me was new and exciting to her. She tried on each item and was thrilled to take over half of the items home. She remarked that she felt like she’d just gone shopping without spending any money. After that night, I spoke to other women, including my partner, Erica Lee, and they all could attest to having great clothing that they were not wearing for various reasons – maybe its a gorgeous dress that doesn’t quite flatter the right areas or an outfit they’ve been seen in too many times or tagged all over Facebook.

HEART & SOUL: Any insights to share with other women looking to host a fashion exchange?
BROWN: Although the idea of a fashion swap is certainly not new, I didn’t want attendees to have to engage in one-on-one negotiations with women they were just meeting. Erica and I modified the concept so that it simulates a shopping experience rather than bartering. Our guests received points for each item they contributed and could use them to “purchase” items contributed by other women. The point system gives women the incentive to contribute their best items to the Exchange and promotes fairness by ensuring that women take away something roughly equivalent to what they contributed.

Erica Lee, left and Tinika Brown of Emerge Events

HEART & SOUL: Many women are attached to their clothes, even things they don’t wear. What items should women bring to a fashion exchange?
BROWN: The most important tip is to pick fashion items that you think another fashion-forward woman would like and be proud to pass it on. Do not bring undergarments or bathing suits. Another tip is to be honest with yourself about what you will and won’t wear again. If you haven’t touched an item in two years there are other things in your closet you prefer to wear and will continue to prefer to wear. Finally, you should never exchange items that are stained, dirty, distasteful or defective.

HEART & SOUL: Ideally, women won’t have a lot of items to swap. What’s the secret to buying items that will be stylish beyond one season?
ERICA LEE: Timeless elegance starts with simplicity. What is trendy today, may be tacky tomorrow. Limit busy patterns or loud colors and remember that naturals and solids are staples and slimming to the eye. Classic must-haves include a pair of comfortable denim jeans, an elegant black dress, a tailored pinstriped grey or black suit, an A-line skirt, a crisp white collared shirt and pair of khakis. Once you have a solid foundation, you can always dress your look up with accessories including playful earrings, over-sized rings and stunning shoes. Also, be mindful of your outerwear with the seasons. Your jacket or coat will be seen first in cooler temperatures. A belted trench coat should be a must. In colder weather add color with your choice of scarf, hat and gloves. Lastly, what says timeless better than a great watch? It’s the perfect finish to a classic outfit.

Have you hosted or attended a fashion swap before? Tell us your story.