• Sort through your *gently* used clothing and accessories & inspect them for wear, tears, holes and stains (all seasons welcome!)
• Bring 7 items to swap and get 7 items back! BUT if you want to Get Lucky, bring brands like Seven for All Mankind, True Religion and Lucky Brand in order to receive an extra 2 items!
• Place your items neatly folded in a sturdy, portable bag (one versatile to use as you swap in your new items)
• Dress to impress & show up early for drop off! Times are from 2:00pm-3:45pm
• After you drop off your items, score big on some fabulous local vendors during our Pop-Up Shop! (Vendors include: Accessories That Make An Outfit, Jewelry by Carmen LeFleur, LITTLE by darin michelle, Nic’s Picks, and Styles by Elo, and more!)
• For only $5 more, get some extra exclusive treatment during our VIP Lucky Charm Cocktail Hour from 2:30-3:30!
• Bring your notepad or fire up your iPad to document the hottest fall 2012 trends presented by Lucky Magazine’s Alpha Shopper and Blueprint for Style’s founder and image curator, Monica Barnett!
• Prepare to be entertained at 4:00 as DC style bloggers,  Be Loud Be You,  Clarendon Moms, Fashionably Broke, and Spicy Candy kick off the swap with a fashion show, strutting the hottest fall trends and showcasing  their styled looks created right off the racks of the swap!
• By 4:15 you’ll be fueled up and ready to swap! Seek items that can be layered, signature pieces and anything that catches your eye

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Everyone loves a great consignment store–you can clean out your closet and get paid for clothing! DC’s favorite consignment store, Current Boutique expands their business by opening a fourth location in Bethesda, MD on Saturday, August 25th!

Current Boutique offers customers handpicked consignment pieces that fit its criteria for great quality and style –unique items you can’t find anywhere else. Current Boutique first opened its doors in Clarendon back in 2007, and has since opened two more stores in Old Town and Logan Circle. According to owner & president Carmen Lopez, each neighborhood has its own unique vibe, and the Bethesda location will be no different.

“All our stores are located in vibrant shopping areas,” Lopez said, “yet we have many clients that shop all our locations for the distinct inventory that each one brings.”

The Bethesda store will be opening on Wisconsin Avenue, central to many shopping and eating destinations and a block from the Bethesda Metro. Customers will be able to shop a wide variety of designer wear, jeans, basics and one-of-a-kind pieces. The store will be opening just in time to start taking fall consignments.

At Current Boutique, the consigning process is simple and no appointment is necessary. The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming and they look for natural fabrics – cotton, linen, silk, cashmere and wool – among others. Clothes are reviewed and selected on the spot and consigners receive half of the selling price. Any unsold items are donated to Martha’s Table and the Salvation Army to benefit the local community.

Make sure to stay current on DC happenings and don’t miss this weekend’s grand opening in Bethesda!

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By Perrine A. DeShield

Summer may be on the verge of finding its exit, but the consistent trend of denim cut-off shorts may stick around and make a few appearances during upcoming seasons.

So did you invest your money in the trend this year OR did you recycle within your wardrobe? If you didn’t decide to take the economically and earth friendly way out this summer and shorten the hemline of an old pair of jeans, click on the link below to learn how to DIY and check out a few pics to put Daisy Duke to shame.

I LOVE Refinery 29! They have great DIY tips !

Feeling daring? Go beyond thigh-high like singer Ciara with side-cropped cut-offs!

Check out Nicole Richie’s versatile ability to wear her cut-offs as she layers!

Make sure to find a length that fits YOUR style. Once you do, roll them up, leave them down and layer with tights, jackets and cardigans to create a signature piece.

Also, here ‘s DC’s very own Natalie  of Fashionably Broke Girls sporting her American Flag shorts. Doesn’t she look darling? She got those from our swap BTW! For her tutorial, click here.

At the end of the day, the most noticeable fashionistas are the ones who know how to utilize their entire closets and aren’t afraid of a little revamping. Whether your old jeans are dark-washed, vintage/high-waisted or even colored denim, get creative and don’t fear a pair of scissors. See how far a season can take you!

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By Perrine DeShield

I was first introduced to fashion swaps by my best friend Kirstin Garriss, a fashion/lifestyle DMV blogger, who attended one in the DC area.

Once I joined the Dewdrop team and learned more and more about the swap process and how fashionistas unite not only get a peak into one another’s closets, but literally share their style, I couldn’t help but to feel excited!

Kirstin wasn’t able to tango with us in Bethesda, but I swapped in her honor! Below is what she had to say about the Tangerine Tango Swap and the new additions to her wardrobe (thanks to yours truly).

“Fashion swaps are great and I was so happy when one of my friends, Perrine, was able to swap some of my old stuff for me and in return got me some great items while I was working. Well, I had high expectations because Perrine has a great eye and knows my style but I was so pleased with what I got from the swap.

My favorite items are my BRAND new, yes, brand new with the tag still attached gold and beige GAP dress…

Lilac quarter sleeved dress that I will be wearing this fall…

A cute light pink Old Navy top that will be great for happy hour or date nights and then a cute black and white mini that’ll be perfect for summer nights out!

Needless to say, I’m very pleased with all the items I got from the swap and I can’t wait to wear them. I also can’t wait for the next swap!”

I was thrilled that Kirstin loved the versatile items I was able to find for her at the swap! As an aspiring stylist, I love making people feel good by looking good. I think Dewdrop and I have formed a beautiful relationship! Make sure to attend our next swap to find your new favorite wardrobe pieces!

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By Perrine DeShield

Fashion lovers everywhere have a strong bond with their clothing. Whether an item is associated with a sentimental memory or literally just your favorite piece of clothing, it is easy to become attached and think highly of your wardrobe.

But when it comes to ensuring that your items are swap ready and pre-inspected, below are a few tips to follow:

• Make sure to check collars for any ring stains and armpits for any light staining. Also check for any missing buttons or loose threads.

Focus Spots for button-downs/blouses

•  When it comes to items like tanks or dresses,  you also want to inspect the underarm area,  and also check for any unraveling, discoloration or slight staining.  **Inspect your items under a well lit area** Make sure that if it came with a belt or attachment, it is included.
• When it comes to bottoms (especially denim) make sure to check for any fraying at the hemline, any holes or tears (that aren’t a part of the original design) as well as any possible staining inside or outside of the pants. 
  
• Now that you have the basic inspection knowledge, when it comes to CLEANING your items and removing stains, a few at home remedies and products can do the trick!
• Try Murphy’s Wood Cleaner to remove stains! “Oil-based soaps can be surprisingly effective at stain removal, especially for difficult stains such as grass and blood. They should be used immediately after the stain is produced for the most effective cleaning. However, oil-based soaps can also be used for old, set-in and stubborn stains. The procedure to use them is quite simple.” Read more here.

Have any more tricky stains that need to be removed? Click on the links below and learn how!

• Mysterious stains
• 
• Ink Stains
• Grease Stains
• Coffee Stains
• 
• Blood Stains
• Wine Stains
• Grass Stains
• Oil Stains
• 

For more stain tips, check out www.stain-removal-101.com !

See you at the swap with your ready-to-wear items!

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