SwapIt — Local services in Medford

My friends and I had a very nice get-together yesterday, and we had a fabulous time! We tried things on, we loved things, we laughed at things, it was a great way to catch up and do something other than eat and drink (though we did that too) The Swapit ladies gave us freedom to roam and make a huge mess in their store, constructively giving feedback and advices on the garments we would try on. Each one of us had a few things picked out for us, but given that the items were put together without knowing what we looked like or what our styles were, by far not everything was a hit. But it didn't matter as much, as we were able to go around an pick things we may like and walk away with at least 5 good items.

The idea is great, and in spirit of recycling and sustainability, this is a great service.

HOWever. The reason I have 4 stars and not 5 (debated on 3 stars) is it later really bothered me how in the introduction to the event, the hostess totally threw under the bus her colleagues in fashion in wardrobe magazines and clothing designers, "who are just trying to sell you stuff". Okay. Being a clothing designer, who owns a boutique just down the street from SwapIt, I have to disagree. I think it's fair to say that it is not only me, but other clothing designers who try the hardest to make garments and accessories that people can like and see themselves wearing it with confidence. Yes, there are trends, and there good amount of targeting people's insecurities to sell, rather than instilling confidence, but knowing lots of professionals in my field, there are by far much more people who try to express themselves thru their creations and connect with people that way.

And let's be honest, we are ALL in the business of selling stuff - clothing, services, your expertise, etc. And not all of us are vicious clothing designers who are just there to sell, and not serve. Since you don't know who is in your audience, don't put down others to bring...

The first time I went to swap it for was for one of their clearing out sales. I got four items for five dollars. I love thrift shopping and getting a good deal. I joined their email list and found out about a virtual styling webinar. Through the webinar I learned a few concepts and joined style by text and Facebook with three additional webinars. I learned so much about styling and what works for my body and personal preferences without ever leaving my house. I attended one of their virtual dress sales and my dresses were mailed to me. The shop just re-opened to members. I bought a three month membership and I’ve already swapped for items in the first few weeks. When I went in yesterday For my appointment to drop off my swaps and pick a couple dresses up I felt safe. The owner took my temperature and I was able to drop off and pick up within five minutes of arrival. I am planning to book the store for one hour so I can shop alone without being worried about getting too close to other customers. I highly recommend joining swap it to anyone who is looking to feel more put together. I would say that if you are not comfortable wearing used clothes the swapping membership might not be for you, but you can still hire the stylists to make your own wardrobe...

If I were able to make it more often than I do, I'd rate it 5 stars. I joined about 10 months ago and have been something like 4 times and a not sure if I'll be able to make it a fifth time. That's partly on me (I live/work about a 30 min drive away or longer if I'm trying to make it during rush hour/right after work), but also: the hours aren't super friendly to nine-to-fivers. When I first joined I think maybe every week or every other week there would be a Thursday or Friday with a couple of hours when it was open in the evening (something like 5 to 7 or maybe 6 to 8?) and two weekend days (per month) with 2 to 4 hours of being open in the middle of the day - the bulk of the open hours being during business hours on weekdays. The open hours have varied with staff availability (understandable!), but for me it's been a lot harder to make it there than I anticipated when I joined. If you can make it for their open hours more easily thanIve found myself able to (the weekend days kept clashing with other commitments I had, given the middle-of-the-day hours), I'd highly recommend...