Wednesday, August 6, 2008

Swish Swish

I recently read an article at TreeHugger about a trend that has started in the UK called "swishing." Though fashion-related and not beauty-related article, it still caught my attention and I thought it was worth mentioning here.

Why "Swishing?"
The dictionary definition: To rustle, as silk. Swishing has been redefined by London's Futerra Sustainability Communications.
Swishing: To rustle clothes from friends.
The Swishing Organization points out: "According to the EPA Office of Solid Waste, Americans throw away more than 68 pounds of clothing and textiles per person per year, and clothing and other textiles represent about 4% of the municipal solid waste. " Of course, you already bring your hand-me-downs to the local clothing recycling bin so they can go to a good cause. But there are usually a few pieces that you would like to know have found a good home. These are perfect Swishing fodder.
Wow, sounds great, no? When you think about it, it's a great way to build a sense of bonding between friends (even strangers) if you're exchanging clothes, and all the while you're helping decrease that 4% of municipal waste created by disposed-of clothing.

Going to a girl's boarding school, swishing is somewhat of a customary tradition. When getting ready for a date or special event, constant calls to borrow friends' clothing can be heard by numerous racing girls down the hall. I've also had friends simply give me clothes they don't wear anymore, and have had them become some of the favored articles in my wardrobe.

I think this sounds like a great idea, and am anxious to continue it on a greater scale. If you want to start swishing as well, click here and see how you can get started.


Last but not least, if you have never been to Sephora, go there now. Sephora offers all sorts of great products from classy brands such as Clinique all the way down to more rocker chic brands like Urban Decay. They also have their own great products, and have just come out with a pro's trick line, chock full with must-haves. What are you waiting for? Go go go!!