How much fun (and green) is it to trade in your under-used clothes for another local fashionista’s?? Since my closets are moaning under the weight of my unused clothes and I’m kind of cheap…and environmentally-conscious, of course….swapping is one of my favorite activities! This was the basis for launching a series of swapping events for curvy ladies here in Chicago called Chic Swaps.

These Chic Swaps are not the crowded free-for-alls that some people expect from these events…I wanted it to feel more like a girl’s night shopping event. So we limited the number of tickets, had all attendees drop their clothes off at the store during the weeks before the event, hung all the items on hangers…added some cupcakes and wine…and voila! We had a chic, fun event. Here’s a little taste of the event…

As you can see, our first Chic Swaps event was The Sweater Swap and it was a great success! Everyone who came left with some awesome items that they were excited to incorporate into their wardrobes! All of the clothes that didn’t find a new home were donated to Dress for Success – an awesome organization that provides clothes to under-privileged women entering the workforce.

Jaye from Curvatude was an excellent co-host, and major thanks and kudos to Stephanie and Amanda from vive la femme and violette. This event would not have been possible without them.

Also, our thanks to our sponsors who each contributed items to our gift bags. Lush Cosmetics donated amazing bath products, Continuum Studio donated giftcards to all attendees with a bonus certificate for one lucky winner, and 2 lucky attendees won VIP tickets to a Plus Fashion Week Chicago event.

Be sure to Like ChicSwaps on Facebook, follow our tweets, and check www.chicswaps.com to find out about our next event!

It can be easy to get caught up in all the glitz and glamour associated with the fashion world and lose sight of the true meaning of community…which is helping each other and supporting those less fortunate than ourselves when we are able. That’s why I was thrilled when Cha’rron of CChicChicago invited me to the Fashion for A Cause event last week to honor the Maryville Crisis Nursery.

The Maryville Crisis Nursery provides short term care for children who are experiencing a severe disruptive crisis in their family and/or are challenged with an urgent family matter.

It is so important to give back to organizations like this one that do so much good! The Fashion for a Cause event brought together artists, designers, jewelry designers, and leaders in the fashion community to raise money for the Maryville Crisis Nursery. It was a fantastic event and celebrated fashion and the true meaning of the word “community.”

Here’s a few pictures from this fantastic event.

This “Empress Gown” by Oscar’s Design Challenge 2011 Winner Borris Powell was auctioned off during the event and the proceeds (or a portion of them) goes to Maryville Crisis Nursery.

The Foundation Room at the House of Blues was an unbelievably luxe and detailed Indian-themed palace. It was a sumptuous backdrop for the night’s festivities.

What an amazing night…for such a worthy cause! I’ll definitely attend more of these events in the future.

OK, apparently there are no Zebras in the Sahara…but a girl can dream, right??? This outfit is one of my favorites. It was an experiment at first, and when I walked in front of my mirror, I was like, “YES!” and gave myself a high five. lol. I debuted it at the Chicago Fashion Connect February Mixer, and I got a ton of compliments on it! It’s definitely not a run-of-the-mill outfit…and I felt strong and confident and pretty in it. 🙂

I ordered this fab Zebra print shrug from LucieLu (it’s still available on their website!), and wore it with a black tank from Lane Bryant with a rust/sandy colored skirt from Old Navy. My jewelry is from all over…the necklace is from Dots (if you can believe it!). I can’t remember where I bought the gold bangle bracelets or the earrings…but the bigger gold bracelet is from the Ravenswood Antique Mart, as is the rhinestone ring. And the stone bracelet was a gift from my sis Julie. 🙂

Of course, this shrug would spice up an all black outfit too…but I think it’s so much more unexpected and fun to wear it with a bright, colorful skirt!

Hope you love this one as much as I do! 🙂

I’ve become a regular at the mixers put on by Chicago Fashion Connect, and at every event, I meet more amazing, talented gorgeous people in the fashion industry in Chicago!

No, I don’t wear glasses, but I this outfit made me feel all academic and librarian-ish, so I decided to go along with the theme and pull out some old black frames.

Remember years and years ago when most plus-size clothes consisted of flowy semi-sheer tops that you would pair with a tank? Well, this is one of them…it’s from Lane Bryant circa 2000! It’s the old LB Venezia line. Remember that?!? Well, I keep things FOREVER and am not a fan of the whole “if you haven’t worn it in a year, throw it out” theory. I just stick things away in suitcases and rediscover them years later! The sweater that I pulled over the top is also over 8 years old, from Old Navy! I added a short black skirt from Forever 21, some black tights and low heels…and of course the glasses…and thus, my librarian chic look was born. 🙂

Now…pardon me, while I get back to my fine, high-brow reading material, Buckhorn Rising. 🙂