Shopping in friends' closets is perfect fit for the times

McClatchy Newspapers (MCT) - What's a pair of Gucci shoes _ made two seasons ago and gently worn _ worth?

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A decade-old Chanel clutch? Two newish Diane von Furstenberg dresses?

This was the sort of quandary facing some 15 women who attended a designer clothing swap last week at an ample Allison Island, Fla., home.

Being thrifty is newly vogue.

That goes even for some luxury consumers who normally think nothing of dropping $600 on a pair of strappy wedges.

It turns out that in a recession, inhibitions to donning used garb (even if only barely used) are easily overcome.

"The idea of swapping is not new," said organizer Lana Bernstein, owner of Luxury Branding Agency, a Miami Beach, Fla.-based public relations and marketing company.

"But people are much more open to it now. It's culturally acceptable."

Judith Ripka drop earrings, Chloe handbags, a lacy Dolce & Gabbana camisole, a Martin Margiela sweater _ these were the rejects, things attendees hoped to unload for items that caught their fancy.

"Come look at my stuff because I want this skirt," Meegan Kidd urged another shopper as she hustled the gauzy garment toward her clothing rack. The skirt owner, Erica Frank-Neam, picked through Kidd's offerings.

"I don't wear short dresses," Neam said, sounding pessimistic.

Women's fashion magazines are instructing consumers to skip splurges and instead "shop" their own closets by re-thinking outfit combinations.

But my, how the possibilities multiply when shopping someone else's closet.

"It's like the thrill of shopping without shopping," said one guest, Amanda Tamis, adding, "my friends are not shopping. Everyone's really cutting back."

This was Bernstein's second swap among friends and their friends, an idea she'd kicked around for several years after learning about a similar event in London.

During Bernstein's first attempt in October, at her home on Alton Road, she noticed that some guests carted in brands like Theory and Coach while others hung out garments by more exquisite lines like Dolce & Gabbana and Prada. The two price categories meshed like a peasant skirt and a mink coat _ which is to say, they clashed, and badly.

This time, Bernstein gently nudged her guests to bring the good stuff.

And so the saying, "one person's trash is another's treasure," took on new meaning in Trudy Courey's grand foyer, with hundreds of luxe and semi-luxe items, like a half-dozen quilted Chanel handbags, a few beaded Ralph Lauren dresses and some cotton Calypso shirts.

Also up for grabs was Neam's walnut, custom-made handbag by Bottega Veneta.

"I'm sick of it," she said.

Miami Shores, Fla., resident Sylvia Laurent's abundant offerings included dresses with price tags still intact, like a beaded tunic dress by Tory Burch ($350) and a peephole leopard print dress by Moschino ($955).

Shifting economics have made Laurent reconsider how easily she has discarded items. Swapping is a viable new option, she said.

"A year and a half ago, I would have just given it to Goodwill or to a niece," said Laurent, founder of Miami Shores Montessori.

Between the perusing, guests nibbled on catered sushi and brie, drank wine from plastic cups and caught up on each other's lives. Their social connection was of key importance, said publicist Amy Zakarin, trying on clothes in a flurry.

"Last time I got two pairs of shoes," Zakarin said. "Do you think I would take them from someone I didn't know?"

Bernstein said she'll probably organize additional swaps, but no more than twice a year since that's how often women usually clean out their closets.

"You get rid of your car every three years," Bernstein said. Similarly, "the more expensive pieces tend to live longer in your closets."

For these swappers, getting their money's worth wasn't much of a concern.

Jean Marie Echemendia liked Neam's size 4 Diane von Furstenberg dress, a festive mix of prints and embroidery _ perfect for her upcoming trip to Italy. Neam liked Echemendia's Hermes Kelly handbag with chocolate embossed leather _ who wouldn't?

Kelly bags routinely resell for several thousand dollars or more. A DVF dress _ new _ rarely tops $500.

A deal was struck.

Sound uneven? Echemendia shrugged. "I'm not in crocodile Kelly mode anymore. I'm in the Venetian mode."

She hadn't even tried the dress on. "If it doesn't fit, I'll give it to my daughter," Echemendia said.

"Whatever," said swapper Michelle Areces-Zandy when asked if she'd gotten fair trades.

"If you have a Valentino top in your closet you don't wear, it's useless."

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© 2009, The Miami Herald.