We're having a clothing swap and fashion evening in Boulder in September and you and your friends are invited. If you haven't been to a clothing swap before this is how it works. You show up with those items of clothing needing a new home (you know the ones I mean, the ones in your closet that you bought and thought you'd love but don't) (it stands to reason that if it was once rad to you it might be rad to someone else).

You come ready to have fun. You try on clothes, swap, remix your wardrobe with some ultra-fashionable ladies.

The back story (and reasons you want to join us):

Liz (@srslyliz) and Sarah (@sarahjbray) are two friends I met on Twitter many moons back. We haven't yet met in person because Liz is on the West Coast (and the designer of the poster, above! Feel free to print and distribute!), Sarah is on the East Coast (and also a fashionable designer!). Our messages to each other often revolve around fashion. One day one of us suggested a get-together. So it is going to happen. On September 12th the three of us will be co-hostessing this event, which is sponsored in part by Pangea Organics, Restaurant 4580 (where we're having the swap) and Academichic - a site dedicated to getting you fashionable for school. This is all sorts of good things happening on one day under one roof.

I learned about the art of the swap while living in Tokyo. Laura Coulter (aka Girl About Town) threw these bashes a few times a year and no matter what I had going on I dropped it to be at them. (Laura now hosts swaps in Tokyo and Singapore.) Fashion, wardrobe remixing, music, drinks and good conversation. They were just rad all around. I am basing this swap on Laura's model (read more about her and her swaps in the Japan Times) and, like Laura's, a portion of the profits (it costs $10 at the door and that includes a complimentary drink) will go to a women's co-op charity. Beyond that, any clothing left at the end of the evening is going to a woman's recovery effort.

Here are the details. Mark your calendars. Tell your fashionable lady friends.

Date: Saturday, September 12

Location: Restaurant 4580 Boulder, Colorado

Time: 4:30 - 7:30 PM

Cost: $10 at the door includes a drink (+ a cash bar and food will be available for purchase)

Please remember to bring swappable clothes and accessories: belts, hats, coats, wraps, bags. Anything remaining at the end of the swap will be passed on to charity. This is a ladies only event, so be sure to bring your female friends with you!

On behalf of Liz, Sarah, the ladies behind Academichic and myself, we can't wait to see you and your friends there!

Update 25 August 2009: Read Liz's take on the event at LizFranco.com, "Calling all Fashionistas"

Update 26 August 2009: Read Academichic's coverage of the event, "Spotlight On: Back-to-School Clothing Swap"