********* October 17th Los Angeles Swap Event *********
Join Us for the HP Swap event on October 17, 2009 at
The Barn in Los Angeles (A Great new L.A. Venue)
This event is open to the public and Free
To Benefit Red Eye Inc. there is a suggested donation of $10.00 at the door - all proceeds go to this Non Profit Organization. Learn More at redeyeinc.org 
A Halloween Costume Swap and general swap of clothing, shoes and accessories, books and bags and other items...refresh your wardrobe and fall into a new style.
We will open at 12:00 noon - come by early to drop off swap items and allow us to organize before the swap begins. Mingle and relax - there will be stuff to do and ways to pass the time. At a set time we will open the swap area , and it will stay open the rest of the day.
There will be a "Top Swap" element to this event. What that means is - for thise who bring the best items or upscale things that are new with tags or never worn or used, or high end designer items and similar...they will get the opportunity to get into a "pre swap" timeslot before the swap opens up to everyone. It's only fair - if you bring the best stuff you should get first shot at the best stuff there! There will be rules and details posted for the Top Swap before the event - so check back for that if you'd like to get in on it. There may be a few tickets to the Top Swap awarded as prizes or for purchase - so check back.
A Few Answers To Common Questions:
Q -Do you need to bring Halloween Stuff?
A - No - it's just a suggestion. Bring anything clean and in good condition that you don't want or use.
Q - How much should I bring?
A- As much or little as you like. What ever you have. If you don't have anything to bring - come anyway.
Q- What / How much can i take?
A- As much as and whatever you want. Please be fair and considerate of others - to make sure everyone has a fair chance at some stuff.
Q- When should i get there?
A- It starts at 12:00 noon. People will hand in thier swap items - and we will take time to set up the swap area. While we do that - you can get something to eat from the caterer, shop with our vendors, or just mingle. When the area is set up with a good amount of swap items - we will open the swap. At that point anyone who comes after would just go into the swap area and put in thier items and have a look at what is there. You can come at any time - but if you'd like a suggestion - between 12:00 and 1pm.
Q- Who can come?
A- Anyone - adults / kids / men / women.... bring everyone!
Q- How much does it cost?
A- It's Free.
However - we are hosting the charity Red Eye Inc. and there is a suggested donation of $10 at the door, but it is not mandatory. If you can donate though - please do. $10 is not bad - you'll be helping others and you will get plenty of things for free so it's worth it.
Entry and participation is free. The only thing we ask is that everyone be on thier best behavior - come with a spirit of shareing and fairness as to who gets what... there will be enough for everyone.
HPSwap Info & Message Line: 714-380-6246
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If you don't have designer items or do not get into the Top Swap - don't worry that all the "good stuff" will be gone before you get to it. There will more likely be MORE than enough to go around - and then some. There should be stuff left over. Good stuff. Everyone should have a very good chance to find something they will be pleBut if you don't have designer items or don't get into the Top Swap - don't worry. There will be limits and restrictions , so it's not like ased with.... or a few things!
How This Works:
Bring any items that are in good clean condition - clothing and wearable's, books, cd's and games, small electronics and household items and decor - anything you don't use anymore that is in good condition. Pass it on to someone else.
Come and relax, peruse the hand made goods offered from crafters and items from vendors. If you see something you like - feel good knowing your purchase supports local artists / crafters and business.
Sort through the swap area for something to wear for Halloween (or something for your kid, or your boyfriend, or your dog...) People may bring actual costumes that have only been worn once or just a few times. Or get creative and pick up various items to put together your own costume. You can alter / redesign / re-work stuff into something original and new. Make a fairy costume from a tulle skirt and funky net top....or be a gypsy or hippie or a hobo...you might find something to inspire you. You are only limited by your imagination.
While you are at it - keep your eyes open for a new winter coat, some cool shoes, a fur shrug or some sunglasses. Grab a bag or a hat. Get something to wear on that December cruise.
You would be surprised at what you can find at a swap. People who recycle and care about the earth ... take care of thier stuff. People purge their closets and homes of those things they got on that shopping spree to make themselves feel better - but then never wore or used those buy's. You can find things that are new with tags or great vintage pieces. You could find your new favorite book.
Our first swap was small - but the swappers were generous. There was a great selection of clothing, shoes, handbags and accessories. Some of it was new and never worn. Some of it was vintage and really cool. Most of it was nice previously worn items that were clean and in good condition. Hats. New designer tennis shoes. A suede jacket. There was also some make up still new in the package and other similar personal care items. Some jewelry. All kinds of stuff.
And after the swap was over - there was a lot left. This was at one small little swap with a handful of women (and a few guys). Think of what we can do with a larger swap. With more people. With more stuff to go through. With more people to inspire us and share with.
