Want to update your look for spring without spending any money?

Swishing, or clothes swapping, is a great way to refresh your wardrobe without spending a penny or having a negative impact on the environment.

In London we throw away an estimated 100,000 tonnes of textiles each year, though 95% of clothes that are binned could have been recycled.

After its first ever Swishing Party last year proved a huge success, Hammersmith and Fulham Council is holding a second swap session on Saturday, January 29.

The party will take place from 2pm to 5pm at The Stonemasons Arms, 54 Cambridge Grove in Hammersmith.

Here's how to swish:

1) Bring between one and five items of clothing, pairs of shoes, bags or accessories. Items must be clean, good condition and something that you are proud to hand on. No children’s clothes please.

2) For each item you bring you will get a ticket, you can then take as many items as you bring.

3) You can bring clothes from 2pm onwards.

4) The clothes will be sorted and hung up on racks, from 3pm you can browse and from 3.15pm you can pick what you want.

5) TRAID, the recycling charity which has shops across London, including King Street in Hammersmith, will be on hand to help you make your new clothes your own – demonstrating easy ways to customise an outfit.

The council says the party is open to everyone, but to provide an idea of numbers please RSVP to Hannah Sills, by phoning 020 8753 1888 or emailing hannah.sills@lbhf.gov.uk

January 10, 2011