Growing up, the change of the seasons only meant one thing for me and my sister: a shopping spree.

For us, a change in the season meant that a shipment of the newest trends came crashing into our favorite stores at the mall. It also meant that soon mom would pile the two of us into the car and head off for a day, or weekend, of girl time and retail therapy.

But now that I'm older and out on my own with a job, bills and my own mouth to feed, I also have my own back to clothe. And after a few failed attempts at imitating for myself what my mother did for me, I've accepted the fact that shopping, for me, has got to change.

And I'm convinced my situation mirrors plenty of you Richmond gals.

So for this month's Girls Night Out, might I suggest hosting a Clothing Swap Party. It's like a handy-me-down get together, jazzed up with your fabulous friends (possibly their little ones) and of course a few cocktails and hors d'oeuvres.

Not only do these parties work to get you an entirely "new," impressive and … dare I say the word … cheap wardrobe, but you'll clean out your closet of things you probably haven't worn in years.

Before you start rummaging through your closet and tossing out clothes you think you don't want, you may also want to take a look at the fall's newest fashion trends. You may just find a new appreciation for that tweed skirt you swore you'd never wear again.

The Clothing Swap Ground Rules

If it's torn, permanently stained, picked or smells -- trash it
This is not an event in which you get to unload your laziness onto your best girlfriends.

Chances are if you've kept it tucked, hidden away in the very back of your closet, in the very bottom drawer of your dresser or under your bed in a pile of other funk, you don’t wear it anymore and your friends won't want to either.

Bring only those clothes which you maybe loved once and are gently worn, still love but simply can't fit into anymore or those with the price tag still on them (I know you have them).

Bottom line: offer clothes unto others as you would have others offer clothes unto you.

Send them through the ringer
For the clothes you've deemed wearable and Clothing Swap-friendly, make sure you clean off the funk one last time, by sending it through the washing machine or dry cleaners, depending on the article of clothing.

Whether it's a button-up blouse, chic and trendy sweater or a fun and flirty "downtown top," your friends probably won't want the B.O., left-over wine or spaghetti stains that it's seen over the last year(s).

If you can't get the stain out, toss it in the trash.

Scale down the guest list
Try to keep the guest list as intimate as possible.

Obviously, only inviting three friends to your little get together slims down your choices and, quite frankly, doesn't make for much of a "party," but putting more than ten women together, in a room, with cocktails, snacks and free clothing? Things could get a little crazy.

Be supportive and refrain from exposing the claws
When it comes to women and clothes, things are bound to get a little competitive. Especially if one of your friends brings over that top you've been eyeing, and/or borrowing from time to time, for the last year and Ms. Cathy Copy-Cat decides she has to have it too.

Remember, no "sale" is final and sharing is key. Plus, if all goes well, there should be time left for trading at the end.

Now that you've got the basics…

Ready … Set … Swap!

Sort it
With all that clothing thrown in the middle of the floor, it's going to be difficult to decipher what is what. As hostess, sort through the mess and divide the clothing into categories. From pants, dresses and tops to hats, accessories and handbags, it will be easier for everyone to decide what they want to "bid" on if they can see it before it's up for grabs.

Auction it
Either choose one of your girlfriends to act as auctioneer or, as hostess, do it yourself. Hold up each article of clothing for everyone to see and describe what it is, from the size, to the fabric, to the brand.

In silent auction form, start the "bidding" when the first one of your girlfriends to show interest in the garment raises her hand. Some articles of clothing will get one taker; others will attract two or more. If there is more than one, send it to a vote.

Have the girls try on the garment to see who it fits best, but remember to be complimentary or at least constructive in your criticisms; we're all friends here!

Afterward, have the group close their eyes and vote. The gal with most votes wins.

Trade it
After bidding is done, allow extra time for trading and for your gal pals to rethink their "purchases." Did you lose the aforementioned vote? Now's the time to redeem yourself; a little charm and persuasion can sometimes go a long way, even with your girlfriends.

After winning the bid on that green scarf, did you suddenly realize you have four other, albeit different shades, of green scarves sitting at home? Use this time to try and trade it off for something that now may seem more appealing and useful to you.
 
Thrift it
There's bound to be leftover clothing that nobody wants (i.e. the bridesmaid dress that your friend swore you'd wear again or that hideous lime green blouse that looks good on no one).

In that case, bag it up and drop it off at your local thrift store. Surely, someone will find a need for it.

After the Party

Still on the lookout for a specific article of clothing, accessory or handbag? Keep the spirit of your Clothing Swap Party alive by participating in a number of online "closet swaps."

Check out the links below:

BagBorrowSteal.com
As featured in the summer movie hit, "Sex and the City," this site allows you to "borrow" designer handbags, jewelry and sunglasses. Like too much to give back?  Ask about the purchase price for your chance to "steal" it.

SwapStyle.com
This online fashion swap site let's you swap, sell and buy clothing, accessories, shoes and even cosmetics from budget-minded fashionistas around the world, just like you. It's like having an endless number of girlfriends' closets to rummage through.

OurThreads.com
This is the perfect site for anyone interested in fashion and the online buying, selling, and trading of clothing and accessories. Set up your own virtual closet and post pictures and descriptions of items you would like to share with the online community.

WhatsMineIsYours.com
If you don't mind trading across the Atlantic Ocean, this site is for you. Not only can you buy, sell and swap clothing with other users, but their "boutique" section is the clothing and accessories of up-and-coming designers and vintage sellers. One downside: the prices are labeled in pounds, so remember to do your math. There's also a section for men!