If you’ve ever expressed envy at a friend’s wardrobe, only to be informed that it’s something they never wear, while you too are the possessor of a whole range of clothing that never sees the light of day; then this latest recession busting craze could be just for you. Swap shopping is the newest way to spring clean and boost your wardrobe all at the same time, eliminating cash from the equation and also the shopping guilt!

While your budget for the year ahead may be more stringent than other years, it’s important to leave some room for the small pleasures in life. If a little fashion folly puts a spring in your step throughout the year then worry not, as swapping your unwanted gently-used items for another person’s shopping gems, could keep your position safe in the style stakes without having to spend a penny.

Both a nationwide and global craze, swap shopping is the way forward in giving unloved garments a new lease of life, and kicking the credit crunch to the curb. Leading the way in Dublin is acclaimed SWOPSHOP, located in the heart of the city. With both high street and designer items up for grabs, this is the perfect place to get started. For more information, go to www.swopshop.ie .

For the most eco conscious fashionista, swap shopping is undoubtedly a great way to step out in style, whilst keeping your carbon footprint to a minimum. Eco awareness is certainly the name of the day at Shebeen Chic, located on Dublin’s Georges Street, which is fully furnished and decorated in recycled materials, and fittingly plays host to Swap Idol every Saturday from 12-4pm. All you have to do is bring along some items you no longer have a need or want for (in good, clean condition), which you can exchange for one of their tokens. This is then your currency to shop for anything there that takes your fancy. To find out more about this great weekly event check out www.shebeenchic.ie .

Not exclusively events held in official swap locations throughout the country, swap parties are fast becoming a way for groups of friends to enjoy a fashion frenzy without the cost. So why not try rallying up a few of the girls/guys whose style you admire (with some of their best threads looking for a new home in tow) and enjoy a fun, recession-busting night in; where no one goes home empty handed.

Putting proof to the proverb ‘One man’s trash, is another man’s treasure’, why not start swapping, and wave your cash flow problems and style woes goodbye!

For a full list of swap shop locations throughout the country click here.

By Niamh Lynch