Yesterday we had a small Lolita meetup in Connecticut - namely, the magic of a holiday swap! It's a great way to have fun, celebrate the season without going broke, and make a huge mess of clothes!

Have your friends bring anything that doesn't suit them or they haven't worn in a while. You might be tired of it, it doesn't fit, your style has changed, etc. Then everyone pulls out their pieces - either in a huge mound or just one by one, telling the story or reasoning of the piece.

This is the fun part! Everyone tries everything on! This will probably include ruffling of petticoats, getting rescued from insides of dresses, crazy coordinates, and people in one shoe. Or each other's shoes. Add in some snacks and warm drinks and you have a fabulous time!

Then decide what works for whom. There is also the possibility of a 'vacation swap' which is where you lend a piece for a stay - like two or three months. This way you don't have to feel horribly torn about giving away a favored dress or a very nice piece. Or if you have some pieces that seem older, consider that they could be altered or changed for a newer piece. My friend Aly acquired a dress with intentions of changing the neckline, taking in the sides and altering the straps.

This is also a great trick to figure out what you like to wear and what looks good on you. If you've never been quite sure if you could pull off a bonnet, or a huge pair of punky boots, now is the time to try - without dropping a ton of money. You may discover some new looks you love!

Here you can see me in one of my newly acquired coordinates - Lulu et Marion cutsew, Metamorphose Patisserie skirt, white headdress, and one of my friend Julia's white boots!