Get rid of clothes I don't wear

When I was home for Christmas, I realized that I was starting to turn into my mother. Now, I don’t LOVE clothes like she does, but her love has passed on a great deal of items. Most of these items I wear. I have the best selection of professional wear that any woman can ask for. That’s why I’m waiting for my appointment from the new administration. But many of the quirkier items often sit in the bottom of a box or in the back of the closet.
I have however found a new solution to the problem of too many clothes and not enough space. Swap parties are a semi new phenom sweeping the US and the UK. I wanted to hold a swap party for my upcoming bday, but decided on a purse party instead. But to get rid of clothes, shoes and other accessories, I am now relying on a site called Swapstyle.
It’s simply, register and upload pics of items that you are willing to trade or sell. Other members will contact you about items they are interested in and negotiations begin. Very simple interface, think early Myspace. Forums and chat options exist, and very simple swapping options. Make friends like Myspace. My favorite aspect is the style diary (which helps me become an internet celebrity by posting fabulous pics of my style.)
Swapstyle isn’t just for clothes, consider it for shoes, bags, and even makeup (new hopefully).
See you on the swap, and from here on out, I consider this the close-out of this 43 Things goal.

It’s a shame that every month I find something to give to the charities that pick up from my home, but I still have tons of things in my closet that need to be discarded. Just today I got rid of 2 pairs of casual sneaks, 1 pair of dress shoes, along with several Banana Republic pieces, a dress from Bloomingdales, a DKNY jacket.

Next task is to take suits to the Dressed for Success which supports women entering the work force by supplying them with interview attire. Many of my older suits are in great condition and could help a woman in need. I”ll update later, but I feel really good about helping people out.

This past Monday, I participated in a service project that honored the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. This project has been organized the past 20 years to feed the homeless outside of the MLK Library on the holiday to celebrate Dr. King’s legacy. WFOP has annually provided a nutritious meal and warm clothing for homeless citizens in the nation’s capitol as a way to continue to draw attention to the plight of the poor and neglected.

This year, in addition to volunteering, the group collected interview clothes for the homeless, along with warm coats. I was very proud of the work that the countless folks in DC contributed to this effort. It was great to see my friends, and despite the cold, distribute clothes and warm food to people that are down on their luck. Thanks to my cousin who put me on to this event, and who encourages me to participate every year.

And in true Soulcialite status, I have a picture with Miss Black District of Columbia, Amanda Lewis

God Bless us All.
(Selfishly, I will continue to say that I am collecting receipts for tax deductions and planning to contribute monthly to at least one charity – Lupus Foundation, Goodwill, WFOP, and the Vietnam Vets of America. I encourage you to do so as well.)

Alright, so I didn’t make my goal of getting out some December donations to end 2007. But for 2008, I am making a goal, and challenging all of you, to donate MONTHLY. Again, I hate to sound selfish, but I have been blessed with SO MUCH, that I will give away $100 worth of clothes and other household goods every month (for a yearly donation of $1200). I really could use that on my taxes.
Let me know if you are down for the challenge.

I hate to sound selfish, but this is also a great Tax write-off. And I need all of the write offs I can get.

I regularly give to the Lupus Foundation and Vietnam Vets of America and Goodwill.

Save your receipts.

The book, “Lower Your Taxes Big Time” is a great resource. You can find it at www.dcwinonline.org