Earlier this month in London, reigning queens and kings of style – including Mischa Barton and Burberry’s Christopher Bailey - joined forces at the Visa Swap Shop - a partnered event with clothes recycling charity TRAID [Textile Recycling for Aid and International Development]. There, they swapped their Chanel for Balenciaga, and their Miu Miu for Marc, all for a good cause… and, all for free.

As the old adage goes, “One man’s junk is another man’s treasure.” Nowadays, thanks to the newest phenomenon in eco-friendly fashion, people are raiding their closets for old threads and hauling them to the nearest clothing-swap party (instead of the local consignment store). There, fashionistas gather to garner once-loved pieces from both friends and complete strangers, in hopes of striking vintage gold (that is, if they’re truly swap-savvy).

Nicknamed everything from swap meets and, frock exchanges, to swap-a-ramas, even 'naked lady parties' – call it what you will, these swap parties are the new Barneys or Beacon’s Closet, without the post-purchase pocket burn. And, now that it’s summer and we all jonesing to toss out our old stuff for a revamped wardrobe without having to break the bank– here’s psychoPEDIA’s guide to the world of clothing swap parties.

Swap-O-Rama Rama (nationwide)
Hosted by local groups and original creator Wendy Tremayne, a columnist for Craft magazine, this traveling swap meet goes all over the country to support sustainable shopping practices. With a series of trades and do-it-yourself workshops, Swap-O-Rama Rama promotes a creative, community-based form of recycling clothing that leads to transformed, one-of-a-kind pieces for the inheritors of someone else’s unwanted clothing. Now popping up in over 40 cities, these parties make recycling more thrilling than ever.

Clothing Swap (California)
A swanky series of parties thrown exclusively up and down the West Coast features events cheekily titled “Diva Eve” and “The Devil Swaps Prada.” And with a motto that fully embodies their mission - “Fun, Fashion, and Philanthropy” - this organization donates all remaining items to a local homeless or battered women’s shelter. For a party with a purpose, open to everyone from women, teens, and even exclusive soirees for men– the only rule is to keep your old delicates to yourself!

Swap-A-Rama Razzmatazz (UK)
This dance party, held monthly at London’s Favela Chic, is a riotous mass of frock swaps made to the sound of a klaxon. Like a literal gong show, or drunk version of musical chairs, Razzmatazz’s method could be a hit-or-miss situation, based simply on the luck of whomever may be next to you on the dancefloor. But with only a paltry entrance fee, you can mix and match to your heart’s desire until you collect the perfect eclectic ensemble– or come out looking like an Olsen twin.

Calgary Jewellery Swap (Alberta, Canada)
Who are ready to trade in their treasured trinkets for other vintage baubles can make a stop in Calgary, Canada. With no cash necessary and disputes handled with the no-frills, no-fuss tactic of a coin toss, it makes you wonder why all shopping couldn’t be this easy. And with all un-adopted merchandise going to a local women’s charity, you can feel good that your old gems are now someone’s new bling.

Fashion Swap Meet: The Hottness! (NYC)
This shindig, begun this January by New Yorker Nichelle Stephens, is the cheaper, greener option for girls to shop in a city that’s already cracked our piggy bank a few times too many. Now in its fourth event, you can check out future Fashion Swap Meet parties held at Madame X bar in the East Village. And what could be better than free clothes and $5 cocktails? It's the hotness - 'nuff said.

*Can’t find your local refined alternative to dumpster diving in our list? Check out Clothes Swap Meetup for local listings or throw your own ol’ rag bash.

~Leann Peterson

First photo by Marcu Dawes via www.style.com