May 3, 2012

thrifty thursday....the naked party


Naked Party!
You're Invited.
It's actually not as exciting as it sounds. We also call it a clothing swap.
Either way, here's how it works. 
Someone decides it's time for a swap.
We all go through our closets and weed out what we are no longer wearing, stuff it in a garbage bag, haul it over to the hostesses house, dump it on the living room floor, and the fun begins.

We all strip down and make fun of each other's ratty under garments, c-section scars, back fat, arm flabble...you get the picture... and try on clothes. We solve problems, drink wine, or tea and nibble on potluck goodies.

This is an event for your closest circle of friends. The ones that you really trust. The gals you know  will speak the truth.

"Honey, you're too old for that."

"No, you can no longer rock a halter top."

"Tracy, it is not OK to take a used thong out of the Telluride free box!"
  
That sort of thing.

I did not take photos as the last naked party clothes swap.

Husbands and boy children are not allowed. When our children were younger they all came, and I'm sure that they will have bizarre memories of a group of semi-nude women, laughing and swapping stories and yoga tops, posing around a mirror, propped precariously against a wall.

Our bodies (and lives) have changed and we can laugh (and cry) together. We were once in different stages of pregnancy or 'fluffier' because of nursing babies. About twenty kids and five divorces later, we are still making efforts to lift and support.
And I don't necessarily mean bras.

The leftover clothes are sent to the thrift store.

As I type, I am in Kate's tank top, Natalie's sweater, and Tracy's tights.

thanks girls.

I love you all.

joining lady cordelia for thrifty thursday!

19 comments:

  1. You had me sucked in at "Naked Party" :)

    This sounds like a ton of fun!!

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  2. Okay You! You've got us all purging like crazy and before I type one more word...well...I tried to put one more pair of shoes in the Goodwill bag but after walking around in them (in my pajama's) I found that they didn't hurt so I kept them--Ah! We could use your help. When my girls help me purge and want to toss something I say "WAIT!" I can wear that in Durango!" I've said that more times than I can count because if I say it, our move WILL happen! Recently when trying to find something to wear and I couldn't, they sarcastically said "Mom, wear one of your Durango outfits!!" They ARE funny :))

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  3. That sounds perfectly wonderful. What a fun and uplifting group of friends you all are...and such great memories!

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  4. Ivey, this post just send me over the edge...I want to join in and be part of the naked party! You know, the house I found did have over 6,000 square feet so there would be plenty of room and I do know how to 'lay out a table of food'!

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  5. ohhhhh I want that dress!
    I would love to do a naked party, but I just don't think anyone would want the clothes I have to offer. : (
    XO
    C

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  6. I want to be part of the party as well! I could maybe branch out of jeans and tees.... Great idea!

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  7. Is this why you were looking especially stylish and beautiful this morning?

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  8. looove naked lady parties! have fun!

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  9. Oh this sounds so fun! Alas, my closest girlfriends are strewn across the country :(
    I love, LOVE this idea though.

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  10. I remember you posting about this ages ago! Such a riot and such a brilliant idea :) What a blessing it is that you have a group of women to cheer each other on in this life. I have made such dear friends in our travels but with this military life comes so many miles that separate us all. I know you already do, but CHERISH that momma. You are fully and richly blessed!

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  11. This kind of party sounds absolutely fantastic!!!

    Amazing dress!

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  12. Oh, I feel so much better being fluffier with my nursling! I have been feeling fine/ looking ENORMOUS and my weight hasn't changed a bit with lots of good working out. Baby boy is quite perfect.
    How was your experience with your boys and nursing?
    xo,
    good times,
    crying in the changing room,
    blossom

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    1. they both nursed for an eternity!right up until the next baby...so three yrs...and it was lovely!i was always a very lopsided fluffy, because i nursed on just one side...don't ask why...but it worked. my friends made fun of me for sure!:)

      hugs to both of your boys and that darling girl! hope you are all well!

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  13. love me a good swap! a friend of mine had the (what I thought was a brilliant) idea for all of us to bring our swap stuff in a laundry basket. once everyone is there, you place the (empty) baskets around the room and everyone places a few of her things in each basket so that everything is divvied up somewhat evenly. then you just sit in front of one basket, everyone goes through theirs and when we're done we rotate baskets around until you've looked in all of them. It is somewhat less chaotic and you don't lose track of what piles you've looked through and which you haven't. I've also been to swaps where everything is in one ginormous pile on the floor and mayhem ensues... that's fun too.

    cheers from NC

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  14. i love that you gals have made this a ritual! i have a friend that i thrift shop with and this post reminds me alot of our outings. and oh that dress, that fabric! so pretty.

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