The Etiquette of Swapping

While most folks were making their way to their nearest theater and waiting in painfully long lines to see Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland, (which by the way I heard had really mixed reviews) Cecilia & myself enjoyed a night out in San Francisco. We started the night by attending the Trunk & Swap held by SF Fashion And Merchants Alliance, Inc. at Etiquette Lounge.

We were one of the very first guests to arrive and we were very hesitant at the idea of swapping our clothes. The clothes we brought were in excellent condition, but not exactly what was in right now and we were slightly embarrassed by a few of our items (things my grandmother had bought me and I felt too guilty to re-gift). Once more guests started to arrive, people were asking us if they could go through our things and if we'd like to swap.



We had a great time mingling with other folks and bargaining over each others' clothes. We felt bad for the vendors that were also in attendance, because most folks were too busy going through the swapping items (couldn't blame them, the stuff was free!).

Cecilia got a sweater, a necklace, and sunglasses. (She was robbed of a great mini pea coat. Someone had gone through her bag while she had set it down and took it without asking to trade). I came away with a pair of red Nine West sling backs, a never worn Banana Republic pencil skirt, a red silk Edwards tank, a striped t-shirt (that I was hoping I could wear as a crop top), two necklaces, sunglasses, a handmade card, and some window tape. Not bad at all, and the rest of the clothes went as donations to The Pajama Project.

(Ivan's shirt, he painted it himself!)

We met Ivan Camilo Lopez, artist and owner of Artillery, and his girlfriend Alexa Treviño. Ivan was one of the live artists at the event. We talked about the creative genius that is David Choe and Ivan got me thinking about getting more serious about my artwork again. By the way if you're available on Thursday night make your way to the mission to visit their gallery for an art reception at Artillery. They'll be showing work by Carrie Nardello, Brian McDonald, and Victor Adrian Prieto, and DJ Baysick will be spinning.

(One of the skate decks that Ivan painted)

(Ivan in action)

There was also a fashion show, but we left before it started in hopes of making it to the D-Structure "Fluffy Water" show featuring Joshua Laywer. Unfortunately for us parking in the Haight was impossible. Instead we ended up in Daly City to feast on some of the yummiest sushi and quenched our thirst with sparkling ginger mango sake.

We plan on going to more events like this one. We'll be sure to let you know about them and hope you'll join us next time!

KIFvncy,
M.E.