Story Donated By Rachel McAlley
I was working on the Leeds Shopping Week 2008 project and one of the events I was hosting was a Swishing event, straight from the coolest New York and London second hand party scene.  The rules behind my Swishing event were as follows:
1 - all ladies could bring up to 5 accessories that they no longer wanted
2 - no fighting between swishers
3 - all ladies go home with gorgeous new accessories

I had around 20 ladies that come along to the Swishing party that was held at The Living Room in Leeds, each lady brought up to 5 items they no longer wanted (belts, bags, shoes, brooches, hats, gloves, jewels etc), all items were placed on a big table, and they were perused and tried on by the guests.  All accessories were placed back onto the table, all ladies were asked to leave the room and then the party started!

I blew a whistle and each lady ran into the room and grabbed an item that she wanted (one lady fell onto the floor in the madness of the rush) and then they left the room with their new accessory.  I blew my whistle 5 times until all the accessories were gone.

All proceeds (£5 entrance fee) were given to Yorkshire Breast Cancer Haven and any left over accessories were donated to the Charity for them to auction, raffle or giveaway.

The one and only accessory I had fallen in love with, and the one and only accessory that no-one wanted was the most amazing bright blue knitted woolen trilby hat.  And, as I was running the event I couldn’t take part until the very end.  But my wishes came true and it became mine.

Rachel McAlley