If it's free it's for me!

If you are like me, you are always looking for great deals and cost cutting methods. Scouring through ads, cutting coupons, finding all the best sales....sound familiar? In today's economy many families are having to cut costs wherever they can to keep finances in order. So if you are a fashionista turned recessionista, here are some great ways to still get great looks for low cost or FREE! Swap meets are becoming increasingly popular among friends and communities as a way of recycling unwanted items for something new. If there are no local swap meets in your area, you can still get a group of friends together and have your own. Let's say you want to have a clothing swap. Invite your friends and have each person bring five articles of clothing or accessories that they no longer want that they are willing to swap out. Add some wine and you now have the makings of a great girl's night where you can score some new looks!

Other ways to start swapping are online swapping sites. There are many swapping sites popping up lately that can save you alot of money. One of my personal favorites is Swaptree. Swaptree is a great site that I have been using for about a year and a half now that lets you swap books, DVDs, video games, and Cd's. I increased my family's DVD collection just by swapping books that I got for free off of craigslist! Swaptree is especially useful if you have children because you can swap out their books and movies for more age appropriate things. This can save you alot of money and time.

If you are looking to swap clothes and accessories, be sure to try out Dig 'N' Swap. Dig'N'Swap is a great online swap site where you can list the items that you have that you no longer want and trade them with users all over the country. Their site is very user friendly and they carry a wide range of brands ranging from Old Navy, BeBe, Hollister, and even high end designers such as Jimmy Choo, Marc Jacobs, and Louis Vuitton. Other sites that are similar to this are Rehash, Zwaggle, and if you are looking for primarily baby items try out Swap Baby Goods.

If you have found other great swapping sites that are not listed feel free to let me know, I'd love to hear your feedback!

Happy Swapping!