Got a shopping habit you just can't break?  Try swapping instead!  Trading with other Sparkle*Shelf members is a cheap way to complete your outfit on a budget.  Whether you're trying to be more environmentally conscious or if just thinking about shopping in today's economy gives you pangs of guilt, swapping will clear out your clutter and replace it with something fabulous and new-to-you!

Everyone has made that mistake where the outfit looks amazing on the hanger and not so fabulous on, or where that lippy shade doesn't quite work no matter how hard you try.  Sparkle Swap serves as a win-win and a cheap fix for such dilemmas by offering fashionistas a second chance and an opportunity to try new things and recycle unwanted items.

Swapping is a good alternative to those who are skeeved out by flea markets or would just prefer to pick and choose items via laptop.  Offering a successful thrift shopping experience every time, Sparkle Swap puts secondhand fashion and beauty items in one place, allowing you to pay with money or by swapping your own secondhand pieces.  Because Sparkle*Shelf is a community of gals with similar interests, Sparkle Swap is targeted towards that niche, allowing you to form relationships with likeminded women across the country.

You can swap clothing, accessories, new or gently used makeup.  In return, you can ask for another swap item or for cash, which you arrange between you and your buyer/swapper.  Feel free to haggle, and have fun trading beauty tips and reviews as well as products!

How to Use the Swap Feature

• Set up a SparkleShelf account - this is free, and will also let you upload a member photo, ask questions and give advice, submit product reviews, comment on posts, and more.
• Under Sparkle Swap, submit items you would like to swap, including a description and a photo.
• Browse other members' submissions to suggest a swap, or wait for another swapper to contact you.

You will find these Swap instructions again under the Sparkle Swap section.

Try out Sparkle Swap this month to trade up unwanted Christmas presents! You won't be caught re-gifting, and you'll feel satisfied knowing the new gift recepient is someone who really wanted it.  By picking up something on swap rather than buying a brand new product, you also reduce your negative impact on the planet, actually helping the environment one trade at a time.