It's that time of year when I pack a few bags of clothes for the Salvation Army -- but another discussion here made me think that maybe a tall female bandster could use some not terribly fashionable size 22/24 clothing while on her way down. That got me to thinking that there are probably a lot of us out there who are both getting rid of clothes and looking for new ones while we're in transition. I'm one of those people with clothing in about eight sizes from different phases of my dieting life (and I have the Dynasty-era shoulder pads to prove it) but, like a lot of you, I suspect, I'm short on wardrobe basics in my current size.

Would a clothing exchange be impractical? I realize that if, say, I send my castoffs to someone, she might decide that they're too ugly, the wrong color, or they just don't fit, and then another person is left with clothes she can't use. But, on the other hand, this might be a way to help each other. We could post photos if a simple description of a garment isn't enough.

If you have any comments or suggestions, please post them here. Thanks!

HELLO... I'm the queen of accepting hand me downs! Michelle has sent me three boxes! And I wear almost all of them, but you said the key word, "TALL." I can't wear some of the pants Michelle sent me cause they're too short, so I cuff them up into Capris. I wish I could give away my clothes, but they were all 26/28 talls, and everyone was already smaller than that.

Are you coming to the Vegas Bash? If so, bring them and I'll exchange some stuff with you. I have some 18s in storage that I'm not sure I'll ever get in again. I'd be happy in a 20/22.

Please don't give them away! I owe Michelle the world because I can't afford to shop! I'm wearing her Tommy jeans and cute blouse right now (thanks again Michelle!)

Boy, DeLarla, I sure wish I were going to Vegas. But I just took a long weekend & won't be able to go. If anyone else is going from Chicago who wouldn't mind schlepping some clothes, I'd be glad to hand them off -- otherwise, I can probably just box 'em and send the stuff UPS. Pants (including a couple of flood-length pairs), t-shirts, blouses, a couple of dresses. . . we aren't talking cutting-edge fashion, but I'll make sure everything's clean!

I'd be happy to pay for postage. I have to stuff money in Michelle's purse next week when she's not looking cuz she mailed me 3 boxes.

Hey I plan on bringing some of my size 20/22 clothes to Vegas. I might even have some 24 size to bring as well. I am currently getting into size 18 and if I shop at Avenue (Which I do) I can fit into their 16/18 shirts and depending on how the7are made some of their 16/18 pants.

I think it would be GREAT if we swapped some clothes at Lisa's on Saturday. We just put them out there and have a free for all with the clothes. LOL!!

Good idea Zoe

(sneaking onto the internet while at work)

I have mostly 22s to give away, some 24s, and a few 18s and 20s that just don't suit me any more, including some jeans with 33-34 inch inseams. I'd be glad to send them UPS to whatever address y'all suggest. Don't worry about postage. I think of it as a donation to the bandster cause -- and wish I could be there for the free-for-all!

It's weird that I'm wearing Michelle's clothes since it's the first time in my entire 42 years that I fit into anyone else's clothes. I'm a hard fit since I'm so tall, but I noticed my tall jeans are now too long on me. I guess when the thighs shrink, stuff hangs lower. But Average length is still too short.

Great idea... we can lay the clothes all over the big bed and everyone can pick a number or something, then pick one item, or some other fair way. I'll have some stuff too, but mine is mostly too big. But I'll definitely contribute.

Anyone wanting their clothes to go to a good cause, send them to my house before October 8. Anything left over after the bash will be donated to the women's shelter.

Lisa Bonekovic

8130 Fox Tail Way

Las Vegas, NV 89123

I was just going to ask for your address, as I have a box of stuff and really do not want to have to check it in at the airport. I may even ship some of the clothes I want to wear, so I can make the margaritas ahead of time and bring them on the plane with me.

Looking forward to next weekend!

Carol

I posted my address in hopes of getting my own personal stalker, but I want a cute one with a fat wallet!

Is anyone else getting as excited as me?

Even though I'm mainly a lurker, I feel I know you all, so I'm sure with my big mouth and the foot (or feet) in that big mouth, that you guys will probably really know me after a weekend of FUN!!

Bought the margarita makings yesterday, they are in the freezer as we speak. Will buy fresh California crab next Thursday and make the dip that night, so that when Vera and I arrive in LV, we are ready to have FUN with everyone. And I want a ride on the Harley!!

LV here we come.

I wil lbring what little clothes I have left for the exchange! I have a few tops and maybe a couple pairs of capris I can donate size 20's/22's

Well, I just went down to the basement to bring up some winter clothes, and it looks like I have three boxes. DeLarla/Lisa, will someone be able to sign for the stuff if I send it to your address via UPS? I'll try to ship it on Friday, and with luck everything should arrive before the Vegas bash. I'm including the funky polyester dashiki that nearly broke the gestapo dress code at my office -- it's time for someone else to have fun with it!

I think it's great that you're giving the leftovers to a women's shelter. One of our local shelters is always happy to get large clothes, because so many homeless women are heavy and so many donors are bony-assed. I'll take my coats to a shelter rather than send them to Vegas -- you Westerners probably don't have much use for heavy winter gear anyway.

Thanks!

I am sooooooooooooo excited. I just got my hair done in chunky golden highlights. WHOO HOO!! I am so thrilled to meet all you crazy women in Vegas.

Lisa: I will just bring my stuff with me since we are driving.

Lisa

Just emptied the closet, calling Carol in the morning...Expect a large box next week. Lots of cool stuff.

Don't open it till we get there....

Penni, I just got my hair done too, so fun. Can't wait to meet everyone!

I donated all my "fat" clothes to a local shelter a month ago. I had one pair of pants, one dress, some t-shirts, and shorts left. My husband asked me if I thought I should "hang onto some of them". I said, "NO! I'm never going to wear them again." Now, I can't regain my weight. I gave everything away. Wait, I don't have anything now. O.K., good thing the clearance sales are going on!

I've attempted a exchange thread before. I think its a great idea. I'm excepting and paying shipping on any nice 38/30 mens clothes....Hand me downs no problems..I'll do the same when I am done with the 38's..I came from 44 and have given the rest or most of them to people at work....let me know..