Néo: LIVIN AND MAKING IT IN THE TIME OF CRISIS
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THE SWAP:
the return of the barter


 Who during childhood  has not ever made a stall where to barter a marble for a figurine? The economy of consumption led us to collect objects that are often not really wanted, and now that we have the houses full we do not know what to do with these stuffs. Today the swap is back in fashion,although the methods evolved compared to those we were used to when we were children. Bartering makes it possible to get rid of what we do not like without throwing it away and moreover, no small thing, to recycle what other people do not want anymore, in the name of ecology ...

BARTERING IN THE AGE OF WEB: DRESSES AND TEEN AGERS

In the net there are many sites dedicated to those who want to swap obejects. For example, in the U.S. site Swap.com you can browse among the things offered for exchange divided into  categories or by searching  the closest object through geographic criteria . After having posted photos and descriptions of the object you wish to "get rid of" and having selected  the one of interest, it is just necessary to send messages to another user.

The English site Swapit.com is mainly dedicated to teenagers  that after signing up can exchange items, all in accordance with well established rules that prevent from abuses  and to avoid superficial exploitations.

Swapstyle.com is instead only one of the sites entirely devoted to swapping clothes, ie clothes to barter. It works like any other exchange sites: you sign up for free, upload a picture of the dress or accessory and seek others who are interested in bartering it.

Video: The art of swapping on swap.com (Lenght 2:51 minutes)

The art of bartering on the Internet

WHEN THE SWAP BECOMES A PARTY

In addition to the web, you can make these exchanges even in first person, attending the numerous  events, specifically aimed to bring together all those who have cloakrooms to be bartered in exchange for other items. These days are the real parties, where there is a chance to have fun  rummaging among the hangers and grabbing the best garment  before the person next to you gets it. Just keep an eye on the swap days that advertise these days and don't miss the next meeting:

Swishing.com is a site that advertises these swap party in England. Once you have registered, you can add to the list an event  you are about to organize , and, if you only want to join in a swap day, just look at the calendar for the closest event.

AtelierDelRiccio.comis an Italian site that promotes a sustainable lifestyle and once a month  organizes the exchange of clothes as well as days dedicated to the exchange.

ClothingSwap.com is a U.S. site that advertises the clothing swap days, where all bring their own clothes and you can also sign up as volunteers in one of these events even as a sponsor.

Video: Take Off Your Clothes with the Swap Team (Lenght 1:13 minutes)

Here is how a swap party works!

LAST BUT NOT LEAST... MAKE UP SWAP!

What's more, you can even trade makeup. It sounds a bit 'disgusting and unfeasible, but at the end of the day, you can only swap make ups that have not yet been opened or used, because you went wrong with the purchase and once you stepped out of the shop you immediately realized that these colors would never be your cup of tea. MakeUpAlle.com site is specially made for make-up swap. After registration you can showcase your products and search through the offerings.



Nèo Luca Mercatanti

Manuela Nerini

Livorno
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