wasn't sure what to expect the first time I attended a clothing swap. Would it be a free-for-all? Was I expected to trade item for item? How could I convince a buyer that my much-loved miniskirt was of any value? I peered into the tote I'd filled with unwanted garments, hoping they would find new closets to call home.

There was no need to worry. I was in the accomplished hands of Amy Chase, a.k.a. Punky Style, cofounder of the Swapaholics and a veteran of 12 swaps. Her attitude about trading is laid back and fun, which put me at ease as I sized up my competition.

There was a garment rack for dresses and coats, stacks of denim, and a corner filled with jewelry and handbags. I scoped them all out, spying Marni tops (nice), a Theory denim jumpsuit (questionable), even a Marc Jacobs wallet. "Let's swap!" Amy cheered, and graciously moved out of the way as we descended on the piles. At first, I was caught up in the frenetic feeling that defines a typical sample sale, but I'm not one to be intimidated, especially when it comes to shopping. In no time my arms were full of potential new additions to my wardrobe.

How nice it was not to worry about a budget. I came away with the perfect black boyfriend jacket, a hot pink silk dress, a Miu Miu top, and, finest of all, a vintage '40s-style dress. The best part: no buyer's remorse!

Like the sound of shopping without swiping? Make the drive to the next swap, at the Worcester Historical Society, on Saturday (February 13) from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Check out the Swapaholics on Twitter for details.

Off the Rack

Consignment for kids? Consign My Closet holds children’s resale events just twice a year, so mark your calendar: The next begins on March 18 in Boxboro with baby, kid, teen, and maternity clothes by the likes of Aeropostale, Abercrombie, Mini Boden, Gymboree, Hanna Andersson, Hollister, Ralph Lauren, and Peg Perego. You can sell your stuff there, too, and keep up to 75 percent of the selling price. Because college tuition isn't getting any cheaper.

Happy Swapping!