Swap Neat

“The economy isn’t great, but it shouldn’t prevent people from having fun or trying to find new things,” says Alisa Houser, a self-described grassroots PR representative. Lenny and Me, the Wicker Park resale/consignment boutique, couldn’t agree more, and at Houser’s request they have agreed to host a pre-Valentine’s Day clothing swap at the store on February 5. “We are excited. We don’t know exactly what to expect, but we think it is a good idea,” shares Lenny and Me owner Ana Camino. “Milwaukee Avenue is quickly becoming corporatized. There is now one block of Milwaukee that has three stores owned by Urban Outfitters,” says Houser. “The goal of this swap is to bring foot traffic into locally owned businesses.” All swaps will be made using raffle tickets earned for each item of clothing brought—no person to person bartering required—and Lenny and Me plans to add some of their threads to the pile. Any extra, un-swapped items will be donated to charity. “There is something very pure to swapping,” Houser says. “Right now, with money problems everywhere, it will be nice to bring in a couple sweaters and leave with a couple sweaters.”