♥ an interview with stylist, tricia cromwell & style swap details!

it has been years (!!) since i have participated in a fashion swap,

but the good memories and amazing fashion finds have lasted forever-

which is why i had to share an upcoming opportunity for you

readers living near boston!

what: a clothing swap event that allows women to update their wardrobe, donate to a

 great cause and help empower those less fortunate. this year will mark the 5th annual 

boston fashion week style swap!

who: tricia cromwell, wardrobe consultant/founder of trust in tricia, is hosting the swap event

to benefit project hope.

when: tuesday, september 27th, 2016

5:30-9:30 pm

dropoff: 5:30-7pm

swap boutique: 8 pm

where: the greatest bar

262 friend street

boston, ma

i had a chance to ask local stylist, tricia cromwell a few questions about the history of 

her fashion swaps, the charity element that empowers women (through the power of fashion!) 

and what we can expect this time around!

A Glimpse of Glamour: How long have you been a style consultant? What is the most rewarding part of your job?

Tricia Cromwell:  I have been styling almost since I started working in retail when I was 16, but I officially began doing it independently and launched Trust in Tricia in 2008. The most rewarding part is helping a client get their confidence back. The look on their face when you see the break through has been made and have their "fashion mojo" back. Being confident helps people be better parents, better employees, better friends. And being able to help my clients achieve this through fashion, while ensuring they look their best, is a win/win for both of us.

AGOG: Tell me why Project Hope is a charity that strikes a chord with the work you do? Have you partnered with any other charities over the years?

TC: I have partnered with several other amazing charities and women's shelters in the past, but when I met with Project Hope we just clicked. I can relate to so many of the women's struggles, they provide programs similar to those that helped me when I was growing up, and the fact that the organization was so hands on captivated me. I am able to work directly with the women that my fashion workshops and Style Swaps are benefiting, I get to know them individually and it really makes the entire process that much more heartfelt.

AGOG: What is the best and most unexpected outcome of your Style swaps?

TC: How much the swappers help each other! My goal was to bring strangers together to swap clothes, and I have the events at night in upscale venues to promote respectful behavior instead of crazy fights over the goods. But to see the comradery that is formed at the swaps, when strangers help each other find their sizes and items that would be good for them, or when swappers share their unused swap tickets with others so they can take more, impresses me every time! 

AGOG:  Tell me how the Style Swaps have evolved over the past five years?

TC: I think the Style Swaps have helped to break sterotypes of typical clothing swaps. New attendees are always pleasantly surprised to find the other activities that have been planned for the night, the involvement of Project Hope and the difference they are making, as well as the networking opportunities with other fashionistas and professionals. The Style Swaps prove that clothing swaps can be done in upscale locations with women sipping wine and swapping in heels, and that the entire night as a whole is just as beneficial as the actual swap. 

 AGOG: What can we expect to see at the Style Swap this year?

TC: Many returning veteran swappers that always bring the party as well as new swappers. Jewelinga, lead by Boston jewelry designer Inga Puzikov is the event's sponsor and will have a table of her beautiful jewelry set up. We will have an interactive raffle to benefit Project Hope and someone from the charity will speak about their specific experiences and triumphs.

AGOG:  Tell me about the event you have after the Swap to benefit Project Hope!

 TC:  This is my favorite part! I save everything that is left over after a year's worth of Style Swaps (which are typically spring and fall swaps) and then set up a charity pop up shop at Project Hope. I host a Professional Dress workshop for the charity's Speakers Bureau (comprised of women who share their success stories from Project Hope) a couple weeks before the pop up shop. Then at the pop up, which is open to the Speaker's Bureau, anyone enrolled in a service from the charity and those living in their shelter, I style the women and help them "shop". So even items that a swapper brings to the event aren't taken they still go to an awesome new owner!

AGOG:  What's your favorite item garnered from one of your Swaps?

TC: These laser cut Calvin Klein booties that I cant even tell you how often I wear! I rarely have time to "swap" myself but I had eyed those beauties at one of the Swaps and knew I had to have them!