Swapping — it's the new shopping

YOU know the drill. It's seven in the morning, you're staring at wardrobe that's bursting with clothes, and still you've nothing to wear. If you look closely, you can see the labels still attached to that dress that looked great in the shop, but a disaster when you got back home. Now, it's just hanging there taunting you. Annoying isn't it? With such wardrobe worries in mind, the clever folk at Ability West have organised a Swap â€Ëœtil U Drop party at the Menlo Park Hotel, Galway at 6.30 pm on Wednesday, November 3. The event is a girls' night out that won't break the bank. In addition to a fashion swap, you'll be treated to a preview of the winter fashion collections in local boutiques and expert advice from beautician Shelley Murphy of Shelley's Beauty Salon and stylist Delilah Bouakkaz. MC Ollie Turner from Galway Bay FM will liven the party atmosphere and get ladies in the mood for swapping. If you've got a few nearly new or new garments, hats, shoes or jewellery, that you'd like to trade in for something funkier and more flattering, Swap â€Ëœtil U Drop could be just the thing. Donations can be made to the Ability West headquarters at Blackrock House, Salthill or Snipe Industries, at the Liosban Industrial Estate. Items will then be swapped on a token basis at the event. Tickets are a snip at €20, and are available in advance from Ability West, the Menlo Park Hotel and on the door. Each ticket entitles you to free tokens to be used towards the fashion swap, entry into a prize draw that includes celebrity donated prizes, free fashion and beauty advice and a wine and cheese reception. More information on drop off points around the county, and collection services can be found on www.abilitywest.ie.