In the wake of the recession, we brilliant and resilient shoppers have found a way to shop ... for free! And it's really fun too. All you have to do is gather up some girlfriends and get ready for a good time.

In order to have a swap party, you'll have to raid your own closet and purge it of a few things you don't need. Then invite some girlfriends over and tell them to do the same. Once you all meet up, lay out all the clothing and let the games begin!

Although we've actually been to one of these phenomenal swaps and seen the action first hand, Vogue offered up some pretty good tips in its February issue on ground rules.

• "Bring two to three seriously viable fashion items." Generally your best stuff that you never wear.

• "Best basics also encouraged." This includes gently used t-shirts, cardigans, and denim.

• Handbags, shoes, and costume jewelry are also a must.

• Size doesn't matter.

You can make it even more fun by turning into a potluck with a funky theme ("Fall for Fall" or "Totally 80s" for example). That way each girl is responsible for one dish and her clothing items, keeping it a recession proof option for all. Add some cocktails and you're in for a real treat!

Via Vogue