IN these dark days of recession, fashion may be taking a nosedive on your list of spending priorities, writes Jo Roberts.

But there is a way to acquire new threads without money changing hands.

No, not theft... a fashion swap party!

The Living Room bar in High Pavement was on to something when it held just such an event last week.

About 30 female guests eagerly descended on the venue each armed with five unwanted accessories.

Their reject hats, bags, sunglasses, scarves and jewellery were exchanged for one raffle ticket per item and were put on display.

Guests had 30 minutes to wander around the display tables and eye up others' cast-offs – which were in very good nick overall and included Fendi and Chanel hangbags, a Fiorelli wallet and vintage jewellery among other items – to decide on their targets.

Then the whistle blew and guests raced to grab the object of their affection before someone else did, a process repeated five times until the last raffle ticket was exchanged for a find.

"It seemed appropriate in the economic climate to organise a free evening that recycled fashion in a fun way. The aim was guests left with something new, without having bought it," said Sophie Walsh, the event organiser for The Living Room.

"Instead of keeping an out-of-favour accessory in the bottom of their wardrobe or throwing it away, they are giving it a new lease of life."

Guest Alexis Chesterman, 28, an office manager from West Bridgford, said: "I'm interested in fashion but at this time of year money is tight and, besides, it just seemed like good fun.

"I brought hats, shoes and a scarf that have sat in the bottom of a closet for ages. I've seen a couple of things that have caught my eye, funnily enough, items my friend brought along!"

Said friend, Paula Daley, a 35-year-old secretary, said: "It's all stuff I like but either it didn't quite fit or doesn't suit my style any longer. I've hardly worn most of it."

After tickets were exchanged, both women were pleased with their finds.

Paula said: "I've now got a bold pink necklace, a thick green belt, and a little green handbag.

"I would come to a swap party again, or think about organising one with friends, but you would have to be of a similar size and taste to swap clothes in a small group."

Alexis nabbed a pair turquoise earrings Paula had also had her eye on, plus shoes, belts and a handbag.

"I was excited beforehand because of the competition element," she said. "But I had to have the turquoise earrings and got them first go."

The Living Room may hold similar events in future – visit www.thelivingroom.co.uk/nottingham – but why not organise your own?

The rules are simple. Decide what you are swapping and invite people of roughly the same size if it is clothes or shoes. Each bring the same number of items and only take as many as you put in.