Back-to-School Shopping Fun with Clothing Auction Network

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We are only weeks away from getting back to school, and that always feels like it requires a wardrobe refresh. But rather than hit up a fast fashion brand, why not do something good for the environment, your wallet, and a local charity? Join us for the Clothing Auction Network’s Back-to-School Bubbles Clothes Auction.

The brainchild of expat Rebecca Archer, the Clothing Auction Network is a grassroots charity that hosts multiple events each year in the homes of volunteers. Beijingers are invited to clean out their closets and bring unwanted items to the designated host’s home, where all the items go into a pile. Then, as you socialize, eat, and drink, you browse through what’s on offer. I have seen everything from Banana Republic blazers to silk kimonos and bespoke ball gowns. It’s a fashionista treasure hunt, especially for those of us who have trouble finding clothes proportioned for our western frames in local stores.

When you find items you like (and trust me you will find items you like) you put them in the “bid pile.” Then the fun really starts. Each item in the bid pile is held up for the group to look at, and bidding on all items starts at RMB 20. If no one else took a fancy to it it’s yours for less than the cost of your morning coffee fix. But if someone else was eyeing it you need to outbid them to take it home. At the last auction, I went to I walked away with two brand label shirts, a designer summer dress, a pair of adorable sandals, new earrings, plus several silk and cashmere scarves for less than the cost of a sweater at Uniqlo or H&M.

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The best part? All the money goes to charity, with the host choosing which local entity will receive the funds. Past recipients have included local animal shelters, an initiative educating girls in rural China, and Migrant Children’s Foundation.

The back-to-school swap will be hosted by the founder of Female Expats in Beijing, Mia Rudnick. It will be this Sun, Aug 7, from 1 to 4pm in Shuangjing. The funds will be donated to The Library Project, which builds reading rooms and provides teacher training to rural schools in China.

To join in on the fun scan the QR code in the poster below. After you RSVP you will be given the exact address and additional details!

Images: Mio Rudnick

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