ASOS Swap Shop - ACCESS All ASOS

Hi ladies, I mentioned this in my latest OOTD post, but the other weekend I had a special invitation down to ASOS Headquarters to take part in a Swap Shop along with some fellow ASOS insiders. I've been meaning to get this post up much sooner, but I really wanted to share with you all just what we all got up too down at ASOS because I truly had the best time ever....

I woke up on the Saturday morning  of the Swap Shop feeling so excited but a little bit anxious at the same time because travelling to London on my own is quite a big thing for me (I'm not the best in places I don't know especially when I'm on my own) and this was the first time that I would be meeting some other beauty and fashion bloggers and although I know were all a lovely bunch it can be a little bit daunting at times meeting so many new people all at once. Needless to say I had no need to be feeling anxious at all because all the girls I met at ASOS where so lovely and I've made some new friends out of the whole experience.

After a rather speedy train journey to London I arrived outside ASOS HQ just before 11 and met up with Lizi another ASOS insider who I had been speaking to over Twitter. We both found the ASOS building pretty quickly as we had been told that its a huge building and has these giant cats guarding the entrance (ASOS always do it best).

Apon arrival us Insiders were able to have a little mingle and were treated to a yummy breakfast filled with delicious pasties and some yogurt in mini little dishes. Everyone was so excited about the Swap Shop and it wasn't long before we were all talking about the items of clothing we had brought in to exchange for something new or for another insiders item of clothing. Everyone loves shopping and this was even better as it was like free shopping. I had always heard a lot about these Swap Shops, but this is the first one I had ever taken part in. For those of you who are not quite sure what I'm going on about, I'll explain. To take part in a swap shop you just take in some items of clothing (that are in good condition) and swap them for something else. Let's face it we all have that dress that we buy, only wear once and have it sitting there in your wardrobe collecting dust. 

After breakfast and a quick browse of the swap shop rails, ASOS put a little talk on for us all about the ASOS Marketplace. I had a little idea about what the ASOS Marketplace was about before the talk but I was amazed by hearing just how much the Marketplace has to offer. I love ASOS (as you know) and I'm forever placing orders and treating myself, but never have I ordered something from the Marketplace bit, but I've learnt that it really is a great place to shop especially if your after something vintage or a little more bespoke. There are so many Boutiques on there offering so many wonderful items of clothing that you just can't find on the high street or on other online shops - I'm definitely going to make it the first point of call when I come to doing some online shopping again.

Not only do the Marketplace offer online selling for Boutiques but they also have a wardrobe section where the likes of you and I can sell our clothes and of course we can shop there too. One of the ladies in the talk said 'Without a doubt fashion bloggers have the best wardrobes' so if your after something you've seen in another fashion bloggers OOTD then the wardrobe section on ASOS is a great place to look.

Once the talk was over, we were treated to a fabulous lunch and let my just say ASOS know how to put on quite the feast! The food was gorgeous. Once our bellies were full it was time for us all to get down to serious business, which of course was the Swap Shop. Everyone kind of had a good mind about what items of clothing they wanted to take home with them and because there was only one of everything it really was going to be a race to see who could get what item first. Oh my gosh guys let me tell you I've never had a shopping experience which has been filled with so much adrenaline and excitement - All of us ASOS insiders lined up ready for the word 'go' so we could start shopping and I think its pretty safe to say that everyone had that excitement fluttery feeling in our bellies. 

The shopping experience was over pretty quickly as it was a race to get the best picks, but I think its fair to say that the majority of us all got the items of clothing we had our hearts set on. I was so pleased to pick up the gorgeous red check tartan trousers I had my eye on and a gorgeous baroque velvet dress - I was very chuffed indeed. As ASOS had kindly donated a load of items for the Swap Shop there was a lot of things left over and after all the swapping and shopping was done ASOS kindly told us that everything must go and just to help ourselves and we did exactly that. I was thrilled that not only did I get my two amazing items of clothing for exchange of a dress and jacket that I'd never wear again, but I also managed to bag a pair of shoes and some lush cigarette trousers which would be perfect for work.

After being well and truly shopped out it was time for another sit down, this time the talks were lead by Mod Dolly and House of Jam - Two of the ASOS Marketplace Boutique sellers. Both talks were so insightful as they explained how their business' have grown and how ASOS Marketplace has been a great platform for them to do so.

After the talks it was time to say goodbye (until next time) and make my way home to Northampton. I honestly had the best time and met some lovely ladies including Lizi from Glasses Gil, Lucy from Lucy Loves, Charlie from Freakum Dress, Charlotte from Apple Charlotte and Hanna from the Wardrobe Challenge - All great girlies and I would love it if you had the time to go and say hello to them.

I would love to say a HUGE thank you to ASOS for inviting me down to London for the Swap Shop I had such a great time and I can't wait for the next Access All ASOS event. If any of you ladies have been to a Swap Shop be sure to let me know in the comments below, I would love to know how you got on. 

Lots of Love