If there's anything better than getting new-to-you clothes for free, it's doing it with your friends while drinking wine. That's the gist of Bitch & Switch, one wardrobe-swap/girls'-night-out ritual that's held in south Minneapolis.

The friends take turns hosting, said Amy Appel, who went to her first one several months ago. "It's the coolest thing. Who's not broke? And who doesn't want new clothes?"

Here's how it works: Each person brings her gently used clothing and accessories, along with a snack and a bottle of wine to share. After catching up (the "bitch" part), guests take turns "presenting" what they've brought (size, brand, maybe a story). Whoever wants the item takes it home. If more than one person wants it, there's a "model off," with the group voting on who wears it best. "That way, there's no fighting," Appel said.

Stuff nobody wants is donated to charity.

KIM PALMER