If you’re above a certain size shopping for clothes in Shanghai can range from difficult to impossible. Scholastica Tanyi wants to change that. She hosts a clothes swap with the intent of getting quality threads in the hands of self-proclaimed “curvy girls". This weekend’s clothes swap is just one piece of Scholastica’s body positive community AmBADASSador which is out to spread not just acceptance but embracement of all sizes in a city where body consciousness thrives.

*** Scholastica (Sky for short) has been finding ways around the size problem in China for six years. At first, she would only shop when home in the U.S. and then she resorted to importing clothes into Shanghai, but that got costly. Second hand seemed the logical next step, Scholastica explains, “I’ve tried so many things I’ve gotten frustrated, there’s more plus sized clothes straight from the factory and with Taobao there are some choices but it’s really hit and miss. That’s why we’re trying to make it easier and at swaps the clothes are good quality.” The 'Swap and Sip' is on for this Sunday at Craft'd from 6.30-8pm for women American sizes ten and up. To participate bring three items of clothing (gently worn shoes and accessories are also accepted). It's free to join but there’ll be drinks and DIY cocktails for purchase. The swap is functional, but it's also personal and beyond the search for good clothes lies the heart of it: that everyone should feel good in their body. In addition to clothes swaps Scholastica's AmBADASSador offers semi-regular Belly Dancing and Zumba classes. WeChat: amBADASSadorSH to stay in the loop.