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Thanks to EVERYONE for shining light from new angles.  I'm continuing to learn so much from all of you!

 

I hereby reveal that I am no longer updating this page, please enjoy the following! 

 

 


Messages - January 2007


Hi Alex
I was blown away with your project.  I remember my mother shopping 'Thrift stores' during the
depression.  She brought home clothes and set the ironing board up in the yard and with cotton balls
and carbon tet....cleaned them, repaired them and was always the sharpest dressed lady in the neighborhood.
I bought a sweatshirt at Yankee stadium in 1950 and have worn it ever since....yep 57 years and if anyone
ever took it from me....I would track them down and kill them !
CJS

 

Did you make it through November…December….2007?  Any scraps of clothing remaining?  Sassy shoes still intact?  Ari’s curls getting longer?  Please….we’ve been waiting so long…..   L  sniff, sniff

 


Alex,
This project is so refreshing.  As a child from a small town lower middle class working family, this means a lot.  I spent my life growing up not having what I wanted and watching others in material delight.  My parents insisted that higher education would afford me the things they could not provide.  Now in my 30's living in a master planned community in Phoenix, Arizona my ideals have changed.  My husband and I are college graduates working as professionals.  All I see are name brand purses, clothing, luxury vehicles, vacations, etc, etc.  This environment has let me down, been a dissapointment if you will.  Adults acting like middle school children. Homeless and hungry children nearby and our kids have clothes for their stuffed animals. Most of us with credit card debt and mortgaged to our eyeballs.
 
I appreciate your project and feel it may bring attention to the much needed consumer trap. Women need to think for themselves and look at other areas of their life for fullfillment.  I am still dealing with this lack of inner satisfaction and finding a balance. Great job, love the insight.
 
J
 

I just wanted to say that I am a middle class woman who stumbled upon your website by mistake. I have to say that you really made me stop and think. I just wanted to take a moment to say good luck in 2007. I commend you for your strength- not all of us have that but, you make me what to dig deep!

S


Way to go!  I hope by your example we all will take a second look at how our
society has become overly commercial.  Thanks to you and keep it up.


I hope I may be so bold as to address you by Alex,
 
I applaud you!  I happened across your story while browsing MSN money, and reading the article "Get off the Spending Treadmill."  I must say that you are my hero! Your web site is simply charming, and more important your message is powerful.  I was so impressed by reading your journal and viewing the photos that I emailed your web address to everyone of my gal pals encouraging them to visit.  We all relate to your feelings and appreciate your bravery in demonstrating exactly what makes you a great person.   
 
I just wanted to send you a note to wish you the best of luck with your new recycling project (I will be following your progress) and to let you know that you've got fans out here!  
 
Respectfully,
 
T

Alex:
I'll be short. I, like many others, enjoy the idea and the story of the little brown dress.  I read several entries and was particularly struck by the entry about people who have to wear their clothes everyday because that is all they have.
You asked if anyone knows someone like this.  I would say I almost do, but even in Guinea West Africa where I spend much of my time, people are into fashion. (Guinea is the tenth poorest nation on the planet.)
Guinea is a place of compassion. Guinea is a place of fashion. People may not have much but they still take pride in dressing a fashionably as they can. They set their own micro-cultural fashion standards. Skirt that matches the shirt that has matching earrings. Even if the outfit was made when they were 11 and are now 16 and can't zip the back because they have grown breasts. They think they look hot, and it is great. And when I am there I am held to the same fashion standards. But enough about that. You wore a brown dress for a year, (in my opinion, pretty darn cute). None-the-less I think even my Guinean friends would be appalled that you lived in so little color for that long, a fashion travesty in impoverished Guinea. I would like to send you a yard of colorful gorgeous african fabric to do with what you will. Let me now if you would like that.
Cheers, J


LOVE IT, LOVE IT, LOVE IT!!!!
 
What a great story!!  I have felt exactly like you for many, many months now.  I am so sick of all these stores pushing junk into our lives (Target comes to mind...how many sets of Christmas dishes does one need to buy in a three year span, Valentine's Day towels, Halloween wall hangings...need I go on?)  Anyhoo, I absolutely respect on every level what you are doing and applaud your efforts.
 
Like you I am a Mom of three young boys...I think that really started my trend toward not buying.  Why buy and wear nice things when you are carrying spewing babies around?  And with every child we managed to move to a less "high maintenance" place...San Diego, The South, and now thankfully Alaska...where no one gives a moose head about what you are wearing.  Most people wear the same parka for six months in a row anyway.  I have gotten off the consumer train and I could not be happier.  Maybe it is just because I have gotten a little older, or became a mom, or move to a great place...whatever the reason I glad it came to pass.  Thank you for setting a tremendous example.  I am forwarding your website to women that I know will be on board.  The others need to come to this conclusion on their own.  Think of all the great places we can take our kids because we did not get that handbag, costume jewelry, etc.  The list is endless and I apologize for the rambling.  I just wanted to say that you rock!!!  Keep up the great work. I will keep checking in to see what other neat ideas pop up.
 
Take care and have a safe and healthy New Year!!!
 
K

Hi Alex!

I almost never write e-mails to random people I find on the internet but... I just wanted to let you know that I LOVE your brown dress project!  I graduated from the apparel program at the Rhode Island School of design
about 3 or 4 years ago.  My thesis project involved a transforming wardrobe that could get me through a year of travel around the world.  After graduating I embarked on my trip to live and travel in Australia and New Zealand for a year by myself.  Unfortunately I completely chickened out and scrapped my custom wardrobe for some more conventional back-packer clothes.

But you've done it!  You've made it look so simple!  Congratulations!  Thank you for inspiring me again.... My partner and I have vowed to live the corporate life for another few years and then pick up and travel for a year
with the funds we are accumulating now.  I think I may give my old project another go now that I've seen how smashingly yours has turned out!  There are so many reasons to say no to fashion and buying frivolous things in
general... I know, because my partner and I design products in our daily jobs that are 100% NOT NECESSARY in order to survive.

Thank you thank you for your great work!

Take care,

K


hello,
 its sure good to find someone who thinks like I do.
 I love to recycle stuff.
  I make alot of things from recycled stuff. one of my favorite is room screen panels . I have made and sold several . My husband makes the frames from recycled wood, or sometimes rebar.  which I paint and panel with recycled fabrics. I even had a little shop for a while in the SKY Village Marketplace  in Yucca Valley California  where I sold mainly recycled stuff. When people found out what I was doing I was literly bombarded with stuff to recycle.  I have done decorator pillows , stuffed with those little sewing scraps. Lots and lots of aprons infact the apron business paid the rent on my shop. Pocket purses are a favortite of the kids here . You can fill them with popuri or jewlery  or ????, skirts from pants or pants from skirts. My favorite skirt I have had since 1992 , I made it from fabric I bought at what was then payless drug store for 4 yards for a dollar. I also am an avid dumpster diver. I just found two very nice wood rocking chairs . When word got around the sky village market place that I like to recycle, a woman gave me four great 1930's double bed head boards that had been water damaged and the veener was peeling a little. I painted them pale yellow with lavender and pale blue accents and use them for backboards for outside benches that I made from pallets. I can send you jpegs if you are interested. any way recyleing I love to do it.
 I have a great wind thing that I made from a bent up car radiator fan that someone threw out on the desert. I painted it bright orange, and it works as a weather vane  The desert is a treasure trove of stuff to recyle ,yesterday  on our way home from Las Vegas we passed a hot tub that someone had dumped . If  it is still there tomarrow I will take my truck and see how much of it I can drag home .... I think the cedar from around the thing will make a great fence for the yard where we keep our travel trailer . I am also working on some yard fountains powered by solar energy  from junk.  

Hi, I am 35yr old guy, I want to tell you, your "Brown Dress Project" is  so so cool, it inspires me to buy less clothes and do more recycling. I hope your project inspires lot of people.
We do live in a culture of Consumer Consumption.

thanks,
A


Hi Alex,
I am totally in agreement with you about not shopping for things that you don't need.  I am a divorced woman with three grown kids, on a very limited income, but have managed to hold on to my house, and have three years left to pay off my car.  I retired in June for the tranquility of home and peace of mind.  I was employed with the Johnson County Environmental Department for almost 17 years, so I know something about recycling.  Part of my job was to come up with a new environmental fact every month for our fax cover sheets.  But I can add to a lot that I didn't use for that fax sheet.  I recycle everything from aluminum foil (blackened cookie sheets that most yuppies would throw away) to empty Starbuck's coffee containers (they make excellent mailers) which I use for mailing Christmas cookies to my kids and grandchild.  That is my one extragavence that I will not give up.  I'm planning on growing my own vegetables this summer; the prices at the store are abhorrent, and most fresh fruits and veggies are sprayed with chemicals, and God-forbid spinach with e-coli bacteria.  I will also reap the rewards of toning my muscles, and getting some very good vitamin D.  Because I have always been active my life (I also danced modern, ballet, and tap) I probably look 25 years younger than my counterparts.
 
Anyway, I'm thrilled to know that there are other people out there who are not falling for the media sales pitch of what makes a person beautiful.
 
Keep up the good work, and your daughter will grow up healthy and be able to survive anything on her own.
I have a son who lives in Seattle and he knows very well how to make it.  He did not have a car for almost five years after he arrived out there, but he was lucky to land a job with Microsoft.  
 
Take care,
C

 


Hi,
I read about your project of one year, and I just wanted to say that I feel the same way.  I think it was a very novel idea, I haven't had time to read all of your journal yet, but I think that Americans need to reduce the emphasize and obsession on possessions.  We are so concerned with owning and having.

Right now I'm trying to simplify my life in many different aspects.  I think our society is also too obsessed with keeping up with the latest technology/electronics.  I guess some would argue that this consumerism is good for the economy or advancement of technology.  But speaking for myself, my goal is to not become like that.  I heard that Atlanta is the most "superficial" metropolitan area in the US, since it has the highest debt per person.

Anyway, I think what you did was very interesting and it forced you to be creative.  I don't think I'll do exactly the same as you, but definately incorporate those ideas into my life!
L


Congratulations on wearing your 'little brown dress' for 365 days.  You are an inspiration.  I have a son and stepson in their last semesters of college - starting tomorrow.  Luckily both my husband are VERY frugal. However, as this last semester approaches - I am even MORE frugal and you are inspiring me to NOT SPEND ONE PENNY other than what I have to - all of 2007...I already pretty much DO this - but you are helping me to do it even with a greater vengeance!!
 
I already have a very detailed 'budget' and a plan to become a millionaire (common these days) by the time I retire (not counting the equity in our house and not counting my husbands savings) - as long as my job survives (computer programmer). .. and that's only calculated in a 5% interest rate.  My husband had to pay about half of his income to alimony and child support for many years, then we totally put his 2 sons through college and mine (last 2 graduating in May 2007 Lord willing) - we also believe in tithing to our church. Our house I paid off in 2004 and aggressively save 33% of my gross even though I tithe the 10% also.  So many people live beyond their means - we still have the original appliances in our kitchen (bought the house 19 years ago) - my husband has fixed the oven 4 times but I keep using it!
Anyway you probably don't want to hear all about me - I just wanted to let you know that although I cannot wear a dress every day as you have, now I will not feel bad at all about wearing my clothes this year and not buying anything at all. 
I keep my clothes clean - and I 'rotate' them in my closet - wear them from left to right in the closet and that way I wear everything and don't think too much of 'what should I wear today'? cause it's all set up.. I also take the bus to work to save on my car and gas as I get a deal at work to take it.  (lets me read an extra hour a day too)
Well - God Bless You!
Thanks for the inspiration!
L

Dear Alex,

How amazing!  I just viewed your website and read your story and I am truly blown away.  What an amazing and inspiring experiment/experience!  I hate to admit that I am one who has been quite guilty in the past about mindlessly following the fashion trends and feeling the need to "have it all".  As I read some of your journal entries, I thought to myself, "She's not dying from lack of fashion" and "People aren't laughing her out of town!".  I think what you have done is maybe what a lot of people (especially women) would like to do, but fear the social repercussions.  I continued to read and secretly wished that I too could have a "little brown dress".  I can only imagine how there was a certain amount of stress that was immediately taken out of the pictures due to the fact that everyday you knew exactly what you were going to get up and put on.  Obviously we can't all have one piece of clothing to carry us through the year, but I think you may have uncovered a jewel of wisdom in that, we can certainly make it with a lot less than we think! Thanks so much for sharing your story and know that you've inspired at least one person to stop and think about what I truly need!
 


Alex- I absolutely love your idea.  We just moved from Sammamish, WA  (back to Colorado) and I have to say- the absolute air of materialism there was suffocating.  We knew shortly after moving there we didn't even have the
option of "keeping up w/the Joneses"  - so we settled into our life as we could- found some good friends, and enjoyed life in our 1500 square foot rambler stuffing our 4 kids into. I had a similar experience with a dress- but mine was maternity, and only for 8 months.  We decided in order to truly live w/in our means and save any kind of money, we had to go one year w/out buying any clothes.  I got pregnant- and was given one very cute maternity dress.  The kind you usually wear at the very end of your pregnancy.  So- at 3 months, I trot out the dress and wore it day in/day out until I had the baby.  I was given a reprieve, because I was hospitalized off/on during the pregnancy - so I got trade in one smock for another- the 2nd one just tied in the back instead of the front.
Good for you.  Best of luck- my husband/I love your story!!
J


Alex,
 
Wow, what a concept!  I love that you did this even when others were negative about it.  You've made so many statements about our society by doing this project.  I love it!  I look at the people around me and how they tear through new cars, clothes, furniture like there's no tomorrow.  People forget about what is really important.
 
I would challenge you to go a step further...not use leather or animal products in your clothing, be cruelty-free.  We can easily get by without harming animals, especially when it comes to clothing.  I understand the negativeness you've encountered.  I've been a vegan since September when I saw a short film by PETA called "Chew on This."   Well, I couldn't watch the whole thing, but I listened to part of it.  It changed my life forever in a wonderful way.  In order to get the proper nutrition, I have turned into a bit of a health nut.  Meat and dairy are so bad for us.  This country has been fooled by the meat and dairy industry.  I just wish I had raised my daughter the way I'm eating now.  Also, I buy organic whenever possible.  But family members have gotten furious at me about it.  And I don't preach to people around me.  When they ask questions, I answer them.  I'm careful not to offend anyone.
 
Anyway, I really admire you for this.  It kind of makes the people who drown in excess look, well, silly!
 
Oh, and I also love to dance, although I do make much time for it these days.  The dancing bug kind of runs in our family.  So I definitely identify with that.
 
Best wishes on your endeavors!
 
S

Alex,

I just saw your website, which was mentioned in a MSN article "Get off the spending treadmill" (link is below).

What a brilliant idea and a much needed message. Instead of complicating this with words I'll just say thank you.

M


 

hi alex

just found yor page through a comment on groovygreen website. and though I was sceptical at first I was impressed by your acheivement.

My initial reaction was that it would be impractical in many climates to wear the same thing all year round,  Where I live in inland Australia our temps vary from winter minus 7 deg Celcius, with day temps of 5 to 15 deg, to summer high often in the high 30s and regularly in the low 40s, e.g. 42, 43 degrees. however your pictures proved that it could be done over a wide range of temperatures, using supplemental clothing.

Great effort.  I'll now go back and read of your next venture

good luck

J


Messages - December 2006


Hello Alex,
 
I just read your article about your brown dress project, and realized that you did what I've been doing for the last 10 years.
I stopped buying new clothes to myself about 5 years ago and just wear whatever I have in my closet. Some clothes are already so worn out, that they tear apart like a napkin. Well, then it's a sign to use it as a cloth for cleaning and find something else in the closet to wear...
It's very convinient and I don't spend so much money on unneeded items.
Thouhg, my teen kids don't share my view...Maybe one day they will...:)
I don't think other people care about what I wear every day. As you said in your web site , they care about their own image.
 
It's great that you made a web site to tell others about your project.
Thanks.
 
N
 
Alex , My leg warmer secret. Take an old holey sweater and cut along  the shoulder seams. this makes a great line over the knee like a  boot. Now you also have a sweater vest or you can cut under the arm pit seam straight across, this will make a great mini to wear over tights or jeans and will keep your fanny warm!!! if it is a turtle neck this becomes a head band. If you would rather a hat, Then cut a circle out of the left over material and sew it to one side of the the turtle neck voila, you have a hat. This is what I do to recycle my old sweaters that have been worn past a second life at sally alley. Good luck with your new project. 

S Loves Clothes and they don't have to be new to feel fresh.


 
I think I’m not grasping the new project. Why make new underpants out of tee shirts if you still have old underpants you can wear out?
 
MEA (who has worn homemade knickers all her life, as did her mother and grandmother (and I assume, but you never know, great grandmother). . . and think using up what you have is a great idea – all my aprons and nightdress were made out of something else worn beyond the point of using for the original use.
 
You are my hero! Truly a woman of respect and wit. I feel inspired to do something similar. Soothing to a girl who is struggling with an obsession over fashion and outward beauty.
Interestingly enough, I came across your site because I was searching for an explanation on why it is a fashion crime to wear the same dress as an another woman for the same occasion. I went dress shopping recently with a good friend of mine. Our tastes couldn't match each other more, and when we wear each other's clothes we nearly don't remember who's is what afterwards, and of course, we don't mind. So we're in Ann Taylor Loft and see these cute but not too formal dresses on sale. We try them on and we love them. We ask a sales person to put them on hold for us. She looks at us in disgust: "You what? You want to buy the same dress, and wear it to the same occasion?" I look at her in stupor, and have no clue what's wrong: "Yes, of course, we're great friends and this would be great fun." The sales clerk roles her eyes and stomps away, holding the two dresses an arm's stretch away from her body, maybe so she wouldn't catch cooties from the dopes who saw nothing wrong with buying and wearing the same item of clothing and enjoying it...
 
M.S.

Hello,

 
 
Just found out about your project and read through all your journal posting.
 
Thanks for doing these projects and thanks for sharing your story with the world through your internet site.
 
I found some of your entries to be insightful and all of them sincere, refreshing.
 
Its acts like little brown dress that change society - slowly but with permanence, 'cause change that sticks, happens not by laws or force or preaching but by small individual consistant acts.
 
Little brown dress and recycled cloths were perfect examples of small individual consistant acts. Without pretense and possibly without intent  you have influenced an unknown number of other individuals who will carry on where you leave off.
 
Clitchish but its like the metaphor of the beating of a butterfly wing in China changing the weather in Florida.
 
Carry on girl!!!!
 
S

 I think what you did is very cool.  I pretty much do the same thing.  I have a couple jeans that I use over and over and just change my top.  I don't like brand labels displayed on my clothing either.  I try to look for things that don't put their label plastered everywhere to been seen.  I like them to be hidden.  After all they are not paying me to where their clothing.  Every piece of clothing I have would fit in a small suitcase.  I don't like to pay big bucks to where a logo.  I just find it very hard to spend an arm and a leg for something as simple as clothing.

 
Sincerely,
C

 


Messages - November 2006


Dear Alex,
 
I found your site after a recommendation from Sara Scaturro, a friend in NYC, and I really like your projects and writings. I am a swedish PhD-student in fashion design working on hacking and subconstructive practices in low-level fashion. Engaging in it both practically and in reflection (making a series of cookbooks on how to remake the clothes that are dying in the back of the wardrobe. it is now forming a small pdf "recyclopedia" - at www.selfpassage.org) some texts on my research is also on the website if you are interested.

I just want to send you an encouragement and best greetings and wishes. I will continue to follow your works with great interest!
 
all the best wishes and regards from Otto.

 

Hi Alex!
 
My friend linked me to your site last night, and I've just read the whole journal for your Little Brown Dress year... what an inspiration! The past six months have been a small revolution for me, I've been really questioning society's valuation of people based on their belongings. I've gotten rid of half of my "Stuff", I've had awful moments where I realise that I identify some things as being Me. "I am Because I Own"... it's confronting letting these things go, to realise that ME, MYSELF and I cannot be quantified, commodified, bought, tamed, simplified or easily understood. It opens my eyes to life in all it's terrifying entropy and uncertainty. I think maybe that is the same identification people have with their clothing? You have certainly made me muse on my own relationship to clothing... especially at work (I am a receptionist for a government agency). I did note this morning that the first thing I went to say to my boss was "I like your jacket"...
 
I thought you'd be interested in this: http://www.lintrezza.com
It's Linda Cockburn's website, she and her family decided to try and live for six months without spending any money...
 
Sorry for the blither, you've sparked off many ideas...
 
 
- S

 


 

Hi. I live near Palm Springs, California. I grew up in L.A. County though.  And this area out here in the desert, is one of the most superficial places I have ever lived. I love your brown dress idea and the fact that you actually went
through with it is so great. Your story was refreshing, and I really wish more younger girls would look at what you did and realize why you did it, and not want to be so glamourized. This society is completely materialistic, and it is getting harder and harder everyday to raise a grateful kid. I just wanted to say what I think you did was cool.
Thank you. You must be an awesome lady with many more great ideas to come.
Good luck!


Hi, Alex,    
 
I ran across your site about the Brown Dress while looking for instructions for making a doll dress pattern.  I admire your sense of adventure and willingness to go out on a limb to prove a point, if only to yourself!  I'm often criticized for going to war over a principle and I'm soooo glad to know you're out there taking the same heat.  It's important to stand for something and I will think of you whenever I'm chastised in the future for standing up for an ideal.
 
n

Dear Alex,
 
Bravo on the little brown dress project. 
 
Hopefully you will inspire more women to examine their compulsive need to shop for more new stuff.  I am 55 and remember the painful years of being self-conscious for wearing the same garment for more than two days in a row at work and never two years in a row.  Big city east coast girl at the time. 
 
In addition to the above madness, I as well as many of my women friends spent thousands of dollars and became deeply in debt to credit card companies just to "keep up". 
 
Debt = another form of imprisonment. 
 
Debt is a very sobering experience and once out of it, I had no wish to return.  Also I had a very thorough look at the fashion/advertising industry. 
 
I rebelled in my 40's and started up a wardrobe that I referred to as "uniforms".  This consisted of functional, presentable, and very cheap clothes to wear to work.  My theory, at the time being that work was to earn money - not so that I had to spend money to be presentable for work.  I had better things to do with money.   I came up with about 5 outfits, coordinated to mix and match.  Hmm, cheap, uncomfortable (polyester!) and very ugly stuff.
 
Gratefully, I hung on to many of my clothes from the 80's and 90's that were beautiful albeit perhaps no longer "fashionable".  But oooooh the lovely fabric.   You have inspired me to revise my thinking and use the fabric in these clothes for alternative ideas. 
 
Putting my sewing skills to use, I now own a beautiful black silk skirt (the original dress had those ridiculous sequins sewn in at the neckline - HA!).  New queen size bed required new sheets, old sheets are now lovely pj's and nightgowns or used for kites and on it goes.  I will check you website often.  You have some delightful ideas!  
 
You have inspired many women with your philosophy and shared your knowledge.  
 
Thank you,
 
A

and your site and the message...
I wish you would have more pictures of yourself dancing....
they are the best............. UP the ARTISTIC element so women can bridge the gap!1
I applaud YOU.
THANKS
D

Dear Alex,

I've recently been reading many blogs and online info about the Compact, remaking old clothes, and so on, and I have really enjoyed looking through your current project.  (I thought the brown dress idea was amazing, by the way, and I'm considering using the pattern for a dress of my own.)  I am particularly interested in your leather shoes.  I know you said that they did not wear well once you got into cold and wet weather, but I have some discarded leather and would love to make a pair of my own.  Do you have any suggestions for making them?  Do you have a pattern for how you made yours, or even a picture that's closer up than on the website?  I'd be so appreciative of any information you could give me!

Good luck with your current project!

M


I am enjoying your site: funny, intellectual, challenging.  I was searching for brown shoes and found ‘brown dress”.  I am a lover of “The Goodwill” (kind of like The Ohio State University J )but searching in vain for flat, brown shoes which is so out-of-character for me.  My right-brained-ness has taken over and I was skimming/reading your journals out of order.  I am fascinated by your life, lifestyle and way with words.  In my quick perusing I did not catch where you live.  Love your projects and that you will allow yourself to be so vulnerable.  Really love the idea of recycling clothes!!! 

Mostly just wanted to write and say that I love your site.

A


 

I have a comment about your little brown dress project.  Interesting.  However, after viewing your photos, it seems you still practiced some form of fashionable expression.  Socks and sweaters.  I am curious to know if you purchased or created any new clothing in that year.  Also, how did you feel at the end?  Is consumerism still something you feel has no value?

B

 


Messages - October 2006


Dear Alex Martin,

 

A friend told us of your projects and directed us to your website. We are two theatre students in the third year of a degree at Dartington College of Arts in Devon , UK and were delighted when we looked at your brown dress project and journals. We are currently undertaking an independent project in London looking at the capitalist system and the image it sells, especially to women. We really like your project and have found it inspiring because you chose to make a simple but empowering change to the way that you lived your life. Part of our research for this project has led us to artists such as yourself who do not invest in the capitalist system.

 

We are currently making dresses out of household items such as dusters and tea towels and shall endeavour to wear them for the duration of our project. We will let you know how this turns out!

 

It would be really helpful if you could answer a few questions for us.

 

Would you consider the brown dress project to be a feminist work? We have found in ourselves a lot of conflicting attitudes towards feminism. Would you for instance describe yourself as a feminist?

 

Before you began your brown dress project, had you found that other people were thinking similarly in regard to the economic system and image that is pushed onto us? If so, why do you think people are considering this now more than ever? Is this because of a negative vision of the future that people can see, as the world becomes even more money driven?

 

It seems to us that there is a general feeling of concern in society about the way that we are living. There seems to be a lot of fear amongst people about where we are heading in regard to war, climate change and social changes. We are finding, through this project, a lot of people and organisations trying to instigate small changes to get back to a more simple and community minded state of living.

 

Has any of this been a consideration for you in your work? Do you feel there is a general feeling of a need to make changes?

 

What do you feel the brown dress project has achieved? Was it a simply a personal project, or has it influenced others to consider different ways of living?

 

I hope these questions are not too hefty but it would be really good to hear your opinions.

Hope to hear from you soon and we will try and send you some pictures of our dresses when they are finished.

 

E and A

 


Hello Alex,

A friend just sent me the link to the little brown dress site. I very much enjoyed reading about your concept, the issues you addressed in doing this project, seeing the photos and reading some of the journal.

Just wanted to say - Bravo to you!

With respect,

- H
Shoham, Israel


Dear Alex:

Your little brown dress website has caught our attention.  We are secondary school teachers in Burnaby, a suburb of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.  We first learned of your ~anti-consumerism and fashion project from an announcer on the radio, and then went to look you up on the internet.  We thoroughly appreciate your website;  such treasures are the foundation of change and definitely not contributing to mainstream.  The internet, in many ways, is as revolutionary as the printing press for the average citizen who has no access to alternative viewpoints otherwise.

Your year-long project is so interesting;  we are wondering if you will consider speaking to some of our dance, sewing, and art students to inspire them to think beyond the mainstream.  Your protest against consumerism and fashion, combined with the process of designing your dress, wearing it day-in and day-out through all of your various roles (mother, partner, designer, dancer, organizer) and anecdotes of what happened to you emotionally and professionally as a result, would be a great framework for talking to young people.  In addition, we  believe you have another project you are in the midst of which is also worthy of acknowledgement and discussion -- the recycled wardrobe project.

We understand that you live in Seattle, Washington.  We have access to our district videoconferencing technology and a great technician, Albert, and also a good venue for about 100 students.  We could easily find a facility close to you, and have you speak to us in an interactive way, via videoconference.  The link would be high quality, and practically as good as having you in person.

If you are interested, we would very much love to hear from you.  Thank you so much for considering our request.

D & A


I've had fantasies of doing the same thing.    I'm an at-home mom of a two year old now, after having been in the "professional" design world.  I find that women, especially when they congregate (groups of moms- in my case) can be exceptionally judgemental of each other. Sadly, I found myself doing the same thing.  What is she wearing? Where did she get that bag?  How are her kids dressed?  Oh my god!  I've mentally decided to "opt-out" of the competition several times and maybe because I grew up wearing a uniform in Catholic school; I've adopted an ad-hoc uniform of my own.  I do applaud your persistence and dedication tho!  I'm constantly swayed by the cute little fair isle sweater in the catalogue!


Alex,

I read about you wearing your little brown dress in an insert put in the Asheville Citizen-Times Saturday paper.  I thought it was interesting and very creative of you to do it.  

You are right about the commercialism and fashion.  I do realize I like many other women have more clothes than I will ever wear.  Although I donate I still find I still have too many clothes.  

I really admire what you are doing.  Thanks for helping us to remember we do need to simplify our life.

Blessings,

J.

Marion, NC


Dear Alex,

I was delighted to read and learn about your little brown dress project!  Very nice!  Looks like you are living my life . . . of a limited recycled glorious wardrobe!

Continued success,

E


Hi, I just discovered you site and found it quite fascinating what you did with your brown dress project. I really like your new project as well. With that I can really associate. I have been doing that for a while (although not neccessary exclusively). You probably know about this, but I just wanted to let you know in case you didn't. There is a blog http://www.wardroberefashion.blogspot.com/ where many ladies including me post our refashioned things. It's great to get inspired! So, in case you are not part of it yet, I wanted to invite you to look at it and consider joining. We would definitely benefit from your ideas.

N from Serbia


Hi Alex,

A friend sent an article about your Little Brown Dress from ... some newspaper in Rochester, MN.

I am overweight and have often considered designing an outfit that fits my body and then having it made in a few different fabrics for different times of the year.  I envy the Indian women and the Muslim women sometimes.  i wonder if they have subtle fashions that i just don't see (you know, like the first time you come to Maryland from New Mexico and every brick building looks exactly the same, and vice versa with the stucco and adobe, of course).

So many of the clothes  designed for women are:
boring (read:  all the same), impractical, expensive for what you get, downright ugly, not in the colors you like (because your favorite colors are not in, fashion this season or year or decade), and they don't fit!

And then there are the clothes designed for women who are overweight.  I'm not sure why they think that a fat lady won't like the same pretty blouse that a skinny lady likes.

And, of course, we are all made so differently.  Within any one size, there are an infinite number of shapes.

So, I love what you did--on a number of different levels.  Mostly I like that you said, "I don't have to do what everyone else is doing.  My clothes don't make me who I am."

Maybe my first step is to learn how to make clothes that fit and really think through the perfect outfit for me.  And maybe I'll 
choose fabrics that I can reuse in quilts.

Thanks for being so bold and encouraging so many women.

K


Dear Alex
I am  a 27 year old guy living in Britain and I have to say I am very impressed with your brown dress project!
I thought that I was the only person in the world who had an issue with unconscious mass spending on clothes and servicies and made a point of wearing and doing what they wanted as a statement against it.  Congratulations on an exqusite act of independant thinking!!
All the best!
A


Hi Alex,

I think you project is great!  I wish America's were less wasteful and would wear and remake things with what they have.  I have never been one to keep up with fashions, but try to buy things that would not go out of style.  I would still have things that are 30 plus years old, if I hadn't changed sizes.

Love your ideals and keep your projects going.

J from Valparaiso, IN


You are GREAT. You are sending the right message to kids and adults alike about excessive consumerism and waste. Thank you for your efforts. Just wanted to let you know there ARE like-minded folks out there. 

Take care, M


what are you doing on a website / advertising if you care so much about the environment, you are an opprotunist


Messages - September 2006


 

Well done Alex!
What a great prodject. I totally agree on the point of over consumption of many different clothes. In fact What a waste of time lookinng for new clothes all the time because the last pair of trousers or shirt that I really liked is no more available. Almost everytime a new line is out so have to make effort to find something else. Drives me nuts. And we are all pretty much bought into it. Sure I like nice clothes but I prefer people, and would prefer to know the person more than a glittery second skin anyhow.


hello alex...interesting project...i also limit my consumerism...i don't shop...my friends think im just cheap, but, really, i've spent the last ten years downsizing...everything in my life, no car, hence, limited work availabilities (downsized from the tv/film industry hair dept to grunt labourer and i walk to work and every where else...will use transit to visit my successful cheap friends who won't pick me up and live just outside the city limits...no cable tv...i abuse the internet and the pc stand is my table...my wardrobe is limited to comfortable safe grunt work and it is my fashion statement...i only purchase nutritious bev/food products for optimum health benefits as i am over 50...i cringe when co-workers suggest checking out the $5.00 racks in ladies fashion dept. wearing my thread bare purrfect fitting denim shirt...i have one glass and on and  on...basically if i cant kick it out the door, i don't want it...when i heard the "little brown dress" news brief i traveled to your site...thanks for listening...i luv your dress...did you knit your socks and make all of your accessories?

you go girl

interesting press you are getting

b, north vancouver, bc


Hello Alex,

I saw a piece about you in my local Recycling Newsletter and I was curious to check out your website. Your little brown dress was an excellent idea! I commend you for doing such a good job protecting our environment. If I lived closer to you, I would pay you to make me clothes!

I like your website and what you stand for so much, that I hope you don't mind I sent an e-mail to Ellen Degeneres in Burbank, California to have you on her show because you are such a good influence...a role model, in fact. I hope to meet you someday and if Ellen contacts you, I hope to be on her show with you! 

I will continue to support your website and I'm so glad to know there are people out there like you! Thank you!

A

Bethlehem PA


Alex:

 

Hi! I am a student in New York and in my Theory for English majors class this morning, my professor mentioned a book Not Buying It by Judith Levine and your Little Brown Dress Project. We had been discussing Carl Marx's determinist ideas about how we are conditioned by material circumstance and even if we are conscious about the fact that the material defines us as individuals, we cannot easily, if at all, rise above this.

I am not sure I agree with this; I haven't thought about it long enough to decide what I think. We talked about the idea of department stores and how that concept nearly abolished the idea that you go to a store to buy a specific thing. Instead, you go to a department store to wander around and buy what you like. People expect products (clothes, iPods, etc.) to "speak to them." You go shopping without knowing what you want and then when you see an item, the desire is created. Marx talks about use-value (a table is valuable because you can sit and eat on/at it) and exchange-value (a table is valuable because it is a certain company's brand, with a certain style such as rustic, or rich-looking). We shop at department stores and malls where the exchange-value "calls to us," inciting desire, basically buying and consuming items in extreme excess.

Anyway, my professor mentioned your LBD project and I decided to check it out. I thought it was really interesting in relation to this morning's lecture in my class because you were eliminating the desire for , in this case, clothes.

I would like to do something similar, was the first thought that came from my young, idealist change-the-world mind. I thought of scenarios that would make it difficult to wear the same dress... internship interviews, my catering job with a uniform, some active things (hiking, snowboarding, etc.) and to live the kind of life I lead, it would certainly be a sacrifice of sorts. Or maybe just a challenge.

I wonder if i am strong enough to try it. One other consideration came to mind. This spring I am supposed to be studying abroad in Beijing, China, and although I could easily wear the same thing (and have the identity - the weird american with the same ratty dress on :) ) i find myself thinking, well maybe i would wait until i got back home to do the dress thing, or the recycled dress thing (i do sew).

but then i thought, well if i am making exceptions, maybe i need to do something like this to sort of free myself and my mind from the constraints of consumerism and buying to excess and worrying about physical apperances. Maybe I would want to try to continue this in China. It would add another dimention to it, while being in another culture i can compare the responses etc of the two cultures/countries. I hope I am explaining myself well enough.

 

I know this is a long email and you probably recieve many a day, but I wonder what your thoughts are on the studying abroad thing and/or anything that came out of my rambling mind onto this page.  I would greatly appreciate even the smallest response if you can make the time.

 

Thanks!

 

J

 


I am reading your journal about your year in the little brown dress.  I am at the point right now where you mention seeing a homeless man on the side of the road, and how you realize your family would never let that happen to you.

And I can’t help but think how incredibly lucky you are.  To have that, and more, to know it.  To have the freedom to make choices, to wander, and know you would never fall off the face of the planet.   A couple years ago, I lost my grandmother.  I had given several years of my life to living with her, taking care of her.  Then she had cancer.  Her sister took her, the house, everything, and told me to leave the state.  I move in with a friend’s mother, in Minnesota .  After a few months, she lost it (she had just gone through a divorce) and started screaming.  I left that day.

I stayed on my sister’s couch for a couple weeks.  My family, the rest of them, kept asking me why I’d wasted my life, when I was going to get a real life, when I was going to get a real job.  I got one, and ended up attacked by a neighbor.  It was a stranger who gave me a huge tip, letting me pay the rent, and let me live, by giving me the means to move. 

I’m white like you, culturally aware, hopefully intelligent and articulate.  I’ve been homeless a lot, or stayed in bad situations because I was afraid I would be.  I can’t imagine what it must be like to have a family who you know will be there for you.  I mean that.  I am so grateful for the gifts of strangers, and from unexpected places.  But you are SO lucky to have that security.  

Thank you for sharing parts of your life with me, through just sending your best wishes out there.  Take care, and consider this a virtual hug.  J

A friend


I think that you came up with a great idea. What i think is interesting how people thought this to be so different. Wasn't in in the 1800 and early 1900 that people wore the same thing everyday because they could not afford to buy more colthes. If only teh rest of the world would get on board.  I like how you changed the look by adding different colors and different articles of clothes.  I have one question.  How much money do you think you saved buy not buying any clothes?

California

 


You are awesome!  LOL
 
I hate to shop, could care less what the fashion trend is and probably own maybe one good week's worth of "work" clothes to my name and refuse to pay the high prices to get new ones.  When I do buy, I buy basic.....black and brown slacks.  I have basic shoes in same for summer and winter.  I wear them all year long, each season, every year until they cannot be mended any longer. 
 
I work in an office environment and we are required to wear business attire.  So, the slacks are worn every week and I have just enough tops to mix it up enough to where no one really notices.
 
I look forward to keep up with your newest project.......
 
Who cares what everyone else thinks!
  
C
Virginia Beach, VA

Hi Alex!

You' re an inspiration!..I'm sending the link to my sister, a friend, and my 3 kids, and, since my husband Steve is scared of computers, Ill print it out for him to read.  Have you ever heard of "Buy Nothing Day" - it's always the day after Thanksgiving. My son Ian (he's 21) goes to the mall every year on that day and pushes around a shopping cart advertising it.  It's pretty funny..the security guards always end up making him leave, but they are always really nice about it ...

Pope John Paul thought America's biggest symptom of a spiritual crisis was our massive consumerism.  You can actually feel it when you're in a 'buying' frenzy, at least I can, which is why I know that you are on the right track.

Anyhow, I'm probably your mom's age (51) and for the last few years, expecially since 9-11, Steve (59) and I have both felt like we're in our teens and 20's again.  We can't stomach the news anymore... certainly not to watch repeat after repeat after repeat of 9-11..  It was bad enough that day.  Move on..

Anyway..didnt mean to ramble..best of luck to you, and thanks for the inspiration!

With Love,

L, Grand Junction, Colorado


Your ugly brown dress makes me actually remember why I liked consumerism, you make wasters say, see, hippies are dirty and think their so cool.  LAME.  But thats not ther point of making a spectacle and parody of yourself is it?  True sacrifice is to learn to connect to those who are far away from your mission, find your commonalities, bring them closer to the truth, let the middle ground be found a foot closer to you than it was before, and it is soon just commonality.  That is true sacrifice.  To compromise with the enemy, to let yourself remember what it is like to be lost in ignorance, to be without a light spirit because of the crap like consumerism and waste that hangs around your neck like a dead cat!  stinky and sad.  You have to remember because its how you can relate to them so you can connect and then they recognize themsleves enough in you that they can imagine another way for even themsleves.  The brown dress is so transparently ego based/ holier than thou, even in its awful design and blatant rebellion against the staus quo.  You wont sway them, you will solidify their course.  quit trying to prove your special (how much more decadent in effort and self centeredness than the average wasteful fool is it to take a picture of yourself everyday and think about the BROWN DRESS PROJECT! than to say, blindly buy a latte everyday.  Let yourself in on your secret that your not, then you can have a function, not just a self serving purpose.  Its easy to be obnoxious, difficult to be teachable (humble). 

Let's see.  Brava.  I find your projects admirable and emulatable.  Personally, I sew and knit because I like doing it and I would like to save money and natural resources, but I still like shopping at yard sales and (shame) eBay and I think that is a shopping addiction.  Working on it.  I have found $50 worth of yarn and needles at a yard sale for $5, so there.

J mentioned that you could name your project this year with some theme such as butterflies and cocoons, phoenix and rebirth, or winter into other season ideas.  I don't understand themes, but my suggestions for themes are:
Reincarnation Textiles (although that may connote religious stuff you don't want to connote)

Rebirth of cloth.  Hmmm.  I really just wanted to suggest the Digable Planets...  They have a guy named Butterfly in the band.....  But Rebirth of cloth just doesn't have any kind of a ring to it.

Oh, shoes.  Look, you're a dancer and the healthy exercise you must be getting because of that may prevent you from getting the back trouble and so forth that others (like me, after some car accidents and lots of computer work) suffer
from, but I am probably never going to stop purchasing somewhat swanky shoes.  I like the Earth shoe with the Kalso negative heel technology because I can stand for 4 hours in mine with no back pain.  I can dance in them, hike in them...

I'm just saying.

Anyway, yes, the rest of the world thinks America is pretty pathetic, I suppose.  But I think that you personally are doing a fine job of being the opposite of pathetic.

E from the tiny blue spot in the big red state of Texas


Hi Alex,

I am a reporter in Vancouver, BC.  My Dad pointed me toward your website.  As a self-described fashionista, cursed with a love for good quality but blessed with a conscience, I was blown away by your Brown Dress project.

It has inspired me to re-assess my own habits of consumption, (something I've gently started doing in the last couple of years since amassing a ridiculous credit card debt).

I have decided not to buy any new clothing, shoes or accessories for a year.  A much milder version, but one step at a time! So far reaction has been unlike anything I'd have predicted....I can only imagine how people reacted to your much more dramatic statement!

Can I interview you for a piece to run on the radio station I work for in Vancouver?  It would take less than 5 minutes over the phone....the station I work for is News 1130.  If okay, there' s no big hurry -- sometime in the next couple of weeks would be great!

Sincerely,

T


Hello Alex

thanks for inspiring me
I am a busy mom of 2 autistic boys ages 5 and 3 and a 1.5 year old girl with gastrointestinal problems (I suspect 2/3 of my kids are gifted) I came across your story via an attachment parenting yahoo support group and was intrigued

my "ah mah" poor paternal grandmother from china used to wear a long white shirt with black pants daily for years for ease, modesty, economy (single working blue collar mom) I always thought it wise but felt the pressure to dress better but now with my obsession on recovering my children from "lifelong" autism (second boy's autism symptoms have greatly diminished with dietary changes) I do not have that much time to think, shop, spend on my clothing.. and I wish to squeeze more time out from my days

I also admire buddhist monks/nuns (Catholic ones) who simply simplify their lifes with their habits/ "costume"/Uniform

if you made me a little brown dress for southern california...I am 5'4" and 110 lb, nursing a 1.5 year old... I will wear it was a badge of honor and will discard the complexity of consumerism in the department of my personal wardrobe... it will perhaps remind me to sharpen my focus/mind to be like my fashion icon..Mahatma Gandhi who can find enough hours in the day (while I seem to come short of hours in a day) to liberate a nation I will be carrying the legacy of one costume like my poor "ah mah" who escaped WWII genocide on foot with 3 kids, abandoning the other 3 in China to cross Malaria filled rainforest to start a life as a toilet cleaning lady in Malaysia anyhow, just my imagination.....

thanks for the inspiration
my best to you

love
J
Malaysian Chinese mamma in Costa Mesa, Southern California


Your project is over, but I am just hearing about it today.  Reading comments, can't help but notice the ideas for sustainable, renewable project.

I sew, not enough, but have altered from fabrics I love from clothing I have purchased in order to not have to throw away a memory.  Another useful tip from my family of Scots women was to save all the buttons from things being thrown away or consigned to the rag bag.  That was always one of the main reasons for purchasing in the first place:  details do count.

Hating to shop (I could have been a man's brain on this issue) I find myself living out of my 30 year old closet, and loving it.  So I was happy to see that others have the same feelings and I'm not so freak-y after all.  It gives one intense pleasure not to do without, as it is from within.

Good luck, enjoy your time - it is too short.  One final thing:  www.freecycle.org  Keep it out of the landfills.

j


Hi, Alex,

 Was thinking of your camping trip.  Did the recycled items pretty much cover the activities you wanted to do?

 Any new interesting recycled items added to your fall collection?

 Thought you might enoy knowing that on the Simple Living site a couple of people are starting a project of recycled and/or homemade clothing.  The group enjoyed your brown dress project as well.  So it seems like more people are enjoying creating or re-creating their wardrobe.

 On the SWAP sewing plan, the addition to the 2007 challenge will be that one of the 11 items needs to be reversible.  I was thinking about that with regard to your project.  Probably if if one item was a multi-large size, and another was a size or two larger, the largest item would work as a sort of reverse-lining if it were used more like yard goods with the slightly large item setting the size and providing a bit of seam allowance.  I'd be interested in your ideas or anyone elses about how to do a recycled reversible item.

 S

 


Hi Alex,
I know you must be busy with work, family and all the other things you do.  But I just had to write and tell
you how great I think this all is.  I wish I had thought of it!!  I am considering doing a project myself now.  I have done similar things, such as: all gifts I give (and I'm trying to get my family to agree to do this as well) are either handmade by me (from found or recycled or reused items) or are
second hand, recycled in some way, as well as cards and wrapping; shopping only locally and second hand if possible, at small independently owned retailers; getting as much if my food as possible from a local organic farm (I'm vegan); and giving up my car to walk and bike only.  

But I haven't done anything with clothes, fashion, make-up, jewelry, etc. yet.  It's difficult.  At times I want to devour an August InStyle mag, but mostly I'd like us all to be less consumption, fashion and celebrity oriented.  Brava for you!!!!  I am anxious to see what else you do with this concept.  You should write a book, don't you think?!

With much admiration,
J
Venice, FL

 


Messages - August 2006


For your project for this years with the focus on turning old into new or transforming old clothing I was thinking that a couple of themes match the process. 

One is process by which caterpillars turn into moths or butterflies.  Some names from that might be any of the following words plus Project. Cocoon Chrysalis Butterfly Name of one of your favorite Moths or Butterflies (Audubon id books could be useful for this or some websites) http://butterflywebsite.com/gallery/index.cfm http://www.whatsthiscaterpillar.co.uk/america/index.htm http://www.whatsthiscaterpillar.co.uk/ 

The second theme I can think of is a phoenix rising from the ashes and being reborn/transformed.  Names that come to mind for that are Phoenix Textiles Phoenix Wardrobe Project 

The thrid idea that comes to mind is Rumpelstiltzkin in which straw is turned into gold.  The name that leads me to is The Straw into Gold Collection 

I also thought about how nature transforms the landscape with the seasons. I couldn't really think of a good name from that though other than perhaps Winter into (your other favorite season) Textiles. 

S


 

When you're cute, you look good in anything!   Which you do.   What about me, fat, old and a "boy"? How about a pattern for me, but in black?

taanks, m

 


 

Can't remember how exactly I happened on your website but it is fascinating.  Probably was when I was reading the Seattle news website.   What a statement to make about our society.  We are so spoiled and wasteful and I am right up there with most everyone, although I try to recycle and consume somewhat responsibly.  Anyway, congratulations on what appears to be a very successful protest against rampant consumerism.  I started to say American consumerism but I think it is somewhat world-wide. 

 Your recent comments about spending too much time updating the beast hit home.  I love communicating with people and recently have found myself  caught up with all the options available on the internet, rather than working on the simple communication with those I already know (home, small local community - they just are not EXCITING anymore - at least that is my rationalization)  Guess I will have to work on that - the sustainability of local communication!
 Anyway - enjoy your writing and observations.  Keep everyone thinking!
 
Sincerely,
 S
Tensed, Idaho

 


just wanted to say you rock!! my friend sent me the link, who got it from her friend, etc...
how fantastic to create such a simple and powerful way to stand up to all the bullshit messages women get about how all our value is in our looks - so we better get out there n consume and pluck and squeeze and wear the latest, grooviest, most expensive things, probably made in sweat shops... bleurgh.
don't know if you do myspace or not, i sold out recently n joined, my page is here if you wanna check it out.
http://www.myspace.com/feminismcansavetheworld  am gonna send yr link out on a bulletin, spread the word.
keep up the good work hon!
cheers
d

UK


Alex,
 
This morning my husband showed me and article about your brown dress project. I would like to know why you took on this project. We have just moved to an exclusive area in southern California where they are filming the show on Bravo called The real Orange County Housewives. It seems to be a very materialistic world that we live in. I am the mother of five, 3 of which are teenagers. I have been thinking about your project all day and have read most of your journal. I was wondering though if you could please explain better to me why you choose to do this. I think I may have a very valuable lesson for my kids and would like your input. I have spent the last hour in my closet and have come up with a black dress and a black skirt that I think I could wear everyday for a year. I look forward to your response.
 
Thanks
T

 


I just heard about your project and I love it!  I feel the same way about consumerism / spending as you do – but I’m not quite as radical – but I do have my ways LOL – like I refuse to pay 5 dollars a day to park my car – so I walk a mile getting much needed exercise and have quiet time to myself - also I try to buy clothes have more than one purpose; ie clothes that I can wear to work and also play in.  In fact recently I was dating someone and he looked in my closets and he said – you don’t have many clothes at which point I felt proud of myself!

D


Hi, Alex,
 
Hope you are having lots of fun with your new wearables project.
 
I've been thinking some about your brother's comments about your overall project.  I do agree  some about how people can spend so much time on the web that they don't connect to people in their community.  However I think for projects such as this, balance is the key.  For people who are leading with interesting ideas and projects, I think it helps if they connect some with the greater world to help spread useful and interesting ideas.  A good example of this is the PathtoFreedom website where a family is growing over 6000 pounds of organic food a year in their very small yard.  They spend most of their time working on their projects, a small bit of time doing local events, and media projects, and an occasional bit of time posting about their adventures on their website.
 
The other thing I have seen is that when a business or web project does take off and become successful that often friends,  relatives, acquaintances, and faux-friends will try to make the successful person stop or slow way down out of jealously, resentment that the person is no longer spending every possible moment with them, embarrassment over an innovative project, or the belief that women should be seen and not heard.  It does bother me that whatever the case, you seem to have accepted this and been effectively silenced on your new project.  So I thought I'd offer some support toward the value and appreciation of your thoughts and projects for the greater community.

S


hi,
 
I may be living on the other corner of the earth away from you but I think you are doing quite an astonishing work. I must say that your passion and originality really impress me and give me a lot to think about my whole life as well. Our belief and the way we see things around us are so much influenced by the people around us that we have totally forgotten who we are.
 
I just want to say thank you to you for after reading your littlebrowndress article, I have suddenly realsed so much thing about myself. 
 
Best regards,
 
K
 

Hi Alex

I’ve only just heard about your “little brown dress” exercise. I know it’s a bit late – but well done!

I heard about your story from a very interesting site we have her in Australia – a couple who have spent 6 months trying not to spend a dollar – living off food grown/made on their suburban block, using solar power, composting toilets etc etc (I actually work for a company that makes a no-flush composting toilet – ideal for our water starved country). Anyways back to Linda and Trevor and their son Caleb. It’s a great story and Linda wrote a book about it, as well as a diary type blog.

Their new adventure is building a straw bale home with minimal materials that contribute to co2 emissions etc. Take a squiz (which is aussie for “look”) at their website www.lintrezza.com – imagine not even being able to go food shopping, not just clothes shopping?!?! No retail therapy anytime!!!

I am really enjoying your “story” – so thank you for sharing it with us all. I been finding it very entertaining, as I am sure you will find Linda, Trevor and Caleb’s adventure.

Cheers & thanx for sharing your fun.

Linda

-- How about making clothes from non-co2 emitting fabric, or fabric that hasn’t used 20 zillion gigalitres of water to produce? How about instead of  making a non-fashion statement only you could also make a statement about how much it costs us environmentally to produce goods that emit hazardous chemicals and the cost to the earth water wise, fossil fuel wise etc etc.

The fabric required will be Hemp! How about you grow some – make it into fabric and then make your clothes?

It’s only a thought


When do you wash the dress ?  And how often ?  We want to start something like this at work.  (little brown suit ) 

A


 

Dear Alex,

Congrats on your brown dress experience and also for sharing it with others. You hit a nerve with thousands of women who are tired of this fashion/consumerism nonsense.  You are causing me to examine what I can do without, and for that I thank you.
 
God bless,
J

 


 

Alex,

 
Thank you so much for doing this project! A fellow "thrifty" mom directed me to your blog, and it's such an inspiration! I'd never thought of going as far as you have, but I can, and have, reduced my wardrobe at times to what I needed to go a week without washing, and most of that was purchased second hand. My daughters had very few new clothes growing up, I dressed them in second hand and remade clothes and clothes made from fabrics I was given. At 21 and 16, they both are amazingly free of the fashion obsessions of their peers. When they do shop, they buy (secondhand) for quality, durability and versatility. My older daughter has built a future "work" wardrobe for less than $5 - 3 pairs of neutral pants, 2 neutral jackets, and 4 blouses. Her only "fashion" expression is in hats, and all of those are ones I've made for her, and I think she views them more as art than fashion. Her sister is much the same, though with a distinctly personal flair in her clothes.
 
We wear clothes until they're worn out (I have shirts and jackets over 10 years old), then I get them to remake into shopping bags, hair bands, quilt blocks, etc. Our annual clothes spending for the three of us is, I think, about $170, and most of that goes for shoes, work clothes and underclothes. I need shoes with special support, and those actually account for half our spending alone. My sewing skills aren't up to suit jackets, but I get very nice, washable ones from thrift shops for $5 - $8 each. I'd never thought of making our own underwear, but I think we'll now be looking at that as a use for old t-shirts.
 
Our reasons are complex, - thrift that has most of its roots in environmentalism, and economic and feminist ethics. I don't believe sweat shops benefit anyone in the long run, and I don't want to benefit by such a system. And I believe "fashion and beauty" expectations limit women more than anything else in the US culture, and do more damage to their self-image.
 
Thanks again, and I hope you find time to post at least some updates on your new project.
 
R. in Austin

 


Hi! I just learned about you today, and I'm partly thrilled and partly annoyed at the universe for showing it to me (yay!) so late (boo!).  Nonetheless, that was very cool and appeals to my specific type of nerdery.  See, I am seriously addicted to sewing and thrifting, so I can very much relate to your thrill of having control over your clothes.  I have sewn so much stuff over the years, that hardly a day goes by where I don't wear something I've made.  Usually it's several pieces.  And what I didn't make, I either thrifted or got from a "real" store six years ago.  I can't remember the last time I shopped at a "real" store for something other than clearance leotards and tights for ballet (and trust me, several leotards are cut out and in queue!). So yes, serious applause from me!  It's so normal to me to either dream up my clothes or go treasure-hunting for them.  Once on a LiveJournal craft community, a girl wrote that she had a very vivid dream and she remembered all the outfits she wore.  So she made them!  I sadly don't have the link anymore, but the clothes were cute, like a skirt with felt elephant cutouts going around the bottom.  Might be a fun idea in the coming year! I've also suceeded in making my own underwear, and I wear it all the time. I swapped around the tops and bottoms from a few different swimsuit patterns I had to find the perfect combo.  Doesn't take much knit fabric, so I cruise the remnants pile like crazy.  Lastly, for underwear, I cannot recommend a certain book enough, which is "The Undies Book" by Nanette Rothacker.  Dirt cheap at the link because it is sadly out of print. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0684146053/sr=8-1/qid=1154750599/ref=sr_1_1/103-4034483-4104611?ie=UTF8 And now I will stop gushing, but sewing clothes and knitting makes me SO EXCITED!  I hope to sew clothes for a living someday.  It's like my language. Happy Sewing!! 

Sincerely, A


Alex – I’ll miss your updates.  I’m sorry you’ve taken this step but I understand. It does make perfect sense. 

I was (am) dying to see a home-made swimsuit and hear your further reviews of those flimsy shoes.  Please consider monthly (or so) updates -  at least, to let us know how it’s going (or IF it’s going). 

I hope it goes well for you!  I’ll be interested to hear what you learn from this year. 

B


 

Alex,

I found out about your project(s) in the Utne Reader digest that comes weekly via e-mail.  I found it very inspirational and thought provoking (in a good way).  I printed the pattern and if I can scrape together some time I think I will make the dress out of sustainably producted hemp fabric. 
I read your opeing and have a comment or question - I'm not sure which and I'd like your thoughts on it, if you have time. If you don't I understand. I am a working mommy, too.
 In the FAQ's you state "But on a feminist note, let's stop agreeing that the best way for women (in particular) to "express themselves" is by purchasing new wardrobe items and putting together daily outfits."
 Ok, I agree - COMPLETELY.  The emphasis on appearance is nothing but a method of oppression. However, in the photos I noticed how you layered the dress for colder weather, certain events, etc. (Some of the outfits were great.) While this is practical and neccessary, is it not also a method of expression? How can it not be? I understand that who you are is not defined by what you wear (contrary to popular social constructions), but you still have to put together what you wear each day if for not other considerations but the weather and your planned activities.  This in turn is expresses something about you as a person.
 Perhaps I am thinking too much. (I have been accused of this before.)  Lately I have begun to question that I have perhaps simply replaced mall shopping and mainstream fashion with Goodwill and urban anti-fashion, which is now a fashion itself. Afterall, I am still expressing myself with my attire and appearance. It is just that now I wear no makeup, refuse to do anything with my hair other than put it in a scarf or bandana or hat, wear the same practical shoes and bag daily, etc. But this is very definately a statement of who I am and what I believe and the way I construct the outfits is definately a creative outlet for me.  At the very least, it expresses that I walk a lot and don't work in a "professional" or "business" environment.
 So how do we escape? Can we?  If we all ran around in little brown dresses would we simply have replaced mass consumerism with standardization? Would that be any less oppressive? Would it be any more sustainable? Your thoughts?
 Thanks for doing your project. We need people like you to push the boundaries and question the norms.
 
Thank You,
L

 

How to make undies out of Tshirts, and especially to utilize the Tshirt design while doing so.

S


Messages - July 2006


Hi Alex,

I absolutely love what you're doing-the creativity of it, the fact of rejecting our society's belief that a person looks good only if she's accumulating all of the latest or "best" of what is considered good style.

BUT, as a person with plantar fascitis, I'm worried about your feet. Those little leather shoes you made have no support, although they are quite charming. I spent 30, or so, years wearing lovely shoes that had no support. All of a sudden, when I hit 46, my feet rebelled. Please take care of your feet. I don't really know what causes foot trouble, but I can tell you it's a hindrance. It never occurs to you that it could happen, but aging takes its toll. It's almost as though a switch is flipped, and suddenly, aches and pains seem to appear over night. Lecture over.

I look forward to seeing how your new project progresses. Also, how in the world did you make underwear? Do you have a serger? Fascinating.

Sincerely (I mean it),
C


Alex

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