As a stitching dame, and a poor (as in ‘not rich’) one at that, I am constantly on the lookout for different alternatives to wearing the same thing. A studded belt here, throw on some nifty bangles there, a dash of ingenuity and – voila! But I don’t know if I could do that with one outfit everyday for an entire year, The Uniform Project on the other hand, did.
Sheena (the founder) grew up having to wear a school uniform. Inspired by the different ways teens would express themselves gave her the idea for this endeavor: 7 identical dresses, one for each day of the week, using only recycled and donated accessories to complete the look. The video itself is as cute as the outfits she managed to conjure up. Take a look:
But the real reason this whole thing got started was not for kitsch or street cred, no: for every $360 raised, a child living in the slums of India can go to school, uniform and all.
The project makes people more aware of sustainable living and gives children a chance to learn. And it makes me think, maybe I don’t need those shiny new boots in that storefront after all…
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This is absolutely adorable.
I love the idea…I keep thinking, “I could do this” even though I happen not to be young, thin, gorgeous, and fashionistically gifted.
When an idea is this good, you can use it to raise money. How could we adapt this on a bigger scale to just save money? I’d be all over that.
*Off to think of how to popularize this for the hate-to-shop crowd*
That chick has some crazy accessorization skillz. And the legs to pull of some nice tights. If I were to do this it would be like The One Maxi Dress project.
i hate to shop and will go to great lengths to avoid it.
so this is a project i can get behind!
though my ass and hips beg to differ with belts.
I’m not into jewelry or accessories – I’d rather save to buy an outfit.
I enjoy sewing old clothes into simple, small items – such as a kerchief, headband, tube top, halter top, shorts, tote bag, purse, curtain, pillowcase, bureau scarf, doily, hand towel, pot holder, cleaning rag, childrens’ clothing, etc.
I rip out old yarn items to crochet a hat, scarf, vest, socks, tote bag, purse, potholder, etc.
Look in thrift stores for fabric and yarn items. Ask relatives for their old clothes.
Learn to sew and crochet – it’s easier than you think! Small portable sewing machines are inexpensive.
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[...] fun. This is not about deprivation, just simplicity. If you don’t think you can, check this out. If you’re creative and have the legs accessories, you can get by with only one [...]