A lovely reader recently turned us on to The Uniform Project, a project by the very creative Sheena Matheiken, who has pledged to wear one little black dress for 365 days. In her own words:
Starting May 2009, I have pledged to wear one dress for one year as an exercise in sustainable fashion. Here’s how it works: There are 7 identical dresses, one for each day of the week. Every day I will reinvent the dress with layers, accessories and all kinds of accouterments, the majority of which will be vintage, hand-made, or hand-me-down goodies.
We here at Academichic could not be more supportive of a project that not only pledges sustainable fashion and responsible spending but also works to raise money for education:
The Uniform Project is also a year-long fundraiser for the Akanksha Foundation, a grassroots movement that is revolutionizing education in India. At the end of the year, all contributions will go toward Akanksha’s School Project to fund uniforms and other educational expenses for slum children in India.
Not only is Sheena Matheiken supporting education and being a responsible citizen, she is also a force to be reckoned with in the fashion blogosphere. Just check out her stunning ensemble for a recent wedding:
We always knew that a Little Black Dress was a must in our wardrobes, but this project will prove just how far such an item can be stretched! Check The Uniform Project for more images and information and to make a donation if you can!
2 May 2009, originally uploaded by academichic.
Sources:
- Button down – Gap
- Black jean capris – TJMaxx, remixed
- Mug – Starbucks
Endnotes:
There is an interesting thread of dialog happening over at You Look Fab regarding ‘pushing the envelope’ vs. sticking to a personal ‘uniform’. I thought this went really well with the recent discussion we’ve been having here, in which we asked you what gets you out of your pj’s in the morning, especially if you work from home like we often do. As I see it, Step One is actually getting dressed. But Step Two – what you put on – is a whole other battle. It’s one thing to recognize that you should probably not wear the same clothes you slept in all day afterwards. But it’s interesting to think about how we approach that getting dressed part, as the ladies over at YLF are doing.
For me, exploring my style by documenting it here and by talking about it with E. and A. has simultaneously harnessed it in to a more ‘specific’ look but also given me the courage to push the envelope more. Being more aware of my style has given me the courage to explore trends and looks I might have been afraid of before. I have a better sense of how to make them fit my sense of aesthetic. This applies particularly to my professional and evening attire.
2 May 2009, originally uploaded by academichic.
Where I do have a so-called uniform is in my casual wear and weekend attire. I have waxed poetic about the button-down before, so I’ll spare you the lengthy post on it, but it is my go-to ‘uniform’ item when I want to be casual, comfortable, and still a bit stylish. I find it a bit more chic than a t-shirt and jeans, but still as forgiving in shape (when unbelted) and comfortable.
Several of the young moms who responded to E’s post mentioned the importance of getting dressed in the morning before attending to baby, older children, and other demands. It seems that in this case especially, having a go-to ‘uniform’ would come in handy. Why is it though that we often assume uniforms to be a stifling in style creativity, likely to be bland, and lacking inspiration?
What do you think about having a style ‘uniform’? Check out the great discussion over at YLF and join in there or leave us a comment here, I’d love to hear your thoughts on the topic! S.
