I've been dreading sitting down to write this - not because of Project 333, the reduction of my wardrobe to a limit of 33 items for 3 months, but because of the 2nd part of this 3-part challenge of mine. The part that involves buying more that is made in the USA. Why is this not easy? Shouldn't it be easy? Well, it ISN'T! And I don't like not being able to succeed at what I attempt.
First, the failures. Might as well get it right out into the open. By far, the purchases I made in the last 30 days were supporting trade with China. What did I buy?
Handbag - good quality, but disappointingly, made in China.
(Similar to this, but alas, not a Coach bag. Which might have been made in America).
Merino-blend long underwear for both JC and myself - significantly less expensive than the brands I like; SmartWool, Ibex, and IceBreaker. Made in China. Small gifts while on vacation - cute and I could have made them myself but here's the key: I didn't plan ahead. Hiking shoes - inventory liquidation of a shoe store in Sandpoint. Amazing price on Merrills. China.
Boots - I researched boots made in USA since I knew that I wanted a pair for this fall. Frye boots are still made in the USA (mostly) but I was looking at $350 or so for a pair. I'm sure they are worth it. But then, Sierra Trading Post had a cute pair of Teva boots for $60. Budget won. Made in China.
Mountain Hardware skirt - one of the things I've learned about Project 333 is that each item in that wordrobe has to work with just about everything else AND it has to fit and look good. I picked a thrift store Banana Republic skort as one of my items and I found, the first time I wore it, that it did not fit well, did not look good, and was not going to be one of the items that I enjoyed wearing. It went into the thrift store pile immediately and I went searching for a versatile skirt. Mountain Hardware had one. Made in China.
Carhartt vest - again, Sierra Trading Post. Great vest, good for riding, casual wear, just about anything outside 3 seasons out of the year. China.
SmartWool tights - I thought SmartWool was all made in America but I was wrong. China.
One bright star - I found an American made line of women's shirts that really work for me. ModBod. I stumbled on a road show at our local Costco, bought a two-pack of white / black 3/4 sleeve t-shirts and love 'em. Happened to find a small shop in Coupeville, WA that carried ModBod (and a LOT of other clothing made in the USA) and bought a gray one.
Lessons learned:
1. Buying USA-made requires that I think ahead. Yes, there are great companies making jeans, boots, handbags, iPhone covers.... you name it. But are you (or am I) going to be able to walk into a mall, superstore, or local shop and find their products? Not often. And they are expensive. So.
2) Buying American requires planning, investment, AND a divorce from on-a-whim fashion urges. Oh, you mean classics? That I take care of and keep for years? That I rock like I'm a French woman? I think I can do it, really I do. Already I find myself passing up Target and Kohls cause, really, what is the point? Everything in there is made in China. I might as well not walk in the door unless I'm going after cleaning supplies.
3) Buying USA-made products may conflict with shopping local. I think the key here is to communicate to local shop owners that you are (I am) invested in buying American-made. The store I visited in Coupeville even rewarded its customers for buying American-made.
4) This might take some time. I am communicating with companies and letting them know that I am interested in purchasing American-made products over those made elsewhere. I emailed MadeWell after getting promotional correspondence and found that you can search within the MadeWell site for products made in the USA. Yay! I answered a survey by Sierra Trading Post and commented that I'd like to see more USA-made products. If enough us pester these companies maybe things will start to change. Limiting my wardrobe has not been particularly difficult and I think that it is because I really didn't wear much more than 33 items before I started this - I just had a lot more than that hanging in my closet "just in case" or "when I lose that 10 pounds". Now, I have what fits, what goes together, and what I like wearing. And I get to look forward to choosing the next 3 month's wardrobe out of my favorites and the new things I'm making.
Which leads us to part 3 of my personal challenge: the making 25% of my wardrobe. Not there yet. But excited about several projects for the winter -
the reverse appliqued smock,
the Guy LaRoche / Alabama-Chanin-interpretation dress, and additional t-shirts, ponchos, and perhaps even a skirt. Knitting hats and fingerless gloves. Cotton knit scarves. Repurposed cashmere, felted.
Even though I have not been entirely successful this first 30 days I'm not discouraged. My next pair of jeans will be made in the USA - I've already been checking out all the companies that make their jeans here and I'll set aside the money. I have a shirt company I like. I know who makes boots in America. And I'll find companies that still make socks, undies, bras, gloves, etc. here. Then I'll start looking beyond clothing. Next year I want the VVR t-shirts to be made in the USA so I'll be talking to our printer about that. We found china coffee mugs at Blue Star Roasting in Twisp, CA that are Homer Laughlin, an American company. Our mugs will be Homer Laughlin. Stay tuned.
And if you are attempting any or all of these three challenges - please let me know. I could use the support! Project 333 - Choose 33 items to wear for the next 3 months (not counting workout wear, sleepwear, underwear, lounge wear). Made in the USA - Actively work to purchase more made-in-America goods. Communicate your desire to companies and shop owners. Walk your talk or 'fess up. The Selvedge Project - make 25% of your wardrobe.
Geez I'm glad this post is written - and I hope that the next one is full of successes and the boastful beating of my chest.
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