Why I want to be Locally Dressed

Let's create a healthy relationship between Community and Clothing

My outward appearance should openly display my personal beliefs. For this to be true - the clothes I wear must be a reflection of what I value.

Up to the present, I have not lived this way. I spent years in fashion before starting my career in the sciences. During that time I developed a taste for clothing. Over the years I collected wardrobes in various sizes and styles. Like many, I have clothes I haven't worn in over three years in my closet.

I spent years enjoying going to the mall and shopping. But, I also began to be more mindful of the climate, my neighbors - close and far, and the inequities in our global market systems.

Last year I heard Rebecca Burgess of the Fibershed CA speak at Keene's Radically Rural conference. It became clear - the clothes on my back didn't match the sustainable values I had adopted. This needed to change but I am not a fiber or clothing expert. What could I do to support my local community while doing so in a sustainable way?

The answer - create Locally Dressed.

Here, I will reach out to the community of fiber experts locally and regionally and share what I learn while collecting garments to change my wardrobe to be