A year or so ago I heard about a global social experiment called "Six Items or Less." Basically, everyday peeps like you and I would take an online pledge to wear only six items (or less) of clothing for a period of 30 days and blog about the results. Now, before you get too weirded out about the concept, I should probably let you know that there were a few loopholes put in place to make the process more attractive/livable:
The "Sixers" (as they have come to be known online) were asked not to tell anyone in their lives that they were participating in the experiment until it was over, the result of which was...surprising? By and large, it seemed that no one else really noticed what the Sixers wore day in and day out - not coworkers, friends, partners, casual acquaintances, potential partners...everyone simply went on living and breathing as they had done before. Now, is it possible that some people noticed but didn't say anything? Absolutely. But does it really matter?
What most people seemed to take away from the experience was the realisation that they could do way more with way less. When forced to answer the question of what they wanted to clothe their bodies with for an entire month, each individual had to not only sit down and think seriously - probably for the first time ever - about the answer, but to live with the decision they made. And, for the most part, they did. Annoying as it was at times, those who stuck with it realised, in some small way, how much those of us in the developed world truly take for granted.
I've never done the Six Items or Less challenge myself, though I reflect on it and the wisdom gleaned by those who have on a regular basis. In a way, that's where the idea for this blog came from. Well, from there and from another concept I learned about online: New Dress A Day. This fantastic blog - which has been operating since November 2009 - is, in my opinion, the gold standard in "upcycling." Thirty-one-year old Marisa Lynch decided that as of her 30th birthday, she was going to give up "traditional" clothes shopping for 365 days. Instead of hitting the mall and blowing cash on throw-away items from her favourite stores, Marisa gave herself a budget of $365 and vowed to create a new outfit every day from craptastic thrift store finds. Intrigued? You should be. Marisa's incredible upcycled wardrobe is tailor-made to fit her unique personal style. But it gets better. Now that year one has wrapped up with undeniable success, Marisa is accepting donations from fans all over the world so that she can continue to do more with less! As someone with NO sewing skills whatsoever, I really admire her creativity and eye - and thoroughly respect that she walks readers through her reconstruction process step-by-step. If you haven't already, check it out!
But, back to this blog. :) The purpose of Every Last Feather is simple: I've reached a point in my life where it's time to take stock and make some (potentially tough) decisions. As such, over the next year I'm going to conduct what I feel is best described as a "personal inventory." Nothing is off limits, kids. In addition to physical items - mainly clothing and accessories, of which I am very, very fond - I am going to take a critical look at my habits, hobbies and relationships in the hope of becoming a happier, healthier person. Instead of buying new things, I'm going to make an effort to spend some quality time with things that already exist in my life, and truly consider what value they hold. Every last feather that makes up my life is going to be examined, with to-be-determined results.
I hope you'll join me.
- Underwear/socks/bathing attire and workout clothes did not count towards the six item limit. (Phew!)
- Shoes, accessories and outerwear also did not count. (Excellent...)
- Truly identical items - i.e. same exact colour/brand/size - were counted as only one item. (Thank YOU two pairs of Levi's skinny jeans for $22 at Ross!)
The "Sixers" (as they have come to be known online) were asked not to tell anyone in their lives that they were participating in the experiment until it was over, the result of which was...surprising? By and large, it seemed that no one else really noticed what the Sixers wore day in and day out - not coworkers, friends, partners, casual acquaintances, potential partners...everyone simply went on living and breathing as they had done before. Now, is it possible that some people noticed but didn't say anything? Absolutely. But does it really matter?
What most people seemed to take away from the experience was the realisation that they could do way more with way less. When forced to answer the question of what they wanted to clothe their bodies with for an entire month, each individual had to not only sit down and think seriously - probably for the first time ever - about the answer, but to live with the decision they made. And, for the most part, they did. Annoying as it was at times, those who stuck with it realised, in some small way, how much those of us in the developed world truly take for granted.
I've never done the Six Items or Less challenge myself, though I reflect on it and the wisdom gleaned by those who have on a regular basis. In a way, that's where the idea for this blog came from. Well, from there and from another concept I learned about online: New Dress A Day. This fantastic blog - which has been operating since November 2009 - is, in my opinion, the gold standard in "upcycling." Thirty-one-year old Marisa Lynch decided that as of her 30th birthday, she was going to give up "traditional" clothes shopping for 365 days. Instead of hitting the mall and blowing cash on throw-away items from her favourite stores, Marisa gave herself a budget of $365 and vowed to create a new outfit every day from craptastic thrift store finds. Intrigued? You should be. Marisa's incredible upcycled wardrobe is tailor-made to fit her unique personal style. But it gets better. Now that year one has wrapped up with undeniable success, Marisa is accepting donations from fans all over the world so that she can continue to do more with less! As someone with NO sewing skills whatsoever, I really admire her creativity and eye - and thoroughly respect that she walks readers through her reconstruction process step-by-step. If you haven't already, check it out!
But, back to this blog. :) The purpose of Every Last Feather is simple: I've reached a point in my life where it's time to take stock and make some (potentially tough) decisions. As such, over the next year I'm going to conduct what I feel is best described as a "personal inventory." Nothing is off limits, kids. In addition to physical items - mainly clothing and accessories, of which I am very, very fond - I am going to take a critical look at my habits, hobbies and relationships in the hope of becoming a happier, healthier person. Instead of buying new things, I'm going to make an effort to spend some quality time with things that already exist in my life, and truly consider what value they hold. Every last feather that makes up my life is going to be examined, with to-be-determined results.
I hope you'll join me.
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