A Fashion Movement: Voluntary Simplicity and The Curtain Club

There is already a fashion trend which has been leading into the Curtain Club: Recession Chic. That term has been applied to Michelle Obama, in part for her elegant wearing of off-the-rack fashions. Though, even the black-and-white Donna Ricco dress that Michelle Obama wore on "The View"-, which was thought to be very egalitarian, was $148. I expect that genuine poverty and/or genuine Voluntary Simplicity would require a much lower price tag.

My friend Betty Wood has enthusiastically joined the Curtain Club. She says, "I like this idea--it will help me be more fashionable!  I have lots of old clothes--actually, nearly everything I wear. Some of my old things can be updated with various embellishments--embroidery, studs, a fancy-yarn scarf or sleeve end."-

In order to share Curtain Club ideas with your circle of friends, you could start looking through your closet and finding old, but beautiful, clothing to layer and accessorize. And, you could see if women friends could go through each other's closets and trade.  Thrift shops are always a great place to seek out vintage clothing and shabby chic.

A time of austerity is also a great time to learn how to mend clothes and make clothes. I realized that my absolute favorite bag to carry, is a quilted creation, with bright flowers that Betty made for me. I could never afford the similar bags that a modern designer makes in the same, floral-quilted style to be sold in malls around the country. Betty is ready for other women to join in on the fun of making their own clothing and accessories, she notes: " It's a great opportunity to learn a new skill if you don't already know how to knit, crochet, embroider, or make your own clothes.  There are lots of very easy patterns out there."-

If the Curtain Club lifts off, what will fashion designers do?

Well, there may always be a demand for new dresses for certain, important occasions, like weddings. And, since part of Voluntary Simplicity is value, perhaps people will buy even more precious and sturdy wedding dresses to share and pass down. Though, I think it would be okay if the most famous designers had one off year, where they sold a little less and their profits weren't so high. It seems to me that some high fashion has gone overboard in terms of conspicuous consumption.

If the Curtain Club kicks into high gear, women will still need to purchase: Basics, for under $40, that they can wear with old scarves and jewelry; undergarments (preferably organic); items that get worn out such as pantyhose; the occasional pair of shoes to match with an old dress.

When the world around us looks so bleak, it seems fitting and empowering to find something to do in response. Changing the way that we shop and dress is a way that women can have a powerful impact on the world around us. Refusing to participate in the more-more-more cycle of consumption will eventually give the message to government and corporations to find better, more sustainable solutions.  Adopting principles of Voluntary Simplicity can conjure up a long tradition of discovering a more rich and fulfilling life, which imposes less stress on ourselves, our pocketbooks, our communities. I hope that the Curtain Club is able to achieve some of these noble goals. Or, maybe just provide an outlet for creativity and ingenuity.

Addendum

The difference between plain old Recession Chic and Curtain Club:

Recession Chic is thinking that you won, because you found something on sale. (And, not realizing the inherent mark-up in a mall or glamorous retail space.)

Curtain Club is not going to the stores to be tempted by sales. But, remembering where you hid the old jewelry, or going to your friend's house for a closet swap.

Recession Chic is watching what Michelle Obama wears to the Inauguration to see if she wears something off the rack so you can get one.

Curtain Club is watching what color dress Michelle Obama wears to the Inauguration, so you can find an old one, in the same color, in your closet.

Recession Chic is trying to look like a princess in really inexpensive designer shoes.

Curtain Club is realizing that you will need comfortable shoes now that you may have two jobs, or one, new job in a less glamorous sector.

By Kimberly Wilder
http://www.georgianacircle.wordpress.com

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