"Clothes aren't going to change the world, the women who wear them will."
- Anne Klein
As we prepare to dive into the month of December and the exciting chaos that comes with the holidays, I have decided to partake in something very exciting this year! As some of you may know, I am very passionate about bringing light to the issue of sex trafficking. This topic gets a fire going in my heart, I want to help in whatever way I can as well as bring awareness to this tragic issue. That is why when I heard about Dressember, something that involves fashion as well as advocating to STOP sex trafficking, I had to get involved immediately.
So take a moment to read this message from the the lovely Jessica Uhler.
"It has been said that women dress for each other; to impress, to belong. But what if we turned that paradigm on it's head? What if we used something as simple as a dress as a way to help women find dignity and freedom from oppression?
Dressember is a collaborative, worldwide movement to advocate for women who've been exploited for their femininity. Poverty and sexual trafficking affect women and girls worldwide, and participating or supporting Dressember is a way to support the abolition of modern-day slavery.
Can something as simple as pledging to wear a dress for every day in December really do anything? Yes! Dressember is aligned with human rights organization International Justice Mission, which works to rescue victims of sexual slavery, exploitation and other forms of violent oppression. The funds raised will go toward furthering this work.
Watch this TED talk (http://www.dressember.org/thestory/) by the founder of Dressember to learn more. Check out the website for some inspiration and answers to FAQs(http://www.dressember.org/faq/).
HOW CAN I HELP?
Glad you asked- Join our team! We want as many girls and women as possible to join us, using the dress as our flag. We want to make our collective voice as loud as we can and pool our resources and ideas.
You can join us by clicking the link (http://www.dressember.org/participatex/) and signing up under our team, Beauty and Dignity
Let's have fun while making a difference! Xoxo"
So, commit to wearing a dress every day (or even just several days) for the month of December! I know it's cold but that is why I of course have some advice for you ladies on how we can make it bearable. For this blog shoot, I wore a simple, tightly fitted black dress and paired it with a giant cozy scarf from Forever 21, and jean jacket, simple, cozy, keeps you warm, and supports the cause!
Even if you can't commit to wearing a dress everyday for the month of December, then support this movement by donating through this link: https://support.dressemberfoundation.org/fundraise?fcid=562923 to the group I am a part of, Beauty and Dignity, to further this good work.
P.C. Ike&Tash