THE CITIZEN INDEX

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

The Rosebud Revolution


"Revolutions are not a bed of roses."
                                                           -Fidel Castro
 I am ready for a Rosebud Revolution. I want to wear a riot of florals, but better yet, I want it to MEAN something. The "Bloom Madly!"  in me wants,  to quote Gandhi, "to be the change I want in the world." And I want change. I want to  create change in the way you and I buy and wear clothing. 

This is why I'm proud to share with you the IOU project. The IOU Project makes unique, handmade, traceable apparel. There's a BIG difference in the "I OWE YOU" way than the present-day insane industrial manufacturing practices. The IOU Project sources traditional, artisanal weavers and tailors, who hand loom and hand-craft each piece of IOU apparel.  Because each fabric is unique, they provide end buyers with the ability to trace the process from finished item right down to the weaver that hand-wove the fabric. The stories of how that item was created, of the people involved, of the customers who purchased them, are the essence of the e-commerce social network which The IOU Project has built as a meeting place for a community that shares their brand values of authenticity, transparency, uniqueness and both social and environmental responsibility. 

YOU CAN GET MORE DETAILED INFORMATION OVER ON THEIR FAQ PAGE BY CLICKING HERE

It is my hope that this type of business model revolutionizes the present exploitative practices of fast fashions, and reduce harmful sweat-shop  factory manufacturing. 
It is my hope that this new/old way of trade and craft will create a positive change for the fashion industry as a whole. I would love to see an industry flourishing by supporting communities, families and artisans. 

Here's to the Rosebud Revolution!



Every month, members of the Style Nation get together and share their unique way of wearing a basic. This month, Every Body, Every Wear celebrates FLORALS. The Citizen Rosebud is wearing a thrifted vintage cotton floral jacket, a 3 years-old striped T-shirt (cropped), hand-me down jeans (now cut-offs), a vintage 1960 travel bag, and last year's Coach espadrille wedges.

Florals | Everybody, Everywear



35 comments:

  1. What a truly beautiful post. I'm moved, fascinated and inspired by The IOU Project and I'll definitely be looking into it more. Thank you so much for sharing new ways to be ethical and to make a difference with fashion, Bella. For those of us who don't know where to look in the bevy of confusion that is the industry it's people who go that extra mile to get the word out that give invaluable insight and guidance.

    And can I just say? Totally rocking the stripes + florals. I'm loving this look so much!

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  2. Fabulous, as everything you touch with your inner passion!!!
    XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

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  3. Absolutely fantastic idea! I am loving the whole concept of the IOU project. I'm excited to see what it brings up. :) Lovely!

    Have a great one! x http://xNTA.blogspot.com/

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  4. I got an email about IOU project, it is totally interesting and fab idea!:)

    Oh florals, I love that print soo much, I so happy it's on EBEW now! You look FABULOUS!

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  5. thanks for sharing with such beautiful and inspiring thoughts! i have never heard of that project before, so i am clicking the link and checking this out!
    ps: hope that i will be back soon! how are you? <3

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  6. Bella, the energy and enthusiasm of this post is utterly infectious. 'A Rosebud Revolution'? Yes please! I'm very interested in sustainable, ethical, traceable processes of creating clothing - so thank you for drawing our attention to IOU clothing with such a vibrant fanfare. One of the reasons I will rarely buy on the high street is, as you say, the insane industrial manufacturing practices. It's one of the many reasons I shop second hand and vintage.

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  7. Bella I adore this outfit on you!
    Love the combinations of flowers and stripes with your fabulous legs and the wedges.

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  8. I'm on-board with a Rosebud revolution! Going to check it out NOW. BTW - lovin the stripes and flowers in the outfit and most of all lovin those fab shoes. You've got great gams girl!

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  9. looking good girl, looking REAL good!
    xox

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  10. Not only are you GORGEOUS in this post, but the IOU Project sounds like a beautiful organization! I'm going to check them out today.

    I love everything about this look on you! You can send that floral jacket over whenever you're ready ;-)!

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  11. Wow, Bella. You look absolutely gorgeous! Those legs of yours are HOTTT!!!

    Love the idea behind the IOU Project. Thanks for sharing, my friend!

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  12. Very cool! Right now I'm buying NOTHING unless it's inventory for my store. Major spending diet. Oh, except I'm saving for a new camera. :) I love the idea of this IOU Clothing, though.

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  13. What a wonderful organization!! I'm definitely going to head over and check it out. Thanks for sharing that.

    You have killer legs, and you look amazing, as always. Where did you get that bag??? I LOVE it!!

    xo

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  14. Love your floral jacket! I paired my florals with stripes as well! I LOVE your HAIR!

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  15. I love the shorts and the bag, they're amazing and you're sooo pretty :) xo

    http://myfashionlustlist.blogspot.com

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  16. 1. LOVE LOVE those wedges
    2. LOVEEEEE that floral blazer, def something I would purchase too!

    xoxo
    Miss Neira

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  17. I have just joined you all flowery people, yeahhhhhhhh
    Love U.
    XXXXXXXXXXXXX

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  18. I'm glad you're also supporting these guys! More peeps need to know about what they do! I have total respect for Kavita & the team.

    Ok, I'm nuts about your floral jacket and striped top combo! Looking simply amazing!

    x.o.x.o

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  19. @Christy: I would be honored to share my vintage bags with you in a guest post. Email me, chica!

    Thank you for all the sweet words, my blossoms!

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  20. omg, loving this look, i want a jacket like that STAT!

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  21. Aaahhh!! How can florals ever go wrong?? That too on such a charming jacket? And pairing the same with stripes & denim - perfecto! Bring on the revolution girl!!! :)

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  22. Stripes and florals! Never mind the revolution, you are a true revolutionary. xxx

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  23. I am really liking the IOU project. You always have the best topics!

    I was a fan of some fast-fashion stores but more recently, thanks to some great bloggers like yourself, I've seen the reality of the harsh world of garment making, and I've also noticed how much more quality outweighs quantity.

    Lauren Nicole, of Front Row Spectator

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  24. I love the floral jacket on you. The IOU project sounds awesome. While it may be more expensive I would love if I could always shop this way. It feels good to give your money to someone who pieces a garment together, and does it in good working conditions.
    My Heart Blogged

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  25. Thanks for turning me on to the IOU Project. What a wonderful, sustainable alternative to the constant churn of the fashion machine. You look splendid in your stripes + floral look today! You always have the best take on an outfit.

    xLaura
    http://bucklebuttonzip.com
    @bucklebuttonzip

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  26. Thanks for sharing the information about the IOU Project.

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  27. What a cute look, love your floral jacket and sandals!

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  28. LOVE those wedges! Just the perfect little touch of espadrille mixed with the leather.

    Chic on the Cheap

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  29. IOU sounds amazing - I'll have to check it out. I like your flowers, especially mixed with the stripes. And the bag? The bag!

    Jenn

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  30. Holy Hat!! I LOVE those shoes!! Ok - so we know I am all about shoes right now. I also really love the florals with the stripes and those striped curtains are marvelous!
    I think it is really cool that you can trace IOU clothes all the way back to the weaver! That is really awesome!

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  31. if i owned that floral jacket, i'd wear it everyday :)

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  32. I am right there with you sister and I've got on my $2 floral dress! Congrats on being picked for ifb!

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You are rad. Thanks for your comment!