new [year] [dress] [day]
one year
one dollar a day
365 new garments
Welcome to the New Dress A Day follow-up interview!
Below is a small sampling of Los Angeles-based Marisa Lynch’s year-long project :
If you missed the daily transformations on her blog last year,
consider your next few days’ internet browsing time BOOKED!
There were chops, restructures, dye jobs, shimmer, shine, glitter, drastically altered silhouettes
and lots and lots of shoulder pad extractions.
I threw some questions her way near the beginning of the adventure
and she was kind enough to quench my current curiosities with the interview below…
I, along with many others around the world, watched you create a brand new garment from a $1 thrifted item, on the daily. You’ve inspired and motivated your witnesses and never fail to impress with your creative innovation. We talked close to the beginning of your project and I’ve been curious about the evolution of your New Dress A Day experience.
TT : I know it would be torture for me, personally, to leave gems behind while thrifting as much as you did for this project! Give it to me straight. Did you “cheat” at all and buy/wear any clothes that were new or that you didn’t have to alter during the project?
NDAD : I honestly didn’t buy anything that was new! That was the one thing that I was most nervous about and it ended up working out - I went to normal stores to scope out the latest on the racks, but it was all for research. I have to say that by the end I didn’t even have time to go anywhere but my thrift store go-tos. It’s weird too because I thought I’d be counting down to the end to go and shop, but I’ve just been re-visiting my actual closet which honestly feels the same. I found pieces that I totally forgot about!
TT : Every post was presented with enthusiasm. Did you have any feeling-burnt-out moments over the past year?
NDAD : There were definitely moments where I was exhausted but blogging had become such a staple ingredient in my day-to-day life that I didn’t think twice about not doing it. It was just a part of my day and that’s it. I have to say, I think I didn’t get burnt out because blogging and sewing always stayed the highlight of my day :)
TT : Speaking of enthusiasm - one of the attractions to your blog is your spirited personality and “get out there and enjoy life!” attitude. You started New Dress A Day because you were in a creative funk - has your blog literally changed your life in terms of happiness and daily joy?
NDAD : Oh my goodness, you have NO idea! This year completely changed my life. I literally have not been happier and it’s truly amazing when you think about how it all started. To get so much joy from a difficult situation isn’t the outcome you think about right away, you know? The amount of emails and feedback from people who have been moved, touched, and inspired has been amazing and overwhelming. There have been moments where I have completely broken down reading emails - it’s incredible to hear how something that I started has brought joy to so many. Really amazing.
TT : I think we are all curious what your day job is…?
And whatever it may be - is this project presenting you with opportunities which may allow you to make a living without toiling for “the man?”
NDAD : Ha, day job is an editor at a travel book/website however the idea of making a living without toiling for “the man” would be lovely. I’m working towards that as we speak :)
TT : Recently, you were a guest on The Nate Berkus Show and The Early Show, as well as highlighted on E! News.
So fun to see and, as mentioned, I got happy weepy eyes watching your segments.
Such a positive message of reuse-recycle-recreate creativity. We’re all dying to know what comes next.
NDAD : Another year is around the corner! This year I’m going to be using donations from readers instead!! I’ve been getting such outreach throughout the year of people wanting to donate to my cause, so I figured this would be an awesome way to rock on in year two!! I want to incorporate their stories of when they wore it, where they got it, why they got it, a pic perhaps…basically any of the fun background behind the piece. Or if there is a piece that people come across in their thrifting that is simply tragic and they want to give me a challenge, I’m ok with that too! Basically using what we have already in our closets to revamp and give a second life. Also I want to do some fun accessories, maybe decor pieces here or there.
TT : What type of stuff are you being approached with (if you are at liberty to discuss)?
NDAD : Well…let’s just say I’ve been having some meetings :)
[Marisa confided some off-the-record info that will be made public as soon as ink is on paper…so to speak]
TT : What is your fantasy dream proposal to take it to the next level?
NDAD : Marisa’s dream come true would be getting to take the show on the road - go visit the US and sift through other people’s closets, go check out awesome thrift stores across the country, help revamp dated pieces. Would be the coolest, especially if it was an actual show. We shall see…just have to keep on opening fortune cookies, wishing on stars and those eyelashes.
TT : Your family must be so proud…what has their response been?
NDAD : Family has been incredible! It’s funny because I usually read my comments in the evening after work and I’m always getting updates from my mom during the day via text. She’ll fill me in that I’ve hit a certain number, or there is a certain person who didn’t like something or someone had the same dress before. She’s been my little play-by-play reporter at times. But, my family - immediate and extended have just been incredible. They’re proud and it’s something that brings everyone together. My aunt, uncle and cousins were in NY for my Nate Berkus appearance which was amazing getting to share that moment with them. I’m lucky to have them all - their support and love is just fabulous.
TT : We’ve seen lots of friends in your pics…is there anyone special in your life?
NDAD : Ha, the only “special” person in my life has been my sewing machine this year :) Fickle at times, but never lets me down. We’ll see what the new year brings…
TT : You had mentioned auctioning/selling off your items. Are you still considering that?
NDAD : Absolutely! Working out all the details, but in the new year I’m partnering up with a charity to do a little online auction action. Whew, say that three times fast! Waiting to hammer out all the details, but that is the plan of action which I’m thrilled about.
I’m sure I speak for many when I say I am eager to experience New Dress A Day Phase 2.
And, hey - when you get that TV show in order, if ya need a sidekick…I’m available! haha
Happy New Year to all!
p.s. I just made a Facebook page for my blog…come on over!
