The Great American Apparel Diet
no buying for one year

Rebecca Kotch

Rebecca Kotch, resides in southern California with her 3 ½ year old son and 2 large cream-colored standard poodles – Betty & Wilma. It took 2 dogs to replace Rebecca’s beloved Esther – a black standard who not only was published in a book, but also was on TV, won running races, and absolutely positively was more intelligent that good ‘ole #43. While Rebecca has been immersed in the world of retail, design and marketing (Nike, Microsoft, House of Blues, Skechers, MBT) for 20 years, the “need for the new” has slowed down as of late. Three reasons: 1). A small child, no husband 2). No time 3). A small child, two dogs. Of course, the “b” word has come into play. Time is one thing – as there is always online shopping, but budget is another. And these days are, well, more challenging. The opportunity to be a participant in this diet was actually easy for Rebecca – since she recently decided to sign up as a sponsor for a child in Cambodia. The organization is Cambodian Children’s Fund (www.cambodianchildrensfund.org), Rebecca sends $100 a month to support a 13 year old girl who was found picking trash as a way to support her family. So that puts much into perspective – and $100 a month – or $1200 a year – which may have gone to the Gap, or J.Crew or the big “B” – Bloomingdale’s – “thair she blows” – Rebecca will have to wait a year now for her blommies fix. (The place is sort of Jewish girl’s antidote to therapy).