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Polygamists offer prairie fashions for sale

Posted: Tuesday, July 01, 2008 1:52 PM

By Don Teague, NBC News Correspondent

DALLAS – Just in time for back-to-school shopping: authentic polygamist prairie dresses.

Apparently, all the publicity surrounding the ongoing investigation into alleged underage marriage among members of the Fundamentalist Church of Latter Day Saints (FLDS) on a Texas ranch has created some serious demand for prairie dresses.

So much so that the FLDS has launched an online store where members of the general public can purchase the dresses, long underwear, and other ranch-wear "as seen on TV."  

Image: FLDS clothing web site
The home page for the FLDS Dress Clothing Store 

According to the Salt Lake Tribune, the Web site FLDSdress.com, was initially created to give Texas authorities a place to purchase the clothing, so children in state custody could maintain their traditional clothing. 

The children have been reunited with their families, but the Web site now serves another purpose. The FLDS hopes to raise money through sale of the clothing to help support families from the Yearning For Zion ranch who now live in rental homes in cities like San Antonio and Austin. Some families have returned to the ranch, but many have not.

The Web site sells a wide array of clothing for children, from the "Teen Princess Dress" for $60.65 to the "Baby Dress With Bloomers" for $48.07. Both items, along with most others for girls, are available in a rainbow of pastels from pink to yellow or lavender. Items for boys include denim overalls for $65.93 and cotton-polyester shirts for $23.69.

The Web site said the clothes are made to meet the "FLDS standards for modesty and neatness." And all of the clothes are hand-made "with joy and care" by the FLDS women.

The legal troubles for parents from the YFZ ranch haven’t ended.  A grand jury met last month in Eldorado, Texas, to consider possible criminal indictments in the case.  It will meet again later this month.

In the meantime, FLDS women are sewing and selling their way to financial independence.  

And who knows?  It’s fashion week in Paris. We may soon hear rumblings from the catwalks that "pastel is the new black." After all of the strange twists and turns of the FLDS drama, it wouldn’t surprise me at all.

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Comments

What is the real reason why the members of the Fundamentalist Church of Latter Day Saints dress in authentic polygamist prairie clothing?

Jessica, Boston (Sent Tuesday, July 01, 2008 3:02 PM)

Uh - someone please wake me up!  What century is this?  Maybe the Little House on the Prarie look is good for Halloween...

Ken Johsnon (Sent Tuesday, July 01, 2008 3:16 PM)

Little House on the Prairie dresses?

Christine, Santa Ana, Calif.s (Sent Tuesday, July 01, 2008 3:17 PM)

What market is buying these clothes? No one I know would even think of wearing such plain clothing. My 13 year old daughter would die of embarrasment if she had to wear something like this. I don't see a trend happening in the near future!

Julie, Eville,IN (Sent Tuesday, July 01, 2008 3:17 PM)

lol lame

Tcracker (Sent Tuesday, July 01, 2008 3:19 PM)

Wow!  That's pretty crazy! Those prices seem a bit high, but I guess they are hand-made "with joy and care."  Would this be considered as an acceptable thing for the women to do?  I thought their only purpose was to be housewives and cooks...but what do I know?  Anyway, I think it's awesome that the ladies are doing something on thier own to raise money for themselves and whatever they decide to believe in.

Larry, durant, Ok (Sent Tuesday, July 01, 2008 3:20 PM)

I believe the LDS and the FLDS to be sick cults based on lies that date back to the 1800's during the formation of the cult - trouble is by the time a child reaches an age where they should be able to think for themselves, they have been completely indoctrinated. Having said that, arresting them and throwing them in jail is pointless and only reinforces what the elders tell the children. It was terrible what the authorities did in Texas and they should be held to answer for their actions.....Oh I forgot, law enforcement is above the law. I wonder how much that debacle cost the taxpayers?

RJ sin city USA (Sent Tuesday, July 01, 2008 3:23 PM)

The clothes are quote "made to meet the FLDS standards for modesty..."  I wouldn't call a society where a dude can marry multiple little girls modest.

Nathan, South Bend IN (Sent Tuesday, July 01, 2008 3:26 PM)

Cute clothes, well the ones for little girls. Especially the nightgowns. But...I couldn't bring myself to buy them. The money would go to support an abusive lifestyle...I just couldn't do it.
These women say it's their choice. A choice cannot be made in ignorance.  

Mom of 3, NM (Sent Tuesday, July 01, 2008 3:27 PM)

Sweet, I know where to get my halloween costume!

C (Sent Tuesday, July 01, 2008 3:31 PM)

I'm cinical and jaded, but this is capitalism at it's finest!

Jeff, Colorado Springs, CO (Sent Tuesday, July 01, 2008 3:35 PM)

Why would anybody want to emulate these pathetic brainwashed people?

John Doe, Seattle, Wash. (Sent Tuesday, July 01, 2008 3:36 PM)

maybe this money can go towards minimizing the welfare that we pay for food, etc at this ranch.

carrie hou,tx (Sent Tuesday, July 01, 2008 3:39 PM)

Seriously?  THe only people who would want to dress like this are the Amish, and they don't have internet access.

Chris (Sent Tuesday, July 01, 2008 3:43 PM)

It appears that no matter what religion you are selling there is one thing they all have in common, in your face hypocrisy.  Go to that site then go to the About Us and read the little bible quote and their deal about offering affordable clothing.  Then go look at the prices..... Remember this is cheap easily made kids clothing.    

Jason, Phoenix AZ (Sent Tuesday, July 01, 2008 3:45 PM)

And now I know what I'm going to be for Halloween!

Amy, Washington, DC (Sent Tuesday, July 01, 2008 3:52 PM)

WOW!!

Gina STL MO (Sent Tuesday, July 01, 2008 3:54 PM)

Just in time for Halloween!

AEW, Washington, DC (Sent Tuesday, July 01, 2008 4:01 PM)

It would be the greatest thing if society adapted the dress code of the FLDS why you ask I am tired of seeing how short or thin clothing has and can  become in the recent years people barely dressed in public places ....Lets go back to the era of modesty for a change in the right direction

Ohio (Sent Tuesday, July 01, 2008 4:05 PM)

Why does this not ring true to me? Isnt their purpose in life to work the land and worship their God and not get involved in modern day society and all its hooplah? Now they're advertising stuff, "As seen on TV?" Im sure they dont sit around knitting, watching 'Little House on the Prairie'. And I am more than sure they dont make dresses and other items to be sold on the INTERNET....that would require a computer and the know how of working such a new fangled contraption.
Sounds rather hypocritical in my opinion.
I asked around my office and got some interesting view points on this matter.
Most agreed with what I had to say, but a few pointed out that they do what benefits them best. I have to say, I agree with that IF they are actually selling this product.
I understand that each sect is different, but I still hold to the belief that Internet and business profits from the Internet are farfetched.

J.H. (Sent Tuesday, July 01, 2008 4:09 PM)

Finally! A MODEST clothing line! I think this is awesome!

John Doe, Seattle, Wash (Sent Tuesday, July 01, 2008 4:15 PM)

OMG! Who in their right mind would financially suport this group??? CRAZY!!!

Beth, OKC, OK (Sent Tuesday, July 01, 2008 4:17 PM)

I am proud of them!!

Diane Brown (Sent Tuesday, July 01, 2008 4:19 PM)

STUPID PEOPLE! why would anyone want to wear something so hideous. And my clothes are cheaper then these clothes, you can get a nice pair of jean from american eagle outfitters for $50 and a $10 tshirt, why spend $65 on something so ugly! and yeah right its made by the FLDS women, they probably have a mass production facility somewhere, these peopel have more money than you would think by looking at them in their homely looking dresses.. remember what the leader Jeff Warrens had on him when they finally caught him, lots of money. These people do everything themselves and pay each other for everything so they can have all the money to themselves

i hate polygamists, Las Vegas NV (Sent Tuesday, July 01, 2008 4:19 PM)

Financial independence. LOL! All you have to do is read Carolyn Jessup's book Escape - women in the FLDS are required to work and hand over every single cent to their husbands. That's how they are kept under control, having no means of their own to leave that cult.

me not you, portland (Sent Tuesday, July 01, 2008 4:20 PM)

Hmmm...Halloween?

Amie, Bayfield, CO (Sent Tuesday, July 01, 2008 4:20 PM)

Independence for FLDS women? I doubt that. That sect is all about repression.
But that's just one Voting American's opinion.

kate, los angeles, ca (Sent Tuesday, July 01, 2008 4:21 PM)

YOU GOTTA BE KIDDING (right ???)!

Robin D. Bellingham, WA. (Sent Tuesday, July 01, 2008 4:21 PM)

Anyone who buys these is supporting a cult and encouraging polygamy, incest and the abuse of children. Hope that makes you feel good about yourself.

Joseph Smith Was Called a Prophet, Dumb-Dumb-Dumb-Dumb-Dumb, Minneapolis, MN (Sent Tuesday, July 01, 2008 4:22 PM)

All I have to say is ... "why??????"  I just don't understand...  

anna, georgia (Sent Tuesday, July 01, 2008 4:23 PM)

MY HALLOWEEN COSTUME IS PICKED OUT!!!!

J SIMMONS SAN ANTONIO TX (Sent Tuesday, July 01, 2008 4:23 PM)

I think it's a great idea.  I hope they are sucessful in the new business.  The clothes are modest and appealing.

Linda Brown (Sent Tuesday, July 01, 2008 4:24 PM)

WOW...I GUESS SOMETHING GOOD COMES OUT OF SOMETHING BAD.

PAT HOLLAR, STATESVILLE, NC (Sent Tuesday, July 01, 2008 4:27 PM)

I hope everyone realizes that most of these dresses are sewn in a sweatshop environment, and there's no guarentee that the money won't be used for the Warren Jeffs defense fund instead of supporting the women and children.

bob smith (Sent Tuesday, July 01, 2008 4:31 PM)

EXPENSIVE, EXPENSIVE!!!!!!!!

B Taylor, Ocean Shores, WA (Sent Tuesday, July 01, 2008 4:33 PM)

I predict these will be all the rage at Halloween parties this year.  It's too bad however that buying the costume supports a cult.

Gordie, Yorba Linda, CA (Sent Tuesday, July 01, 2008 4:34 PM)

This fashion statement should last about as long as the nehru jacket.  

Remember, the utility of the prairie costume is to make the women look unappealing to the other polygamists.

alur (Sent Tuesday, July 01, 2008 4:34 PM)

I don't particularly agree with much of the FLDS methodology or beliefs - but I CERTAINLY don't believe in the way the State of Texas ram-rodded their way in there and uprooted lives.  This should have been handled in a much more civil and peaceful way.

I applaud the FLDS for keeping their heads up and staying true to their beliefs - although many of us disagree with them.  Many people would have buckled.  

I also applaud the FLDS for having the business mind to put for sale their clothing items that they make.  Great thinking.  Personally, I think it takes great talent to make something by hand and I would purchase a lot of other things made by hand by someone who put the time, labor, and effort into makeing it.  

There are several young women in our community that I wish would shop at the online store!  Some of these young kids need to cover up and stop wearing these trashy half covered clothing.  Our youth could probably learn a good lesson in modesty from the FLDS ....although....thats about all I would want them to learn!

MM, Biloxi, Mississippi (Sent Tuesday, July 01, 2008 4:35 PM)

yeah right, Let's support child rapist, with our fashion dollars, that makes a lot of "cents" to me, and while we are at it, let the taxes that we pay on that money  go to towards the wellfare payments that support the scam  of Polygomy that bilk's our taxpayers out of millions of dollars. I hope nobody falls for this roust.

Calk, Ft. Lauderdale, Fl (Sent Tuesday, July 01, 2008 4:35 PM)

Isn't it against the law to practice polygamy in America. I'm sure I've read about men being charged with bigamy. This seems to be an even more severe crime. Jail these freaks.

Jim Jergens, Running Springs, Ca (Sent Tuesday, July 01, 2008 4:35 PM)

Anyone who financially supports these incestuous child abusers (men and women alike) should have his or her head examined. These fundamentalist LDS religious nuts should be jailed. I feel sorry for the brain-washed children, most of whom will grow up to overpopulate the earth for their own selfish reasons, just like their parents.

Carol Carpenter, Montgomery, Ala. (Sent Tuesday, July 01, 2008 4:38 PM)

Ok, I will try not to come off as mean here, because it is NOT the childrens fault.  BUT, if these people wouldn't of had 19 kids in one home or so many children to take care of they could go out and get a JOB like the rest of us have to to pay the rent!!  It's ok if they can raise money by selling thier clothing, I don't know of too many in my area that would need it.  But I cant feel sorry for these people when they are the ones who put themselves into the situation they are in.  I know I know..."most were born into it and don't know anything else".  Well, this is what most people call the REAL world.  GET A JOB!!  I have a really hard time hearing how these women and children live.  If you think about it, it's NOT fair to these kids to have to live that way.  They will never know what the real world is all about.  

Chris (Sent Tuesday, July 01, 2008 4:39 PM)

Do you know if the money the FLDS woman should receive from creating and selling these clothes stays in their hands or goes to the Church of The Later Day Saints?

If it goes to the Church, it appears to me that
it will be controled by men only.  These men, will
use the denial of this money to "their woman" to continue control of them.

I would like proof that the FDLC woman making and selling these clothes are "sewing and selling their way to financial dependence". If so, financial
independence would mean their independence. Freedom
of choice.

It is my strong opinion that no woman ever be
subservant to a man.  


 

Sally Fisher, Phila. PA (Sent Tuesday, July 01, 2008 4:39 PM)

This? Makes me want to vomit. I know women who have walked away from various polygamist groups including the FLDS, and abuse of women and children are the norm. But in our modern day culture, where anything goes, people will probably go out and buy this crap to support their lifestyle that taxpayers are already paying for! (By the way, polygamist wives are considered single mothers since only the first marriage is considered legal!) Lovingly sewn? Hockey puck! Shame on the people falling for this-- I hope you all know how much the FLDS despises the outside world. You will help to support their hatred of non polygamists!

Emily B, Salt Lake City, UT (Sent Tuesday, July 01, 2008 4:49 PM)

As much as I find their marriage philosophy deplorable, I must say that I do admire their fashion sense! They're all just so "Little House on the Prairie"! Hope it starts a trend!

I have a suggestion though, how about some bonnets to go with the frocks? Sort of like what the Sisters of Charity used to wear? That would set off the frocks better!

Paul A Trouve (Sent Tuesday, July 01, 2008 4:50 PM)

These are a peacefull and loving people, and there love of family is reflected in their style of dress.
One can only hope that the grand jury will come back with charges against the Texas Government that placed the children in great harm by taking them from their mothers and fathers.

E. F. Koehler, Ocean City, Md (Sent Tuesday, July 01, 2008 4:50 PM)

I bet they will be buying these up in Japan.  I can see the school girls over there sprting these soon.

JW, Tulsa (Sent Tuesday, July 01, 2008 4:50 PM)

Prairie type fashions were the rage in the early 1980's, but could make a comeback -- who knows?

FashionQueen (Sent Tuesday, July 01, 2008 4:52 PM)

I wonder what "bible" or religious book FLDS uses.

M. Hughes (Sent Tuesday, July 01, 2008 4:54 PM)

I laugh at those who scoff at "...supporting a cult..." What do you think you mensa's are doing every time you purchase any good or service that is funded by an arab / Islamic entity ? Islam is the cult you need to beware of. Don't forget 911. Islam is the largest, sickest death cult ever contrived.

pope urban II (Sent Tuesday, July 01, 2008 4:54 PM)



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