anything you can do i can do better\/\/DIY fashion

DIY fashion is one of the newest trends that aims to silence those familiar grievances with fashions in stores and inspire people’s creativity. Aided by the breadth and convenience of the Internet, people are now managing to steal some thunder from the Gaultiers and Marc Jacobs of the world. No longer limited to the selection available in an array of boutiques, the power is literally in the hands of the consumer. Instead of wishing that the pair of shoes you’re lusting after had studded heels, DIY fashion challenges you to customize them and make them distinctly your own. Websites all over are advertising DIY fashion not only to advocate self-constructed fashion but to support ways to maintain style in this economy without putting yourself in the poor house. Recently, I adopted this philosophy when I tricked out a plain white pair of TOMs shoes. Inspired by their artist collaborations, I took some acrylic to the canvas material and in less time than it takes to ride the subway to Steven Alan, I had my very own customized kicks. On a larger scale, TOMs even offers Style Your Sole events, where a whole community can participate in the creativity.

Even designers are getting into this innovative trend as Fendi’s Do It Yourself Baguette from their Spring 2010 collection comes with all the essentials to sustain both your luxury and embroidery fetish.  Sites like threadbanger.com, newyorkdesignshop.com, etsy.com are just a few of the many web resources that encourage personalizing your purchases and revamping pieces in your wardrobe to fit your style and today’s trends. With DIY literally at your fingertips, indulge your creativity and have everyone asking “Where did you get that?”

Photo Credit: newyorkdesignshop.com, net-a-porter.com

Tags: array of boutiques, fendi, jean paul gaultier, marc jacobs, spring 2010, studded heels, toms