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Make it, don't buy it: DIY stylegoeshigh-fashion

The pasta earrings can be considered dangly emblems oftheresurgance of DIY, a trend in personal style that letscraftyfashionistas replicate high-end fashion labels at theirkitchentables. While a few years ago it might have beenconsideredembarassing to admit to wearing a 'homemade' piece ofclothing oraccessory, the proclamation “I made this!” is part ofthecontemporary DIY movement's appeal.

DIY isn’t just a hobby: it’s a movement. Young women, fed upwithgenerations of generic, ready-made clothing and unaffordablehighfashion have realized that they can re-invent the looks theysee inVogue for a fraction of the price. What’s more, the thingstheycreate for themselves are customized just for them.

“We're in an era where self-expression is preeminent,”TODAYstyleeditor. “As a culture, we sort of hit overload in the late’90s andearly 2000s, with 'fast fashion' stores dominating thescene andthe Internet providing instant access to all things styleandbeauty. And it's of course wonderful for everyone to havethesethings, but naturally there's been a reaction — we're allcravingitems that feel personal or special."

Not your mother's DIY
Unlike previous iterations of DIY, which relied heavily onskillslike sewing or knitting, the most current DIY projects canusuallybe made with glue, rather than needle and thread. Theseprojectsaren’t aimed at housewives with ample time and skills todevote,but rather for the woman who might have two hours on aSaturdayafternoon to make a bracelet to wear out that night.

The ability to quickly and cheaply make something to go along withapre-existing outfit or wardrobe, without having to run to thestore,is part of the appeal. Traditional crafting and homeprojects aspireto a relatively uniform end-product: the perfectpie, the perfectsweater, the perfect shelving-unit. DIY, however,prizes innovationand imagination.

“Putting your own personal stamp on something you have createdistruly empowering,” says Erica Domesek, who runs the blog PS IMadeThis. “Knowing you can create fun fashions and do not have tobreakthe bank to achieve that elated sense of gratificationisinfectious.”
DIY is a wonderful thing because it allows you to breathe newlifeinto older pieces and save money so that you can splurge onotherthings,Our hex nut bracelet, inspired by a Giles &Brothernecklace, has probably been replicated the most as it onlyrequireshex nuts from the hardware store and some butcher'stwine

Interested in trying out your hand at a few DIY projects ofyourown? prove it you can do it, teke the ideas from thisapplicationand start it now.