Individualize Your Look With Do-it-yourself Fashion
Fashionistas agree that sleeveless silhouettes, including tanks, halters and tube tops, are must-have styles for every woman’s wardrobe in 2007. Unfortunately, many women do not feel comfortable wearing clothing that bares their arms. A recent survey, which polled more than 2,000 women nationwide, revealed that only 8 percent of women feel beautiful when sleeveless.
There are many ways to boost sleeveless confidence, including pumping up a fitness routine and moisturizing skin for a healthy glow. Another easy way is by individualizing a look with do-it-yourself (DIY) fashion. “DIY fashion gives women the opportunity to express their own style,” says Chloe Dao, fashion designer and winner of “Project Runway.” “With a little inspiration and creativity, it is easy to create a cool look, embrace the sleeveless trend and feel confident.”
To get started, Chloe suggests the following tips:
� Find Your Canvas: Gather the materials you will need, including a T-shirt, scissors and craft materials found in your home. Choose a shirt in a bold color that complements the season.
� Pick a Pattern: Reference a DIY T-shirt pattern book or Web site for guidance. If you do not use a pattern, practice first by cutting up old shirts.
� Ditch the Sleeves: Embrace the sleeveless trend and cut off the sleeves to give an old shirt new life.
� Prepare to Bare: Go sleeveless with great-looking skin-especially underarm skin. Try a deodorant such as Dove Ultimate Clear, which provides softer, smoother, sleeveless-ready underarms in just five days. With great-looking underarms you can have the confidence to wear whatever you want, whenever you want.
Helpful DIY Hints
� Visit your closet for vintage or oversized shirts that can be easily refashioned.
� Get creative by using two patterns to create one sleeveless shirt.
� Pull the fabric tight to be precise when cutting the shirt.
� Search antique stores, craft stores and neighborhood boutiques for unique pieces. Look for ribbon, buttons or scarves to add color.…