Make your own style

July 12, 12:32 PMChicago Style ExaminerJennifer Rifkin

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Remember in the 1980’s when you could throw birthday parties at workshops where you splatter painted your own T-shirts? There was this spinning wheel that you pumped different colored paint into and it swirled it all over your shirt for a Jackson Pollack meets hurricane effect.  Does anyone else remember this besides me??

Well these days the “do it yourself” craze has moved onward and upward, utilizing our favorite form of technology, the internet, and empowering the layman to rock the vote.  New websites are being developed that encourage everyone, from the up and coming Crayola stick finger artist to the professional RISD grad graphic designer, to submit their own designs.  Then, through the power of the people, the different shirts get voted on and printed according to popularity.  An exhilarating mix of artistic flair, and running for student council, all in a one-stop shop.

This of course begs the question, what is a good T-Shirt? Is it clever and sassy? Perhaps a throwback to the sweet vintage T’s of yore? Does it send a message or just look cool? I suppose it’s all in the eye of the beholder, but that doesn’t stop me from having an opinion.

How to wear it:

Vulgar and rude T-shirts are a waste of time.  They scream immaturity and only invite an onslaught of dirty looks, poor customer service, and a glaring lack of self-esteem.  Fun fresh phrases that have political or pop culture references in a subtle way are great.

Be conscious of what kind of message is worth random people staring at your boobs all day, and make sure it is worth it.

The mix of bold colors and graphic print can be fun on a casual T-shirt.  Be sure to pair it with a subdued pair of bottoms…jeans being the most appropriate match.  There’s pretty much nothing better than a comfy jeans and t-shirt kind of day, but with a bright artistic T and perfect fit jeans you can keep this classic looking sharp.

Finding an awesome old vintage shirt at the thrift store can be, for some, the best shopping experience ever.  This past holiday season my sister and I unknowingly picked out vintage T-shirts for one another as a gift; hers being a 1970’s Rod Stewart tour shirt, mine a Iowa Hawkeyes Rose Bowl classic.  Now that is true love.  Just make sure your frugal find doesn’t have holes or pit stains.

Remake’s of classic T-shirts have started flooding modern day stores.  The cotton is nice and worn in, the fit is soft and snug, and the design isn’t faded at all.  Seems like the perfect alternative to an old sweaty gym shirt.  Beware of pricing though - $50 for a fake vintage T-shirt isn’t always worth it (unless its got David Bowie on the front).

Where to find it:

Create your own and see if your design can duke it out against other budding artists on sites created by local talent:

Cameesa – www.cameesa.com
Threadless – www.threadless.com

Scan the racks and possibly find gold:
Ragstock – Belmont, Milwaukee

Anty up for the shirt of your dreams:
Urban Outfitters – Rush, State St., Clark

The moral of this story? Keep it fun, casual, and original.  Take a chance on an unknown and help their design hit the big time, or pull out those Crayola's and get started on your own!