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November 9, 2009
Jenae Lee
Have a plain shirt or a basic pair of leggings lying around that needs some edge? Why don’t you try some of these easy do-it-yourself projects that I’ve discovered that easily works into your fall 2009 wardrobe?
Get inspired by the Free People fall line with cut-out leggings. All you need to do is take a pair of black leggings and some scissors. There are a few different ways you can cut them. You can make slits on the front or the side of the leg. Or look to the Anna Sui for Target line and make random holes wherever you like. Wear it with a tunic, statement shoes and a chunky necklace.
Another thing you can do with leggings or a basic shirt is acid wash. Look to American Apparel for some inspiration on how you might want it to look. For this look, you will need your garment and household bleach and gloves to protect your hands. First, you will need to wet it in the kitchen sink, and then wring it out.
Next, generously squirt the bleach on random area of your garment, leaving some bits uncovered. Let it sit for about five minutes or however long till you get the color you’d like. Once you’re happy with it, throw it in the washing machine for a spin.
This next look has to be my favorite, and you’ve probably seen me around campus with this piece. Have you guessed what it is? It’s a pair of tie-dyed leggings, influenced by lines from J. Brand and Balmain.
How to Make Your Own Tie-Dye Leggings:
1. First you will need a pair of 100% cotton white leggings. I searched the ENTIRE NewPark Mall for white leggings and the only place they are found is at the Basic clothing store. They are about $6. Pre-wash the leggings before dying.
2. You will need rubber gloves, a bunch of rubber bands, a squirt bottle and Rit dye. Rit dye is found at Michael’s for around $2. I used the color navy blue.
3. Since the Rit dye package makes dye for three yards of fabric, I used 3 teaspoons and then mixed it with one cup of hot water. Mix in one tablespoon of liquid detergent.
4. Next, pour the mix into the squirt bottle. If there is still room in the bottle, just fill it up with cool water.
5. Fold up your leggings. You don’t have to fold it up the way it is in the picture. I folded it that way for a stripe effect. But I recommend a scrunch where you basically just wad it up.
6. Now, take your rubber bands and put them on however you like.
7. Now, in a sink, squirt dye onto your leggings. Be careful. You may stain your sink. When you apply the dye, you don’t want it to be to dry or to wet. So apply a good amount.
8. Next, put it into a plastic baggie and wait about 12 hours.
9. Now, take off all the rubber bands and rinse the leggings out. Then, put into the washing machine for a cycle on cold with light detergent. Then let it dry.
10. And there you go! You have tie-dyed your own leggings! Wear it with a tunic, and a great jacket.
To Enter the Contest:
Now you will also have a chance to win a pair of medium-sized tie-dye leggings that were made by me!
To enter, post a comment on this article with your name and e-mail. You will have until Nov. 17 to post a comment. You can only post a comment once. Each comment will have a number. Then on Nov. 18, I will pick a comment at random and the winner will receive an e-mail to come pick up the leggings in room E221, where they will be wrapped up and waiting for you! Good luck!
