Getting Personal

So, I’m sort of a sneaker addict. Yet, I’ve always hated shopping for sneakers in the women’s section at athletic stores. The limited selection is frustrating and the overwhelming amounts of white and pink shoes are almost offensive. Why do the guys get all the new editions and funky colors? Venturing to the guy’s shoe section became a habit at an early age, but it still can be intimidating.

Within the past few years, I’ve started buying (and falling in love with) shoes online. So, when one of my fabulous editors invited me to a Nike event, I did an imaginary jump up and down in my cubicle. I play around on NiKEiD all the time for fun &mdash fine, sometimes I have to buy them too. I just love mixing and matching colors and inventing new styles. Even the little details, like deciding the “swoosh” color or picking outrageous laces get me thrilled.

At the event, I had the chance to go into the amazing NIKEiD Design Studio. It’s just like NIKEiD, but with even more features and designers to help you design your new kicks. There were so many shoe styles to choose from. I went with my all-time favorite, dunks, after being inspired by other customers’ creations that were displayed on the walls. After thinking long and hard about what colors and patterns I wanted, (I choose purple, green, yellow, black and white) I had to decide where to put them. The designer helped me make wise choices and showed me the stitching and lace color that looked best. I even got to ID them inside the tongue!

As we went around and looked at others’ customized shoes on TV screens, I noticed how unique each shoe was. I love that we can now personalize our lives so easily. Whether it’s Facebook, MySpace, or through what we wear &mdash we are increasingly given the opportunity to present ourselves in individual ways.

Nike isn’t the only one helping you personalize yourself. Converse allows you to deign your own shoes as well, with 12 different Converse shoes to pick from. You can design the Etnies you’ve always wanted with a polka dot or camofalouge logo.

Forget Project Runway, you can design your own line of clothing (without fierce competition or getting voted off by judges) all on the Web. Try designing your own shirts at Takeouttees.com. There are so many possibilities to be your own artist &mdash let internet be your canvas!

Tell me, do you design shoes or clothing online? How do you feel about customizing your wardrobe?