If you're the sort of individual that constantly craves unique expressions of her own style, then you can channel your creativity towards designing your own clothes and bags online, thanks to several fashion portals that allow you to do it yourself. Silk and cotton dresses are the specialty of Styleshake. CEO Iris Ben-David says, "We want to provide simple tools for people to celebrate their creativity. You can save your design and get comments from international visitors, send it to friends and get their opinion on it all." The online service of Freddy&Ma focuses on custom handbags, with the leather collections averaging from US$350-$700. President Anthony Pigliacampo says, "It enables clients to have more unique bags and more identifiable with one's personal sense of style. We target women who own top-end bags but looking to add something unique to their collections." While these services aimed at a media-savvy generation, there's still wiggle room for those who are bit hesitant - Pigliacampo says many of their clients opt to schedule appointments with stylists to design a bag in their New York showroom. Freddy&Ma has also started branching out to household items like custom pillowcases and plates.

 

Do it yourself designs for clothes and bags are now as simple as a mouse-click: "Unique is the new black," as Freddy&Ma likes to say. Here's how you create your own handbags:

 

1. Freddy&Ma have several bag styles to choose from, such as a large bowler bag or tote, or a host of clutches. The inspiration, dimensions and material of eachbag is described to help you narrow down your choice

 

2. The personalisation process begins with a library of fabric patterns that have been specially created by various designers. Click on a pattern and see how it will look on the bag of your choice

 

 

3. Next, choose from the different shades of leather available, such as cork, chocolate or crimson. If applicable, there are also options for the hardware such as using nickel or gold

 

4. If you're stuck on your design, Freddy&Ma has a live chat link so that you can get a second opinion on your design. You can also opt o save it to your favourites, email to a friend or add to your cart.