What did you wear in high school? And what were you like as a teen?
High school was where my fashion DIY-ness really came out. I attended a boarding school that had a dress code. We didn't have uniforms, but the girls were required to wear skirts and dresses, and I think that promoted a lot of creativity in those of us who felt stifled by the rules.
Growing up, I was a bit of a tomboy...I wore jeans and casual sweats--needless to say, it was a big shock coming to high school. I was surrounded by a very J. Crew and Abercrombie crowd--very cookie cutter outfits--and I was frustrated. For one, I couldn't afford it, and two, the clothes just didn't appeal to me. Instead, I would take skirts that I liked and trace them on new fabric--a jungle print, a bright red--and work my way to a brand new skirt. I wore what I thought was fun. And I wore what no one else was wearing!
Can you explain your "tee parties"?
The tee parties are a fun way to bring people together. And they vary from location to location--really, it can be "tee for two" or a giant Mad Hatter-style tee party. I think the largest tee party I ever hosted was when I was working on the book--it lasted two days! Dozens of people came over to help finish the projects. If you're hosting your own, ask each guest to bring a t-shirt and you provide the scissors--and needle and thread, if needed. I also like to serve iced or warm tea, depending on the season! I sometimes like to have tee parties on the fly. Like when I'm going out and have exhausted every single outfit in my closet. That's when I turn to the t-shirt heap and say, "What can I do?"
The thing that I like about the tee party is that it's really about community. You get all your friends together--literally, say "grab a t-shirt you'd like to refashion and come on over"--and start making stuff. It's a way to bring together like-minded people to create very original pieces of art and fashion. And, it's very handy to have all those live mannequins!
We all want something personalized, something one-of-a-kind--if only to be able to say "it's a Megan Nicolay or [insert your name here] original." I like that aspect of it. It's important, especially given the prevalence of mass-produced cookie cutter fashion today.
What's your favorite idea from the book?
I have so many favorites it's hard to choose just one! My favorite skirt is called "flare thee well" (61), and I love it because it works on just about anyone. It's a circle skirt, so when you spin around, the fabric flares out all the way--it's really fun.
For tops, it's "twisted sister" (48) because it's so easy to make. It's a no sew project, and you can make it in fifteen minutes--right before you're going out. I also have a soft spot for "ode to the mullet" (13) because it looks like a regular t-shirt in the front, but it's sexy and fun in the back--"business in the front, party in the back". It's great for hitting the dance floor.
In accessories, I love the "go-go gauntlets" (73). When I put stars on them, they make me feel like a superhero. Very superhero. And sometimes you need that kind of power when you're up late typing a paper or paying bills.
Which ladies inspire you in your DIY revolution?
Honestly, my creative friends, my family, anyone who's passionate about the things they make. Of course, there are a lot of celebrities noted in the book who have very individual senses of style, and they help spread the word. Madonna is an obvious one. She has transformed herself too many times to count. If you think of fashion as a form of self-expression, she's done it again and again. Gwen Stefani also has a no-holds-barred approach. Another is Julia Stiles. There's a picture of her at the MTV movie awards wearing a Mets t-shirt halter-top. Someone interviewed her about the design and she said she made it herself--she confessed it that it took her five tries, but in my opinion, it was worth every try, because she looked awesome. I just hope she found something to do with the scraps!
If you could go back in time, what would you say to your teenage self?
Try eight of Megan's fabulous t-shirt creations. Check out the 
