Judging from the forums, it looks like we're able to make our own avatar apparel on here. My question is: how exactly do we do that?

Or is the whole thing not actually real and it's for kicks and giggles? I'm very confused.

No. Custom items were custom-colored items of old monthly items. The feature ended up being cancelled for multiple reasons. There are still some floating around out there you can buy from players but they're just remnants. No new custom items are being created.

You CAN, however, submit a design of your own to one of the design threads that pop up before each major fest. It may not get chosen but that's currently the only way to get your own custom designed items onto the site.

Ohhh okay! Thank you so much for letting me know!