studded collar DIY

this is really easy, i got an old gap denim shirt at the thrift store for a dollar, cut the collar off with fabric scissors, dipped the whole thing in bleach for an hour or two, and then punched the spikes through using a small manicure scissor to make the hole! the spikes are riveted, they're very easy to attach...this whole thing took me maybe an hour at most.

the (new) NECKLACE?!! + REALLY REALLY VINTAGE clothing!!!

the collar is a making a major statement--worn as necklace or part of a shirt, many of the collars are detachable (i see a d.i.y. in the future-maybe a deconstructed denim collar with studs!)...love the idea of wearing a contrasting black or white collar with a colorful shirt! Just having the collar also adds layers without adding bulk...i've seen them also as necklaces too, with studs, spikes, part of ombre-dipped pieces...such a great accessory, a little different and more subtle than wearing a big necklace!


photo from the Haffenreffer Museum of Anthropology, Brown University

update: just got a text from my friend who told me about

 this beautiful wool and velvet icelandic collar

she saw recently.

the collar, which was made in AD 1600-1700 (can you believe it, looks so recent), has a "secret worn close to the heart", in the form of love letters that were folded into the garment while it was being made...i absolutely love this idea of making clothing personal and meaningful, a one-of-a-kind piece that has deep meaning for the one who wears it.  it's a whole different way of looking at clothes. our culture is so disposable today, and often i find myself caught in this same trap-getting excited about a style bargain on mass-produced, impersonal items at stores like h&m and F21!

if i ever get up the energy to start making my own accessories, and clothing, it's this kind of energy i want my garments to have--

BANGarang. (haircut anxiety)

i haven't had BANGS since i was in 6th grade. and it was not a good experience.  i've never opted to try them again, but lately i have been collecting "hairstyle" ideas like these, for when i go back to the salon...

i haven't had a haircut in probably close to 3 years, because i am VERY superstitious about who touches my hair. it borders on the insane...it's like i have to have a spiritual/personal connection with whoever does it. soon, though, i'm probably going to be forced to do something.

futuristic western: DIY studded-jacket

This DIY looks cool and, it's very easy to do.  i finally got around to making a studded collar, something i have been wanting to do for a while now.  this is my first time working with studs, and it was fun, and (almost) painless ;) the whole thing start to finish, took maybe a half hour?

here's what you will need

1 a jean jacket or vest
(this one is from salvation army, and cost maybe $3-4 don't buy something expensive, there is absolutely no reason to)

2 studs. i picked mine up at m&j trimming in new york. (they have great products...SO easy to overspend here) but you can find 'em online too. try here.

3 a knife or nail file to bend the spikes down once they are pushed through the fabric

the materials. i used "colonial gold" pyramid studs, which i bought at m&j trimming in nyc. a nail file, or a knife, to push the studs down, and a vintage jean jacket

 i line the studs up before i push them in.  it's easier to make a pattern first before you go through all the trouble and then decide you don't like it.  also, i line up the two on the the end of the row first before placing the middle one.  much easier.

 i only bend one little arm of the studs down while i'm attaching them.  this holds them in place so i can check placement before pushing them all into position with the file/knife.  that way i can make sure they are where i want them before committing...again much easier if some need to be moved or adjusted slightly.

 

viola! the finished project! denim is a little tough to stud, especially with the pyramid pieces.  they start to hurt your fingers after a while. really easy though! just takes a little time and patience.