Inspiration - Embellished Collars

For some time, I've had an embellished collar shirt and a detachable collar on my DIY list.  I created this beauty and this one a while ago, they were simple cuts with no embellishment.  I still wear them often. I love all of the creative collars I've been seeing and I am dying to put my own twist on some collars of my own.

So many creative options and great ways to style this fun addition.  I can't wait to create a few for myself.  Studs, pearls, crystals, sequins, metallics, fur and even hardware, the possibilities are endless.  If DIY isn't your thing, you can grad a fun collar from your favorite online retailer.  Here are a few of my favorites.

Marni south sea pearl necklace / ASOS stud collar / ASOS sequin collar necklace / Karl Lagerfeld collar necklace / 3.1 Phillip Lim / Karl Lagerfeld / AKIRA Black Label Brown Faux Fur Collar in Leopard / AKIRA Detachable Collar in Black / Bugle Bead Diamond Shirt Collar / Faux Pony Leather Collar

It's so hard to pick a favorite but if I had to choose, I'd go for the studded collar from ASOS and the Faux Pony collar from Top Shop. 

I know I'll be making a few of these very soon. Stay tuned.

Black & White and Read All Over

The classic combo of black and white can't be beat. A black pair of pants and a white shirt can make you look a bit like wait staff unless you jazz it up with accessories and a little color. Like this twist with a bit of an 80's feel.

Shirt - Coldwater Creek, Tank - Target, Jeans - Lane Bryant, Jacket - Target (outerwear not 30 for 30),
Boots - Dolce Vita for Target, Tie - thrifted, Necklace - Kohls, Ring - JewelMint, Earrings - gift

A simple black sweater gets some visual interest with a white bow tie blouse.  Well in this case it's a DIY collar.

Sweater - Isaac Mizrahi for Target, Collar - DIY,

Even plaid can play a part in black and white style.  Throw on a white top, a cropped faux leather jacket and some bright tights for a pop of color.

Jacket - Belk, Top - Coldwater Creek, Belt - Talbots Outlet, Skirt - Swap,
Boots - Silhouettes, Tights - We Love Colors, Necklace - Self made, Bracelet - JewelMint, Ring - JewelMint

This post is part of the Everybody, Everywear blogger challenge.  Check out all of the cool black and white outfits that the other bloggers are wearing.

At Seventeen

The addition of my new collar seems to have helped me over my 30 for 30 slump. I really love this outfit. Who knew a little collar could inspire so much.

Sweater - Target, Pants - Lane Bryant, Shoes - Target, Belt - Talbots Outlet,
Collar - thrifted DIY, Bag - vintage Louis Vuitton via flea market, Bracelets - vintage, gift, Self Made Beaux Bijoux

I love the way this collar turned out. It adds color and polish without bulk. I can't wait to try it with other tops and sweaters. The options are endless.



This Louis Vuitton bag is really a portfolio. I use it as a large day clutch. It was a great find at a local flea market. The bag isn't in tip top shape (a rip inside, a few stains on the leather) but after a little bargaining I got it for only $20! I couldn't pass it up.



Two of my accessories in this post have evolved a bit from their original intentions, my collar and my bag. Seeing beyond the form of an item and looking at the possibilities can bring so many options. It's the key to remixing your accessories and your wardrobe.

DIY - Collar (Dickie)

This has to be one of the quickest and most simple DIYs I've done so far. A few of weeks ago I went to the thrift store and looked for blouses with interesting collars. My two choices have tie collars. My wardrobe is lacking any tie blouses and I thought they'd be good additions. I must have been using my psychic powers because tie blouses were on many of the runways at Fashion Week.

L to R: Tory Burch, Marc by Marc Jacobs, L.A.M.B., Ralph Lauren

When I was a kid my mom always called these Dickies.  I did a little search and found that most sites only refer to the turtleneck version as Dickies. The word makes me laugh and in homage to Mom I used Dickie in the title of my post.

Supply List

1. Blouse or shirt with an interesting collar
2. Scissors
3. Pins or a washable fabric pencil
4. Ruler or measuring tape

Before



When you select your blouse, size is irrelevant.  This one happens to be a size 6, which is much too small for me. It even had a stain on the sleeve. Because I only used the collar and shoulders of the blouse, as long as it fits your neck it will work. 

1. Cut off the sleeves at the seams.
2. Measure the blouse approximately 6 inches to 8 inches down from the peak of the shoulder and mark it all the way across the front and back.
3. Once your measurements are marked, cut the blouse straight across the front and back.
4. Cut at the seam under each arm.
5. Trim as needed.

After



I created two collars in about 30 minutes today. These new accessories will be making an appearance in 30 for 30 soon.

Photo Credit: NY Magazine online