DIY studded jumper

Hello bloggers!

Not posted much this week, been making the most of my recent free time (by sleeping...lots...hah)
Anyway, because of the wonderful response i got from my last DIY i thought i would treat you to another one! I went on a major shopping spree on Monday and picked up a few things that are perfect for a bit of DIY! So stay tuned for more :)

Anyway if you want to see how to add your own studding detailing to a plain jumper then read on!

This is the finished look, it's super duper easy to do (i promise) literally took me about 10-20 minutes to do once i got all my stuff organised!

First you will need to find a jumper you want to studify! I found this little beauty in Primark when i was on my massive shopping spree. I haven't really been shopping in Primark much recently but went in for a little browse and was pleasantly surprised! I spotted this in a huge pile of stock that was just waiting to go out on the rails and much to the un-amusement of the staff, i grabbed it straight off the pile! It was a complete steal at £12!!! I got it in a size 14 so that it would be bit bigger and baggier than it should be! It seriously looks like a jumper i have been lusting after in the TOPSHOP petites section sooo it made sense to buy this cheaper alternative! Anyway, rambling over, i thought it would look nice with some studding detailing.

You will need to get yourself some scissors, a sharpie marker and a square ended screw driver. I had these things just laying around my house. If you're not sure if you have a screw driver, ask your dad, he will surely have a tool box full of them! Also, the type of screw driver you need will depend what type of screw back studs you purchase, so get your screw driver AFTER you get the studs!

Finally you will need to get yourself some screw back studs! I got mine from ebay HERE. I got them a while ago for a previous DIY project (studded denim shirt collar if you're interested). So i'm just using the leftover ones for this design. They are roughly £10 for 50 studs so are really cheap when you think how many different projects you can use them in!

The first thing you need to do is decide how many studs you want to use and where you want them to be. I decided to use 13 studs (mainly because that was pretty much all i had left...) I think odd numbers work best for this design because you can have one stud marking the middle of your collar and then work out in even numbers. So for my design, i worked out where the middle of my collar was and used my sharpie pen to make a small dot roughly where i wanted the stud to be (don't worry too much about the mark being really dark, the stud will cover it when they are in!). Once you have decided where the middle stud should be, i marked 6 dots on either side of the middle stud all the way to the side seams of the jumper. Obviously if you have decided on a different number of studs you will mark more or less dots! The placing of the dots is the most difficult bit really... And its not even that hard anyway ;)

This step is optional. Since my jumper is quite a loose knit it allowed me to push my studs through very easily, however if you have chosen a tougher jumper you will need to use your scissors to make a little hole where you marked your dot just to help the stud push through.

Now take the screw back piece of the stud and push it through from the back (so that the flat piece is on the inside of the jumper and the screw piece is sticking out the front) 

This is what it should look like on the INSIDE of the jumper :)

Now grab the top stud piece and screw it on top of the screw piece you just pushed through. You only need to screw the stud piece a couple of times to lightly secure it. You will tighten it properly in the next step.

Get your screw driver and on the back of the collar fasten the stud in place by screwing the piece in place as much as you can. (usually only takes about 3/4 turns)

Just keep on repeating the above steps over the top of your marked template until you have got all the studs on.

And thats it! Super quick and super easy! Its a really nice way just to add a subtle bit of edge onto wooly jumpers. You could carry the studding detail right the way around the back as well if you like so that it is visible when your hair is tied up or if you have short hair, the choice is yours :)

I hope i've inspired some people to spruce up jumpers they already own or head out and buy a cheap jumper to DIY. It's seriously a MUCH cheaper alternative to buying pre-studded jumpers. 

ps,

How cute are these flowers my Mum bought be for getting my unconditional for uni? Love you muuum :)

Over and out lovelies!!!! 

X

DIY Spike and Skull Necklace

Helloo!

I have been seeing a lot of the spike style necklaces in high street stores lately and it got my DIY ideas flowing! I've put together a really nice and simple (or so i hope :S) DIY tutorial on how you can create your very own spiked necklace! Two DIY's in a row, i must be mad!

This is the necklace i'm going to show you how to make! It took me around half an hour and wasn't rocket science so i'm sure this tutorial will be nice and easy!

MATERIALS

The bits and bobs you will need to create this necklace are:

- Howlite skull beads in any colour or size you like! (I ordered mine from Ebay HERE)

- Some gold/silver seed beads, available from any craft shop (Be sure they are big enough for the elastic)

- Pin spikes (I got mine from a TOPSHOP hair bobble that i spotted in the sale but you can get them from Ebay HERE. They come in super funky colours)

- Some jewellery elastic, extra strong is best. (get this from a craft shop)

- Necklace fastenings (You can buy them from craft shops but i just chopped them off of an old necklace... whoops!)

- You'll also need scissors and possibly a needle and pliers 

First, cut your elastic to however long you want it. I find it easiest to pull out a long piece and hold it around my neck until i get it to the right length drop. The length i used was around 30cm (add a little extra for tying off) 

Next, lay out or spikes and skull beads for the centre piece. You could do yours in the same pattern as mine or make up your own (don't make it too heavy or the elastic will drape too much).

Now take only the clip part of the necklace fastening and tie the end of the elastic through the small chain which should be at the end of the clip. (you don't have to tie a bead in with it like i did, it makes no difference). I personally tied about 10 single knots over and over again to make sure it was secure! But don't pull too tight or you'll break it. You can leave as much of a tail end as you like, i always leave a centimetre or two.

Take your gold and silver seed beads and thread them onto the elastic. You can do as much of this as you like but remember the same has done be done one the other side once you have put the centre piece in! I did 10cm of beading on either side. Try and place the beads on randomly so it doesn't have too much of a patterned effect.

Picking up from where you stopped with the gold and silver seed beads start placing on your centre piece design. (don't worry if its not sitting quite right, it will when it's hanging around your neck!)

Using the seed beads again, do the same length and style along the other side. Try and do it as evenly as possible to that the spikes and skulls will hang in the centre of the necklace.

Now finally, take the chain part of your necklace fastening and tie the elastic through the end chain. Try to get the knot as close to the last bead on the elastic as possible (its alright if you stretch the elastic out a little bit when you are tying the knots. It will loosen up when worn.) Again, i tied the knot several times just to be sure it was secure!

TIPS:

- You can use a chain if it's thin enough to fit through the beads.

- If you don't want the elastic stretch effect buy extra strong thread and use that.

And thats it! Really simple and makes a lovely necklace! Doesn't look too 'homemade' either eh?!

I hope you all like this enough to try it! If you need any help don't hesitate to ask! And i welcome your feedback! :)

over and outttt! X

Thanks to everyone who has followed me and commented on my posts so far! x

Pastel gradient nail's tutorial

Hello Lovelies!

The shops this month are packed full of gradient/dip-dye/ombre style clothing and what better to go with a dip-dye outfit than matching nails?! I've put together a short tutorial on how i do my gradient style nails. There are probably lots of different methods but this is how i find it easiest. (I am not in any way a beauty expert, i just like to paint my nails!) This is slightly more a beauty post rather than a fashion one but you can't have bare nails!

In this tutorial i'll show you step by step how to create the design in the picture above, It's super easy to do and really quick! Enjoy :)

Firstly you'll need to gather your materials. I have chosen to do my nails in two pastel colours, however you could do your's in as many or as few as you like! Be creative :)

I used:

- Barry M Nail Paint in PEACH MELBA

- TOPSHOP Nails in GONE FISHING

- Rimmel Nail Tip Whitener

You will also need a makeup sponge to create the gradient effect (you could also use a q-tip or a household sponge if you don't have makeup sponges! But you can get them from any high street chemist!)

Paint your nails in your chosen colours (remember to do a thin base layer of the colour and let it dry completely. Then paint another layer on top. Keep layering until you think its thick enough) let your nails dry completely before moving onto the next step.

Using your white nail varnish, pour a small amount onto a piece of paper and dab the tip of the sponge into it until it is covered. Dab the sponge a couple of times onto the paper to take off any excess before applying to the nails.

Gently dab the sponge down 3/4 of your nails (so that there is still a small amount of colour left at the bottom. You don't want this layer to be too thick. if it goes on too dark take a clean sponge and dab over the nail until some of the white has lifted)

Cover the sponge in a little more white nail varnish (you may need to pour some more onto your paper)  and dab the sponge over half of your nail this time. You will start to see the slight gradient appearing now!

Once more, put a little bit of white nail varnish onto the sponge and dab the very top part of your nails, It is up to you how far down you want to do this layer (i would recommend not too much or you might spoil the effect!) Repeat this step again if you want the look to be bolder.

Finally, Using a q-tip (cotton pad or a little bit of toilet roll will do too) gently remove any excess nail varnish around the edges of the fingers with a little bit of nail varnish remover!

VOILA! You're done! Finish with a top coat if you want a shiny finish or leave them as they are for a matte finish! You don't have to use white as the gradient you could use a contrasting colour, or black if you want to use darker colours rather than pastels. The choice is yours!!

I hope this has been helpful, If you need any tips or don't understand anything leave a comment below! I like your feedback! If you try this out send me your pictures or link me to it!


Over and out lovelies :) x

I'd like to say thank you to everyone who has followed me and commented over the past few days! I'm only just getting started so it means a lot THANKS! x

June 2012 Lust Have's!

Good afternoon bloggers!!

So i'm eagerly awaiting payday next week and have a shopping list as long as my arm full of my LUST HAVE things this June! I'm thinking i'll make this a monthly post full of some gorgeous things i've found on the web and instore for you lovely readers to get your hands on!

First up is this BEAUTIFUL red linen jacket from ZARA,

I fell in love with this jacket when i saw it in ZARA's lookbook, it's bold and breathtaking without being too 'in your face'. The jacket features silver studded lapels (which i think totally make the jacket even more gorgeous!) Not only does it come in red they also run in a beautiful minty blue/green colour!   It is a little pricey however ZARA have never failed me on quality or the love factor!

                                                   

ZARA - £59.99

Get it here!

Next up is another ZARA item i have been lusting over since i first saw it instore, it's a lovely printed shirt with gold detailing at the bottom of the collar 

The print on it is so cute and simple. You could wear this shirt casual with a pair of leggings and a leather jacket or dress it up with a skirt or dress trousers. This is definitely being purchased come payday! 

ZARA - £29.99

Get it here!

So i'm possibly going OTT with the whole studded vibe this month (not going to lie, i am a stud addict...) But this new jumper at TOPSHOP defo won't be in stock long so i would grab it while you can!

The jumper is a basic slouch style with dip-dye colouring which makes it really wearable. The silver spike studded panels on the shoulders are a really edgy finish that totally set off the whole style of the jumper. From what i know about other studded TOPSHOP jumpers they have sold out super quickly! So shop fast!

TOPSHOP - £36.00

Get it here!

This item is possibly number one on my list of things to buy this month! I have such a thing for knit jumpers at the moment! (you need a good few knitted jumpers for a Scottish 'summer'). This is another TOPSHOP piece and just looks so cosy! It totally reminds me of a jumper you would expect to see your Grandad in! (with a feminine touch obviously;))

In my opinion this jumper is amazing. Would definitely go perfectly with some skinnies or leggings and some big biker boots! Perfect for cold rainy days!

TOPSHOP - £34.00

Get it here!

Finally, an item i have already caved in and bought! I couldn't resist them! I spotted them on ASOS a few months back but they sold out before i had money, so when i saw they were back in stock i had to pounce!! 

These monochrome pannel leggings are such a statement piece and i really think anyone can pull them off! The white panels run along the inside and the outside of your legs and i personally think they create the illusion of skinnier legs! (what a godsend!) Anyway, they look FAB on and i will post an OOTD with them sometime soon (i'll have to borrow/invest in/find a decent camera first though!)

ASOS - £18.00 (BARGAIN!)

Get it here!

So thats it for my June 'Lust have's' I was going to include more but i could feel myself droning on! Hope you have been inspired and go grab yourself some of these!

Over and out bloggers! x

(when i reach 50 followers i will be doing a fab TOPSHOP giveaway! So get following and tell your friends too! The giveaway will be INTERNATIONAL)

First year fashion show

Hello lovelies!

So i've not had much of a chance to check my blog for a few weeks! Mainly because life has been so hectic getting ready for the end of my first year!

Last week we put together a fashion show of our years work at college and showcased it in the small basement theater! It was such a rewarding experience, My self and the rest of my class had worked SUPER hard throughout the year creating our garments! The themes that we designed our garments around were Bubblegum , Wild west, Byzantine and Guys and Dolls. Sadly for me the fashion show marked the end of my time studying at Aberdeen College as i will be leaving for Galashiels School of Textiles and Design come September! Words seriously can't describe how excited i am to have been given the opportunity to study at such  prestigious school!

Anyway, below are some images from backstage (i'm yet to be shown any that were taken from the catwalk!)

On the left is my classmate Victoria Singleton and i'm on the right modeling my own dress!

Roisin Fitzgerald and Victoria Singleton

Over and out bloggers

(now i'm free for summer i promise lots of exciting updates!)

Jeffrey Campbell Lita's, Review.

Afternoon!
I thought for my first post I would do a little review on the Jeffrey Campbell Lita's! I know when I was looking to purchase mine I was hunting out blogs from all corners of the internet for reviews and advice so hopefully i can help out some other people!

I purchased my Lita's from www.solestruck.com about four months ago. I'm from Scotland so searching for a retailer was extremely difficult. I know Office do them, but they were out of stock! Solestuck have a fantastic range of colours in the Lita (as well as other Jeffrey Campbell models too) so unsurprisingly i was like a kid in a candy shop! In the end I decided to opt for the Distressed leather model. In my opinion these are the most versatile, they go with pretty much anything! They were $159.95 (around £100) with free postage. They took around a week to get to the UK but were held up in customs FOREVER (well... thats an exaggeration, they were there for 3 weeks). THEN I was hit with £30 customs charges! However after waiting in a month for them and paying the customs charges they were SOOO worth the money/time!

Anyway, onto the actual review!
When my Lita's finally arrived they came in this cute little box!

I think the box is such a lovely finishing touch, at first I was disappointed that i didn't get the Jeffrey Campbell crossword box. But hey, we can't all win! 

Inside the box was two beautifully presented little Lita's! In lovely little shoe protector bags! (Not that I even noticed them whilst excitedly grabbing the shoes!). Now, heres the important bit... I had read reviews online saying they were not true to size and to get a size smaller than you actually are... Well... I got mine in a size five (my actual shoe size) and they fit like a DREAM! My footsies just fit absolutely perfectly in them! So in my opinion they run pretty true to size...

They are also the most comfortable shoes i have EVER worn! (Yes this includes flats) I have worn them on EVERY night out I have been on since I got them and have not had sore feet even once! I honestly walked the two miles too and from the club and danced all night long in them and not felt so much as a tingle of pain! I also wore them for a WHOLE DAY at college (9-4) Again, not a single tingle of pain! Major bonus!

Anyway rounding things up, I would totally recommend these babies to anyone who is even just slightly considering getting them. They are 100% value for money, super comfy and did I mention SUPER DUPER EASY TO WALK IN!! If anyone has any questions or anything regarding the Lita's I would be more than happy to help :) I really hope this has helped anyone looking for reviews/advice!

Oh and these are my babies ;)

Over and out bloggers!!