DIY Embellished Collar

Lately I have been obsessed with collars! Everyone from Emma Watson to Alexa Chung have been showing off their statement collars. Adding a bold collar to a simple outfit can easily translate from day to night and is an accessory all on its own. So many of us have to wear the same necklaces over and over to spice up an outfit and I think it's time for something new. Then it hit me. Embellished collars! No necklace needed, just pop on an oversized cocktail ring and the day is ready to be conquered. However, this weekend I scoured the department stores and searched my favorite online retailers but was left empty handed. So now I'm taking this matter into my own hands.     

What you'll need: 

collared shirt, needle nose pliers, and metal studs with spikes on the back that can be folded over

Step 1

Place the pointy ends of the stud on the uppermost part of the collar, parallel to the stitching, and push through so that all of the spikes come out the opposite side 

Step 2

Flip the collar over. With one hand hold the stud in place. With the other, use your pliers to fold down the spikes. Make sure they are completely flat against the fabric so you won't get poked when you wear it!

Step 3

Place another stud on the bottom most part of the collar. (This will ensure that the middle stud will be spaced equally apart from the top and bottom studs.) Use the collar's stitching as a guide to help you line it up. Repeat Step 2 to secure the stud into place.

Step 4

Place the third stud in the center of the first two in order to make a straight column. Repeat Step 2 to attach

Step 5

Now that you have your first line of embellishments, you can jump ahead and position the next three studs next to the first ones. Flip the collar over, and secure all three at the same time. If you're not too confident with your studding skills, take it one at a time. But make sure the spacing between the studs and the rows are consistent 

Step 6

Repeat steps 1-5 to make 5 additional columns with 3 studs in each row. As you move along, the width of the collar will begin to narrow and you will need to decrease the columns to 2 studs. Make sure to place these 2 studs in line with the empty spaces from the column before. 

Step 7

Once you finish with the first row of two studs, start working on the other side of the collar. It will be easier to line up the rows on the back of the collar if you use the front portions as a guide. Also, if you run out of studs, at least the front of your shirt will be embellished. Repeat steps 1-6

Step 8

Now that the front is completed, start studding the back part by making rows of 2 studs. To ensure that your rows are equally spaced and consistent, do a few rows of studs on one side of the collar, then switch off to the other side.

Step 9

Now that your rows are closing in on each other, it may be helpful to arrange the remaining rows of studs all at once. This way, you can edit the rows that look too cramped or adjust uneven spacing. Flip the collar over, then all of the studs can be secured at the same time. 

Step 10

Wait, there is no step 10. We're already done! Now you can wear and admire. Be careful not to go crazy with your accessories, a ring or slim bangle is all you need. What a relief.

<3, KMR