Military-esque Tracky Bottoms

So comfy and so easy to make! I love the juxtaposition of sloppy and smart and of course tracksuit bottoms as formal wear with a pair of heals have been all over the catwalks for years. Originally I was just going to add the tux stripe using Petersham ribbon but decided that the gold trimming was a bit more gala!...though defo more tricky to add.

DIY | Military Collar

Use buttons and chain to create a military-esque shirt collar. This DIY channels the hardware-in-fashion vibe through a combination of the idea of chains and tipped collars on shirts, the general vogue for gold and chunky gold at that, and the perennial winter attraction to military. [Xmas present #2...this time for your female friends? (and males too, not to be gender-biased)]

DIY | Real Cuff Links

Xmas idea number 2 : my last post was about making cuff links that go on normal shirts. But if you're stuck for a present for a man (or anyone who would have occasion to wear an evening shirt - let's not be gender biased) why not make a pair of real, customised cuff links?

You will need;

• 4 buttons this time
• 2 lengths of chain (approx. 1 cm) OR elastic
• 2 jump rings

Choose your buttons (these shell ones are mother-of-pearl, dead cheap but lovely looking, especially with gold)

Then attach the chain to each button using jump rings.Here's the first cuff link

Now just repeat for the second one! Simple as! 

Just note that:

1. Elastic can be used to tie the buttons together, but they don't tend to look as good.
2. Buttons cannot be the type with holes through them, they mush have their attachment at the back, otherwise there's nowhere to attach the jump rings
3. Buttons much be small enough to fit through button holes; in the other cuff link DIY the chain passes through the hole making the size of the button irrelevant - they could be as big as you wanted them.

DIY | Cuff links for normal shirts

Why should cuff links be reserved for formal occasions? Not only do they add a funky detail but they also fulfill a practical role in keeping shirt sleeves up...as well as tapping into the masculine vibe.

You will need :

• Chain, at least 4 cm
• 2 jump rings
• 2 buttons
• elastic

Plus 2 pliers

Buttons and Chain

I've spent this weekend messing about with buttons and chain, as well as other bits and bobs that any DIY-minded person would have lying around. Check out the following posts with the three DIYs that I created out of these basic ingredients! Funky Xmas ideas anyone?!