by Sophie Okulick
Oct 5, 2011 6:52 AM PDT
Pearls have always been a symbol of wisdom and class. Wearing them can instantly transform a look from casual to sophisticated, and when you combine that with a peter pan collar you get a major fashion breakthrough. We're updating two classic looks to create one modern piece of neck candy. Not to mention the insane amount of pearls seen on the Chanel runway yesterday. These collars compliment almost any look, wear it with a dress in the evening or a crew-neck sweater for an easy daytime look.Take off your geek chic training wheels and become a little wiser with this do it yourself pearl collar necklace.
What you'll need:
1 piece of 81/2 x 11 creme piece of felt
2 yards of strung pearls.
glue gun or E600 adhesive
1 ft ribbon
scissors
1 piece of paper
pen
hole puncher
Step 1 - Fold your piece of paper in two. Sketch half of your collar from the folded side out. You can also print an image of your favorite peter pan collar and trace over half of it to make this part easier. Then cut out your paper collar and unfold it to reveal your stencil.
Step 2 - Place your paper stencil on the felt and trace around the edges. Then cut out your felt collar.
Step 3 - Place your adhesive around the outer edges of the collar.
Step 4 - Keeping the pearls strung, carefully place them in rows behind one another. You can cut the end of each strand and continue to use it as each row gets smaller.
Step 5 - Add in pearls where missing and let dry.
Step 6 - To turn your collar into a necklace punch holes at each end.
Step 7 - Thread one piece of ribbon through each hole and tie.
Seashells On The Seashore ... And On You!
by Ida Hsiang
Mar 31, 2010 12:30 PM PDT
Using shells, either whole or just the shiny parts, is not a new concept when it comes to jewelry, but is a style that is constantly getting revamped. Shells are definitely reserved for the sunnier seasons like spring and summer because it invokes breezy, sun-filled days on the beach and give the wearer an air of nonchalant luxury. Sometimes, it's just a single, shining pendant, while other accessories use shells for it's shine and color, like on layered chains and charm bracelets. But no matter what, seashells are always a good look and adds immediate elegant whimsy to your ensembles. For simple shell accessories, try pairing it with a nautical color palette, like navy blues, whites and reds, or don a clustered bib necklace over a simple sundress. However you decide to style it, there's no denying that shell accessories are feminine, versatile and just what the sunshine called for. Click on the slideshow to see my favorite shell jewelry for this season!
