Collars for all

DO IT YOURSELF: EYELET COLLAR




Monday, February 20, 2012
We can't quite get over how sweet spring feels this year. Between the candy-coated colors, delicate fabrics, and prim silhouettes, there are so many lovely trends to try right now! For us, however, it's all about the little details-think: scalloped edges, laser-cut designs, and girlish embellishments-that instantly add charm to a look. And nowhere were these precious design elements more apparent than at the Louis Vuitton S/S 12 show. From the ombre feather accents to the 3D florals, this was without a doubt a girly girl's collection, and nothing felt quite as sweet as the oversized, perforated collars in white and pale pink. These unconventional collars made quite an impression on the runway, and we're confident they'll have an equally delightful presence in real life too.

rn Happily, making your own inspired-by version is actually easy and affordable to do, and we're thrilled to show you how in this month's Do It Yourself story! With the collar of the fashion house's Foam Organza Broderie Anglaise Dress ($7536, 866.VUITTON) in mind, we set out to create a similar, yet more versatile, alternative, and called on Erica Domesek of P.S. I Made This to help. The result: a removable collar that instantly updates your basic tops and dresses for an anything-but-ordinary look!

Eager to get started? All you need to do is snag a few easy-to-find items, print out Domesek's traceable template-a must-have guide for less-than-stellar drawers, us included-and follow the step-by-step instructions, and voila! You'll have yourself a Louis Vuitton-inspired collar that will become wardrobe mainstay for many years to come!

Ingredients:

-Eyelet Fabric ($10/yard)
-Pattern
-Scissors
-Velcro Sticky-Back Squares ($4)

Directions:

1. Print out the P.S. I Made This pattern or make your own.
Note: If you do not use the pattern, the collar should be approximately 4.5 inches wide and have a diameter of 4.25 inches.

2. Lay fabric out on a flat surface. Place the P.S. I Made This pattern on top of the fabric and trace the shape of the collar.

3. Use scissors to cut out the collar and create a scalloped edge.

4. Attach a small piece of Velcro as a closure. Style with high-neck blouses or dresses. Get creative with fabrics and colors!-Jessica Baker