DIY Ruffle Choker

Something I wanted to explore more this year was DIY, under the assumption that I would spend less money on clothes and become comfortable with my very small wardrobe when I moved across the country at the start of the year. While I've tried to stay on top of my expensive fashion habit, there have been relapses and there's been very little time to craft and gussy up pre-loved items of clothing. Rather than spend $18 on a choker necklace from the high street e-retailer Asos (who throughout the year have already received my patronage), I decided to recycle an old dress into the ruffle choker of my dreams.

I almost wish I took a photo of the dress before I started the DIY, but at the same time I'm glad I didn't. No amount of photo editing or cute stickers would have distracted from the threadbare and faded piece of fabric. Fortunately, the neckline and pleating was still in relatively good condition and after inserting some elastic the dress has a new lease on life as an accessory worthy of Marie Antoinette.

The next time you see a garment in desperate need of some tender loving care, look closely and see what you can salvage. It's amazing what you can do with a sewing machine and a little bit of imagination.

Susie Bubble wears her Asos ruffle choker with vintage Comme des Garçons dress, Miu Miu slides and Chloe sunglasses.

DIY Unicorn Necklace

On Sunday I was feeling super bored, so I decided to make a necklace using embroidery thread instead of nylon or elastic and these beads. The materials are all things I had lying around the house that I wanted to use to make something (I've been trying to clean my room for weeks now).

For this DIY you will need:

• beads
• charms
• metal links
• clasp
• sewing needle
• thread
• pliers

This isn't so much a DIY tutorial as it is a way for me to show off my latest creation but I figure many of you know how to make a necklace.

Tie thread to one end of the metal clasps and add beads, remembering to use your charm of choice in the middle. Attach to a second chain link attached to the clasp. Continue to add as many individual necklaces until you have reached the desired effect. 

If you want to be sure your charm is in the middle of your necklace and that each charm aligns I would recommend measuring the dimensions. Otherwise the necklace will look a little more like mine (in the end I did really like it though).

The great thing about these necklaces is that they can be worn with other jewelry and dress up an old vintage blouse. Also, the more necklaces you wear the better.