DIY CHAIN EARRINGS

9th May 2013

Ever since Celine introduced me to their oversized version of the ID necklace, I’ve been drawn to flat, heavy looking curb chain. Naturally my first thought was to wear it around my neck, and then I decided that my ears were as perfect place as any to adorn with a bit of chain action. I whipped up these simple chain earring in the space of a few hours and thought I would share them with you – I like how the finished product add a touch of luxe grunge look to a simple outfit.

You need:

• Two small pieces of light curb chain
• Flat fronted stud earring fixtures
• Earrings backs
• Beading plyers
• Cutting plyers or very sharp scissors (optional)
• E6000 glue
• A skewer

1. First check how the earring fixture is going to sit on the chain, if you need to, use some chain cutters or very shape scissors to trim the back so it is less round and will lie flat again the chain without being too obvious from the front side.

2. Put a dollop of glue on a folded up piece of paper.

3. Add some glue to the earring front.

4. Press the fixture onto one of the top edges of the chain, making sure to place it in a way that the chain will hang down straight once the earrings are on.

5. Leave to dry overnight.

Ta da! I’ve worn these twice all night and haven’t had any trouble with them, look for light chain if you are worried about weight on the glue.

Photographs thanks by the lovely Lauren Engel – we’ve got some fun collabs planned for you!

A PAIR & A SPARE FOR TONY BIANCO

5th May 2013

I couldn’t be more excited to announce the launch of my shoe collection for Tony Bianco. After many years of wearing and loving this Aussie shoe brand, the TB team and I began working on a collaboration – I plotted out the 5 different styles from scratch (after a quick crash course in drawing shoes) and we spent the rest of the time refining the details. It was an eye opening process, at times nerve racking and at others feverishly exciting, I certainly learnt that designing is nowhere near as easy as doing a DIY, ha!

After test driving the sample pairs while at Sydney Fashion Week (keeping it on the downlow was v. v. difficult) I worked with my girl Margaret Zhang to create the campaign for the collection, and I couldn’t be happier with the way that it turned out. Marg’s skills behind the lens are incredible and I’ll definitely be keeping an eye on her in the coming years (hashtag one to watch). Read on for the first story in the campaign – I hope you like!

You can get your hands on the collection here.

For those of you based outside of Australia, Tony Bianco are happy to organise international shipping for you, simply email the lovely team at enquiries@tonybianco.com.au with your shoe choice and they’ll ship them out.

I’d love to hear if you have a favourite pair!

• Look 1: Cameo Tank – Geneva’s DIY Skirt – Versace Blazer from VOI Store – A Pair & A Spare for Tony Bianco Kloe Heels
• Look 2: CUE Coat – Bonds Tee – Bec & Bridge Skirt - Geneva’s DIY Bag with Commes des Garçons Pouch – A Pair & A Spare for Tony Bianco Arla Heels
• Look 3: Zimmermann Dazed Check Jacket – Jamie Ashkar Skirt – A Pair & A Spare for Tony Bianco Kasandra Heels
• Look 4: DIY transparent satchel, A Pair & A Spare for Tony Bianco Arla Heels
• Look 5: Manning Cartell Jacket - Roksanda Ilincic Saddle Laminated Dress from MATCHES – A Pair & A Spare for Tony Bianco Fringe Heels
• Look 5: Sportmax Leather Skirt, A Pair & A Spare for Tony Bianco Kasandara Heels
• Look 7: Bec & Bridge Floral Short suit – A Pair & A Spare for Tony Bianco Tachet Heels
• Look 5: Camilla & Marc Framework Blazer – Eska Alikai Thane Leather Top – Jamie Ashkar Skirt – A Pair &  A Spare for Tony Bianco Kloe Heels

Campaign shot by the lovely Margaret Zhang

On a side note, I have to say that if you had told me when I first started my blog that one day I would design a collection of shoes, I would have thought you crazy (my career as a town planner seemed pretty permanent). At the risk of sounding like a hallmark card, I must say that it’s a good reminder that life is never set in stone, and that you should always think big because you never know where life will take you!

DIY DYLANLEX STACKED NECKPIECE

2nd May 2013

Many of you will think a stacked neck is merely about putting loads of jewelry on and leaving the house, but that’s only about a tenth of it – Drew (aka Dylanlex)  has taken it to another level (read:artform) and I couldn’t be happier to share her secrets with you today. In the last year or so Drew and her sister have built a loyal following, inspiring stacked necks and perfect minimalist/logo tee/sport luxe outfits all over the world.  Drew and I recently got chatting about our love of craftiness and neck jewels in particular, and it wasn’t long before we were feverishly planning her cameo here on A Pair & A Spare. Read on for a pro’s guide to the stacked neck.

You’ll Need:

• 5 or 6 necklaces that you are willing to break up, hit your local flea market to find bulk deals
• Pliers
• Scissors
• Jump Rings
• Stringing Wire (Metal or Rope)
• Extra Chain (in case length alteration is needed)

How to:

1. Pick the base necklace. The base necklace needs to hold the weight of the rest of the pieces, so make sure it is sturdy, the clasp is strong, and it has loops or holes where knots can be tied.

2. Take the second piece and center it on the base necklace. You will have to cut the excess on either sides of the necklace and attach Jump Rings. Cut 4” of stringing wire and tie the second piece to the base. The jump rings will help keep the conjoining parts secure, yet flexible so they don’t snap while wearing.

3. Select the third necklace and do the same as the second – center it. Cut the excess on either side if there is any and attach jump rings.

4. Attach on the other side with jump rings.

5. Work your way down the necklace, using jewelry wire to secure and making sure to use various types of necklace to create interesting textures.

6. Some necklaces you will have to cut to size and others, like chokers and other short necklaces, won’t need to be cut. Keep the leftovers for your next project!

7. Finally, attach large and eye catching pieces necklace to the bottom of the necklace to finish it off.

Voilà  – a unique statement dylanlexneck is made!

To stay up to date with what Drew is wearing/making follow her on instagram @dylanlex, you can also tag your own stacked neck with #dylanlexneck to share your own creation with her!