Blazer Bling Out, Making a Dud into a Stud

Three years ago I saw a photo of Jennifer Aniston in a white boyfriend blazer over a black mini and I was immediately on a blazer mission. I found an Ali Ro version in Loehmann's and I swear I saw a little Aniston in me when I looked in mirror (and that is a big feat in those open air, get-naked-in-front-of-everyone changing rooms). Then, not surprisingly, my mirror at home was so different. I looked more like a doctor or a lab technician and never wore it. I held onto it thinking it would miraculously look better on me, but this weekend I finally took action.

This is what I started with:

I headed to M&J Trim in the garment district and browsed for inspiration. I picked out pyramid studs and dark buttons and didn't allow myself to be deterred by the girl in line who said she failed her attempt at the same thing…

I knew I didn't want the blazer too studded, especially as I had flashbacks of my sisters' rhinestone addiction in the 80′s. I must make it clear that I have NEVER sewed a button or done even the simplest of sewing task. I ended up pretty impressed with myself, though I had to make it perfectly clear to my husband: this does not mean I can fix all your buttons.

DIY Blazer Bling Out Tips:

- Do not use your fingers to secure the studs. Use long-nosed jewelry pliers found easily at Michaels, Target, etc. The beauty of studs is that there is actually no sewing. That's all you need: pliers and studs.

- First, lay your blazer out and just place the studs in different places to decide on your design. When you put the actual stud in, it makes tiny holes in the fabric so you can't make any drastic changes later. Unless you are starting a new trend entirely.

- I found it easiest to have the studs snugly next to eachother. If I left space in between them, I don't think I could have kept them straight.

- I added a few studs to each pocket. I think this makes it a little less like a DIY-looking and more of a complete style.

- Changing the buttons on an old blazer or cardigan can be the easiest update.

- Watch a movie while studding. I watched Pretty Woman. Very apropos.

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