bella diy: Studded Shoulder Top

I love love love basics. Maybe it's because they're so easy to customize, or maybe because I know they'll match with everything. Either way, I like my basics to be well made and comfy. If you're the same way, check out Bella - I love the aesthetics of this brand. Their clothing is simple but sexy, providing the perfect base for making it completely your own.

Screenshot (c) Bella.com

 I was given the chance to DIY some of my favorite pieces from Bella's line, and here's the first one! This is more a styling idea than a how-to. Any fashion DIY'er has probably studded a few - or a lot - of things by now, but this idea creates a gradient of studs on the shoulder. The fierce spikes bring different twist to the loose fit of the dolman top.

 

 

I used Bella's lightweight relaxed long sleeve dolman tee in Pebble! It's sooo comfortable.

I also used cone studs (crustpunks.com & studsandspikes.com are both great places to buy studs). Regular cone studs are pictured here, but I ended up use tall cone studs. A little 'louder' than regular cones!

You'll need 32 total, 16 for each shoulder. You'll also need round nosed pliers. 

1) Find the seam on the side of the sleeve. You'll start studding along that seam.





2) Carefully insert the first stud on top/along the seam.

The prongs will pierce through the fabric, like above. Bend the prongs in with the pliers.

Because you're not working with a leather or a coat, you don't have to use a lot of force while doing this. Pushing too hard will create too big of a hole that's likely to rip, so be gentle.





3) Keep studding until you have 4 studs along the seam.

4) Add 3 studs on each side.

5) Add 2 studs on each side.

6) Add 1 stud on each side.


You can add more if you'd like, but adding too much might weigh down the sleeves. I found 16 to be just right, though!

I'm thinking this will be one of my favorite pieces this fall.

My next Bella DIY will be with their triblend sponge fleece zip hoodie. I'm in love with their hoodies, so this should be a fun one.

xo!