Oh Wize One

Style Snatch: Rihanna inspired DIY

Several times a week I endlessly click through essence.com to escape the gray walls of my cubical and live vicariously through lives of the fashionistas in the street style section.The street style in New York City is delicious. This week when I saw Rihanna rocking an African print Stella Jean shirt dress I was inspired to get into my craft space and create.

(Photo credit Instagram badgalriri)

My African print bib necklace is a great way to get the look for less. I decided to wear my set with a structured shirt, a playful midi skirt and mix prints (which I am still learning to master). I think this necklace would make bad gal RiRi proud. You don’t have to use African print fabric; this project is versatile enough that you can switch up the fabric and beads to your personal taste. I’m demonstrating on a different fabric than the one I styled to show you the diversity of this piece.
For this project you will need:

Felt (one 8 1/2 by 11 square)
28 inches of 1-inch wide ribbon
1/2 yard of fabric
Needle
Thread
Chain
shells
Fabric glue
Fabric scissors
E6000 or super glue suitable to use on fabric

Word to the wise: a little bar soap and water may come in handy

Step one: I created my own pattern by taking a bib necklace I already have and folding it in half. If you don’t have a necklace, you can print a pattern online or free hand a pattern on white paper. (I ran out of chalk, and white eyeliner can be your friend in a pinch. PS. It won’t stain the fabric.)

Step 2. Trace the necklace on the paper for your choice to create a pattern.

Step 3. Fold your felt and fabric in half and set the pattern on the fold. (cutting the fabric on the fold will allow you to cut out both sides of the necklace at the same time. It will also ensure that the necklace is symmetrical)

Step 4. Glue the felt to the wrong side of the fabric according to your fabric glues instructions. Once dry to the touch cut the ribbon in half and glue the ribbon to the backside of the bib.

Step 5: Arrange your shells on the bib and attach them with E6000 and allow to dry.

Optional Step 6: I wanted to add something to the bottom of my design and give the traditional fabric and shells a modern feel. You can skip this step if you just want shells. With a needle and thread sew the chain to the bib being sure to secure each link by adding as many stitches until the link stays in place without sagging. If you notice the thread is getting caught try wetting a piece of soap with water and running it over your thread.
Word to the wise you could also attach the chain with e6000, I was trying to be fancy!

Outfit details: Top Ava & Viv, Skirt: K&G, Belt: Torrid (sold out online), Bracelet: DIY, Shoes: Guess (old)

For more styling ideas with African print see my Pintrest board African Print 2015
For details on how to make the bracelet check out Mark Montano’s YouTube channel “Make Your Mark.