D.I.Y.: How to upgrade your turtle neck for the fall

I've posted about stitch witchery several times on the blog before.... if you don't have it... GET IT! It's a true life saver for an instant hem or a quick go to for a last minute creative thought as was this turtle neck creation. Don't ask me where I got the idea from because honestly I have no clue. All I know is once I put on this fit, I thought my neck needed character. Call it my Black Panther intuition (lol).

In a past post, I blogged about  How to upgrade an old pair of loafers on a budget.
Well, I decided that it's time to change out the patches and since I had them to spare, an idea sparked to add a patch to the collar of my turtleneck.

Step 1: Place a strip down the middle of patch and iron over to anchor it. 

Step 2: Use something thin to place between iron and patch to prevent iron marks and fading along stitching. 

Step 3: Keep applying strips of stitch witchery where needed. 

FINAL LOOK: After a quick roll of a lint brush... IT'S SHOWTIME!... Quick, simple and took all under 5 minutes to accomplish. DO TRY THIS AT HOME!












 
Feel free to email your D.I.Y. turtlenecks to TheXStylezBlog@gmail.com and we will feature you on the blog!

Check out this post I did using stitch witchery as well: 
2 in 1: How to make an instant hem x Wearing White after Labor Day.

D.I.Y: How to Make a Belted Watch Bracelet on a Budget

There comes a TIME in every man's life when you need options. Some days that MK watch just needs a time out. What do you do when you want a new statement timepiece that's just as striking as the one you currently have, but don't want to break the bank? Well I'm glad you asked! 

On a quest in constructing a "Do It Yourself" belted watch you just need two simple items: 

(1) A small woman's belt and 

(2) A watch face

Due to the dire need that often comes with wanting to "switch it up", many of us stylish gents already own an adjustable watch band and if you have a stylish girlfriend or friend that is a girl, I'm pretty sure she has a skinny belt.  If you just use your resources this look can be achieved "for da free" *in my southern twang voice*.


Watch Face
If you want to look into other selections of adjustable watch band faces, I would suggest going to stores like ALDO Shoes, American Eagle and J Crew just to name a few. Also check out this link I've provided here of online Etsy shops that showcase a variety of watch faces. The watch in the above photo was purchased at ALDO shoes in a set with 3 bands for $35.00


Belted Band
The extra small belt in the above photo was purchased at Forever 21 for $9.99. You will need a women's belt to achieve this look so that it will be small enough to fit through the loops of your watch face and less bulky on your wrist. If you like this concept but want something less dramatic, try an actual bracelet meant to be belted or anything you deem unique that could work. 

Final Look 

Here is the breakdown of the other elements of my ensemble. 

Ring: Handmade from jewelry maker to fit my fingers- $20.00
Tribal bracelet: Urban Outfitters-$2.00

Printed Button Up: Gap (thrifted)- $3.99
Shorts: Daniel Cremieux (thrifted)- $5.99, another D.I.Y project. These were actual pants I cut 
               into shorts, then rolled for a more tailored look. Entire outfit for under $12.00 #winning

 Sunglasses: ALDO Shoes- $12.99 

Large Brim Fedora: Flea Market hat store- $30.00

 Aztec backpack: Zara- $69.99
 Woven peanut butter tassel loafers: (thrifted) $7.99 

Styling tips:
(1) Remember to work with what you have and use your resources. 
(2) Style is not defined by name brands, it is the visual personality that your clothing speaks. 
(3) Wear the clothing, don't let it wear you.
(4) Always BE CREATIVE!