Choose your marbles - how to make a DIY marbled clutch

From Acne to Edie Parker and everything in between (including the Urania Gazelli Pac Man clutch that inspired this project) the perspex box clutch never fails to make a statement and add a touch of class with a shimmer of sumptuous marble texture. The great news is that it's still on trend and super-easy to make with a touch of creativity and an eye for re-purposing. Allow me to demonstrate...

You will need...

Difficulty

Quite easy

A straightforward, super-short (by my standards) project but a touch of skill and patience is definitely required.

Time

Mine took two hours but it depends on the design you use; a simpler one would be much quicker to do.

A photo posted by Charley H (@chiccheatcharley) on Apr 17, 2016 at 3:41pm PDT

A photo posted by Charley H (@chiccheatcharley) on Apr 17, 2016 at 3:39pm PDT

Time is stripe - How to DIY metallic stripes on a top

Now that fashion's on its 'metal'...

A photo posted by Charley H (@chiccheatcharley) on Feb 10, 2015 at 8:30am PST

Two reasons to keep the fleeting party season dream alive with glitter and related matters: first of all, metallics are to remain totally a thing for the (technically) upcoming season (spring, in other words, depending on whether you follow fashion in the traditional predictive sense or the  real-time online sense) and secondly, as overrated as new year's eve is (in practice, at least) its one use is to serve as a retrospectively-inclined distraction from the egregiousness of Valentine's day. Still, enough about the involuntary pity I feel for those who are 'taken' and socially obliged to splash out in order to validate it! Also, while I appreciate that it's not very fashion to display cynicism towards the idea of romance or disapproval for paying £50 for a taxi because of the calendar date, Chic Cheat and I are all about enjoying the escapism of fashion without the cost; what we lack in money and expenditure we make up in creative problem-solving.

Inspiration

PA.R.O.S.H. t-shirt (clipped to polyvore.com)

You will need...

 NB: I used metallic green lycra, which you can find in shops that sell fabric or dance costumes.

While you can use a slim-fitting top, make sure it  does not have to stretch when you wear it or put it on, otherwise the  metallic stripes will come off (yes I did just learn that the hard way in this instance).

Difficulty

Very easy

Can you draw straight lines? Can you cut straight lines? Can you iron things before the spectre of unprecedented boredom sneaks up on you, with the revelation that two minutes goes strangely slowly when you're trying to time it exactly, with no distractions and repeat the process ten or so times? Then this one should be a doddle for you.

Time

About half an hour (mine took longer because I ran out of spray glue (which was caused by poor planning and multiple projects beforehand, rather than insufficient supplies, I can happily assure you).

Stripes for the picking

Haute Fluff - How to DIY a Shrimps faux fur jacket

Faux fur is more than just a bit of fluff this season.

Although an early 2014 street style staple, Shrimps' statement stripy fur jackets are still riding high with the faux fur trend. The label's distinctive stripes are a sure-fire statement piece for brightening up any outfit in the winter gloom - and every bit as easy to DIY.

Shrimps 'Dulcie' faux fur coat (see more blue faux fur coats)

You will need...

Sourcing tip: Shop around on eBay for the best deals on faux fur coats and comb your local flea market for the fur.

NB: You can also use fabric glue if you're not keen to get messy.

Difficulty

Very easy

Measuring and  cutting in straight lines is the biggest challenge you're likely to come across here and while they're not quite as easy to get perfect as they look, they don't require any skill, just a steady hand.

Time

A few hours, at most.

Fancy a shag?

Use your patternmaster to measure a parallel line 4cm from the edge of your jacket and cut the fur along the line with your scissors. Measure and cut a line 2cm above the previous one and trim down the fur between the two lines as far as you can. Repeat the process by making a line 2cm wide and 3cm above the last one.

Cut two flat lines with the same spacing and width starting 4cm from the cuffs. The flat lines should look something like these:

Measure the circumference of your cuffs and the hem of your jacket. Cut four pieces for the cuffs and two for the hem; each piece should be long enough to cover the relevant circumference and 2cm wide.

Measure the circumference of your cuffs and the hem of your jacket. Cut four pieces for the cuffs and two for the hem; each piece should be long enough to cover the relevant circumference and 2cm wide.

Glue the faux fur pieces inside the flat, trimmed areas.