DIY styles that are as good as the real thing

Steal the bedazzled beanie style from the House of Holland runway show with help from Erica Domesek of PS I Made This. Arrange plastic gems, buttons or beads on an old beanie in various cluster designs, she says. Once you've decided on a pattern, use it as a guide to follow and simply sew the embellishments into the fabric with a needle and two pieces of thread.

This hologram handbag was inspired by Stella McCartney’s spring show. Using a marker, trace all sides of a plastic envelope to the back of holographic self-adhesive film, says Domesek. Cut out each section, then peel and stick the film to your envelope starting at one corner and firmly applying pressure with the palm of your hand to smooth out air bubbles. Trim any excess film from the edges for a polished just-off-the-runway look.

Coveting Valentino's new lace lens aviators? Get the look at a fraction of the price with this homemade version: Buy lace-inspired nail decals from your local drugstore—floral designs work well too, says Nunez. Stick the decals along the sides of the lens, bookending the trim with the smallest decals to make the design gradual and symmetrical.

Update your spring wardrobe with a trendy bib necklace courtesy of Geneva Vanderzeil of A Pair and a Spare: Draw the outline for your bib necklace on a piece of paper, then cut it out and stick it on a piece of clear PVC material that's a similar shape, but a bit larger. Glue rhinestones onto the PVC in any design you like and let it dry overnight. The next day, fold the top corners of the PVC material over to create loops, sewing them in place and hiding the stitch with a rhinestone on each side. Finally, thread two chains through each loop and secure with a lobster clasp.

Create your own figure-flattering peplum skirt with this savvy idea from Kristen Turner of Glitter N Glue: Apply a generous amount of glue to the top of a long strip of feather-trim fringe, she says. Then simply smooth it onto a piece of grosgrain ribbon, leaving enough material on the ends to fasten into a pretty bow when you wear it. Voila! An ordinary skirt is instantly fashion forward.

Turn fancy buttons into chic statement rings. First, use pliers to remove the shank (the little hook) from the back of your button, says Turner. Then apply a small amount of a strong-hold glue to the back of the button and place it on a ring with a base, which you can find at a jewelry supply store. Allow a few minutes to dry and then pick a finger—or five!

When your leather booties are on their last lick, transform them into new suede shoes in just 15 minutes flat, says Piper Chuthakieo of Coconut and Bean. Her secret? Stuff your shoes with newspaper and spray with rubbing alcohol to soften the leather, says Chuthakieo. Next, use sandpaper or a pumice stone to rub the leather in all directions—and don't forget to rub the soles along the pavement to complete the chic, worn-in effect.

An old sweatshirt turns from frumpy to fab with a little help from Jenni Radosevich of I Spy DIY. Lay out sew-on gems in a pattern around the neckline of the sweatshirt, she says. Lightly glue each one down and let them dry for an hour, then secure them by stitching through each hole and knotting them on the inside.

Transform last season's chunky chain necklace into a bold new accessory: Mix one fourth of a can of Plasti-dip with the color tint of your choice in an aluminum can—Plasti-dip won't chip like regular paint, explains Radosevich. Dip the chain into the mixture, letting excess paint drip off for a minute, then hold it another five minutes to let it harden. Allow it to dry completely overnight and wake up to a bright new bauble!

Pining for designer T-strap studded heels? This pair could easily be mistaken for the real thing. To create them, Line the edges of a pair of pointy-toe kitten heels with black ribbon by gluing, making a few slits when rounding the front to create the curved edge, says Radosevich. Next, cut the straps off a pair of old sandals and attach them to the kitten heels by gluing a piece of ribbon to connect the strap and shoe. Once dry, glue gold or silver studs onto the straps for a runway-ready finish.

Snag a designer-looking trompe l'oeil T-shirt in a few simple steps: On a piece of paper, sketch the front of a Peter Pan–style collar then cut it out to use as a pattern, says Carly Cais of Chic Steals. Next, trace the pattern directly on your shirt using chalk, drawing two buttons and a pocket. Spread fabric glue over the lines and carefully place sequin trim on the traced lines, tacking down the ends with extra glue or stitches once it's dry, if necessary.

Alicia DiRago from Dismount Creative came up with this creative way to make a Ball Chain Necklace. At your local hardware store, buy ball chain—the same material used for beaded key chains—in a few different sizes as well as a connector for each length you buy. Attach the ends of each size to make one huge circle for each piece, then wrap each piece into one circle per yard until you create the desired necklace length. Twist up the chain when you are ready to wear, adding a large jump ring to each end to secure around your neck.