Gara Danielle Rope Bracelet

When New York turned LA girl Gara started selling her jewelry right off her own neck, she decided to create her own line called Gara Danielle. Using her signature wire wrapping technique, Gara's pieces are precious and delicate with just a bit of hard edge thrown into the mix. Luckily her braiding techniques are not too complex, so anyone with experience making friendship bracelets as a child (come on, we all went through the lanyard phase!) can pull off this project.

What You'll Need:
Chain
Cord (substitute ribbon, suede, floss, or any other thread to add interesting texture)
Scissors
Charm (optional)

Cut one piece of chain and two pieces of cord to the same length. The length should be however many times you want the bracelet to wrap around your wrist, plus a few inches extra because the bracelet shortens as you braid it. Knot one end and begin braiding. Work your way down until about three inches remain loose and knot again to secure braid. Attach a special charm at the end for personal flair!

To wear simply wrap the bracelet around your wrist and tie the two knots together, leaving some fringe. If you want a more secure clasp (which you can buy at any craft store), simply attach it to the knot.

xx, CC

Louis Vuitton Brocade Booties

This pair of Louis Vuitton booties goes all the way back to Fall 2004. They may not be in style anymore, but this was one of my more extravagant projects that I wanted to feature.

What You'll Need:
Fur
Ribbon
Gold paint
Sharpie
White booties

I found a pair of ghetto-esque booties at Payless (think Timberlands with heels) for $15. Cut the top off to make them ankle length. Paint them gold, then add detail with a Sharpie marker. Hot glue fur trim around the top of the boot by folding it over the both sidea. Thread a silk ribbon through the lace holes and you're done!

Marc Jacobs styled them with red and forest green plaid coats if you want to channel the entire look.

xx, CC

Judith Leiber Clutch

A Judith Leiber swarovski crystal studded bag is a classic investment for every fashionista. However, at over $1,000 a pop they're not exactly on the affordable side. With some crystals, glue, and a little elbow grease no one will be able to the difference between your bag, and the poor sap who forked over a month's rent standing next to you!

What You'll Need:
Vintage clutch
Packing tape
Super glue
Crystals

Find a hard, vintage clutch in your mother's closet or at an antique store. For curved bags, it is best to put packing tape over the front so the crystals lay as smooth as possible. Beginning at the top, left corner start gluing crystals across the top row. Repeat until the entire front is complete!

For the budding artistes out there, you can draw your own design on the bag and accentuate it with different color crystals. Voila, a one of a kind piece!

*Note, this could take some time, depending on the crystal size you use. It is best to attempt this project in the summer!

xx, CC

CC Skye Wrap Bracelet

Legend has it that CC Skye's famous wrap bracelets were actually inspired by Nicole Richie. Nic apparently took the chain strap off her Chanel bag and fashioned it into a bracelet. Now CC Skye's jewelry is worn by everyone from Hilary Duff to...you!

What You'll Need:
Chain
Ribbon
Scissors

Select chain from your local hardware store, and ask a professional to cut it to your desired length (however many times you want the bracelet to wrap around your wrist). Select ribbon, leather, or any other string of appropriate width to thread through the chain. Tie the ends to hold in place. Either leave long and tie a bow, or snip short for a sleek look.

Tip: I prefer leaving the ribbon ends long so I can change the color to match my outfit. You can make infinite bracelets out of one chain that way!

xx, CC

Geminola Painted Ballet Flats

Ballet flats are no longer a novelty shoe: they are a necessity. No wardrobe is complete without a pair, or two, or seven, but with everyone wearing flats, how can you standout? Geminola, beloved for their creative refurbishes of vintage items, offers an answer with these painted ballet flats.

What You'll Need:
Ballet flats
Stencil (provided)
Tracing paper
Pencil
Paint

Blow up the pattern provided to the necessary size (so it fits on the toe of your ballet shoe). Choose your favorite design and trace onto the tracing paper. Flip the tracing the paper over (so the pencil-side touches the shoe) and center it on the shoe. Make sure the end of your pencil is blunt, and shade over the entire back of the tracing paper, making sure you apply ample pressure. This allows your traced design to transfer onto the shoe. When you peel the paper off, you should have a nice pattern ready to paint. Choose your favorite song lyric and write it in the box!

xx, CC

Yarborough Jewelry

It's spring in New York--too warm for a sweater but too cold for just a t-shirt. So instead, wrap your wrists in this knit-inspired jewelry! East Village designer Elizabeth Yarborough made a splash with her handcrafted cashmere-wrapped bracelets, retailing for around $80. The bracelets, which have been featured in Vogue, W, V and Nylon, add a pop of color with a unique textural feel to go against your usual metal bangles, perfect to complete the layering look.

What You'll Need:
Enamel bangle - play around with the size and shape
Sweater scraps - any color or material will work. Texture looks best!
Scissors
Hot glue/superglue

Simply cut the fabric to a rectangle large enough to fit the height and circumference of the bracelet. Glue the ends together in the inside, center of the bracelet. Work your way around the entire bracelet, making sure the fabric lays smooth.

xx, CC