Starry Night

As we gear up for the Spring 2009 collections, I thought a trip down memory lane, in the form of Stefano Pilati's Spring 2008 YSL Star Goddess Dress, was appropriate. I know you may be thinking "this is so last season," but anyone who knows me is aware I have a slight obsession with stars. Whether on garments, accessories, or skin, in the words of Depeche Mode, I just can't get enough.

What You'll Need:
White dress (I used a simple jersey, but silk is more akin to the real thing!)
Star template (http://elegantmusings.com/tutorials/startemplate.gif)
Glitter (gold, purple, green, and blue)
Pencil
Fabric glue

Begin by laying the dress on a flat surface. Decide the placement of the stars and trace the outline with a pencil. Next, fill in your star outlines with a smooth coat of fabric glue and shake the glitter on top. Let glue dry for about 20 minutes before shaking off the excess glitter.

Be sure to complete one star before moving onto the next as you don't want the glitter colors to mix. After you have glittered all the stars, allow the dress to dry over night.

The relaxed fit and colorful pattern of the dress make it versatile for styling... you'll have a look that's out of this world!

xx, CC

Stuart Weitzman Jellystone Flats

Stuart Weitzman Jellystones (retail price $115)

The debate about wearing jellies past the age of 5 has been going on for quite some time now. Never one to invest in a fleeting trend, I decided to buy a pair of cheapies at my local DSW. If you decide to bite the bullet, why not add a little sophistication with silk ribbon and Swarovski crystals? The only crime to trying this trend is paying $100+ for something that costs under $20.

What You'll Need:

Jelly shoes
Crystals
Silk ribbon
Scissors
Super glue

Start by gluing the crystals onto the shoe where the open weaves cross. I glued a lot onto the front, then started placing them more sporadically as I worked my way back toward the heel. Next, weave the ribbon around the top edge of the shoe from heel to toe (then do the same on the opposite side of the shoe). The two pieces of ribbon will meet in the center of the shoe. Secure in place with super glue and cut off excess ribbon. Glue the ribbon in place at the heel of the shoe in the same manner.

Next, cut about 12 in. of ribbon and tie in a bow. Glue the bow onto the center of the shoe.

Polish of the look by gluing a single crystal in the center of the bow. Et voilà!! Your very own pair of high class jelly flats.

xx, CC

Added bonus: Jellies are a great summer alternative to rain boots.

Rip Rip, Sparkle Sparkle

Mischa Barton's "Hole-y" Shirt

Courtesy of Nylon Magazine's Blog

Elizabeth and James Sequin Tee

Courtesy of Fashionista.com

xx, CC

Shake It Up: A Bracelet Necklace?

Didn't you get the memo that wearing a ring on your finger and a bracelet on your wrist is so passé? Mix it up like all the cool kids by wearing ordinary accessories in a completely un-ordinary way.

The good news is you don't have to shell out $800 for Dries Van Noten's runway bijoux. Pile on colorful bangles from Forever 21 to add flair to an otherwise plain outfit, or go for a more tribal look using only metals and bone.


Not quite the exhibitionist? If you don't want to go for such a bold statement, try stringing three cocktail rings onto a piece of ribbon and tie it around two thin bracelets.

Now that, in my opinion, is the perfect touch of irony.

xx, CC

Fringe Benefits

3.1 Phillip Lim Reversible Fringe T-Shirt Dress

Fringe is back with a vengeance! Runways, celebs, and stylistas alike are predicting it to be one of the key trends leading into fall. Don't blow your hard earned summer savings on a limiting statement piece. Ingenuity, careful measuring, and a little elbow grease will go a long way in giving your wallet a big break.

What You'll Need:
Jersey mini dress (I shortened this navy one from American Apparel)
3 yards fringe (I used black, to match Lim's inspiration dress)
Needle
Thread
Ruler
Sharpie

1. Determine the two points on the neckline where it perfectly hits your shoulders (Hint: there is usually a seam connecting the sleeve at this point). Sew the fringe around the neckline in two pieces - one that goes around the front, the other around the back.

2. Next, try the dress on and determine the width of the fringe you want to hang down the front (or back, this dress is reversible!). Make a mark with the Sharpie where you want the fringe to stop on each end. I trust Phillip's design eye, so my fringe stretches across most of my body, with two small strips of exposed dress down the side.
3. Take the dress off, and carefully lay it flat on your table. Be sure the side seams lay exactly straight, as jersey stretches and it is easy to end up with crooked fringe. Following the scooped neckline as a guide, draw a small semi-circle approximately 3.5 inches underneath, between your two width marks. The fringe should cover the semi circle by about 1.5-2 inches when hanging down, as this will be the seam for the next layer of fringe.
4. Lay the fringe on the semi-circle, and cut to the appropriate length. Sew the fringe to the dress along your semi-circle, securing the mid and end points first to avoid a lopsided semi-circle.

5. Repeat steps 3-4 for as many more layers of fringe you want. Three to four layers below the neckline is usually plenty, as you want the fringe to hang just above the hemline.

Now it's time to slip on your dress and celebrate your savings by shimmying to the Charleston all night long!

xx, CC

P.S. The American Apparel dress comes in a variety of colors, so if you prefer my navy dress's flashy mint counterpart, all the more power to ya!