2.23.2009

Absence makes the heart grow fonder...hopefully.

As cliche as it may be to apologize for a blogging absence, I'm terribly sorry. Midterms, job #1, and job#2 have prohibited me from having any type of social life, let alone time for arts and crafts! I wish I could tell you I have lots of new project ideas post-NY Fashion Week, but unfortunately I don't. I haven't had time to go through the shows in detail because it has been consumed with some other projects. Luckily, you guys can see one of them now!

Read my interview with Michelle and Carly from Cushnie et Ochs on StyleCaster.com!

I hung out at the girls' studio on the eve before their show during New York Fashion Week. They were super sweet and it was such a fun time! Seriously, watch out for this duo in the coming years.

xx,CC

P.S. Freedom is on the horizon after I'm finished with my papers. Expect projects to resume in a few weeks time!

2.11.2009

Dress You Up in My Love

Whenever a designer creates a capsule collection for a discount retail chain there is always tons of buzz surrounding the launch. While fashionistas across Manhattan will be making their way to Target's pop-up store to score some Alexander McQueen this weekend, I'm more looking forward to Matthew Williamson's H&M collection...for men! Studded jackets, comfy and colorful zip-up hoodies, and his signature rainbow stripes dominate.

Check out more at NYLONguys

The collection doesn't hit stores until April 23, which gives you plenty of time to decide what you want to purchase for your current boy toy (cough*yourself*cough) as part of his spring wardrobe revamp. If he expresses defiance at sporting something quite so colorful, you should

1) feign shock
2) insist he just doesn't understand fashion and
3) steal the pieces for yourself

Everyone wins!

xx,CC

2.08.2009

Balmain Bonanza

Perusing Net-A-Porter.com the other day, I fell in love with what I thought was a studded Balmain blazer. Not that I had the extra $5,000 lying around, but I wondered why a blazer - albeit Balmain - was several thousand dollars? A closer glance and some research turned up the blazer's counterpart. This was actually a jacket constructed out of what appeared to be the smoothest, softest leather I'd ever seen on a pixelated screen. Don't get me wrong, the leather is gorgeous, but I actually liked the notion that this leather jacket had been masquerading as a neat little blazer punked out with studs. The rock-n-roll vibe is a bit more ironic on a stereotypical workplace item. With studs popping up everywhere these days, I thought the trend had just about overstayed its welcome. However, there's no one quite like Christophe to transform tacky bling and cliché 80s silhouettes into something fabulous.


What You'll Need:
Blazer
Black or silver studs (about 150 medium sized)

Seam ripper

Pliers


Studs seem to be all over the blogging world, so I don't want to be too redundant by explaining the process again. See this bag and these shoes for a detailed lesson. The design on this blazer entails three rows of studs covering the entire lapel and wrapping all the way around the back of the neck. Make the row closest to the inside of the blazer about four extra studs longer than the second row.
The second row will be three-four studs longer than the third row (and so on). If your jacket has a wider lapel, keep adding rows until you hit the outside edge.


Throw on with cigarette pants and structural heels for that avate-garde Parisian feel or over a silk dress for a night out on the town.

xx,CC

2.03.2009

I'm kind of a big deal...

NOT! Only a select group of hipsters and fashion savvy internationals find their faces appearing on infamous party blog The Cobra Snake, but thanks to a hot iron transfer and a little inspiration via Face Hunter you too can pronounce your new found celebrity to the world!


What You'll Need:
T-shirt
Hot iron

Iron on transfer kit (found at most craft stores, next to glitter glue and kitty stencils)

Your favorite photo

Computer

Printer


Take the following graphic and open it in Paint, Photoshop, or other picture editing software. I'm basically inept at all things technological, so simple old Paint works for me!

Take the personal picture you want on your shirt, and paste it over the graphic. You can also edit the text to say whatever you wish at this point. A Henry Holland-esque phrase may be appropriate. My clever friend Elana recently came up with

SHOW US THE WAY
CARA BUESÉ

Just so long as it rhymes with your name, you're good to go! Print your image on the transfer paper and follow the ironing instructions included in your kit.


Sport your shirt proudly because now everyone you pass on the street will immediately know of your importance and fame. Make sure to give a doe-eyed Olsen stare at gawkers for maximum effect.

xx,CC

2.02.2009

Schizo

Because sometimes a girl just can't make up her mind.

xx,CC

2.01.2009

Tulle-ing Around

In signature Vera fashion, Ms. Wang's spring collection was chock-full of gauzy fabrics and flirty frocks. However, Vera threw the fashion world a curve ball this season by incorporating sporty cigarette pants and basketball tanks in with her trademark romantic pieces. Not being one to jump on the über girly trend, I usually find pleasure viewing Vera's collections from a distance. However, after stumbling across this editorial in Vogue Brazil, I was smitten with the jeweled necklaces styled over casual tee shirts.

Already having more tulip skirts than I can count hanging in my closet, the wheels of my fashion-obsessed brain immediately began spinning as to how I could incorporate Vera's crystal and tulle necklace into my girl-on-the-go wardrobe. I'm picturing a black tee, gray tulip skirt, and the combat boots that never leave my feet to downplay the bridal feel of the necklace. After throwing my hair up into a windswept bun (to show off the bow on the back of the necklace, bien sûr!), I'll feel like I'm jaunting through Soho on my way to afternoon tea...instead of my required business ethics class. Hey, a girl can dream!


What You'll Need:
Tulle ribbon
Beaded applique (found in the bridal section of most sewing stores)

Needle

Thread

Scissors


Sew the applique on a square of tulle fabric (I sewed two ribbons together so it was wide enough). Following the outline of the applique, cut around the the edges leaving approximately 3/4" of fabric. Flip the applique over, and sew the a ribbon on both ends of the applique. I started with extra long ribbon and folded it in half so there would be two strings on both sides of the necklace.


Tie the back of the necklace in a bow around your neck, making sure it hits your collarbone where you desire. Cut off the excess ribbon at the ends of the bows.

xx,CC