Barbarella

The seemingly bleak economical and environmental outlook these days leaves people yearning for protection and security. This climate can't help but impact designers during their creative process, so it is no wonder tougher, utilitarian jewelry is making its way onto the scene. Case in point? Staple Brit label Burberry Prorsum and the recently launched Dannijo. Both lines used barbed wire as inspiration for bracelets that send a "Don't mess with me" message. Juxtaposed with dainty, ethereal dresses, these bracelets will keep you looking sharp all spring!

From left: Dannijo bracelet; Burberry Prorsum bracelet

What You'll Need:
3 yards thin leather cord
Jewelry clasp
One bead
Superglue
Scissors

Begin by cutting two pieces of cord, each one yard long. Tie a knot at one end, then twist the two strands together and tie another knot about six inches from the opposite end. Slip on your bead then tie another knot, adding your jewelry clasp, to secure it in place. This serves as the length of the bracelet that you will wrap around your wrist.


Now it is time to make the barbs. Cut your remaining yard of leather cord into five inch pieces. While pinching the small piece of cord to the bracelet with your thumb and forefinger, wrap the loose end around itself and over the end you are pinching about three times. Leave the last loop a bit loose and slide the end of the cord under the loop, which acts as a knot to keep the barb from unwrapping.


Put a dot of superglue over the knot and snip off the excess cord. Make one barb at four inch intervals along your entire bracelet.


xx,CC

Waist Management

While one typically thinks of cording and tassels as a home decor staple, Hannah MacGibbon clearly had another use in mind for the drapery accents while designing the Chloé Fall 2009 collection. After a rocky first season as head designer for the French fashion house, MacGibbon finally struck a high note as she adorned her collection of comfy coats and khakis with demure fringe accents on clutches, blouses, and, of course, belts. Wrapped around a luxe velvet skirt, the interwoven metallic and black silk threads recall the regal days of the court of Versailles. What better way to infuse a little luxe into your everyday wardrobe?


What You'll Need:
Black velvet skirt (thrifted for $5.00)
Black and metallic cord (approximately 2 yards)
Two black tassels
Black satin ribbon (1/2" width)
Needle
Thread
Scissors

After threading your needle, stitch around the end of the cord a few times so it will not unravel. Attach one tassel to each end of the cord by sewing through the center of the tassel and knotting multiple times. Wrap the satin ribbon around the spot where the tassel meets the end of the cord and secure by sewing for a finished look. Wrap your belt around a velvet skirt for a runway ready look or add to skinny jeans or harem pants for a look all your own!


xx,CC

Buckle Up

The holidays are officially over, your energy is zapped, and there is nothing to look forward to in the dreary months of February and March; it's no wonder you wake up every morning and throw your hair into a lackluster bun or braid! Thank goodness Eugenia Kim, milliner to the stars, is here to save the (no good very bad hair) day with her embroidered buckle headband. Handpicked by Lucky editors as a surrealist statement piece, it's the perfect winter accessory - everyone will notice your shining hair and cute new eyeshadow instead of the same coat you've been forced to wear since November.


What You'll Need:
One piece of felt
Wide headband
Black grosgrain ribbon 2" width
Scissors
Hot glue gun
Black Sharpie

Begin by cutting the piece if felt into a wide strip. Be sure it is long enough to cover the entire headband; cut diagonally along the arrows below.


Put a dot of hot glue on one end of the headband, and press one end of the felt strip down on the glue. Make thin lines of glue along the inside edges of the headband and press the felt under. Make sure the felt is smooth along the outside surface of the headband. To create a finished look (and prevent glue from yanking out your hair!) glue the black ribbon on the inside of the headband. Cut off the excess ribbon with scissors.


Now it is time to add the trompe l'oeil buckle with a Sharpie. Near the top of the band, draw a large square covering the entire width of the headband. Draw a smaller square inside. Next, draw the long lines of the "belt" on either side of the buckle ending in a point. Go back and add details such as stitch marks and belt holes.


xx,CC

Learning the Ropes

Marc Jacobs has a reputation for doing some pretty off the wall designs, leaving his audience with either a "love it" or "hate it" opinion. For his resort 09 handbag collection Marc catered to the yachting crowd - quite literally - with his line of "Fluo Passementary" handbags (def. - trimming with braid or cord). Working with neon rope typically used to station a yacht or sail boat to the dock, Marc created beautifully woven works of art to add as decoration on his simple leather satchels. Whether taking a trip someplace warm or battling the brutal cold, this handbag adds the perfect pop to any outfit for the new year.


What You'll Need:
Handbag
Assorted rope (found at Home Depot)
Flat back gems
Hot glue gun
Scissors

Begin by taking your largest gauge rope and create symmetrical loops around the front center of the handbag. This takes a bit of experimentation until you come up with a design you like.


Once you know how you are going to lay out the rope, cut the proper length. Take your hot glue gun and put a dot on the end of the rope to prevent unraveling. Squeeze a thin line of glue on the bag in the shape of your design and press the rope on top. If your bag has a flap like mine, be careful to only glue on the top part of the flap. The rope has enough structure that it keep its shape and hang over the bottom. Continue gluing until your design is complete, then come in with a second (slightly thinner) rope and add to your first design. As a finishing touch, glue a few colorful gems in the center of your loops.


To finish the handbag, tie a long piece of rope around the end of one side of the handle. Begin tying the rope in basic alternating knots, as you would if you were braiding a flat hemp necklace. When you reach the other side of the handle, put a dot of hot glue on each side of loose rope. Once dry (approximately one minute), snip the excess rope off as close to the knot as possible.


xx,CC