Don't Forget to Floss!

In these days of Pinterest and up cycling the saying "one man's trash is another man's treasure" has never held more true. If you're like me and feel bad wasting craft materials you probably have tons of leftover embroidery floss that is not quite long enough to start a new project. Now you can use those scraps to add a fun pop of color to an ordinary charm à la Urban Outfitters!

What You'll Need:

Necklace 

Embroidery floss

Wire  

Jump Ring

Scissors

 

First, twist together your embroidery floss and thread through the jump ring. Pinching the floss together, wrap the wire around the embroidery floss (approximately 10 times) at the base of the jump ring.

Lastly, cut off the excess wire. Undo your necklace and slide on the new jump ring!

 

xx,CC

Cameo Appearance

It is no surprise that Miu Miu, better known as Prada's quirky little sister, would take an Edwardian classic like the cameo and reinvigorate the age-old staple with a modern spin. The Cammeo Cristal Collection features silhouettes vaguely reminiscent of the 1920s. Women in cloche hats and flapper headpieces are set against oval backdrops of cherry red, cerulean blue, and hot pink. Add a pair of head-turning earrings to denim cut-offs or a bejeweled necklace to a cotton shift for an Art Deco vibe. You can bet if Daisy Buchanan were on the summer party circuit this is exactly what she'd choose!

What You'll Need:

Miu Miu printout

Pendant necklace

Scissors

Mod Podge

Brush

Hot glue gun

 

First, print out the image of the cameo. You will have to play with the size of the image to get the silhouette to fit on your existing pendant. Cut out the oval around the cameo. Next, paint the Mod Podge on the surface of your old pendant and apply the oval cut out on top while taking care to smooth any creases.

 After the paper applique has dried (usually about 5 minutes), paint a layer of Mod Podge over the paper to give the cameo a glossy finish. Once dry, use a hot glue gun to reassemble your pendant. My outdated "Juicy" pendant had a cloth backing and rhinestone setting that I ripped apart, but you can make earrings, bracelets, or rings using this method!

xx,CC

A Bolder Shoulder

From the flak jacket to cargo pants, uber-cool labels such as Rag & Bone, Y-3, and Alexander Wang confirmed military inspired get-ups are back with a vengeance for spring. This masculine trend can make some feel a bit skittish, but there's something to be had for everyone. Epaulettes, favored in the most extreme form by Lady Gaga, add the perfect finishing touch to any shirt or dress. Dressed up for an evening out or down for casual Friday, this army staple infuses a bit of extra polish into any occasion. Now that's something to salute!

Clockwise from top right: Kate Moss for Topshop, Balmain, Falconiere, Andrew Gn. Center: Alice + Olivia

What You'll Need:
T-shirt
1 sheet felt
Chain
Needle nose pliers
Needle
Thread
Sewing pins
Scissors

Begin by cutting two elliptical shape pieces (about the size of your shoulder) out of the felt. Next, sew the chain onto your felt pieces in a spiral pattern starting from the outside and working your way to the center.

Next, determine the placement of the epaulettes on your shirt (it helps to have the shirt on) and pin in place. Sewing around the outside edge of the felt, secure the epaulettes to the shirt. Lastly, drape some extra chain around the outside edge using your pliers.


xx,CC

Industrial Revolution

With temperatures dropping and sidewalks getting slicker the standard BFs (ballet flats, duh!) just aren't cutting it anymore. The thought of donning UGGs in public is more horrifying than J. Lo's AMA performance. This winter there is a new way to keep your toes toasty with embellished oxfords thanks to the girls of Vena Cava. The duo's fall collection, aptly titled "Crystalarium," takes the old English staple into the digital age with added studs and industrial size chain along the back heel. Tires need a little chain to make it through the harsh winter, so why not your shoes!


What You'll Need:
One pair loafers or oxfords
Thread
Thimble
Industrial size needle
Industrial size chain
Scissors
Pliers

Start by making two even pieces of chain (approximately 7 inches long each), using your pliers to open and close the links. Then double thread your needle, tying a secure knot at the end. Using your thimble to protect your thumb, stick your needle through the back center of the shoe from the inside out.


Loop the thread through the center link of the chain and push the needle back inside the shoe. Repeat, making sure the chain is secure. To tie the thread off push your needle to the outside once again. Loop the thread around itself (the part already holding the link in place) to make a few ending knots. Thread the chain to the shoe at the two ends of the chain, and on either side of the center. This ensures the chain runs straight across the back of the shoe and does not droop.

xx,CC

Extra, Extra...

Parson's alum Eugenia Kim hasn't stopped making hats since suffering a bad haircut and being forced to shave her head. Suffer in vain she did not! Her newsboy caps were quickly all over the red carpet on the precocious heads of young Hollywood a few years ago, but now the young designer has solidified her status as the hat guru with fedoras, berets, and even headbands. Newsboy caps haven't looked this good since crowning the head of a barely legal Christian Bale in the 1992 film Newsies.


What You'll Need:
Black hat
Gold chain
Thin black ribbon
Needle
Thread
Scissors

First, braid two strands of chain and one strand of ribbon. Make sure the braid is long enough to lie across the entire front brim of the hat. Thread your needle and sew the ribbon part of your braid to the hat. Be sure the braid lies flat and you are only stitching on the underside.

Once you have sewn the entire braid, snip off any loose ends. Although the hat isn't entirely similar to Eugenia Kim's, it would fit in quite nicely with Chanel's Fall 2004 collection, used liberally in The Devil Wears Prada.


xx,CC

Take It to the Lim-it!

Walk into any department store this holiday season and you'll see bling is back in a big way. If blinding sequin garments are a bit over the top for your style or you don't have the dough to drop on legitimate ice, you may want to consider a more practical, yet totally unique option - Phillip Lim's accordian pleated necklace. This version is a spin-off from the one that opened his runway show. Decked out with colorful jewels, this necklace combines the best of two trends with the tough gold metal chain, an ode to biker chic. Throw on over a simple dress or plain top to add character to any ensemble. Dressing for holiday soirees or office parties couldn't be easier this season. Gem dandy!


What You'll Need:
Black grosgrain ribbon (approximately 2 inches wide)
Black tulle ribbon
Chain
Gems (assorted colors and sizes)
Two metal loops
Needle
Thread
Scissors
Iron
Hot glue gun

First turn the iron on and spread out the grosgrain ribbon. Thread your needle to have it handy. Leave about 5 inches of ribbon at the end, then use your fingers to fold the ribbon into half inch pleats and press firmly with the hot iron. It works best to fold about three to five pleats at a time. Make a row of tiny stitches across the top of the pleated ribbon to hold it in place. Continue working your way down the ribbon in this manner until you reach your desired length. The ends of the ribbon should lay on either side of your neck, leaving room across the back for the tulle ribbon.


Lay the pleated ribbon flat. Using the needle and thread, sew the chain down across the top of the pleated part of the necklace. Next, slip one of the loops through the end of the ribbon. Fold the ribbon around the loop and sew flat. Repeat for opposite side. Attach the tulle ribbon in the same manner on the other side of the loop. Finally, hot glue the colored gems on the front of the necklace just below the chain.


xx,CC

Third Time's the Charm

Luella Bartley may have been watching too much "Mad Men" while designing her Spring 2010 collection, but we love her for it! Dainty skirts and blouses under mod swing coats in candy bright colors were a welcome departure from the current climate. Luella's ladies were adorably buttoned up and all ready to attend 60's church service. Not sure how to infuse such optimistic dressing into your biker chic wardrobe? Take one of these fun floral key chains that adorned all the purses in Luella's show for a spin.


What You'll Need:
1.5" Styrofoam balls
Silk and wire stem flowers
Jump rings
Eye pins
Chain
Lobster clasps
Paint
Pliers

Depending on the color of your flowers, paint the Styrofoam balls to match. Even though they will be covered with flowers it hides any larger gaps from the naked eye.


After the paint has dried begin inserting the wire stems into the Styrofoam. Space the flowers so the petals are touching. Once the ball is covered, insert one eye pin into the Styrofoam.


Using pliers, connect a jump ring to the eye loop sticking out of the Styrofoam. Then attach about 4 inches of chain and another jump ring at the end. Finish off the key chain with a lobster clasp for easy attachment to purses, keys, belts, and other accessories!


xx,CC

Ms. Brightside

Imagine starting your own jewelry business and in under a year your pieces are featured on "Gossip Girl," beloved by Natalie Portman, and carried in stores such as Henri Bendel and Harvey Nichols. For sisters Danielle and Jodi Snyder this is their reality. The Florida natives felt they could capture the polarity between "rough and edgy" and "soft, feminine and dainty" to fill a need that just wasn't being met by other jewelry designers. With this concept and a little manipulation of their names, Dannijo was born. Favoring neon colors, heaps of delicate chains, and interesting textures like yarn, the line has a decidedly tribal feel sure to brighten any ensemble.


What You'll Need:
Rubber tubing (I used an old stethoscope)
Strip of tie dye felt or fabric
2 yards suede or hemp string
2 yards chain
Beads (optional)
Copper wire
Necklace clasp
Super glue
Pliers

First, cut your rubber tubing to the appropriate length. The tubing should circle in front of your neck ending at just about your shoulders. Next, lay the piece of felt face down. Spread a line of super glue across one edge and place the tubing on top. Be sure to bend the tubing as straight as possible and hold in place for approximately 30 to 60 seconds. Continue coating the felt with glue and twist around the tube in sections, making sure the felt is pulled taut. When the entire tube is covered, cut the excess felt off in a straight line and glue the edge down.


There should be some extra felt on either end of the tube. Pinch it together and tightly wrap wire around the end of the tube, similar to how many pieces of candy are wrapped. Next, take a 4 inch piece of wire and insert it into the middle of the pinched fabric, pushing it down into the tubing. Put a few drops of glue where the wire enters the fabric to ensure it doesn't slide out. Using your needle nose pliers, make a loop out of the remaining wire sticking out. This is where you will attach your chain. Repeat for other side.


Next, you need to attach your tubing to a chain that will go around your neck. If you already have some heavy duty chain that will work well and yield a similar result to the original. I made a beaded chain using this wire wrapped loop technique. Measure around your neck to determine where your necklace hits and how much chain you'll need. Cut the proper length, then cut that chain piece in half. Attach your necklace closure at one end of each chain and attach the other ends to the wire loops on the felt tube at either side.

Lastly, tie a piece of suede string on a wire loop near the clasp. Twist it all the way around the necklace, and tie it off near the clasp on the other side.

Repeat, twisting the opposite way around the necklace to form X's out of the suede. Repeat using two pieces of chain.


xx,CC

Neat As A Pin

All the cool kids live in Brooklyn these days, including Lisa Mayock and Sophie Buhai, collectively known as Vena Cava. A wardrobe staple of Blake Lively's Gossip Girl character, the line is most recognized for its sexy party dresses and ornamental necklines. Although the two showed a more subdued collection for Spring 2010, they couldn't help but adding a little Williamsburg flavor to their collection with a safety-pin camisole. Their effort to make "wearable day pieces" certainly succeeded. Thrown over a basic tee or jersey dress, this makeshift suit of armor also comes in handy when your pants button pops or you need to pick a lock... which is far more frequently these days given the economy. Hey, I'm just saying.


What You'll Need:
Large safety-pins
Jump rings
Pliers

First make the bodice piece by connecting the safety-pins in a horizontal row long enough to fit loosely around your chest. Use the pliers to attach the jump rings through the top loops of the safety-pins and the bottom loops. Repeat for two more rows. Now use the jump rings to attach the three rows together. This allows the vest to lay flat, whereas if you actually pin them together it will get twisted. Finally, connect a row of pins for your straps and adjust the length.

xx,CC

All Points West

The best ideas seem to be born out of dorm rooms these days. Following in the footsteps of companies like Dell, facebook, and Google, sisters Katheryn and Elizabeth Fortunato started Lizzie Fortunato jewels while they were students at Duke University. After graduation, the two took their campus curios to the Big Apple where they launched their namesake line in 2007. In addition to putting out her own line every season, Elizabeth also manages to design the jewelry for Victoria Bartlett's VPL runway show. For fall the sisters were inspired by their roadtrip through the American West and aptly titled the collection "Long May You Run." Using stones reminiscent of the canyons and elegantly braided silk thread, these bracelets will certainly have a long run in your winter wardrobe.


What You'll Need:
Embroidery floss
Jewelry wire
Assorted beads
Chain
Bracelet closures
Pliers

There are many different ways these bracelets can be made. First I must note that instead of thick gold chain I decided to use strands of small gold beads that have been sitting in my jewelry box forever. For the longest part of the bracelet simply braid together the chain and/or embroidery floss. Finish off both ends of the braid by knotting it onto a wire-wrapped loop (click here for simple instructions on how to make a wire-wrapped loop). String your beads onto the wire, then finish off with another loop. Attach the chain and bracelet closures, then add any extra braids or dangling charms.


xx,CC

The Bright Stuff

If you thought neons were for preschoolers (c'mon we all thought LA Lights were the bomb), think again! It is time to make like a highlight kid and sport the trend once again. From über cool Alex Wang to established labels such as Marc Jacobs and DKNY, there is no doubt some of the hottest jewelers got their inspiration straight from the runway. If you feel just a tad ostentatious sporting screaming yellow around your neck, you needn't fret. Even Michelle Obama was spotted wearing one of Tom Binn's creations to an event at the Kennedy Center.

From left: Tom Binns, Tom Binns, Givenchy

What You'll Need:
Ribbon
Two pin backs
Chain
Charm (optional)
Plastic lanyard (or neon beads, gems, etc.)
Superglue
Pliers
Scissors

I had a whole box full of plastic string leftover from the summer I was going to make a fortune selling lanyards to all my elementary school buds, so I thought the neon shade would be perfect for recreating the feel of Mr. Binn's masterpiece. Start by making four 1.5" circle stitch lanyards. Next attach them together with chain by using pliers to slide the chain links under the side stitches of the lanyard. Drape loops of chain in varying lengths off the bottom chain (again using pliers to open and close the links). On each pin back, loop the ribbon through and superglue it flat on the back side. Attach the necklace links through the pin backs. Tie around your neck and adjust the bow until it hits at your desired length.


xx,CC

Colors of the Wind

With the Native American trend infiltrating almost every piece of your wardrobe, from ikat skirts to fringe moccasins, what better way to differentiate from the fad than with Lee Angel's beaded collar necklace? The delicate bead work juxtaposed against a tough metal chain keeps the antique piece looking decidedly New World. Pair it with a maxi dress to feel like an Indian princess or leather pants and a jean jacket for a show-em-who's-chief vibe. There couldn't be a better piece to tie you over during those late night summer pow-wows.


What You'll Need:
Chain link necklace
Approximately 1 yard embroidery floss
Assorted seed beads
Head pins or jewelry wire
Scissors
Flat nose pliers
Superglue

Spread your necklace in one row, making sure all the links are flat and facing the same direction. Take the embroidery floss and tie a double knot at one end of the necklace; snip off the knot tails. Put a dot of superglue on the knot to hold the floss in place. Begin looping the floss around the top of the chain, pulling tightly. After about three loops around the first link, move on to the next. When you reach the end, tie another knot and dot with glue. I found that weaving the floss through the chain first helps hold the links in place while you attach the beaded pins.


If you have head pins, which have a metal stop on one end to keep the beads from falling off, begin stringing your seed beads on in whatever pattern you choose. If you are using wire like moi (because I had it handy and didn't want to waste money), take the flat nose pliers and coil the wire tightly around them a few times to create a stop on one end. Depending on how full you want your necklace to look, make between 40 to 80 beaded pins. I believe mine has near 70. Don't feel daunted, the beading goes quite fast! Finally, attach the beaded pins by coiling the long end tightly around the bottom of each link. Snip off the extra wire, and use the pliers to flatten the sharp end of the coil down.


xx,CC

Are You a Wangster?

If I was currently in a climate where the temperature is above 10 degrees (read, not Manhattan), I would be all over these babies. Shredded denim + chain + Alex Wang = bliss.


Unfortunately, all my summer duds are stored away until May. Head over to Park & Cube for a simple tutorial. You'll come out looking like a BAMF - so fierce that no one on the street will dare mess with you!

xx, CC

Haute Wheels: Leading the Way!

If, like me, you grew up with brothers around the house, you likely found yourself tripping over their huge mess of toy soldiers, Transformers, and mini racing cars. I never understood the allure of pushing a toy car with your hand while making annoying car noises. However, thanks to a cute feature in last month's NYLON magazine, I finally found a good use for the multitude of Matchbox and Hot Wheels cars now sitting untouched in basement storage. Swiss designer Jackie Heinsohn takes toy racing cars and turns them into turbocharged accessories (sold at a turbocharged price to match). With a few extra materials, you can turn your brother's toy car into a kitschy cool bracelet for under $10. Shhh, you don't need to tell him what you're doing; he's too busy playing X box to notice one of his prized childhood Hot Wheels is missing...


What You'll Need:
Toy car
Charm
Metal chain (approximately 4.5 inches)
Two jumprings
Two pieces hardware
Jewelry clasp
Superglue
Pliers


First, flip the car on its hood and fix the two pieces of hardware on both ends with superglue. This serves to connect the car to the chain. You can use things such as an earring back or pinback. The key is that the hardware have a flat bottom (to glue to the car) and a hole (to put the jump ring through). Let it dry.

With the assistance of pliers, attach the chain to the car using a jumpring. Attach the charm to the jumpring as well. On the opposite end of the car, attach the chain to the jewelry clasp with a jumpring.

Now you're raring to go!

xx,CC

Isabel Marant Rock n' Roll Boots

We're in the thick of Paris Fashion Week and I've been following style.com religiously (classes be damned!). In my breaks between finance and business leadership I rush to the computer lab to see what new shows have been posted in the 1.15 hours I've been held hostage in the classroom. This garners more than a few stares from my fellow business classmates, who rush to the computer lab to see where the DOW is currently.

Isabel Marant showed her collection, dubbed "A little bit country, a little bit rock n' roll," to the fashion elite in Paris yesterday. I could have lived with out the country bit, but when it came to her chain wrapped slouchy boots...in the words of Rachel Zoe: "I DIE!" Remembering an old pair of Cole Haan boots I had stashed in the back of my closet, I wasted no time fashioning a pair of my very own.

Original

Before

What You'll Need:

Slouchy boots
Chain
Super glue or double stick tape
Pliers

Fasten the chain to the back of the boot using super glue or a piece of tape (depends if you want to remove the chain later on down the line). Wrap the chain around the boot several times, working upward. When you reach the top, connect the chain together using pliers.

After

Now you have your very own pair of Isabel Marant boots, months before they become available to the masses! Play up the rocker vibe by pairing them with skinny jeans, or tone down the look with a flirty dress.


xx,CC

Chain Reaction

Despite all the press surrounding Erin Wasson's questionable jewelry designs, it was the FORM show last Friday that sparked a desire to create my own body chain. I invited friends Connie and Elana over to partake in the jewelry making festivities! As New York fashion week finally winds down, we had time to relax, recap the Spring 2009 trends, and pop open the bottle of champagne from the DKNY show goody bag!

What You'll Need:
Approximately 3 yards thin chain
Pliers

There really is no set formula for making the body chain. I found that trial and error works best. Simply drape and twist the chain around your body in positions you find flattering. Once you're happy with the result, undo the loops on the chain and reconnect them in the desired position. Here are our results:


xx, CC

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