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

Ice Ice Baby

Though the weather outside is frightful, there are still a multitude of holiday parties to attend! With tiered party frocks and sequins getting a bit stale, why not spice things up with a cool asymmetrical tank from Elizabeth and James? Pair with satin skinny pants for the office party, opaque tights and a sleek mini for a festive fête, or denim and ankle boots for a casual night of bar hopping. No matter what your plans are for the holidays, the sleet gray jersey and ice hem detail will keep you looking fresh and sparkling all through the night!


What You'll Need:
Tank top
Bugle beads
Needle
Thread (one color matching tank + one color of your choice)
Scissors

Begin by trying on your tank and lightly penciling a diagonal line from under your rib cage to your hip. Lie the tank on a flat surface and cut along your guide. Next, sew the bugle beads around the entire hem of the shirt using the matching thread.


Using your complementary thread color, sew loops around the middle of each individual bugle bead. This adds the ruffle effect along the hem. The thread will pop against the silver beads to add unexpected color to an otherwise soft and subtle top!


xx,CC

Gem Dandy

What do you get when you cross a L.A. based stylist/Kitson buyer with a L.A.M.B. designer? The chicest little clothing line for girls with a temerarious temperament - Pencey. Named after Holden Caulfield's boarding school, Pencey has a preppy presupposition with unexpected edge. Case in point? Graphic tees with smileys - upside down - and cozy waffle sweaters cut just a wee bit too short. Pencey's Holiday 2009 collection is available on shopbop.com, but you won't find this simple gray sweatshirt with a sparkling surprise.


What You'll Need:
Gray sweatshirt
Assorted flat back jewels
Fabric glue

Lay your sweatshirt on a flat surface. Insert a magazine/book/dvd case in between the front and back layer of fabric so glue won't seep through. Arrange your crystals in a diagonal line from the collar to the armpit on both sides.


Once you are happy with the positioning, place a dot of glue on the back of each jewel and press firmly. Allow to dry at least an hour, but preferably overnight.


xx,CC

Wallace and Grommet

The pages of Vogue, ELLE, and other fashion publications have screamed with headlines proclaiming the heavy metal look as hot hot hot with titles such as "Iron Maiden," "Rock Revival," and " What a Stud" over the past year. Everyone and their brother in the design world is capitalizing on the craze that swept the DIY blogging world by storm. Case in point (from left to right): Downtown kid Alexander Wang's grommet detailed sweatshirt, Matthew Williamson for H & M's grommet studded vest, and It-Brit (and animal friendly) Stella McCartney's silk grommet dress.


Just when you thought you'd scream if you saw one more editorial or blog post featuring biker chic wears (I may be a wee guilty on the latter point), Marc reinvents the wheel. For his Spring 2010 Marc by Marc Jacobs show he pairs heavy metal purses with tribal print clothes in vibrant oranges, yellows, purples, and blues. The resulting look is quite a departure from the tired neutral hues found on most rocker garbs. His collection is the refreshing oasis we all needed to liven up the rather barren season thus far.


xx,CC

Bonus: The bucket bag is the new "It" shape on the rise, so this little baby is screaming for a DIY!

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

Anchors Away

The nautical theme is everywhere these days, from the always iconic Michael Kors to D&G's latest French Riviera inspired collection; however, Phillip Lim beat them all to the punch this season. He crafted up an exclusive little tee for Brooklyn hot shop Bird last December, touting the piece as adding "some major sparkle to your holidays." While the blinding gems certainly make you feel giddy with Christmas cheer, the winding rope helps the piece transition between seasons (perfect for the lazy days of summer lurking around the corner!). Throw this versatile piece over your swim suit for a day at the beach or pair with smart trousers for cocktails and cookouts.

What You'll Need:
Rope (about 3 yards)
Pack of large crystals (with holes for sewing)
T-shirt
Needle
Thread
Scissors

Start by arranging the crystals around the neckline in the general pattern you desire. Remember to leave enough room between the crystals for the rope to loop around.

Next, sew the crystals to the shirt with a needle and thread. Do not stretch the shirt when sewing, but let the fabric fall naturally. This will help you avoid puckering. Once all the crystals are secure, snake the rope around them tying loose knots. I folded my rope in half and started at the center of the shirt, working my way out on both sides. Secure the rope with thread by sewing from the underside of the shirt.

Once the rope is tied around all the crystals, sew it completely around the neckline to the back of the shirt. The two ends of the rope should meet at the nape of your neck. Tie some thread around both ends (so the rope won't unravel) and snip off the excess. I then added a spiral for a more finished look, or you can experiment with other ways to tie off the rope. Check out the original.

Now you have your very own nautical knit. Let the fun in the sun commence!

xx,CC

P.S. For any loyal readers out there still kindly following my crafty endeavors, I apologize for my much too long hiatus. However, now that the pesky little obligation called college is out of the way I fully intend to update more frequently in the coming months. Thanks for sticking around!

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

The Shredder

When I first stumbled across Raquel Allegra's beautiful shirts I was intrigued by how a basic t-shirt could look like a piece of couture. The fact that Raquel sources her shirts from the LA County Jail adds interesting history and depth to her pieces. Just imagine the story behind that shirt - it was likely worn by a convicted felon while he served kitchen duty, cooking up meals for his fellow inmates! While I'm not brave enough to march into jail and ask for their old, unwanted t-shirts, you can get the same look with a Hanes or Fruit of the Loom undershirt from any supermarket.


What You'll Need:
T-shirt
Seam ripper
Scissors

First, cut the hem off your t-shirt, and style it as desired. You can leave it plain, but I cut a scoop neck and rolled up the sleeves for a more feminine look. Now, decide what section of your t-shirt you want shredded. I found that one side panel (pictured above) or a section of the back usually looks best. Stretch the shirt horizontally between your knees to separate the threads. Take your seam ripper, and pull loose a panel of threads from the bottom of the hem. Using quick, stabbing motions, work your vertically up the shirt, until you have a stripe of loose threads running the entire length of the t-shirt.

I've tried lots of shredding techniques, and found this one works best. Repeat this process for as large a section as you want shredded. After many hours, you'll end up with a one-of-a-kind conversation piece!

xx,CC

Helpful hint: If you're shredding a large section of the shirt, buy one size smaller than normal. The shirt tends to get bigger the more you shred it.

Diversified Assets

I've heard lots of scary rumors in the past few months regarding the current economic climate. Without a doubt, the most frightening was that bankers at Goldman Sachs hypothesized US currency would become worthless. Can you imagine what would happen to our society if money ceased to exist? Take a cue from Mary-Kate and Ashley by diversifying your portfolio - invest in bullion pieces such as gold and silver, then flaunt your wealth on your sleeve!

Elizabeth and James Bullion Slub

What You'll Need:
X-long white shirt
Earrings or two charms
Jump ring
Needle
Thread




Lay the shirt on a flat surface. Fold the fabric vertically, slightly off center. Sew together the fold with a few small stitches. Attach the two earrings together with the jump ring. If you're using earrings, make sure you take off the hooks! Center the connected charms over the fold, and secure them down to the shirt with a few stitches (tip: place the charms so they will hit about at your hip bone level when the shirt is on).

The Elizabeth and James Bullion Slub can be worn open or closed. Personally, I think the draping is what make the shirt unique, so I plan on always wearing it closed. I stitched my shirt together to hold the fold in place, but you can easily unhook the charms by replacing the jump ring with a jewelry clasp. Instead of sewing the shirt fabric together, just make the fold and sew the charms down.

xx,CC

Side note: How much does the Revolve Clothing model look like Blake Lively? Weird. Maybe it's the hair?

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