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!

Obama-rama

Move over Jackie O., there's a new first lady of fashion in town! Michelle Obama ignited a fashion frenzy all along the campaign trail. She won over the masses with her accessible buys from J. Crew and H&M, while also garnering admiration from the more sartorially apt crowd with her penchant for designers like Narciso Rodriguez and Thakoon. Now that the new Mrs. O is officially our first lady, her style star is only sure to grow brighter. Rumors are swirling over a potential Vogue cover, and designers are clamoring to get their dresses on her for inauguration day. If you missed your shot to pick up the J. Crew cardigan she wore to an interview with Leno (which sold out the next day, natch), worry not! You can easily achieve Mrs. Obama's conservative-yet-chic style with a just a few wardrobe staples found in every girl's closet.


What You'll Need:
Brooch
Cardigan

It's pretty self explanatory, but...


Button the top button of your cardigan and cover with a decorative brooch. Now that's a style statement sure to make Americans proud!

xx,CC

Out on a Lim

Us style fiends tend to get very opinionated about the merits of the "granny chic" trend. The pieces tend to veer toward the oversize and comfortable, which lead some to call the look frumpy. I say frump-shmump! Thrown over black wool tights and knee-high boots, this 3.1 Phillip Lim inspired cardigan will keep me cozy all winter long.

What You'll Need:
X-long cardigan (found at Old Navy)
5 yards lace trim
Scissors
Needle
Thread

Lay the cardigan on a flat surface. Place the lace on top of the lapel, right side down. Pin in place around the entire sweater, giving a little more leeway at the neck. Sew down the lace along the lapel, using a straight line of tiny stitches.

Next, fold the lace over so the correct side is facing up, and iron flat. Sew the lace down around the scalloped edge to hold in place.

Hey, you gotta admit, when dressing for a morning class, it looks chicer than a pair of sweats.

xx,CC

Yarborough Jewelry

It's spring in New York--too warm for a sweater but too cold for just a t-shirt. So instead, wrap your wrists in this knit-inspired jewelry! East Village designer Elizabeth Yarborough made a splash with her handcrafted cashmere-wrapped bracelets, retailing for around $80. The bracelets, which have been featured in Vogue, W, V and Nylon, add a pop of color with a unique textural feel to go against your usual metal bangles, perfect to complete the layering look.

What You'll Need:
Enamel bangle - play around with the size and shape
Sweater scraps - any color or material will work. Texture looks best!
Scissors
Hot glue/superglue

Simply cut the fabric to a rectangle large enough to fit the height and circumference of the bracelet. Glue the ends together in the inside, center of the bracelet. Work your way around the entire bracelet, making sure the fabric lays smooth.

xx, CC