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

Black Dress and the Cherry Tree

Inspired by Japanese photography, Oscar de la Renta alum Adam Lippes interpreted far eastern culture into western fashion at its best for his eponymous label's fall collection. From swirling full length skirts reminiscent of kimonos to sequins galore on regalia befitting a samurai warrior, Lippes left naught for want for the modern jet-setting bohemian. Among the superior sportswear pieces were silk dresses and draping tops embellished with delicate cherry blossom branches. The Orient is having a big moment in fashion right now, but better don this LBD for the holiday season because just like the cherry blossoms, trends bloom and die in the blink of an eye.


What You'll Need:
Little black dress (preferably cotton)
Silver beads
Black thread
Red thread
Needle
Scissors

First, make the branches off which you'll sew the cherry blossoms. It is helpful to lightly sketch an outline of the branches in pencil on the fabric. Knot a long strand of black thread through your needle and come up from the underside of the dress. Thread one silver bead on your needle, then go through the fabric and back up again, securing the bead. Continue threading the beads in a row, being sure to loop through the fabric each time.


Once the branches are complete, thread your needle with red string. Begin at the bottom corner of the dress and begin scattering leaves and blossoms up the branch. To sew a petal, bring your needle up through the fabric right next to the branch. Make a stitch (approximately 2 inches long) with the thread and come back through the fabric right next to where you began. About 5 to 7 stitches like this will create a petal. See the diagram below for a simplistic version of how the thread should be sewn. The center stitch should be the longest, with stitches decreasing in length on either side.


To make an entire blossom, simply sew five petals in a circle, creating a "star" shape. Add petals all over the branches, or just at the ends for a bare look.


xx,CC

Lumberjack Luxe

Lumberjacks are not known for their sense of style, but thanks to a unique collaboration between Pendleton Woolen Mills and hip shop Opening Ceremony they're slowly finding their way out of the woods and onto the runway. To celebrate its 100th anniversary Pendleton lent its classic plaid and Native American print wools to OC for a line of updated button downs, mini-skirts, and blazers. Whether hitting the trail or heading to the metro, the classic flare coat is sure to make you stand out and keep warm this winter.


What You'll Need:
3 yards Native American print wool
Coat Pattern
Sewing Machine
Pin needles
Scissors
Thread

This was my first ever sewing machine DIY, so I'm not going to be much help in explaining any steps.

The chaos mid-project

I'm assuming if you own a sewing machine you are aware of its virtues and know how to use it. Pick out a coat pattern that resembles the OC coat in your size. *Warning* Measure yourself! Sewing pattern sizes run differently. I was able to find many similar patterns at my local fabric store. I ended up using one that was a wee bit long, so I shortened the hem line and the sleeves for a 3/4 length effect.


Next, pick out the fabric. My fabric was the inspiration behind this entire project. For years I would walk through Jo Ann's or Hancock Fabrics staring at the hideous felt and wool bolts. I wondered who on earth bought it and why there was always so much of it in stock. When I saw Pendleton's collab with OC, it reminded me of said fabric and I had my light bulb moment. I guarantee if you head to your local fabric store you will find a perfect match hidden beneath the High School Musical and Peter Rabbit prints. Lastly, take your pattern and fabric home and follow the instructions. Happy sewing!

The Secret Garden

xx,CC

Buy The Book

One of the oldest pastimes for young women is stitching. In colonial days girls were taught to perfect their needlepoint by completing samplers displaying practical sayings. Over centuries the craft became popular with grannies the world over.

One Christmas I got a bee in my bonnet to make hand stitched stockings for my family. This does not say much for my middle school social life, but had I been born back in the 1700s you can bet I would have been married off by the time I was thirteen thanks to my ambitious needlepoint skills.


While the hobby may have stuck around through changing times, unfortunately the patterns have not evolved as drastically. Unless there is a baby on the way or you are in need of a floral pillow, you are not going to find much in the way of variety. After the "Great Stocking Project of '99" I abandoned the activity and moved on to chicer pursuits. However, a few weeks ago I was thrilled to run across a new handbag line of intricately stitched clutches based on classic book covers by Olympia Le-Tan. She scoured dozens of vintage book stores before finally settling on a smattering of influential reads such as Moby Dick, The Heart is a Lonely Hunter, and The Catcher in the Rye. Each clutch is lined with Liberty-print fabric also used in Le-Tan's shoe line at Colette.

Photo via purple DIARY

After an intimate debut on the eve of Paris Fashion Week, the designer continued her party at an exclusive night club with Lady Gaga and Adrian Grenier. Now who says stitching can't be stylish?!

xx,CC

The Bee's Knees

Designers must have held a covert brainstorming session this season because embellished tights trotted down runways across the world. From Doo.Ri in New York to Ungaro in Paris and finally Miu Miu in Milan, no accessory complimented winter footwear better than luxurious and blinding stockings. Completing outfits such as Cher Horowitz's yellow plaid skirt suit and Blair Waldorf's take on the classic school uniform, knee highs have never strayed far from the spotlight. Miu Miu got it just right this season with paillette-covered kneesocks that take any old outfit from drab to fab in a flash!


What You'll Need:
Knee socks
Sequins
Seed beads
Scissors
Needle
Thread

First, put your socks on. This ensures the tension of the thread is correct and it will not break when you put them on to wear. Thread your needle and tie a double knot at the end. From the underside of the stockings, stick your needle through and pull. Knot a few more time through the stockings to secure. Start by making three "flowers." Thread a sequin and a bead onto the thread. Go back through the sequin with your thread, and through the socks. You have secured the first sequin!


I found it easiest to poke my needle into the stockings, then come right back up in the next spot for a sequin in one motion so you do not stab yourself! To make a flower start with the center sequin, then attach the "branches" in a circle around the center. Add the ending "petals" last. To tie off the thread, simply tie a double knot around the underside of a sequin. Make three (or more) separate flowers down the length of the sock.


Next, add random sequins down the entire front of the socks. Keep the sequins concentrated on the front top half of the sock, then place them more sporadically as you move down and outward.

Worn with vintage Prada suede wedges

xx,CC

Just Like A Tattoo

Karl Lagerfeld must have been tapping his feet to the "Hoedown Throwdown" while designing the Chanel Spring 2010 collection. Girls stomped down the straw strewn runway in pinafores and poppy prints toting basket woven bags. Oh Karl, you know I love to be reminded of my childhood road trips through Tennessee and Kentucky! What better way to provoke memories of the waitresses at Cracker Barrel and dudes fillin' their pick ups at the Texaco than by putting a classy spin on the tattoo as only the Kaiser can do. Serving as mock garters and wrap around bracelets in classic chain and pearl prints, this just might be the push I need to get in touch with my inner rebel come spring. Now, time to start searching for an all inclusive henna kit ...

Photos from top: Style.com; bottom: jakandjil.com

xx,CC