Dye Job #2: Prada S/S 04

I'm not trying to fool anyone and claim that an item of clothing from 2004 can be called "vintage," but something about Prada's 2004 spring collection makes my heart skip a beat. It represents the time in my life when I was just discovering fashion. I distinctly remeber seeing a photo of Madonna wearing the dip-dye cardigan and thinking "I could make that...!" Unfortunately, Carbon Couturier's first DIY didn't end up so well; I had more red dye on my hands than the sweater! Ever since that ill-fated project I take notice when I see degradé items. So imagine my surprise when I stumbled across this Prada skirt at San Francisco thrift store Wasteland last week!

The best part: it was $28. Yes, $28 for Prada! The worst part: it was 2 sizes too small. Being too good a bargain to pass up, I insisted that my petite friend buy it instead.

Upon re-evaluation, I've concluded dip dying can't be that difficult. You can revitalize virtually any piece of clothing and the trend has withstood the test of time. Just last season Lacroix incorporated the look into his collection with ombre leggings. Now the question is, what random items of white clothing do you have lying around?

xx, CC

Dye-ing to try...

Karen Walker acid wash jeans.

Upon first glance I thought these pants were the most heinous article of clothing I ever laid eyes on! I mean, who would pay $385 to look like they performed menial labor for a living? However, something about the ease in which Lauren Santo Domingo pulls off the look (in the background of a recent Sartorialist post no less) inspired me to try it out. It's a cheap, simple project; all you need is to splatter some bleach on an old pair of dark jeans. Pair them with a billowing blouse (à la Lauren) for a summertime chic vibe or throw on a bouclé sweater at the first sign of an autumn breeze.

xx, CC

Hermes: Maker of Fine Leather Goods and...Carbon Couture Mind Reader!?

The say "great minds think alike." And if Hermes's new project is any indication, the leather goods manufacturer and this Carbon Couture blogger must have very, very like minds.


Now if only there was a way to enlarge the pattern and substitute paper with leather... hehehe!

Hint: On the home page click United States: Travel the World of Hermes: Download your kelly!

xx, CC

YSL Paint Splatter Skirt

Eeek! Sorry, sorry for my lack of updates!! Moving apartments, decorating, and getting settled in my summer job has left very little time for fashion projects. However, the resort shows are over and couture season is officially underway, so I'm sure I'll find lots of inspiration and I hope you will too! Just perusing style.com's "detail" shots of the shows gives me tons of ideas. I've been meaning to paint splatter a white skirt for some time to achieve this YSL look:


With the long weekend kicking off tomorrow I'll finally have time to give it a go! Not to mention that I have bunches of extra paint lying around my apartment from stenciling chairs (as part of decorating my new digs). Stay tuned for the 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

Louis Vuitton Brocade Booties

This pair of Louis Vuitton booties goes all the way back to Fall 2004. They may not be in style anymore, but this was one of my more extravagant projects that I wanted to feature.

What You'll Need:
Fur
Ribbon
Gold paint
Sharpie
White booties

I found a pair of ghetto-esque booties at Payless (think Timberlands with heels) for $15. Cut the top off to make them ankle length. Paint them gold, then add detail with a Sharpie marker. Hot glue fur trim around the top of the boot by folding it over the both sidea. Thread a silk ribbon through the lace holes and you're done!

Marc Jacobs styled them with red and forest green plaid coats if you want to channel the entire look.

xx, CC

Judith Leiber Clutch

A Judith Leiber swarovski crystal studded bag is a classic investment for every fashionista. However, at over $1,000 a pop they're not exactly on the affordable side. With some crystals, glue, and a little elbow grease no one will be able to the difference between your bag, and the poor sap who forked over a month's rent standing next to you!

What You'll Need:
Vintage clutch
Packing tape
Super glue
Crystals

Find a hard, vintage clutch in your mother's closet or at an antique store. For curved bags, it is best to put packing tape over the front so the crystals lay as smooth as possible. Beginning at the top, left corner start gluing crystals across the top row. Repeat until the entire front is complete!

For the budding artistes out there, you can draw your own design on the bag and accentuate it with different color crystals. Voila, a one of a kind piece!

*Note, this could take some time, depending on the crystal size you use. It is best to attempt this project in the summer!

xx, CC