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 My outdated "Juicy" pendant had a cloth backing and rhinestone setting that I ripped apart, but you can make earrings, bracelets, or rings using this method!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

Face Time

If iphones and crackberries seem omnipresent these days, it's because they are - iPhone sales doubled last quarter. While that's great for Mac-lovers everywhere, some of us fashion enthusiasts are having a hard time accepting our way of keeping an eye on the clock has changed. Though the watch is seemingly becoming obsolete, the accessory has extended its life line by serving fun over function. For example, Dolce and Gabbana's Fall '09 collection featured chunky necklaces as an homage to the grandfather's pocket watch. Now Tom Binns has jumped on the bandwagon with his collection of faceless timepieces ranging in colors from neon to classic gold. As for what the future holds for the classic timepiece... we'll just have to watch out next season.


What You'll Need:
Link watch
Metal paint
brush

This project can be done in one of two ways. If you like the watch dial and link band as is, simply use a brush to paint over the face of the watch in a neat circle. Try to match the paint as closely as possible to the original metal. If you'd rather the entire watch be one color, simply spray paint the entire thing.


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

Barbarella

The seemingly bleak economical and environmental outlook these days leaves people yearning for protection and security. This climate can't help but impact designers during their creative process, so it is no wonder tougher, utilitarian jewelry is making its way onto the scene. Case in point? Staple Brit label Burberry Prorsum and the recently launched Dannijo. Both lines used barbed wire as inspiration for bracelets that send a "Don't mess with me" message. Juxtaposed with dainty, ethereal dresses, these bracelets will keep you looking sharp all spring!

From left: Dannijo bracelet; Burberry Prorsum bracelet

What You'll Need:
3 yards thin leather cord
Jewelry clasp
One bead
Superglue
Scissors

Begin by cutting two pieces of cord, each one yard long. Tie a knot at one end, then twist the two strands together and tie another knot about six inches from the opposite end. Slip on your bead then tie another knot, adding your jewelry clasp, to secure it in place. This serves as the length of the bracelet that you will wrap around your wrist.


Now it is time to make the barbs. Cut your remaining yard of leather cord into five inch pieces. While pinching the small piece of cord to the bracelet with your thumb and forefinger, wrap the loose end around itself and over the end you are pinching about three times. Leave the last loop a bit loose and slide the end of the cord under the loop, which acts as a knot to keep the barb from unwrapping.


Put a dot of superglue over the knot and snip off the excess cord. Make one barb at four inch intervals along your entire bracelet.


xx,CC

Waist Management

While one typically thinks of cording and tassels as a home decor staple, Hannah MacGibbon clearly had another use in mind for the drapery accents while designing the Chloé Fall 2009 collection. After a rocky first season as head designer for the French fashion house, MacGibbon finally struck a high note as she adorned her collection of comfy coats and khakis with demure fringe accents on clutches, blouses, and, of course, belts. Wrapped around a luxe velvet skirt, the interwoven metallic and black silk threads recall the regal days of the court of Versailles. What better way to infuse a little luxe into your everyday wardrobe?


What You'll Need:
Black velvet skirt (thrifted for $5.00)
Black and metallic cord (approximately 2 yards)
Two black tassels
Black satin ribbon (1/2" width)
Needle
Thread
Scissors

After threading your needle, stitch around the end of the cord a few times so it will not unravel. Attach one tassel to each end of the cord by sewing through the center of the tassel and knotting multiple times. Wrap the satin ribbon around the spot where the tassel meets the end of the cord and secure by sewing for a finished look. Wrap your belt around a velvet skirt for a runway ready look or add to skinny jeans or harem pants for a look all your own!


xx,CC

Buckle Up

The holidays are officially over, your energy is zapped, and there is nothing to look forward to in the dreary months of February and March; it's no wonder you wake up every morning and throw your hair into a lackluster bun or braid! Thank goodness Eugenia Kim, milliner to the stars, is here to save the (no good very bad hair) day with her embroidered buckle headband. Handpicked by Lucky editors as a surrealist statement piece, it's the perfect winter accessory - everyone will notice your shining hair and cute new eyeshadow instead of the same coat you've been forced to wear since November.


What You'll Need:
One piece of felt
Wide headband
Black grosgrain ribbon 2" width
Scissors
Hot glue gun
Black Sharpie

Begin by cutting the piece if felt into a wide strip. Be sure it is long enough to cover the entire headband; cut diagonally along the arrows below.


Put a dot of hot glue on one end of the headband, and press one end of the felt strip down on the glue. Make thin lines of glue along the inside edges of the headband and press the felt under. Make sure the felt is smooth along the outside surface of the headband. To create a finished look (and prevent glue from yanking out your hair!) glue the black ribbon on the inside of the headband. Cut off the excess ribbon with scissors.


Now it is time to add the trompe l'oeil buckle with a Sharpie. Near the top of the band, draw a large square covering the entire width of the headband. Draw a smaller square inside. Next, draw the long lines of the "belt" on either side of the buckle ending in a point. Go back and add details such as stitch marks and belt holes.


xx,CC

Learning the Ropes

Marc Jacobs has a reputation for doing some pretty off the wall designs, leaving his audience with either a "love it" or "hate it" opinion. For his resort 09 handbag collection Marc catered to the yachting crowd - quite literally - with his line of "Fluo Passementary" handbags (def. - trimming with braid or cord). Working with neon rope typically used to station a yacht or sail boat to the dock, Marc created beautifully woven works of art to add as decoration on his simple leather satchels. Whether taking a trip someplace warm or battling the brutal cold, this handbag adds the perfect pop to any outfit for the new year.


What You'll Need:
Handbag
Assorted rope (found at Home Depot)
Flat back gems
Hot glue gun
Scissors

Begin by taking your largest gauge rope and create symmetrical loops around the front center of the handbag. This takes a bit of experimentation until you come up with a design you like.


Once you know how you are going to lay out the rope, cut the proper length. Take your hot glue gun and put a dot on the end of the rope to prevent unraveling. Squeeze a thin line of glue on the bag in the shape of your design and press the rope on top. If your bag has a flap like mine, be careful to only glue on the top part of the flap. The rope has enough structure that it keep its shape and hang over the bottom. Continue gluing until your design is complete, then come in with a second (slightly thinner) rope and add to your first design. As a finishing touch, glue a few colorful gems in the center of your loops.


To finish the handbag, tie a long piece of rope around the end of one side of the handle. Begin tying the rope in basic alternating knots, as you would if you were braiding a flat hemp necklace. When you reach the other side of the handle, put a dot of hot glue on each side of loose rope. Once dry (approximately one minute), snip the excess rope off as close to the knot as possible.


xx,CC

Couture Cakery

In an effort to be all inclusive and politically correct, Bloomingdale's theme this season is "Happy Merry Peace Love Holiday." While my personal aesthetic leans more toward Barney's Taste.Luxury.Humor (how awesome are the SNL windows!?) I decided to fully embrace the vision of my place of employment and go all out for the company bake-off. I adapted a red velvet peppermint cake recipe from Southern Living to incorporate our quirky holiday colors. The cake is lined with simple sugar cookie shopping bags adorned with our signature lowercase b. Once the pristine white frosting is sliced, a swirl of neon pink and lime green cake awaits inside to be devoured!


Ingredients:

1 (18.25-ounce) package white cake mix
3 egg whites
1 1/3 cups buttermilk
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 (9-ounce) package yellow cake mix
1/2 cup buttermilk
1 large egg
1 1/2 tablespoons cocoa
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
2 tablespoons liquid red food coloring
1 teaspoon cider vinegar
*Peppermint Cream Cheese Frosting
1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened 1 cup butter or margarine, softened 1 (2-pound) package powdered sugar 2 teaspoons peppermint extract

Preparation:

Beat first 4 ingredients according to cake mix package directions.

Beat yellow cake mix and next 6 ingredients according to package directions. Spoon red batter alternately with white batter into 3 greased and floured 9-inch round cakepans. Swirl batter gently with a knife.

Bake at 350° for 22 to 25 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pans on wire racks 10 minutes. Remove from pans; cool on wire racks.

For Peppermint Cream Cheese Frosting:

Beat cream cheese and butter at medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy. Gradually add sugar, beating at low speed until smooth. Add extract, beating until blended.

Spread Peppermint Cream Cheese Frosting between layers and on top and sides of cake. (Cake may be chilled up to 2 days or frozen up to 1 month.) Garnish, if desired. Serve within 2 hours.

xx,CC

All That Jazz

Call it the Michael Jackson effect. Since the entertainer's passing last summer jazz shoes have been seen adorning the feet of everyone from It-Brit Alexa Chung to Belgian model Anouck Lepère. Typically in black patent leather or the occasional metallic, they complement every look from cropped skinny pants to baby-doll dresses. For those who tend to lean toward the New York uniform of all black as a fall back option when pressed for time or creativity, there is no better shoe to add interest to an otherwise safe outfit than Christian Louboutin's Fred glitter lace-up shoes. With the amount of complements you'll receive, you'll be toe-tapping and moonwalking your way to the top of all your peers' best dressed lists.


What You'll Need:
One pair white sneakers
Black Sharpie
Glitter & gem glue
Small paint brush
Silver glitter
2 yards leather cord
Mod Podge® or other glitter sealant

First, remove the shoe laces. Color around the edges and stitched detailing of the shoes with a Sharpie. Don't worry about making the lines perfect; in fact, it is better to color a bit outside the lines as well.


Now, cover your work area with newspaper (and keep a vacuum handy for clean up). Begin painting glue on the white canvas of the shoe, one section at a time. Be sure you are covering all the canvas right up to the black edges. Pour glitter on the glue covered part of the shoe, then shake off the excess. Repeat until the entire shoe is covered in glitter. Allow to dry overnight. Dab on a glitter sealant to prevent the sparkles from falling off (however, I still wouldn't recommend wearing the shoes around your house!). For the finishing touch, lace up the shoes with a leather cord.


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

Shades of Jade

I've been DIYING (pun intended) for the perfect shade of nail polish since I saw pops of green all over the classic black and white Chanel runway last spring.


After numerous (failed) attempts at concocting my own varnish, I decided it was time to give up hope.


Then while Christmas shopping this past weekend, I found the perfect color at Urban Outfitters. The title? Simply "Green 2." Guess it only took UO two attempts to match the aforementioned designer shade. The best part? At only $5 a pop it's the perfect stocking stuffer for all your friends!


xx,CC

Shopping Around the Christmas Tree

It's the most wonderful time of year! That time when you have to brave crowded malls, watch your year of hard earned savings deplete, and appear to enjoy every spoonful of Grandma's jello mold. After you're done with your charitable holiday gift giving, why not reward yourself with a little something from recently launched e-boutique Les Nouvelles?


The site was started by two former ELLE magazine staffers who found themselves with a little too much closet space after migrating south to Atlanta. Les Nouvelles offers the perfect selection of separates for weekend brunching from cult faves like Jenni Kayne and Gryphon to party pieces from Karen Walker and Issa. What really sets Les Nouvelles above other online shops is its "paper doll" section - a mannequin on which you can play stylist and test the versatility of the piece you're considering. Considering the holiday marathon you have in front of you, why not start your shopping cart today!?

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

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