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

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

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

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

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

Geminola Painted Ballet Flats

Ballet flats are no longer a novelty shoe: they are a necessity. No wardrobe is complete without a pair, or two, or seven, but with everyone wearing flats, how can you standout? Geminola, beloved for their creative refurbishes of vintage items, offers an answer with these painted ballet flats.

What You'll Need:
Ballet flats
Stencil (provided)
Tracing paper
Pencil
Paint

Blow up the pattern provided to the necessary size (so it fits on the toe of your ballet shoe). Choose your favorite design and trace onto the tracing paper. Flip the tracing the paper over (so the pencil-side touches the shoe) and center it on the shoe. Make sure the end of your pencil is blunt, and shade over the entire back of the tracing paper, making sure you apply ample pressure. This allows your traced design to transfer onto the shoe. When you peel the paper off, you should have a nice pattern ready to paint. Choose your favorite song lyric and write it in the box!

xx, CC