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

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