Week 29: Copycat – Anne Fontaine

Aug 30, 2011 | 31 Comments

I was mesmerized by this collar when I saw it in Lucky this month.  It was in the Paris accessory trend section which I was obsessed with as soon as I saw the Chloé and Christian Dior pieces featured.  If only there was a French macaroon on the page as well…

Copycat - Anne Fontaine

Copycat - Anne Fontaine

This Anne Fontaine piece was something that I knew I could have a go at.  Black lace and ribbon??  Done and done.

I began by starting a little dye bowl!!  Using my chic crystal plastic bowl (looks more fance than it should…a find from the 99 Cent Store!) I poured about a tablespoon of dye into it.

Black Dye!

Black Dye!

I boiled some water on the stove (with some salt to assist in making the color bolder) and then added it to the dye in the bowl…

Hot water time!!

Hot water time!!

…before adding some lace remnants (these are leftover from Abigail’s Week 47 piece) to the bath to soak.

Dye that lace!

Dye that lace!

I let the lace sit and marinate overnight, ran it through hot water to get the extra dye out in the morning, and let the pieces dry on a paper towel.

Post-dye

Post-dye!

With my newly dyed lace, I began trimming bits of it off to begin my collar.

Trim that lace!

Trim that lace!

Using lace leftover from Natalie’s Week 30 number as the base, I plugged in my glue gun and began gluing down lace in different patterns.

Aim & fire!

Aim & fire!

I added some fun, sheer, pink ribbon to the edges as ties – it was a little departure from the black that is used on the Anne Fontaine piece – as well as a few opaque, black rhinestones as little bits of shimmery and crystal-y flair.

My version!

My version!

My piece hanging next to the real deal-$495 one is a totally fun and WAY cheap version to DIY that neckline.

Sister necklaces!

Sister necklaces!

For something that didn’t cost me anything since everything came from my remnants and kit of goodies, I’m pretty pleased.  now, all I need a fun Marie Antoinette party to wear it to :)

  • makeminedecaf

    Turned out so pretty. Just as pretty as your inspiration piece. Looked fun to make too. This is one of those “I can DO that” pieces. Thanks!!

  • Paula

    Very cute and a great copycat piece.  Would like a pic of you wearing it also…Hugs

  • DinaB

    I love the dye it yourself in the “crystal ” bowl! The deep color is wonderful. Please get us a pic of you wearing it! It would look amazing over a white turtle neck, that would make the color and detail really POP!

    • Anonymous

      Yes! Will get a pic up donning it soon!!

    • Maggie

      It is 94 F in Florida, the thought of a turtleneck is hot and humid. The grey tank you love is my vote.

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_QROXZ2UTEMOQ7H5Y3QW5FI4YMM Kristin

    Very cool! I can’t wait to see it on you! Love your blog, Marisa! One question – do we have a date for when your book is coming out?

  • http://www.wom-mom.com WOM-MOM Ethne

    This is brilliant.  I will be trying it soon.  Though I have no idea when I’d wear it.  Doesn’t a wardrobe just beg for something like this no matter what?

  • lynn

    You might use red ribbon for the next one you make. After the French Revolution, it became chic for relatives of beheaded nobles to wear slender chokers of red ribbon. Creepy.

  • Laura

    Love it so! Can’t wait to see it on! :)  

  • Kissem37

    nicely done!

  • http://thegirlintheheartglasses.weebly.com/ The Girl in the Heart Glasses

    not really a fan of either…. sorta reminds me of a bra :D hahah very creative though!!!

    • Ajumii

       it would make a pretty bra.  with some tweaking it could look more like the original  

  • michele

    would have been more flattering in the original v-shape… The block shape you made would look horrid on my chest! BUt I have always done the black lace effect…. it’s nice… Hmm, the collar I made two years ago! Time to rummage through my storage!!!! thx

  • Laura

    This could be a cool mask for a halloween costume.

  • Laura

    This could be a cool mask for a halloween costume.

  • dosfashionistas

    How does it look on?

  • http://www.diaryofaworkingmom.com Jennifer

    It is amazing that you were able to make that from scraps from other projects!  The whole thing is impressive!  How does it look on though?  I can’t imagine a place I would wear this though…does it have any other use than a costume party?

  • Eyeweardaily.com

    I am happy your own post was accessible for reading. It’s highly thought-provoking, informative, bold, original and creative.

    This details has given me a brand new perspective on this topic. Thank you.

  • Cnacarato2007

    I love everything you do and have been inspired.  

  • Cnacarato2007

    I love everything you do and have been inspired.  

  • Starfishark

    My fav is the peacock feather headband.  Your posts are a real pick-me-up in my email box!

  • KimK

    ALL of the RElish headbands are amazing.  My favs are the jeweled headband and the one with the pearls!  Wow!

  • Jenn Giles

    I’m loving the Relish Your Gold headband the best! Yay for your copycat necklace, too!

  • Anonymous

    I love the copy cat necklace! Hope to see some fun stuff like that towards Halloween :)

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Debra-Kinder/100000114496624 Debra Kinder

    Love the goodies giveaway and your blog.  So inspiring.  Collar is gorge!  I thought it was worn the other way until I saw you in the pic.  Learning fashion everytime I see your blog.  Thanks!

  • Rowdycat2222

    I’m a pearly kind of girly; so I’m totally diggin the headband!  Not to be outdone by your stylish take on the copycat necklace!  Once again; I thank you for the inspiration!!

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=8819101 Taylor VanHouten

    I wasn’t a big fan of the collar, it looks like an eyemask in the photos above. But, then I saw the recent post of you wearing it… it looks much better when worn! Very cute!

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Serena-Bramble/797253253 Serena Bramble

    Marissa, I absolutely adore your creativity. I’m not sure how many people would have had the energy/nerve/creativity to make this. Can we all just agree that you’re awesome? :)

  • Sash

    Looks very nice on you.

  • Chelsea

    Love the way it turned out.  Perfect DIY for halloween!

  • Rfock921

    OMG i didnt know you got lucky im obsessed!