Damsel in Distress(ed)

So, I have Nefarious Plans for my brown leather corset that I wear with the steampunk ensemble.  It is too new, too brown, and photographs as such.

Reading on various websites that I should scratch it all over (fingernails, sandpaper, wire brush) and the spray with alcohol (or vice versa.)  A judicious application of dirt, tar, RIT dye (or blood, I guess) might also help.

I wish I had time to get something new and costume-y made.  Alas! Alack!