Today’s the last day to vote in NYDS/Style Sample Magazine Create Couture DIY Challenge! I would love it if I could have your vote.:-) I also want you guys to win a Chic Steals original – so head on over there and comment too!!
Voting is now OPEN for the NYDS/Style Sample Magazine Create Couture DIY Challenge! I would love it if I could have your vote.:-) I also want you guys to win a Chic Steals original – so head on over there and comment too!!
Sponsored by New York Design Shop and Style Sample Magazine, this DIY competition pits 10 selected crafty blogs against one another – with the challenge of creating some crafty pieces and sharing them on the NYDS blog. We’ve each been sent the same package of DIY must-haves (courtesy of NYDS) and have been set the task of making something with the contents.
Announced on page 3 of the latest issue of Style Sample Magazine, and on the NYDS Blog in a “Meet the Bloggers” feature, I’m up against the likes of …love, Maegan, Fvncy, and Alisa Burke!
All the projects and finished DIY’s that each blogger submits will be posted on the New York Design Shop’s blogs (I’ll post the link once it’s up)…and then it’s up to you, lovely readers, to have your say and give your input!! The competition is decided by VIEWER VOTE – that is, you all get to decide who YOU think should be the blogger to win the entire competition!
The prize is an Alternative Apparel dress, $50 worth of DIY materials –ooh, think of what I could do with that!!—, assorted accessories from New York Design Shop, and most importantly to me: a FEATURE INTERVIEW in the September/October issue in Style Sample Magazine! This is what I’m really shooting for; I so want to return to designing accessories {at least to start} on a more permanent basis, and exposure like an interview in such a widely-read online magazine would be a dream come true to help me reach out to women who might want to wear my jewelry and accessories. The potential exposure for a struggling designer like me is what makes this prize priceless!
Also, just by commenting on any of the projects submitted, YOU TOO will be entered to win a finished project by the winning blogger! (Anyone want a free piece of clothing or an accessory to start off the school year with?? Sounds good to me!)
So the deadline for entries (Sunday) is drawing near and I’m working hard on all my DIY’s…having just arrived back from Tokyo on Monday, I’ve had less than a week to get this all done! I’m hitting my stride, though, and hope to have all my photos and everything done by tomorrow. Whew*.*
Once everything’s been submitted and the voting’s open, I’d be honored for my readers to check it out! And if you like what I make, I’d love to have your vote too!;-)
Oh…and the competition guidelines said “make one or more projects with these materials.” We aren’t allowed to use any other trims (besides chain) than what we were sent above, though we were encouraged to use a non-kit item as a “base,” like a shirt or a pair of flip flops etc.
I was so jetlagged and busy after we got back I wasn’t able to start actually making anything until Thursday of this week!
So the question is…
Remember, I could only use the trims/embellishments from the box – and once they ran out, that was it!
Edit 7/26: I’ve submitted all my projects and will be announcing the winner shortly! You don’t need to leave your best guess in the comments section anymore:-)
The first person who correctly guesses how many finished projects I submitted in time (using the above materials) will get a little surprise from me in the mail! (Won’t say what it is just yet…you’ll have to wait and see!;-)
So – take your best guess!
xoxox
Carly
That’s one happy signature! I’ve contacted the winner to get shipping information. Thanks to all who entered!
Congratulations Kyko Bird
xoxo
Carly
If you haven’t entered already, please do – all you need to do is leave your email address in the comments on the giveaway post! Giveaway period ends at midnight tonight so don’t miss it!
The kind folks over at maurices sent me a gift card a little while ago – and it was like my birthday in June! (My birthday’s in December…so half-birthday??)
I headed down to my local maurices to check it out – which means a drive down to the airport, since that’s the closest one.
It was somewhat deserted (being in a sort of remote location and all), but packed to the gills with affordable, trendy merchandise.
Though a lot of the styles and cuts were a little too young for me (but probably perfect for your average teen/college student!) I did find a number of items that would work on someone of my *ahem* somewhat advanced chronology. There was a super-friendly sales staff member who was so helpful…I tried on a pair of jeans, found them too big, and so she brought 7 different pairs in similar washes and fits for me to try on! And not even a frown when I finally decided to forgo the jeans and purchase the satin dress I had tried on instead. (I did find the jeans ran extremely large…I finally fit into the 1/2 in one cut, which is insane considering I’m closer to a 6 in most brands, [between a 5 and a 7 in Junior’s sizing], and a 4 in brands that skew large, like Gap, Old Navy, and White House/Black Market. In another cut I was a 3/4, which is still skewing waaaay to large – so ladies of smaller sizes be forewarned!)
I finally settled on this lovely white, black, and grey strapless number (I do love me some colorblocking!), and found the cutest wing-shaped earring set for a mere $1.99 on the sale rack.
I also saw a mannequin outfitted with two of their key necklaces around her neck – thought, “what a great idea!” and scooped up two necklaces for myself. (Buy one, get the other 50% off – SCORE!) I’m totally into layering necklaces this summer.
Since it’s been unbearably cold here in Portland (it’s 51 degrees in June!!!! I’m still in my winter coat!!) I’ll probably wear the dress like this for now: over a long-sleeved top and boots to make it more casual. (Maybe over a tee shirt as it warms up.)
I don’t see any of the items I bought available on their website still, but you may find them at your local maurices…and here are a couple key necklaces they are selling that are similar to the ones I bought: here, here, and here.
Also, I am so excited to announce that maurices has partnered with me to do a giveaway here on Chic Steals! If any of you missed that promotion maurices was running over Memorial Day weekend [spend $60 and receive a free tote or sunglasses of your choice], well now here’s your chance to get a new tote…and just in time for the hot days of summer! (Even in Portland;-) Up for the giveaway is:
One patent-look white tote!
ARV: $14
Leave a comment on this post with your EMAIL ADDRESS. (If your email address is linked to your Blogger profile – AND your Blogger profile allows all users to see it ****VERY IMPORTANT****, then you don’t need to leave your email address in your comment.)
That’s it!
*One comment per person, please. Multiple entries from the same person will be deleted.
Winner will be chosen by Random.org.
Entry period is for 7 days only, ending Monday, June 28, 12 PM PST.
Good luck!
Thank you so much, maurices – and happy start to the week to all!
xoxox
Carly
Disclosure: maurice’s furnished me a gift card, which partially covered my purchases with them above. They are also providing the tote, which will be given away to one lucky winner. For more information regarding my disclosure policy, go here.
Carly J. Cais I am a DIY’er, designer, sewist, maker, and marketer. Chic Creative Life is where I share what I do, and help others bring their unique style into their own lives.
