Jun 5, 2017 | Fashion

FTC Disclosure: This is a paid post in partnership with Nakturnal, with the prize of a $25 ARV gift certificate to the e-tailer Mixology. The content and opinions are my own. This post contains affiliate links, where a purchase made after clicking on a link earns me a small commission. My full Disclosure Policy is here.
Hi again, friends!
Things have been super-busy over here at Chic Steals (for good reason – I have a TON of cool announcements on the way!) but I’m popping in briefly to talk about Summer fashion finds – and to offer up a $25 gift certificate to get your shopping started. So let’s go!
Lately I’m crushing on ruffles, layers, sparkles, and LOTS of pink. I don’t know why…it just feels like a girly, feminine summer to me so far, and lots of frilliness and silliness is totally making me happy. With that in mind, I’ve been browsing the Mixology website lately – a mom-and-pop fashion boutique that features awesome brands at affordable prices (right up my alley 😉 and a lot of fun, girly pieces.
Here are a couple of my pretty pink, frilly, sparkly picks for Summer:
1 // Decker Flamenco Top, $29
2 // Curved Modern Hoop Earring, $38
3 // Agile Employee Dress in Milkshakes, $89.99
4 // ASOS Hunky Dory Pom Block Heeled Sandals, $72
5 // BlueStripe Bow Waist Ruffle Skirt, $22.99
6 // Get it Right Black Halter One-Piece Swimsuit, $49
7 // Oscar Daniel Triangle Choker, $48
8 // Valentine Ruffle Heart-Shape Bustier Shift Dress, $70.40
9 // Skinnydip Cateye Sunglasses in Pink Velvet, $48
10 // Sparkle Star Field In the Universe Tote Bag, $20 (designed by me!!)
Mixology has some great, affordable picks (like that hot pink ruffled flamenco top and triangle choker necklace above, that went straight onto my wishlist). And I have a $25 gift certificate for one lucky Chic Steals reader to get a head start on your Summer shopping there!
WIN A $25 GIFT CERTIFICATE – HOW TO ENTER
-
- (Required) Leave a comment on this post telling me what your fashion crush is for this Summer. [one entry allowed per unique email address]
-
- (Optional) Share a link to this post on any of your social networks (like Facebook or Twitter) and comment back on this post with the link. That comment will earn you 1 more entry. [one extra entry allowed per unique link to live social media post]
- (Optional) Share this giveaway with a friend and ask them to comment on this post with your email address in the comment. This will earn 1 entry for you, and 1 entry for your friend. [one extra entry for your unique email address per unique friend’s email address]
Winner will be chosen at random from comments on this post.
The giveaway is open from now until July 7, 11:59PM PDT.
*Please note: Mixology offers $8.99 flat rate shipping for all orders under $75, free shipping for orders above $75 for the contiguous 48 United States. All international shipping will be shipped through USPS. The $25 gift certificate can be used for merchandise only and does not cover shipping costs or International customs fees for orders.
Good luck!
xo
Carly
Save
Save
Save
Leave Comment
Apr 1, 2014 | Media, Score!
Studs & Pearls : 30 Creative Projects for Customized Fashion is from the eponoymous blog Studs & Pearls by Kristen Nunez, founded in 2010. We’ve been reading each other’s blogs for quite some time, and we’ve been frequent commenters on each other’s projects. Kristen’s DIY’s are always fun, simple, and have major visual impact. With this book you can get a ton of ideas for how-to’s that can easily take your basics and jazz them up a notch.

The book covers DIY basics, like Tools and Supplies, and then dives straight into the projects. It includes 30 projects, with multiple variations on each so you can put your own spin on them.Â
It covers a variety of techniques, including fabric dyeing, stamping, no-sew projects, trim embellishment, and painting. Â
Plus the photography features real-life girls (like in street snaps) modeling the finished creations so you can get an idea of how the DIY’s will look when worn.
Most of the projects are extremely easy so even beginners or kids/pre-teens can get in on the fun. It’s a great jumping-off point for those just getting started to DIY.
It also includes many projects that speak to current trends, like the embellished sunglass case-turned-clutch trend, trim-detailed mini-skirts, tie-dye, embellished sunglasses, beanies, mixed media embroidery thread-and-chain bracelets, and cocktail rings. Many of the project use easily-available or unusual materials, so supplies are a cinch to come by. (There’s a directory of sources and where to buy in the back.)
This statement clutch turned out so pretty with some well-placed painting!
An interesting take on the plastic tube bracelet.
These cocktail rings from buttons are particularly pretty.

Overall: It was nice to see all the variations on all of the projects. Many of the techniques are quite simple, which speak well to a young audience maybe not so familiar with DIY blogs and projects elsewhere. (There are 3 projects that do require a higher skill level, with dyeing and sewing a dress, but they stood out as somewhat incongruous next to the other projects.) It does provide inspiration and ideas on the variations, as well as styling tips, so it can be very useful in planning out your project. This would be a great book for a young teenager or someone who is just getting started to DIY.
Score:Â 
Giveaway
One lucky winner will receive a copy of Studs & Pearls : 30 Creative Projects for Customized Fashion by Kristen Nunez.
Enter using Rafflecopter below.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Good luck!
xo
Carly
FTC Disclosure: I was sent a copy of Studs & Pearls for review from Laurence King Publishing. I am sponsoring the giveaway and shipping the item to the winner at my own expense. The above opinions are my own. To read my full Disclosure Policy, click here.
Leave Comment