Jan 19, 2016 | Fashion
FTC Disclosure: The post is part of a partnership with PandaHall, who purchased a banner advertising slot in my sidebar. If you are interested in purchasing a banner ad (or sponsored post) coming up on the editorial calendar, click here. Small businesses welcome! My full Disclosure Policy is here.
Hi friends!
To start 2016 off with a bang, I’m looking at stocking up for many projects on the horizon. (It’s going to be a huge year in many ways!!) Here are a couple of my favorite projects for the New Year (with [affiliate] links to the beads you need):
1. J. Crew Beaded Rose Bracelet
Such an elegant little bracelet, you could make it (and the similar necklace) using this brass link bracelet as the base, these Rose Quartz Gemstone Cabochon drops as the petals, and these rhinestones as the centers.
2. ModCloth How’s the Feather Up There? Necklace
A pretty and delicate layered necklace with feather charms, you could make this using these Electroplate Glass Bead Strands and these Tibetan Antique Gold Feather Pendants.
3. Anthropologie Valence Drops
These refined gemstone earrings could be DIY’d in a similar method to these DIY Illusion Jeweled Rhinestone Chandelier Earrings that I made, and using these supplies: Mixed Acrylic Rhinestone Montee Beads, Brass Lever Back Hoop Earrings, Glass Rhinestone Montee Beads, and clear PVC vinyl.
4. Free People Luxe Triple Necklace
Another layered necklace, this could be made with the Black Agate Bullet Big Pendant, Howlite Round Gemstone Bead Chain, Tibetan Style Latin Cross, Natural Black Rutilated Quartz Beads.
5. Pearl and Chain Spike Choker Necklace
Last time I worked with PandaHall I created this tutorial using their Non-Magnetic Hematite Rectangle Beads, Silver Color Aluminum Twisted Curb Chain, 6mm White Glass Imitation Pearl Beads, and Aluminum Twisted Curb Chain. See the full DIY tutorial here.
Hope these ideas prove inspirational to you!
What’s on your to-do list for fabulous jewelry this year? Do tell!
xo
Carly
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Sep 14, 2015 | Fashion
FTC Disclosure: I was gifted a SOUFEEL charm bracelet and charms to write a review about the product. I received no other compensation. The below opinions are my own. My full Disclosure Policy is here.
Recently the kind folks over at SOUFEEL contacted me about reviewing their sterling silver bracelets and charms. After I checked them out and saw that they had a similar style and feel to the ubiquitous PANDORA bracelets but at a lower price-point, I said sure!
Here are a couple facts about the brand:
SOUFEEL bracelets and charms are made from .925 sterling silver and top-quality materials, and can fit other brand-name bracelets like PANDORA and Chamilia (at a fraction of the cost!). They offer FREE SHIPPING worldwide with orders over $50 and a 365-day return and exchange guarantee. You can also receive a Free Bracelet with any order over $99.
The best thing about SOUFEEL that you can choose your own bangle, charms, stoppers, and decorations, to make a DIY piece of jewelry that completely reflects your style. (Or that of a loved one!)
I chose charms in a sleek silver, black, and crystal palette, intending them to be neutral and go with everything. My bangle is made from:
Sterling Silver Basic Charms Bangle / Black and White Magic Charm / Sparkly Brightly Stopper Charm (Out of Stock) / Pyramid of Egypt Charm / April Birthstone White Crystal Barrel Charm / A String of Round Dots Stopper Charm
When the bracelet and charms arrived I couldn’t get over how beautifully they were packaged: they would truly make a great gift just as-is, no wrapping required. The charms are all high-quality and to me, indistinguishable from other brand-name sterling silver charm bracelets. 
And the catch on the bracelet, though a little tricky to open the first couple times, closes so securely you won’t lose anything (and the bracelet won’t slide off skinny wrists like mine – something I struggle with all the time!)
SOUFEEL has also provided Chic Steals readers with an exclusive coupon code to use on any order:
Use coupon Cais5 to receive 5% off your order!
Shop SOUFEEL Now
Thank you SOUFEEL for working with me – I’m delighted at
xo
Carly
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Jun 17, 2015 | By Carly J. Cais
Hello friends!
It’s been a long time in the making, but I’m finally ready to launch my new line of jewelry: Glitterthorn, an edgy, boho collection featuring rough, organic stones and crystals, accented by epoxy, metal leafing, vintage chains, and Swarovski rhinestones.
Here are the first 2 designs I’m rolling out: 
{ Guinevere Necklace }
Clear quartz point pendant with black epoxy resin and gold leaf [sealed], on goldtone cable chain with pyramid charm at clasp. Can be worn at 17″ (between choker and princess length) or 28″ (rope length). Comes in Large or Small.
Large = wider crystal point, around 1 and 3/16″ long and ¾” wide.
Guinevere Necklace { Large } – $36
[shown worn as the long length]
Small = thinner crystal point, around 1¼” long and ½” wide.
Guinevere Necklace { Small } – $29
[shown worn as the short length]
{ Isolde Necklace }
Crystal geode slice pendant, surrounded by black epoxy resin studded with Swarovski crystal chatons. Silvertone flat cable chain and silvertone pyramid charm at closure. Long length: vertical geode slice, 24″ (opera length) chain. Pendant = approximately 1½” long and 1″ wide at widest point.
Isolde Necklace { Long } – $42
The stones used in this jewelry are unique – please allow for natural variations on their organic beauty.
More designs coming soon – I can’t wait to share them with you!!
This has been a labor of love of mine for such a long time, I’ve many times second-guessed myself and felt like it wasn’t ready to share just yet. But if I keep stalling I just may never do it! I’m still working on the logo, putting together an Instagram for Glitterthorn (to share behind-the-scenes and new designs, as well as offering pieces for purchase), refining my Etsy store, deciding on packaging…etc. etc. But they say to do something that scares you every day, and to jump in feet first before you feel completely sure. I’m not completely sure what I’m doing, but I love making jewelry, and I know I want to share it with the world. Thank you so much for all your support and encouragement!
Questions? Comments? Let me know!
xo
Carly
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Jun 3, 2015 | By Carly J. Cais, Life
Hello friends!
I’ve had a ton of things going on, been revamping my life, and doing a lot of soul-searching lately, as well as diving into new, exciting (and a little scary) projects. I teased the above image out on my Instagram awhile ago, and I’m finally getting close to launching my new line of handmade, edgy boho chic jewelry.
Glitterthorn has launched!
What do you guys think?
Stay tuned for more…coming oh so soon! I can’t wait to share with all of you 🙂
xo
Carly
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Dec 7, 2013 | Fashion
Lately it seems that beaded bangle bracelets have gone completely DIY, with companies offering a variety of different beads and charms to completely customize the look of the bangles to the wearer’s identity. Each charm can be something meaningful or commemorative for your recipient, and with a number of beautiful and semi-precious options the resultant bracelet can become a timeless family heirloom. Persona is one such company that offers the choose-your-own-charm option for bracelets, and they kindly sent me a bangle with 2 beads and a charm to review.
The bracelet arrived in a lovely jewelry box inside its own sleeve, along with a soft jewelry pouch, silver polishing cloth, small gift bag, and even some folded tissue paper in case you might want to present it to someone inside the gift bag. It’s an incredibly thoughtful array of packaging and needed items for the long-term care of the bracelet, which is much appreciated.
This particular Bangle from the collection is rhodium-plated, and has easy-open swivel ends. They also included a couple beads and a charm for decoration. From left to right: Crystal Cove bead from the Celestial Collection, Tiger Tooth from the Highland Collection, Lucite Beehive bead from the Celestial Collection.
The jewelry is a bright, non-tarnishing silver – and I love that the bangle has adjustable stopper beads to prevent all the charms from sliding around (space them close together or far apart, however you want them!). It is very lightweight, though – and barely feels like I’m wearing anything (great for bracelet stacking purposes!) The charms are incredibly detailed (the tooth charm is my fave!) and I like how they look edgy and modern (as opposed to stuffy and outdated like some other brands I’ve seen).
For someone like me, who loves black, silver, and sparkles and things with an edge, these beads and charm are perfect for my personality. But what if that’s not your style?
The great thing about the Persona collection is that you can totally customize the look of the bracelets no matter what your style. If you like pinks and baroque styling, then beads from the Versailles collection might entice you. If you prefer neutrals and black, the Highland Collection might speak to you. And if sparkles are your thing, then go for the Celestial collection! You can choose Zodiac beads, affirmation beads, crystal beads, beads with Swarovski rhinestones, Italian glass beads, and marcasite beads, a well as precious metal beads of silver and gold. They also have a number of different bracelet styles so you can customize the base of your arm adornment too. In other words, you have complete control!
Check out the graphic below for a quick how-to:
If you’re looking for that perfect gift for a special someone, you could make it truly unique to that person with your choice of beads and bracelets.
xo
Carly
FTC Disclosure: I was gifted a bangle, 2 beads, and a charm from Persona for review purposes. The opinions above are my own. I have received no compensation for this post. For my full Disclosure Policy, click here.
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