Jan 21, 2008 | Media
by Carly J. Cais, fashion designer
As a designer – my line is
RIVETED Clothing & Accessories – I’ve developed an eye for style over the years…and right along with it, a nose for a bargain. Half the fun of fashion is looking fabulous without needing to declare bankruptcy. Each week, I showcase five hot designer-style steals (each for $100 or, in most cases, for much, much less)…along with one splurge-worthy item.
Even though Victorian has made yet another comeback for the third (?!) straight Fall in a row, this year’s version is about adding a little twist of sexy here and there. An exposed ankle, a waist-cinching belt, a form-fitting blouse or accessories in just the right location – together, these touches keep this trend in au courant.
Here are five vintage-style picks hearken back to more modest time, yet still look modern and alluring enough to keep you rooted firmly in the present:
PRIM LITTLE JACKET Ooh la La Redoute! Where to start? Gorge French-style clothing, affordable stateside prices, excellent customer service, on-trend, impeccably chic, and affordable – and excellent quality. Is it evident I’m somewhat fond of this store? Not surprisingly, they have the season’s perfect
Balenciaga-inspired shrunken boy blazer you’ve been looking for, with nipped-in tailoring, a wide neckline & boy-meets-lady pinstripe. This preppy chic number would look equally chic with frills (like the blouse below) or skinny jeans & a boatneck tee. Add a vintage-style pin like in the photo (our suggestion: the $80 Alda die-cut steel & brass brooch from Vice & Vanity) and get ready to garner ooh la las of your own. Riding Jacket $50 (on sale) at LaRedoute.com.
KEY NECKLACE Key-themed jewelry is everywhere this season (and yes, I too am offering a key necklace in my collection) but KidViskous delivers an updated feel in mirrored lucite, with a sweet heart in the center. It is fab by itself or layered over other retro-style necklaces…plus the 18″ length is just right for highlighting decollete peeking out from that oversized V-neck sweater I know you have hiding in the back of your closet – it’s time to pull that out, dust it off, and sex it up! Key to my Heart Necklace $44 – StarsAndInfiniteDarkness.com.
RUFFLED BLOUSE While dreamy & romantic sounding, flouncy ruffles often end up as a hardcore Fashion Don’t & should really come with some version of the following warning: in order not to be mistaken for an extra in a costume drama, or worse, Sean Connery flying the Brigadoon freak flag at the 2003 Oscars, keep jewelry to a minimum, pair with high-waisted black pants, and go romantic in a soft Gibson Girl inspired wave, or rock a striking contrast in a spiky ‘do. This softly tea-stained version features a removable bib & appropriately retro price: $40! Ruffled Lace Blouse available at Newport-News.com.
VINTAGE-LOOK PURSE Snagging that handmade look designers laboriously create in their bags, but at a non-designer pricepoint, means wading through a sea of shockingly cheap-looking versions. (Handmade = charming; Homemade = fashion felony.) However, the vintage’y print, faux suede, handmade organza flowers & chic ribbon trim on this gem can definitely withstand scrutiny & comparisons with its more pricey compadres. The frame is so exquisitely detailed that when asked, simply lie & tell them you unearthed it in the back of a darling old antique shop…somewhere. Flower-Adorned Frame Bag $50 – ABLambdin.com
SUEDE ANKLE BOOT If you invest in only one piece of footwear this fall, make sure it’s a bootie. Fab with everything from jeans to minis, swingy capelets to puffer jackets, the ankle boot is the easiest way to update your chilly weather gear. Available at a range of pricepoints from labels like Anne Klein, MICHAEL Michael Kors, Jessica Simpson, BCBGirls, D&G Dolce & Gabbana, and Roberto Cavalli, these b.street booties are an affordable way to try the trend for only $25. The slit down the middle is uber-chic and affords that little glimpse of foot that so titillated the Victorians. (Note: you may have some trouble choosing between black, brown, and gray.) Add textured tights, and off you go. Sueded Ankle Boot – Fashionbug.com; Honeycomb-Textured tights $5 at Metrostyle.com.
SPLURGE OF THE WEEK: OVERSIZED BIB NECKLACE The bib-style necklace is currently such a hot trend, there are almost too many to choose from. If you want to it out without financial pain, Forever21.com has the goods for under $10. However, if you’re ready to make the leap, look no further than this stunning, one-of-a-kind crystal collar necklace from Couture Saboteur. It just begs to be layered over a dark high-collared jacket & frilly cream-colored blouse, or float at the base of your neck above a strapless gunmetal satin gown. Because it makes such a dramatic style statement, skip other distracting (and detracting) accessories & keep your outfit simple and elegant, so the focus remains on your neck where this bauble can really stand out. Crystal Collar Necklace $250 – UnsungDesigners.com.
If there are any high-priced pieces you’d like me to find similar, less-pricey versions of, please email me at *carlyjcais AT riveted-clothing.com*. ‘Til next week, fellow bargain-hunters!
– Carly J. Cais
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Jan 21, 2008 | Media
As a designer – my line is
RIVETED Clothing & Accessories – I’ve developed an eye for style over the years…and right along with it, a nose for a bargain. Half the fun of fashion is looking fabulous without needing to declare bankruptcy. Each week, I showcase five hot designer-style steals (each for $100 or, in most cases, for much, much less)…along with one splurge-worthy item.
With the cold weather comes just the excuse you were looking for to escape the high-paced hustle of city life by hightailing it off to a secluded spot in the wilderness, curling up by a roaring fire, and slowly sipping a mug of hot cocoa. Whether its a romantic getaway in a secluded cabin or a trip with the girls to your fave chalet – or you just want to dress the part – here are some great country-inspired picks to help you get cozy. However, unless your name is Paul Bunyan, no piling them all on at one time!
TEXTURAL SCARF Mixing your fashion media (think sweater-style knits + cotton or other wovens) is in-in-in this season – if this fab all-in-one mixed wool & silk dress from
Missoni (at right) is anything to judge by (it’s Missoni…meaning it’s safe to judge). To punch up some of the many black coats that are probably hanging in your closet (I know mine is stuffed with them!), try a mixed-texture scarf. With a cotton edging on a substantial knitted body, it shifts the attention up toward your face, while the mix of beefy knit and cotton offers just the right amount of warmth on cooler evenings when a heavy coat is overkill. For sophisticated office days, try gray, and when you’re craving a bit more attention or out on a date, go for hot pink! $38 at UrbanOutfitters.com.
FEMININE PLAID BLOUSE Give thanks to the fashion gods that the days of knotting your boyfriend’s oversized shirt at your waist in order to create a little desperately-needed sex-appeal are (so) over! With so many adorable, body-conscious cuts in blouses, there’s no better time to be fashionably female. The sweet plaid print is ultra-modern, while the puff cap-sleeves, waist-defining tie & ruffles – which draw the eye right to your feminine…*ahem*…assets – mean there’s no chance you’ll be mistaken for one of the boys. A tailored skirt, killer heels & thin belt at the waist keeps the look city; alternatively, pile on the country charm with a pair of Frye boots & denim jacket. Emma Ruffle Top, $34.50 at
dELiAs.com
.
FURRY HAT If the winter wind is threatening your poor earlobes and ‘muffs just aren’t enough to brave the chill, break out a more rugged bomber-style topper. With built-in ear flaps & a mere $13 – $13! – it delivers an adorable Sienna Miller snowbunny look that’s way easy
on the wallet. Houndstooth Bomber Hat (at left) – Target.com. Alternatively, try the fab (faux) furry style (at right) from Victoria’s Secret. Leave the voluminous stuff in the closet & pair this instead with skinny pants and a tight-fit sweater; loose & sexy does it with the hair…et voila…instant chalet chic! Trapper hat, $34.50 at VictoriasSecret.com.
COZY CORDUROY Sometimes you just tire of jeans, and slacks are a bit…well, slacking when it comes to comfort. Cozy pants in a thin-wale corduroy (remember: thin wale, good; wide wale = visual width on your legs = bad for most except the super skinny) will not only bring you back to your High School glory days, but also increase your closet’s versatility. Look for riveted details, high back pockets, and a slight flare to the leg for the most flattering fit. The shape elongates and slims the legs; perfect with your favorite baggy sweatshirt and beat-up Birkenstocks when you just don’t feel like dressing up…& killer tucked into knee-length boots and a paired with a military-style jacket when you do. And the super-sweet thing is that these Piper Spiral Cords come in no less than four inseam lengths, to fit everyone from the sweetest Petite to the leggiest Tall. $39.50 at Alloy.com.
WEDGE BOOT Although military-style has infiltrated pretty much all of fashion this season, it’s best attempted in small doses…such as in a pair of versatile boots. Tuck your skinny jeans into them and add your fave oversized leather weekender for a trip to the ‘burbs; top with a swingy capelet and tight skirt for a more fashion-forward Helmut Lang-inspired feel. And don’t let
the 4″ wedge frighten you – they already have a 1″ platform, so they’re easy to walk in and surprisingly chic. Platform Boot, $44 – Newport-News.com.
SPLURGE OF THE WEEK: GOLD ANTLER NECKLACE Rachel Leigh originally made a splash back in ’04 with her wire-wrapped rings of precious and semi-precious gemstones & pearls. Now, she has…branched out into amazingly affordable bracelets, earrings & quirky-chic necklaces that are being snapped up by publicists, celebs, and style-savvy fashionistas in the know. This antler necklace with adorable embedded mini-crystals is striking enough to stand alone as a statement piece, or equally stylish as an accent piece when paired with a cluster of delicate chains gently resting at your throat. Rachel Leigh Antler Crystal Necklace, $136 – CoutureCandy.com.
If there are any high-priced pieces you’d like me to find similar, less-pricey versions of, please email me at *carlyjcais AT riveted-clothing.com*. ‘Til next week, fellow bargain-hunters!
– Carly J. Cais
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Jan 21, 2008 | Life, Media
by Carly J. Cais, Fashion Designer
As a designer – my line is
RIVETED Clothing & Accessories– I’ve developed an eye for style over the years…and right along with it, a nose for a bargain. Half the fun of fashion is looking fabulous without needing to declare bankruptcy. Each week, I showcase five hot designer-style steals (each for $100 or, in most cases, for much, much less)…along with one splurge-worthy item.
Now that it’s December, it’s the perfect time for over-the-top, sparkle-til-you-drop, fabulous glittery-embellished pieces. The stores are brimming with a bounty of jazzy jeweled items, so there’s no excuse not to frolick festively…whether you snatch up steals & deals or invest in well-priced quality items.
Here are the glittery goods you’ll want to add to your holiday must-haves:
LEOPARD PRINT DRESS Most holiday parties are dominated by black, silver, and red…boring, boring, and more b-o-r-i-n-g! Why not head out on the prowl in this fab silk (yes, silk!) frock from Forever21’s sister company, TwelvebyTwelve? Eyecatching sparklies peek out around the neckline, and it even comes with its own belt for days when you want to skip the hassle of accessorizing. Pair with killer stilettos, sweep a sparkling body powder on your collarbone, and prepare to be the cat’s meow at your next soiree. Jeweled Silk Minidress $60 – TwelveByTwelve.com.
EVENING PUMP WITH OOMPH A girl’s gotta have a shapely, super-hot heel to hotfoot it through the season in high style. Try something with a pattern or embellishment. (Love the fact that the stones on these kicks create a chic floral pattern rather than just being applied randomly with all the care of a Rorshach blob.) The sculptural 4″ heel makes legs look endless, and the side cut-out flashes a sexy swathe of skin. Peeking out from a under a frayed jean or paired with a poufy party dress, they’ll easily earn back their $70 pricetag in endless wearings & compliments. Stone-Bedazzled Satin Pump $70 (sale), Carabella.com.
BOLD HEADBAND When oversized jewel-encrusted headbands came down the Marc Jacobs Fall runway, fashion insiders literally ran to lay hands on them. More reasonably priced options have been popping up – like this chic metallic version that somehow manages to remain understated & elegant, while still delivering on the sparkly with the huge & attention-grabbing off-center jewel. At $12, be sure to stock up on both
colors which will compliment everything from your black cashmere turtleneck to that heinous holiday sweater you just know your relatives are expecting you to wear at holiday family gatherings (thank god you’re in good company with Colin Firth in Bridget Jones’s Diary). Jane Headband $12 each, ShopSueyBoutique.com.
EMBELLISHED LEGGINGS As the Year of the Legging, the endless parade of black-gray-brown is getting tired. If you really want to highlight those gams, slip on this allover-embellished pair. Keep the tunic & booties neutral, and turn up the sparkle in your accessories for a late-80s Madonna feel…the perfect antidote to dreary winter days. Embellished Leggings $14, Fashionjunkee.com.
SPARKLY CLUTCH Think “J. Crew” and probably what jumps to mind are casual staples. However, give the retail giant a closer look for unexpected finds like this glittery clutch – petite, yet roomy enough for the wallet-keys-cellphone-lipstick necessities. Almost like a soft-sided Judith Leiber, but at a much savvier $40 pricepoint! The problem? Choosing between gold, graphite & black. Twinkle Clutch $40 (sale), JCrew.com.
SPLURGE OF THE WEEK: FANCY CARDIGAN Whether it’s with a slim pencil skirt, luxe party dress, or your most chic jeans, this gorge embellished cardigan is the epitome of class. The cropped swingy shape & feminine sleeve are perfectly complemented by the four oversized buttons on the front and sparkles aplenty cascading down your shoulders. Since more is more, go all the way with some fab sparkly earrings and keep your myriad admirers drooling for more. LaRok Boho Cardigan $350, VibeTheBoutique.com.
If there are any high-priced pieces you’d like me to find similar, less-pricey versions of, please email me at *carlyjcais AT riveted-clothing.com*. ‘Til next week, fellow bargain-hunters!
– Carly J. Cais
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Jan 21, 2008 | Media
by Carly J. Cais, Fashion Designer
As a designer – my line is
RIVETED Clothing & Accessories, I’ve developed an eye for style over the years…and right along with it, a nose for a bargain. Half the fun of fashion is looking fabulous without needing to declare bankruptcy. Each week, I showcase five hot designer-style steals (each for $100 or, in most cases, for much, much less)…along with one splurge-worthy item.
Gorgeous Autumn colors, yummy pie, day-after-Thanksgiving-mega-sales…not to mention classes starting up, college football games, and alumni weekends. Take a page from the college book (think Ali McGraw in
Love Story!) and get inspired by a classically casual look. Whether you’re on campus or not, there’s hot style to be found in study hall that translates perfectly to the street.
STRIPED SCARF When you’re hankering for something classic – but with a feminine twist – this stripey scarf gets an A+. Super long, it can hang long & loose, or be wrapped around your neck multiple times on chilly day. The teensy bit of sparkle keeps it from being confused with all the other Rugby-style scarves out there. Choose from pink, blue, black, red or green. Lurex scarf $20 – LaneBryant.com
PEACOAT There’s just something about a peacoat…slip one one & you look both preppy and fetchingly feminine. Whether it’s over a dark suit to the office or as a coverup with a hoodie and leggings – it’s suprisingly versatile. This affordably version has a fab heart-locket print lining that will appeal to your inner girlie-girl. To keep it universal, try classic black or gray; for more adventure, opt for bright green or lipstick red. Classic Peacoat $70 –
dELiAs.com
(sizing note: it runs slightly small)
VINTAGE-WASH DENIM Whether paired with an oversized varsity hoodie or dolled up under a nipped jacket with multiple strands of Coco’esque pearls, vintage-wash jeans are the ultimate closet staple. Fraying merely makes them more tough-looking & unexpectedly sexy when a little flash of skin peeks through. The slight flare looks fab with a pair of killer stilettoes…how could a fashionista say no? Cali Low Rise Flare Jeans $50 – HollisterCo.com.
SHEARLING BOOT That iconic shearling boot that showed up on the fashion radar a few years back paired wth frayed denim mini skirts on starlets perpetually in and out of rehab? It’s still considered the most Hollywood-chic way to brave an L.A. winter in style. (In our defense, celebs are contributing handpainted versions of Uggs to auction off for charity!) If you’ve found the steep $160 price tag for the original offputting, then happy days are here: a great lookalike pair for $20! With so many colors to choose from – black, brown, camel, ivory, purple, red, & pink – as well as a shorter version, and some embellished pairs, the selection at is totally tantalizing (and totally affordable!). Faux Shearling Boot $20 (sale) – GoJane.com.
THERMAL TOP Perfect for layering and super-cute on its own, the thermal tee is unabashedly intimate even when worn in a casual setting. Add colorful stripes and fabulous neckline gathers, and it looks great even if it some time has passed since your college heyday. Pair with leggings and boots for an I’m-just-going-to-hit-the-Starbucks-next-door look, or add a black mini and dark tights to sexily play up the colors. Cozy Thermal Stripe Top $44 – FredFlare.com
SPLURGE OF THE WEEK: SILVER BEAN PENDANT As every style-savvy co-ed knows, even if you’re clothed head-to-toe in great designer knockoffs, you need to add at least one fab accessory that is the real thing in order to come off as fashionable rather than fashion victim. This iconic bean pendant adds an equal splash of sophistication to a strapless silk party frock or a college-cozy ensemble. The medium sterling silver version is surprisingly affordable at just under $200, while the 18k gold is a steeper $775…but isn’t that what Christmas/Hannukkah/Festivus are for? Silver Elsa Peretti Bean Pendant $195 – Tiffany.com
If there are any high-priced pieces you’d like me to find similar, less-pricey versions of, please email me at *carlyjcais AT riveted-clothing.com*. ‘Til next week, fellow bargain-hunters!
– Carly J. Cais
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Jan 21, 2008 | Media
by Carly J. Cais, Fashion Designer
As a designer – my line is
RIVETED Clothing & Accessories – I’ve developed an eye for style over the years…and right along with it, a nose for a bargain. Half the fun of fashion is looking fabulous without needing to declare bankruptcy. Each week, I showcase five hot designer-style steals (each for $100 or, in most cases, for much, much less)…along with one splurge-worthy item.
Green is the new black, and thanks to the latest advances in technology, the phrase
all man-made materials no longer need terrify a fashionista.
Here are five fabulous faux leather picks that easily mimic the high-end luxe look of leather…sans guilty conscience:
WIDE BELT With all the oversized sweaters, flowing tunics, and slim pants dominating the fall silhouette, an attention-grabbing waist-cincher is key to not losing feminine appeal in amongst all that extra fabric. This fab leather belt fits the bill perfectly and has a tooled equestrian feel…and yet it’s a fashionably frugal find at $25. The center buckle adds some extra hardware and oomph to your ensemble, so pair with an extravagantly gorgeous party dress to really play up the contrast in textures. Leather-Look Satchel-Style Belt – Newport-News.com.
QUILTED BAG Every week seems to bring a new must-have it bag (find them at Bagsnob.com, which is already part of your daily reading, no?). While celebs can afford to have an infinite number of bags, for the rest of us, there is FashionJunkee.com. Specializing in good-looking lookalikes of the arm candy toted by Lindsay, Paris & Jessica, this lovely quilted number is actually affordable at just under $50. Try winter white as a chic contrast to all the black and gray of the season – or snap one up in eggplant (the celeb fave hue lately) to show off into the Spring months. Oversized Quilted Marc Jacobs Stam lookalike Handbag – FashionJunkee.com
PATENT-PIPED JACKET Short jackets with tie belts are all the rage this season, and this pea-jacket-meets-trenchcoat is picture perfect in a go-with-everything shade of charcoal. What really sets it apart? The affordable $70 pricetag, faux patent leather piping, and the fact that it somehow manages to be both preppy and refined at the same time. To highlight the shine on the piping, wear with some white slacks (and a white quilted bag, anyone?) or let a pleated mini-skirt just peep out from under its cropped hem. Pleather-trimmed Love Stitch South Side Jacket – LulusFashionLounge.com
FAKE-SKIN PLATFORM Love the 70s glam look but loathe the “skin” part? Then slip on this funky fake-snake platform from the limited-edition Patricia Field Collection for Payless (a steal at $40). Neutral enough to pair with your fave black pants or jeans, or effortlessly perfect with that hot mini, the metallic geometric design ups the glam quotient of whatever you’re wearing… and just (just) manages to tide a fashionista over until the Sex and the City movie finaly comes out. (*sigh*) Faux Snake Tempura Metallic sandal by Patricia Field for Payless – Payless.com
CUTOUT HALTER TOP From summer’s breezy tops into holiday’s bejeweled party frocks, the cutout-style halter-neck has been in the style spotlight. A well-priced ($25) option from Dereon, the styling at the neck is sweet, but the L.A. Ink style graphic says just the opposite, and the faux leather collar helps keep the vamp factor high (of course, throwing on some curvy patent leather heels in lipstick red & chanelling Kat Von D in some wouldn’t hurt, either). Dereon Moonlight Halter –
Macys.com.
SPLURGE OF THE WEEK Is it jewelry? Is it a belt? Keep them off-balance with this super-unique Bliss Lau piece that can be worn multiple ways. What looks like a snarl of oxidized chain and leather bits (real, this time) should theoretically do nothing for your style whatsoever…but it’s the strangest thing…upon donning this, the wearer instantly looks slimmer, more feminine, and bliss-fully alluring. Try draping from the down to the
hips over a slim-fitting turtleneck dress (however, for the jewelry vs. belt debate, you’re on your own). Tuxedo Vest Chain $228 – BlissLau.com
If there are any high-priced pieces you’d like me to find similar, less-pricey versions of, please email me at *carlyjcais AT riveted-clothing.com*. ‘Til next week, fellow bargain-hunters!
– Carly J. Cais
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