Jul 12, 2008 | Media
by Carly J. Cais, Fashion Designer & ChicSteals blog
As a designer – my line is RIVETED Clothing & Accessories – I’ve developed an eye for style over the years, and an appreciation for the fact that sometimes, designer pricetags can be downright scary. While life necessitates a splurge once in a while on that can’t-live-without-it fabulous item, much of the fun of fashion is mixing high with low to create outfits that are creative, and also budget-friendly.
Each week, I showcase five hot designer-style steals (each for $100 or, in most cases, for much, much less)…along with one must-splurge item. To celebrate the official start of summer here in the Northern hemisphere, we’re showcasing nature-inspired pieces that are seemingly straight out of the garden. So shed those layers, and infuse your wardrobe with flowery frocks, leafy jewelry, and sandals adorned with blooms. With these frugal, floral finds, everything will be coming up roses:
FLORAL SKIRT Oversized blooms in a smart minimalist print keep it chic rather than too flowery, while godets produce a universally figure-flattering fit-and-flare shape. Pair with ankle-wrap espadrilles and a black vest or a simple white tank and killer gold jewelry for carefree summer chic. At just under $20, you could splurge on both color options, pale blue/brown and shades of pink…spend $75 or more at Kohls.com and get free standard shipping! Apt 9 Floral Godet Skirt $17 at Kohls.com.
FLOWERED FROCK Bring on the verdant vibe in this unexpected and fresh shade of green. The red, yellow, and brown in the rose-print harkens back to Victorian floral designs, but the bubble hem and sexy halter neck create a more modern hourglass. Just add nude sandals and a little wicker clutch – and you’re set for the next beach party or Saturday shopping excursion…and not even the sweltering humidity city can bring you down. Jennifer Dress $40 at Delias.com.
BOTANICAL BLOUSE This super-cute screenprinted kimono top comes in a number of options – black, tan, gray, white, and royal blue – and would look equally fabulous with a skinny pant, legging, or short shorts. The generous sleeves balance the low-cut V-front, and the lightweight fabric makes this perfect for long nights of dancing, or as a cute bikini cover-up at the beach or pool. Jersey V-Neck Kimono Dress $33 at Fashionjunkee.com.
LEAFY EARRINGS Unlike just about every other flowery earring out there, these unique brass-and-verdigris leaf earrings from indie designer Jade Gideon’s We Dream in Colour line are sophisticated without being too girly, and would look just as good with a LBD as with an embroidered hippie tunic. Demeter Earrings, $28 at StarsAndInfiniteDarkness.com.
FLOWERY FOOTWEAR Marked down from $120 to $95, these are high enough at just under 4″ (3.75″/90mm) to lengthen legs, but still comfy enough to stand up to a stint on bridesmaid duty at a friend’s summer wedding. Whether you wear them with a white sundress or skimpy khaki shorts, don’t forget the leg bronzer! Hale Bob Rosette Sandals $95 (sale) at VictoriasSecret.com.
SPLURGE OF THE WEEK: TATTOO-INSPIRED TEE The tattoo-inspired, celebrity-fueled rock ‘n roll t-shirt is in high demand these days, so give the come-lately’s a miss in favor of the original designer, Christian Audigier. So much attention was paid to the exquisite detail of this rose-patterned tee – gold foiling, tattoo ink hues, a touch of bling – you only need to pair it with jeans and let it speak for itself. Perfect for days when you’re feeling less flowery and more about showing off some savvy streetstyle. Black Faded Floral Design Short Sleeve Tee $143 at ShopDivine.com.
If there are any high-priced pieces you’d like me to find similar, less costly versions of, please email me at carlyjcais AT fashiontribes DOT com. ‘Til next week, fellow bargain-hunters!
– Carly J. Cais
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Jun 15, 2008 | Fashion
by Carly J. Cais, Fashion Designer & ChicSteals blog
As a designer – my line is
RIVETED Clothing & Accessories – I’ve developed an eye for style over the years, and an appreciation for the fact that sometimes, designer pricetags can be downright scary. While life necessitates a splurge once in a while on that
can’t-live-without-it fabulous item, much of the fun of fashion is mixing high with low to create outfits that are creative, and also budget-friendly. Each week, I showcase five hot designer-style steals (each for $100 or, in most cases, for much, much less)…along with one must-splurge item.
Despite reluctant boyfriends and others refusing to Get Carried Away with Sex and the City: The Movie (all that relationship drama, wide-eyed optimism, female bonding, and glitter that is the onscreen version of life in NYC) this filmic fashion-fest will more than appease the need for gorgeous eye candy.
Ensemble after ensemble – and not just for uber-fashionista Carrie Bradshaw, but a much more chic Miranda Hobbes – stylist Patricia Field created a memorable movie wardrobe, which inspired this week’s picks…perfect for that quirky, Cosmo-swilling, clothes-obsessed Manhattanite in all of us:
GLADIATOR SANDALS The Dior gladiators Carrie sports in so many scenes, including the opening, are priced at just under $800. For $23 from Go Jane and available in white, nude, tan & black, these strappy gladiator heels let a girl walk in Carrie’s shoes…sans her un-sexy realization in Season 4, Episode 64 Ring a Ding Ding that she’s dropped so much on designer footwear over the years, she may actually turn into the old woman who literally lived in her shoes.
FLORAL DRESS Starting with the inspiring opening scene where Pat Field presented the audience with a lovely welcome back Carrie-flower and throughout the entire movie, the leading ladies looked lovely in florals of every variety. A garden of green/blue/yellow from Newport-News.com is guaranteed to bring some flower power to your wardrobe, and priced at $29, you’ll have enough left over for a fetching floral jacket & neutral accessories a la Carrie.
GRAPHIC TEE DRESS Katharine Hamnett’s STAY ALIVE IN 85 tee is back – bigger, bolder, eco-chic, and better than ever. Carrie’s cobalt blue version is coming soon to the designer’s website, however, get the look for as little at $65 in a bright red t-shirt dress from Hellz Bellz at KarmaLoop.com. To keep from clashing with the PacMan-meets-mod print, keep accessories minimal…unless you’re feeling bold (and cold), in which case pair with over-the-knee argyle socks ($12/pair from SockDreams.com), sandals, and a thin gold choker.
STUDDED BELT On all the ladies in scene after scene, we saw fabulous outfits made ever more fabulous with belts. Carrie’s fave (which popped up a few times) was definitely the wide studded belt which she paired with prim little dresses to give them her own little style-spin (as a fun aside, at a recent intimate Q&A with Patricia Field, we learned that Sarah Jessica Parker loved the belt so much, she wanted to wear it with everything, and even christened it Roger.) This $20 version from Da Kine looks sassy and hard (but not I-just-joined-a-biker-gang hard), and is ultra chic with both jeans and frilly frocks.
ANKLE-LENGTH PRINT DRESS Carrie rocked two different versions of this trendy summer dress, a lovely purple tie-dye by Veronique Branquinho, and an Alexander McQeen rainbow butterfly print. This $15 version from Walmart would fit – and flatter – a range of sizes, and would look most Carrie’esque with bare feet and a gold nameplate necklace.
ONE-STOP SEX SHOPPING AT ASOS Even with the abysmal dollar-to-pound exchange rate, you can pick up a Carrie-like floral sundress, gladiator heels, safari-style vest, and that jaw-dropping white one-shouldered vintage flower dress – all for slightly more than what I usually recommend in my picks – but for far less than their luxury-brand counterparts at ASOS.com.
SPLURGE OF THE WEEK: SPARKLY PINK PHONE Carrie’s other Big accessory was her pink Swarovski-encrusted phone. For $160, the Blackberry Pearl Faceplate kit at Let’s Crystal It lets you pimp-out your phone, providing hours of girlie garrulousness. While the six month warranty covers any crystals that might come off, the high-quality adhesive ensures they will mostly stay put…which is important, if you’re planning to party like it’s 2003 again.
If there are any high-priced pieces you’d like me to find similar, less costly versions of, please email me at carlyjcais AT fashiontribes DOT com. ‘Til next week, fellow bargain-hunters!
– Carly J. Cais
(photos: top – AZ Valley Girl Blog; Katharine Hamnett tee – PopSugar.com; print dresses & wannabes (above) – both Craig Blankenhorn/New Line Cinema)
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Jun 15, 2008 | Media
by Carly J. Cais, Fashion Designer & ChicSteals blogAs a designer – my line is
RIVETED Clothing & Accessories – I’ve developed an eye for style over the years, and an appreciation for the fact that sometimes, designer pricetags can be downright scary. While life necessitates a splurge once in a while on that
can’t-live-without-it fabulous item, much of the fun of fashion is mixing high with low to create outfits that are creative, and also budget-friendly. Each week, I showcase five hot designer-style steals (each for $100 or, in most cases, for much, much less)…along with one must-splurge item.
This week, celebrate the start of summer in something inspired by the blue of the ocean (or the local pool, depending on where you live). From elegant azure to robin’s egg, these five breezy pieces will keep both you and your budget floating in an ocean of calm:
FLOWERED FROCK Florals are a huge trend for spring/summer, and this tunic is as chic solo, as over white capris, chocolate brown sandals, simple jewelry, and a killer (faux!) tan. Jarassic Floral Tunic, $88 at ArdenB.com.
SKY BLUE SKINNIES When it comes to luxe denim with high-street styling but low-budget friendliness, Cheap Monday is the way to go. This mid-rise skinny gets a sexy update in cheery aqua, while the tight, stretch silhouette would look fab with a loose vintage-print tee and sky-high round-toe pumps – perfect for heading straight from the street to a swanky club. Cheap Monday’s The Skyscraper in OD, $65 at Karmaloop.com.
SKINNY BELT It’s amazing how a thin pop of color at the waist can bring an otherwise drab outfit to life. This little belt – also small in price ($10!) – will pay big style dividends paired with everything from tunic dresses to trenchcoats to tight little tees. Xhilaration Skinny Patent Belt, $9.99 at Target.com.
PATENT PURSE The must-have of the moment is patently, well, patent. Pair this sweet satchel with other touches of patent (shoes, belt, headband), but balance all that shine with a matte outfit so as not to blind innocent bystanders. The interior pockets keep everything organized and neat…and the $30 price is equally neat. Bisou Bisou Patent Trimmed Printed Satchel, $29.99 (sale) at JCPenney.com.
OVERSIZE GLASS RING For a chunky, funky statement piece, try this eyecatching bauble by Orfeo Quagliata for Phuze Crystal. Handmade, no two are exactly alike, and because it’s crafted from glass, you can leave lovely rainbows in your wake when you gesticulate. Dop Ring $66 at Unicahome.com.
SPLURGE OF THE WEEK: CHIC WRAP DRESS Diane von Furstenberg rode to fashion fame (and fortune) on one simple principle: the wrap dress makes anyone, regardless of size or body type, instantly chic and fabulous. This cobalt version in a crinkly summer-weight fabric comes with a detachable slip lining to keep things cool when the mercury starts to rise. Pair with the season’s gladiator sandal and some glamorous oversize sunnies to look more DVF than the wrap dress queen herself. Solid Wrap Dress, $150 at BananaRepublic.com.
If there are any high-priced pieces you’d like me to find similar, less costly versions of, please email me at carlyjcais AT fashiontribes DOT com. ‘Til next week, fellow bargain-hunters!
– Carly J. Cais
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May 22, 2008 | Media
As a designer – my line is
RIVETED Clothing & Accessories – I’ve developed an eye for style over the years, and an appreciation for the fact that sometimes, designer pricetags can be downright scary. While life necessitates a splurge once in a while on that
can’t-live-without-it fabulous item, much of the fun of fashion is mixing high with low to create outfits that are creative, and also budget-friendly.
Each week, I showcase five hot designer-style steals (each for $100 or, in most cases, for much, much less)…along with one must-splurge item. This week, stay cool and collected at the office in sophisticated monotone –
but not monotony! – with chic separates sassed up with a few well-placed splashes of gold. Here are five fabulous picks that will keep you looking polished and professional, but priced at under $50 each, they keep your hard-earned cash right where it belongs: in your wallet.
- CROPPED JACKET A cropped jacket is the perfect way to look retro, yet very 2008. The 3/4 sleeve and lightweight fabric help keep a working girl cool during the sweltering summer months, while the darts lend a sweetly feminine vibe. And since black goes with everything from jeans to a cocktail frock, this one is an absolute steal at just over $20! Laura Clement Retro Cropped Blazer on sale for $22 at Laredoute.com.
- A SHAPELY SKIRT Do the typical knee-length black pencil one better with a slight tulip shape…gently pleated to enhance your curves. Pair with a trendy shrunken vest for some Oliver Twist gamine, or sex it up for a date under a breezy, lacy blouson. Pleated Front Skirt $20 at Forever21.com.
- CHUNKY CHAIN NECKLACE Who knew 36 little inches could yield such style dividends? Wear it long & opera-length, or wrap it twice around the neck for collarbone-grazing gleam. Feeling daring? Try it as a belt or even to bring an otherwise boring old LBD to life. Plus, it’s from Girlprops.com which means it arrives in that too-cute zebra print bag which begs to be repurposed as vase for faux flowers in a kitschy ode to Betsey Johnson. Gucci-licious Chain $40 from Girlprops.com.
- SEXY PUMP Take a walk on the wild side in gold zebra-print suede, or rock some 80s punk appeal in black patent. Either way, they’re only $40, and are guaranteed to put in the overtime when you slip out of your work trousers and into a pair of weekend leggings or bold graphic tunic. Low cut pump on sale for $39 at VictoriasSecret.com.
- TRENDPROOF TOTE To avoid falling prey to fashion victimhood, balance off the sexiness of the stilettos, bling necklace, and shape-silhouetting skirt with a more buttoned-up bag. Not only will this well-made bronze satchel with the pickpocket-proof zipper hold your Blackberry, appointment book, water bottle, iPod, makeup case and other life gadgets (though leave the legal briefs at your desk), but it epitomizes work chic, allowing your to show off your Almighty Good Fashion Sense (TM). Mossimo Four-Poster Bag $23 at Amazon.com.
- SPLURGE OF THE WEEK: A CHIC BUTTON-DOWN From gaposis to droopiness in all the wrong places, most “fitted” blouses are anything but. Rebecca & Drew have cleverly solved this problem with a line of buttondowns and dresses that are sized according to bra size, guaranteeing a perfect fit. Though pricey, they’re soft, long-wearing, easy to launder, and most important: keep you gap- and droop-free on those long work days. A fab investment in your work wardrobe that will climb the corporate ladder right along with with you year after year, promotion after promotion. TrioFit Slimfit Shirt $137 at RebeccaAndDrew.com.
If there are any high-priced pieces you’d like me to find similar, less costly versions of, please email me at carlyjcais AT fashiontribes DOT com. ‘Til next week, fellow bargain-hunters!
– Carly J. Cais
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May 16, 2008 | Fashion, Media
by Carly J. Cais, Fashion Designer & ChicSteals blog
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 hot designer-style steals (each for $100 or, in most cases, for much, much less)…along with one splurge-worthy item.
This summer, be the envy of the crowd in a cute suit. There are tons of pre-Summer sales to choose from, making this the time to snag some swimwear for a song. Here are five ways to stay cool by the pool or brave the waves in style this season:
- OMBRE EVERYWHERE Reminiscent of 60’s tie-dye, but updated for 2008, this alluring gradiant color-wash – seen on all the A-list spring runways – has found its way to swimwear. Fade from seaweed-green to sandy-gold in a hot-hot-hot little side-tie triangle…and for strutting down the beach at your most fabulous, pair with white accessories – especially bangles, sunglasses, and a caftan. Victoria’s Secret Very Sexy Ombre Sliding Triangle Top & String bottom – $38 (each).
- MOLTO MONOKINI – aka side cut-out suits – provide the stay-put-ness and tummy coverage of a one-piece, with a healthy dose of skin-baring sex appeal. Say ahoy in the nautical chic of a striped-top and anchor print bottom, which is also available in an extended-torso version for $40 from Delias…which means you can set sail looking fab, but with your swim budget still intact.
- SEXY HARDWARE Gold rings, silver brooches, jeweled dangles…metallic accents add a fabulously shiny touch to this year’s suits. Even modest swimwear gets glam with something hard thrown into the mix, however, for hardcore sex appeal, this down-to-there monokini with an enticing trail of O-rings provides just enough coverage to leave him breathless. For sunset cocktails, simply tie on a low-slung pareo and head for the cabana. 3-ring monokini – on sale for $35 (was $70) at Carabella.com.
- BOLD GRAPHICS Prints are a major trend this season, especially over-sized, brightly colored and eyecatching. From floral to psychedlic, a fab one-stop shopping option is Venus Swimwear, which carries a staggering array of styles, colors, and sizes. The Mocha Java print two-piece is simultaneously sophisticated and mod…just add a breezy coverup and some glistening gold-flecked body oil. For just over $55 from Venus.com, the price is definitely right.
- RETRO GIRLIE GIRL Make a splash in a high-waisted pin-up number from MyBabyJo.com, one of the best online sources for retro chic. The halter-neck supports and accentuates your curves, and the boy-cut bottom conceals the tummy-control panel within…so all bystanders will see is you looking slim and trim. For added bonus points: coat your nails in lipstick-red polish. Two-piece cherry-print suit – $70 at MyBabyJo.com.
- SPLURGE OF THE WEEK: AN ICONIC DESIGNER For the perfect suit, sometimes it’s worth investing in a tried-and-true designer label. DVF does not disappoint with an itsy-bitsy bikini in an on-trend (but not overly trendy) safari’ish print. Diane Von Furstenberg Stone String Bikini – $175 at IntermixOnline.com.
If there are any high-priced pieces you’d like me to find similar, less costly versions of, please email me at carlyjcais AT Fashiontribes DOT com.
‘Til next week, fellow bargain-hunters!
– Carly J. Cais
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