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Carly’s Chic Steals and Fashion Deals of the Week: Chic Workout Gear to Aid in the Fight Against Flab

May 9, 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 hot designer-style steals (each for $100 or, in most cases, for much, much less)…along with one splurge-worthy item.
Since beach season is almost upon us, now is a great time to drop some cash on cute workout threads that will motivate you to drop some poundage. Looking cute will help your workout from becoming stale, and not only are these five fab finds functional, they’re as easy on the wallet:

CELLULITE-BUSTING BOTTOMSThese leg-bettering compression shorts will also give you a, well, leg up on regular spandex bicycle shorts! Wear them under your workout clothes, and while you’re logging miles on the stairmaster, their patented mesh wave boosts blood circulation, helping slim and tone your lower half. They’re also infused with antibacterial silver ions which not only aid in detoxifying the skin, but mean there’s no stinky sweat residue. And at $45, they won’t make a dent in your savings. Solidea Silver Wave Micro-Massaging Bottoms available at BlissWorld.com.
PERFORMANCE FLEECE Not all fleeces were created equal. This Lands’ End ThermaCheck 100 jacket is wind-resistant and fights static cling for as long as you have it. The variety of zip-pockets will help keep you organized while the princess seaming makes for a flattering, feminine fit. But wait, there’s more! They’ll not only send you free fleece swatches, but you can use the virtual model to “try” it on…all for $25 (not to mention the best customer service…ever). Available at LandsEnd.com.

CUTE SWEATS
Not runway ready…but cropped, cozy, and on sale for $10 at OldNavy.com.

GLAMOROUS EARBUDS Bring a much-needed dose of Beyonce to that rugged, steel-covered and polyurethane-padded place – aka the The Gym. Yes, you could spend around $50, but why, when there’s a perfectly good lookalike pair from JC Penney for $4.

WIRED WEAR While bling improves the fabulous quotient of your iPod, holding onto your player in a death-grip as you navigate the mean streets on your morning job…not so fabulous. This cool, iPod-friendly tee has a special sleeve-pocket for your gadget, as well as a headphone loop in back to stay tangle-free. An invisible front zipper lets you cool down when your workout heats up, and the fabric wicks away sweat, keeping your music where it’s supposed to be and you from missing a beat. Sugoi M-Wired T-Shirt $60 at Amazon.com.
SPLURGE OF THE WEEK: A McGUYVER WATCH It may look like a cute watch, but it counts your strength training sets, tracks your weights, stores your progress and calories burned over a series of workouts, provides aerobic fitness testing, has a built-in heart-rate monitor, recommends an optimum heartrate, and then times your relaxation session to help you chill post-workout. Oh, and it tells time, too. Polar F55 Heart Rate Monitor Workout Watch $220 from PolarDiscount.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 riveted-clothing.com.
‘Til next week, fellow bargain-hunters!
– Carly J. Cais
(top image via somalifestyle.com)

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Carly’s Chic Steals and Fashion Deals of the Week: Boho Babe

May 9, 2008 | Media

by Carly J. Cais, Fashion Designer & ChicSteals blog

ANKLE-LENGTH SUNDRESS In the harsh, sundrenched deserts of the world, those in the know stay protected in long, loose garments; the ankle-length of this sweet cotton maxidress will not only keep you cool, it’s also quite forgiving. The contrast of the earthy brown Indian-inspired pattern along the hem makes this frock pair perfectly with neon bright accessories for days when you’re feeling flamboyant, or with wood or shell jewelry for a more natural look. Ward off an early morning chill with a cotton cardi or denim jacket until it’s high noon…when it’s all about skin and flowing locks. Moorea ankle-length sundress – $50 at Roxy.com.

STRAPPY SANDALS Inspired by Kate Hudson’s breezy chic style, the strappy flat is a must. These vegan, metallic two-tone braided sandals easily dress up or down, and work with almost any color or print. They’re on sale for $13 at Payless.com (which is cheap in price but surprisingly not so on quality and wearability), so why not buy a backup pair?

GINORMOUS BAG With all the stuff a gal-on-the-go needs to tote around these days, size matters. This fun turquoise print Mosaic Wood Bead tote from Alloy is roomy enough to accommodate all the additional warm weather acoutrements – oversized aviators, paraben-free sunscreen, flavored water, journal, solid perfume…and the $30 price is also nice.

CHUNKY BANGLES This season, the larger your accessories, the better, and when it comes to bangles, pile ’em on with abandon (if you’re having trouble raising your arm, you’re in the right ballpark). Mix and match like a pro by pairing metals with naturals, patterns with solids, and thin with thick to create a pleasing group adorning your wrists. An affordable (between $16-$30 each) nature-inspired trio to try: wide wooden Copacabana bangles, thin gold Bamboo bangles; handpainted metallic bangle.

STYLISH SCARF Lindsay & Jessica are almost never without a lightweight scarf looped around their necks, and with good reason: it’s a chic trend that lends itself perfectly to Cali cool. In juicy orange and priced at $10, this one from Forever 21 will spice up whatever you’ve got on without taking the oomph out of your bank account.

SPLURGE OF THE WEEK: CHARMING, MULTI-CHAIN NECKLACE Whether the finishing touch to a gauzy v-neck cotton dress…or glimmering at the neck of a tailored white shirt at the office, NYC cult-fave Wendy Mink’s eye-catching array of gold pendants, 22k gold vermeil, and smoky quartz beautifully balances size, silhouette and a mix of materials. On sale at Bluefly for $250 (original price $417), it’s a stylish steal.

If there are any high-priced pieces you’d like me to find similar, less costly versions of, please email me at *carlyjcais AT riveted-clothing.com*. Til next week, fellow bargain-hunters!
– Carly J. Cais, Riveted Clothing & Accessories and the ChicSteals blog

As posted on FashionTribes.com

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Carly’s Chic Steals and Fashion Deals of the Week: Urban Goddess

Apr 24, 2008 | Media

Glaby Carly J. Cais, Fashion Designer

Starting with Fall ’07 we saw one of the hottest trends for this year emerge : Grecian Chic, with sparkling jeweled necklines, flashy clutches, flowing fabrics, and strappy shoes. With Spring ’08 comes an update on this trend, making it more effortless, down-to-earth, and ultimately wearable. But savvy fashionistas know that you can still get mileage out of those embellished pieces from Autumn by mixing them with the more bohemian separates we’re seeing lately. Grab these five hot picks (without breaking the bank!) and ramp up your inner Goddess:

WHITE SHORT
We saw them layered over tights for Fall, and now we can finally wear those shorts we’ve been coveting – and show off gorgeously glowing (and bare!) gams at long last. With a paperbag waist and pretty satin ribbon tie, this pair skims over any midsection flaws, and the white color showcases an early Spring tan to perfection. Throw on a pair of glossy patent pumps and a tissue-weight tee for a schoolgirl-meets-callgirl look, or dress them down with a breezy tunic and some flip-flops for warmer days. On sale for $15, they’re a worthwhile investment that will take you all the way through to Fall with ethereal ease.
Lux Sunday in the Park Short, $15, Urbanoutfitters.com.

GOLDEN CLUTCH
Skip the gold clothing and pile on the gold accessories this season – but take care – a little goes a long way when it comes to shine and sparkle. With two chains to choose from and a wealth of stones adorning the top, this little clutch offers versatility and sass in a small package. Marked down to $50 now that the hols are over, now is the time to snap up this pint-sized gem and put some gleam in your handbag rotation. Pair with anything – go for a pair of dark skinny jeans if you’re feeling adventurous – or stick with more sophisticated pieces for a night out – and let your inner Goddess roar.
Virgo Jeweled Clutch, $50 (sale), Rampage.com.

GLADIATOR SANDALS
On all legs in the know this Spring is the gladiator sandal (and you probably spotted Dior’s version on Carrie in the Sex and the City movie promos too!). Love that Old Navy put out their own budget-friendly version at just under $20. With metal rings holding everything in place, and available in bronze or black, they’re sure to add a bit of female glamazon to an otherwise bland ensemble. Pair them with everything from jeans to a tiered bohemian skirt for an effortless warrior vibe that emulates far more pricey versions-for far less of an investment.
Gladiator Sandals, $19.50, Oldnavy.com.

FLOWERED DRESS
If you’ve been watching the latest season of Project Runway (admit it – we’ve all practically been riveted to the latest installment of the season), you’ve probably been drooling over the gorge draped confections that Rami Kashou has masterminded on the show. Though his Red Carpet designs might not be particularly affordable for the average gal, this drapey top is reminiscent of his amazing ability with fabric (and that fab gown he made back in the first episode!). In grey, purple, or black, and for a mere $33, this piece can be worn as a sweet and sassy mini-dress or as a flowing tunic over a great pair of jeans. Add a strappy gladiator sandal and you’re set for a Spring ensemble that will take you from coffee to a movie to a night on the town in a flowered flash.
Aisling Dress, $32.99, Gojane.com.

BEJEWELED TOP
Sometimes you just don’t need extra jewelry – and this top does double duty as a hot little tunic and a piece of sparkle on its own. With a soft blouson-style waist to keep everything loose and flowy, its glittering neckline brings the attention up to your glowing cheeks and glossy pout. At only $24, this top infuses a shot of glamour that looks oh-so-coquettish peeking out from a structured jacket for day or gracing sparkling shoulders at night.
Jeweled V-Neck Halter Tank Top, $24, Fashionjunkee.com

SPLURGE OF THE WEEK: ROPE RING
Cast from an actual piece of string, this sculptural ring serves as a little golden reminder for all things forgot. Also in silver, this 14K gold version will add a touch of ethereal sparkle to an otherwise unadorned finger – or sit nicely in amongst more showy pieces. At $190 for this hand-crafted accessory, it’s a wise investment that can be both understated (and deliciously sexy!) in its delicate knotting.
Gold Forget-Me-Knot Ring, $190, Momastore.org.

If there are any high-priced pieces you’d like me to find similar, less costly versions of, please email me at carlyjcais AT riveted-clothing.com. ‘Til next week, fellow bargain-hunters!
– Carly J. Cais

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Your Tokyo Style & Fashion Trend Cheat Sheet

Apr 24, 2008 | Fashion, Media

by Carly J. Cais, Fashion Designer
Instead of my usual Carly’s Chic Steals & Deals, it’s all about Tokyo trends this week. A recent visit (I lived there for 6 years) served as a reminder of what a fast moving style capitol the city is. Fashion is foremost and girls happily brave the cold to wear the latest fashions straight from the runway, while model scouts camp out in front of department stores hoping to scoop up the next bright young thing. Crazy trends come and go in a heartbeat, but many of the hot global trends take off here first, months in advance of the the West. Keep current by checking out the cool streetstyle photos at ar-um.jp.
Here are some of the season’s standout trends from the stylish streets of Tokyo to help you jump ahead of the fash pack:

I WANT CANDY If you’re ever stood outside a restaurant in Japan and admired the glass case brimming with mouthwatering selections from the menu – made completely out of plastic – you’ll definitely agree that one of Japan’s strengths is making fake food look amazingly realistic. Trendy locals are now updating last year’s trend of decorating cellphones, pocket mirror and lipstick cases with crystals and miniature flowers – and replacing them with tiny servings of fake plastic waffles, chocolates, ice creams, parfaits, waffles, sliced strawberries, and dollops of whipped cream. (Which is why you love your friends at Fashiontribes so much for keeping you ahead of the curve – in this case waaaaaaaaayyyyyyyy ahead – when we turned you a while back to these chocolate marshmallow creams, doughnuts with sprinkles, and other tasty jewelry tidbits by Pancake Meow.) Sweet candy lookalike necklaces, rings, earrings, and key rings are all the rage – even the new spring tees have prints of cakes and sweets – while plush pouches and bags shaped like hamburgers and hot dogs are flying off the shelves…alongside charmingly wacky English which serves as a reminder that you are in fact still in Japan…and not visiting Hershey headquarters. Check HollyHock Cafe for availability (they ship internationally); Q-Pot if you can ship to a Japanese address, or PancakeMeow.com.
BOOTS MAKE FOR WALKIN’ Even visiting Disney World, many Japanese girls insist on wearing 4-inch high stilettos….and I salute their resolution and determination! But finally, the low-heeled and flat boot have arrived-and in black or brown and they give off a decidedly rugged American-Frontier vibe. Western-style boots have continued as a strong trend since the Fall, but now the streets are also populated with moccasins, motorcycle boots, and strappy gladiator boots. For the season between blustery winter and breezy Spring, it’s all about fab, earth-toned boots with a flat heel that can still keep up, even as the trends change. (BETTYCLUB, me, tassetasse – available at Stylife.co.jp; note: they ship to Japan only)
WEIRD ENGLISH Japan being Japan, clothing adorned with nonsensical English is probably never going away, however, this season, the tees and sweaters in the trendiest shops this are particularly wordy. The chic graphics made by hand reach out involuntarily, until I realized it read Cool Pretty Smacky Glam. However, there are plenty of shirts in longer lengths with fun slogans that actually make sense – Addicted to my baby; She’d rather die than have her picture taken (with a graphic of Kate Moss) – that could be worn as a minidress, and paired with neon leggings and flat ankle-boots for a fabulous Tokyo-style take on the trendy 80s. (Sly, Egoist & Maison Gilfy tees available at Vivi)
FROCKS FOR FLOWER CHILDREN Japan Vogue and the rest of the fashion pack trying so hard to bring back Cali hippie chic will be happy to know their efforts are being rewarded in Tokyo. Despite still-frigid temperatures, brave fashionistas can be spotted in breezy frocks with tiny flower prints in yellow, black, green, and orange with lace edging that wouldn’t have been out of place at a 70s vintage store. Swingy black under-skirts keep things modest, as do black-mini shorts. Pair with cowboy boots, a slouchy leather belt,and a punchy oversized bag to reawaken that Flower Child slumbering within. (VIVAYOU, XMiss, L’est Rose – available at Stylife.co.jp)

ARMY JACKETS & COATS After numerous seasons of little jackets, Japanese girls are rocking oversized army coats – rumpled, too large…and fetching. The coolest coats have intricate detailing, zippers, pockets galore, buckles, and a comfortable, lived-in look that hasn’t been on the racks in Japan in some time. They are often left open (chilly spring winds be damned) to show off what’s underneath, usually a breezy chiffon mini with low-heeled boots, or downtown-chic dirty denim and pointy neon pumps. (Jackets by Osmosis & PageBoy – available at Stylife.co.jp)

GIRLY HOODIES Girls here wear a long-length hoodie as a dress with bare legs (by the daring only…it’s still chilly!) or with neon tights and knee-length low-heel boots in black or brown. Hoodies in gray, cream, or black with ruching or gathered pockets are all the rage, as is the cropped hoodie – which is probably more appropriate for a pre-teen, thanks to rainbows, unicorns, and stars…but so adorable I had to give in and grab a similarly-printed makeup case so I didn’t feel too over-the-hill. (Cecil McBee, L.D.S., SWORDFISH – available at Vivi)

And, if you’d like to shop some Japanese brands in English, check out As Know As which specializes in super-chic indie brands native to Tokyo – like this silk apron-style dress for just over $100 – and ships them internationally!
– Carly J. Cais (Carly is the fashion designer behind RIVETED Clothing & Accessories; email her at CarlyJCais at riveted-clothing dot com)
(streetfashion photos via ar-um.jp)

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Carly’s Chic Steals and Fashion Deals of the Week: I Heart Fashion!

Feb 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 hot designer-style steals (each for $100 or, in most cases, for much, much less)…along with one splurge-worthy item.
It’s that time of year again: the time for some of us that brings decadent gifts in the form of jewelry and chocolates…or the time that some of us refuse to celebrate with resounding “down with love!” anti-V-Day sentiment. Whether you choose to embrace the day or not, Valentine’s Day brings a great opportunity to grab some cute merch at closeout prices, and these picks this week are no exception. Show yourself a little love with these 5 heartful choices – that unlike that box of chocolates from what’s-his-name you can enjoy year-round and mix into your daily wardrobe as you please:

CUTE WRISTLET
From the candy pink box it arrives in to the sweet little heart at the top, this clutch may seem like a gift limited to V-Day…but it’s definitely an accessory that can make an appearance in your everyday wardrobe without a hitch. The little gold scottie tag at the front may inspire you to take this cutie when out walking your pooch or on a short trip down to the corner store – it’s the perfect size for a quick excursion or works great on its own as a sweet little clutch to go with that flowered dress that’s in your closet awaiting the first warm day of Spring. Slip it into a larger tote for workdays and use it alone on the weekends with some denim capris and a big flower corsage pinned to your blouse to celebrate all that is carefree and girly. From Juicy Couture for $95 – it’s a designer steal that will juicy up any outfit.
Scottie Leather Wristlet, $95, Juicycouture.com.

CROPPED PANTS
In February with the winter winds still a-blowing cropped pants require some dark stockings underneath to keep your gams toasty…but in a month all will be forgotten in a flurry of warmer weather. For now, to bring a bit of brightness to these gray days try these lovely pink capris with a pair of peep-toe platform pumps and a wrap-sweater. From the forefront of French fashion at La Redoute, these $30 pantalets can be paired with a beret and romantic piles of cashmere scarves pinned back with a fantastic brooch to brave the cold, and then lightened up with a thin print tee and some strappy sandals come May.
Cotton Twill Cropped Pants, $30, Laredoute.com.

ANTI-V-DAY TEE
Whether you love or hate the day itself, this bleeding heart tee can be worn year-round without looking out of place. Girly but with a touch of rocker sass, this $24 cap-sleeve number comes with black, red, or brown sleeves, and the design itself can be found on a number of items (including housewares!) at this boutique. Head on over to its parent store Cafepress.com where they have thousands – thousands! – of adorable Valentine’s Day-themed merchandise not designed by some faceless, huge corporation, where you’re apt to find designs with er, heart. Create a design yourself too, while you’re at it!
Bleeding Heart Cap-Sleeve Tee, $24.00, Cafepress.com.

LASER-CUT EARRINGS
The detail on these laser-cut doily earrings belie their $10 price tag. Oversized and girly, they look just as fab paired with a striped marine-inspired sweater for a weekend matinee as with a dark wrap dress for a night out on the town. They may look like those doilies you may remember from Granny’s house, but in a foxy red they’ve been updated for 2008, and dangling from your lobes are sure to sweeten up even the most bland outfit.
Red Doily Heart Earrings, $10, Fredflare.com.

EMBELLISHED BOOTS
This winter brought an update on the Uggs we love to hate: embellished versions with hand-painted motifs by a number of well-known celebrities that were auctioned off for charity. Even if you missed snagging a pair of these highly-coveted items, grab this $20 funky version that appeals to both those who love the Day of Love and those that can’t stand it. Updated with a gorge bronzey glow, the tattoo-like graphic on the backs sends this hard-edged mixed message and keeps your admirers guessing.
Love/Hate Boots, $20 (sale), Gojane.com.

SPLURGE OF THE WEEK: DESIGNER NECKLACE
Every Valentine’s Day, I admit: I Dream of Dolce. Dolce & Gabbana that is. Even if the S.O. plans not to splurge on jewelry this year, perhaps you can convince him to part with a mere $150 for this luxe designer pendant that’s both sweet and a little tart. With its high-polish silver front, sparkling stones, lever clasp, and leather cord, it’s not your average heart-shaped pendant, and adds a little cheekiness to what’s become a relatively boring motif at all those other jewelry stores. Pair with a fuzzy v-neck sweater and skinny jeans- or something frilly, red, and delectably see-thru! – and show him that it was most certainly worth his while to get your something designer and fabulous.
D&G Heart Pendant Necklace, $150, Eluxury.com.