Jan 25, 2008 | Fashion, 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.
Who doesn’t covet celebs’ closets (or what the savvy stylist foists onto the next hot young thing in an effort to up their paparazzi quotient). But the price of being looking like a star can be, well,
pricey…and so
we’ve scouted out some deeply-discounted items that are lookalike-a-licious:
RED DRESS WITH BLACK BELT What better way to punch up a gray winter day than with a splash of vibrant color? At under $30, this sexy number will transform you into the Lady in Red without breaking the bank. Tip: keep your accessories toned down and the focus on your hot bod. After you whip off your fluffy white jacket (a la Eve and Kate Hudson), you can wow admirers coming or going. Sexy open V-back red dress $28 – FashionJunkee.com (Hayden Panettiere & Natasha Bedingfield via People)
FOOTLESS TIGHTS Step out on the fashion forefront! If you don’t might the chill, pair with some uber-lowcut pumps for a tantalizing peek of skin. Love the $38 pricetag almost as much as the fact that they’re available at Neiman Marcus. Wolford Velvet de Luxe Legging $38 – NeimanMarcus.com (Rihanna & Paris Hilton via People)
THIGH-HIGH BOOTS Seen on just about every A-lister from Hilary Duff to Carrie Underwood, the thigh-high boot is one of the season’s more fun trends. If you dare, wear them high up on your thigh. Worried you’ll be mistaken for Pretty Woman? Then slouch them to the knee or fold down a cuff. To ward off the cold, tuck into skinny jeans and enjoy the fact that the long length and solid black hue makes your gams look endless. Leather Feel (vegan) slouch boot $34 – GoJane.com (Hilary Duff & Kate Moss via People.com)
ANIMAL-PRINT BALLET FLATS A fab way to meow up whatever 
you’re wearing. This pair boasts a sexy peep-toe that will be perfect for those warming spring days on the way (or breezy L.A. nights). For a Chanel’esque Resort ’08 take, wear with wide-legged jeans, a white blouson tops, and a red patent belt; alternatively, pair with a breezy floral dress for a fun pattern mix and match. Cheetah-Print Ballet Flat $19 – CharlotteRusse.com (Ashley Olsen & Katherine Heigl via People)
SPLURGE OF THE WEEK: ORKA MESICA GOLD BEADED BRACELET With its single gold circle symbolizing success, rebirth, and creation, this friendship bracelet is said to improve your stylistic mojo. Which is probably why it’s gracing the wrists of so many BFF-happy Hollywood types, including Lindsay Lohan, Lauren Conrad, and Audrina Patridge. For a celeb vibe, wear a stack of three, and get your money’s worth by wearing them with everything from jeans to the red carpet. At $125 each, it’s but a (relatively) small drop in that big karma bucket. Orka Mesica Triple Gold and Black Beaded B
racelet $125 each at Singer22.com (to save 10%, coupon code castyle.
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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Jan 21, 2008 | Fashion, 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.
However, with my recent birthday followed almost immediately by Christmas, I decided to draw up
a fantasy a-girl-can-dream wish list of five fashionable trinkets that up the chill factor for maximum iced-out fabulousness:
SILVER SKULL CLUTCH The icicle-like swirly depth and stone-gray hue of this hard-sided clutch are reminiscent of winter, but the showstopping Swarovski crystal-studded skull adds a fabulous Goth touch. A steal at $1010. Alexander McQueen Skull Clasp Clutch – Net-a-Porter.com
SEXY TURTLENECK SWEATER Silk, milk, and cashmere (!) are the main ingredients in this eco-chic concoction from uber-eco designer Linda Loudermilk. This perfect shade of Polar Bear (winter white) would go fabulously under any dark, wide-necked dress you own, and unlike the rest of the crowd in their basic boring standard turtlenecks, the hot cut-out neckline will make you really stand apart. Linda Loudermilk Icy Sweater $433 – Zappos.com
SATIN PRINCESS PUMP How do I worship this shoe? Let me count the ways: fierce pointed studs that temper a sweet, frayed satin bow; a fabulously rounded toe; the steel gray color that is so now; the cushioned sole that keeps a girl party-hopping in comfort; the sexy slink of leg (& the bow again!) that will turn heads as you hop into a cab/limo/pumpkin at the end of the evening. Report Signature Bette princess pump $175 – Shoes.com
PEARL CLUSTER EARRINGS When it comes to metal manipulation and jewelry that looks equally eyecatching on the red carpet or with a plain white tee from Old Navy, Philip Crangi is genius. The rows of black pearls drip like twinkling grape clusters, studded with tiny diamonds in their centers for a breathtaking effect. And priced at $3425, think of them as your own little investment account the way Carrie Bradshaw liked her money: hanging right where you can see it. Philip Crangi Black Pearl with Diamond Earrings – Bluebee.com
STRUCTURED WOOL COATThis wool/cashmere blend stunner has a high foldover collar (which can be worn down for a touch less drama in the daytime), exquisite detailing on the back, and puffed Bishop sleeves that slim out the arms gorgeously. The flared skirt and hidden belt nip in the waist and lend a flattering Victorian feel, whether you’re wearing it with jeans, to a holiday party, out on the town…oh, the options are endless. Mackage Principessa Coat $748 – LeTrainBleu.com
STEAL OF THE WEEK: TEXTURED CARDIGAN Sweet & snuggly, this affordable cardie has a wonderfully nubby texture and the 3/4-length sleeves that are so hot right now. Perfect for lounging around, its swingy shape can easily top off any pencil skirt or bubble-hem dress you pair with it. To really play up the contrast in textures, try it over something silky. Honeycombed Wool Cardigan $35 (sale), LaRedoute.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 (when this article is back to its usual format), 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. Here I’ll showcase 5 hot designer-style steals each week (each for $100 or, in most cases, for much, much less)…along with one splurge-worthy item.
As we head into late October and early November, the holiday season is looming. Before the party circuit hits its stride, stock up on a few items that can take you to that early-holiday event or get-together, and promise to boost your wardrobe’s versatility.
However, you don’t want to end up with a pile of party dresses, only to find that there are so many better options available once holiday merch hits the stores! Avoid the dreaded buyer’s remorse with these five fab picks:
JEWELED PENDANT
‘Tis the season to sparkle & bling, and the mall is one place that’s always stocked with budget-friendly, on-trend pieces. Your first stop? Claire’s! However, beware: sorting through the huge selection of eye candy requires some serious stamina, but rest assured you’ll be rewarded with gorge jewels & accessories that mimic the high-end look. The proof? This featherweight jewel-encrusted pendant necklace – at just under $10, it’s as gorge on the pocketbook as it is to look at. Now I have something to adorn my shoulders, pair with some fancy satin dresses, or rock with skinny black jeans and a weathered tee for a retro 80’s glam look. Gem Necklace at Claires.com.
CUTE HOODIE
I am in love with the way Mike & Chris have redefined the hooded sweatshirt, but at $150 or more, high-end hoodies are simply not that affordable. Fortunately, a number of other lines have followed suit, serving up a plethora of girly, frilly, tailored, detailed, and oh-so-stylish hooded pieces. (And yes, I am also guilty of having a hoodie in my line.) The Royalty Jacket from Forever 21 (my go-to store for deeply discounted girly fashion must-haves) has everything I could want: fabulous gold-tone military buttons, huge kangaroo pocket, nipped-in waist, little puff-sleeves, and of course, a hood. Pair it with jeans, skirts, or – in place of a dress – a long-sleeved white top & a pair of dark tights. $28 from Forever21.com.
STAINLESS STEEL RING
Regardless of whether you’re engaged, married, or still in the game, sometimes – as Carrie proved when she singlehandedly sparked a major trend by wearing Aidan’s diamond engagement ring on a necklace (prompting Marrieds & Singletons everywhere to follow suit) – what’s needed is a simple but gorgeous engagement-style ring. Forget your average (ie. boring) Princess cut diamond on a regular band. Instead, go avant garde with the Aerospace-Grade Titanium Tension-Mount Diamond Ring from Absolute Titanium. If the $500 starting price seems a bit much, try a stainless steel tension lookalike from RockCandles.com. At $35, it’s chic whether strung on a sterling chain or adorning your finger in a futile attempt to deter persisitant admirers.
CASHMERE SWEATER
If you thought Old Navy was the last place on earth you’d expect to find cashmere, you’re not alone. Lately, they’ve been coming out with more trendy, stylish staples & luxurious sweaters. This collar-shawl gem looks as fab over a lacy white cami with a flared skirt as it does paired with classic black pants. Simply add some bling accessories & prepare to brave the hols in style. However, do try to refrain (or not!) from purchasing one in every hue they offer: pastel pink, blue, gray, & black. $70 at OldNavy.com (If you’re a Old Navy, Gap, or Banana Republic cardholder, save an additional 20% until November 8th!)
HALLOWEEN ACCESSORY
Usually I avoid the kitschy holiday stuff, but since I recently (really!) passed the legal age of trick-or-treating, I could hardly ignore a chance to indulge in a little Halloween fun. In amongst all the black and S&M paraphenalia and body piercings lurks something fab at Hot Topic! For one of the best all-around, dressed-to-the-hilt-not-a-single-detail-overlooked Halloween costumes this time of year, look no further than the sexxxy Marie Antoinette mini-corset dress…but I digress. I also unearthed this mummy-ish, kind of macabre scarf with a mesh overlay that is perfect as an accent piece with a plain, dark overcoat, or with a fitted long-sleeved top. $24 at Hot Topic.
SPLURGE OF THE WEEK
<
i>The silhouette of Fall is a cropped, swingy top with a monochromatic, leg-lengthening bottom, such as these high-waisted trousers. Bishop of Seventh spares no detail with the front-pleats, double-buttoned closure, tabbed waist & a figure-friendly wide-legged fit. Pair with a cropped, capelet-style coat in cream, tucked-in button-down white blouse or, if you’re headed for a holiday party, with a slinky silvery spaghetti-strap number. $295 at NeimanMarcus.com.
If there are any high-priced pieces you’d like me to find similar, less-pricey versions of, please don’t hesitate to email me at *carlyjcais AT riveted-clothing.com*. ‘Til next week, fellow bargain-hunters!
– Carly J. Cais
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Jan 21, 2008 | Fashion, Media
As a former designer (my line was 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.
So now that it’s mid-October, I do my annual closet-cleaning: getting rid of old stuff I no longer wear, packing away summer clothes for next year, and deciding which items I can still wear into the Fall and chillier months. This is also the perfect time to score some of those trendy items that have been calling your name since they first hit all the magazines. The good new is, these trends are still going strong into Autumn, and now is the time to rotate them into your wardrobe before the next big thing comes along. Plus, since you cleverly avoided jumping on the bandwagon at the first sign of popularity, trend pieces & foolproof lookalikes are now available at deeply-discounted prices.
Here are this week’s six stylish, budget-friendly fashion & accessory must-haves:
CONVERTIBLE JERSEY DRESS
Since I design clothing that offers different styling options, I am completely taken with other designer pieces that are multi-functional. In particular, I’m obsessed with Normal Kamali. She designs an exclusive collection for Spiegel, with dresses, skirts, and tops in a slinky-soft jersey spandex, many of which can be styled in different ways. A batwing long-sleeved dress converts to a fitted halter-neck dress, for example, and at long last – it’s on sale! It’s lightweight, so it would go wonderfully with leggings or cardigans during the colder months – and can stand on its own for an elegant evening out. Good luck choosing between the six different colors. (Normal Kamali Timeless All-in-One Short Dress $63 (sale) – available at Spiegel.com)
PYRAMID STUDS
Necklaces, earrings, detailing on bags, accessories…the pyramid stud has been a hot it item this year. But it’s also commanded a commensurately it price until now. (I know because I’ve been fighting the temptation to shell out more than $180 for a sterling-silver hand-forged designer ring adorned with an oversized pyramid stud.) I had been holding off & waiting for the right time, so I felt super-smug when I snagged a silvertone lookalike from Macy’s for $8 earlier this week (not on their website; you’ll have to visit the store itself). But smugness has a price…I just located an even more spendthrift-y version on sale at Urban Outfitters for just $4.99. $4.99??! at UrbanOutfitters.com…plus, they also carry a cute pair of matching pyramid stud earrings for $12. Lovely!
BLACK PLATFORM PEEP-TOE SNAKESKIN SLINGBACKS
If you’re like me and totally addicted to The Fashionista Diaries on the SOAP Channel, and you probably also feel head over, er, heels for the gorgeous black Report Signature Gala Snakeskin pumps that Bridget was wearing on the first episode with her totally cute Sretsis dress. Talk about perfect: a sexy platform in black snake with a hot gold lining…I just had to have them! But with a $179 price tag at Amazon or Zappos.com (which now only has the white version in size 9) I lost hope.
I even scoured eBay in vain, and then happened to stumble into Walmart.com’s shoe section where I almost fainted! There were my lovelies! And with the gorgeous gold lining too. I headed to my local Walmart (because yes, I am even a cheapskate when it comes to paying shipping fees), slipped on a pair in a size 8, and was further amazed not only that they fit, but that they’re unbelievably comfortable, and priced at $17. Perfect with breezy summer dresses, sexy pencil skirts, fabulous with jeans and still g
orgeous with brightly-colored tights for Fall…but act fast, ladies, these are going fast! Metro7 Tiffany Peep-Toe –
Walmart.com
BIB NECKLACE
S o retro, so Disco-era fabulous when paired with a drapey jersey dress – I’ve been coveting a golden bib-style necklace. Lucky Magazine featured a stunning copper version from Lazuli Jewelry earlier in the year, but at $70? We can definitely do better than than. For $15, this Crescent Moon necklace from Urban Outfitters is perfect. (Is it obvious I’m totally obsessed with this store??)
RUCHED BOOTIE
It first made an appearance at Calvin Klein (if I remember accurately), and then at NineWest. Now, I’m happy to report, it’s finally affordable in a chic metallic pewter at Newport News. The ruched bootie is simply so 80’s – and so perfect with leggings and an oversized sweater. Soft Leather Ankle Boot $50 (sale) at Newport-News.com.
SPLURGE OF THE WEEK
I just have to wear gray in the Fall. Gray sweaters, gray booties, gray tights…gray is my color this year, which I why I have totally fallen😉 for this lovely gray Josh Jakus felted handbag, handcrafted by the designer in the San Francisco Bay Area. Not only is it the perfect size, but in a sublime melding of form & function, it unzips completely flat for storage…plus it’s crafted from recycled factory felt remnants. A feel-good, utterly chic purchase! $95 at BeeHiveCo-op.com.
If there are any high-priced pieces you’d like me to find similar, less-pricey versions of, please don’t hesitate to email me at carlyjcais AT riveted-chis-steals.com. ‘Til next week, fellow bargain-hunters!
– Carly Cais
As posted on FashionTribes.com, 10/27/2007
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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.
A huge trend for fall is jewel-tone colors: deep cobalt, regal purple, lipstick red and lush emerald have all popped up on major catwalks from Versace (oh those crayon-bright furs & wool swing coats!), to Lanvin, Anne Klein by Isabel Toledo, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Louis Vuitton, Jean Paul Gaultier & Christian Dior – a most welcome break from the drab sea of gray & black dominating this fall’s palette.
This week, I’ve rounded up a fashion treasure chest of lusciously-colored gems:
SATIN ROUND-TOE PUMPS Many of us have spent the last year obsessing over Louis Vuitton’s satin pleated round-toe pumps with the sweetest little bow and lacy lining; but alas, if you have to ask the price…When Newport-News came out with a similar pair in both red and gray last holiday season, they were still a little pricey at just under $50. But as a reward for being so patient, check out these lookalike lovelies…a steal at $23! On the Charlotte Russe website, they are only available in red, purple & black, but if you’re stateside, the stores also carry chestnut brown & shimmering gray. Worn with a boatneck dress, it’s classic Audrey H. Ruched Satin Pump – CharlotteRusse.com
RUFFLE BLOUSE To indulge in designer without endangering your bank account, try a diffusion line. Simply Vera by Vera Wang reflects her glamorous and sophisticated aesthetic, but for around $100 or less. This piece transitions easily from holiday to Spring – pair with a gray skirt now & white pants later – and is perfect for spicing up an otherwise humdrum day at the office. And the feminie ruffle collar…can you say ka- ching? Vera Wang Ruffle Blouse $60 at Kohls.com.
RETRO CLUTCH For a totally on-trend touch of the 70’s or early-80’s, invest in a failsafe color-blocked purse. Love the cobalt, emerald & silver faux-leather overlay on this clutch, and the inside pocket is just the right size for lipstick and plastic. With the girly gathering and retro shape, it’s as chic with a drapey black cocktail dress as paired with ankle-boots, slim-fit jeans, and an oversized tee. Tri-Color Rouged Clutch $52 at AmiciAccessories.com.
FAB PARTY DRESS Every girl needs a flirty little number to wow fellow partygoers at the next holiday soiree. The diamante-detail on the straps adds shoulder-highlighting sparkle & draws attention up toward your face – however, the three-tiered ruffle skirt just, er, skirts the line between flirt & downright sizzling. At $51, you’ll still have enough left over for some new strappy sandals & must-have dangly earrings. A party girl just couldn’t ask for anything more. Trixxi Tiered Minidress – Macys.com
GIGANTIC COCKTAIL RING We all need a huge rock on our finger…ignore anyone who tells you otherwise. But instead of ponying up (your) cash, faux it with this fab & majorly bling emerald-green cocktail ring. While everyone else is still sporting so-last-year’s snoozeworthy classic clear stone, you can blind ’em with striking verdant sparkle. Out of the way, sistahs! Faceted Glass Stone Ring $8 at GirlProps.com.
SPLURGE OF THE WEEK: THE FOLDOVER BOOTIE Ankle boots are a such a key part of the season that investing in a good pair is a winning decision. But instead of basic basic black or gritty gray, step out in a hot, eye-popping cobalt – or one of the other rainbow of hues these are available in, including green, red, and brown. The heel is perfect for everyday, and the foldover top balances out the legs and visually slims everything from the waist down. Pair with leggings, dark tights & mini-shorts, or tucked into skinny jeans. Check out the glowing reviews at Zappos, and then snap up a pair while they’re still available! Steve Madden Applegate $134 at Zappos.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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