What to Do with Your Halloween Costume…The Day After (from Elle Magazine)

Creative Director of Elle Magazine Joe Zee posted a great little article in this October’s Elle, on how to upcycle certain Halloween costumes into daily wear.  Going as on-trend as possible, taking cues from designer collection, and re-interpreting what you already have on-hand is exactly what I’m always taking about!  Though some of the updates are only do-able if yo only happen to have…certain costumes…just a chop of a skirt or the pairing with modern accessories can definitely re-invent the cheesy, costumey, and polyester.  (Though I’m a little perplexed as to how those front slashes in the Freddy Krueger sweater magically healed themselves in the updated version…;-)

Hope everyone had a Happy Halloween – and here’s to reusing what you can from this year’s costume!

xoxox

Carly

*scanned from Elle Magazine, October 2011

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Winter Hair Styling Options: Vivi Magazine

(click for enlarged)

Winter is creeping up on us again – and I’m always at a loss as to how to style my hair during these months of mandatory headwear.  Japanese fashion magazines usually supply a plethora of cute styling options that are totally doable for a variety of hair lengths.  Master the art of the turband, the side bow, the messy pony, and the double-wrapped bun, courtesy of Vivi Magazine.

Are you inspired to try anything outside your usual Winter hairstyle?  I love the textural velvet and mohair bows!

xoxox

Carly

*scans from Vivi Magazine Dec 2010 (I think)

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Menswear-Inspired Styling Ideas

Merona fedora with DIY rings and ribbon added, Forever 21 ruffled top, Anthropologie wool bow vest, Vintage U.S. Navy boiled wool men’s pants

In October of last year I received an email from an editorial assistant at a major U.S. magazine.  I mean, major! They wanted some photos from me, as a style blogger, to illustrate my take on menswear for women, which would potentially run in a small feature in their January 2011 issue.  I was floored and so incredibly honored that they had reached out to me, of all people!!  So I put together some looks, shot some photos, and sent them.  For months afterwards I kept it to myself for the most part…but kept muttering to myself under my breath: “OMG I’m going to be in ______!!!!” And then I squeeeeed a bit.  Okay, I’m still 5 years old in some ways.;-)

Well, sadly in the January issue they decided not to use any of the photos I sent them.  Bummer.  It happens!  But ohwell, at least I now have a couple neat photos I can share with you! (And a couple of DIY items in there as well…)

Just my ideas of a feminine take on “menswear” (though as I was going back through my photos, I decided to poke some fun at myself and add silly titles).
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Announcing: The 30 Days of Outfits Challenge

Yes, this is my closet.  I store vests and cardis over dresses and blouses, and necklaces over that.  Basically 3 things to a hanger.  It’s scary.

Like many people, I have a whole lotta clothing in my closet I rarely wear.  Day after day (since my routine is pretty much the same), I usually default to tried-and-true clothing combinations and outfits.  As a result, when I look into my closet I see so many pieces I haven’t worn for awhile.  One month stretches into two, then more…and I realize I haven’t worn stuff for 6 months to a year or more, simply because I’ve gotten into a fashion rut.

Well, you know what I need to break me out of it??  A CHALLENGE!

For 30 days for the month of November, I’m challenging myself to wear a completely-different, heretofore forgotten outfit each day, never wearing the same thing twice.  (How will this help? you may ask.  Well, it will remind me how much I love certain pieces that I’ve forgotten about.  And stimulate my creativity.  And help me clean out and purge that ol’ closet of mine.  And help me be a better style blogger, since I post outfits only once in a blue moon.)

From now until November 30, I’ll be challenging myself to put together a unique outfit each day – and wear it all darn day, even if I’m just sitting on the living room couch, blogging and watching Law & Order: SVU reruns.  And each of my outfits will contain something I’ve made or DIY’ed!  This is a perfect chance for me to share with all of you some tutorials and ideas I haven’t gotten around to yet.

So, would anybody like to attempt the challenge with me? Do it until the end of November, wait until December, only do a week, whatever!   Let me know in the comments and I’ll link to your blog!  It’s just a bit of fun and some motivation to truly express your style.:-)

xoxox
Carly

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Style It Chic: Leopard Cardigan 3 Ways

Photos: Celebrities, ASOS.com; Runway Photos: Marco Madeira for FirstView.com; Scarf photo: Devon Jarvis for Elle.com; Autumn Cashmere Leopard Cardigan. Style It Chic! Array by me.


Another Monday Tuesday, another edition of Style It Chic!  (Yes, this was supposed to post yesterday, but I just couldn’t get it done fast enough.)  It’s now the beginning of my one of my favorite months of the year!  In this post series I will be taking one item or trend and showing you how to emulate that look – for much, much less than what you might pay at retail.  I’d love to hear your feedback on what you think of this style of post!

Fashion inspired by our furry little friends is HUGE this Fall with faux fur and animal PRINTS populating retail shelves and Must-Have lists across the ‘net.  And a little pop of leopard definitely brings your Summer ensembles into Autumn with an amazing ease.  Add a leopard-print scarf, booties, hat, or pair of gloves for a little…or go for a lot with a voluminous coat.  I’ve donned a cardigan in my favorite hue of gray (Snow Leopard – yay!) [cardigan from Ann Taylor, scored on Ebay since they no longer sell it] and styled it 3 different ways below:

1. Eclectic Layered

(Hat: Christie’s Crown Series; Sequined Chain Necklace: Forever 21; Satin-Edged Cardigan: (worn underneath leopard cardigan) Old Navy; Mixed-Chain Cuff: Target (check the Clearance bin in-store!); 2 DIY feathered bangles; Hue reversible tights)

If your leopard layer is cropped or short-sleeved at all, go for the unusual by layering a cardigan or sweater underneath it.  Ward off the chill of bare arms by covering up with leg- or arm-warmers or elbow-length gloves for a retro-style look.  Pair pieces that are different colors and see what sticks – sometimes a mish-mash of hues works to your advantage!

2. Leopard-on-Leopard

(Leopard-print Bra: Warners, Twisted Chain and Rhinestone Necklace and Boyfriend Watch: Forever 21; Rough-Cut Quartz Heart Ring: gem & mineral tradeshow; Wire & Rhinestone Wrap Ring: Payless; Destroyed Jean Shorts: Hudson; Velvet Ribbon worn as belt; Hue footless tights; Steve Madden pointy flats; DIY Shoe Elastics)

Mixing and matching patterns is always a toughie – but what could be easier than going full-on double leopard?  The rules: wear no more than 3 pieces and only use at most 2 different colors and sizes of the leopard print.  Keep your other pieces in solid, coordinating colors to keep the eye focused on the print.  There’s a fine line between looking like you got dressed in the dark and looking cute and intriguing. (And yes, I’m showing my bra – which I usually don’t do – but in this case it’s super-subtle since the similar prints fool the eye.  If you’re not feeling as daring, then try a leopard camisole underneath instead!)

3. Downtown Cool

(Velvet Cord Necklace: bought at Michael’s in the jewelry section, Silver Bangle Set: Forever 21; Grommet Watch: Hot Topic; Lace-Edged Camisole: Target; Skinny Black Jeans: Alloy; Alloy Sia Wedge Booties – BTW there’s currently FREE Shipping for orders of $25+ with code AFS25A AND 15% off your order with code ALPW15B at Alloy.com!…if you can’t use both codes together at checkout online try ordering over the phone instead, I’ve had success with a rep allowing both codes to be used before.)

Sleek and chic is the name of the game.  Use as a light layering piece – over another huge trend for Fall 2010: LACE! – and play with the fun of prints with a minimalist commitment.  I’ve added a pair of skinny jeans and some super-wedges for an on-trend re-interpretation of urban chic.

Are you breaking out your animal prints now that Fall’s in full swing? How would you wear leopard?

xoxox
Carly

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