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 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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May 9, 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 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 Spring has seen the comeback of the breezy California Hippie chic from the 70’s with flirty, fun frocks that are feminine, relaxed, and comfortable. To take the look from sweltering city streets to the beach, simply switch out the accessories!
Here are some laid-back and lovely bohemian picks guaranteed to bring on the Flower Power:
- 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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