May 15, 2012 | Media
I had the pleasure of taking a trip to Portland’s own Museum of Contemporary Craft awhile ago to contribute an article to Cut Out + Keep‘s online magazine Snippets. And it’s finally live!
Thanks so much to Cat and the whole Cut Out + Keep team who included me!
Though the museum is small, it does highlight the strong craft movement and history of a variety of disciplines, mainly focused on the Pacific Northwest. It was really interesting to gain a sense of time, place, and handiwork as displayed there.
Have any of you ever been to Portland’s Museum of Contemporary Craft?
xoxox
Carly
~If you have a friend who loves Portland, museums, or crafting, please share this with them! Thanks:-) ~
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May 13, 2012 | Fashion
Colorblock Chiffon Top: DIY of a thrifted top (tutorial here)
Leopard-Print Bra: Warners (similar here)
Rings: from Japan; Cartier, Tiffany
Clear Bangle: unknown
Black Box Clutch: no label, thrifted
All-In-One Dress (worn as a Midi-Length Skirt): Norma Kamali
Metallic-Heel Low-Heeled Velvet Pumps: R&E
Nail Polish: Essie Lilacism
This year low-heeled shoes are back, and though I’m usually drawn to super-high heels I decided to give my feet a reprieve with this low pair. (more…)
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May 12, 2012 | DIY
Awhile ago I found this lovely bright chiffon blouse at my local Goodwill. 
It was a couple sizes too large for me and a little outdated in shape; I decided to upcycle it into something more fitted and modern. Colorblocking has been on-trend for a couple seasons now, so I decided to add some contrasting fabric to the collar*. Here’s how:
You Need: (more…)
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May 9, 2012 | DIY
I think I haven’t posted a Links of the Week roundup in over a month!! Can it be? I’ve been so busy while in Tokyo taking care of my Mom, trying to keep up with classwork for the two online classes I’m taking this semester, and not often able to connect to the internet, that surfing online to find some great DIY has been pushed to the back-burner. But now I’m finally home again and am gladly catching up on all my DIY reading! Like:
Ever wanted a pair of jeans that were uniquely you? Well now you can get them, by DIY’ing your own custom jeans with GetWear. Choose from a variety of washes and shapes to design your perfect pair, including rise, buttons, embroidery, pocket style, and thread color.
Though I normally restrict my roundups to fashion, jewelry, and accessory items, I couldn’t resist including this amazing DIY Faux-Woodgrain Laptop Cover made from Con-Tact paper, by Fine & Feathered. Retro cool in the best way! (And you could definitely re-appropriate this idea for any hard-sided clutch you have!!)
Speaking of Con-Tact paper, Soccer Mom Style has come up with another great project using it: DIY Heels with Metallic Detail. So chic and elegant – and the possibilities for what to add this metallic paper to are endless!
I always love discovering a new DIY blog; Creme de la Craft has made my week. Every week, she posts a new tutorial utilizing everyday objects. Her DIY Neon Pyramid Necklace (using straws!) is a great project to start with!
Whimseybox is a craft-of-the-month club that every month sends you a goody box full of crafting supplies for just $15! They also share some great projects on the blog to give you some ideas for what to make with your box full ‘o craft goodies. Check out these Washi Tape Slap Bracelets that use pretty tape to makeover that old 80’s staple.
Summer’s almost here and it’s time to break out the fun sunnies to complete your outfits. How about customizing your own pair, with some Mod Podge, paper, and Madigan Made’s how-to post on Mod Podge Rocks?
Natalie’s Creations posted this great video tutorial for how to make a Dolce & Gabbana-inspired lace dress…from a t-shirt and a curtain panel! Creativity at its best!!
Add an oversized corsage to your look, with Stripes & Sequin‘s DIY Ban.do-Inspired Bloom Pin. This would make a lovely and chic addition to any outfit.
If your project was featured above, feel free to grab a button and share the DIY!
<a href=”https://chiccreativelife.com/category/links-of-the-week”><img src=”https://chiccreativelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/diylotwfeaturedbutton-2.png” /></a>
If you have a DIY how-to or tutorial that you’d like to see featured on Chic Steals, please email me at carlyjcais at chic-steals dot com – and I’ll try to squeeze it in to one of my Links of the Week posts! (Tutorials/how-to’s with steps and photos included please! So everyone can share in the DIY goodness:-)
xoxox
Carly
-all photos copyright their respective authors; photo array by me-
~If you liked this post, please share it!~
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May 4, 2012 | DIY, Fashion
1. Butter London Nail Polish in Yummy Mummy, $14
2. Diane von Furstenberg Alana Vintage-Inspired Cat’s-Eye Sunglasses
, $150
3. Grow Your Own Mushrooms Kit, $22.95
4. Celeste Stein Missoni Tights, $19.95
5. Arancia Dolce Sweet Orange Replenishing Bath Foam by Palatium $45 marked down to $27…PSST! Get 40% OFF with code ChicEmpress here, valid until May 13, 2012!
6. Crafting with Cat Hair Book, $15.95
7. Knitted Dove Eyelet Elly Jacket, $88
8. DIY Decorated Basket Handbag
9. Cherry Tangerine Arrangement by Floral Art, $85 (delivery to L.A. area only…or take inspiration from the arrangement and DIY your own!)
10. Cupcake Bath Bombs, $32…or just DIY your own with this how-to: DIY Cupcake Bath Bomb
11. Carol Hochman Rosewalk Garden Bermuda Pajama Set, $59
12. Morning Dew Earrings by JooJooLand, $45
13. Dolce Vita Women’s Nels Flat
, $149
14. ASOS Leather Bright Laptop Case
, $63.60
15. DIY Flowered Hair Clip
Mother’s Day is just around the corner…are you still looking for the perfect gift for Mom? I love that this holiday happens to coincide with, so I always match my gift to the lovely, flowery season. Above is a small collection of ideas for great gifts for the woman close to your heart: from handbags to accessories, bathtime indulgences and clothing, the Mom with a great sense of humor or avid gardener…it’s all there. Plus, a couple of these ideas are DIY-able…so I’ve just linked to the tutorials.
And for some more DIY home decor inspiration, check this video out for some items that would be great (and easy!) to make for Mom.
Happy Mother’s Day!
xoxox
Carly
~If you liked this post, please share it with anyone looking for Mother’s Day Gift ideas!~
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