Jul 16, 2008 | Fashion
Tongue-in-cheek French lingerie label Maison Close has launched their website in both French and English (with an e-shopping function coming soon!). Love the baroque feel to the website and the range of offerings: taunting teddies, titillating panties, silk robes and boxers for the man in your life, massage candles, even la petite lacon (a sexy black ruler for those who have been uber-naughty). Visit them at www.maison-close.com and learn to say ooh-la-la in a variety of oh-so-sexy ways.
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Jul 15, 2008 | Fashion
Fall in love with 20% off the new fall inspired fashion collection (until July 30th)! Buy now, wear now! Take advantage of 50% off summer essentials like selected tops & all shorts for a limited time!
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Jul 15, 2008 | Fashion
Junior fashion mega-retailer Wet Seal is having a mega-sale, with rockin’ cute tees, shorts, and summer must-haves starting at $4.99!! But hurry – sale ends July 23 so get it while it’s hot!
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Jul 12, 2008 | 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 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.
Muggy summer temperatures make everyone want to retreat somewhere cool. Whether you plan to beat the heat with the central A/C at the office or are lucky enough to head somewhere balmy and exotic, create the feel of cruise ship cool with a crisp palette of nautical neutrals. Add some chic gold accents and look like you globetrot in high style with these five stylish picks:
SCARF-PRINT TUNIC Taking you from deck to dinner, covering up that teensy bikini top, or under that office suit for something spicier than a boring button-down, this piece features a fresh flower pattern in sky blue, gold, and geranium red. Available in XS to XXXL, the fabulous $20 price and summery cotton fabric means less time at the dry cleaners and more fun in the sun. Scarf-Print Tank, $20.50 at Alloy.com.
GOLD CHAIN BRACELET Update that charm bracelet of yore with a chunky gold chain bracelet woven through with a ribbon of leather for a fun pop of color at your wrist. For jetsetting style, pair with crisp white slacks and matching oversized pebbled-leather travel bag. To save 40% on your purchase, enter the code firstpick40 at checkout. Leather Chain Bracelet, $17 (with discount code) at ShopKnowLabel.com.
TERRY COVER-UP/MINI If your morning routine tends to involve a long run rather than a leisurely latte, this Halter Hoodie Dress will take you from an early a.m. surf lesson to your afternoon pilates in sleek style. The two-way zipper lets you determine how much skin you want to display, and instead of swaddling you in an excess of fabric, its curve-skimming backless design shows off all your hard work. Halter Hoodie Dress $69 at Athleta.com.
FABULOUS ONE-PIECE No self-respecting cruise wardrobe is without the LBD of swimwear: a black one-piece suit. With plunging neckline, removable pads, and ruched midriff control, it shows off your curves flatteringly, but still leaves a little something to the imagination – all with a hefty dose of retro glamour. DKNY Ruched One-Piece, $72 (sale) at VictoriasSecret.com.
CORK WEDGES The classic summer shoe, these come in hot pink, navy, and sunflower patent leather – perfect with that coral pedi peeking out and paired with some fabulous mini-shorts. The inch-high platform means the 3.5″ heel is practical but still high enough to show off legs at their sleekest. And at just over $40, it’s a small price to pay for all the walkin’ you’ll do in them well into September. Marc Fisher Osteria slingback wedges, $42 (sale) at Macys.com.
SPLURGE OF THE WEEK: DESIGNER CUFFED SHORTS Instead of Daisy Dukes (ugh!), sail through summer in these fabulous cuffed – and classy – shorts by Vince. With their signature luxurious simplicity, they’re short without being too revealing, in a versatile length that works equally well with a flowing tunic and oversize Jackie O shades as dressed up with a ruffled blouse. Vince Cuffed Shorts $96 (originally $185) at BergdorfGoodman.com. Now that’s a 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 fashiontribes DOT com. ‘Til next week, fellow bargain-hunters!
– Carly J. Cais
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Jul 12, 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 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, we’re celebrating indie design and emerging talent by showcasing handmade, non mass-produced goodies that definitely don’t come with a MADE IN CHINA label. Here are five fab picks that support cottage industry while adding unique flair to your wardrobe:
ELEGANT EARRINGS Tongue firmly in cheek, The Opulent Project lasercuts flourescent light panel covers, nametags and other humble sources of plastic into exquisitely-detailed, stark silhouettes of jewelry worn by royalty. Available in white with black backing, or red with a white backing, these have a dramatic 3 inch drop and will leave you feeling opulent, whether you pair them with a designer cocktail frock or a repurposed tee. Large Emerald Drop Earrings $34 at The Opulent Project Shop.
CHIC CROPPED TEE With waistlines creeping upward, a full-length shirt can feel like too much fabric. Billowy sleeves, gathered front, and waist-smocking create a darling little silhouette for just about any figure – and it’s just short enough to balance all those paper-bag shorts and tie-waist skirts perfectly. Try over a sleek LBD when you want to look sharp, but not too dressy. And if only life were fair, this is what every too-big, baggy old tee in the closet would aspire to be. Shardann Random Tee $65 at StarsandInfiniteDarkness.com.
SNAZZY SANDALS A stylish take on the embellished sandal trend, the metallic blue fish-skin suede uppers have been overdyed with silver, creating gorgeous texture reminiscent of crumpled paper that only gets better with age as some of the silver rubs off, exposing the blue hue beneath. Cushioned soles will take you far, whether it’s a beach wedding, dinner & dancing, or just a trip to the corner deli. Pair with a breezy print maxi-dress and large gold hoops, or roll up the cuffs of lean white pants for a very Stella McCartney vibe. Silver Marina Leather Sandals $85 at the Etrelle Shop on Etsy.com.
PRETTY PURSE Handpainted by Peruvian designer Alessandra Brava and lined in velvet, this wooden box purse is the perfect size for all your daily essentials. If calla lillies aren’t bright enough, you can customize everything from the choice of flowers, to the size, to the colors. Lucuma.com supports female and family workshops located in Peru, so whether it’s about fashion or doing the right thing, you’ll can feel equally good about your choice . Callas Black & White Painted Purse $54.50 (sale) at Lucuma.com.
FABULOUS NECKLACE Amy McClure’s Olaria Studio line has a chic, gothic feel, as embodied in this hand-crafted debossed ceramic pendant. A hefty 2″ wide, it sits just at the collarbone, enhancing any wide-necked top to a T. Pair with a black wrap dress to play up the stark contrast in the pendant, or wear a shrunken portrait-collar jacket and let this piece shine. Olaria Studio Ceramic Pendant $52 at BeehiveCo-op.com.
SPLURGE OF THE WEEK: FEATHERWEIGHT FROCK Light as chiffon and made from hemp, organic cottons, and bamboo, indie designer Leanne Marshall’s Leanimal dresses will make your knees weak, your heart swoon, and you the star of your next soiree. Choose from fabulous, flirty frocks – all handmade by the designer and imbued love of her craft. Rosandra Dress $295 at Leanimal.com. (For last-season and discounted pieces, be sure to visit her Leanimal Shop on Etsy.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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