Nov 20, 2008 | Fashion
Gwyneth Paltrow rocked a sexy strapless Stella McCartney dress at the Fontainebleau Hotel in Miami this weekend. Get the look for less with VOOM by Joy Han’s Elle tube dress. Fans of VOOM by Joy Han include Eva Longoria Parker, Jessica Alba, and Eva Mendes (to name a few).
We love the sweetheart neckline (though we think Gwyneth is a little too bony in the chest area to hold it up properly…we’re having flashbacks to the ill-fitting Ralph Lauren pink thing from the 1999 Oscars). This dress, however, is much cuter, and we love the side-bow that comehow sidesteps being too darn cute for its own good. If you have almost $300 to splurge on something like this (winter fete, grey sable stole, anyone?), you can buy your own similar version at www.voomonline.com for $284.00.
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Nov 20, 2008 | Fashion, Life
If you tend to give gift cards around the holidays, you need to be careful that the cards will be honored in the New Year. Stores that are planning to close after Christmas are still selling the cards through the holidays even though the cards will be worthless January 1. There is no law preventing them from doing this. On the contrary, it is referred to as ‘Bankruptcy Planning.’ Below is a partial list of stores that you need to be cautious about. (Names in red are closing ALL THEIR STORES.)
Circuit City (filed Chapter 11)
Ann Taylor- 117 stores nationwide closing
Lane Bryant, Fashion Bug ,and Catherine’s to close 150 stores nationwide
Eddie Bauer to close stores 27 stores and more after January
Cache will close all stores
Talbots closing down specialty stores
J. Jill closing all stores (owned by Talbots)
Pacific Sunwear (also owned by Talbots)
GAP closing 85 stores
Footlocker closing 140 stores; more to close after January
Wickes Furniture closing down
Levitz closing down remaining stores
Bombay closing remaining stores
Zales closing down 82 stores and 105 after January
Whitehall closing all stores
Piercing Pagoda closing all stores
Disney closing 98 stores and will close more after January
Home Depot closing 15 stores
Macy’s to close 9 stores after January
Linens and Things closing all stores
Movie Galley closing all stores
Pep Boys closing 33 stores
Sprint/Nextel closing 133 stores
JC Penney closing a number of stores after January
Ethan Allen closing down 12 stores
Wilson Leather closing down all stores
Sharper Image closing down all stores
K.B. Toys closing 356 stores
Loews to close down some stores
Dillard’s to close some stores
On the plus side, if you want to snap up some merchandise for less (that you don’t plan on trying to return), you may want to head to the stores that are closing and check them out – there are guaranteed to be some awesome sales going on! (At least there’s a silver lining to be found for some of us.)
**UPDATE! (12/1) This information is not completely correct (not to get all Chicken Little on ya there)…check out Closing Info Updated for the whole story.
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Nov 12, 2008 | Fashion, Media
ShopRuche.com by
carlyjcais
by Carly J. Cais, Fashion Designer & ChicSteals blog
As a designer 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.
Finding must-haves that are both affordable and chic can be quite the challenge: often the selections are limited, the workmanship shoddy, the clothing is cut too small/’Tween/bootilicious for real women. For classy threads that don’t cost an arm and a leg, here are
some savvy shopping sites that are comprehensive, trustworthy, and off the beaten path…enough so that you won’t see your affordable treasure walking down the street on someone else with a similar nose for fashion finds:
SHOPRUCHE.com Nostalgic in feel but user-friendly, Ruche is a modern boutique with a vintage touch that offers a variety of handpicked girly pieces – tops, denim, bottoms, outerwear, shoes, bags, accessories, and jewelry (some of which are organic & vegan) – that look like they might have been unearthed in a quirky vintage store. Like their excellent customer service, their prices hearken back to better days: nothing is priced over $50, including outerwear, and with $7 flat shipping, it’s hard to resist…so don’t! Can’t-miss pieces include Swaying Bird Hoop Earrings (pictured) with tiny wire-wrapped beige pearls and peach beads surrounding a swiveling gold bird charm ($13), and the Roses Are Red Mod Dress ($37) with pleated front and gorgeous rose-pattern (wear over a dark turtleneck, add black tights and black maryjanes for a winter-fabulous outift). To save 10% on your entire purchase, at checkout enter CHICSTEALS – ShopRuche.com.
SHOPKNOWLABEL.com “True style and beauty cannot be bound by rules and labels,” explain the fashionistas at Know.Label., which is filled with such a well-edited range of labels, we have agree. Styles include tops, dresses, bottoms, denim, belts, outerwear, jewelry, and bags from artists and designers all over the world. Prices similarly run the gamut, with most dresses at around $50 or under, and many coats under $200. We’re obsessed with the Paulette Trench Coat in Khaki, ($96) (because we’re suckers for the voluminous drawstring collar, deep pleated pockets, and silky beige finish), and the Wide Leg Sailor Jeans ($42) with crisp front pintucking and dark rinse, and looks killer paired with some sky-high basketweave wedges and an oversized rib-knit cardi – ShopKnowLabel.com.
GOLDENSTATECLOTHING.com For California cool, Golden State Clothing features a Cali-friendly selection of boho, office chic, and everything else needed to rock Left Coast Casual-Sophisticate. Outerwear, tops, bottoms, sweaters, and dresses are priced between $30-$120, with a variety of budget-friendly pieces to choose from. Additionally, the company is committed to utilizing sustainable materials, ethical manufacturing, social responsibility, and energy neutrality. Pieces from in the Charity Items section donate 100% of the price to Algalita, Earth911, Tree People and other environmentally-responsible charities. Recommended: Cavalry Vest ($50) is fabu military-chic with its bronze buttons and cropped length, and Cable Mini Sweater Dress ($60, pictured) with the open shoulder and buckle detail goes wonderfully paired with a long layered necklace and slouchy boots. To get 10% off your order, be sure to sign up for their email list – GoldenStateClothing.com.
EDGEofURGE.com What began as a brick-and-mortar store in North Carolina has since developed into an online mainstay of indie designers – both established and up-and-coming. Edge of Urge has both men’s and women’s clothing, as well as shoes, accessories, housewares, and stationary – all with a non-box-store, homespun feel. Prices range from around $20 for a tee, to $250 for the most detailed, unique jacket ever, while a pair of fabulous leather boots can run around $350 (but they’re oh so fine!). Handmade, limited quantity pieces are more pricey, but you’ll agree they’re worth every penny when people stop you on the street to find out what you’re wearing. Fave picks: the Dani Boot with its hidden wedge-heel that makes you 3″ taller in rustic pebble-grain leather ($164, pictured), and Biltmore Top ($66), with kitschy white bib and red buttons – perfect with a high-waisted pencil skirt for that naughty secretary in all of us – EdgeOfUrge.com.
ACCESSORYBUG.com For such affordable prices, Accessory Bug offers surprisingly stylish, expensive-looking bags, as well as lots of vegan/faux leather options. Thanks to exquisite stitching and and attention to detail (both inside and out), they easily withstand scrutiny and hold their own against pricey designer versions…a bonus for anyone craving the as-seen-on look without the cost. Our picks: the Red Alexandra Slim Short Wallet ($20, pictured) with its covered closure (carry with cream tailored pants and a striped sweater), and the Black Large Vicky Leopard Print Satchel ($46), because every woman deserves a leopard-accessorized walk on the wild side – AccessoryBug.com.
COOL FIND OF THE WEEK: SHOPPINGNOTES.com For all online shopaholics, ShoppingNotes.com is a brand-new site that keeps all your links organized. Set a price alert on whatever you are shopping for, and then copy/paste the URL of the product you want into the text box on the ShoppingNotes page; when the item’s price is lowered or it goes on sale, they let you know! You can set price alerts on almost anything that catches your eye, and every link is automatically saved with an image and description so you’ll have no problem keeping track of the hundreds (and hundreds) of must-haves on your list. Now that’s what we call cheap e-shopping savvy.
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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Nov 11, 2008 | Score!
Hurry chickadees – enter the Regent’s Secret $50 Gift Certificate Giveaway – it ends TONIGHT at midnight!
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Nov 7, 2008 | Media
The supermodel and Topshop designer tells Life & Style how anyone can look amazing.
- 1. Fail-safe party item: a little black dress.
- The hot look of over-the-knee boots and a miniskirt is fine with bare legs if you’re in your teens, 20s or 30s. Anyone older should add opaque black tights.
- Don’t be afraid to alter vintage outfits. When I was 17, I found a panther-motif black dress at a New York flea market. Recently, I chopped off the bottom and used it as inspiration for the mini dress version in my Topshop line.
- A new hairstyle can transform your look. Be brave! Try a new hairstyle. It can inspire a new way of looking at your existing wardrobe.
- Make the most of your figure. If you have great legs, show them off with a short dress and heels or a fab pair of jeans. Wear what suits you rather than following trends. Create your own style!
- Never look like you tried too hard! Mismatching adds a personal touch
- Don’t do the catwalk look head to toe. Mix old with new and designers with high street. I wore a Chanel maxidress to my friend’s wedding with a 1930s blue velvet cape and huge Turkish hoop earrings, which gave the dress a totally different feel.
- Handbag essentials for hitting the town: keys, cash, black eyeliner
- Best jewelry for a night out: antique diamonds
- For evening, try unexpected outerwear-dress combos. Don’t be afraid to wear a battered leather jacket with a full-length gown or an extravagant, embroidered jacket with jeans and a T-shirt.
-courtesy of Life & Style Weekly
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Nov 7, 2008 | DIY
Net-a-Porter shows us 7 easy ways to transform an outfit into something totally on-trend…
Wet Seal is throwing in a pair of leggings for $5 (brown, pink, lavender, purple, cobalt, or red) with any $35 purchase online…
FashionTribes.com dishes on Michelle Obama’s unusual dress (from her husband’s acceptance speech Tuesday night)….
ShopIntuition.com is offering free shipping on any purchase during the month of November…
Catch up on your U.K. fashion online with ASOS.com’s latest e-mag…
ELuxury is having their Fall Sale with 40% off brands like Narciso Rodriguez, Philosophy di Alberta Ferretti, Rag & Bone, Proenza Schouler and more, and is offering free shipping on purchases of $200…
CheapJAP kvells and kvetches on the evils of online shopping…
Alloy.com is offering 20% off select sweaters until 11/12/08 and free shipping on orders of $75 and up AND 15% off your entire purchase with code NEW15b until Monday 11/10 …
And don’t forget to enter the Chic Steals Regent’s Secret $50 Gift Certificate Giveaway – hurry, the contest ends Monday!
-Carly J. Cais
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Nov 5, 2008 | Score!
Just a reminder – Premier designer discount shopping site RegentsSecret.com has teamed up with Chic Steals to offer YOU, our lovely readers, a $50 gift certificate to use anywhere on their site. As of now, no one’s signed up yet – which means if you’re the one and only, you automatically snag this gift certificate!! So what are you waiting for??!
Online since January 2008, Regent’s Secret is a fashion-forward destination for fans of youthful urban-style merchandise such as Ed Hardy, LOVE Yaya, Trunk Ltd, Missoni, Evisu, and Dolce & Gabbana (all discounted up to 70% off!!). Usually offering numerous sales at once (but for a limited-time only), and with a number of pieces available from each brand, you’re sure to find something you love that’s amazingly affordable (many items are marked down to around $100 or less). Sales coming soon: Storksak (10/27), French Connection Men’s (10/28), Givenchy (10/30), Hudson (10/30), Joie (11/3), Karoo (11/4), Kasil (11/6), and Cullen (11/10.
To enter this fabulous giveaway, simply click this link and register for Regent’s Secret between now and 12 PM P.S.T. Monday, Nov. 10.* (It’s absolutely free!!)
A winner will be chosen randomly from all those who sign up through the above link. The $50 gift certificate will be credited into the winner’s RegentsSecret.com account after the entry period ends.
So click the above, sign up, and start shopping the hugely discounted selection of Skagen watches, Joe’s Jeans, Givenchy bags, and Cullen cashmere, and be entered in the Giveaway immediately. The best kept secret on the web – Regent’s Secret!
-Carly J. Cais
*Open only to new members of RegentsSecret.com who sign up between now and Nov 10, 2008 through the above link; existing members are not eligible for this giveaway.
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Nov 5, 2008 | Fashion
Although it is already five years old and known primarily for it’s eco-chic focus, it’s only been since 2007 that
Portland Fashion Week has made the entire event earth-friendly and sustainable. From construction of the actual runway with eco-friendly materials like 100% recycled rubber balls (!), using eco-safe styling products on models, and sustainable-certified hotels for our guests, whenever possible, the city is leading by example. And unlike the $150,000 minimum to participate in New York Fashion Week, Portland keeps it low key and locally-focused, charging a much more down-to-earth $1500. As a result, up-and-coming designers can actually afford to show, infusing the usual commercial bent of most Fashion Weeks with an interesting indie element – such as
eco-champion Lizzie Parker, and
Project Runway winner Leanne Marshall of
Leanimal, who is known for her support of sustainability and eco friendliness.
Overall, the look for Spring/Summer 2009 was about drapey tops over tailored shorts and pants, dominated by black, cream, and hot pink, accented with brightly printed breezy organic cotton dresses reminiscent of nature.
Here are some of the highlights:THE COLLECTIONS:
Sameunderneath; Saffrona; Revivall; TOP: Lucia; Sofada; BOTTOM: Lizzie Parker; Idom
Standouts from this year’s collections included the breezily casual printed tees, structured shorts, and surprisingly intricate crocheted tops of Sameunderneath. Opening with a vignette starring two models (including Cloudy October, pictured at top), the line was inspired by the Cuban Revolution, and gave off a distinctly travel-themed look. Shades of cream, olive, and hot pink dominated, and at the end, founder Ryan Joseph Davis Christensen walked the runway, proudly displaying his “VOTE HOPE” t-shirt. (Sameunderneath.com)
Saffrona Classics was an entire collection fashioned from a revolutionary new blended fabric developed in Germany made from wood-pulp fibers and seaweed. Vitamin- and mineral-rich, Seacell also has a microscopic silver content, rendering it antifungal, antimicrobial, and antibacterial – none of which diminish even after repeated trips through the washing machine. This fabric not only “breathes”, but is lightweight and soft, which translated into flowing gowns and dresses. Since Seacell is only manufactured in black and white, to create other colors designer Sarabeth Chambers used everything from beets to Kool-Aid to impart her clothes with a bright pop of color. (Saffrona.com)
Like a mishmash of vintage and Dior, Rivivall Clothing mixed ecletic prints, lacework, plaid, Victorian flowers, and corsetry. The models dripped with pheasant feathers and draped gold chains, set off by the dusky denim blues and golden lace palette of the clothes. Paired with Western-style cowboy boots, the whole look lived up to its self-described “burlesque hilly-billy.” By piecing together secondhand fabrics, designer Laura Lee Laroux produced less waste in fashioning distinctive one-of-a-kind pieces. (RevivallClothing.com)
Lucia showcased fun prints and chic workwear, while Sofada by Alice Dobson featured tailored suits, funky swimwear, and printed dresses. Seattle-based Lizzie Parker showed her line of drapey dresses and fluid bamboo jersey tops, and Idom showed cute dresses made of silk and handmade cotton lace imported from the designer’s native Thailand.
STUDENT DESIGNERS & OTHER COOL STUFF:
A re-imagining of the Little Black Dress by the Art Institute of Portland produced an array of insightful and interesting student work; though not necessarily commercially viable, the pieces were nonetheless thought-provoking and chic. The particularly Balenciaga-esque silhouette (far left) was created from a puffy ski parka fabric (!), but somehow completely worked.
And finally, these Papier Couture dresses were fabulous, made completely out of paper – folded, cut, glued, sewn, molded – and insanely gorgeous, with touches like origami cranes decorating the hem. The dresses were shown on Day 1 of the shows, and then placed on display in the entrance foyer for the rest of the week. Read more about the line and designer Lia Griffith at Papier-Couture.com.
SWINGIN’ 60s HAIR & MAKEUP:
An interesting constraint on the designers was that the same models were being used in each show, so with no time for a full makeup redo between shows, the look had to coordinate with all the various collections. Lead Makeup Artist Sunny Fire chose to channel the 60s, with a black cat-eye, matte satin skin, and
a reddish-tinted lip from Fire’s eponymous line, Alima Pure, and M.A.C. (in particular, their Nourishing Lipbalm in Cranberry, and Viva Glam 1 lipstick). For one particular model who only walked in the Sameunderneath show on Day 3, Fire added a peacock feather eye to coordinate with the boho theme. All three makeup lines use recyclable containers, and Alima Pure is made from 100% certified natural minerals.
In keeping with the makeup, the hair similarly channeled the sexy 60’s. To vary the look from night to night, Lead Hairstylist Eric Alan Nelson, founder of Portland-based Sidlab, relied on Sidlab’s Pacifica Salt Water Spray for natural, beachy texture and a work-in spray called Chic which delivers flexible hold that can easily (and quickly) be restyled – all the while retaining “monster” body. The final day of the shows had a more L.A. rocker vibe, which Nelson matched with Ultra, a piecing paste which adds both shine and texture. Not only are all of Sidlanb’s products paraben- and SLS-free, but they are recyclably packagd, and manufactured using sustainable practices. (Available at Edward Wadsworth)
xo
Carly
(runway photography: ThePhotographers.us; Art Institute of Portland runway – Pete Kim)
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Nov 3, 2008 | Fashion
Bluebee.com is running a sale until Nov. 7 – 60% OFF Select Designer Merchandise!! We are thrilled, since it gives us a chance to snag some great finds for so much less. Check out this tunic (originally $138 – marked down to $55.20).
Wilster Bridget Belt Tunic Navy ($55.20)
Or this fab art deco gold and crystal necklace from Noir:
Noir Clear Snake Chain Pendant Gold ($65.20 – was $163)
Or these 7 For All Mankind Jeans:
7 For All Mankind Ginger LA Dark ($67.60 from $169)
At any rate, hurry on over to the Bluebee.com sale – it’s all said and done by Nov. 7!
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Nov 3, 2008 | Fashion
If you haven’t checked out ChicStar.com yet – you need to – it has surprisingly affordable deals on chic, trendy clothing. Sure, there are some things that seem a little costumey, but wade through them and score some fab finds. See a couple of choices below:
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