Oct 31, 2008 | Fashion
I love this. Sometimes I feel completely clueless when it comes to styling accessories I don’t usually wear – and those celeb-inspired-L.A.-made-scarves-that-aren’t-really-kep-you-warm-winter-scarves-that-make-Rachel-Ray-to-be-mistaken-for-an-Arab-in-a-donut-commercial trend? Place me back in kindergarten. That’s why these two little how-to’s have done wonders for my scarf-tying range:
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Oct 26, 2008 | Beauty
Hair & Makeup on the runways were both executed in the most eco-friendly manner possible. Lead Makeup Artist Sunny Fire used colors from both her eponymous makeup line and from Alima Pure; lips were awash in their Cranberry Nourishing Lipbalm or M.A.C. Viva Glam 1 Lipstick. (Cosmetics from Sunny Fire Makeup, Alima Pure, and M.A.C. all use recyclable containers, and Alima Pure makeup is made of 100% certified natural minerals.)
The looks on the runways were mostly 60’s-inspired, with a strong black cat-eye, mat
te satin skin, and a reddish-tinted lip. Since the makeup had to work for all the shows on a given night (the same models were used in each show with little time in between to redo the face), the looks had to be striking but coordinated with the variety of outfits each model wore. For one particular model who walked in only one show on Day 3, Sunny Fire added a peacock feather around one eye in order to blend with the feather jewelry and boho-theme to the Sameunderneath show.
The hair was, again, 60’s-inspired – with lead hairstylist Eric Alan Nelson, founder of Portland-based Sidlab, varying the look from night to night. To work with the models’ natural texture he used Sidlab’s Pacifica Salt Water Spray to create a loose, uncontrived look, scrunching in a natural, beachy texture. With the aid of Chic, a work-in spray, he was able to give flexible hold to the models’ 
styles and then restyle them quickly in-between shows, all the while retaining “monster body” and a “soft, sexy, feminine look.” On the final day of the shows (which had a more L.A., rocker-vibe) he used Ultra (a piecing paste), which added shine but gave the hair an edgy rocker texture. All of Sidlab’s products are paraben and SLS-free, packaged in recyclable packaging, and manufactured using sustainable practices – and are available for purchase from Edward Wadsworth online (and they’re also running a 15% off promotion for Breast Cancer Awareness Month – enter code sidlab at checkout).
(photos from left: Lead Makeup Artist Sunny Fire, Lead Hair Stylist Eric Alan Nelson, the Twiggy-style look on Day 3, a model getting her hair done with Chic styling spray, the hair and makeup look on Day 5)
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Oct 24, 2008 | Fashion
These earrings are breathtaking. Green quartz droplets surrounded by twisting sterling silver vines – they’ll go with black, brown, gray, green, and everything in-between. (Think: Thanksgiving dinner, obligatory office Holiday party, Christmas Eve, New Year’s fete…) And at a mere $49.99 from Target.com (with free shipping thrown into the bargain) they’re a fashionably chic steal.
Pre-order now before they sell out completely! *drool*
-Carly J. Cais
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Oct 21, 2008 | Fashion
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.
It has now been a year since
Carly’s Chic Steals launched on Fashiontribes.com! Fashiontribes has been there, day in and out, spreading fashion goodwill across the world and bringing our weekly column to the far-flung corners of the Internet, and our
fabulous-in-all-its-forms editor Lesley Scott has toiled away week after week, arranging our random recommendations into cohesive and well-written articles.
Since we’ve managed to stay around for an entire year (even spawning a blog of the same name), we’re now in the mood to celebrate in a floaty party dress, mini-sweater, and on-colorful on-trend shoes. We plan to extinguish our single candle on our virtual birthday cake, dressed to the hilt in pieces that we scored for less than a simple song and dance. Come join the celebration in
these 6 picks which are guaranteed to make you fabulous, festive, and fashionably frugal:
A cute party dress and festive accessories by Fashiontribes
FABULOUS FROCK Usually an item of clothing dubbed Trixxi would make us turn a well-polished heel and never, ever look back, however this little party dress from Macys.com is exactly what we we were craving for the big event. Frothy and delicious, it’s guaranteed to make anyone feel like a princess – especially with statement jewelry; this is a piece best saved for a party (no points for dressing it down with black leggings underneath). And after all, what better time to be a Trixxi than on your birthday? (But just for today, we promise.;-) Trixxi Bubble Dress $60 (sale) at Macys.com
SPARKLY SHRUG Top off your Trixxi and ward off the chill in this stylish sweater shrug with a metallic sheen that echoes the sparkling dots on the sash of the dress. Sophisticated without being fussy, this would look equally at home layered over a white tee and cuffed boyfriend jeans during the day, or with a black satin swing skirt and slinky top when the sun goes down. Wear into the warmer months of next spring, and watch your $30 investment pay off major style dividends. Shimmering Shrug $29 (sale) at Amazon.com
HUGE BLINGY EARRINGS Nothing says “I’m gorgeous – pay attention to me!” more than gigantic sparkly stones flashing at your jawline. Huge 2″ oval faceted gemstones dangle from crystals, surrounded by yet more crystals, making these blingy, fabulous, and able to inject some glamour into the most mundane of outfits. Pair with a black cashmere twinset and classic jeans to let them do all the talking, or rock them at night when more is more is more. Red Carpet Earrings $19 at AlltheRageOnline.com
PEEP TOE BOOTIEThe peep toe bootie has proved to be the shoe of the season, both on the runways and the streets. Winterize this version with tights, and go barelegged come spring/summer. For more mileage, pair with crisply-pleated wideleg tweed trousers and a cream wrap cardi, or black tights and a metallic-sheen shift for go-go glam. Satin lace-up bootie $42 (sale) at VictoriasSecret.com
BOLD TIGHTS With winter headed our way, fashionistas in northern climes are pulling out the colorful leggings and tights – which makes up for the chill in the air, especially since this is officially The Year of Legwear. Whether it’s peeking out between the top of a boot and a skirt hem, under contrasting knee-length socks, or with a peeptoe or even a sandal, the right tights can totally upgrade and funkify whatever you’re wearing. Hue is a fab source of purely opaque colors, especially in gorge shades like steel, peacock, and a wild hot pink. (For our party look, a cheery bright contrasts nicely with the more muted tones on top.) Whatever you choose, have fun and let your gams do the talkin. Opaque Tight $12.50 at Hue.com
SPLURGE OF THE WEEK: MARGIELA GIFT-BOW ACCESSORIES Trust the fabulous Maison Martin Margiela to take a tacky drugstore gift bow and elevate it to a unique, eyecatching accessory. Adorning a grainy white wallet/clutch in a matching fabric, it’s divine (not to mention way too special to get lost in the depths of your bag). And throw caution to the wind and walk the line between cutesy and sophisticated by sporting the matching Gift Bow ring at the same time. Maison Martin Margiela Gift Bow Wallet $500 and Gift Bow Ring $250 – both at eLuxury.com
Now blow out those candles…and 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
(photo of Marilyn Monroe)
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Oct 20, 2008 | Fashion
Cloudy October, who opened Sameunderneath’s show on Day 3 with a short vignette, and was featured in the video playing onscreen during the show. Doesn’t he look dapper?
Not sure what’s with this lady’s ensemble. The skirt is wild, and hat is like a bridesmaid cast-off. V. unique.
I liked the sweater + patterned tights combo – it suits her.
In a Richard Chai for Target dress. Ballsy to wear to a fashion event where it would likely be recognized. She looks great, though.
Nice hat.
Oct 20, 2008 | Fashion
Designer Alice Dobson of Sofada drew her inspiration from the 60’s and 80’s in designing her S/S ’09 Collection. Up until now, she said, she mostly had produced 40’s-style pieces, but this season she mixed in a variety of colors -like metallics, and bold, bright pinks and reds – as well as different silhouettes to evoke a different era. The styles were retro, glamorous, and ultimately flattering – a size 2 or a size 20 would look equally fabulous in her drapey pieces. The clothes are manufactured (in-house) with significant attention paid to creating a flattering silhouette on a variety of sizes – and the designer stresses ease of wear and washability for her garments, since her customers are often young career women, travelers, and moms who need functional as well as beautiful clothes. Sofada’s pricepoints are also quite reasonable – around $160 for a dress –
and after 6 years here in Portland, the line is already sold around the country. The designer says sofada is about “being girly, glamorous, feminine…and flattering…yet being easy to wear and easy to wash. [It’s about being] able to look sexy and glamorous without it being too difficult.” Check out their website at sofada.com or drop by their new location at 2937 E Burnside
Portland, OR 97214.
-Carly J. Cais
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Oct 20, 2008 | Fashion
Designer Leanne McElroy sought her inspiration for her S/S ’09 collection from the tides and waterways of the beach. From the way water breathed in and out, she fashioned carefree, flowing pieces in an oceanic palette from 100% organic cotton, organic hempcel (hemp and tencel), soy, and modal (beechwood fiber). The Vancouver-based line reaches the 25-40-year old professional who cares for the environment but retains an urban mindset when it comes to her clothes. The line is more about being “classic and timeless,” the designer says. “We want people who buy our clothes to feel good about what they’re doing for the environment and for themselves.” She showcased tans and browns on loosely-structured shapes, with deep aquas, surprising cutouts, pleating, and ribbon details. Check out the photos below and read more about Elroy Apparel here.
-Carly J. Cais
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Oct 20, 2008 | Fashion
Designer Modi Soondaratok’s inspiration came from lace; the history of lace and the femininity of it; the structure of lace itself, and the dedication of the many generations of women who wove it in her native village in Thailand. Utilizing mostly hand-woven cottons and silks from Thailand, she both supports the villagers there and supports cottage inductry here in the U.S. by only employing home-based sewers to create the line. Using pleating, tiers, draping, and tying to construct her sophisticated pieces, she appeals to the fashion-forward, well-traveled, modern woman, who likes to purchase clothing that has a story behind it. She believes that the world is a global community and that we have to create a more in-depth perception of where things come from, which she aims to elaborate through her clothing. Visit the website at IdomDesigns.com, or visit the Portland-based boutique at 1600 NE Alberta Street, Portland Oregon 97211.
-Carly J. Cais
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Oct 20, 2008 | Fashion
Amai Unmei revealed a collection awash in blues, greens, and silvers, very reminiscent of the ocean. All created in silk (with many of the coats in an animal-friendly silk where the silkworms are not killed by steaming prior to emerging from the cocoons), the collection was girly and fun. Standouts were the gorgeous shades of periwinkle near the end, draped into lights and floaty dresses. Amai Unmei is all manufactured in Portland, and has recently opened a new retail store at 2275 NW Johnson, though pieces are available for purchase on their website. Designer Allison Covington loves working with individual customers and often spends time in the stores that sell her pieces to interact with the women who enjoy her clothes. She says the message of Amai Unmei is to “Have fun!” and you can really see it in the flirty, light creations she sent down the runway.
-Carly J. Cais
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I love this. Sometimes I feel completely clueless when it comes to styling accessories I don’t usually wear – and those celeb-inspired-L.A.-made-scarves-that-aren’t-really-kep-you-warm-winter-scarves-that-make-Rachel-Ray-to-be-mistaken-for-an-Arab-in-a-donut-commercial trend? Place me back in kindergarten. That’s why these two little how-to’s have done wonders for my scarf-tying range:
