Jun 25, 2013 | Fashion
OSMOSIS is a brand known for coolly casual prints and pieced fabrics. A lot of their clothing is reversible too, which makes it doubly fabulous (one of my favorite reversible sweaters ever is from OSMOSIS!). Founded in 1997, the brand creates timeless pieces, updated with trend-driven details. Prices range from about $40 for a top to around $150 for a pair of heels.
You can purchase OSMOSIS from their official online store OSMOSIS loaf,or in select boutiques throughout Japan.
So, fantasy shopping time: what would you buy?
I’m partial to that drapey beige sweater over that cool black-and-white stripe zigzag dress in the 3rd photo, and the embellished collar dress with the black-striped skirt in the 2nd-to-last photo.
How about you all?
xo
Carly
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Jun 23, 2013 | DIY
Whether you call them head chains, headbands, circlets, fairy head adornments, or hippie bands, these beautiful head adornments can be seen all throughout the Summer: at music festivals, on the beach, and at weddings. Growing up, I never saw them at all – the high school I went to was super-preppy, and I never knew anyone who rocked these. Then, at some point I started making them (mostly for this blog), and found that I loved them! I normally don’t dress very boho, but when I do, I feel these head adornments are a must for dressing up what usually feels like a very dressed-down ensemble to me. For me, the more jewelry the merrier! And I love the Medieval/Grecian princess vibe they add as well (Game of Thrones cosplay, anyone? ;-). There are so many DIY versions out there done with chain, but I wanted to take it to the next level with some pretty stampings instead. And it’s so easy to do! Here’s how:
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Jun 22, 2013 | Fashion
Another major holiday is coming up: how will you spend your Fourth of July? A get-together with friends? (more…)
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Jun 21, 2013 | Fashion
photo from FashionISing
Welcome to another installment of F.I.L.L.! It’s now been almost a week since I’ve come to Tokyo, and I’m working on cleaning up my computer’s digital innards (which sounds so horrible and TMI in a way), working on some design projects (if “working” means “thinking about vaguely but not actually doing anything on them”), and sorting through my online reading list on Bloglovin (as you may well know, Google reader is going away very soon – so follow Chic Steals here on Bloglovin!). Since I feel I’m finally over the jetlag (*insert a pat on the back here in lieu of doing any other real work otherwise), here are some links online that have caught my eye this past week:
Dream It: Inspiration & Creativity
Yulia Brodskaya’s paper art is so amazing. [Can you tell I’m a little obsesessed with quilling lately??] (ColourLovers)
Appealing to the Renaissance in all of us: Simon Casson’s baroque-style collages are a mixture of past and present. His painting style is so rarely seen nowadays! (ItsNiceThat.com)
10,000 Letters of Love music video for The Sound of the Ladies made with paper cutouts from a Silhouette Cameo. No words – just spectacular. (How About Orange)
Buy It: Shopping Picks
While in shopping heaven [Tokyo], I may or may not bust my clothing allowance. But I may or may not buy these clear-heeled sandals instead. A girl’s gotta have priorities.
Oh, BaubleBar, why do you taunt me so?? This Spiked Quad Strand is GORGE, but is only available for a limited time. But it’s only $15. Yup. That sort of taunting.
Once again, I am on the hunt for an uber-cute Summer dress. This one fits the bill to a T – and, who can resist lobsters??? I know I can’t.
Make It: DIY
So Father’s Day was last week. So what? Trust me, the man in your life needs a DIY Bow Tie immediately. How incredibly dandy! (Lavaguy.com)
Summer is in full swing and that means: gardening! Check out The Huffington Post’s roundup of DIY Planter Ideas. (Huffington Post)
One of the newest crafting materials on the scene is Mod Melts, made from meltable Mod Podge (!). Check out this adorable DIY Embellished Clutch using Mod Melts. (FabricPaperGlue)
Live It: Lifestyle
Drooling over this yummy recipe for Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies. Anything with brown butter is a must in my book! (JoytheBaker)
A response to accusations of buying into fast fashion fads: Your $10 T-Shirt is Not the Problem. A very thoughtful read that addresses the economics of fashion in the United States. (TheBelleJar blog on BlogHer.com)
So useful for any time anyone snaps a photo of you: How to Look Good in Photos. Ham it up with confidence and employ these tricks to look like a million bucks each time! (FashionISing)
Get your FILL every Friday!
xo
Carly
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Jun 20, 2013 | DIY
I am just in love with Minieco‘s website – it’s so colorful and fun, my day is instantly brightened. Plus the author offers tons of downloadable paper templates and the origami-lover in me just can’t stay away. I particularly am drawn to the paper gemstone templates since they seem such a paradox. Precious gemstones! Made of cheap materials! By your own two hands! I needed some accent pieces for my seemingly-unending home office makeover, and so immediately decided to bump up the glam factor by using a glitter cardstock and making 2 coordinating gemstones for my desk. Here’s how:
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Jun 19, 2013 | Fashion
Amia Serrano is a noted fashion stylist who has styled photo shoots and editorials for numerous magazines, lookbooks, and websites, and is able to make the most mundane items sing by pairing high-priced with affordable finds. She is guest-posting today to offer her tips for getting a designer-inspired look-for-less just in time for Summer. Take it away, Amia!
xo
Carly
Hi Chic Steals readers! My name is Amia Serrano and I’m so eager to share my great finds for you. Enjoy!
Many designer looks walk down the runway, leaving audience members and online viewers in awe, but these are already known to have a hefty price tag attached.
As a fashion stylist I often work to re-create designer-style looks, but on a real-world budget. Today I’m here to show you how to style a designer-inspired look from Alice + Olivia’s S/S 2013 Collection without breaking the bank. It mixes pops of bright color and on-trend florals: the perfect match for a Spring-meets-Summer ensemble.
Here are some affordable yet chic pieces to re-create the Alice + Olivia look for a fraction of the cost:
Rhinestone Cluster Stud Earrings – No need to over accessorize, so keep it subtle with these everyday studs.
Merona Women’s Trench Coat – A colored trench is a perfect way to add a pop of color to any look, especially for gloomy rainy weather.
Camellia on Club Ivory Floral Print Romper – This versatile floral dress can be worn casually or for a night out on the town.
Studded Faux Leather Wristlet – The studs outlining this handbag keeps the edge going, allowing the whole look to flow.
Embellished Spike Heels – Spikes are trending and pairing these edgy beauties with an overall feminine look goes perfectly.
This fun ensemble will take you from a a Spring day of shopping or to a fun Summer girls’ night out!
Until the next post, take advantage of this one and please do share what you find and come up with. I’d love to see them!
~Amia
Thanks Amia! It was wonderful having you here. Don’t forget to leave a comment, lovely readers – did you like this feature? Want to see more Chic on the Cheap from Amia? Let me know below!!
xo
Carly
Fashion Stylist Amia Serrano has styled photo shoots and magazine editorials for publications such as Open Lab Magazine, Relapse Magazine, and Bridal Tribe Magazine. She has also worked with recording artist Mashonda to style the inaugural video of her video series #LifeStyleHer for GlobalGind.com, and Hemma Collection’s New York Fashion Week show. Working with brands such as Rehna Pendse, joe Dahan’s Seduka Jeans, and GET NYCE Clothing, her philosophy is to find great style using the resources you have. Check her out here:
Website / Instagram / Twitter
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Jun 18, 2013 | Fashion
Elizabeth Dye, the owner of the Portland boutique The English Department, is known for her thoughtful details and delicate embellishments on her swoonworthy wedding dresses. Starting in the custom wedding gown business in 2000 after making wedding dresses for her friends, she created her first full-fledged Collection in 2010. The English Department and Elizabeth Dye dresses have been featured in numerous publications as the go-to bridal line in the Pacific Northwest. Her 2013 Collection is called “Two if By Sea” 2013 Collection, evoking 1930’s glamour in scalloped lace and frothy layers of tulle.
You can order one of her custom-made gowns at The English Department store, on her website, or through her Etsy shop.
If you were getting married, which would you choose? (Mine is the seafoam wrapped tulle gown – I always love a pretty blue!!)
xo
Carly
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Jun 17, 2013 | Fashion
Flower Hoop Earrings:
DIY (quick how-to
here).
Tropical High-Low Hem Maxi Dress: c/o London Times. Bangles: Pineapple County. Gold Woven Clutch: c/o Accessorize.com. Mixed Material Wedges: Mossimo (Target).
The fashion-forward dress company London Times is hosting a Savvy Summer campaign and invited me to be a part of it! (more…)
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Jun 16, 2013 | Fashion
My good friend Alexa Raquel Casciato, AKA Little Warrior, is an amazing musician and up-and-coming tour de force in the world of music. I asked her to start a brand-new post series here on Chic Steals curating monthly original playlists for your to stream on Spotify, add some background music to your space, mellow out to, listen to while working on your latest DIY project, and add a little music into your life.
Here’s what she says about this month’s playlist:
June is a transitional month. We move into summer, days get longer, and we are get more active. As we glide from spring into summer, we feel the warmth of the sun on our skin and breathe the fresh air in a little deeper.
I’ve chosen this June playlist with this transition in mind. I wanted to keep it balanced between a mellow, lounge-like mood with peaceful moments and a solid, grounded beat that transitions into an energetic dance. May this mix carry you into summer with a blissful state of mind.
~Little Warrior
Listen and enjoy!
Feedback please: what do you guys think of it?
xo
Carly
Described as Portishead and Oh Land meet David Bowie and the Chemical Brothers around a campfire with a drum machine,
Little Warrior‘s music advocates peaceful revolution and equality for all. Active on social media, she posts inspiration quotes and upbeat ideas, spreading positivity through images and music. Find her on:
Bandcamp / CD Baby / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / Tumblr
Jun 10, 2013 | Fashion
Snidel is a fast fashion Japanese brand created by the mash style lab conglomerate [I’ve featured a lookbook from another of their brands, Lily Brown, here]. Snidel focuses on simple, pretty details for feminine clothing with a twist. Headed up by mash style lab’s Chief Designer Asami Kusakami, Snidel is arguably one of the group’s most successful brands, launching in 2005 and now available in over 60 stores in Japan and China. Price points for the pieces range from around $50 for a simple T-shirt, to $220 for a tailored trenchcoat. The brand also launched another division in 2013: Snidel Girl, catering to – you guessed it! – girls.
(more…)
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