If you haven’t heard of it already, you HAVE to check out FASHGIF, a Tumblr blog devoted to quirky animated gifs created from runway photos. It’s the perfect marriage of my two loves, animation and fashion. Spend a little time browsing through the archives…and be delighted with all the whimsical moving creations.
xo
Carly
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For my second DIY post for the e-tailer London Times, I’ve created a DIY Beaded Collar to one of their pretty color-block dresses. Click through to find out how to easily add a beaded embellishment to a piece you may already own…
Happy DIY’ing!
xo
Carly
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Comeback Brixton Earrings: JewelMint (psst – use code FLASH25 for 25% off!)
Uncut Crystal Quartz Necklace: c/o 80/20 Etsy Store
Color Block Scuba Dress: c/o London Times
Metallic Clutch: DIY (tutorial here)
White Rhinestone Watch: Citizen Eco-Drive
Cube Ring: Karmaloop (similar here)
Other Rings: mocha and Target
Reversible Tights: SPANX
Strappy Velour Heels: Abaete for Payless
My brother-in-law visited over the weekend and so we took him out to a fancy dinner. (more…)
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Hi everyone! Happy Martin Luther King Jr. Day!
I’ve teamed up with the dress e-tailer London Times to do 2 DIYs featuring their dresses. The first of two is up on their blog today: a DIY Metallic Envelope Clutch (made from a plastic file folder, some felt…and a surprising metallic material!) Click through to find out what it is and how to make one yourself…
Happy DIY’ing!
xo
Carly
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Jewelry is going on the offensive this season with razor-sharp spikes, hard edges, and chains. Make your own on-trend choker* with wire, chain, and beads, weaving them all together to create something reminiscent of Cleopatra…but with a modern-day edge. Here’s how:
Spike pyramid earrings: H&M
Spike Beaded Choker Necklace: DIY (tutorial coming tomorrow!)
Drape-side sweater: Volcom
Style&Co. Vest, Faux-Fur Trim Hooded Puffer: c/o GigaSavvy via Macy’s
Houdini handcuff bracelets: JewelMint
Snowflake obsidian bracelet: from Arizona
Chain-and-rhinestone bracelet: Forever 21
Slap watch in black
Long-sleeved Heattech Top: UNIQLO
Poly pants with side stripe: DIY
Platform velvet booties: Forever 21
I decided to mix sporty with edgy and double up on my DIY’s for this outfit. (more…)
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I am so excited to announce to you my newest sponsor for January: 80/20!
Cristina Rose makes the most beautiful, on-trend neckwear and armwear out of high-quality gemstones. She works out of her studio in Brooklyn, NY, sourcing all materials locally. And her price points are super-affordable! The line is also sold at Art on Dean, Built in Brooklyn, Gowanus Girls, Brooklyn Night Bazaar, Williamsburg Fashion Weekend plus The Love US / Manufacture NY Holiday Shop.
Here are some of my favorite pieces from her shop:
1. Peter Pan Collar Necklace in Black (also comes in white), $30 / 2. Spiked Rocker Necklace with Wood and Swarovski Crystal Beads (you can also choose a pink bead instead of purple), $38 / 3. Uncut Crystal Quartz Necklace, $40 / 4. Asymmetrical Amethyst Necklace with Hexagonal Bead and Copper, $37
Besides sponsoring Chic Steals for the month of January, she is also offering a discount code to all my wonderful readers:
Cristina Rose kindly sent me a necklace to style in an outfit…check back later this week to see one of her pretties in action!
And if any of you are interested in sponsoring Chic Steals, there are still sponsorships open for this month. If you are a seller of DIY supplies, crafty goods, sewing books, jewelry, clothing, beauty products, or home wares that are chic, affordable, and on-trend, then you would be a perfect fit for my readers! You can purchase an ad here on my site through Passionfruit’s integrated ad system, or email me if you’d like more information, including current stats. Thank you!
xo
Carly
I recently received a sample Caress® Passionate Spell® Fine Fragrance Elixir Body Wash, and it’s become my newest bath-time indulgence.
I’ve had really dry, itchy legs for the first time ever this Winter (maybe I’m allergic to my socks?? I’ve been wondering), and nothing has given me any relief. By night-time in the bath I am scrabbling away at my ankles, trying to calm the itchiness, slathering on lotion and moisturizers to no avail once I’m out. I’ve been using regular Dove bar soap in the bath, and haven’t had much of a problem with it…until now.
So I was really surprised that within a couple days of switching over to Caress Body Wash instead of soap, the itchiness had gone down tremendously. The wash is silky smooth and super-moisturizing, and even Lil Tot likes the fragrance of it.
It has a complex scent, of spicy orange rose and passionfruit: fruity, flowery, and Wintery all in one. I’ve never smelled anything like it before – and it makes my whole bathroom smell like a warm Winter punch (with orange slices floating in it), and lush gardenias and rose blossoms. Plus the scent lingers long after my bath, and I smell delicious for hours afterwards!
Courtesy of Caress® Passionate Spell®, they are giving away a $25 gift card to one lucky reader! With it you can purchase Caress® Passionate Spell® Fine Fragrance Elixir Body Wash to try out yourself, and snag yourself a pretty accessory to go with your gleaming, scented skin. Or use it wherever – on whatever – you want! Here are the details:
GIVEAWAY: ONE $25 Gift Card
How to EnterREQUIRED:
Giveaway open to U.S.-based readers ONLY.
Edited to add: Giveaway period is now over, winner has been notified and sent their gift card. Thanks for entering!
And check out Caress on Facebook and on Twitter, with the hashtag #Caress, for more discounts, coupons, giveaways, and all the latest news on the brand!
xoxox
Carly
FTC Disclosure: I was provided with Caress® product, a $25 gift card and information about the product by Caress®. All opinions are 100% my own. Read more about my Disclosure Policy here.
Leave CommentSpring is just around the corner – and I can’t wait to update my wardrobe with all the fun trends on they way. Get a head start with some DIY ideas for these major Spring 2013 trends:
#7: Delicate White Lace
Pristine, white, and sweet: cutwork and lace evoked innocence at Emilio Pucci and Giambattista Valli (above). Try lacy lingerie peeking out of a boxy top, or fully embrace the trend with a pretty lace dress.
…or, DIY this trend with my Lace Maxi-Skirt made from a Curtain
#6: Peekaboo Pieces
Spring is one of the best times to show a little skin, and BCBG Max Azria (above) and Cushnie et Ochs thought the same. Update your wardrobe with some strategically-placed cutouts to let the sun in.
…or, DIY this trend with A Pair and a Spare’s Carven Inspired Cut Out Mini Dress
#5: Black Mesh
Mesh was super-sexy at Celine (above) and Calvin Klein, and just a little of it goes a long way. Try adding a small insert into a key piece in your wardrobe, or wear a mesh top over a tank for a sporty feel.
…or, DIY this trend with my Alexander Wang Mesh Insert Sweater
#4: Leather
Seen on the runways at Derek Lam (above) and Jason Wu, leather is still going strong through Spring. For a lighter feel, try a leather piece in a color besides black, or just add leather (or pleather) accents to your clothes.
…or, DIY this trend with Love Aesthetics’ Minimal White Leather Top
#3: Black and White Contrast
With the 60’s-influence seen in Collection after Collection, big blocks of black and white dominated. Go totally mod with these neutrals like at Chanel and Proenza Schouler.
…or, DIY this trend with my Chanel-Style Black-and-White Cape
#2: Flower Prints
Every Spring, flowers pop up on clothing all over the runways, celebrating the season of renewal and rebirth as we emerge from frozen throes. See: Mary Katrantzou and Thakoon, for starters.
…or, DIY this trend with …love, Maegan’s Floral Print Jeans
#1: Thick Stripes
It was like a day at the circus (or, revisiting Twiggy and Edie Sedgwick) at Marc Jacobs (above) and Michael Kors. Fully embrace the trend with a pair of vertically-striped pants…or just keep it understated with a simple top.
…or, DIY this trend with Refinery29’s Make a DIY Breton Striped Shirt with Spray Paint
What trends are you excited for this coming season?
xo
Carly
All photos from their respective authors, or from Style.com.
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Rose Cabochon Rhinestone Earrings: DIY
Beige Infinity Scarf: Steve Madden
Heattech Long-Sleeved Crew Neck T-shirt (worn under): UNIQLO
Funnel-Neck Wool-Blend Walker in Black/White: Nine West, c/o GigaSavvy
Rings: Cartier, Tiffany, maygloba, mocha, unknown, custom-made
Oatmeal Knit Wooden Dowel Clutch: DIY
Pleated Twill Skirt: Gap (old)
Hot Pink Tights: Alloy (similar here)
Lace-Front Rain Boots: dav (a HauteLook purchase)
Manicure: Essie Lilacism
Of course, on the day I want to break out my new lovely Prada-Inspired Rose Cabochon Rhinestone Earrings, it would be raining most of the day. Of course. (more…)
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Carly J. Cais I am a DIY’er, designer, sewist, maker, and marketer. Chic Creative Life is where I share what I do, and help others bring their unique style into their own lives.
