Sep 3, 2011 | Fashion
As all of you know, I love affordable shopping, and End-of-Summer sales are some of the best places to scoop up some great Fashion Finds on a budget. Enter Nordstrom Rack, a retailer that offers discounted designer brands year-round, and whose Clear the Racks Sale is legendary when it comes to getting the most bang for your hard-earned buck.
The downtown Portland store is a well-appointed two-story affair, filled with handbags, belts, shoes, jewelry, watches, sunglasses, lingerie, clothing, and men’s and kids’ clothing and shoes, as well as housewares, makeup, and beauty products.
In the bag section I spotted bags from Michal Kors, The Sak, Juicy Couture, Trina Turk, and Betsey Johnson. Check out the pebbling on this Badgley Mischka bag! ($159.97, marked down from $398)
The shoe section is vast, with Designer (high-end) shoes separated for the regular-priced merchandise, and then mixed in on the clearance racks. In the Designer section I saw Charles Jourdan, Via Spiga, Kate Spade, Ferragamo, DVF, and Stuart Weitzman – and most of the selection could be termed “work-appropriate” – i.e., perfect for the office.
Beautiful perforated Rag & Bone oxfords. ($179.90, marked down from $395)
I caught my breath at the pretty details on these Coach wedge sandals. $89.90, marked down from $150.
This is where huge deals are to be found: over on the clearance racks, where you can find shoes from Steve Madden, Nine West, Franco Sarto, and Frye, just to name a few.
Trying on an Elizabeth & James platform over-the-knee boot. ($99, marked down from-gasp!-$495) I’m really not sad at all; I was just having trouble seeing the viewfinder.;-)
These Badgley Mischka‘s felt as light as air. Now I know why women put so much stock in high-priced sandals – these were truly comfy!
Super, super steals are to be found in the basket on the desk where you request the matching shoe. Mostly larger sizes (like 9 & 10), but at 90% off there’s some amazing pieces tucked away there!
In the clothing section on the first floor there are some great pieces too, along with a large selection of outerwear and suiting, with Calvin Klein, Theory, Ella Moss, BCBG, and Vince.
A gorgeous stapled and pleated Huge BOSS dress. Can you read the label? $698 marked down to $189.97!
The contemporary area had tons of Paige Premium Denim, 7 for All Mankind, Free People, and True Religion.
But the place where I spent most of my time was at the Clearance Racks, where I found Tarte, Michael Kors, True Grit, and August Silk.
I dragged all this into the changing room. They have a 15-garment limit, which really helps!!
It took awhile, but I finally settled on these pieces to take home with me. I’m such a sucker for icy gray chiffon and wide-leg denim!!
I was given a gift card worth $100, and I managed to shop smart and stretch it to cover…
Brand-names! Huge discounts! And a full outfit to be had with just a little savvy shopping (though I probably wouldn’t wear it all together at once;-). So how much did each piece cost me?
I went the tiniest bit over the $100 because I picked up the golden mustardy-colored tights at the last second. (I’m feeling it as a trend for Fall!)
I got some pieces I’m really thrilled with – not necessarily because of the designer labels (though that is a perk) – it’s more the quality of each piece and the fact that, at its clearance price, it ends up being worth every penny. (Likely close to its At Cost price; or how much the company had to outlay to manufacture the piece, meaning that I just purchased these items with minimal markup. As a consumer on a budget that feels great!)
If you’d like to scoop up some bargains too, head over to a Rack near you (or check them out online), because these huge discounts will only last until September 5!
xoxo
Carly
FTC disclosure: I was provided a $100 gift card to Nordstrom Rack and allowed to use it towards any purchase from the store. See more about my disclosure policy here.
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Sep 2, 2011 | DIY
Nude shoe + Leather paint = Colorblock Pump
(photo: ASOS PATCHI Cylindrical Heel Platform High Shoe)
90’s-style clunky boots + Belts (glued on with Loctite Vinyl, Fabric and Plastic Glue
= Motorcycle Boots
(photo: Balenciaga Cut-Out Flat Boots)
White blouse (back cut away) + Lace curtain (thrifted) = Lace-Backed Blouse
(photo: PUFFY Roll-Up Sleeve Lace Back Shirt)
Shirt collar (cut off a white shirt) + Scrapbooking stickers (fixed with Aleene’s Glitter and Gem Glue) = Embellished Collar
(photo: TopShop Cream Mixed Stone Collar)
Sweatshirt + Chiffon (hand-stitched to seams, laid over front) = Mixed-Media Sweatshirt
(photo: Alexander Wang Silk-Chiffon Paneled Sweatshirt)
Black cord + Brooch (pinned in center) = Bolo Tie Necklace
(photo: Vintage Zuni Thunderbird Bolo Necklace)
Embroidery thread + Grosgrain ribbon + Bangles = Colorful Wrapped Bangles
(photo: JewelMint Garden Patch Trio)
T-strap sandal + Glitter (adhered with Mod Podge or Tulip Fashion Glitter Bond = Glittery Sandals
(photo: Jeffrey Campbell Foxy Glitter Sandal)
Happy DIY’ing!
xoxox
Carly
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Aug 31, 2011 | Fashion
Pink contrast-lining blazer: Zara (similar here)
White slubby translucent tee: eyeshadow (bought at Fred Meyer!!)
Faux tooth necklace: Forever 21 (similar here)
Beaded bracelets: handmade by me
Watch: Citizen Eco-Drive
Spiked Band Ring : Forever 21
Capri sweatpants: Forever 21 (similar here
)
Wedge-heel espadrilles: Alloy Percy booties (similar here
)
An outfit for a shopping event I can’t wait to share with all of you!
(more…)
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Aug 29, 2011 | Fashion
1. OPI Here Today, Aragon Tomorrow Nail Lacquer
/ 2. Ya Los Angeles Just Enough Sparkle Top / 3. Fred Flare Message in a Bottle Necklace / 4. Victoria’s Secret Wool Trenchcoat / 5. Hue Super Opaque Tights in Mustard / 6. B-Bonj Color-block Knit Cardigan / 7. Promise Davinci Open Toe Colorblock Platform Pump / 8. Mauve-ing On Up Velvet Purse / 9. Camel Box Pleat Mini Skirt /10. My Pet Square The Brown Eyed Girl Dress
Summer is almost over, and Fall is quick on its heels! I always feel blindsided by Fall, because living here in Portland it doesn’t get into hot, sticky summer until the last couple weeks of August/first couple weeks of September. You’re like, “Summer’s finally here and I can break out my shorts!!” and then the next thing you know it, it’s September and everyone’s talking about Fashion Week and Fall trends.
This year we’re seeing a pretty, preppy ladylike leaning to the essential Fall wardrobe: charcoal and camel, punctuated by evergreens, plums, teals, and…mustard?! At first I was fairly put off by this color but I have to admit this sophisticated color palette is growing on me. In any case, here are a couple things that are on my wishlist once the weather here catches up with the actual calendar. (And how about that Message in a Bottle Necklace for a quick DIY??!)
xoxox
Carly
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Aug 27, 2011 | Fashion
Remember those embellished Miu Miu flats from last Fall? This morning, I checked the sales at Ideeli.com and was surprised to see an eerily similar Penny Loves Kenny ballet flat in their “Flawless Flats” sale.
I shared a DIY of those gorgeous Miu Miu rhinestone-embellished A/W 2010 ballet flats back in March of this year. The rhinestones, the bow, the beading, the contrast metallic toe – it’s spectacular!! Apparently, Penny Loves Kenny thought so too…and these flats are a pretty good lookalike, and a great bargain at only 10% of the price of the originals.
Detail shot of the Penny Loves Kenny version.
If you don’t feel like DIY’ing, you can always just buy this version – and if you get it at Ideeli, they’re on sale for $39.
And if you’re not a member of Ideeli already, you can get on in the sale action with my invite here.
What do you guys think about this? I think it’s pretty obvious that the lower-priced version is…well, let’s just say it…a blatant knockoff of the Miu Miu design. Sure there are some dissimilarities, but it’s more similar than dissimilar, if that makes any sense.
Is this okay? Would you buy it? Should Miu Miu slap Penny Loves Kenny with a lawsuit? Discuss!
xoxox
Carly
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Aug 25, 2011 | DIY
The lovely girls of A Beautiful Mess, who run the vintage boutique Red Velvet, are offering a DIY Dress Up e-Course where you can learn sewing techniques to help you make a variety of projects. From a headband to a stylish bag to even drafting your own patterns for a dress that fits you perfectly – the course is organized into 17 “sessions” on a private, password-protected blog. You can take this course any time, 24/7, to view the in-depth photo tutorials for each session. In the tutorials they instruct you on utilizing your sewing machine to its fullest, thinking like a designer in designing your DIY pieces, reading patterns, and making many items to add to your closet. And the cost? A mere $29!
They’ve posted a FAQ here as well.
So here’s a question for all of you: do you believe reading a blog series online would be beneficial in upping your DIY skills? Or do you feel the online format would not be able to provide enough of the assistance necessary? Or perhaps that photo tutorials on blogs are a dime a dozen and that all of these techniques could be learned elsewhere?
Discuss! Is this the future of DIY classes?
xoxox
Carly
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Aug 24, 2011 | DIY
It’s that time again!
I’ve been preoccupied with family visiting and my mother’s birthday, and so am still a couple days behind my blog “editorial schedule” LOL. (I can’t believe I’m at the point where I even have one??!!) I can’t wait to finish cleaning out my office and get back to the DIY! So here’s what’s been going around the Internet this week…
Create your own Burberry-style Emu Coat at ILoveToCreate! No, not made of emus…or emu-patterned…or looking like emus…well, you’ll just have to see for yourself. Is this extreme crafting in the making?? 
Michael’s Medieval Cuff Project has shades of Dannijo written all over it…and all you need is some general-purpose craft glue for this fabulous metal and chain mishmash!
A Pair and a Spare had the amazing opportunity to collaborate with J. Brand, and created some Jason Wu-inspired lace jeans. Super-easy and chic!
Angela Osborn posted an incredibly inspiring Guide to DIY. Essential advice for any beginner looking to start any DIY’ing of accessories or wearables!
I’m inspired by these Prada-inspired flip-flops from the amazing Bye Bye Soccer Mom, who layered a couple pairs of Old Navy flip-flops for the same effect. So creative! (And you couple also potentially try craft store thick foam for contrasting layers in-between.)
Have you seen …love, Maegan‘s DIY Leather Cut-Out Statement Necklace? So easy to make, and yet so glam. If you have any leather scrap lying around, this is the perfect use for it!
NEW DIY BlOG DISCOVERY! SwellMayde, who’s done a number of on-trend projects and collaborated with Foam Magazine, came up with this Ethnic Blanket Vest earlier this year…which would be perfect now that Fall’s just around the corner. Check out all her other fabulous projects too!
Proof that simply subtracting about 1.5″ from either side of the Center Front of a button-up blouse will produce an attractively-draped V-neck. Patternmaking 101? Naw -it’s a new blouse makeover tutorial from Freshly Given! Amazing results, and just from a little nip/tuck.
If your project was featured above, feel free to grab a button and share the DIY!
<a href=”https://chiccreativelife.com/category/links-of-the-week”><img src=”https://chiccreativelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/diylotwfeaturedbutton-2.png” /></a>
If you have a DIY how-to or tutorial that you’d like to see featured on Chic Steals, please email me at carlyjcais at chic-steals dot com – and I’ll try to squeeze it in to one of my Links of the Week posts! (Tutorials/how-to’s with steps and photos included please! So everyone can share in the DIY goodness:-)
xoxox
Carly
-all photos copyright their respective authors; photo array by me-
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Aug 21, 2011 | Fashion
My mother is currently visiting us so today we decided to take her out to see the Oregon coast since she’s never been before.
About a 2-hour drive away is Astoria, OR: a quaint old coastal fishing town that is bustling with tourists and locals alike on a Sunday. We went to the Sunday market, rode the trolley, had fantastic strawberry French toast at an organic cafe with an extremely chatty server and a fridge that had broken and spoiled their hand-made pizza dough, visited “Mikey’s house” from The Goonies movie, stared longingly at the too-cold-to-even-think-about-a-swim Pacific Ocean, saw purses with dogs’ faces quilted onto them, people with corn hats, and works of art rendered in coffee, and gazed on the grave of Ranald MacDonald (no, that’s not a typo – he was a missionary who visited Japan in 1848, believing that the Japanese and Native Americans were one and the same people, and was believed to be the first-ever English teacher in Japan). I poked in an architectural salvage shop and found a pile of glass door pulls and a crib with peeling (possibly lead-filled?) paint, and my mother bought a book of mazes for Lil Tot at The Purple Cow toy store. All in all, a good day.
xoxox
Carly
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Aug 18, 2011 | Fashion
Hair: Hairdo Wrap-Around Pony
Pointy sunglasses: thrifted
Sheer back galaxy tank: handmade by me
DIY cage cuff: tutorial here
Watch: Citizen Eco-drive
Black Jeggings: UNIQLO
Lace-up Oxfords: thrifted
Finally I got around to photographing the tank I made with my galaxy fabric! (more…)
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Aug 17, 2011 | DIY
Welcome to another DIY Links of the Week! I’ve decided to condense 2 weeks into one again – mostly from lack of time and being away part of last weekend camping. There’s been a lot out there on the Internet, and all of you have been so kind in sending me links to your tutorials in the meantime. Let’s hit it!
Wanting to add to your “arm party” of bracelets this Summer? Follow Maryjanes and Galoshes‘ braided leather bracelet tutorial and quickly make some pretty suede braided bracelets. Love!
Channel your inner Cher and make a boho-style tassel leather fringe necklace with black & white & loved all over. And extra points for creativity – she made it with an embroidery hoop as the base!! How’s that for innovative?
Have any old pants with an elastic waistband lying around? Make them into a cute sheath dress with elastic straps, courtesy of Comely Vesture. Can you even tell the dress was once a pair of pants?? And definitely check out all her other amazing refashions and tutorials on the blog!
It seems that everyone wants to hack the sleeves off their shirts now that it is Summer. Case in point: A Cleaner Closet shares her makeover of a silk blouse into a bias-edged shell. I love the schoolgirl-vibe to this refashion!
Sometimes tech needs a feminine upgrade. I’d love to makeover my boring old laptop case into a ruffled laptop case with the help of Less Cake More Frosting, shared on Tatertots and Jello. Plus, you could do this with any old bag!
Finally, you can DIY furniture, electronic equipment, and lasercut jewelry without owning the tools thanks to Ponoko’s innovative making system. Now if only a garment manufacturer could somehow implement a similar model for clothing!
Just lovely! Make a DIY Bow Pillow with E Tells Tales. The perfect use for leftover jersey from your stash!
If your project was featured above, feel free to grab a button and share the DIY!
<a href=”https://chiccreativelife.com/category/links-of-the-week”><img src=”https://chiccreativelife.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/diylotwfeaturedbutton-1.png” /></a>
If you have a DIY how-to or tutorial that you’d like to see featured on Chic Steals, please email me at carlyjcais at chic-steals dot com – and I’ll try to squeeze it in to one of my Links of the Week posts! (Tutorials/how-to’s with steps and photos included please! So everyone can share in the DIY goodness:-)
xoxox
Carly
-all photos copyright their respective authors; photo array by me-
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