Jun 8, 2011 | Fashion
Do you change your accessories up in the summertime? All winter long, I adorn myself in heavy silver pieces and big, black bags and shoes – but come June it doesn’t feel right anymore. I switch up things to thin silver and gold bands, wooden accessories, natural, earthy stones, and rope, hemp and straw accoutrements. Somehow Summer feels like it’s finally here with the changeover to lightweight, natural accessories!
Designer Rachel S. has been making bracelets and necklaces out of handwoven hemp for over 10 years, and sells her lovely creations in her Etsy shop. She adds lampwork beads or silver charms that can be customized to make your very own one-of-a-kind item – and has a great variety of styles that would work just as well for both men and women. Both eco-friendly and biodegradable, jewelry made from hemp is a great alternative for people with nickel allergies (guilty;-)
So if you’re in the market for something hemp (or even looking for a Father’s Day or birthday gift for someone special) – pay a visit to Custom Hemp Treasures or Rachel’s other store Rachinator87 to find something beautiful and at a steep discount.
Enter code CHIC40 to receive 40% off any purchase!
LOL!:-)
xoxox
Carly
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Jun 7, 2011 | DIY
Hot And Heavy, Baby! Spring 2011 by TheAcademic ♥s Andrej Pejic! featuring flared jeans
Kaftans (or Caftans) seem to be on everyone’s mind lately as a summer staple. Polyvore even put together an array of latest looks featuring caftans – and I’m loving the breezy, lunch-on-the-Riviera feel to them. From Elizabeth Taylor to the Olson twins, caftans have always been a mainstay of A-listers, but now they’re most definitely on-trend for the rest of us.
From left to right: French Connection Diamond Embellished Caftan, ASOS Pleat Front Chiffon Cover Up
, Helene Berman Oversized Flower Short Kimono Kaftan; all ASOS.com.
How to get the look without breaking the bank:
Besides sourcing one from a lower-priced store, like TheOutnet.com, ASOS.com, or even Forever 21, a great alternative would by thrifting something sheer, oversized, and fabulous – and just repurposing it as a caftan. (Adding trims or details as you desire.) You could also sew your own in your favorite fabric with a pattern from Burdastyle.
BurdaStyle’s 07/2010 Caftan Pattern
This 07/2010 pattern an extremely simple one, easily made more modest or revealing as you may choose, and for me, the fun part would not only be choosing the fabric – but also finding my favorite trim to adorn the neckline and sleeve-openings! You could make it as glamorous or as casual, as sheer or as opaque, as bright or as neutral a poolside cover-up as you wanted! Speaking of cover-ups, there’s also another item that’s been playing on my mind:
Sienna Bikini, $55; Saskia Attachable Skirt, $40; Rebecca Manning.
(I know it’s not a caftan per se since it doesn’t cover the shoulders…but it’s too pretty not to mention!) This gorgeous convertible bikini cover-up is from Rebecca Manning on FashionStake [a website that allows emerging designers to sell directly to the public by allowing them to secure orders before going to the manufacturers, paying for a full run of items, and then being stuck with excess inventory and no cash at the end of the season – which is a fantastic solution to the incredible waste in the fashion industry by over-manufacturing, and the high start-up costs to the independent designer. Plus because the order is placed by the customer first it allows the designer to offer the item at a high discount compared to what it would retail for if it were manufactured first and then sitting on a retail shelf, waiting to be sold. I LOVE the innovation of this site!!)
Anyway, not only is the above bikini top flattering and chic, but the “caftan” part simply attaches to the front. Choose your favorite color for the bikini and print for the caftan skirt part. Ingenious!
Also: how timely! TheOutnet.com is currently giving away a $920 Missoni Kaftan!
(giveaway period closes in 14 hours!!)
How do you feel about caftans? Loving them? Or too “Golden Girls” for your taste?
xoxox
Carly
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Jun 5, 2011 | By Carly J. Cais, Life
I created this in record time, spending both yesterday and this morning doing it. A 3-story Haunted House with a mummy and a Frankenstein to play with, 2 beds, a sofa, 2 ladders, an open chimney, and removable log fire. The architecture is based off an existing piece, though I modified the shape of some of the furniture and the house structure. Tracing, colors, details, characters, layout, printing, cutting out, and assembly all by me. (Though some of the texture patterns were downloaded from the Internet.)
Hi everyone!
I’m slammed.
I have no less than FOUR final projects for my classes due this week (three due at 5:00 PM tomorrow, and the last one due at 5:00 PM on Tuesday). Plus I just made a couple of portfolio pieces to apply for an internship.
I’ve had about four hours’ sleep for the last 3 nights – at 20 yrs old, no prob, but at 30, it’s rough!! I feel like a zombie.;-)
So I’m probably not going to be able to blog about DIY stuff at any great length until after I hand in everything and can breathe a little easier.
Just to let you know – I’m still around and in front of the computer, though editing and animating and drawing like crazy and barely able to answer email/formspring questions/respond to comments etc.
Oh, and I also made a gun out of paper that shoots wadded-up tissues. (It took a little longer than the house since there’s so many moving parts.) It uses 2 rubber bands to sling an internal “bullet casing” forward and launch whatever’s sitting against it into the air (well, sort of towards the floor really).
My son really likes playing with the haunted house.
You’ve all been so kind in sending me your fabulous DIY projects – and I’ll be sharing them all in a big DIY Links of the Week coming soon. Thanks so much for letting me know about your creativity!
xoxox
Carly
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Jun 4, 2011 | Fashion
Here are a few things I’ve bought in the last couple weeks that are quickly turning into favorites:
(center) gilligan by Gilligan & O’Malley Ruffle Balconet Bra I’m in love with the whole line of lingerie from this brand, available at Target. All of their pieces are decorated in chiffon, lace, and ruffles, and the prints are sweet (but not too twee). And they all look so much more expensive than their Target pricetag. Now I’m not sure where I’m going to wear this ruffled bra…but I loved it so much I had to add it to my lingerie drawer.;-)
(bottom left) Scunci Soft Cloth Rollers: I know it just looks like a wad of tissues…but these rollers are meant for curling your hair at night and then sleeping in them! They’re each like little tiny pillows with a thin wire through the center…surprisingly comfortable. And my hair looked great as soon as I woke up in the morning.
(bottom right) Goody Simple Styles Spin Pins
: my hair is finally getting log enough to where I can twist it up in a [small and anorexic-looking] chignon. These pins are amazing, even on shorter lengths!
(center) YSL Arty Oval Ring lookalike from La Dama (but Etsy seller Snefter was also selling these on Etsy for awhile…using the same photos…so I’m not sure if they’re selling to La Dama or what, since what I received didn’t have any Snefter branding on it and La Dama’s website made no mention of it. V. confusing.) In any case, it’s beautiful, chunky, and a whole lot less than the original (um, $38!! Score.)
(left) Shimmering Knuckle Ring and Hinged Armor Ring (no longer avail.; similar here; just pull the center stone off) from Forever 21.
(top left) Viviscal Extra Strength Hair Nutrient Tablets
: Secret of models for thick, luscious hair for years – and featured last year in Vogue magazine. That’s good enough for me! (check back in about 4-6 months re: the results of daily supplementation – if any:-)
(top middle) Goddess Hinge Bracelet from Forever 21.
(top right) Mr. Rush
: I’ve finally turned my son onto the magic that is the Mr. Men series of books
…and he loves them! Many of the ones I had as a child have been lost over the years, so I recently placed an order for a group of 6 from Amazon. Mr. Rush was always my favorite – I’m not sure if it was because he was purple (one of my favorite colors) or because he was a triangle (my favorite shape) or because he was rushing everywhere (a kindred spirit!!), but he was just awesome.
(center bottom) Target ombre socks (not available online): they also had hot pink ombre and tangerine ombre. And I just love ombre! They look awesome worn with a pair of summer sandals with wood heels.
A couple items I’ve also recently acquired (but forgot to include in the photograph) are:
Sally Hansen Insta-Dri nail polish in Blue-Away: the perfect robin’s egg blue for Spring/Summer.
gilligan by Gilligan & O’Malley Dot Tapset (but I stitched the front opening closed on my cami so I can wear it as a layering piece in an outfit and not feel so…exposed). It’s so silky and lovely.
Forever 21 Poncho Hoodie: not quite as warm as the average hoodie, and looks great paired with something skinny (or short) on the bottom. I may even cover the front pocket in black leather a la Alexander Wang.;-)
xoxox
Carly
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Jun 3, 2011 | Fashion
Hey everybody – just a quick announcement to let you all know that I’ll be changing my username on Twitter.
Up until now I’ve been @carlyjcais…but that’s my name, not my blog’s. I figured that would be a little confusing.
So from here on I’ll be
@ChicSteals
A lot easier to remember, right?:-)
If you’re following me on Twitter, there’s nothing special you need to do. Everything will be automatically updated in your feeds and my feeds, so no worries. Just if you want to mention or DM me, it will have to be @ChicSteals from now on!
So sorry for the confusion – I’m still keeping @carlyjcais as my own personal Twitter, but that will be solely for animation- and media-related stuff. If you’re interested in such things, including the Portland multimedia, animation, and videography scene, please feel free to follow me @carlyjcais for tweets pertaining to that.
See you on Twitter!
xoxox
Carly
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Jun 2, 2011 | DIY, Fashion
As of late, I’ve been noticing more and more fashionable items that are customizable to the wearer’s liking. Though there’s always been Etsy for a one-on-one conversation with an individual seller (“Hey, can you make me one in this color and with a pocket?”), there are now more companies than ever offering options for their customers (beyond just sizing). And some of those items are also on the luxury-end of the scale: clothing or accessories you can customize to the tune of a couple hundred dollars or more. (That Fendi DIY NeedlePoint Baguette ($995) or Fendi Paint-Your-Own Baguette ($585) from last year spring to mind…;-)
Here’s a couple more I’ve noticed lately:
Sneaker Customization Kit
Paint your sneakers any way you want and add a dose of artistic boldness to your feet. Includes sneaker wipes (to clean them of dirt or oils prior to painting), 5 paints specifically formulated for sneaker leather and to withstand flexing, a paintbrush and an extra pot for mixing colors. (Sneakers not included;-) And of course you’re not limited to jazzing up those high-top basketball sneaks either…or even limited to sneakers! (Say you have a white leather bag you’d like to add some custom art to? No problem!)
$45, UncommonGoods.com
Prada Choose-Your Initials Sunglasses
You can choose your own 2 initials – or even your favorite symbols (like hearts or skulls) – to add a little bit of personalization to the arms of your Prada sunglasses.
$365, SunglassHut.com
Customizable Cuffs
From Owen & Savary, cuffs in their Bespoke line allow you to choose your favorite leathers and colors for a unisex piece all your own.
From $285 -, OwenSavary.com
Design Your Own Jewelry
Though I’ve written about it before, Sheyna.com is a site where you can customize your jewelry into literally hundreds of combinations, choosing gold or silver, gemstone briolettes, chains, etc. – to make your own, one-of-a-kind DIY necklace, earrings, or rings. Become a jewelry designer with just simple drag-and-drop!
From $2.88- , Sheyna.com
Make Your Own Havaianas
Havaianas, the name synonymous with summer and flip-flops, has just launched a new feature where you can choose the sole color, strap color, and crystals and pins on the straps – plus see the combinations that celebrities have made and get inspired!
From $25 – , Havaianas.com
Seen any other customizable stuff online? Please share with everyone in the comments!
xoxox
Carly
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May 31, 2011 | Fashion
I’m so excited to introduce to you Zoara.com, a brand-new sponsor for Chic Steals through the month of August!
Founded in 2008, Zoara.com is the culmination of over 50 years of combined professional expertise in the diamond and jewelry industries. For decades the company’s founders and management have been offering high-end jewelry and diamonds to the public in retail stores throughout the United States. They also have a showroom in Sioux Falls, South Dakota where you can visit and see their array of jewelry and loose diamonds, as well as consult with a staff jeweler to create a custom crafted piece.
Now that it’s the end of May and we’re heading into engagement and wedding season fine jewelry might be on your mind – or not – but even so this site is incredibly extensive and the photos (and product videos) are brilliantly-detailed so you always know exactly what you’re getting. Plus – they’re pretty affordable compared to some other online fine jeweler’s, and seeing all the types of rings and settings and diamonds they offer, I now wish I could go back in time and get my wedding band from Zoara instead. (*sigh* Something to keep in mind for an upcoming anniversary perhaps…)
(from left to right: Heart-Shaped Engagement Ring, Scroll Accent Diamond Stud Earrings, Multi Hoop Earrings, Diamond Studded Key to My Heart Pendant)
They boast a fabulous array of diamond and pearl stud earrings, engagement and wedding bands, right-hand rings, religious jewelry, bracelets, men’s jewelry, and diamond pendants. Even more appealing to a DIY’er like myself is their option to Design Your Own Engagement Ring, where you can choose first the cut of diamond, and then the setting to go with it. (just click on the Search button in the “My Ring” box to the right of their screen to access the diamond selection tool)
Rings are available in 14k or 18k, white gold, yellow gold, or platinum, so there’s guaranteed something for everyone.
The company founders and management are involved in the world’s leading professional diamond and jewelry communities for decades – which means that when you buy from them, you get tons of expertise at the click of a mouse. Today, they continue to serve as members of the World Federation of Diamond Bourses (WFDB), the Jewelers Board of Trade (JBT), and the Manufacturing Jewelers Suppliers of America (MJSA). Their operations stretch the globe, including Belgium, Israel, Brazil, and India.
If you’ve ever wanted to design your own engagement or wedding ring, or thought about buying a piece of fine jewelry (or adding one to your birthday/anniversary wishlist!;-) definitely check them out, price things, and see if there’s anything sparkly that happens to catch your eye!
AND Zoara.com has generously offered an exclusive coupon code to all my readers:
Get 10% off all jewelry with code CHIC10 at checkout!
(excludes loose diamonds)
Thanks for being a sponsor!
xoxox
Carly
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May 30, 2011 | Fashion
There are soooo many high-end items out there that could be so easily DIY’d. Case in point:
D&G A/W11 Colorful Letter Necklace 
Drill holes in old-school alphabet magnets and string on a chain.
Marni Plastic Necklace
Use different colored spoons and deform them following this tutorial. Use a heated awl or needle to poke a hole at the end of each “petal” for stringing.
Jean Paul Gaultier Trench Dress
Cut off the left arm and lapel of a black trenchcoat – saving a little fabric to create a flap for decoration at the bustline.
Tom Binns Safety Pin Chandelier Earrings
Just add some safety pins to a cheap pair of diamante chandelier earrings. Super-simple.
Kotur Box Clutch
Repurpose a sunglasses case and adorn with a big, sparkly brooch.
Marc Jacobs Embellished Sandal
The embellishment looks easy enough – just get some colored plastic raffia (in the gift-wrap or floral section of the crafts store) and wind around a domed button. Secure to shoe with a glue gun or a shoeclip for removability.
Charles Anastase S/S11 Flowered Dress
Hand-sew (or use-eek!- a glue gun) to attach silk flowers to a long mesh sheath dress. Wear over another dress, of course;-)
YSL Slanted Wedge Heels
Buy a pair of wedge heels that are a couple sizes too big – and punch extra holes in the ankle strap to keep them on. You may have to get the front straps made smaller by a cobbler – OR you could just fold the excess over on itself and glue with leather glue.
xoxox
Carly
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Scans from Marie Claire Magazine; other photos from Style.com or elsewhere on the web – if I’ve used your photo without credit, please let me know and I’ll fix it or remove it!
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May 27, 2011 | Life, Score!
Entry #17 : Katherine!
Congratulations to the winner – who’s already been emailed for her info.
Thanks so much to everyone who entered!
xoxox
Carly
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May 26, 2011 | DIY
I’ve been so busy lately I’ve been neglecting to share things that I’ve made. Here are a couple items that I’ve finished up and am enjoying:
Galaxy-Print Scrunchie
Make following this tutorial from some leftover self-designed galaxy-print fabric scraps. I’m making a top with the fabric and since the tiny amount I bought was so goshdarn expesnive, I didn’t want to let any part of it go to waste. The fabric is silk, backed in black mesh chiffon. I should have made it twice as wide, but I only had so many scraps leftover. It tends to slip out of my hair since it’s silk, so I wear it around a hair-tie.
Tribal Necklace
Made with faux bamboo-stick beads and faux coral beads from Michael’s. I love the spiky organic-ness to it.
Bohemian Leaf Head-band (Head-dress?)
I’m not really a boho gal, but I couldn’t resist crafting this. Take any flat-ish jewely finding that has a hole in either end, and string them together with jumprings to make an adornment for your brow. The leaf findings I used only had one hole, so I drilled another one in the end of each piece. Which took a $%##% long time, too.
Feather Earrings
Made in the style of Owlita. (Theirs are much nicer, though!) I just wired together some feathers and added a handmade ear-wire to them. I love how they mingle in with my hair.
Have you made any projects recently that you’re dying to show off? Do tell!
xoxox
Carly
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Do you change your accessories up in the summertime? All winter long, I adorn myself in heavy silver pieces and big, black bags and shoes – but come June it doesn’t feel right anymore. I switch up things to thin silver and gold bands, wooden accessories, natural, earthy stones, and rope, hemp and straw accoutrements. Somehow Summer feels like it’s finally here with the changeover to lightweight, natural accessories!
Designer Rachel S. has been making bracelets and necklaces out of handwoven hemp for over 10 years, and sells her lovely creations in her Etsy shop. She adds lampwork beads or silver charms that can be customized to make your very own one-of-a-kind item – and has a great variety of styles that would work just as well for both men and women. Both eco-friendly and biodegradable, jewelry made from hemp is a great alternative for people with nickel allergies (guilty;-)
