Nov 26, 2010 | Life
If you celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday today, hope everyone’s was a lovely and warm feast with friends and family galore. We have so much to be thankful for this year…on my list are my family, my friends, our health, burgeoning careers, roof over our heads, enough food to eat, and each and every one of YOU!
Thank you for making every day so special and paying my blog a visit.
Happy Thanksgiving to all of you!
xoxox
Carly
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Nov 24, 2010 | By Carly J. Cais, DIY, Fashion
Black-rimmed glasses: Tommy Hilfiger. LS Black Tee: Forever 21. Smock-dress made from 2 men’s shirts: handmade by me. Ball rings: Claire’s. Snaptape and vinyl belt: handmade by me. Charcoal Boots: Doc Martens.
Day 22 in my 30 Days of Outfits Challenge: November 22.
Lil Tot finally seems about 70% better (the fever’s down though he’s still sniffling from allt he drainage from his sinuses), so he’s back to school. And I’m rushing around trying to get done the million things I had to put off while taking care of him last week.
The dress is made from 2 men’s shirts following the instructions in the Japanese book Kakkoii Couture Remake. It was pretty easy, and I’ll have to file the method of making the neckline away in my bag of tricks, as it turned out surprisingly flattering.
I’ll be sharing the how-to on making a smock-style dress from 2 men’s shirts soon!
Yes, the glasses are real – they’re my distance glasses for driving and watching TV. I always forget to wear them, though, and they’ve been gathering dust in a drawer for awhile. Whenever I put them on it’s always a revelation how much I can see while wearing them, and how blind I am without. And then I forget to put them on the next day.
The belt I made as part of a mini-collection to take with me to Fashion Week and sound out the possibilities of producing it as a line. I found with this belt, unless I can source snap tape with the snaps off-set to the right of the tape by 3/4″ (or have the snap tape manufactured for me), it would be impossible to produce quality multiples of this piece. The seam allowance on snap tape is just not enough for edging the belt, alas. Plus I need belting vinyl as well, and I have no idea where to source that. Ah well.
Hub said when I remove the belt I look like a pregnant art teacher in this dress. Hmmmph. It’s loose, easy-to-wear, and comfortable, so whatevs! (I also think it would work great as a nightshirt.)
Happy Monday, everyone!
xoxox
Carly
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Nov 24, 2010 | DIY, Fashion
LS Tee: Petit Bateau
Draped Rose Chiffon Skirt: DIY
Studded Cuff: Target
2-finger Pyrite Ring and Spike Ring: handmade by me
Diamond-pattern pale blue tights: unknown
Suedette Tie Shoes: Lela Rose for Payless (2009)
Quilted Bag: indio (Japan)
Pierced Rose Brooch: DIY
Day 21 in my 30 Days of Outfits Challenge: November 21.
Sunday at home recuperating from the long shoot from the day prior. But I still wanted to take a couple DIY items for a spin – and put together an outfit in dreamy pastels.
When I first saw luv aj‘s pieces, I thought they were a wonderful solution to connecting large statement pieces onto ring bases without soldering. Many jewelry artisans cannot solder (myself included). Not being able to do this simple construction method (though goodness knows I’ve tried!) often limits the designs you can create, especially when it comes to rings (which usually need to be soldered together lest the stone pop right off the base).
But wire-wrapping is an ingenious solution to the problem of connecting the top to the ring, and completely eliminates the need for soldering! I tested it out on a couple similar designs. (The drawback is the rings are incredibly uncomfortable on the fingers. I wonder if luv aj’s versions are easier to wear?)
This skirt I made from a curtain valance. Yes, a curtain valance!! If you ever check out Goodwill (or any thrift store that sells home items), you can probably find some curtain valances that have chiffon overlays to them. I was struck by how beautifully they were draped – so I bought the pair ($3.99) and made a skirt out of one. When I draped it onto my body I found the waistband wouldn’t sit right, so I did have to make some darts at the waist…and sew a front-seam and hidden fly. It’s not perfect – it’s DIY, after all!
But if you have any valances at home lying around, or spot any at the secondhand store – they really look lovely as a draped, twisted skirt – a style of skirt that is so popular now (just look at the recent collections of Alexander Wang, Burberry, and Celine, for example).
The Pierced Flower Corsage is so easy to make: just a silk flower from the craft store, with rings threaded through it, or grommets added and rings and ball beads through those. I made two and thought the rose one went better with this outfit.
Hope everyone had a great Sunday!
xoxox
Carly
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Nov 24, 2010 | DIY, Fashion
Fur-Hooded Army Coat: DIY. Infinity Cashmere Scarf: Steve Madden. Striped sweater: unknown. Silver Wings Necklace: DIY. The Diva Fit Trouser Jean: Old Navy. I Love NY Tote: DIY.
Day 20 in my 30 Days of Outfits Challenge: November 20.
Shoot day! I’ve been working on props, graphic design, and production design for the pilot for this web series called SET THEORY (website should be up and running soon). It’s been a hectic couple weeks, but I managed to pull it together for the shoot this Saturday.
It was awesome. We were shooting at a farm and had a helicopter, Christmas cows, a couple of RVs, people in alien masks, and a flat that I dressed as a video store (okay, I had some help:-). It was great to spend time with a bunch of creative people and remember how much I loved working on set for a shoot (I’ve worked in production on indie films and commercials, and in casting for some TV series before.) It’s always a lot of work but super-fun! You know when your nails end up completely grimy by the end of the day that you’ve done a good day’s work.;-)
So since we were in an open barn or partially outside for most of the shoot, and since it’s November in Oregon and I was out on a farm, I needed to dress appropriately. The jacket I bought from Forever 21 while ago, and had been planning to add fur trim to the hood since I felt it was a little plain without.
Tutorial on adding fur trim to hoods coming soon!
I won’t show you the hat I was wearing (it’s a doggy face). Or the shoes I was wearing (which were a pair of knockoff Uggs that got really dirty).
A tote bag made out of an “I LOVE NY” t-shirt. It was so fast to make!
The tutorial for this will be in the next issue of Cut Out + Keep’s “Snippets.” Stay tuned!
The necklace I made from a pair of cheap wing earrings from Claire’s, adding them to a chain. I always wanted a pair of angel wings necklace, but I had this really specific idea of what I wanted and I couldn’t find what I was looking for in stores…so I just made it. Nails are alternating Maybelline Wet Shine in Juicy Tomato and a coral color from the 100yen shop in Japan that I don’t think I’ve EVER worn up until now. I’m really liking these candy-style nails!!
I’m off to dress a set!
What I was in charge of on-set:
The video store set – starting off, it was just a black wall and counter. (I wasn’t sure if it was okay to show the actress’s face in this photo or not…)
Plus the theatre background. Again, it was just a plain wooden wall, and we added fire alarms, a curtain, wires, and some notes. I also made the Shakespearean hat sitting on the stool.
I got to wear a luchador mask and push a broom as a Extra, too.
The helicopter was cool.
I can’t wait to see how they edit everything together…and how my Luchador janitor performance was!!
xoxox
Carly
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Nov 23, 2010 | DIY
Combining 2 weeks into one since I got so busy since the second week of November.
Annette featured my Lace Top to Lace Vest tutorial in her 25+ Free Vest Patterns on Craft Stew. She’s included a whole bunch of really great vest patterns and projects that I can’t wait to try!
Ever wanted to make a Hermes-style clear purse? Scottish Toile shares her how-to here.
Cupcakes and Cashmere posted a Semi DIY for those Yves St. Laurent fringe pumps that are making the rounds on teh interwebs. Instead of spending the $69.95 on the Steve Madden pumps, though – you can find the same version for $39 from Newport-News or $32.90 from Alloy. Or you can even take a plainer velvet or suede pump and add Bondo to the heels to sculpt them just like the originals, like christeric did.
My Vintage Secret shows you how to make your own pair of DIY shearling boots. Just like the Burberry Fall 2010 version:-)
Bye Bye Soccer Mom shows off her studded pant cuffs DIY – done so simply with iron-on grommets, they look edgy and fabulous!
Suzannah at Adventures in Dressmaking shares her tutorial for making a leaf-embellished cardigan. Her finished piece looks perfect enough to be sold at Anthropologie!
xoxox
Carly
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Nov 22, 2010 | DIY, Fashion
Square Nailhead-Embellished Cardigan: DIY. Lacy Dress (worn as vest): DIY. Tiffany-Style Silver Bean Pendant: handmade by me. V-Neck T-shirt: Roxy. Legwarmer leggings: My Honey Bee [Japan]. Pointy-Toe Pumps: Colin Stuart [Victoria’s Secret]. Silver Shoe Elastics: DIY. Silver Pyramid Ring: unknown [Macy’s]. Brushed Silver Angular Ring: unknown [Pineapple County, Honolulu].
Day 19 in my 30 Days of Outfits Challenge: November 19.
Falling behind again!
Today I was at home, finishing up the graphics, posters, and props for the shoot on Saturday. I wanted to be comfortable but warm, considering the temperature is dropping fast around here.;-)
I love the Elsa Peretti-designed Bean Necklace for Tiffany’s…but I am, above all, a cheapskate, so I made my own version. Using Art Clay Silver was really fun and I was amazed at the versatility of it, though it was definitely a learning experience! Real silver pieces that you first mold like clay…then fire with an open flame? It sounds bizarre but once you try, you’ll be hooked! (And if you’re a PolyClay junkie, you’ll probably love ACS too!)
I love layering lacy pieces under cardigans, sweaters, and jackets. It adds a surprising level of warmth, and a dose of femininity. This piece is actually a dress I found in Harajuku, and added a flounce of lace trim from Jo-Ann Fabrics. I hand-gathered it first with basting, and the machine-stitched it around the front opening of the dress. You really can’t tell that the lace was not a part of the original! (Which is the intention of DIY in a nutshell:-)
The cardigan I embellished with heat-set square nailheads from i-Kandi.com. The how-to is here.
I adore my legwarmer leggings! I have never found any here in the US; I always have to go to Japan to find them. This pair I have practically worn to pieces (which is what I did with my last pair). They are so warm, and the legwarmer part at the calves really balances out my legs visually. Love does not even begin to describe how I feel about these leggings!
I added some silver shoe elastics to play off the silver in the necklace, rings, and cardigan embellishment. My DIY Shoe Elastics tutorial is here.
I’m feeling like Peppermint Patty with this hair. Grow hair, GROW!
Hope everyone’s having a great weekend!
xoxox
Carly
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Nov 20, 2010 | DIY, Fashion
Chiffon-Inset Top: handmade by me. Knit armwarmers: Claire’s. Silver Geometric Necklace: handmade by me. Two-finger rings: Forever 21. Ripped Beanpole Jeans: Insight. Sia Wedge Booties; Alloy.com
Day 18 in my 30 Days of Outfits Challenge: November 18. Still at home while Lil Tot recuperates.
The top is an original design of mine – if I were to make more, the pattern definitely needs some tweaks, but I love that it’s businesslike but feminine at the same time. It’s made of lightweight suiting with a chiffon inset at the waist.
The necklace I also made, following the tutorial here by ddlai from Fatlace, who was DIY’ing a necklace she saw at Eryn Birnie. Made from a whole bunch of sterling silver beads from the bead store – super-fun and a very striking result.
Of course, it’s November, so I need some arm-warmers to brave the temperatures.;-)
I love these jeans – I just don’t wear them enough. I won them in a giveaway from Ladylike x Fatlace last year. The denim is incredibly high-quality and truly keeps its shape.
I hope everybody has some fantastic plans for the weekend! Our shoot for the pilot for this new web series is on Saturday!! (I’m doing set dressing and production design – and I made a Shakespearean hat!)
xoxox
Carly
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Nov 19, 2010 | DIY, Fashion
Scottie-print scarf: DIY. Chiffon ruffle blouse: Victoria’s Secret. Denim bustier: Forever 21. Assorted pins: vintage; from Japan; Lamb Tac Pin: Girlprops.com; kilt pin handmade by me. Pebble-print silk skirt: Banana Republic. Dainty Lace Ankle Socks: SockTheory.com. Striped espadrille wedges: Old Navy.
Day 17 in my 30 Days of Outfits Challenge: November 17.
Can you tell what runway show I was inspired by?
photos by Marcio Madeira, Style.com
Yup! Miu Miu S/S 2010. It was such an amazing collection with so many fabulous pieces…you could really take each look apart, bit by bit, and find yourself with so many versatile and chic accessories, jewelry items, and unique clothing.
I felt somewhat springy today (even though the weather was anything but)…and so wanted to try mixing patterns and colors and just going crazy with my outfit.
Can you guess what I made my scarf from?
…A pair of little girl’s pajama pants!!!
Yes, I found the pants at the Goodwill Outlet in Spring. The print reminded me of the Miu Miu collection, they felt satiny, and were still in great condition.
So I washed them and then did the following:
1. Separate the legs into two separate pieces by cutting all the seams apart.
2. Sew the legs together at the waist, so you have one long piece. Cut the ends on an angle so they look more “scarf”-like.
3. With right sides together, stitch around the edges, leaving about 2″ free.
4. Turn right-side-out and press.
5. Stitch remaining hole closed.
Very, very simple! I had been searching in fabric stores for a silky print similar to the ones in the Miu Miu show, but the fabric stores here aren’t progressive to carry anything similar. Silky pajamas have a number of great, fun prints – that are definitely very Miu-Miu-esque and look fabulous as an accent piece!
I bought this blouse something like 15 years ago and have not worn it once. Not once! The tag is still on it, I’m ashamed to say. Well, now I’ve worn it!;-)
A great way to jazz up a top is to pin on a variety of brooches and pins. I chose to do so smack-dab in the middle, which is a bit unusual, but (I think) it works. I made the bottom brooch from a kilt pin and bits of rhinestone jewelry, beads, and findings I had lying around.
And espadrille wedges are so not confined to summer! You can certainly wear them all year round (though you may have to switch up your leg-coverings;-)
What do you think? Is anyone going to try embellishing with brooches differently…or start searching for that perfect pair of pajama pants to repurpose into a scarf?;-)
Oh, and Katarina from She sells sea shells has posted more of her outfits in this Challenge. Have you checked out her blog yet? Please visit and say hi!
xoxox
Carly
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Nov 19, 2010 | DIY, Fashion
Studded Beret: DIY. Striped LS Tee: Mossimo (Target). Beige embroidered bustier dress: Twenty8Twelve. White Pearl-Button Gloves: DIY. Polka-dot belt: vintage. Polka-dot tights: unknown. Velvet open-toe heels: DbDk Fashion.
Day 16 of my 30 Days of Outfits Challenge: November 16.
I’m getting behind in posting these! Double time, double time!
After a couple days at home with Lil Tot (who is on the mend, by the way – thank you all so much for your well-wishes and thoughts!)…I’ve gotten a little tired of the schlumping-round-the-house uniform I’ve been in lately.
So I went all out (and maybe went a little Parisian in the process?? Or at least what I think of when I hear the phrase “Parisian”)!
I’ve always felt that hats just don’t suit me…but sometimes I just want to wear them regardless! I bought the beret at Target, and added a variety of sizes of pyramid studs (from Studsandspikes.com) to add a little bit of edge.
I also love wearing tube dresses or bustier dresses over tops. It takes a summery piece into winter, and transforms a cocktail dress into a more casual outfit.
The shoes I found at the Buffalo Exchange recently, and I’m still going back on forth on whether to rip off the bows or not. Maybe I will and add shoe clips to them so I can clip them onto any part of the shoe…a great little trick to make something that’s embellished more versatile!
The gloves I bought in Japan – they’re UV-protectant gloves that Hub said make me look like Michael Jackson – and I didn’t like the bracelet-length style, so I shortened them and added 2 little pearl buttons to make them look like a little vintage 40’s pair that the Portland vintage stores will charge $25 for.
Lil Tot’s fever has now gone down to around 99 – 100 degrees, and his sinus infection seems to be draining slowly, so hopefully a couple more days at home will have him back to normal!
xoxox
Carly
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Nov 18, 2010 | DIY
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Disclosure Policy is here.
So to break up the monotony of my 30 days of outfits…I thought to share with all of you this cute and easy DIY.
I first saw this on Ramblings from the Sunshine State, where Wendy shared her how-to for a 6 Scoop T-Shirt for her daughter’s ice-cream-themed 6th birthday party.
I loved the idea of adding brightly-colored quilting fabric to a t-shirt!
I’m always dreaming of screenprinting designs into tees…The colors! The vibrant blacks! The limitless designs!…But face it, screenprinting ONE t-shirt (even with a Yudu) is a huge time commitment. There isn’t much point if you’re just going to make one.
Fabric paint I don’t like very much, as even the “soft” fabric paint adds stiffness to the shirt, and you can’t get very crisp lines.
The iron-on transfers they sell at the sewing store also leave a distinct and ugly “sheen” to them…it’s obvious you’ve stuck something on your shirt. No thanks.
But applique?! Never thought of that!
Now the world is my oyster…or at least, the design possibilities are limitless when you start to think of re-creating your favorite screened t-shirt design with cutouts of bright fabric and patterns. The edges to the appliques are crisp, and the applying is so easy! (Plus it’s a great way to experiment with color and pattern…and use up the scraps of fabric you may have laying around in your scrap bag.)
You Need:
a t-shirt (I originally was going to use the white one above, and changed my mind after I took the photo) / brightly-colored fabric for your design (I picked out some quilter’s fat quarters at my local Jo-Ann Fabrics, paying attention to the coordination of the patterns and prints) / black fabric for your details (mine is a woven lightweight cotton suiting)
double-sided fusible web for applique / (optional) black embroidery thread
Tools
scissors / iron & ironing board / pen / paper to make your pattern
How-To:
1. Make a pattern for your ice cream cones. I made one that I used for each scoop, one for the cherry, one for the chocolate sauce, one for the ice cream cone, and one for the smile.
2. Place your pattern on your fabric (folded over). Trace and cut 2 pieces for each part of the ice creams, and one piece for the smile.
3. Follow the instructions for fusing the pieces to the front of your shirt. (Usually sticking the applique onto the sticky front, peeling off the back, pressing to the shirt, and ironing for 15 – 30 seconds, applying pressure and making a few passes. The instructions said to stick the entire piece of fabric onto the sticky front of the web and cutting through both layers just once…I don’t think it really matters how you do it.)
4. (Optional) To make your creation more “polished,” you could go over the edges of each fabric piece in a satin stitch (closely-spaced zigzag stitch on your machine), in black embroidery thread. (I didn’t because I was feeling lazy.) This will make your tee look (from a distance) like a cartoony ice cream face, without all the hassle of the screenprinting!
But even without the outlining, it looks pretty cute as is!
Cool down on a hot summer’s day quickly in this…or just have a sweet sense of humor while relaxing at home.
Happy DIY’ing!
xo
Carly
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