Oct 21, 2010 | DIY
Since right now I am enjoying all the fruits of Paris…and probably some macarons too…I thought to share with all of you some accessories I made a little while ago: tiny macarons with Swarovski crystals!
These are super-fiddly to make but I love how they look…just delectable, and just how I always imagined macarons should look! I also made some whipped cream blobs with fruits and crystals embedded in them. These will probably become rings soon.
I shall probably make the macarons into necklaces and eventually list in my Etsy shop, though I may have to refine some of them a little first… The whipped cream looks a little sloppy. The pastel colors make me so hungry to look at!;-)
So welcome to DIY Roundup 7! If you’re unsure how to link up your tutorial (or finished project), here’s how:
Just click the light blue “Ad Your Link” button that appears to the bottom left below. Follow the instructions in the Inlinkz window, pasting in the URL of your project or tutorial (from your own blog, Facebook page, Flickr account, Craftster.org, CutOutandKeep.net, etc). Don’t forget to write the NAME/DESCRIPTION of your project – like “Bow T-Shirt” or “DIY Lanvin Necklace” – not your own name or your blog’s name!!! You can link up any piece you’ve made or tutorial you’ve written from any time, not just in the last two weeks (though it would be nice if it’s a recent project, just to keep the content fresh). It’s all about sharing and bringing in more like-minded visitors to your site!
So now you get to share your own DIY’s! If you have a DIY project or tutorial that you’d like to share, please feel free to link below! (However you can only link YOUR OWN PROJECT. Please do not link others’ projects!)
If you’ve linked up your project to the Roundup, feel free to grab the button below.
Can’t wait to see everyone’s projects!
xoxox
Carly
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Oct 20, 2010 | Life
So I am still in France…experiencing internet withdrawal since I’ve barely been able to use it since arriving…just a few minutes here and there when I’m able to catch the hotel’s wireless signal and falling into bed exhausted every night.
It’s been pretty bad weather on and off since we’ve been here…bitterly cold and rainy, so walking around (especially with a cranky, overtired 5-year-old with a sinus infection and no stroller), and me with a sprained foot, hasn’t been all that possible.
The macarons and cakes are delicious (but I’m super-tired of pastries, butter, and croissants!) and can’t wait until we’re back in Paris tomorrow celebrating Lil Tot’s 5th birthday. (Right now we’re somewhere near Vezelay in Burgundy.) I’m dying to look in the clothing stores in Paris!
And then we’ll back late Friday, and I’ll be back blogging regularly soon, with waaaaay more DIY’s to come! Til then, Au Revoir!
xoxox
Carly
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Oct 19, 2010 | Fashion
Seen on the likes of uber-fashion blogger Susie Bubble of Style Bubble, and subsequently covered on TLo.com, Cooperative Designs‘ S/S 2010 crocheted tribal legwarmers leg-accessory thingies have been making the rounds on the blogosphere for some time. They’re a pretty distinct look.
Photo from Style Bubble.
That’s why when images of the Lovin Malandrino S/S 2011 show popped up in my inbox, I did a double-take.
Featured on POSHGLAM last month, here’s what they had to say:
Though Malandrino was inspired by Roger Capron, a French ceramist, her pieces were definite original works of art. Leather macramé was the fabric of choice and the most amazing use of it was the over-the-knee gladiator sandals.
Okay so they’re leather, and stylistically they’re a bit different from the Collective Designs version. But do you see an “inspired” design here??
I do!
As a fashion designer it’s so hard not to be referential. To be less PC about it, it’s so hard NOT to knock anyone else off.;-)
The art of creating beautiful, wearable pieces to clothe the body has been around for thousands, if not millions of years. Everything by now has been done before. Everything is a knockoff in some way, in some element. Many people cite hte safety pin as being the most widely-used knockoff – originally invented by the Romans, not only is it now a functional staple in your standard sewing kit, but it’s also been “re-imagined” by everyone from Givenchy to Subversive. And no one’s screaming copyright infringement.
The reason why we laud the designers we do, and await their collections season after season, and are not up in arms about “we’ve seen this from ______ (insert other brand name here) already!!” is because there is copying afoot, but it’s cloaked styled in such a way, reappropriated in such a manner, that it’s not immediately obvious. That is the hallmark of a truly gifted designer – someone who’s able to take that “inspiration” and recycle it into something that doesn’t tip anyone off to its origins.
Me, I believe in giving credit where credit’s due, and if you’ve created an “inspired” piece that’s obvious upon looking and has enough similarities that you go AHA! (when it comes to defining how similar a piece can be to be called a “knockoff,” in Judge Rehnquist’s words, “I can’t define it, but I know it when I see it” or the more popular “if it looks like a duck, walks like a duck, and talks like a duck, it IS a duck!”)…then you need to say “inspired by” at the very least to lay it all out there and be honest about it.
And I truly oppose large, established fashion houses ripping off from the little guys. You fashion houses are supposed to be the most forward-thinking and setting the trends! Don’t look back, don’t do what has already been done. In fact, I oppose designer copying among each other in general (except when it’s a mass-market brand).
Forever 21 distilling Catherine Malandrino to their store shelves?! No problem! H&M being “inspired” by Gucci in their designs? Bring it on! But Erin Wasson blatantly ripping off Bliss Lau’s body chains or Pamela Love stealing Arms and Armory’s bird skull pendant? NO! This is high-fashion (+high-price), non-mass-market, independent designer lifting from smaller, independent designers. In my book, this is a big no-no! If you’re bringing fashion to the masses, it stands to reason that you would lift from the established, forward-thinkers. Mass market fashion is not, by definition, forward-thinking and in fact, knocking off is expected from them. Everyone deserves a shot at having more affordable “high-fashion Style” brought to them. I just think companies should credit the original – and not create EXACT copies, just “similar to” pieces – and even pay a percentage of their sales to the creators of the original item.
In an ideal world!! 😉
So what’s your take on all this? When, if ever, is copying or creating an “inspired by” creation okay? Does Catherine Malandrino skate on by? Or is this just a case of two separate fashion houses producing two separate accessories during the same year that just have a number of similarities by pure coincidence? Are there enough differences in these legwarmers that it’s no longer “inspired”? Or does it “LOOK LIKE A DUCK WALK LIKE A DUCK AND TALK LIKE A DUCK?!”
xoxox
Carly
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Oct 18, 2010 | DIY
Though I’ve been in Paris (Ah, Paris!) most of this week, I’ve still been surfing the net. (Not even Paris can keep me from that!) Here are some DIY- and fashion-related stuff I’ve noticed around the past week…and a couple other links that caught my eye.
*…love, Maegan shows how to transform an old jersey skirt into a scarf/belt/hair-tie. I just love multifunctionality!
*Got a lot of old books laying around your house? Flavorwire has some great ideas for what to do with old tomes – rather than having them clog up your bookshelves.
*iartistlondon sells DIY kits for famous art pieces – like that crystal-embellished Damien Hirst skull. (Though 8,601 crystals seem like an awful lot to have to affix oneself!)
*H&M launched a dress that costs $4.95. $4.95. Less than a Value Meal at McDonald’s. Though the article doesn’t truly quote any H&M sources, whether the company is encouraging disposable fashion with these extremely low prices is definitely food for thought.
*DIY Junk Food??!! You had me at HELLO! Videos on make-it-yourself kale chips and Twinkies. Um, awesome!! (And I luuuurv making kale chips – and more importantly, Lil Tot lurvs eating them!! As do I.)
*Through Outsapop.com I’ve just discovered the blog Between the Lines. Beautiful photography and DIY tutorials for simple, useful things. LOVE!
*Twin Rabbits in Cups had both me and my 5-year-old transfixed though multiple viewings. I love when their nose woffle in sync. Soooooooooooo cute! *squeeee*
xoxox
Carly
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Oct 17, 2010 | Fashion
I’m always confused abut how to spell “donuts.” Is it “doughnuts?” They’re made of dough. But “donuts” is invariably used for the fried, fast-food variety. So are “donuts” bad for you?
These aren’t! (Relatively speaking.:-) These are baked out of a buttermilk batter recipe that uses much less butter than a traditional baked donut recipe – and since they aren’t fried, there’s so much less fat in them. Since I saw the recipe in the October 2010 issue of Health magazine, I was dying to try them out. At 140 calories a full-sized donut that’s just awesome! Plus 8 minutes to fresh-baked donuts – who can beat that?? I wanted to be crowned Best Mom in the Entire World – one who makes DONUTS! (DOUGHNUTS?) for her kid/s. So I went out and bought two donut pans from my local Sur La Table and got to work. (You can also buy them from Amazon; the regular size one
is about $10; the mini-donut version
about $9.)
Baked Buttermilk Donuts
(makes 14 regular-sized donuts)
Ingredients:
*nonstick cooking spray
*1 c whole-wheat flour
*1 c all-purpose flour
*1/2 c sugar
*1.5 tsp baking powder
*1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
*1/2 tsp salt
*3/4 c low-fat buttermilk
*2 large eggs
*1/4 c honey
*2 T melted butter
*1 T vanilla extract
Toppings:
*sprinkles
*powdered sugar mixed with water into a glaze
*cinnamon and sugar
*jam
*melted bittersweet chocolate chips
*nuts (I used crushed hazelnuts)
*shredded coconut
…The sky’s the limit!
1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Lightly coat a doughnut pan with cooking spray.
2. Combine flours and next 4 ingredients (through salt) in a large bowl, stirring well with a whisk.
3. Combine buttermilk, eggs, honey, butter, and vanilla, stirring well with a whisk. Add buttermilk mixture to flour mixture; whisk just until combined.
4. Spoon batter into donut pans, filling 2/3 full** (this is important since they will puff up!!). Bake in middle of oven until donuts spring back when touched and are golden on the bottom (about 8 minutes). Let cool in pan slightly (about 4 min); turn out. Coat with toppings if desired.
So I made.
And I drizzled chocolate, glaze, hazelnuts, sprinkles, and coconut.
And we ate.
So was I crowned Best Mom in the Entire World? Not exactly sure – but both my boys were all giggly over them for days.
Perhaps not Best Mom…but Funniest Donut-Maker in the Entire World? No?
Give them a try and see the reactions! Hope you enjoy!
xoxox
Carly
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Oct 16, 2010 | Fashion
Courtesy of Fred Joe.
This photo had me ROFL’ing. LOVE the guy’s expression in the foreground! (Then, my second thought: I look exhausted.)
What a great photo! Thanks so much, Fred – you’re amazing!
Check out Fred’s gallery of photos from Portland Fashion Week (including some of Seth Aaron and Jay Nicolas Sario). He’s such a talented photographer – I could only dream of being even half as good.
xoxox
Carly
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Oct 15, 2010 | Score!
Rowenta, the official garment care provider of Project Runway, is offering Chic Steals readers a chance to win a Rowenta Pro Master iron! This season of Project Runway might be over in a few weeks, but that doesn’t mean the style has to end too. With your own iron – the very same as used by the designers on the show – you can take inspiration from the show to create your own signature looks!
Mondo using the Rowenta Pro Master Iron in one of his creations on Project Runway.
The ROWENTA® Pro Master Iron puts a professional tool in consumers’ hands with a commercial grade shot of steam.
Featuring the patented Rowenta microsteam soleplate with 400 micro-holes for ultimate steam distribution, this Faltazi-designed iron is more than an everyday tool; it’s a beautiful work of art.
Features:
Created with a 3-Way Smart Automatic Shut-Off system, the iron switches off in 8 minutes if left vertical, 30 seconds if left horizontal or if tipped over. This model comes in a trendy blue color that will add a little fun to any ironing. The addition of the sleek, stainless steel skirt adds a modern touch.
The Pro Master Iron has a 7-foot electrical cord with a 360-degree pivot making it easy to iron almost anything, anywhere. With 1700W of power, it’s simple to get professional results at home with ease.
• High Power – 1700 watts of power for professional results
• Burst of Steam – Produces a powerful burst for effective wrinkle removal from difficult fabrics
• Variable Steam – Allows steam output to be adjusted to accommodate all types of fabric
• High Precision Tip – Perfect for accessing hard-to-reach areas
• Vertical Steam – Allows iron to be used in upright position to remove wrinkles from hanging garments
• Cool Spray Mist – Provides a light mist to remove stubborn wrinkles
• Extra Large Water Tank – Easy to fill and holds 12.7 ounces
• Self Clean System – Flushes out loose mineral deposits ensuring optimal performance
• Anti-Calc System – Integrated cartridge for extended life of the iron
• Anti-Drip System – Helps prevent spitting and leaking when the thermostat is on a low setting
• Comfort Handle – Ergonomically designed for maximum comfort
Christopher also using the iron in one of the Project Runway challenges.
For all of you who DIY or habitually make clothing…or who love to keep your clothing looking as neat and fresh as the day you bought it…an iron is an absolute MUST. And if you’re using said iron a lot, then eventually the quality of it becomes a deciding factor in how fast and how well you get your ironing done, your creases pressed, your seams steamed, your interfacings fused. I myself bought a cheapy iron from a megamart store when I moved out to Portland – and you know what? Given the sheer amount I use it, I heartily regret such a purchase. It falls over, leaks, steams inefficiently, dirties up the water, tangles itself in the cord…I dread using that iron because whatever I’m doing it always adds another 15+ minutes of wrangling with it. An iron like this would be a lifesaver – for both regular pressing and for DIY’ing your clothing!
One lucky Chic Steals reader will win a Rowenta Pro Master Iron (ARV: $125!)
How to Enter
Edit 10/24: The entry period is now closed and a winner will be announced shortly.
Be a follower of Chic Steals (in Google reader, Bloglovin, another RSS feed, etc.) and Leave a Comment on this post below telling me what you will create with your Rowenta Pro Master Iron! (Make sure your email address is in your comment or profile so I can contact you if you win!)
Giveaway open to anyone in the U.S.
Apologies to my international readers!:-(
Giveaway period is open from today until Saturday, Oct. 23, 11:59 PM PST.
(I’ve extended it a day)
Winner chosen by Random.org.
Good luck!
xoxox
Carly
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Oct 15, 2010 | Life, Score!
So I announced the winner of this giveaway as chosen by Random.org a little while ago…and after 5 days and 2 emails the winner still hasn’t gotten back to me. So I’m picking another winner and this time around it’s….
Entry #5: Connecticut Yankees in South Carolina
Congratulations! I’ve emailed her to get her shipping info.
Thanks to everyone who entered!
xoxox
Carly
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Oct 14, 2010 | Life, Score!
Entry #48: Bunny B!
(as chosen by Random.org – sorry, I threw the screenshot away by accident but it was #48!!)
Thanks for all your multiple entries – this gal really, really wanted this gift card!
She’s been contacted for her shipping deets.
Thanks so much to everyone who entered!
xoxox
Carly
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Oct 14, 2010 | Life, Score!
Yes – this giveaway closes TOMORROW (Thursday, Oct, 14 at 11:59 PM PST) so get those entries in while you still can! There’s a $50 Macy’s Gift Card at stake, so
There’s only been 25 entries so far, and a $50 gift card could buy a new pair of shoes…a great handbag…a couple of items from the Junior’s section…
I’m getting tempted to start filling up my virtual shopping cart…someone stop me!;-)
xoxox
Carly
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