I wrote yesterday that I spent most of Labor Day helicoptering over my son to get his Summer homework done, so there was no fun family barbecue or get-together for us. Technically, this is what I’m wearing today: on the last day of Summer vacation for Lil Tot (he is back to school Wednesday). And yes, this is what I would have worn on Labor Day had there been something other than homework on the schedule. (more…)
Shoe Cult, NastyGal‘s very own shoe line, has just launched – featuring fashion-forward footwear with cut-outs, clear detailing, and rugged soles. The perfect mix of that edgy cool-girl bootie, that mellow tomboy-ish brogue, and that refined chic heel, the collection ranges in price from an amazingly affordable $20 – $158.
You can also see a number of ways to wear some of the styles from the collection in street style photos, submitted by fashion bloggers, here, and you can tag any photo of you wearing a pair with the hashtag #SHOECULT to be featured on their blog.
Houseline, by Portland Garment Factory, is manufactured on-site in Portland Oregon. The brainchild of Britt Howard and Rosemary Robinson, Portland Garment Factory was founded to fulfill that unique niche in the local economy: a full-service clothing manufacturing facility (of which Portland only has a bare few). (I actually interned for 3 months at Portland Garment Factory not long after I arrived in Portland!) After manufacturing other local lines for awhile, Robinson and Howard branched out to design and create their own brand Houseline in 2011. For the upcoming A/W 2013 season, the line has grown to include outerwear as well as their staple easy-to-wear loose dresses, jumpsuits, palazzo pants, and even accessories.
{clockwise, from top left: Lanvin, Alice + Olivia, Zero + Maria Cornejo, Emporio Armani, Reed Krakoff}
Fall is almost upon us – can you believe it? Only a few more weeks until the end of Summer; the end of outdoor picnics, barbecues, lazy-day living, snow cones, afternoon naps, bumblebees, and the scent of freshly cut grass wafting through the air. I am currently undergoing a huge closet clean-out and am making space for new DIY’s and pieces that will truly round out what I have already and help with the transition. Here are a couple pieces I have my eye on:
Taking a cue from the boys, Alexander Wang, Jil Sander, and Lanvin showed boxy overcoats in double-breasted styles. I really love this piece from Aryn K, but you could also skimp on the purchase and find something menswear-inspired (or just plain from-the-mens’ section) at your local thrift store.
Yes, it is back – in all its 80’s glory. Layer these under sweaters and overcoats, or opt for under a patterned piece for it to truly read current. This turtleneck from Kohls is super-versatile and won’t break the bank, and is a great doppelganger for styles shown by Alice + Olivia. You could also simply add on a strip of fabric to the neck of a favorite crew-neck top to create a one-of-a-kind conversion.
An unusual color, this dark shade can be treated as if a neutral black when you incorporate it into an outfit, without imparting an “I’ve just joined the armed forces” feel. Reed Krakoff’s take on this was a full-on green ensemble, but you could just opt for it in small doses. This Modcloth bag is utterly covetable, but you could also just take part in the trend with a package of Dark Green Rit Dye and a piece of clothing in a lighter color. The Dark Green should take on pretty much anything made of natural fibers, and camouflage a host of sins.
The luxurious textile is of course having another moment this year, and it’s easy to see why this is a winter staple. Emporio Armani’s Fall Collection embodied the luxury and warmth of this 70’s throwback fabric. Add some texture to your wardrobe in a fun color, like with these ASOS booties. If you’d rather DIY the look, do it the affordable way and try affixing the fabric to a pair of shoes with some Mod Podge.
A little tougher to DIY, leather in dark blues, greens, purples, and burgundies dominated the runways, often paired with punky plaids or soft knits. Zero + Maria Cornejo’s leather trousers were to-die-for! (This ASOS wrap skirt above perfectly embodies the trend – but at a much more accessible price point.) You can always try your hand at painting some leather in order to get the look (though keeping it to non-flexible leather accessories might be best if you’re using acrylic paints).
What trends are you looking forward to for Fall?
xo
Carly
Runway photos from Style.com. Photo collage by me.
If Six Was Nine is an amazing, though somewhat underground brand owned by Maniac Corporation. Beloved by Fergie, Lenny Kravitz, and Keith Richards (just to name a few), the brand features entirely handmade pieces with heavy distressing, screenprinting, unusual embellishment, leatherwork, and sublimation dyeing techniques in their clothing. (Price points range from $280 for an extremely simple cover-up to $3400+ for a leather jacket.) They don’t lend any pieces out to magazines for photographing and the parent company does not allow any photos of their boutiques, adding to the whole aura of inaccessibility. And yet, people somehow find their way to the few hidden boutiques that sell this line, in search of the amazing, rock-star-worthy ensembles that the brand puts out.
Besides clothing, if six was nine also creates one-of-a-kind furnishings and home wares with a gothic edge.
I’ve actually written about one place to buy this line, Bedrock Boutique, before here, and I tend to stop by the shop every time I’m in Tokyo. And it’s always like entering a time warp to some dank dungeon, filled with sparkly bones and shredded couture.
Besides the 3 boutiques owned by the Maniac Corporation in Japan, If Six Was Nine is also available at FarFetch.com.
My good friend Alexa Raquel Casciato, AKA Little Warrior, is an amazing musician and up-and-coming tour de force in the world of music. She has assisted in starting a brand-new post series here on Chic Steals curating monthly original playlists for your to stream on Spotify, add some background music to your space, mellow out to, listen to while working on your latest DIY project, and add a little music into your life.
Here’s what she says about this month’s playlist:
For the this month’s playlist, I wanted to create a playlist that sounds like the perfect summer day – so I went old school. This wholesome oldies mix makes me think of people doing the mashed potato on the beach, high-waisted bikinis and retro one-piece swim suits, finger curls, beach balls and bubbles. If August surprises you with a rainy day, put on this playlist to help your saddest of thoughts float away like the cumulous clouds on a sunny blue summer day. May you be lifted into the highest of spirits with this playlist as it inspires your latest chic creations!
Described as Portishead and Oh Land meet David Bowie and the Chemical Brothers around a campfire with a drum machine, Little Warrior‘s music advocates peaceful revolution and equality for all. Active on social media, she posts inspirational quotes and upbeat ideas, spreading positivity through images and music.
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.
I wrote yesterday that I spent most of Labor Day helicoptering over my son to get his Summer homework done, so there was no fun family barbecue or get-together for us. Technically, this is what I’m wearing today: on the last day of Summer vacation for Lil Tot (he is back to school Wednesday). And yes, this is what I would have worn on Labor Day had there been something other than homework on the schedule. (more…)
Shoe Cult, NastyGal‘s very own shoe line, has just launched – featuring fashion-forward footwear with cut-outs, clear detailing, and rugged soles. The perfect mix of that edgy cool-girl bootie, that mellow tomboy-ish brogue, and that refined chic heel, the collection ranges in price from an amazingly affordable $20 – $158.
If Six Was Nine
Besides clothing, if six was nine also creates one-of-a-kind furnishings and home wares with a gothic edge.
My good friend Alexa Raquel Casciato, AKA 
Described as Portishead and Oh Land meet David Bowie and the Chemical Brothers around a campfire with a drum machine, Little Warrior‘s music advocates peaceful revolution and equality for all. Active on social media, she posts inspirational quotes and upbeat ideas, spreading positivity through images and music.
