Jun 26, 2013 | Fashion
jouetie double flamingo T-shirt, Tabio neon chiffon-trim socks, YOIM furfur ruffled sweatshirt
I’ve almost hit up all my favorite shopping districts after almost 2 weeks in Japan…and I’ve definitely sketched, photographed, and bookmarked more than I’ve bought (not being able to fit into the sizing here anymore helps with curbing one’s purchases!!;-). A couple happy finds include an oversized Summery-print tongue-in-cheek Flamingo tee, a deeply-discounted ruffled hoodie from one of my favorite brands furfur (originally $200 knocked down to $69-which is HUGE for furfur), pretty neon chiffon-trimmed socklets, and a whole bevy of unusual single-ear earrings.

various gold script earring cuffs, filigree earring cuff, rhinestone earrings cuff, and dangling L-O-V-E and celestial earring back sets
Now off to hang out with Hub’s grandparents, who are excitedly waiting for their great-grandson to come home from school…
xo
Carly
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Jun 25, 2013 | Fashion
OSMOSIS is a brand known for coolly casual prints and pieced fabrics. A lot of their clothing is reversible too, which makes it doubly fabulous (one of my favorite reversible sweaters ever is from OSMOSIS!). Founded in 1997, the brand creates timeless pieces, updated with trend-driven details. Prices range from about $40 for a top to around $150 for a pair of heels.
You can purchase OSMOSIS from their official online store OSMOSIS loaf,or in select boutiques throughout Japan.
So, fantasy shopping time: what would you buy?
I’m partial to that drapey beige sweater over that cool black-and-white stripe zigzag dress in the 3rd photo, and the embellished collar dress with the black-striped skirt in the 2nd-to-last photo.
How about you all?
xo
Carly
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Jun 22, 2013 | Fashion
Another major holiday is coming up: how will you spend your Fourth of July? A get-together with friends? (more…)
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Jun 21, 2013 | Fashion
photo from FashionISing
Welcome to another installment of F.I.L.L.! It’s now been almost a week since I’ve come to Tokyo, and I’m working on cleaning up my computer’s digital innards (which sounds so horrible and TMI in a way), working on some design projects (if “working” means “thinking about vaguely but not actually doing anything on them”), and sorting through my online reading list on Bloglovin (as you may well know, Google reader is going away very soon – so follow Chic Steals here on Bloglovin!). Since I feel I’m finally over the jetlag (*insert a pat on the back here in lieu of doing any other real work otherwise), here are some links online that have caught my eye this past week:
Dream It: Inspiration & Creativity
Yulia Brodskaya’s paper art is so amazing. [Can you tell I’m a little obsesessed with quilling lately??] (ColourLovers)
Appealing to the Renaissance in all of us: Simon Casson’s baroque-style collages are a mixture of past and present. His painting style is so rarely seen nowadays! (ItsNiceThat.com)
10,000 Letters of Love music video for The Sound of the Ladies made with paper cutouts from a Silhouette Cameo. No words – just spectacular. (How About Orange)
Buy It: Shopping Picks
While in shopping heaven [Tokyo], I may or may not bust my clothing allowance. But I may or may not buy these clear-heeled sandals instead. A girl’s gotta have priorities.
Oh, BaubleBar, why do you taunt me so?? This Spiked Quad Strand is GORGE, but is only available for a limited time. But it’s only $15. Yup. That sort of taunting.
Once again, I am on the hunt for an uber-cute Summer dress. This one fits the bill to a T – and, who can resist lobsters??? I know I can’t.
Make It: DIY
So Father’s Day was last week. So what? Trust me, the man in your life needs a DIY Bow Tie immediately. How incredibly dandy! (Lavaguy.com)
Summer is in full swing and that means: gardening! Check out The Huffington Post’s roundup of DIY Planter Ideas. (Huffington Post)
One of the newest crafting materials on the scene is Mod Melts, made from meltable Mod Podge (!). Check out this adorable DIY Embellished Clutch using Mod Melts. (FabricPaperGlue)
Live It: Lifestyle
Drooling over this yummy recipe for Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies. Anything with brown butter is a must in my book! (JoytheBaker)
A response to accusations of buying into fast fashion fads: Your $10 T-Shirt is Not the Problem. A very thoughtful read that addresses the economics of fashion in the United States. (TheBelleJar blog on BlogHer.com)
So useful for any time anyone snaps a photo of you: How to Look Good in Photos. Ham it up with confidence and employ these tricks to look like a million bucks each time! (FashionISing)
Get your FILL every Friday!
xo
Carly
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Jun 19, 2013 | Fashion
Amia Serrano is a noted fashion stylist who has styled photo shoots and editorials for numerous magazines, lookbooks, and websites, and is able to make the most mundane items sing by pairing high-priced with affordable finds. She is guest-posting today to offer her tips for getting a designer-inspired look-for-less just in time for Summer. Take it away, Amia!
xo
Carly
Hi Chic Steals readers! My name is Amia Serrano and I’m so eager to share my great finds for you. Enjoy!
Many designer looks walk down the runway, leaving audience members and online viewers in awe, but these are already known to have a hefty price tag attached.
As a fashion stylist I often work to re-create designer-style looks, but on a real-world budget. Today I’m here to show you how to style a designer-inspired look from Alice + Olivia’s S/S 2013 Collection without breaking the bank. It mixes pops of bright color and on-trend florals: the perfect match for a Spring-meets-Summer ensemble.
Here are some affordable yet chic pieces to re-create the Alice + Olivia look for a fraction of the cost:
Rhinestone Cluster Stud Earrings – No need to over accessorize, so keep it subtle with these everyday studs.
Merona Women’s Trench Coat – A colored trench is a perfect way to add a pop of color to any look, especially for gloomy rainy weather.
Camellia on Club Ivory Floral Print Romper – This versatile floral dress can be worn casually or for a night out on the town.
Studded Faux Leather Wristlet – The studs outlining this handbag keeps the edge going, allowing the whole look to flow.
Embellished Spike Heels – Spikes are trending and pairing these edgy beauties with an overall feminine look goes perfectly.
This fun ensemble will take you from a a Spring day of shopping or to a fun Summer girls’ night out!
Until the next post, take advantage of this one and please do share what you find and come up with. I’d love to see them!
~Amia
Thanks Amia! It was wonderful having you here. Don’t forget to leave a comment, lovely readers – did you like this feature? Want to see more Chic on the Cheap from Amia? Let me know below!!
xo
Carly
Fashion Stylist Amia Serrano has styled photo shoots and magazine editorials for publications such as Open Lab Magazine, Relapse Magazine, and Bridal Tribe Magazine. She has also worked with recording artist Mashonda to style the inaugural video of her video series #LifeStyleHer for GlobalGind.com, and Hemma Collection’s New York Fashion Week show. Working with brands such as Rehna Pendse, joe Dahan’s Seduka Jeans, and GET NYCE Clothing, her philosophy is to find great style using the resources you have. Check her out here:
Website / Instagram / Twitter
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Jun 18, 2013 | Fashion

Elizabeth Dye, the owner of the Portland boutique The English Department, is known for her thoughtful details and delicate embellishments on her swoonworthy wedding dresses. Starting in the custom wedding gown business in 2000 after making wedding dresses for her friends, she created her first full-fledged Collection in 2010. The English Department and Elizabeth Dye dresses have been featured in numerous publications as the go-to bridal line in the Pacific Northwest. Her 2013 Collection is called “Two if By Sea” 2013 Collection, evoking 1930’s glamour in scalloped lace and frothy layers of tulle.

You can order one of her custom-made gowns at The English Department store, on her website, or through her Etsy shop.
If you were getting married, which would you choose? (Mine is the seafoam wrapped tulle gown – I always love a pretty blue!!)
xo
Carly
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