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Outfit 5.25.12: Pro Photoshoot! and a Japanese Kimono Cape Coat

Draped Poly Kimono-Sleeve Jacket: SLY

Mismatched rhinestone stud earrings: bought in Japan

Faux enamel necklace: handmade by me

“To Be Green is To Be Serene” slogan t-shirt; Hinged Silver Cuff: Forever 21

Slap Watch: ?

Upcycled Padded Leather Stud Zip Clutch: DIY (tutorial for body of clutch here; added zipper following this tutorial here)

Ripped Bean Pole Jeans: Insight Denim (similar here)

Perforated Wedge Heels: Qupid

I had the great pleasure to shoot with my friend Dave Lim the other day – and he’s a really amazing photographer.

(more…)

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Bright and Pretty Sunnies for Memorial Day from Australian Brand Quayeyewear

Personally, I’m not a huge fan of pricey designer sunglasses (especially since I tend to lose pairs frequently…or worse, leave them on my car seat and sit on them the next time I hop in.:-/

But I love affordable, on-trend sunnies, and this year I’m breaking away from my usual black, oversized frames towards something colorful and fun.  Quayeyewear caught my eye as a great, affordable alternative to the high-priced stuff, that’s made well enough to last through seasons – and mistaken sittings;-).  Though the company is based in Australia, the line is available in over 30 countries worldwide, and they offer FREE WORLDWIDE SHIPPING for any order off their website.  Oh, and most of the prices?  Around $39.95 per pair.

Left column, from top: Blue 1532 / Red 1461 / Lime 1553 / Leopard 1406 

Right column, from top: Pink 1518 / White with Black Arms 1395 / Peach 1525

 A portion of sales from Quayeyewear also benefit a number of charities, including Make a Wish Foundation and Teen with A Dream, so these sunnies are also a great feel-good purchase.

What are your go-to sunglasses this Summer?

xoxox
Carly

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Outfit 5.21.12: Beige, Tulip, and a Fake Birkin

    Mixed Media Bib Necklace: DIY (tutorial here)

Convertible Chiffon Top: QoJelly

Neon Yellow Chain Necklace worn as bracelet: moussy

Rigs: various (mostly bought in Japan)

Bag: Hermes Birkin knockoff (exact maker unknown)

Double-wrap Studded Belt: Forever 21 (similar here)

Spotted Poly Chiffon Skirt: Thrifted (label says Country Road Australia)

Rho Heels: All Saints Spitalfields

The weather turned super-warm this weekend so I draped myself in chiffon and neutrals. (more…)

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5.11.12 Outfit: Colorblock Top and Demure Bottom

   Colorblock Chiffon Top: DIY of a thrifted top (tutorial here)

Leopard-Print Bra: Warners (similar here)

Rings: from Japan; Cartier, Tiffany

Clear Bangle: unknown

Black Box Clutch: no label, thrifted

All-In-One Dress (worn as a Midi-Length Skirt): Norma Kamali

Metallic-Heel Low-Heeled Velvet Pumps: R&E

Nail Polish: Essie Lilacism

This year low-heeled shoes are back, and though I’m usually drawn to super-high heels I decided to give my feet a reprieve with this low pair.  (more…)

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15 Chic and Springy Mother’s Day Gift Ideas (With a Little DIY Thrown In!)

1. Butter London Nail Polish in Yummy Mummy, $14

2. Diane von Furstenberg Alana Vintage-Inspired Cat’s-Eye Sunglassesicon, $150

3. Grow Your Own Mushrooms Kit, $22.95

4. Celeste Stein Missoni Tights, $19.95

5. Arancia Dolce Sweet Orange Replenishing Bath Foam by Palatium $45 marked down to $27…PSST! Get 40% OFF with code ChicEmpress here, valid until May 13, 2012!

6. Crafting with Cat Hair Book, $15.95

7. Knitted Dove Eyelet Elly Jacket, $88

8. DIY Decorated Basket Handbag

9. Cherry Tangerine Arrangement by Floral Art, $85 (delivery to L.A. area only…or take inspiration from the arrangement and DIY your own!)

10. Cupcake Bath Bombs, $32…or just DIY your own with this how-to: DIY Cupcake Bath Bomb

11. Carol Hochman Rosewalk Garden Bermuda Pajama Set, $59

12. Morning Dew Earrings by JooJooLand, $45

13. Dolce Vita Women’s Nels Flat, $149

14. ASOS Leather Bright Laptop Caseicon, $63.60

15. DIY Flowered Hair Clip

Mother’s Day is just around the corner…are you still looking for the perfect gift for Mom?  I love that this holiday happens to coincide with, so I always match my gift to the lovely, flowery season.  Above is a small collection of ideas for great gifts for the woman close to your heart: from handbags to accessories, bathtime indulgences and clothing, the Mom with a great sense of humor or avid gardener…it’s all there.  Plus, a couple of these ideas are DIY-able…so I’ve just linked to the tutorials.

And for some more DIY home decor inspiration, check this video out for some items that would be great (and easy!) to make for Mom.

Happy Mother’s Day!
xoxox
Carly

~If you liked this post, please share it with anyone looking for Mother’s Day Gift ideas!~

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