Jun 4, 2010 | Fashion
Straw Hat: Target
Mesh Wide Tee: Forever 21
Watch: Forever 21
Bracelets: handmade
Double-C logo Paper Bag: DIY…video tute coming soon!
Cropped Sweatpants: Forever 21
Alright, so cold #5 feels to be on its way out. Kinda. I have now officially been sick for 3 months straight. After $400 worth of tests, my doctor’s official medical opinion is that I am “unlucky.” My white blood cell count is normal. I don’t have whooping cough, tuberculous, or pneumonia. She doesn’t even know how to test for Cryptococcus gatii and says I probably don’t have it. She said there’s no reason to test for a yeast intolerance (thank you for that suggestion, Dusk! I am still suspicious tho…). So after 5 colds, plus bronchitis, plus an eye infection, pytiriasis roasacea, and laryngitis twice, apparently I’m completely a completely healthy person who just keeps getting sick for no reason. What the heck’s wrong with me???!
I kind of want to start naming each bout of illness with cocky, blue-blooded names, like “Thurston Marshall Laryngitis II” or “James Preston Rhinovirus V” or something. Blech. I’m so OVER being sick!! (And to think I was over it at cold #3…..*sigh*)
Necklace: Claire’s
Rings, left hand: unknown rhinestone X ring, twisted to fit high on finger; handmade sideways cross ring, available here (or convo me if it sells out)
So I saw a similar paper bag on a streetstyle shot (probably on JakandJil) and decided to DIY it in a video tutorial. Yes, I wrote “video“!! Will be sharing soon once I edit it together.
Hmm…I wonder what’s in my lovely bag?
Haha – PSYCH! There’s nothing in it! A bag that defeats its purpose, perhaps.
I’m liking my DIY Ann Demeulewhatever boots very much…but the elastic shoelaces are very uncomfortable. I will have to change them out for regular shoelaces! And the last time I posted these, one helpful reader also known as Professor Shoelace (!) noted that I was tying them the wrong way…which I am…here’s the right way to tie them. I’ve checked out Ian’s Shoelace Site before, specifically for lacing shoes in multiple interesting ways….seriously, this site is the resource for shoelace-related-stuff on the web!
Hope you guys are having a great week…I got out of bed at 3:30 PM today, and now the day’s over. I have no idea what day it is anymore. I get the feeling there was something (some hundred things) that I was supposed to take care of today. Ugh.
xoxox
Carly
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May 27, 2010 | Fashion, Score!
Many of you may have already heard of maurices, a low-priced chain of stores offering fashion-forward, on-trend clothing, accessories, and footwear. Founded in 1931, the chain has grown to an amazing 700 stores over 48 states, carrying everything from jewelry to denim, shapewear to sublimated tops, sweet little dresses to sandals (and plus sizes too!)
They are running a special promotion for Memorial Day Weekend starting today – for every $60 you spend you’ll receive your choice of either a cute tote bag or chic pair of sunglasses! (You get to choose from 9 different totes and 31 different shades – up to 10 free items if you spend $600!!) Here are a couple of stylish pairings I found:
Since I have nothing else to do this Memorial Day Weekend ( no barbecues planned, no hitting the beach etc.) – I’m going shopping and heading down to my local maurices to see what deals I can scoop up!
xoxox
Carly
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May 26, 2010 | Fashion
Whatever you do, there will always be detractors from it.
Whatever you say, there will always be disagreements with it.
More often than not, positive reinforcement comes less often than negativity.
Do not let that bring you down. (May times, you are your most vicious critic!)
Though you may not always hear it, there will be people who appreciate what you say.
Though you may not always know it, there will be someone who benefits from what you do.
Do not give up. Do not let self-doubt lead you to believe no one cares. Do not believe your writing, posting, sharing falls on deaf ears.
They do not. You are a contributor. You are valued. It is the journey that many share, each and every day.
To all those whose blogs I read but have never commented on, to all those whose thoughts I benefit from, whose words remain with me, whose art inspires me. To all those whom I have never expressed my gratitude.
Thank you.
xoxxo
Carly
all images via ffffound! except last img from here
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May 22, 2010 | Fashion
(Miss Selfridge twisted satin knot headband, vintage silk dupioni scarf, Old Navy cardigan, Petit Bateau Classic Tee, DIY “No. 7” necklace, handmade skirt, DIY cut-off sheer tights, Alloy Percy Boot
, Cartier & Tiffany wedding rings, jump ring opening tool ring, Paul & Joe Sister tote)
A sunny day in Portland means Spring’s on the way! (It’s only what…late May?? Almost June???) Only to be interrupted by pouring rain interspersed with hail the next day…
Ah well, it’s good for the grass!
But despite the sunshine it’s still brisk. I tend to feel the cold more than the average person – probably poor circulation or something. So I bundle up even when the rest of the city is wearing short-sleeves. (Plus I need the neck-scarf thing which was admittedly too warm even for me because of the pityriasis rosacea on my neck which is not.going.away. GAHHHHHR!)
I wanted an excuse to wear this skirt, of which I’ll be sharing the how-to soon I’ve shared the how-to here. It’s made from a pillowcase that I pulled out of the mountainous pile of clothing I picked up from the Goodwill Bins a little while ago.
I paired it with a necklace that I made, similar to Lulu Frost’s Plaza Hotel Number Necklaces, on gold chain, with pearls, grosgrain ribbon, and a sweet little number 7 on it. It’s not really my lucky number – I don’t really have one (I like number 3 but it’s never been “lucky” for me) – but I just liked how the 7 looked…kind of like a broken cross, if you look at it right. The whole piece has this “irreverent rosary” look to it that I’m liking lately.
I continuously forget to remove that jump ring tool after I’m done making jewelry. And yes, I do have a piercing in my ring finger nail – I do it sometimes with a needle and a tiny jump ring. I know you’re never supposed to pierce your real nails…but I love adding that tiny little accessory that is almost unnoticeable…it’s like your little secret with the world.
The tote bag was apparently designed by Paul & Joe Sister, in a collaboration with Sweet Magazine (Sept. 2009 issue). I use it as my snacks-n-stuff-that-inevitably-spills-and-leaves-a-sticky-crumby-mess-in-everything tote when I’m out with Lil Tot.
Plus my sheer tights for added warmth, and my FAVORITE Percy boots from Alloy…I’m practially wearing these into the ground lately. I find them really comfortable, and they’re both casual and chic at the same time.
I know I don’t post a whole lot of photos of my family on this blog – so it may seem that they don’t actually exist, but believe me the photos I do share I’ve carefully vetted from a slew of others where I’ve been photobombed by those closest to me..*cough cough* Lil Tot, Muffin [or Cat O’ Evil as I like to call her], and Pudding the dog[AKA Bane of My Existence]. But Lil Tot has his own adorable brand of photobombing perfected to an art. Oftentimes, this is what a photo-shoot will degenerate into…
Make your own animation
And yes, my son has his pants undone yet again. Maybe he’s singlehandedly trying to back those pants-hanging-around-the-hips-and-boxers-out fad of the late 90’s?? Future member of ‘N Sync [Gen Z] comin’ right atcha!
Ah, the joyful near-summers of youth!
xoxox
Carly
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May 21, 2010 | Fashion, From You
From formspring.me:
Hey Carly, what is the appropriate dresscode for a teacher? Do you have some stylish ideas that won’t make me look boring? Thanks a million.
Hmm. I think the dress code for a teacher can vary depending on whether you teach at public or private school (and the dress code therein), what subject you teach (art teachers and guidance counselors can get away with a lot more!), what you’re doing in class on a given day (field trip to a farm?), and what age group your students are. However, my philosophy is that when in doubt, always overdress – you don’t want to be mistaken for one of your students, and you want to convey an air of authority and “togetherness.” (Right?) So here are some ideas for some stylish “teacher” wear (certainly translatable to any work wardrobe!):
Though this outfit is a bit 60’s-inspired and a bit pinup-ish, a high-waisted pencil skirt, plain pumps, and ruffled sleeveless top work well for the warmer months (though if you do a lot of arm-raising to write on a whiteboard or pull out projector screens, there is nothing more distracting than a lovely woman in a sleeveless top showing off her armpit to the class. [Eeek!] Probably wear a top with sleeves, or a jacket over the ensemble.)
My Picks:
It goes without saying that a sheath dress is also a great option if you need to look “done up” on a certain day. (Chaps Geometric Dress, $47.99, Kohls.com)
Or a pleated/full skirt (perhaps a print for Summer?) under a fitted cardigan, belted over the top, delicate necklace, and a pair of flats is feminine and appropriate for any teacher.
My Picks:
(And Love 21 tends to fit full-fledged women better than Forever 21-brand clothing, which is cut ridiculously small and for a tiny teenager.)
You honestly can’t go wrong with a blazer – and short-sleeved ones look really on-trend and chic. Victoria’s Secret, for instance, is really trying to push the deconstructed suit (with a short-sleeved blazer, sleeveless vest, or fold-over waist skirt) look right now – which might not look as “in” five years down the road, but appears very fashionable for 2010.
For summer: cropped pants, lightweight cardigans, white blouses (some lace/embroidery is ok), crisp dresses, flats, peep-toe shoes (depending on the school).
For winter: long pants (try a wide leg for a fluid, slim silhouette!), pretty brooches near your face or on a ribbon belt, knee-high boots, and A-line skirts with dark stockings.
Stuff to leave at home? Leggings (unless you’re expecting), statement jewelry (unless you’re an art teacher, bib chunky bauble necklaces are probably best left in the jewelry box), flip-flops, t-shirts, anything that shows lots of skin, anything tight all over, baggy or skinny denim, super-high (4″ +) heels, chandelier earrings, ripped anything, anything with a prominent logo or slogan, bright tights or stockings with a sheen, tons of jewelry, all black, combat boots, super-strappy heels, clogs, Crocs, bright-colored makeup, studded items (*sigh*).
Does anyone else have some other great ideas for this reader?
Thanks for your question – hope that helps a bit!
xoxox
Carly
top img from http://jnyintheclassroom.or
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May 19, 2010 | Fashion
10-year-old Cecilia Cassini is being touted as the “youngest fashion designer ever,” launching both a clothing line and a company.
Starting sewing at the tender age of six, she has taken “taken a few sewing lessons here and there; but, mostly, she has learned by breaking a lot of needles on her machine and ripping out a lot of crooked stitches.” (according to her website above)
At her first trunk show, Cecilia sold almost 50 pieces in three hours to impressed and eager young girls.
Here are some of her designs (dresses selling from $92 – $143):
And a little more from her site:
Unlike Da Vinci or Coco, Cecilia insists that she does not want to wait until she is an adult to create masterpieces and to begin making a difference. And, why should she? Of course, school is a priority; but, Cecilia still has plenty of time to design and sew.
Cecilia was lucky to be discovered and taken seriously by some journalists whom have given her incredible exposure. Cecilia has been featured on several television and newspapers across the United States. CBS news and the front page of the Los Angeles Daily News are just two of many.
Numerous children have contacted Cecilia to say that because of her story, they are encouraged and inspired: One child said, “just because we are children does not mean we should not or are not able to follow our passions and turn our dreams into realities.”
I have a very strong emotional reaction to this, on many levels (as a wannabe designer still looking for my “big break,” as a creative just evaluating design aesthetics and value in an already oversaturated market, as a mom against the exploitation of children, as a consumer fed up with big business and carefully-crafted PR/marketing company puppets, and as a consumer reacting against overpriced clothing and brand-label-cache).
Plus, I’m just a bitter old woman who really should give her a “you go girl!” high five but instead stews about how this reflects on me. Ask Donna Karan or Marc Jacobs about this girl – or another designer who’s enjoyed a great deal of success and is secure in themselves, and they’re likely to give that high five (at least publicly).
Sure, her “career” is also being spun as “empowerment” for young girls and as “inspiration for them to follow their dreams.” Cecilia has gone to speak at a few elementary schools to inspire and motivate the students.
She’s also caused a media frenzy (man, journalists just love a juicy “youngest EVER!” story…and Tavi had to be outdone sometime), and presented the “Style Icon Award” to Ashley Greene at the Young Hollywood Awards, appeared on the cover of GIRLS Magazine, the front page of the Los Angeles Daily News, CBS News, and will be in a future issue of People. People Magazine, people!!
Note: On her “Contact” page she has a manager listed, in addition to emails for Press, Sales, and Cecilia herself.
This is a business with a young girl’s face on it, no doubt about that.
What do all of you think of this?
xoxo
Carly
(p.s. – to the person who asked about Cecilia in my formspring.me account – it’s so funny! I was actually writing this post as your question came in. We must be sharing brainwaves!)
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