May 18, 2010 | Fashion, Media
You guys have probably seen this already, but there is an in-depth series on “Dumbing Down American Design” on EcoSalon.
In a special four-part Dumbing Down American Design miniseries, EcoSalon takes a closer look at American design and considers different perspectives from leaders in the design and fashion world.
Has our quest for convenience forever altered fashion?
If we are to invest in sustainable design, doesn’t it start with the designer knowing something about fit? The pattern maker knowing something about quality pattern making? The retailer knowing something about which clothes to purchase based on construction versus fad? And ultimately, as consumers driving demand, what is our responsibility?
Over the next four weeks, we’ll provide insight into these questions.
Click below to read the series if you are interested in this topic:
Part 4 not yet posted…
And though this is not about American design per se and more about the manufacturing business in general (at least for wholesalers in the UK), there is a rather sensationalist series called “Blood, Sweat, and T-Shirts” that aired on British television awhile back. In this reality television series, six Brits visit Delhi and Hariana, working at a clothing workshop that sews pieces for undisclosed “high street brands,” and picking cotton in the fields for the textile mills. It’s The Real World meets the real world…of fashion. See what these priveleged, unskilled, ethnocentric, drama-queen twentysomethings deal with in another country, working on Indian terms to bring cheap fashion overseas to Western consumers: (Warning: NSFW language… and I’m sorry but I can’t find the series without the subtitles, and I can’t find any more than 5 eps…please let me know if you know where to find the rest of this series!)
So – thoughts? Please share your reactions in the comments!
xoxxo
Carly
top img from EcoSalon.com
May 13, 2010 | Fashion
(Spiegel Signature Two-Way Stretch Ruffle Collar Jacket, QoJelly draped convertible chiffon top, oxidized jigsaw puzzle necklace from Japan, unknown crepe convertible skirt I got at Sears (!), DIY sheer black pantyhose, Forever 21 wedge heel booties, Forever 21 rhinestone bracelet, unknown skull-studded white leather bag I got in Honolulu, Forever 21 hammered silver armor ring, Cartier & Tiffany wedding rings)
The weather’s warming up here, Spring is giving way to Summer, but mornings are still nippy and prone to showers. I’m loving layers and lightweight tights at the moment (perhaps also wanting some physical protection from continuous employment rejection? Ack, who knows.).
What I wore to yet another networking event on Saturday. Got tons of useful information and met lots of people, and have since been on a whirlwind personal quest to fix up my webpages(s) and get some professional-looking artistic presence out there on the WWW. (Can’t believe I was desperately trying to get Blogger to post my files via FTP to my webhost and wondering why all the FAQs and how-tos on doing this had screenshots of a screen that didn’t exist in the Blogger interface…and then finally found it I was trying to do this May 2: the day AFTER Blogger discontinued their FTP functionality. Hello, Blogger – what’s wrong with you???!!! And my current hosting svc. doesn’t allow domain CNAME editing – which is Blogger’s “quick fix” to the “we no use no stinkin’ ftps no more” standpoint – AND my webhost’s PHP Elefante scripts aren’t compatible with Blogger’s platform. Arrrrrrrrghhhhh. And to the jerk who bought www.ChicSteals.com a year ago and paid for the name registration up until 2011: better watch yo back. Remember the days when there was no such thing as the Internet? I don’t understand why it needs to be this complicated. Anyways.)
Just about all the pieces in this look are convertible – I just love multifunctionality!
I saw this ruffle-collar jacket on Spiegel.com, of all places – and fell on love. Upon receiving the size 6 I found it cut too generously in the body, so I moved the button further to nearto the side seam to make it fit tighter. The collar’s cool and chic in a Rick Owens-sort-of-looseness – it looks great as a piece in a work wardrobe but can do just as well in a casual sort of look, like here – it’s lightweight, so it works for warm weather too – and the best part is that it was only $49! (hmmm. technically its shape isn’t quite Rick Owens…the sleeve seams need to be set further in at the shoulders…or the sleeve needs to be thinner just below the sleeve cap…ohwell, yadowhatchacan.)
The top has two layers of chiffon – the bottom on two drawstrings so that you can customize the look and the fit – I bought it in Japan at LaForet Harajuku and just love it! The skirt is actually a little longer (I rolled it at the waist) and it has these ties on the inside to create that scrunched-up effect. Really cool – thanks Honolulu Sears Junior’s Section!! (Gosh – I had no idea how rumpled I was from the back until I saw these photos! I was sitting on it all day long which is why it looks sadly crumpled at the back…I think I started out the day okay…ohwell.)
I am very self-conscious about showing my bare legs…note to self: get back to running ASAP!!!…so I DIY’d these pantyhose for days when I don’t want to wear a thick opaque pair of tights (which would usually be my go-to solution for this). Just a cheap pair of sheer “black”-colored L’eggs with the feet chopped off – and it doesn’t look as dark and wintery, but still hides what I need it to.
Well, this week has just flown by. I have another DIY to contribute to another magazine that contacted me…better get that done pretty soon. And rehaul Chic Steals by mashing my super-minimal *non-existent* programming skills with my rudimentary web graphix skills and seeing what I come up with. You guys may see the layout to this site changing slowly over the next week or two – so don’t be shocked if it looks totally different or the layout is messed up (which is more than likely to occur …frickin’ CSS and Blogger skins. Can u tell I’m not a web person??)
Is it Friday yet???? Hope you guys are enjoying your week!
xoxox
Carly
May 11, 2010 | Fashion, From You
I was asked the below questions on formspring.me and I thought I should consolidate them to answer:
do you think the style of zipper embelished accesories and clothing is still in?
is denim still in?
First of all, I think it’s hard to say “what’s in” in general since fashion is so diversified even within a single season, and even designers known for a certain “look” will send different pieces down the runway to appeal to a larger market. Plus, regionally, trends vary – and no matter where you are, there’s always going to be a girl who goes against the generalities and has her own signature unique style.
That being said, I believe both are “in”! (Any style, any way is my motto.) There was a lot less zipper-embellished clothing/accessories on the Spring/Sumer 2010 runways (with the notable exception of Ann Demuelemeester, whose zipper headpieces and scarves sent even the most zippered-out fashion editor into paroxysms). Zipper-edging? Sculptural zipper elements? Not so much anymore per se. But just because it wasn’t on the runways and has begun to desaturate the retail shelves doesn’t mean you should put all your zippered pieces away for good. The 80’s are still back with a vengeance, and a little zippery lends a hard edge to tiny-flowered dresses and short shorts. Maybe try a small accessory if you’re unsure? (I just spotted some rolled zipper rings at Target which might work well if you just want to dip your toes – er, fingers, into the trend.)
my own Zara display photo; D&G runway img from Style.com;
As for denim, according to the runways, retail, and catalogs – denim is HUGE for this summer. (Especially blue denim on blue denim – eeek!) Just look at Gap’s last ad campaign – the shelves of Zara – and the last D&G collection if you’re unsure. Now, whether it’s actually happening on the streets and on fashionable girls in the know….well, that’s another thing. I think if you wear denim-on-denim you’ll look exceptionally trendy and straight out of an editorial, though depending on the crowd you hang with you may get a few raised eyebrows. Want to look on-trend but not like an 80’s victim? Maybe stick with one piece of light blue denim (and not necessarily your jeans!) as a counterpoint to busy prints, bustiers, a loose tee, a chain cross-body bag, sorbet-colored pumps, or strappy flat sandals.
Hope that answers your questions!
xoxox
Carly
May 6, 2010 | Fashion
‘Nuff said.
$285 from UnitedNude. Gorgeousssssssssssss.
They also sell the Cherry-colored and the Nude one at Endless.com here for between $142-$144.
But the blue one’s so much bettteerrrrrrrrr, yes?
xoxoxoxo
Carly
can u tell it is late at night and I am dopey/dizzy/up too late?
May 2, 2010 | Fashion
Just updated one of the items at ShopChicSteals… (both rings worn above)
I can also make the cross ring in silver, since a few readers had expressed interest.
$12 a ring
($3.50 shipping to a U.S. address, $5.00 to Canada, $7 shipping internationally)
Email me to let me know if you’re interested!
I have also now listed these items in my Etsy shop carlyjcais…please check it out if you prefer the Etsy platform!
Ooh! And I have a great idea for a necklace too…will post soon…
xoxox
Carly
