Aug 28, 2009 | Life
Thankfully, just in time before all of you got completely sick with my Japan-themed posts.;-)
I’m back, utterly jetlagged (doesn’t help when you have a 3 yr. old who can’t understand that no, 2 AM is not technically morning yet, nor an appropriate time to want breakfast and then to go to Gymboree), the garden’s overgrown beyond imagining…but I’ll be getting back to blogging on a regular basis once more once I’ve settled in again. I’ve got some great DIY’s on the way, as a Japan-themed (uh oh) giveaway coming up, so stay tuned!
xoxxo
Carly
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Aug 3, 2009 | Life
Just to let all of my lovely readers know, I’m going on vacation to Japan for the next 3 and a half weeks. I’ll be in Tokyo most of the time, and hopefully I’ll be able to post some shopping/cool stuff updates while I’m gone. I probably won’t be able to respond to many comments, but I am checking and keeping this site updated. I’m so thrilled…one of my favorite things to do is to shop and check out new brands and stores, and Tokyo is probably the best place in the world to do that! Can’t wait to let all of you in on the fabulosity that is there!:-)
I hope all of you enjoy the rest of your summers!
-Carly
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Jul 31, 2009 | Life
So I’ve been writing for this little blog for a year and a half now (probably closer to 2 years if truth must be known), and in the beginning I had no comments. Ever. None, zilch, nada, zip. For more than a year. Then, maybe about 4-5 months ago, I started really working hard at this ol’ internet blogging thing – i.e., trying to network, joining groups, commenting on other people’s blogs…and as a happy result, finally receive feedback and comments from my readers (not a whole ton, mind you, but 1 or 2 per post). I love hearing what other people have to say, and responding on their blogs, finding new interesting bloggers…what a world out there.
But the major drawback of the internet is that it’s anonymous – you can spread nastiness quite easily, and do it without fear of repercussion. Take my first nasty comment (above) on my post about how to DIY your own Katherine Hamnett tee using handcut thermoflex vinyl lettering. If the commenter had specifically said what they didn’t like, I’d be able to respond in kind, or at least be like, okay, that’s their opinion, perfectly legit, fine, whatever.
What’s hideous? Are you an SATC/SJP-hater? Are you saying my final product pales in comparison to the original? That I look hideous in the photo? (I’m probably with you on that. I’m no model.)
But wow. 2:45 AM may not be time for Anonymous’ close-up.
My first negative comment! I’m finally somebody!!
I’m not looking to encourage nastiness or negativity, and I don’t want (m)any crudeness on my blog.
How do I deal?
DELETE!
Bwahahahaha it’s my blog, I’ll DIY if I wanna.
xoxox
Carly
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Apr 15, 2009 | Life
With Spring in the air and looser, more drapey shapes on the horizon, why not head out on a break from boring? What to pack: a pair of cropped, flowy pants, breezy blouse, some on-trend gladiator-inspired sandals, stacks of bangles, and a roomy metallic hobo. If it’s a staycation, you’re all set; if it’s an actual va-cay, don’t forget a floppy hat, oversize shades, and vintage valise.
HERE’S WHERE TO GET THE LOOK:
BREEZY BLOUSE This flattering, feminine washed silk blouse skims in all the right places, and is amazingly versatile. Depending on your mood, it’s…
…a beach coverup! (pair with soft camel-hued gauchos and a straw sandal)
…office attire! (with slim-cut black pants and cropped matching jacket)
…80s fabulous! (wide red belt and leggings)
…worth every penny of its $88 price tag! (Peter Nygard smocked blouse at Dillards.com)
CROPPED TROUSERS Shopping for the eco-chic versions of the season’s must-have pieces can feel like a far-flung experience. The antidote? The UK’s Fashion-Conscience.com, where everything is under one roof – from well-established brands to emerging designers – and all clearly marked as Vegan, Sustainable, Recycled, Fair-Trade, and/or Organic. These slouchy cropped Camilla Norback trousers are 100% organic cotton, and would look equally fab with red pumps and a striped boatneck tee sailorgirl style, or with laceup gladiators and a loose, open vest. For more fashionable ideas with a conscience, be sure to check out their blog. Navy Cropped Bow Trousers $84 (on sale) at Fashion-Conscience.com.
DRAPEY CHAIN NECKLACE For under $20, rock this chain-festooned garnet-colored pendant with everything from your LBD to a Mischa Barton’esque ensemble complete with fringed boots and short-shorts. The 24″ length is go-with-everything perfect, as is the price. Nadia Necklace $16 at ShopTheLook.net.
LACE-UP SANDAL/BOOTIES A cross between a peep toe bootie and a sandal, this happening hybrid from Dolce Vita is the new go-to shoe for slouchy rolled boyfriend jeans, your fave mini, or with bare legs and a belted oversize cardi. They’re even surprisingly practical, thanks to the covered 2″ heel. And no, you won’t see them on every Jane, Jill, and Sally because they’re a limited-time exclusive: web-only at UrbanOutfitters.com for $168.
STACK OF BANGLES Multi-colored, multi-material, multi-faceted…Spring calls for bangles stacked high up on the arm, the more multi, the better. For now, pile ’em on with a crochet top, harem pants, and oversize shades; with a slinky halter dress and some Chanel No. 5; or with ripped jeans, peeking out from under the rolled sleeve of your boyfriend jacket. And when the stacked bangle trend becomes passe, simply wear separately. Oasis Pearl & Cream Etched Bangle Set $20 at ASOS.com.
METALLIC DUFFLE Totally of-the-moment, this trendy spot-on copper bag features a cute chain tassel, roomy pockets, and slouchy-chic unstructured silhouette. Originally $80, 1Site1Price.com is carrying it for just under $30, along with other fab deals on brands like FarylRobin, Fornarina, C&C, and GR8 Buddha. Be ready to do some searching, but a little legwork always unearths a great find or two – and if you buy 4 items, you’ll get an additional 10% off and free shipping. La Mode Copper Bag $30 at 1Site1Price.com.
And with this article we bid a fond farewell to our column dedicated to Chic Steals & Fashion Deals. Instead, look for our fresh weekly article on everything DIY. Thanks for reading, and stay tuned for the launch of Don’t Buy…D.I.Y.!
-Carly J. Cais
published April 14, 2009 on FashionTribes.com
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Apr 2, 2009 | DIY, Life
Now, having had some experience with iron-on transfers in my DIY projects, I have to say most of them suck.
You’re stuck with whatever dopey transfer they sell ready-made at the store (though I gotta exempt Generation T stuff from that) or that you can print out from your computer. The “flexible” materials look like you just pasted something onto your shirt (read: shiny, overly matte, and muted colors [if printing from your computer), transparent areas are rendered slick and obvious if you don’t actually cut away the backing on those parts [meaning you can’t transfer tiny letters or designs with complex edges], and the materials really don’t flex. The results look oh-so-homemade, never like something you could actually buy in a store. You have to fiddle with pillowcases or sheet protectors in order to iron them, and the smell? Like burning plastic.
But instead I went straight to what the professionals use for the t-shirts they manufacture on a large scale and actually sell in stores.
I was completely amazed with the professional results (see photo below) even with using my own home iron. It was not exactly quick (oh, to own a heat press!), but it was fun, and did I mention the results looked fabulous??! (Well, as long as you aren’t looking at it with a microscope.) Plus, as the transfer heated up, the aroma of baking cookies (no joke!) wafted into the air. And the company let me buy just 2 sheets of the stuff, without any hassle at all, making my online order a grand total of $7.
A few things to consider when using this product:
*Shiny plastic side of the sheet is UP and peeled off your clothing after the transfer has cooled. Matte side is down and stuck to the clothing. Don’t get them confused or you’ll cover your iron with gunk.
*Use a bigass wooden cutting board inside the piece of clothing to stabilize it for the transfer.
*No stupid pillowcases/protective papers needed. Iron directly onto the plastic sheet stuck to the top of your transfers.
*You are fusing the transfer onto the fibers of the shirt. Most irons have little holes in the bottom, the reason for, I assume, is to totally screw up any heat transfer appliques you ever attempt. This means that with a home iron you’re going to get areas of direct heat, and non-direct heat (thank you, stupid little holes). Therefore, your transfer is going to look “bubbly” unless you apply heat AND force AND then reposition the iron on the same area, to minimize uneven heat application.
*Cold Peel means COLD PEEL. Don’t peel off the upper plastic layer until it has shrunk away from the transfer’s edges slightly, is a little “bubbled,” and is room-temperature. The shiny decals on my version? They’re from the letters I peeled while still hot – the adhesive between the plastic layer and the transfer didn’t peel off with that layer.
*The heat transfer material comes as one big sheet, and you can do anything with it – trace letters, cut it into tiny shapes, whatever you want; the possibilities are endless. Since I was able to spell out my entire t-shirt message on one whole 9 x 15″ sheet, I still have one left over for a rainy day. Order enough to feed your DIY-cravings!
-Carly J. Cais
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Feb 17, 2009 | By Carly J. Cais, Life
So, chickadees, if you didn’t know already – yours truly of Chic Steals (Carly J. Cais)is a designer who had a line that she had to close down after two seasons because she ran out of $ and didn’t have enough time to keep it going. So, to ease back into things slowly, put out feelers, make contacts, and get consumer feedback, she made some samples of some new stuff to take to New York Fashion Week while she was covering it with FashionTribes.com. And she has shown the bag she made to every single person she possibly could while in the tents, walking the streets, etc. etc. (She also made jewelry too, but does not show that around as much since last time she took it out to show a boutique owner she dropped one of the rings on the floor and it broke.
This one in fact (shown pre-breakage):
Yes, it’s an oval mirror set in a blackish lumpy bezel; yes, you are seeing it correctly.) And she was walking down 6th ave wearing one of her belts and the decorative buttons on it were falling off, leaving a trail down the avenue. Not going to make that mistake again.
So she’s flashed her bag around to everybody and their dog and tonight after being turned away from the William Rast show (it was a friggin ZOO) she saw THE Robert Verdi standing around talking to some socialite-looking people. I horned right in and said hi and asked what he thought of my bag – he was really interested (like not just polite) and was touching it and the socialites were fondling and oohing. (Sorry for the switch; the 3rd-person subject is getting annoying.) I was on cloud nine. But only for the 3 minutes that we were talking – then he was rushed off. How fabulous!!!
(Robert Verdi photo: www.robertverdi.com)
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