Apr 24, 2008 | Media
Glaby Carly J. Cais, Fashion Designer
As a designer – my line is RIVETED Clothing & Accessories – I’ve developed an eye for style over the years…and right along with it, a nose for a bargain. Half the fun of fashion is looking fabulous without needing to declare bankruptcy. Each week, I showcase hot designer-style steals (each for $100 or, in most cases, for much, much less)…along with one splurge-worthy item.
Starting with Fall ’07 we saw one of the hottest trends for this year emerge : Grecian Chic, with sparkling jeweled necklines, flashy clutches, flowing fabrics, and strappy shoes. With Spring ’08 comes an update on this trend, making it more effortless, down-to-earth, and ultimately wearable. But savvy fashionistas know that you can still get mileage out of those embellished pieces from Autumn by mixing them with the more bohemian separates we’re seeing lately. Grab these five hot picks (without breaking the bank!) and ramp up your inner Goddess:
WHITE SHORT
We saw them layered over tights for Fall, and now we can finally wear those shorts we’ve been coveting – and show off gorgeously glowing (and bare!) gams at long last. With a paperbag waist and pretty satin ribbon tie, this pair skims over any midsection flaws, and the white color showcases an early Spring tan to perfection. Throw on a pair of glossy patent pumps and a tissue-weight tee for a schoolgirl-meets-callgirl look, or dress them down with a breezy tunic and some flip-flops for warmer days. On sale for $15, they’re a worthwhile investment that will take you all the way through to Fall with ethereal ease.
Lux Sunday in the Park Short, $15, Urbanoutfitters.com.
GOLDEN CLUTCH
Skip the gold clothing and pile on the gold accessories this season – but take care – a little goes a long way when it comes to shine and sparkle. With two chains to choose from and a wealth of stones adorning the top, this little clutch offers versatility and sass in a small package. Marked down to $50 now that the hols are over, now is the time to snap up this pint-sized gem and put some gleam in your handbag rotation. Pair with anything – go for a pair of dark skinny jeans if you’re feeling adventurous – or stick with more sophisticated pieces for a night out – and let your inner Goddess roar.
Virgo Jeweled Clutch, $50 (sale), Rampage.com.
GLADIATOR SANDALS
On all legs in the know this Spring is the gladiator sandal (and you probably spotted Dior’s version on Carrie in the Sex and the City movie promos too!). Love that Old Navy put out their own budget-friendly version at just under $20. With metal rings holding everything in place, and available in bronze or black, they’re sure to add a bit of female glamazon to an otherwise bland ensemble. Pair them with everything from jeans to a tiered bohemian skirt for an effortless warrior vibe that emulates far more pricey versions-for far less of an investment.
Gladiator Sandals, $19.50, Oldnavy.com.
FLOWERED DRESS
If you’ve been watching the latest season of Project Runway (admit it – we’ve all practically been riveted to the latest installment of the season), you’ve probably been drooling over the gorge draped confections that Rami Kashou has masterminded on
the show. Though his Red Carpet designs might not be particularly affordable for the average gal, this drapey top is reminiscent of his amazing ability with fabric (and that fab gown he made back in the first episode!). In grey, purple, or black, and for a mere $33, this piece can be worn as a sweet and sassy mini-dress or as a flowing tunic over a great pair of jeans. Add a strappy gladiator sandal and you’re set for a Spring ensemble that will take you from coffee to a movie to a night on the town in a flowered flash.
Aisling Dress, $32.99, Gojane.com.
BEJEWELED TOP
Sometimes you just don’t need extra jewelry – and this top does double duty as a hot little tunic and a piece of sparkle on its own. With a soft blouson-style waist to keep everything loose and flowy, its glittering neckline brings the attention up to your glowing cheeks and glossy pout. At only $24, this top infuses a shot of glamour that looks oh-so-coquettish peeking out from a structured jacket for day or gracing sparkling shoulders at night.
Jeweled V-Neck Halter Tank Top, $24, Fashionjunkee.com
SPLURGE OF THE WEEK: ROPE RING
Cast from an actual piece of string, this sculptural ring serves as a little golden reminder for all things forgot. Also in silver, this 14K gold version will add a touch of ethereal sparkle to an otherwise unadorned finger – or sit nicely in amongst more showy pieces. At $190 for this hand-crafted accessory, it’s a wise investment that can be both understated (and deliciously sexy!) in its delicate knotting.
Gold Forget-Me-Knot Ring, $190, Momastore.org.
If there are any high-priced pieces you’d like me to find similar, less costly versions of, please email me at carlyjcais AT riveted-clothing.com. ‘Til next week, fellow bargain-hunters!
– Carly J. Cais
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Apr 24, 2008 | Fashion, Media
by Carly J. Cais, Fashion Designer
Instead of my usual
Carly’s Chic Steals & Deals, it’s all about Tokyo trends this week. A recent visit (I lived there for 6 years) served as a reminder of what a fast moving style capitol the city is. Fashion is foremost and girls happily brave the cold to wear the latest fashions straight from the runway, while model scouts camp out in front of department stores hoping to scoop up the next bright young thing. Crazy trends come and go in a heartbeat, but many of the hot global trends take off here first, months in advance of the the West. Keep current by checking out the cool streetstyle photos at
ar-um.jp.
Here are some of the season’s standout trends from the stylish streets of Tokyo to help you jump ahead of the fash pack: 
I WANT CANDY If you’re ever stood outside a restaurant in Japan and admired the glass case brimming with mouthwatering selections from the menu – made completely out of plastic – you’ll definitely agree that one of Japan’s strengths is making fake food look amazingly realistic. Trendy locals are now updating last year’s trend of decorating cellphones, pocket mirror and lipstick cases with crystals and miniature flowers – and replacing them with tiny servings of fake plastic waffles, chocolates, ice creams, parfaits, waffles, sliced strawberries, and dollops of whipped cream. (Which is why you love your friends at Fashiontribes so much for keeping you ahead of the curve – in this case waaaaaaaaayyyyyyyy ahead – when we turned you a while back to these chocolate marshmallow creams, doughnuts with sprinkles, and other tasty jewelry tidbits by Pancake Meow.) Sweet candy lookalike necklaces, rings, earrings, and key rings are all the rage – even the 
new spring tees have prints of cakes and sweets – while plush pouches and bags shaped like hamburgers and hot dogs are flying off the shelves…alongside charmingly wacky English which serves as a reminder that you are in fact still in Japan…and not visiting Hershey headquarters. Check HollyHock Cafe for availability (they ship internationally); Q-Pot if you can ship to a Japanese address, or PancakeMeow.com.
BOOTS MAKE FOR WALKIN’ Even visiting Disney World, many Japanese girls insist on wearing 4-inch high stilettos….and I salute their resolution and determination! But finally, the low-heeled and flat boot have arrived-and in black or brown and they give off a decidedly rugged American-Frontier vibe. Western-style boots have continued as a strong trend since the Fall, but now the streets are also populated with moccasins, motorcycle boots, and strappy gladiator boots. For the season between 
blustery winter and breezy Spring, it’s all about fab, earth-toned boots with a flat heel that can still keep up, even as the trends change. (BETTYCLUB, me, tassetasse – available at Stylife.co.jp; note: they ship to Japan only)
WEIRD ENGLISH Japan being Japan, clothing adorned with nonsensical English is probably never going away, however, this season, the tees and sweaters in the trendiest shops this are particularly wordy. The chic graphics made by hand reach out involuntarily, until I realized it read Cool Pretty Smacky Glam. However, there are plenty of shirts in longer lengths with fun slogans that actually make sense – Addicted to my baby; She’d rather die than have her picture taken (with a graphic of Kate Moss) – that could be worn as a minidress, and paired with neon leggings and flat ankle-boots for a fabulous Tokyo-style take on the trendy 80s. (Sly, Egoist & Maison Gilfy tees available at Vivi)
FROCKS FOR FLOWER CHILDREN Japan Vogue and the rest of the fashion pack trying so hard to bring back Cali hippie chic will be happy to know their efforts are being rewarded in Tokyo. Despite still-frigid temperatures, brave fashionistas can be spotted in breezy frocks with tiny flower prints in yellow, black, green, and orange with lace edging that wouldn’t have been out of place at a 70s vintage 
store. Swingy black under-skirts keep things modest, as do black-mini shorts. Pair with cowboy boots, a slouchy leather belt,and a punchy oversized bag to reawaken that Flower Child slumbering within. (VIVAYOU, XMiss, L’est Rose – available at Stylife.co.jp)
ARMY JACKETS & COATS After numerous seasons of little jackets, Japanese girls are rocking oversized army coats – rumpled, too large…and fetching. The coolest coats have intricate detailing, zippers, pockets galore, buckles, and a comfortable, lived-in look that hasn’t been on the racks in Japan in some time. They are often left open (chilly spring winds be damned) to show off what’s underneath, usually a breezy chiffon mini with low-heeled boots, or downtown-chic dirty denim and pointy neon pumps. (Jackets by Osmosis & PageBoy – available at Stylife.co.jp)
GIRLY HOODIES Girls here wear a long-length hoodie as a dress with bare legs (by the daring only…it’s still chilly!) or with neon tights and knee-length low-heel boots in black or brown. Hoodies in gray, cream, or black with ruching or gathered pockets are all the rage, as is the cropped hoodie – which is probably more appropriate for a pre-teen, thanks to rainbows, unicorns, and stars…but so adorable I had to give in and grab a similarly-printed makeup case so I didn’t feel too over-the-hill. (Cecil McBee, L.D.S., SWORDFISH – available at Vivi)
And, if you’d like to shop some Japanese brands in English, check out As Know As which specializes in super-chic indie brands native to Tokyo – like this silk apron-style dress for just over $100 – and ships them internationally!
– Carly J. Cais (Carly is the fashion designer behind RIVETED Clothing & Accessories; email her at CarlyJCais at riveted-clothing dot com)
(streetfashion photos via ar-um.jp)
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Feb 21, 2008 | Life, Media
by Carly J. Cais, Fashion Designer
As a designer – my line is RIVETED Clothing & Accessories – I’ve developed an eye for style over the years…and right along with it, a nose for a bargain. Half the fun of fashion is looking fabulous without needing to declare bankruptcy. Each week, I showcase hot designer-style steals (each for $100 or, in most cases, for much, much less)…along with one splurge-worthy item.
It’s that time of year again: the time for some of us that brings decadent gifts in the form of jewelry and chocolates…or the time that some of us refuse to celebrate with resounding “down with love!” anti-V-Day sentiment. Whether you choose to embrace the day or not, Valentine’s Day brings a great opportunity to grab some cute merch at closeout prices, and these picks this week are no exception. Show yourself a little love with these 5 heartful choices – that unlike that box of chocolates from what’s-his-name you can enjoy year-round and mix into your daily wardrobe as you please:
CUTE WRISTLET
From the candy pink box it arrives in to the sweet little heart at the top, this clutch may seem like a gift limited to V-Day…but it’s definitely an accessory that can make an appearance in your everyday wardrobe without a hitch. The little gold scottie tag at the front may inspire you to take this cutie when out walking your pooch or on a short trip down to the corner store – it’s the perfect size for a quick excursion or works great on its own as a sweet little clutch to go with that flowered dress that’s in your closet awaiting the first warm day of Spring. Slip it into a larger tote for workdays and use it alone on the weekends with some denim capris and a big flower corsage pinned to your blouse to celebrate all that is carefree and girly. From Juicy Couture for $95 – it’s a designer steal that will juicy up any outfit.
Scottie Leather Wristlet, $95, Juicycouture.com.
CROPPED PANTS
In February with the winter winds still a-blowing cropped pants require some dark stockings underneath to keep your gams toasty…but in a month all will be forgotten in a flurry of warmer weather. For now, to bring a bit of brightness to these gray days try these lovely pink capris with a pair of peep-toe platform pumps and a wrap-sweater. From the forefront of French fashion at La Redoute, these $30 pantalets can be paired with a beret and romantic piles of cashmere scarves pinned back with a fantastic brooch to brave the cold, and then lightened up with a thin print tee and some strappy sandals come May.
Cotton Twill Cropped Pants, $30, Laredoute.com.
ANTI-V-DAY TEE
Whether you love or hate the day itself, this bleeding heart tee can be worn year-round without looking out of place. Girly but with a touch of rocker sass, this $24 cap-sleeve number comes with black, red, or brown sleeves, and the design itself can be found on a number of items (including housewares!) at this boutique. Head on over to its parent store Cafepress.com where they have thousands – thousands! – of adorable Valentine’s Day-themed merchandise not designed by some faceless, huge corporation, where you’re apt to find designs with er, heart. Create a design yourself too, while you’re at it!
Bleeding Heart Cap-Sleeve Tee, $24.00, Cafepress.com.
LASER-CUT EARRINGS
The detail on these laser-cut doily earrings belie their $10 price tag. Oversized and girly, they look just as fab paired with a striped marine-inspired sweater for a weekend matinee as with a dark wrap dress for a night out on the town. They may look like those doilies you may remember from Granny’s house, but in a foxy red they’ve been updated for 2008, and dangling from your lobes are sure to sweeten up even the most bland outfit.
Red Doily Heart Earrings, $10, Fredflare.com.
EMBELLISHED BOOTS
This winter brought an update on the Uggs we love to hate: embellished versions with hand-painted motifs by a number of well-known celebrities that were auctioned off for charity. Even if you missed snagging a pair of these highly-coveted items, grab this $20 funky version that appeals to both those who love the Day of Love and those that can’t stand it. Updated with a gorge bronzey glow, the tattoo-like graphic on the backs sends this hard-edged mixed message and keeps your admirers guessing.
Love/Hate Boots, $20 (sale), Gojane.com.
SPLURGE OF THE WEEK: DESIGNER NECKLACE
Every Valentine’s Day, I admit: I Dream of Dolce. Dolce & Gabbana that is. Even if the S.O. plans not to splurge on jewelry this year, perhaps you can convince him to part with a mere $150 for this luxe designer pendant that’s both sweet and a little tart. With its high-polish silver front, sparkling stones, lever clasp, and leather cord, it’s not your average heart-shaped pendant, and adds a little cheekiness to what’s become a relatively boring motif at all those other jewelry stores. Pair with a fuzzy v-neck sweater and skinny jeans- or something frilly, red, and delectably see-thru! – and show him that it was most certainly worth his while to get your something designer and fabulous.
D&G Heart Pendant Necklace, $150, Eluxury.com.
If there are any high-priced pieces you’d like me to find similar, less costly versions of, please email me at carlyjcais AT riveted-clothing.com. ‘Til next week, fellow bargain-hunters!
– Carly J. Cais
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Jan 25, 2008 | Fashion, Media
by Carly J. Cais, Fashion Designer
As a designer – my line is
RIVETED Clothing & Accessories – I’ve developed an eye for style over the years…and right along with it, a nose for a bargain. Half the fun of fashion is looking fabulous without needing to declare bankruptcy. Each week, I showcase hot designer-style steals (each for $100 or, in most cases, for much, much less)…along with one splurge-worthy item.
Who doesn’t covet celebs’ closets (or what the savvy stylist foists onto the next hot young thing in an effort to up their paparazzi quotient). But the price of being looking like a star can be, well,
pricey…and so
we’ve scouted out some deeply-discounted items that are lookalike-a-licious:
RED DRESS WITH BLACK BELT What better way to punch up a gray winter day than with a splash of vibrant color? At under $30, this sexy number will transform you into the Lady in Red without breaking the bank. Tip: keep your accessories toned down and the focus on your hot bod. After you whip off your fluffy white jacket (a la Eve and Kate Hudson), you can wow admirers coming or going. Sexy open V-back red dress $28 – FashionJunkee.com (Hayden Panettiere & Natasha Bedingfield via People)
FOOTLESS TIGHTS Step out on the fashion forefront! If you don’t might the chill, pair with some uber-lowcut pumps for a tantalizing peek of skin. Love the $38 pricetag almost as much as the fact that they’re available at Neiman Marcus. Wolford Velvet de Luxe Legging $38 – NeimanMarcus.com (Rihanna & Paris Hilton via People)
THIGH-HIGH BOOTS Seen on just about every A-lister from Hilary Duff to Carrie Underwood, the thigh-high boot is one of the season’s more fun trends. If you dare, wear them high up on your thigh. Worried you’ll be mistaken for Pretty Woman? Then slouch them to the knee or fold down a cuff. To ward off the cold, tuck into skinny jeans and enjoy the fact that the long length and solid black hue makes your gams look endless. Leather Feel (vegan) slouch boot $34 – GoJane.com (Hilary Duff & Kate Moss via People.com)
ANIMAL-PRINT BALLET FLATS A fab way to meow up whatever 
you’re wearing. This pair boasts a sexy peep-toe that will be perfect for those warming spring days on the way (or breezy L.A. nights). For a Chanel’esque Resort ’08 take, wear with wide-legged jeans, a white blouson tops, and a red patent belt; alternatively, pair with a breezy floral dress for a fun pattern mix and match. Cheetah-Print Ballet Flat $19 – CharlotteRusse.com (Ashley Olsen & Katherine Heigl via People)
SPLURGE OF THE WEEK: ORKA MESICA GOLD BEADED BRACELET With its single gold circle symbolizing success, rebirth, and creation, this friendship bracelet is said to improve your stylistic mojo. Which is probably why it’s gracing the wrists of so many BFF-happy Hollywood types, including Lindsay Lohan, Lauren Conrad, and Audrina Patridge. For a celeb vibe, wear a stack of three, and get your money’s worth by wearing them with everything from jeans to the red carpet. At $125 each, it’s but a (relatively) small drop in that big karma bucket. Orka Mesica Triple Gold and Black Beaded B
racelet $125 each at Singer22.com (to save 10%, coupon code castyle.
If there are any high-priced pieces you’d like me to find similar, less costly versions of, please email me at carlyjcais AT riveted-clothing.com. ‘Til next week, fellow bargain-hunters!
– Carly J. Cais
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Jan 21, 2008 | Fashion, Media
by Carly J. Cais, Fashion Designer
As a designer – my line is
RIVETED Clothing & Accessories – I’ve developed an eye for style over the years…and right along with it, a nose for a bargain. Half the fun of fashion is looking fabulous without needing to declare bankruptcy. Each week, I showcase five hot designer-style steals (each for $100 or, in most cases, for much, much less)…along with one splurge-worthy item.
However, with my recent birthday followed almost immediately by Christmas, I decided to draw up
a fantasy a-girl-can-dream wish list of five fashionable trinkets that up the chill factor for maximum iced-out fabulousness:
SILVER SKULL CLUTCH The icicle-like swirly depth and stone-gray hue of this hard-sided clutch are reminiscent of winter, but the showstopping Swarovski crystal-studded skull adds a fabulous Goth touch. A steal at $1010. Alexander McQueen Skull Clasp Clutch – Net-a-Porter.com
SEXY TURTLENECK SWEATER Silk, milk, and cashmere (!) are the main ingredients in this eco-chic concoction from uber-eco designer Linda Loudermilk. This perfect shade of Polar Bear (winter white) would go fabulously under any dark, wide-necked dress you own, and unlike the rest of the crowd in their basic boring standard turtlenecks, the hot cut-out neckline will make you really stand apart. Linda Loudermilk Icy Sweater $433 – Zappos.com
SATIN PRINCESS PUMP How do I worship this shoe? Let me count the ways: fierce pointed studs that temper a sweet, frayed satin bow; a fabulously rounded toe; the steel gray color that is so now; the cushioned sole that keeps a girl party-hopping in comfort; the sexy slink of leg (& the bow again!) that will turn heads as you hop into a cab/limo/pumpkin at the end of the evening. Report Signature Bette princess pump $175 – Shoes.com
PEARL CLUSTER EARRINGS When it comes to metal manipulation and jewelry that looks equally eyecatching on the red carpet or with a plain white tee from Old Navy, Philip Crangi is genius. The rows of black pearls drip like twinkling grape clusters, studded with tiny diamonds in their centers for a breathtaking effect. And priced at $3425, think of them as your own little investment account the way Carrie Bradshaw liked her money: hanging right where you can see it. Philip Crangi Black Pearl with Diamond Earrings – Bluebee.com
STRUCTURED WOOL COATThis wool/cashmere blend stunner has a high foldover collar (which can be worn down for a touch less drama in the daytime), exquisite detailing on the back, and puffed Bishop sleeves that slim out the arms gorgeously. The flared skirt and hidden belt nip in the waist and lend a flattering Victorian feel, whether you’re wearing it with jeans, to a holiday party, out on the town…oh, the options are endless. Mackage Principessa Coat $748 – LeTrainBleu.com
STEAL OF THE WEEK: TEXTURED CARDIGAN Sweet & snuggly, this affordable cardie has a wonderfully nubby texture and the 3/4-length sleeves that are so hot right now. Perfect for lounging around, its swingy shape can easily top off any pencil skirt or bubble-hem dress you pair with it. To really play up the contrast in textures, try it over something silky. Honeycombed Wool Cardigan $35 (sale), LaRedoute.com
If there are any high-priced pieces you’d like me to find similar, less costly versions of, please email me at *carlyjcais AT riveted-clothing.com*. ‘Til next week (when this article is back to its usual format), fellow bargain-hunters!
– Carly J. Cais
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Jan 21, 2008 | Media
As a designer – my line is
RIVETED Clothing & Accessories– I’ve developed an eye for style over the years…and right along with it, a nose for a bargain. Half the fun of fashion is looking fabulous without needing to declare bankruptcy. Here I’ll showcase 5 hot designer-style steals each week (each for $100 or, in most cases, for much, much less)…along with one splurge-worthy item.
As we head into late October and early November, the holiday season is looming. Before the party circuit hits its stride, stock up on a few items that can take you to that early-holiday event or get-together, and promise to boost your wardrobe’s versatility.
However, you don’t want to end up with a pile of party dresses, only to find that there are so many better options available once holiday merch hits the stores! Avoid the dreaded buyer’s remorse with these five fab picks:
JEWELED PENDANT
‘Tis the season to sparkle & bling, and the mall is one place that’s always stocked with budget-friendly, on-trend pieces. Your first stop? Claire’s! However, beware: sorting through the huge selection of eye candy requires some serious stamina, but rest assured you’ll be rewarded with gorge jewels & accessories that mimic the high-end look. The proof? This featherweight jewel-encrusted pendant necklace – at just under $10, it’s as gorge on the pocketbook as it is to look at. Now I have something to adorn my shoulders, pair with some fancy satin dresses, or rock with skinny black jeans and a weathered tee for a retro 80’s glam look. Gem Necklace at Claires.com.
CUTE HOODIE
I am in love with the way Mike & Chris have redefined the hooded sweatshirt, but at $150 or more, high-end hoodies are simply not that affordable. Fortunately, a number of other lines have followed suit, serving up a plethora of girly, frilly, tailored, detailed, and oh-so-stylish hooded pieces. (And yes, I am also guilty of having a hoodie in my line.) The Royalty Jacket from Forever 21 (my go-to store for deeply discounted girly fashion must-haves) has everything I could want: fabulous gold-tone military buttons, huge kangaroo pocket, nipped-in waist, little puff-sleeves, and of course, a hood. Pair it with jeans, skirts, or – in place of a dress – a long-sleeved white top & a pair of dark tights. $28 from Forever21.com.
STAINLESS STEEL RING
Regardless of whether you’re engaged, married, or still in the game, sometimes – as Carrie proved when she singlehandedly sparked a major trend by wearing Aidan’s diamond engagement ring on a necklace (prompting Marrieds & Singletons everywhere to follow suit) – what’s needed is a simple but gorgeous engagement-style ring. Forget your average (ie. boring) Princess cut diamond on a regular band. Instead, go avant garde with the Aerospace-Grade Titanium Tension-Mount Diamond Ring from Absolute Titanium. If the $500 starting price seems a bit much, try a stainless steel tension lookalike from RockCandles.com. At $35, it’s chic whether strung on a sterling chain or adorning your finger in a futile attempt to deter persisitant admirers.
CASHMERE SWEATER
If you thought Old Navy was the last place on earth you’d expect to find cashmere, you’re not alone. Lately, they’ve been coming out with more trendy, stylish staples & luxurious sweaters. This collar-shawl gem looks as fab over a lacy white cami with a flared skirt as it does paired with classic black pants. Simply add some bling accessories & prepare to brave the hols in style. However, do try to refrain (or not!) from purchasing one in every hue they offer: pastel pink, blue, gray, & black. $70 at OldNavy.com (If you’re a Old Navy, Gap, or Banana Republic cardholder, save an additional 20% until November 8th!)
HALLOWEEN ACCESSORY
Usually I avoid the kitschy holiday stuff, but since I recently (really!) passed the legal age of trick-or-treating, I could hardly ignore a chance to indulge in a little Halloween fun. In amongst all the black and S&M paraphenalia and body piercings lurks something fab at Hot Topic! For one of the best all-around, dressed-to-the-hilt-not-a-single-detail-overlooked Halloween costumes this time of year, look no further than the sexxxy Marie Antoinette mini-corset dress…but I digress. I also unearthed this mummy-ish, kind of macabre scarf with a mesh overlay that is perfect as an accent piece with a plain, dark overcoat, or with a fitted long-sleeved top. $24 at Hot Topic.
SPLURGE OF THE WEEK
<
i>The silhouette of Fall is a cropped, swingy top with a monochromatic, leg-lengthening bottom, such as these high-waisted trousers. Bishop of Seventh spares no detail with the front-pleats, double-buttoned closure, tabbed waist & a figure-friendly wide-legged fit. Pair with a cropped, capelet-style coat in cream, tucked-in button-down white blouse or, if you’re headed for a holiday party, with a slinky silvery spaghetti-strap number. $295 at NeimanMarcus.com.
If there are any high-priced pieces you’d like me to find similar, less-pricey versions of, please don’t hesitate to email me at *carlyjcais AT riveted-clothing.com*. ‘Til next week, fellow bargain-hunters!
– Carly J. Cais
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Skip the gold clothing and pile on the gold accessories this season – but take care – a little goes a long way when it comes to shine and sparkle. With two chains to choose from and a wealth of stones adorning the top, this little clutch offers versatility and sass in a small package. Marked down to $50 now that the hols are over, now is the time to snap up this pint-sized gem and put some gleam in your handbag rotation. Pair with anything – go for a pair of dark skinny jeans if you’re feeling adventurous – or stick with more sophisticated pieces for a night out – and let your inner Goddess roar.
Sometimes you just don’t need extra jewelry – and this top does double duty as a hot little tunic and a piece of sparkle on its own. With a soft blouson-style waist to keep everything loose and flowy, its glittering neckline brings the attention up to your glowing cheeks and glossy pout. At only $24, this top infuses a shot of glamour that looks oh-so-coquettish peeking out from a structured jacket for day or gracing sparkling shoulders at night.
