Jan 6, 2009 | Fashion, Media
by Carly J. Cais, Fashion Designer & ChicSteals blog
As a designer, I’ve developed an eye for style over the years along with an appreciation for the fact that sometimes, designer pricetags can be downright scary. While life necessitates a splurge once in a while on that
can’t-live-without-it fabulous item, much of the fun of fashion is mixing high with low to create outfits that are creative, and also budget-friendly. Each week, I showcase five hot designer-style steals (each for $100 or, in most cases, for much, much less)…along with one must-splurge item.
Now that it’s a new year, it’s time to put those Resolutions to the test & improve physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually…and, while you’re at it, fashionably.
Here are our 5 Fashion Resolutions for 2009:
RESOLUTION #1:
DITCH TREND ITEMS THAT ARE SO OVER ALREADY
Spring 2009 Brights by Fashiontribes
It’s painful, but bite the bullet and stash all those items guaranteed to make you cringe in the not-too-distant future: yes, we mean the Uggs, celeb-inspired Love Quotes scarves, and matching velour tracksuits. Ditto busy prints that are not geometric, bold, floral or adorned with butterflies (not stars, though: so 2008). The Spring 2009 fashion forecast calls for color, so put away the grays and give all that black in your closet some oomph with cheery brights. To get back on trend, try one-shouldered outfits, rompers, sheer tops, art-inspired prints, and bejeweled items, as well as 80’s-inspired pieces. Here are some of our picks:
RESOLUTION # 2:
LOOK FAB EVEN ON OFF-DAYS
Get the Look: Gossip Girl’s Blake Lively by Fashiontribes
If you’re feeling under-the-weather or just fashion-challenged, there’s nothing guaranteed to make you feel even more frumpy like a pair of baggy sweats and stained tee. For little or no more effort, you can pull on a casual go-to outfit that’s comfy, chic, and guaranteed to lighten your mood. (Yes, fashion can be both uplifting & inspirational…when you know you look great, that confidence shines from within.) An easy way to pull together some looks you like is by combing through magazines, blogs (like this one!) and even TV shows…professional stylists have already done the hard work of coming up with the looks; all you have to do is replicate them in your own closet. Alternatively, take inspiration from a celeb who has a similar body type and coloring whose style you like; if she looks chic and pulled together, so will you. We personally adore Gossip Girl Blake Lively, who was recently named one of Marie Claire’s Best Dressed of 2008. Here’s what you’ll need to steal her style:
RESOLUTION #3:
PARE DOWN & ORGANIZE THE CLOSET
If your closet isn’t bursting at the seams with unworn party dresses, belts still with their tags on, and way too many pairs of shoes with unscuffed soles – we salute you! For the rest of us, there are just too many options stuffed into the closet, and as a result, a confusing mess. For 2009, we’re planning to donate more and keep less…and then actually wear it. Anything that’s obviously stained, way too small, or somehow never got altered automatically gets purged. And if it hasn’t been worn it in a year, buh-bye! Of the stuff that’s left, why not recruit a girlfriend help you find new ways to create some fresh new outfits? Once we’ve pulled together some fabulous, on-trend outfits, we’re going to snap photos and create our very own lookbook; extra work to be sure, but guaranteed to pay dividends on those OMG-I-have-nothing-to-wear days.
RESOLUTION #4:
STEP OUT OF YOUR FASHION COMFORT ZONE pan>
Agyness Deyn Style by Fashiontribes
Day after day, most of us reach for the same handful of items. But much of the fun of fashion is about taking a risk, pulling off the unexpected, and being open to trying new things. Even if you’re not feeling Agyness Deyn-level bold enough to rock a taffeta ballroom skirt with a stonewashed denim jacket and spiked hair, why not try at least one thing you normally wouldn’t? You may be pleasantly surprised. Love day-glo but don’t own a single neon item? Instead of a dress, try a scarf. If you’re more rock ‘n roll than preppy, a slouchy striped tee under a blazer is a fab way to meld the two. Trying something new will also help you get additional mileage out of your closet by formulating more go-to outfits than you would have ever thought of while lounging in the safety of that comfort zone.
RESOLUTION #5:
WHATEVER THE OCCASION – OVERDRESS!
We’ve become a nation of fashion slobs by Fashiontribes
People used to dress up. A mere half century ago, even housewives who spent all day cooking and cleaning at home did so decked out to the nines in tight-fitting, crisp hourglass dresses, crinolines, and frilly aprons. Granted, we’re not asking you to don petticoats while dusting or other restrictive garments completely inappropriate to the situation, but the time has come to fight back against the widespread Slide into Slobdom. Since there’s nothing sadder than a closet full of gorgeous stuff hanging unworn, even if you don’t have a fancy function to attend, make up your own and dress the part! Break out those shoes you love and that dress you adore from the back of your closet – even for a short trip to get coffee – just because! As long as you’re chic & pulled-together, you’ll garner stares, extra attention (at worst, they might whisper: “Isn’t she just a little overdressed for Starbucks?” To which we say Pfft!), but more likely you’ll be that woman of mystery who has everyone dying to know what fabulous after-hours fete you’re just now arriving home from.
If there are any high-priced pieces you’d like me to find similar, less costly versions of, please email me at carlyjcais AT fashiontribes DOT com. ‘Til next week, fellow bargain-hunters!
– Carly J. Cais
(photos: Blake Lively – evilbeetgossip.film.com; Agyness Deyn in blue ballgown – vogue.de; 50s housewife – Roman Holiday; Pamela Anderson – The Fashionable Housewife)
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Dec 12, 2008 | Fashion, Media
Piperlime Guest Editor and Celebrity Stylist, Rachel Zoe, helps you open up your shoe closet (and your hearts) and shares her tips on what trends to buy, store and most importantly, donate this holiday season.
BUY (“One of the best parts of getting rid of old shoes is replacing them with new ones”, Zoe says)
**Pumps – “Black, nude, silver or gold. They go with everything. And always, always have a platform.”
**Tall Boots – “Go for black or brown. If you’re not into brown, grey is a good option.”
KEEP (“Hold onto the classics. Just when you think something is gone, designers will send it down the runway.”)
**Cowboy boots – “They come and go. A classic will show its face again.”
**Square toes – “If it’s iconic, like a square toe, keep it. Who knows? It could be back in a year.”
DONATE (“It feels so good to donate. Something you don’t want could make someone else’s day.”)
**Anything bedazzled – “Don’t toss it. THROW IT!”
**If it screams last season – “Get rid of super-super trendy.”
**What you don’t wear – “If you’ve never worn it, get rid of it.”
**Shoes that don’t fit – “You’ve got to move on. Let go.”
Have shoes to give? Piperlime has joined efforts with Soles4Souls this holiday season to impact as many lives as possible with the gift of shoes this holiday season. Simply go to www.piperlime.com for instructions on how to donate your used or gently-worn shoes to Soles4Souls and receive a $15 gift certificate.
-Carly J. Cais
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Nov 7, 2008 | Media
The supermodel and Topshop designer tells Life & Style how anyone can look amazing.
- 1. Fail-safe party item: a little black dress.
- The hot look of over-the-knee boots and a miniskirt is fine with bare legs if you’re in your teens, 20s or 30s. Anyone older should add opaque black tights.
- Don’t be afraid to alter vintage outfits. When I was 17, I found a panther-motif black dress at a New York flea market. Recently, I chopped off the bottom and used it as inspiration for the mini dress version in my Topshop line.
- A new hairstyle can transform your look. Be brave! Try a new hairstyle. It can inspire a new way of looking at your existing wardrobe.
- Make the most of your figure. If you have great legs, show them off with a short dress and heels or a fab pair of jeans. Wear what suits you rather than following trends. Create your own style!
- Never look like you tried too hard! Mismatching adds a personal touch
- Don’t do the catwalk look head to toe. Mix old with new and designers with high street. I wore a Chanel maxidress to my friend’s wedding with a 1930s blue velvet cape and huge Turkish hoop earrings, which gave the dress a totally different feel.
- Handbag essentials for hitting the town: keys, cash, black eyeliner
- Best jewelry for a night out: antique diamonds
- For evening, try unexpected outerwear-dress combos. Don’t be afraid to wear a battered leather jacket with a full-length gown or an extravagant, embroidered jacket with jeans and a T-shirt.
-courtesy of Life & Style Weekly
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Oct 3, 2008 | Fashion, Life, Media
by Carly J. Cais, Fashion Designer & ChicSteals blog
As a designer I’ve developed an eye for style over the years, and an appreciation for the fact that sometimes, designer pricetags can be downright scary. While life necessitates a splurge once in a while on that can’t-live-without-it fabulous item, much of the fun of fashion is mixing high with low to create outfits that are creative, and also budget-friendly. Each week, I showcase five hot designer-style steals (each for $100 or, in most cases, for much, much less)…along with one must-splurge item.
Although the focus of this column is getting the look for less, truly stylish choices are about more than just the bottom line. To avoid becoming fashion roadkill, busted as a Fashion Don’t by E! or worse, black-barred in the back of Glamour, here are five timeless tips on how to safely stay fabulous (plus some fabulous outfit ideas to get you started):
1. ONE LABEL HEAD-TO-TOE IS A NO-NO
Unless you’re on the catwalk, the Chanel-clad matriarch of an old-money family, the designer him/herself and/or schmoozing with the actual designer (like Lil’ Kim at the Cinema Society screening of Marc Jacobs & Louis Vuitton), avoid looking like a walking billboard by rocking pieces from multiple labels. Lil’ Kim’s red heels would definitely look more fab paired with a neutral cami or blouse, this $30 dip-dye silk skirt from Forever21.com (right), and some accessories in red & pink to balance everything out. Oftentimes, even the designer doesn’t intend for all his pieces to be worn together…it’s overkill. (3.1 Phillip Lim bead-embellished silk blouse;
Stella McCartney wooden belt;
Linda Farrow Luxe 24k gold-rimmed sunglasses;
Chloe Saskia tote;
Two Lips Cotton Club pumps)
2. NEVER SLAVISHLY COPYCAT A CELEB
Even if you could afford the same eyecatching ensemble as seen on the it-girl du jour, a famous outfit once worn…is worn. Re-creating it slavishly tells the world the wearer is a wannabe sans her own stylish flair. Instead, steal what you loved most about the outfit and customize it. (For example, the oversized gray tee Rachel Bilson wore belted as a dress: American Apparel has a similar version for $20 in their men’s section – just buy an XL or XXL and rock it with your own cool belt.) Be inspired by – but don’t mimic – high profile fashionistas. By accessorizing an outfit similarly and making it your own, you’ll be hailed as a maven of fashion-forward style. (Rag & Bone Blade Belt; Grace Hats Leaves Hat;
Nooka Zub 38 Zot GG Watch; 
Bliz black leather gladiator sandal) 
BBUNNY black Paris hobo
3. DO WEAR THE RIGHT SIZE
The first rule of shopping American sizing is too ignore what the tag says; it’s called vanity sizing for a reason and is a cynical attempt to capitalize on those headgames we all play in the dressing room (“I know deep down inside I’m a Size 8, but these say they’re a 2 & if I lay down on the floor and squeeze, they fit!“) Size inflation is less of a problem with European labels because their sizes are standardized. Also, ignore that pesky little voice that insists, “I used to be a 6 ten years ago, so I can still squeeze my ass into Size 6 jeans!“). Instead, focus on the evidence: how does it fit and what does the mirror say. If you have your own Hollywood trainer, be our guest and look like you’ve been poured into your clothes…but remember, the truly stylish don’t hesitate to retire the low-rise muffin-top jeans in favor of a mid-rise that fits, aren’t afraid go up a size if need be, and seek out fabrics and cuts that skim flatteringly instead of hug. (Matthew Williamson beaded chiffon blouse;
18th Amendment Colbert jeans;
Oliver Peoples Hollis sunglasses;
Chloe oversized leather tote;
Celestina stone-embellished cuff;
blue patent Stackedd peep toe pump) 
4. DON’T TRY TOO HARD
For every Kate (Hudson or Moss) who always seems to look effortlessly stylish, there is the rest of the pack which always looks like they’re trying a bit too hard. Examples include wearing something straight off the runway without translating it into reality, being overly styled, or dressing age-inappropriately (both cougars underdressed in sexxxy 20-something outfits and 20-somethings overdressed in stuffy couture). Leave an outfit on the rack unless it makes you feel fabulous without too much extra effort…warning signs include requiring some of all of the following to rock this ensemble: your hair being elaborately “done”, the right makeup, shoe, jewelry, and, possibly, underpinnings and lingerie. When in doubt, opt for a classic (like Spiegel’s Matelasse sheath for $70) and remember that less is more…but fun accessories are the spice of life. (RM by Roland Mouret Pigalle wool dress in taupe;
Burberry double-buckle belt;
Donna Karan Mongolian gilet;
Oliver Peoples Skyla sunglasses;
Fendi multicolored ball bracelet;
Alexander McQueen patent Elvie bag;![]()
ight=”1″ src=”http://ad.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/show?id=TKQZGcUMYdw&bids=127413.33599&type=2&subid=0″ width=”1″ /> Mercci snake stiletto) 
5. DRESS FOR YOURSELF
You’re kitted out in a chic Chloe frock, sky-high Loubies, a vintage-fabulous clutch…and all your date/manfriend/husband can seem to muster is a “you look nice” (the same comment you got, ironically, while wearing those low-slung Old Navy sweats and his old wifebeater – sans bra – while lounging around the living room). The fact is, most (straight) men simply don’t care about the fashion curve, and mostly appreciate that (a) you don’t look like their mother, and (b) you’re groomed. While your gay BFFs will thrill over your perfectly-put-together look (which is why we love them & keep them around), what matters is, ultimately, what you think. As styled by fashion iconoclast Patricia Field, Sex and the City’s Carrie Bradshaw got away with some of the kookiest, out-there outfits because she wasn’t dressing to impress, she was dressing for herself. Mix high with low, designer with fast-fashion, and most of all: celebrate…by wearing what you love, just because it makes you feel good!
If there are any high-priced pieces you’d like me to find similar, less costly versions of, please email me at carlyjcais AT fashiontribes DOT com. ‘Til next week, fellow bargain-hunters!
– Carly J. Cais
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