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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Jan 21, 2008 | Fashion, Media
As a former designer (my line was 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.
So now that it’s mid-October, I do my annual closet-cleaning: getting rid of old stuff I no longer wear, packing away summer clothes for next year, and deciding which items I can still wear into the Fall and chillier months. This is also the perfect time to score some of those trendy items that have been calling your name since they first hit all the magazines. The good new is, these trends are still going strong into Autumn, and now is the time to rotate them into your wardrobe before the next big thing comes along. Plus, since you cleverly avoided jumping on the bandwagon at the first sign of popularity, trend pieces & foolproof lookalikes are now available at deeply-discounted prices.
Here are this week’s six stylish, budget-friendly fashion & accessory must-haves:
CONVERTIBLE JERSEY DRESS
Since I design clothing that offers different styling options, I am completely taken with other designer pieces that are multi-functional. In particular, I’m obsessed with Normal Kamali. She designs an exclusive collection for Spiegel, with dresses, skirts, and tops in a slinky-soft jersey spandex, many of which can be styled in different ways. A batwing long-sleeved dress converts to a fitted halter-neck dress, for example, and at long last – it’s on sale! It’s lightweight, so it would go wonderfully with leggings or cardigans during the colder months – and can stand on its own for an elegant evening out. Good luck choosing between the six different colors. (Normal Kamali Timeless All-in-One Short Dress $63 (sale) – available at Spiegel.com)
PYRAMID STUDS
Necklaces, earrings, detailing on bags, accessories…the pyramid stud has been a hot it item this year. But it’s also commanded a commensurately it price until now. (I know because I’ve been fighting the temptation to shell out more than $180 for a sterling-silver hand-forged designer ring adorned with an oversized pyramid stud.) I had been holding off & waiting for the right time, so I felt super-smug when I snagged a silvertone lookalike from Macy’s for $8 earlier this week (not on their website; you’ll have to visit the store itself). But smugness has a price…I just located an even more spendthrift-y version on sale at Urban Outfitters for just $4.99. $4.99??! at UrbanOutfitters.com…plus, they also carry a cute pair of matching pyramid stud earrings for $12. Lovely!
BLACK PLATFORM PEEP-TOE SNAKESKIN SLINGBACKS
If you’re like me and totally addicted to The Fashionista Diaries on the SOAP Channel, and you probably also feel head over, er, heels for the gorgeous black Report Signature Gala Snakeskin pumps that Bridget was wearing on the first episode with her totally cute Sretsis dress. Talk about perfect: a sexy platform in black snake with a hot gold lining…I just had to have them! But with a $179 price tag at Amazon or Zappos.com (which now only has the white version in size 9) I lost hope.
I even scoured eBay in vain, and then happened to stumble into Walmart.com’s shoe section where I almost fainted! There were my lovelies! And with the gorgeous gold lining too. I headed to my local Walmart (because yes, I am even a cheapskate when it comes to paying shipping fees), slipped on a pair in a size 8, and was further amazed not only that they fit, but that they’re unbelievably comfortable, and priced at $17. Perfect with breezy summer dresses, sexy pencil skirts, fabulous with jeans and still g
orgeous with brightly-colored tights for Fall…but act fast, ladies, these are going fast! Metro7 Tiffany Peep-Toe –
Walmart.com
BIB NECKLACE
S o retro, so Disco-era fabulous when paired with a drapey jersey dress – I’ve been coveting a golden bib-style necklace. Lucky Magazine featured a stunning copper version from Lazuli Jewelry earlier in the year, but at $70? We can definitely do better than than. For $15, this Crescent Moon necklace from Urban Outfitters is perfect. (Is it obvious I’m totally obsessed with this store??)
RUCHED BOOTIE
It first made an appearance at Calvin Klein (if I remember accurately), and then at NineWest. Now, I’m happy to report, it’s finally affordable in a chic metallic pewter at Newport News. The ruched bootie is simply so 80’s – and so perfect with leggings and an oversized sweater. Soft Leather Ankle Boot $50 (sale) at Newport-News.com.
SPLURGE OF THE WEEK
I just have to wear gray in the Fall. Gray sweaters, gray booties, gray tights…gray is my color this year, which I why I have totally fallen😉 for this lovely gray Josh Jakus felted handbag, handcrafted by the designer in the San Francisco Bay Area. Not only is it the perfect size, but in a sublime melding of form & function, it unzips completely flat for storage…plus it’s crafted from recycled factory felt remnants. A feel-good, utterly chic purchase! $95 at BeeHiveCo-op.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-chis-steals.com. ‘Til next week, fellow bargain-hunters!
– Carly Cais
As posted on FashionTribes.com, 10/27/2007
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