Nov 26, 2009 | Life
So it’s Thanksgiving and instead of groaning and griping about the things I don’t have (an activity that I indulge in 98% of the year) I wanted to share with all of you things that I am thankful for (and there are really, truly alot! – so here are the best of the best):
1. My family and friends. So glad to have you, so glad that you’re there, so glad we’re all well (except for my uncle, who’s struggling with cancer, so my thoughts are also with him. He’s battling it bravely and seems to be coming out on top, though, so there’s another thing I’m quite thankful for.) You’re all so dear to me!
2. Time-outs. I liberally give them to my son, my dog, and even to myself. Life is sooooo much better with time-outs! LOL
3. That we live in a time where technology fuels creativity. It’s been a long time coming (and wish that it had been around, say, 10 years ago when I could have really thrown myself wholeheartedly into this blogging-thang…) but even so…I’m so, so glad that it’s finally here and all this potential for amazing things is out there on the internet. And that I have the ability to share that creativity with all of you!
4. Chocolate. Could not function without it. In any form.
5. All of you! 😀 I can’t put into words how much I appreciate that there are people out there who visit my site, read what I write, and are kind enough to comment if something I’ve written tickles their fancy or inspires them. This blog definitely wouldn’t exist without any of you – and I wouldn’t spend all the time I do on it if there was no one reading! (If a tree falls in the forest and all that sort ‘o thing.) Thank you so much for being there – checking in on me from time to time – reading – commenting – sending me inquiries and photos of things you’ve made – and all your support and helpfulness – I appreciate each and every one of you! You are all my inspiration…so a huge THANK YOU direct from me!
What are you guys thankful for?
Happy Thanksgiving to all!
xoxo
Carly
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Nov 26, 2009 | Fashion, Life
A little bit of shameless self-merchandising to bore you with!:-)
Get a jump start on all that holiday shopping by visiting my Cafepress Store Kinder Acts of Random or my carlyjcais Zazzle Shop!
Items in this set from my CafePress store
Elephant Family Throw Pillow, $19
My Favorite Trucks Kids Baseball Jersey, $16
Cuteus Maximus (Boy) Teddy Bear, $13.49
Honey Bear Wall Clock, $12.49
Little Ladybug Infant Bodysuit, $12.49
blah blah blah design Infant Bodysuit, $12.49
Honeybun Bib $9.99
“Baby” Infant/Toddler T-Shirt, $11.49
Warning Bib (Blue) , $9.99
FOR A REDHEAD
Items in this set from my CafePress and Zazzle stores
Not Without my SPF Long Sleeve Shirt, $25.99
“Albinos Rule” Baseball Jersey, $19.99
Daywalker Ringer T, $18.99
Pale is the New Tan Jr. Spaghetti Tank, $18.49
Pale and Proud T-Shirt (at Zazzle; also at my Cafepress store here)
FOR THE GAMER/NERD/
GUY WITH A WEIRD SENSE OF HUMOR
Items in this set from my CafePress and Zazzle Stores “Intentionally Left Blank” Tee, $18
Outgrabe Momerath Organic Cotton Tee, $21
Live Online as a +60 Paladin T-shirt, $22
Binary Ash Grey T-Shirt, $21
“Our Princess is in Another Castle” Jr. Ringer Shirt, $19
Nerds with Power Tools T-Shirt, $19
Monday Monkey Lives for the Weekend Mousepad, $13
“Shirt” T-Shirt, $21.45 (available here at my CafePress store)
iControl T-Shirt, $22.95 (available here at CafePress)
iGame Mug, $15.95 (available here at CafePress)
No More Faith T-Shirt, $22.95 (available here at CafePress)
As you can I’ve made a whole lot of designs to choose from! (And they’re all a little bit random, a little bit wry, a little bit tongue-in-cheek…you get my drift. If this stuff appeals to you, then great!) And you can get almost all the above designs on different shirts and items than those pictured, like hats, tiles, stickers, and ladies’ tops, just to let ya know!:-)
And you didn’t think I’d ask for something without giving something in return, now did you?:-)
For CafePress orders, enter code FREEBIRD5 to receive free shipping on orders of $50 or more!
For Zazzle orders, enter code GIVEZAZZLE09 at checkout to save 10% off your entire order!
AND…here’s some other FABULOUS Zazzle promo codes for you only valid 11/26 starting 3 PM PST to 11/27):
(for all discounts to be applied above, enter code ZAZZLEFRIDAY at checkout)
Thank you for looking and Happy Holiday Shopping! (Even if you go elsewhere;-)
xoxox
Carly
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Dec 25, 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.
Since all year we focus on getting that look for less, at least once an annum we indulge in dreaming of getting that look…for, well – gasp! – retail. And the holidays are the perfect time to indulge in sparkly dresses, sleek clutches, and feminine toppers.Inspired by our fave celebs and fabulous fashionistas, here’s our fantasy a-girl-can-dream wish list of five fashionable items for the perfect holiday look, plus a festive splurge:
LIQUID LEGGINGS From Mischa Barton to Kate Bosworth to Lauren Conrad, the ruched Black Rats by Sass & Bide have become a favorite Hollywood way of showing off their gym-toned gams. The subtle wet-look sheen updates the quintessential legging, making it modern and sleek whether paired with a tunic, oversize tee, or black drapey top and black blazer for an Olson-sister-inspired look. Sass & Bide Black Rats leggings $180 at Net-a-Porter.com.
(Chic Steal: The $21 ING Faux Leather Legging from Macys.com)
BROOCH-DETAIL PUMPS Show off your fabulous legs (or leggings) in perfectly pointy and tres Audrey Hepburn-esque pumps. The 3″ heel is the perfect counterpoint to the retro-chic brooch at the front, and Audrey would have no doubt appreciated the iconic red sole, courtesy of Monsieur Louboutin. (To get the look for a tad less, pick up a pair of affordable satin pumps like the Abaete for Payless Zoey ribbon-weave pump 
and add a shoe-clip or a vintage-style brooch – Sorrelli makes an eyecatching crystal-cluster pin.)
We love this look for evening or everyday glam with a pair of skinny jeans or with a pair of bold cobalt Hue tights. Christian Louboutin Satin Brooch Pump $865 at FootCandyShoes.com. (Chic Shoe Steal: Satin Rosette Peep-Toe Heel $23 from GoJane.com)
SEQUINED DRESS You heard it here first: sequins are a huge trend for celebs & the rest of us for 2009, especially sequin shift dresses. The sweet design and shrunken shape are just perfect for a holiday fete…even if you leave the bow at home for fear of looking like a human Xmas package. Perfect with slightly sheer dark tights, bare legs (if you dare), or even under a military-style jacket and jeans for day (trust us – it really works!). L’Ecole Des Femmes Sequin Bow Dress $218 (sale) at ASOS.com. (Chic Steal: Sequin Minidress $40 at Forever21.com)
CHEERY TRENCH Make like Jessica Simpson and inspire a bit of Holiday spirit in a festive bright red trench. The tailoring and shape create a feminine silhouette, and the fact it’s from Fendi means it will keep you in chic style for a long while. Pair with slim-cut drapey pants in a contrasting white, or try a coordinating print dress and oversized earrings. Fendi Cotton Twill Trench $1850 at eLuxury.com. (Chic Steal: Animal-Lined Trench Coat $90 from Spiegel.com)
EDGY CLUTCH Birds of a fashion feather – like Rachel Bilson – know that a fabulous, custom-made clutch in is just the thing to cure the holiday blues. This retro redux number by Antoinette Lee – fans include Gwyneth Paltrow and Heidi Montag – is the perfect size for carrying all your essentials plus necessary extras, and it features a detachable cuff that’s like a separate piece of jewelry all by itself (not to mention built-in security). Whether paired with a tee tunic and leggings or a short frilly frock, when cuffed on, you will literally be a slave to your fabulous purse. Lua Chain Clutch $271 from StarsandInfiniteDarkness.com. (Chic Steal: purple faux leather (vegan!) Julie clutch $33 at Amazon.com)
STEAL OF THE WEEK: PAVE MOON NECKLACE The best things really do come in small packages, and sometimes even with a small pricetag. This $40 crescent moon pave necklace in a rhodium finish looks luxurious and fabulous – a la Jennifer Aniston. Ultra-thin, ultra-light, and ultra-affordable, the 1.5″ sparkle at your throat would look equally chic with a celeb-worthy LBD, or even at the collar of a cozy pointelle-knit cardigan. Crescent Moon Necklace $40 from PortiaJewelry.com.
And our ultra-steal of the week that costs nothing to wish for? World peace, of course, and Goodwill to all! Happy Holidays from all of us here at ChicSteals and Fashiontribes.com – and may 2009 be an even more wonderful year for all of you.
– Carly J. Cais
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Dec 4, 2008 | 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.
Upcoming festive gatherings with relatives, family, significant others, in-laws…what a fashion nightmare! Your perfect go-to ensembles for romantic dinners a deux don’t cut it when you’re dining with Aunt Leda, her gaggle of cousins, and the odd parent – so what’s a girl to wear? Fear not!
With these easy pieces, it’s easy to dress, impress, and look both classy and chic – all without spending a bundle:
Family-Friendly Fashion for Hols with the Fam by Fashiontribes
FLORAL TUNIC Since we’re saving the curve-highlighting sex kitten look for another occasion, try this flowy versatile tunic. The fun print rescues it from the clutches of baggy and boring, while well-placed accessories keep things chic. Wear as-is over textured tights and knee-high boots, or add some shape with a dark, low slung belt. Don’t forget a long chain necklace to pull it all together…just try to keep it from dangling in the gravy boat during dinner. Floral Tunic Dress $29 (sale) at Newport-News.com
RETRO BOOTIE Play off the slightly 60ish vibe of the tunic with these undeniably groovy booties. In mod maroon, the contrasting suede and crinkle patent really stand out – especially with an outfit in monochrome or muted hues. To channel Twiggy, pair with a white shift, black leggings & mini gloves, or go the Nicole Richie route in acid-wash zip-ankle denim, a tie-waist sweater, and piles of scarves. Any way you wear them, these little booties truly a festive statement make. Zoe Patent Button Boot $38 at Payless.com
PLAID COAT Mixing two bold patterns and making both of them look chic is definitely not Fashion 101, but the subdued tones of this coat would work well even with the bright flowered print of the tunic. What makes this coat a catch are the epaulet details at the shoulders (fantastic!), the double-breasted front, and structured belt – all of which make it look far more expensive than it really is. Reaching to just above the knee, this little trench looks fab in all sorts of weather: belt without buttoning over a swingy dress, or on cold blustery days, turn up the collar up and add a dark bucket hat. On sale for $30 off, it is a fashionable steal – and mother-approved. Double-Breasted Plaid Coat $100 (sale) at Mandee.com
KNIT BANGLES Chunky knit bangles are everywhere this season, and available at every pricepoint, from Elizabeth Yarborough’s elegant version for $190, to the recycled cashmere pieces for $30 at BuildANest.com, to a serviceable garden-variety version from Claire’s for $10. Better yet: pick ’em up by the armload at Old Navy, where they come in a rainbow of eyecatching colors for a bargain-basement price of $5.50…for three! Stack on one arm over a tight-fitting turtleneck, peeking out from under the billowing sleeve of a dolman dress, or with any slinky, form-fitting looks. However, don’t pair them with a bulky sweater as that classifies as complete overkill. Set of 3 Sweater Bracelets, $5.50 (sale) OldNavy.com 
BOLD COCKTAIL RING If organic, inspiring forms are your thing, check out Twisted Silver’s elegantly twisted selection of button cocktail rings, mixed metal bag charms and chain-link earrings in a variety of metals. This 1″ ring evokes both flora and coffee bean in its undulating, symmetrical lines, while the raw brass imparts a modern feel. To highlight the bronze gleam, pair with warm neutrals, such as a deep-V cardigan in cream and a pair of brown cords. Life Ring $40 at TwisterSilver.com
SPLURGE OF THE WEEK: Slouchy Leather Bag Every once in awhile, you come across a bag that you know is going to be your go-to accessory of the season – like this chic Orly bag from the new Jewels by Julie Knapp line. The slouchy shape eliminates that oh-so-familiar digging around for something in the bottom, and the ruched leather hobo comes in coal black, wine, and rich brown to complement almost all outfits. We love the brass ring at the closure, complete with contrasting snakeskin inlay (animal skins are hot-hot-hot this year). Pair with a 70’s-flare jean and blousy drawstring tunic, a dark fedora and cropped blazer, or go for contrasts all in sleek black from head to toe. Orly hobo $200 (sale) at LeFashionista.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 fashiontribes DOT com. ‘Til next week, fellow bargain-hunters!
-Carly J. Cais
(Gossip Girl photo at top: Giovanni Rufino/The CW ©2008 The CW Network)
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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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