Jul 18, 2012 | Score!
When I left the workforce to raise my son back in 2005, I traded in my suit jackets and button-down shirts for a wardrobe of T-shirts, sweatpants, and sports bras. That became my uniform for the next 6 and a half years, and in the interim I moved to suburbia, lost a huge amount of weight, gained all of it back slowly, saw the U.S. hit one of the most severe economic depressions in history, and lamented ever rejoining the workforce again. Even though in 2008 I began blogging from home about fashion and budget-shopping, my weekly roundups of must-buy clothing and accessories were more aspirational than my everyday reality.
In 2010 my son was in school full-time, so I began applying for jobs in my field locally. And applying and applying. Nothing happened, and I decided to switch tactics and go back to school to improve my skills, to network, and to hopefully land an internship.
Finally, in June of this year, I got that coveted internship at a production set and design studio. Now I’m back to suit jackets and button-downs, though this time around my jackets are flower-patterned, my button-downs accessorized with vintage rhinestone necklaces, and sometimes even a T-shirt is acceptable work attire. I now work in a very creative field, where expressing one’s personality and being on-trend is tantamount because it speaks volumes about how “current” your knowledge is, as well as your taste level.
Before: My work attire, sports bra underneath.
So now I need foundation garments that are appropriate for work – and not just for working out, as before. I’ve lost and gained enough weight since being pregnant that my bra size has fluctuated dramatically, and though I’ve gotten used to the snug feeling of sports bras, they don’t look too professional, they mash my shape, and the wide straps often show under boatneck tops.
Lily of France sent me two of their bras to try out so I could see if they worked better for my new work wardrobe: the Extreme Push-Up Underwire in black with gray dot edging, and the Extreme Options in black.
Extreme Push-Up detail shot.
The fact that they’re both convertible (and the Extreme Options is convertible 62+ different ways!) is incredibly helpful and means that they can take the place of multiple different bras in my lingerie drawer. This means either can be worn under a variety of clothing, from sleeveless dresses to boatneck tops to bustier dresses. Plus, they’re both generously padded, which gives my poor sagging chest (after baby, ahem) a much-needed boost and myself a much more feminine figure. I’ve gotten to an age where I am now embracing my figure, so I prefer to accent the little I have on top to balance out the generous amount I have on the bottom. 😉 It’s incredible how much the Extreme Push-Up lifts and boosts my A-cup into at least a cup and a half larger, which makes me feel way more feminine for date nights with my Hubby and helps me fill out all of my fitted sheath dresses properly.
After: Wearing Lily of France Extreme Pushup bra.
Style Tips for Dressing in a Creative Field:
*Even if it’s creative, a workplace where a visible bra is okay may not be too common. Always err on the side of being covered up rather than being a slave to fashion. And always wear a dark bra under a dark top, a bra matching your skin tone under a white top, and a nude camisole underneath a sheer top.
*It’s totally okay to wear undergarments that give you a “womanly” shape. Even in a male-dominated field, you are who you are, so there’s no reason to try to hide or pretend to be less. Choose undergarments that play up your assets. (Just keep the cleavage under wraps to stay appropriate!)
*If you work somewhere that has a fairly lax dress code, still try to take it to the next level and dress up a little bit: a blazer over your t-shirt, a statement necklace over a tanktop, low heels with fitted trousers, etc. Making that extra effort shows you care about that job and the image you project.
*Add something to your outfits that is your personal signature: your favorite bracelet, some nice stud earrings, even a specific color of nail polish. The more “identity” you show in what you wear, the more it will become your creative calling card!
So, to help someone out there kickstart her workwear-appropriate lingerie drawer, Lily of France has graciously partnered with Chic Steals to offer a $100 Visa gift card to one lucky reader!
(Actual card received may differ from version shown.)
How to Enter
Choose 2 of the following entry methods:
a) Visit the Lily of France website and leave a comment on this post in the comments section telling me which bra you like the most (NOT in the Facebook comments box or through Facebook)
b) Tweet about this giveaway and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post
c) Blog about this giveaway and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post
d) For those with no Twitter or blog, read the official rules to learn about an alternate form of entry.
Total entries allowed per person: 2
Also: No duplicate comments. Any comments left through the Facebook comments box or on Facebook will not be counted. All comments must be left on this post on my blog.
This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older. Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. You have 72 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.
The Official Rules are available here.
This sweepstakes runs from 7/18 to 8/15/2012.
Be sure to visit the Lily of France brand page on BlogHer.com, where you can read other bloggers’ reviews and find more chances to win!
Good luck to everyone!
xoxox
Carly
FTC Disclosure: This is a paid post with BlogHer and Lily of France. I was sent 2 bras from Lily of France to review. ONE $100 VISA gift card will be sent to the winner of this giveaway. For more information, see my Disclosure Policy.
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Jun 18, 2012 | Fashion
From the amazingly talented craftster (and incredibly multi-tasking) Amy Anderson I received a copy of her latest book, ModPodge Rocks!: Decoupage Your World.
Have you guys ever worked with ModPodge? It’s an absolute must-have when it comes to all sorts of crafts: sealing, gluing, decoupaging, and even…faux resin!
I used multiple layers of ModPodge to seal my faux glitter DIY Jeffrey Campbell Litas, and was so pleased to find that despite the glitter being quite fine, the ModPodge did the trick perfectly and kept 99% of the specks on the shoes. 
I’ve always loved ModPodge’s versatility, and in this book there are 40+ great projects to introduce anyone to the amazing world of Mod Podge (including a jewelry project contributed by my blogger friend Heather Mann of Dollar Store Crafts…who incidentally lives less than 20 minutes down the road form me! What a small world.;-)
The projects in this book are all simple and easy to do, and totally customizeable for your own personal style. Of course, I’m partial to the jewelry and accessory projects…but there are also a number of projects for quirky home decor, cute furniture, and whimsical gifts, all attainable through the versatility that is Mod Podge.
I’ve also been given an extra copy of the book to give away, so here are the details…
One lucky reader will win a copy of Mod Podge Rocks! Decoupage Your World by Amy Anderson.
How to Enter
Edit 6/25: Entry period is now closed and winner will be announced shortly!
REQUIRED:
1. Leave a comment on this post telling me if you’ve ever tried Mod Podge before. (PLEASE do not leave your entry comment in the Facebook comments box, or through Facebook. If your comments are through Facebook it totally messes up the chronological order of the comments, so I can’t count them properly! Thanks~)
2.
Follow Chic Steals on Twitter and
leave another comment telling me you did! (Or if you’re already a follower, please leave a comment SEPARATE from your entry comment so I can count you as two entries!)
Total entries allowed: 2 entries per person
Giveaway open to U.S.-based readers ONLY.
Giveaway period is open from now until Monday, June 25, 11:59 PM PST.
Winner chosen by Random.org and notified by email.
Good luck!
Mod Podge Rocks! Decoupage Your World is available for $14.95 from Amazon.com
. Also check out Amy’s blog, Mod Podge Rocks! for a million and one other projects and crafty uses for her favorite super-sealant!
xoxo
Carly
FTC Disclosure: I received 2 copies of the book Mod Podge Rocks!: Decoupage Your World; one as a review copy and one to give away on my blog. I received no other monetary compensation, and the opinions expressed in this post are my own. To read my Disclosure Policy, click here.
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Jun 8, 2012 | DIY
{styled}™ by Tori Spelling is a brand-new line of chic jewelry components that you can use to make your own jewelry without the use of any tools (no pliers necessary!)
Available at both Michael’s and Jo-Ann Fabrics stores (though the items available may vary per store), the line is divided into 4 “styles” of components: Noir, Boho, Glitz, and Glam, with different-colored stones and metals that are mix-and-match. The components are designed to work together and to be easily assembled into finished jewelry.
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May 18, 2012 | Media, Score!
Swarovski recently contacted me about their in-house magazine, asking if I’d like to check it out. And of course I said yes! Anything that celebrates fashionable creativity – especially with the high-end name of Swarovski attached – is a must-see in my book!
See the beautiful heat-embossed texture on the crystals on the cover!
The Create Your Style with Swarovski Elements magazine, founded in 2007, is published once a year in Austria [the birthplace of Swarovski]. It typically includes new products in the Swarovski line, tons of tutorials using the crystal elements, ideas and tips, and interviews with artists and makers. It is mainly available online here, but is also available in select Swarovski Elements retailers throughout the world. 
With this fifth issue (Issue Sound), the editors have included the many instances of how Swarovski has collaborated with the music industry for show-stopping costumes, accessories, and stagewear in the past, as well as music-inspired projects that would get any crystal enthusiast excited. 
Covering a wide range of techniques from stringing, bead-crimping, papercraft, resin-coating, sewing, and bead-ironing (!), the 10 step-by-step projects can easily be customized or adapted to your own personal taste, and feature large step-by-step photos that are easy to follow. 
(You can also find some of these projects available at www.create-your-style.com.) The Swarovski Create Your Style community celebrates DIY and crafts utilizing Swarovski Elements, including makers and crystal-lovers from all over the world.
I personally love Swarovski crystal (the brilliance, cut, sparkle, and quality is unmatched by any other crystal brand), and have used Swarovski items in many of my projects and DIYs before (see: Subversive Jewelry Sunken Treasure Necklace; Gossip Girl-Inspired Crochet-and-Bead Necklace for example) 
Though not all the projects in the magazine are things I personally would try, I can easily follow the directions for some of the more unfamiliar techniques to apply them in different projects (can’t wait to try that Cocktail Decoration Bead-Ironing project (pictured above), for instance!)
Swarovski has generously sent me an extra copy of Issue Sound to give away to one lucky Chic Steals reader. Here’s how to enter:
Win a Copy of the Create Your Style with Swarovski Elements Magazine Issue Sound!
How to Enter
Edited 5/26: The entry period is now over and the winner will be announced shortly.
REQUIRED:
1. Like Chic Steals on Facebook. (I have a “Like” button in my right sidebar, under “Never Miss a Post!” Click it to “Like!”)
2. Leave a comment on this post telling me if you’ve used Swarovski crystal in a project before. (1 entry) (Example: “I made a necklace with a big Swarovski pendant last year and I loved how it sparkled!” or “I’ve never used Swarovski crystal before but I really want to try out a project from this magazine” or something like that.)
ADDITIONAL ENTRIES:
3. Swarovski is also offering another copy of the magazine for giveaway on their Facebook page. So visit their Facebook page and enter there (daily, if you like), to increase your chances of winning a copy of the magazine. (unlimited daily entries until May 31). This giveaway chance is unaffiliated with Chic Steals.
Total: 1 entry per person for the Chic Steals giveaway, daily entries from now until May 31 on Swarovski’s Facebook page.
Giveaway open to U.S.-based readers only.
Giveaway period is open from now until Friday, May 25, 11:59 PM PST.
Winner chosen by Random.org and notified by email.
Good luck!
xoxox
Carly
FTC Disclosure: I was sent 2 copies of Create Your Style with Swarovski Elements magazine; one as a review copy and one to give away to a reader. For more information, see my Disclosure Policy.
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Feb 27, 2012 | Beauty, Fashion
Do you use a flat iron to straighten your hair?
For the longest time, I didn’t…not until my late twenties, at least. In fact, I was mostly just a get-out-of-bed-pull-my-hair-into-a-ponytail kinda gal. It’s only as I’ve gotten older – and begun to look at myself and how I look as a complete picture, that I finally realized that the make-it-or-break-it component to any stylish outfit is what you wear on your head. Yes folks (as probably everybody else already knows;-) it’s your hairstyle (or lack thereof) that truly ties everything together and makes your look chic…or not. So I’ve added flat ironing into my repertoire of hair styling techniques, and as my hair’s growing out longer, there’s a lot more to play with. So awhile ago I bought myself a $29 iron (a national, well-known brand) from my local discount store, thinking that there was no reason to spend money on what was the equivalent of just a couple of hotplates stuck on a pair of tongs. Boy was I wrong. (more…)
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