And, of course, as every frugal fashionista knows, there’s always EBay.
-Carly J. Cais
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We at Chic Steals here always go gaga over all things reversible, convertible, and multi-functional. (Really, it’s like getting two items in one!) So of course as soon as we saw this bag from Mark.com (yes, beauty giant Avon‘s younger sister brand) we had to place an order for it ASAP. Apparently, it reverses to brown AND the strap is removable and extendable, so you can wear the purse cross-body. It’s like getting FOUR BAGS IN ONE! (The only bummer is, there’s no photo to show you guys all the multi-function that’s packed into this little guy.) And the price! $28 is indeed a Chic Steal for something so versatile. And we’ll pick up some uber-cute makeup at the same time – enter MARKFS35 at checkout to receive free shipping on any $35 order.
-Carly J. Cais
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by Carly J. Cais, Fashion Designer & ChicSteals blog 
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
By now, pretty much everyone’s budget is stretched thin, but Buckle.com is here to help! Shop gift ideas under $25 and under $50 (we’ll skip the “under $75” and above categories) – for both Her and Him – and hurry to get your UPS Ground shipping order in by the 16th for delivery by Christmas!
-Carly J. Cais
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So she’s fashionable, and she’s up with the trends…and she has this unusual, sort of self-deprecating, wry sense of humor. Here we get a little self-promotional, because, hey, we’re just in love with this super-big, eco-friendly canvas tote with this tongue-in-cheek, self-deprecating message of the front. A la Anya Hindmarch and that overdone “I’m Not a Plastic Bag” pricey tote…this version is a little funny to those who both love and loathe trendiness. Is it in fact being “self-important” to proclaim you are not? We’ll leave the philosophizing to you (or your friend).
Available at our shop (Kinder Acts of Random) for $15.99 at CafePress.com/KAofR – and order by Dec 10 for it to arrive by the 24th (if you choose Economy Shipping – choose a faster shipping upgrade and order as late as the 22nd).
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Carly J. Cais I am a DIY’er, designer, sewist, maker, and marketer. Chic Creative Life is where I share what I do, and help others bring their unique style into their own lives.
