Feb 1, 2009 | Fashion, Media
With such a fashionable, model-tall First Lady newly in the White House, the buzz surrounding her sartorial sensibilities is proof that fashion and the national mood go hand in hand. To get Michelle Obama’s effortless American-chic look, go for clean, classic cuts, bold colors and patterns, and opt for minimal jewelry – a few smaller pieces speak volumes. Also, like the First Lady, pay attention to the details: the color of a coat’s lining (think the
Narciso Rodriguez pre-inauguration camel coat); a belt cinched over an unbuttoned cardigan; a brooch pinned dead-center on the collar of the dress instead of near the shoulder. All add stylish flair and a touch of individuality to whatever you’re wearing, and yet you will still appear appropriate, ladylike and polished.
Here are our Top 5 well-priced (ie. under $100) picks for staples seen on Mrs. O, plus a fun splurge:
1. CLASSIC COAT & FUN ACCENTS We’ve seen a variety of fabulously chic toppers on Mrs. O from a number of designers, ranging from Maria Pinto to Sonia Rykiel to Narciso Rodriguez. What she obviously looks for in a coat is wool, a long A-line silhouette that’s single-breasted, a solid color, and sometimes a dramatic sleeve. Our pick: a timeless camel classic you’ll reach for time and time (and time and time…) again. Accessorize with a dark navy or black scarf, a jumbled beaded necklace a la the First Lady’s Tom Binns necklace, or, if you’re feeling patriotic, a teeny flag pin (made less cheesy by merit of lots of real bling, like this version crafted from diamonds, rubies & sapphires in 18k white gold from HeavenlyTreasures.com). Single-Breasted Long Wool Coat $99.99 (on sale, was $239) – available in Camel, Chocolate, Blackberry, Winter White & Red – at Chadwicks.com.
STYLE TIP: According to reviews of this coat, it’s quite long, so be sure to take it to your fave tailor and get it shortened to the perfect length for you….after all, it’s what Mrs. O would do.
2. COLORFUL MULTI-TASKING SHEATH Lemongrass, sea blue, fire red, fuschia, cobalt, chartreuse, and bottle green…just a few of the bright colors we’ve seen her in. The most popular, however, is probably the iconic purple Maria Pinto sheath she appeared in on the cover of Newsweek. To work similarly vibrant colors into your own wardrobe, follow her style savvy by also choosing a classic silhouette, typically a sheath with princess-seams, a conservative jewel neckline, and flattering knee length. With the right accessories, it’s a cinch to completely transform this wardrobe mainstay: try a high black belt and pearls, a dark-toned cardigan and slick patent pumps, or a looped silk scarf and python-print clutch. Sheath Dress $49 – available in Vibrant Fuschia, Black & Red – at Newport-News.com.
STYLE TIP: The more wild the print or color of a garment, the more timeless its cut & silhouette should be. The tension between the edgy hue and conservative cut is what creates balance, making you look fashionably trendy instead of faddish & fashion-victim’ish.
3. GLITTERY BROOCH The Carole Tannenbaum vintage pin on the center-front of the chartreuse lace Isabel Toledo Inauguration Day dress (be sure to scroll down) was one-of-a-kind, but you can take inspiration from Michelle Obama’s unusual placement choice by pinning a similar sparkling brooch in the same place. For best results, pair with a round-collared coat. This bow-shaped brooch is adorned with Austrian crystal rhinestones in marquise and round cuts, in a shape that is simultaneously contemporary and classic, (not to mention collectible). Eisenberg Ice Bow Pin $45 at MRJewelry.net.
STYLE TIP: For even more unusual ways to wear a sparkly pin, try pinning a wide satin ribbon at your waist instead of a belt, perhaps threading it through a cardigan’s buttonholes as a makeshift closure, or even pinning onto a cashmere beret Gossip Girl-style.
4. LIGHTWEIGHT CARDI Although the J. Crew cardigan ensemble she wore to the Kids Inaugural concert is already sold out, you can still get the punchy color from Gap’s new line in collaboration with Pantone. Chock full of Crayola colors and vibrant hues, it’s a guaranteed way to breathe some fresh life into the doldrums of a flagging economy (not to mention your wardrobe). Superfine cotton and slimmer fit emphasize a feminine figure, while the staggering array of colors – sunny yellow to sorbet orange, tan to teal, black to heather gray – means you’re guaran
teed to find something you love. And the best part? This closet staple is lightweight enough to be worn year-round, making it a sound investment as a layering essential. The new V-neck Cardigan $44 at Gap.com. 
(Michelle Obama image: dailymail.co.uk)
STYLE TIP: Pair your brightly colored cardi with shoes in a darker hue & a contrasting skirt; snappy combinations include yellow & jewel blue, royal blue& orange sorbet, and spring green with light coral. For an added touch of First Lady fab, cinch with a thin belt worn high on the natural waistline.
5. PATENT BALLET FLATS Steal a page from the Michelle Obama style playbook by pairing a structured dress with an understated flat. Whether you choose go-with-everything black, a metallic snakeskin to rock the season’s reptilian trend, or even sweet white satin, you’ll look Mrs. O-perfect whether you’re in a chic frock, more mod with bright tights and a mini, or slouching casually out the door in cuffed boyfriend jeans. Keepsake black crinkle-patent flats $59.00 at SteveMadden.com. 
STYLE TIP: Gently rounded-toe ballet flats are one of the best fashion investments you can make…ever. They are versatile, comfy, and because you can wear them for years, they quickly pay for themselves.
Splurge of the Week: ONE-SHOULDERED GOWN Although she wears many high-end designers, one of the best facets of Mrs. O’s style is that she mixes high with low, proudly sporting pieces from affordable retailers. While the one-shouldered Jason Wu confection she wore to the Inaugural Ball is probably out of most of our pricepoints – a typical Wu evening gown retails between $3,000-$6,000, and the designer has no plans to reproduce the dress for sale – try a similar style that was featured on Inside Edition from eDressMe.com. Even though it only costs about a tenth as much, this version still features a single ruched shoulder with embellishment, a high waist, and a floor-length skirt, as well as tiny flowered sequins similar to the hand-sewn flowers on Mrs. O’s custom dress. One-shoulder white gown $320 at eDressMe.com. 
STYLE TIP: With a dress this gorge, the only thing appropriate would be a miniscule white evening clutch to let the ball gown’s beauty shine on its own.
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.
– by Carly J. Cais, Fashiontribes Contributing Editor
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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 21, 2008 | Fashion, Media
How to Layer from Summer into Fall into Winter by
Fashiontribes
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.
You’ve just got your summer wardrobe all figured out when suddenly the seasons change, so quickly that even the most level-headed fashionista can be sent into a tailspin, wondering what to wear. While it’s not quite cold enough for winter proper, the temperature is still chilly enough to require a mad reshuffling of closet basics. The trick to getting the most mileage out of anything in your closet, even breezy, sheer summer items? Layer, layer, layer…but stay safely on this side of the Yeti/baglady line. Try any of these five picks which deliver major fashion mileage for the least amount of cash:
FEATHERED HEADBAND So Blair Waldorf-worthy with its Gossip Girl sensibility, this handmade satin-covered headband is a fabulous homage to plumage. The spray of feathers in either brown with cream rings or turquoise shot through with yellow is captivating and unique, and a lovely adornment for those both long- and short-tressed. But don’t let its Jazz-Age feel force you into pairing it solely with beaded flapper dresses (though it would look gorge even if you did) – play down its feminine sweetness by adding black leggings and a motorcycle jacket, or go all out in cashmere and chiffon for that hot date. Flapper Headband $38, ShopIntuition.com (be sure to take advantage of free shipping during the month of November).
SUEDED BOOTIE Booties are huge right now, and this pair is right on-trend, stylish (love the scrunch top and Victorian’esque covered buttons), and priced under $40. The 2.5″ stacked heel means you can walk comfortably in them, whether they’re Kate Moss chic with skinny denim and a tuxedo jacket with the sleeves rolled up, or paired with bold tights and a groovy ultra mini. Decree Princeton Short Scrunch Boot, AZjeans.com – priced at $35 (sale), why not snap up a pair in each color: black & wine?
WIDE LEATHER BELT From coats, to bulky sweaters, crisp shirts, dresses, trenches, and even evening gowns…it’s more of a question of what isn’t belted this season. To anchor an outfit, create a waspish waist, and balance out the length of a floor-skimming skirt, a wide belt is perfect; after dark, it delivers deliciously offbeat style over a bright wool swing coat or elegant chiffon frock. Labyrinth Leather Belt $48, UrbanOutfitters.com.
METAL CLUTCH Minaudiere, portmanteu, reticule, or box clutch – regardless of what you call it, a rose is a rose is a rose…and this multi-named multi-tasker easily elevates any outfit to glam status. Tiny and delicate, yet still large enough to fit all your essentials (credit cards, cash, keys, lipstick, mineral powder makeup, mints…), this gold oval clutch shouldn’t be limited only to evenings out. During the day, pair with ripped denim and a skinny scarf, or a long belted blazer and tone-on-tone leggings and shoes. Besides…going handbag-minimalist will completely differentiate you from the throng of gigantic, cumbersome carryalls – and make you look like you just stepped out of a chic, glamorous soiree to get some air. Bombon Handbag $69, MangoShop.com.
DEEP-V NECK SWEATER To disguise the face that you’re actually wearing a dress under everything, this slim-cut sweater is an essential. The deep V shows off a necessary amount of skin to balance the amount you’re covering up, while the patch pockets and ribbing draw the eye up, and the waist is cinched in by your fab wide belt. Short sleeves keep the piece from becoming too bulky, and paired over a turtleneck (we like this lightweight C & C California Coffee Turtleneck) with sleeves pushed up to the elbow for another show of skin, it’s picture perfect. Alternatively, wear it on its own over a pair of cream trousers, a tartan A-line skirt, or leggings and booties. Ribbed Cable Sweater Tunic $23, Forever21.com.
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SPLURGE OF THE WEEK: Glam Dress Just because it’s a party dress doesn’t mean it needs to be relegated to the back of your closet, save for that occasional fete! This decadent silk maxi has flattering shirring in front and gathers at the waist, and is lightweight enough that it can be covered in several layers and not bulk you up, yet fluid enough that it maintains a sexy vibe. Dress it down during the day belted under a sweater, and back up for night, sans sweater, and with a jumble of chains & pearls (the messier the better) and a vintage fur shrug. Available in goes-with-everything black or dazzling Teal for $175, BananaRepublic.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
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Oct 31, 2008 | Fashion
I love this. Sometimes I feel completely clueless when it comes to styling accessories I don’t usually wear – and those celeb-inspired-L.A.-made-scarves-that-aren’t-really-kep-you-warm-winter-scarves-that-make-Rachel-Ray-to-be-mistaken-for-an-Arab-in-a-donut-commercial trend? Place me back in kindergarten. That’s why these two little how-to’s have done wonders for my scarf-tying range:
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