Steal That Style!: Garcelle Beauvais

Aug 11, 2011 | Fashion

Welcome to another installment of Steal That Style!, where I feature a celebrity’s recent outfit and break it down into the Steal-able (that is, similar pieces that are affordable) and the DIY-able.

Garcelle Beauvais attended the premiere of “The Help” in Beverly Hills on Wednesday of this week in a bold and bright outfit. It’s not too hard to dye a boring white blouse into a vivid pop of color, and whip up some fashionable DIY accessories to go with the look. Here’s how to get a similar outfit for a whole lot less:

How to Get Her Look

Stylish Steals

Leopard Belt: Leopard Skinny Belt, $24.90, Express.com.

Chunky Ring: Faux Marble Ring, $1.50, Forever21.com.

Bright Pants: Blue Pleat-Front Tapered Trousers, Topshop.com.

DIY Deals

Necklace: This sparkly statement necklace looks (to me) simply like a bunch of clear octagonal crystals strung together with chain links. Buy a Clear Strand of Glass Crystal wholesale from a chandelier supply company; string together with links separated from Gold-Plated Aluminum Cable Chain.

Top: This look can be accomplished just using even one bright color – and to dye a white blouse this sunny yellow is not that difficult. Thanks to Lucky Magazine‘s feature on how to dye your clothes (reposted above), the whole process is demystified. Choose the right dye for the type of fabric, pre-treat to ensure the dye “takes,” and follow the after-care instructions to set. RIT powder dye in lemon yellow would be a good color match.

Clutch: DIY this snap-closure piece using a large eyeglass case (from Studs and Pearls); spray-paint silver or even add a Snakeskin Decal (originally a sticker for your iPod) to dress up the front.

Proof that you don’t need a celeb’s money to look like a million bucks!

xoxox

Carly

Garcelle Beauvais photo credit: Getty Images. All other photos copyright of their respective authors. White Shirt photo source. Photo array by me.

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DIY Inspiration from Project Runway

Aug 10, 2011 | Fashion

So how many of you are uber-excited about Project Runway coming back for its 9th and latest season??!

Though many people out there criticize each successive generation of designers, saying there’s never anyone as creative or talented as Jay, Christian, or Leanne from previous seasons…rather than compare and contrast I’d rather celebrate just some great ideas for fashion that appear on TV each week. I mean, this is the show that made DIY a household name – and “make it work” a national slogan, giving the average viewer an intimate glimpse of just how much work fashion really is.

Here are a couple ideas I’ve seen so far and thought they’d be great to incorporate into future DIY’s:

Bert’s design, Episode 1

Wear a v-neck camisole underneath, and use a button-down shirt (or sheet!) with strategic tying to create a toga-like getup.

Olivier’s design, Episode 1

Take a leaf from Alexander Wang’s Olivier’s playbook and replace the sleeves on a woven garment with sleeves made of sweatshirt fabric.

Viktor’s design, Episode 1

Use contrasting fabric to cover the collar of a simple dress or blouse for a graphic pop of interest.

Anthony Ryan’s design, Episode 2

Though sunflower seeds may not be the most appropriate material, adding embellishment to a high-collared dress (like beads, rhinestones, or nailheads) makes the piece utterly chic.

Anya’s design, Episode 2

Colorful ropes woven in a body-conscious pattern make a bold statement.

Danielle’s design, Episode 2

Utilize a net bag or open-stitch fabric to create an outer layer for your outfit.

Who are you rooting for? I’m drawn to Anya, because of her signature style, but for design skills alone it’s still too early to tell. Viktor or Olivier? Maybe Danielle? I can’t wait to see the next episode tomorrow!

xoxox
Carly

-all photos from MyLifetime.com

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Back from Camping: Silver Falls, OR Photo Diary

Aug 8, 2011 | Fashion

Myself, Hub, and Lil Tot went on an impromptu camping trip yesterday (well, we had only started planning it on Friday) to Silver Falls, Oregon. We only stayed about a day but it was the first time we had gone camping together as a family (if you don’t count the dry run we tried last summer in the backyard where the dog barked all night since we had brought her into the tent with us).

We managed to erect the tent without throwing out our backs, managed to sleep the night without defaulting to sleeping in the car (though Lil Tot has been sniffling today; I think he caught a cold from not wearing a hat while sleeping); managed to cook both dinner and breakfast on the fire (though there were some very burnt blueberry pancakes), and managed two hikes while we stayed there.

I had no idea, but apparently this area is classified as “temperate rainforest”…I always had this image of rainforests being warm. It was overcast and chilly (in the 50’s to mid-60’s); a typical Oregon August.

We saw multiple mini-tornados (are they called dervishes or something else?? I have no idea.) springing up on farmland on the drive in; and on the hikes, an anthill seething with ants; orange raspberries; tons of foxgloves; a slug longer than my hand; and a 93-foot waterfall. It was the perfect length for a little mini-vacation, and everybody enjoyed themselves.

Maybe next time, we’ll even bring the dog.

xoxox
Carly

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Objects of Desire: Late Summer 2011

Aug 1, 2011 | Fashion

(just click on the photo to see the product linked)

I always find that even when I think I don’t need another single thing in my wardrobe, clicking on over to ASOS.com always proves me wrong. I see this – I see that – I start drooling – my “how can I DIY this?” wheels start spinning – and before I know it, I start having dreams about a certain top or dress or bag or shoes (glitter peacock platforms anyone?).

I know, I know – I’m probably the worst example of rampant consumerism…but a world filled with frills and charming prints and lace and sparkly things is a world that makes me happy.

xoxox

Carly

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