To Louis (Vuitton) or not to LV...time-traveling fashion...chic kicks...a paint-by-numbers Hermes bag...amazing hair care...celeb looks for less...menswear with a message...check out the best fashion, beauty, men's fashion & lifestyle posts of the week:
by Carly J. Cais, Fashion Designer & ChicSteals blog
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.
This summer, be the envy of the crowd in a cute suit. There are tons of pre-Summer sales to choose from, making this the time to snag some swimwear for a song. Here are five ways to stay cool by the pool or brave the waves in style this season:
Continue reading "Carly's Chic Steals and Fashion Deals of the Week: Sexy Swimwear" »
Corsets, bustles, top hats, neckties and frock coats are mainstays, while military, scientific, gothic and boudoir influences create a sepia-toned look that evokes H.G. Wells, Jules Verne, and romantic 20th Century Victorian fantasies. However, the commando swagger that transcends time and even gender - and the fact that while it may look like Oscar Wilde's dressing room, the lace tablecloth actually disguises a computer or other modern contraption - sets this aesthetic firmly in the modern age.
Continue reading "The Age of Discovery, But on a Sexy Steampunk Time-Travel Bender" »
MyItThings.com - a leading publisher of user-generated fashion content - just announced their latest online contest designed to discover and showcase emerging talent. Their It Designer Contest will be judged by Project Runway alum Malan Breton; the former Editor-in-Chief of Life & Style Sheryl Berk; C Magazine Executive Editor, Nathan Cooper; designer Keith Lissner; and MyItThings Editor-in-Chief and Co-Founder, Yuli Ziv. Through July 15, designers can submit five previously-created looks, and site users will then vote for their top 10 fave designers. The overall winner will be determined by a combined vote of 50% by the judges and 50% by the community.
Continue reading "Are You the Next "It" Fashion Designer? Put It to a Vote." »
Starting May 15, Gap will be celebrating their sponsorship of the 2008 Whitney Biennial - held every two years to highlight important contemporary American art - with the launch of their first-ever Artist Edition T-Shirt series. Co-presented by the Whitney Museum of American Art and the non-profit Art Production Fund (dedicated to expanding awareness of art via ambitious public art projects), this extremely limited edition collection is designed by 13 previous Biennial participants and some of today's most influential artists: Chuck Close, Jeff Koons, Marilyn Minter, Kiki Smith, Cai Guo-Qiang, Barbara Kruger, Ashley Bickerton, Kenny Scharf, Glenn Ligon, Rirkrit Tiravanija, Kerry James Marshall, Hanna Liden and Sarah Sze.
Continue reading "Whitney Biennial Artist Tees for Gap Bridge the Gap between Art & Fashion" »
Ah, finally! After an interminably long wait, fashionistas the world over are thrilled to ditch the re-runs and get a fresh fix of Sex and the City. Who really cares about the plot. What matters most about the movie? Carrie's outfits, Carrie's outfits, and, of course, Carrie's outfits.
Continue reading "Sarah Jessica Parker Pulls a Carrie Bradshaw on the Red Carpet" »
Tuxes, corsages, and bridesmaid'ish dresses...prom is a tuxedo'd and tiara'd rite of passage for millions of high schoolers that, a recent survey of 60,000 teens found, is actually a major source of stress: what to wear, who to go with, and how to foot the bill. This being 2008 rather than 1958, they also revealed that they wish their social event of the season was less like their mother's. “We all know real-world proms can be a little played out, notes Project Runway Season 4 winner, Christian Siriano, the King of All Things Fierce who will be designing an exclusive line of prom garb for avatars attending Gaia Online's first-ever virtual prom, Prom Crashers (sort of a Prom 3.0 - with fashions and dance-offs, but no annoying chaperones or huge expenses).
Continue reading "Christian Siriano Designs a Prom Gown...for Your Online Avatar" »
In the short amount of time since launching her eponymous line with the signature Lucky Six necklace, Barbara Campbell has already been collecting raves and fans like Eyewitness News Anchor Lori Stokes, and beauty maven Mally Roncal.
"All of my jewelry is handmade," she explains about her necklaces, rings, bracelets and earrings which are crafted using techniques such as wrapping, hammering, knitting, braiding, knotting and crocheting techniques. "I am inspired by nature. My choices of stones, which include amethyst, geode, and onyx, are my favorite. I carefully select them based on their natural shapes. I don’t polish or mold the stones, I choose to preserve their natural shape and like to hang them from delicate 14K gold filled and sterling silver chains, which gives them amazing versatility...My concept is to remain simple and elegant. I feel the strongest statements are made with the fewest words. I believe the same can be said for my designs.”
Continue reading "Hamptons Style via Brooklyn from Jewelry Designer Barbara Campbell" »
The Academy of Art University in San Francisco recently hosted a fashion symposium with fashion designer Ralph Rucci (the only American invited to show his exquisite clothing under his own name at the Paris Haute Couture), retired designer James Galanos (who dressed former first lady Nancy Reagan and diva Diana Ross), Michael Fink of Saks Fifth Avenue (VP Women's Fashion Director), and moderated by the fabulous Cameron Silver of Decades (the A-list vintage boutique).
[UPDATE: The discussion is heating up! The Manolo, The Runway Scoop and other bloggers have weighed in with their thoughts, which have been included at the end.]
The purpose of the panel was to discuss the state of fashion, which Rucci kicked off with a passionate rant against the press, accusing it (us!) of helping to "ruin" fashion by placing too much emphasis on unrealistic designs that make for eyecatching editorials but have nothing, apparently, to do with "real" women and "real" fashion.
After his dad and grandfather both die at sea, leaving genius sushi chef Tsukasa Maizu understandably fish averse, he begins channeling his energies into the martial arts instead...until he is advised by someone in the know: "If you can master the art of rolling sushi, you will understand the essence of martial arts." So the Sushi Prince relents, and mayhem ensues...with over-the-top fist fights, karate...and sushi-making galore!
The fun, gossipy game of musical chairs starring Nina Garcia, Elle and Project Runway is still afoot.
Since parting ways with Elle magazine, Nina Garcia is rumored to be going to Marie Claire...which might be replacing Elle as the sponsoring partner of Project Runway...which is itself transitioning from Bravo to the Lifetime Network (starting with Season 6 in November)...even as MC's Fashion Director, Tracy Taylor, is apparently leaving...which handily paves the way for Garcia.
"We have no changes in Marie Claire's fashion department to announce at this time," a Hearst spokesperson cryptically emailed Fashion Week Daily. Hmmm...considering how precipitously the magazine's newsstand sales have plummeted since EIC Lesley Jane Seymour's exit almost two years ago, an infusion of Project Runway fabulousness could be just what the circulation doctor ordered.
One of the best weapons in the anti-aging arsenal is exercise, yet staying motivated can require as much effort as actual exercise. To stay on-track, here are some easy ways to sneak in exercise, eat like a non-fat French chick, look chic, and take your coiffure from post-gym to after-hours.
WALK & TALK Your gym membership maybe moldering, but all that time you're on the phone could be put to use sculpting your gams. Simply slip on some Shape Up Shoes and stroll about for at least 30 minutes a day - the muscles used to maintain your balance strengthen like a Stairmaster, pump blood in ways that fight varicose veins and cellulite, and even help fight lower back pain. On your next business trip, tuck a pair in your suitcase and come back in better shape...and all for $40. Available at ShapeUpShoes.com.
Continue reading "Some Sneaky Ways to Stay Svelte on the Go" »
Instead of the usual lace and ribbons of beloved (but predictable) Lise Charmel, Aubade, and Cadolle, the devoted lingerie-fetishist needs something more...more flirty, more aggressive, more downright dangerous.
Borrowing from bondage-gear but without the brutality, and going graphic without being graphic, innovative Rotterdam-based designer Marlies Dekkers fashions architecturally cantilevered bras and undies using multiple mini-straps, geometric designs and surprising color combinations. Her techno fabrics are easy-care, remarkably comfy, and seamless - even in the D and DD sizes - so only you will know that you're wearing some seriously sexy strappy scanties....unless you care to share. un|dressed is available at MarliesDekkers.nl.
- Jennifer Raiser, aka Raiseroni, the San Francisco Treat
Continue reading "Naughty Knickers with a Versace-Meets-Mondrian Vibe" »
You love Loubies, Birkin bags, and Gwen Stefani's style...but how do you keep track of who's wearing which of your fave brands, and what the ultra-stylish are rocking? Instead of having to scour piles of magazines or troll endless blogs (unless you want to), the newly-launched Coolspotters online community cleverly does the legwork. They cross-reference all the products, trends, events, awards, movies, music videos, celebs, biz bigwigs - and, since it is an election year after all, politicians - making it easy to search for so it's easy to find out who's wearing your fave Manolos, brandishing the latest must-have iGadget, or what Katherine Heigl's stylist put her in for her latest red carpet outing.
Continue reading "Keep up with What the Cool Kids are Wearing" »
by Carly J. Cais, Fashion Designer & ChicSteals blog
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.
This Spring has seen the comeback of the breezy California Hippie chic from the 70's with flirty, fun frocks that are feminine, relaxed, and comfortable. To take the look from sweltering city streets to the beach, simply switch out the accessories! Here are some laid-back and lovely bohemian picks guaranteed to bring on the Flower Power:
Continue reading "Carly's Chic Steals and Fashion Deals of the Week: Boho Babe" »
"Is it that guys don’t know if we’re available? Are they intimidated by the idea of starting a conversation? Is there a way we could let them know that we’re available…and approachable?"
When cute girls need to ponder such dilemmas, action needs to be taken. Which the enterprising - and single - Kristen & Tamera did with SingleTease, a fun line of message tees that sends the right message: Hello! I'm single & looking, so ask me out already! Spark a convo with boy scouting (are you prepared?); just ask me (out); support your local library (check me out); say hello.; and looking for good pickup lines. Available at SingleTease.com.
- Lesley Scott
Continue reading "Fun Message Tees for Singles on the Hunt" »
FabSugar unveils their mascot (icon?) Fab's new spring look with some YSL Tribute sandals!
Coquette loves grey handbags for Summer.
The Fashionable Housewife is giving away a FREE Missouri Creve Coeur Bag!
The Coveted opens a European Vintage Shoppe
I'm Not Obsessed shows off Michelle Trachtenberg’s Jewelry Line “Bella Veritas”
Are you petite and curvy? Omiru has the best dresses for busty babes
Fashionably late or right on time with this chic Dior diamond watch at Lux Lotus...your choice...
Cheap JAP finds a way to wear leather and still be green.
Fashiontribes heads South of the border for a taste of fresh fashion design talent from Mexico.
Pair an Hermes enamel cuff & a Dolce & Gabbana Elefante hobo bag and feel ele-phantastic suggests A Few GoodyGumdrops
Meet makeup maven Sam Fine in an insightful and in-depth interview at The Fashion Bomb.
You feeling lucky? Visit Stylenotes for the chance to win a $100 Lucky Brand Jeans Gift Certificate!
V-Style has the gossip on where to find affordable Chanel Style Knee-High Gladiator Sandals
Some Sexy spring scents unearthed by The Organic Beauty Expert
- Lesley Scott
Continue reading "The Fashiontribes Week in Chic: Great Links to Check Out" »
Bag Borrow or Steal is featured in the new Sex and the City movie, and to celebrate, they're sponsoring a fun giveaway of tickets to the NYC SATC premiere. There are three ways to enter - so try all 3:
1) borrow handbags or jewelry (counts for any item borrowed through May 9th); 2) take the SATC Purse-onality quiz; or 3) submit a YouTube video in the Style Profile Contest.
The video should be 10 minutes or less and illustrate which SATC character you are based on the bags and accessories in your closet. Check out this fun, cheeky video for inspiration. The lucky winner gets a trip for two to NYC, tix to the premiere, plus a $500 BBoS borrowing credit!
Videos will be judged based on how creative they are, the audio/visual quality, and most importantly, the expression of the SATC style...and one of the judges is yours truly! You have until May 9 at 11:50 pm NYC time to enter, and the Grand Prize winner will be announced on May 20.
For all the deets, visit BagBorrowOrSteal.com.
- Lesley Scott
A recent piece in the The New York Observer on makeup-eschewing, sneaker-loving, pant-only wearing "urbane tomboys" - whose practical, anti-girlie wardrobe of well-tailored jeans and tees is borrowed from the boys - shows how deeply fashion and feminism are intertwined.
American Vogue editrix showed up at the Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute Gala in this creation, a Chanel Couture design reworked by Karl Lagerfeld to fit into the evening's theme of exploring the transformative powers of fashion. A fun Newsday piece by Joseph Amodio pointed out that the eyecatching nautilus shell-shaped epaulets and pockets (built for more than just hands) is actually common in fashion history which is replete with examples of designers experimenting with various silhouettes - natural or otherwise. Bloggers, being bloggers, reacted more along the lines of: "Oh my God!!! Princess Leia!!" (Gawker), "it's one of a kind which is good because we don't need two of those" (wizbangpop.com), and "Just add matching Verdura cuffs and she could zoom off and fight (fashion) crime the world over" (yes, yours truly)
The one thing everyone seems to be in agreement about? Unlike her normally chic but boring safe Prada proclivities, she avoided the cardinal style sin: being boring.
- Lesley Scott
Continue reading "Anna Wintour Takes a Fashion Risk & We Have Our Say in Newsday" »
Click on their newly-launched Layer It feature, and enjoy seeing how your combinations look on the mannequin so you'll know how the end product will look. Or, if for some unfathomable reason you've outgrown playing (online) paper dolls, Shop by Outfit features entire looks on moving models so you can get more of a sense of how it will work in your offline closet. Not happy with your choices? In addition to free shipping, they also offer free - and hassle-free - returns. Check it out at MartinAndOsa.com.
- Lesley Scott