Carly's Chic Steals and Fashion Deals of the Week: Bling on the Holidays in Style

by Carly J. Cais, Fashion Designer

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 five hot designer-style steals (each for $100 or, in most cases, for much, much less)...along with one splurge-worthy item.

Now that it's December, it's the perfect time for over-the-top, sparkle-til-you-drop, fabulous glittery-embellished pieces. The stores are brimming with a bounty of jazzy jeweled items, so there's no excuse not to frolick festively...whether you snatch up steals & deals or invest in well-priced quality items.

Here are the glittery goods you'll want to add to your holiday must-haves:

LEOPARD PRINT DRESS Most holiday parties are dominated by black, silver, and red...boring, boring, and more b-o-r-i-n-g! Why not head out on the prowl in this fab silk (yes, silk!) frock from Forever21's sister company, TwelvebyTwelve? Eyecatching sparklies peek out around the neckline, and it even comes with its own belt for days when you want to skip the hassle of accessorizing. Pair with killer stilettos, sweep a sparkling body powder on your collarbone, and prepare to be the cat's meow at your next soiree. Jeweled Silk Minidress $60 - TwelveByTwelve.com.

EVENING PUMP WITH OOMPH A girl's gotta have a shapely, super-hot heel to hotfoot it through the season in high style. Try something with a pattern or embellishment. (Love the fact that the stones on these kicks create a chic floral pattern rather than just being applied randomly with all the care of a Rorshach blob.) The sculptural 4" heel makes legs look endless, and the side cut-out flashes a sexy swathe of skin. Peeking out from a under a frayed jean or paired with a poufy party dress, they'll easily earn back their $70 pricetag in endless wearings & compliments. Stone-Bedazzled Satin Pump $70 (sale), Carabella.com.

BOLD HEADBAND When oversized jewel-encrusted headbands came down the Marc Jacobs Fall runway, fashion insiders literally ran to lay hands on them. More reasonably priced options have been popping up - like this chic metallic version that somehow manages to remain understated & elegant, while still delivering on the sparkly with the huge & attention-grabbing off-center jewel. At $12, be sure to stock up on both colors which will compliment everything from your black cashmere turtleneck to that heinous holiday sweater you just know your relatives are expecting you to wear at holiday family gatherings (thank god you're in good company with Colin Firth in Bridget Jones's Diary). Jane Headband $12 each, ShopSueyBoutique.com.

EMBELLISHED LEGGINGS As the Year of the Legging, the endless parade of black-gray-brown is getting tired. If you really want to highlight those gams, slip on this allover-embellished pair. Keep the tunic & booties neutral, and turn up the sparkle in your accessories for a late-80s Madonna feel...the perfect antidote to dreary winter days. Embellished Leggings $14, Fashionjunkee.com.

SPARKLY CLUTCH Think "J. Crew" and probably what jumps to mind are casual staples. However, give the retail giant a closer look for unexpected finds like this glittery clutch - petite, yet roomy enough for the wallet-keys-cellphone-lipstick necessities. Almost like a soft-sided Judith Leiber, but at a much savvier $40 pricepoint! The problem? Choosing between gold, graphite & black. Twinkle Clutch $40 (sale), JCrew.com.

SPLURGE OF THE WEEK: FANCY CARDIGAN Whether it's with a slim pencil skirt, luxe party dress, or your most chic jeans, this gorge embellished cardigan is the epitome of class. The cropped swingy shape & feminine sleeve are perfectly complemented by the four oversized buttons on the front and sparkles aplenty cascading down your shoulders. Since more is more, go all the way with some fab sparkly earrings and keep your myriad admirers drooling for more. LaRok Boho Cardigan $350, VibeTheBoutique.com.

If there are any high-priced pieces you'd like me to find similar, less-pricey versions of, please email me at *carlyjcais AT riveted-clothing.com*. 'Til next week, fellow bargain-hunters!

- Carly J. Cais