To celebrate your stylish new grad, it’s a wonderful idea to gift something useful, commemorating the occasion marking this life event. Personally, I’m a big fan of either a piece of must-have jewelry or a special watch for the occasion: an adult item that will accompany her on her journey from school and beyond.… Read More—>
Category Archives: Objects of Desire
8 Chic Gifts for Grads: Celebrate Graduation with Style
Neon + White Shopping Picks
I’m quite obviously having a huge neon moment. Neon and brights seem to evoke the best of warm weather: sunny Summer days, lazy vacations, and fun. Neon looks especially fresh this 2013 by pairing it with white: a bright neutral to offset the eye-searing color pop. Here are a couple of my favorite pieces going into this season:
1. Flowing Sarong Trousers, $79.90 and Studded Clear Tote, $19.80 / 2. Power Play Blazer, $78 and Triangle Collar Necklace, $25.46 / 3. Jack by BB Dakota Intern of Honor Skirt, $40.99 and Santiago Neon Watch, $75
4. Chinese Laundry Joyride Ankle Cuff Heels, $93 and What a Sight Mini Skirt, $10.95 / 5. Caroline Baggi Neon Green Punky Bracelet, $85 6. Release Sunglasses in Wizard White Jade, $25 7. Aldo Bergeron Clutch, $40 and Factory Neon Stud Earrings, $16.50
How do you feel about neon? Too youthful, too crazy, too 80′s? Or can’t get enough? Let me know in the comments section!
xo
Carly
Personalized Jewelry from Max & Chloe
MaxandChloe.com is one of the premiere destinations online for fashionable, fabulous jewelry – servicing all price points from $5 – $1500, and carrying more than 300 designer brands. They also offer one of the widest arrays of personalized jewelry on the Internet.
(Ring: Blue Bijoux Gold Zipper Ring, also c/o Max & Chloe)
I’ve been wanting an initial necklace for awhile (and had been thinking to DIY one, but due to the cost of the metal stamps I didn’t want to splurge for an entire set when I only wanted two letters for my necklace). I had also been wanting a delicate necklace to layer with other necklaces: something non-obtrusive, understated, and chic. Max and Chloe contacted me and offered an item of jewelry from their collection, and I quickly snapped up the Urban Sweetpea Double Oval Personalized Initial Pendant Necklace ($90).
I was truly taken with the vintage-esque typewriter font, oxidized for readability, set in the teensy-tiny oval tags. For the personalization, I ended up choosing a C (for my name, Carly), and a K for…well, someone close to my heart 
I have been wearing it nonstop since it arrived in the mail (accompanied by a very elegant Max & Chloe-branded pouch…in which all their jewelry is packaged, by the way!).
Here are some other personalized pieces from the Max & Chloe website which caught my eye:
1. Kendra Phillip Reversible Cursive Initial Pendant Necklace, $50 / 2. Jordann Sterling Silver Magnolia Signet Ring, $230 / 3. Rose Gold Swirly Initial Stud Earrings, $90 / 4. Nashelle Identity Initial Ring, $50 5. West Avenue Jewelry Diamond Sweetheart Pendant Necklace, $595
6. Sandy Hyun Personalized Yellow Stud Earrings, $35 / 7. Carrie Saxi Siver and Gold Double Initial Bracelet, $100 / 8. Grey Lee Charmed Initial Wrap Bracelet, $100
Which piece(s) catches your eye? I’m drooling over the Jordann Magnolia Signet ring, but the Nashelle Identity Ring is a lovely (and affordable) substitute.
Come back tomorrow to see how I wore my Urban Sweetpea Double Initial necklace!
xo
Carly
Going to Lollapalooza, Coachella, or Bonnaroo? Here’s Your Music Festival Fashion Must-Haves!
Heading into music festival season what’s on everyone’s minds (besides the great music and fun parties on the horizon)…is the fashion! Lollapalooza, Coachella, Governor’s Ball, Bonnaroo…wherever you’re headed there’s some must-have attire you need to bring. Here are a few awesome must-haves for your next music festival or concert event (or other Spring gathering):1. Captain Thunder Sunglasses in Charcoal Blue, $99 / 2. Studded Fringe Crossbody Purse
, $49.95 / 3. Field Trip Crochet Dress, $42
4. It’s All Good Bustier, $49.99 / 5. OS Accessories Bone Cuff Bracelet, $28 / 6. Golden Child iPhone Case, $11.64 / 7. ZAD Shark Fight Necklace, $18 / 8. Pink & Pepper Marrakech Boot, $69.90
Happy Musical Festivities – and Rock on, ladies!
xo
Carly
Citrus Brights Spring Wishlist Inspired By: Sushi Memo Blocks
The cold weather is beginning to abate, and Spring is soon on its heels with a burst of fresh, bright, citrusy colors. Inspired by these adorable sushi-style memo pads (a total non-sequitur, I have to admit), I’ve put together a wishlist of happy citron hues that will hopefully usher in more balmy days.
1. Pointed Leather Flat Shoes with Metal Skull, $108.99 / 2. Light Curve Dress – Tanline, $165 / 3. ASOS Bunting Arrow Necklace, $21.05
4. Prabal Gurung for Target Look 7, $16.99-$39.99 / 5. Honeybadger Cardinal Sunglasses, $99 / 6. DV by Dolce Vita The Archer Sandal
, $69
7. Apt 9 Emma Satchel, $41.30
Sushi Memo Block by Nico, available here
xo
Carly
DIY 7 Major Spring Trends for 2013
Spring is just around the corner – and I can’t wait to update my wardrobe with all the fun trends on they way. Get a head start with some DIY ideas for these major Spring 2013 trends:
#7: Delicate White Lace
Pristine, white, and sweet: cutwork and lace evoked innocence at Emilio Pucci and Giambattista Valli (above). Try lacy lingerie peeking out of a boxy top, or fully embrace the trend with a pretty lace dress.
…or, DIY this trend with my Lace Maxi-Skirt made from a Curtain
#6: Peekaboo Pieces
Spring is one of the best times to show a little skin, and BCBG Max Azria (above) and Cushnie et Ochs thought the same. Update your wardrobe with some strategically-placed cutouts to let the sun in.
…or, DIY this trend with A Pair and a Spare’s Carven Inspired Cut Out Mini Dress
#5: Black Mesh
Mesh was super-sexy at Celine (above) and Calvin Klein, and just a little of it goes a long way. Try adding a small insert into a key piece in your wardrobe, or wear a mesh top over a tank for a sporty feel.
…or, DIY this trend with my Alexander Wang Mesh Insert Sweater
#4: Leather
Seen on the runways at Derek Lam (above) and Jason Wu, leather is still going strong through Spring. For a lighter feel, try a leather piece in a color besides black, or just add leather (or pleather) accents to your clothes.
…or, DIY this trend with Love Aesthetics’ Minimal White Leather Top
#3: Black and White Contrast
With the 60′s-influence seen in Collection after Collection, big blocks of black and white dominated. Go totally mod with these neutrals like at Chanel and Proenza Schouler.
…or, DIY this trend with my Chanel-Style Black-and-White Cape
#2: Flower Prints
Every Spring, flowers pop up on clothing all over the runways, celebrating the season of renewal and rebirth as we emerge from frozen throes. See: Mary Katrantzou and Thakoon, for starters.
…or, DIY this trend with …love, Maegan’s Floral Print Jeans
#1: Thick Stripes
It was like a day at the circus (or, revisiting Twiggy and Edie Sedgwick) at Marc Jacobs (above) and Michael Kors. Fully embrace the trend with a pair of vertically-striped pants…or just keep it understated with a simple top.
…or, DIY this trend with Refinery29′s Make a DIY Breton Striped Shirt with Spray Paint
What trends are you excited for this coming season?
xo
Carly
All photos from their respective authors, or from Style.com.
Object of Desire: Photo-Print Dress
There is this dress that I can’t wait for ModCloth to get back in stock…that I see in my dreams…
It’s a Wonderful Life Dress by Bernie Dexter, $155.99
Bernie Dexter has the most amazing photo-print dresses on ModCloth, but all around the same price point. Somewhat of an investment.
….Alternatively, one could bypass the wait (and the cost) by ordering something like this fabric from Spoonflower (or getting your own favorite snowy cottage scene printed with them!). I’d advise getting your print from them in cotton sateen, maybe about 2 yards (depending on your waist size and the way the pattern lies on the fabric). This is also another lovely alternative photo print on Spoonflower.
Then just choose a coordinating fabric for the top of your dress from the fabric store, do a rub-off of a dress you own (or try using a retro-style pattern, like this one from BurdaStyle)…and there’s a perfectly beautiful photo-print retro dress…for a whole lot less.;-)
Stay chic~
Carly
Object of Desire: Grey City The Rebel Shoe With Cross
Grey City The Rebel Shoe with Cross in Purple Haze, $200
I’m loving the shoe line Grey City and their alluringly gothic take on the standard black wedge – it makes me want to drape myself in head-to-toe black, shredded tees, and DIY Rick Owens accoutrements. Maybe it’s my inner Daria…or maybe what Daria would have been in 2012.
See the Grey City line here
and here
xoxox
Carly
Halloween-Themed Clothing & Accessories for Any Day of the Year…Buy It or DIY It!
Fall is my favorite time of year, especially October that culminates in the spooky, cool holiday of Halloween.
Gothic-inspired black becomes commonplace this time of year; crosses and skull jewelry abound, and crazy, dark makeup looks hardly out of place. But why buy when you can DIY? Here are some ideas for must-have pieces this time of year…that can still be worn beyond the holiday, and that are all easily duped with a little creativity:
I WANT: Chunky Skull Jewelry
BUY: Chibi Jewels Tiny Skull Stud Earrings, $45 / Karma Mantra Crystal Skull Bhaala Bracelet, $48
…or DIY: Fire Mountain Gems Bead Mix, Imitation Howlite, $7.40 / Oriental Trading Co. Silvertone Skull Charms, $4.99
I WANT: Gothic Printed Clothing
BUY: Romwe Cross-Print Distressed Jumper, $35.90 / ASOS Foil Tapestry Skull Shirt, $31.66
…or DIY: use my Alexander McQueen-Inspired Skull-Print Scarf Tutorial as inspiration, but cut a cross stencil and use Simply Spray in Silver Glimmer
I WANT: Tights That Make Me Shudder
BUY: Pamela Mann Sheer Crosses Tights, $15 / BAT Print Tights, $13.23
…or DIY: use my Super-Easy Tattoo Tights Tutorial and draw your favorite shapes on yourself! Laundry Sharpie Marker & White Sharpie Paint Marker
Yarn photo source
I WANT: A Dark Cut-Out Dress
BUY: Shakuhachi NY Sweat Dress, $158 / Roped MaxiDress, $88
…or DIY: Take a long T-shirt and do this to it. Hanes Beefy T Adult Short-Sleeved T-Shirt, $10.50.
Scissors photo source
I WANT: Deep Oxblood-Colored Lipstick
BUY: Makeup Forever No. 44 Rouge Artist Intense Lipstick, $19
…or DIY: Beetroot Lipstick: 1 tablespoon beetroot powder, 1 tablespoon vegetable glycerin (or regular glycerin if you are okay with using animal products), 1/2 teaspoon vitamin E oil or olive oil. 1) Put the vegetable glycerin and beetroot powder in a saucer and stir the mixture until it’s smooth. 2) Add the vitamin E oil and apply. [source: Guardian News and Media]
Any Halloween-style projects you’re inspired to do this time of year?
xoxox
Carly
Colors Trending for Fall 2012: A Colorful Wishlist of Must-Haves
According to the Pantone Fashion Color Report for Fall 2012, we’re seeing bright colors that pop set against darker, more traditional Fall Colors.
Interestingly, we also saw oxblood (a deep, dark maroon red), black and navy paired together, and winter white all over the Fall/Winter 2012 runways last Spring. Here are a couple things that I’ve been eyeing for the coming season:
First Row: 1. Dolman Pullover in Teal, $36.90 / 2. Karen London Matal Earrings, $74 / 3. Mixed Media Master Dress, $52.99 / 4. Crooks and Castles Apache Box Tee in Navy, $48
Second Row: 5. ASOS Bow Gloves, $8.62 / 6. Shrunken Corduroy Jacket, $79.50 / 7. Kelly Pointed Wedge Shoes, $59.95 (and if you’re not a member of SoleSociety yet, here’s your invite!)
Third Row: 8. Split-Tone Layered Tights, $19 / 9. Bring Me Along Studded Orange Tote, $56 / 10. ASOS Little Miss Metallic Ballet Flats
, $43.12 / 11. Knit Mustard Dress, $43 / 12. Miss Me Floral Skinny Stretch Jean, $99
Carly
Copyright 2008-2012 by Carly J. Cais and Chic Steals, licensed by Creative Commons CC BY-NC-SA 3.0.
