Caress Passionate Spell Finer Fragrance Elixir Body Wash Review + $25 Gift Card Giveaway!

Jan 14

Caress Passionate Spell Finer Fragrance Elixir Body Wash Review + $25 Gift Card Giveaway! I recently received a sample Caress^® Passionate Spell® Fine Fragrance Elixir Body Wash, and it’s become my newest bath-time indulgence.

I’ve had really dry, itchy legs for the first time ever this Winter (maybe I’m allergic to my socks?? I’ve been wondering), and nothing has given me any relief. By night-time in the bath I am scrabbling away at my ankles, trying to calm the itchiness, slathering on lotion and moisturizers to no avail once I’m out. I’ve been using regular Dove bar soap in the bath, and haven’t had much of a problem with it…until now.

Caress Passionate Spell Finer Fragrance Elixir Body Wash Review + $25 Gift Card Giveaway! So I was really surprised that within a couple days of switching over to Caress Body Wash instead of soap, the itchiness had gone down tremendously. The wash is silky smooth and super-moisturizing, and even Lil Tot likes the fragrance of it.

It has a complex scent, of spicy orange rose and passionfruit: fruity, flowery, and Wintery all in one. I’ve never smelled anything like it before – and it makes my whole bathroom smell like a warm Winter punch (with orange slices floating in it), and lush gardenias and rose blossoms. Plus the scent lingers long after my bath, and I smell delicious for hours afterwards! Caress Passionate Spell Finer Fragrance Elixir Body Wash Review + $25 Gift Card Giveaway!

Courtesy of Caress^® Passionate Spell®, they are giving away a $25 gift card to one lucky reader! With it you can purchase Caress^® Passionate Spell® Fine Fragrance Elixir Body Wash to try out yourself, and snag yourself a pretty accessory to go with your gleaming, scented skin. Or use it wherever – on whatever - you want! Here are the details:

GIVEAWAY: ONE $25 Gift Card

Caress Passionate Spell Finer Fragrance Elixir Body Wash Review + $25 Gift Card Giveaway!

How to Enter

REQUIRED:

1. Leave a comment on this post telling me what your favorite scent is (for body wash, perfume, in general, whatever!!)

And that’s it!

Total entries allowed: 1 entry per person.

Giveaway open to U.S.-based readers ONLY.

Giveaway period is open from now until Monday, January 21, 11:59 PM PST.

Winner chosen by Random.org and notified by email.

Good luck!

And check out Caress on Facebook and on Twitter, with the hashtag #Caress, for more discounts, coupons, giveaways, and all the latest news on the brand!

xoxox
Carly

FTC Disclosure: I was provided with Caress® product, a $25 gift card and information about the product by Caress®. All opinions are 100% my own. Read more about my Disclosure Policy here.

Post images from here, here, and here; opening photo collage by me.

Categories: Beauty, Giveaways, Press Releases
Tags: Body Wash, Caress, reviews

23 Comments

Stay Warm This Winter with Chic (and Affordable!) Coats From Macy’s

Dec 4

A warm coat is a must in the Northern climate I live in (Portland, OR), and it’s tough to find a good coat that goes with a number of different outfits (and that isn’t a huge amount of money). Of course, something that one wears daily from September-June of the year should be an investment piece, but that doesn’t mean it has to be a significant chunk of change. If you can time the purchase of such a piece to a seasonal sale, or buy from a retailer that offers great brands at affordable prices, then half the work is already done for you.

I love checking out the coat selection at Macy’s because as a national retailer they carry select brands such as Steve Madden and Nine West, that are both trend-driven but easy on the wallet. Plus, they offer sales all the time! (And they’re offering one right now, in fact!!)

Nine West Coat, Funnel-Neck Wool-Blend Walker in Black/White, $119.99

Many of their brands (including designers such as Calvin Klein, Michael Kors, Vince Camuto, and DKNY) also offer styles that are exclusive to Macy’s – meaning you won’t be wearing the same topper as 3 other random people at the holiday party.

I fell in love with this two-toned Nine West coat, that I’ve been wearing nonstop since it arrived. The shape is beautiful and the colorblocking instantly dresses up even the most beat-up pair of jeans beneath. It’s very high-quality for the price, and the stiff outer wool is withstanding the abuse I throw at it without losing its shape or collapsing. It’s now my go-to work cover-up, that can go from the studio to a client meeting seamlessly.

Style&Co. Vest, Faux-Fur Trim Hooded Puffer in Ebony Black, $40.99

For an edgier feel (or dressed-down casual wear), a puffer vest is a great piece. This Style&Co vest is supremely affordable at just under $41, featuring a removable hood and great hardware details. It’s perfect as a layer for when it’s not too chilly out, and thrown over or under another coat it’s amazingly toasty.

Ordering from Macy’s online is super-simple (orders over $99 ship free!), and my package even came with a slip to rate their packing job (!). Macys.com even has this cool feature where you can create a poll of items you like, and share it on Facebook with your friends to get their input. Social sharing at its most fun!

Now that my personal coat shopping for this season is complete…I can now focus on the next hurdle: Christmas gifts!! Eeek!

Stay chic~

Carly

FTC Disclosure: I received 2 coats from GigaSavvy, for review purposes. I have not been compensated in any other way for my review. The opinions above are 100% my own. If you’d like to know more, please check out my Disclosure Policy.

Categories: Cool Brands, Cool Stores
Tags: Macy's, outerwear, reviews

1 Comment

The Perfect Gift for A Budding Seamstress or DIY’er: DIY Couture by Rosie Martin

Nov 24

Rosie Martin, the incredibly-talented sewist and entrepreneur behind the UK-based company DIY Couture has (finally!) released a book by the same name. She runs DIY workshops and sewing events throughout London, and puts out a biannual line of instructions to create an entire clothing collection from scratch.

This first book, DIY Couture: Create Your Own Fashion Collection contains the instructions to create the base pattern for 10 unique pieces, each of which has an amazing 8 variations included within (and for those who are keeping track, that’s a whopping 80 different garments that can be made from this one single book!)

The basic pattern (or “block”) for each style is actually created by doing a ruboff (or copy) of an item of clothing you already have in your closet that fits the way you’d like it. The instructions are detailed, illustrated, and very easy-to-follow. There are no patterns to copy, cut out, or notch; you’re just making a pattern (or drawing directly onto your fabric) for your finished pieces…a huge timesaver in the long run. (But trace onto paper or oaktag to keep your blocks for all the variations you could do for each Collection!)

Though it’s not “Couture” and you may not end up with a pattern that’s precisely exact to please the discerning patternmaker, you end up with something that is close enough for the purposes of the home sewist or DIY’er. You can make your blocks using a minimum of tools (usually just marking chalk, pins, and a ruler…no French curves or flexible ruler needed!), and more importantly, since you’re making them using something you own that fits you already, every variation made from that block will also fit you. No grading or difficult patternmaking needed!

The “Collections” are grouped into specific styles of variations on the blocks, with funky-sounding names like “Coffee Classic,” “Acid Candy,” or “Monochrome Art.”

Though an entire collection may not be to one’s specific taste, you can easily mix-and-match the style, cutting, and details of the pieces to create exactly what you want. It’s the best road map you could ever want when it comes to DIY sewing.

I love that the style and silhouettes of the pieces are very on-trend and modern – and you can easily tailor the look of anything to mimic other pieces seen on the runways or in retail stores. Fashion that looks high-end but is totally attainable with your own skills!

For every DIY’er interested in sewing, for every aspiring designer, for every sewist who wants the quickest route from concept to finished product: this book caters to you all. Though this is tailored more to the sewist with intermediate skills, even beginners can try their hand at the simpler projects and work through the different pieces to gain skills and confidence.

Rating: (4 out of 4)

Overall: An amazing resource chock-full of ideas and how-tos, using the simplest of techniques to create beautifully on-trend and modern clothing. A MUST for any sewing or DIY library! (And a great Christmas gift for the fashionista in your life!)

DIY Couture: Create Your Own Fashion Collection on Amazon.com

Have any of you guys checked out this book, or visited Rosie Martin’s site? What do you think of a sewing book that has you draft patterns from clothes you already have? The perfect intro to sewing – or not precise enough to be called patternmaking?
xoxox
Carly

FTC Disclaimer: I received one copy of the book DIY Couture for review purposes. I have not received any other compensation whatsoever. The review and opinions above are my own. To read more about my Disclosure Policy, click here.

Categories: Books, DIY
Tags: DIY Couture, reviews, Rosie Martin

4 Comments

Steal Like An Artist (the Book)

Nov 18

The book that’s on the top of my nightstand right now- and often follows me to work in my handbag – is Steal Like an Artist: 10 Things Nobody Told You About Being Creative by Austin Kleon.

It’s amazing, inspiring, to the point, and life-changing. Besides it being a great book for anybody who habitually does anything creative, I figured, what better topic than for Chic Steals??

I know the name of my blog can sometimes be misleading. As many of you know, it ended up being called “Chic Steals” simply because it started out as a place to house the articles I wrote for FashionTribes.com…which were all called “Carly’s Chic Steals and Fashion Deals of the Week.” That whole title was too long to use as a URL, so I shortened it to Chic Steals. I love to do DIYs inspired by what’s trending now…and yes, I often create dupes rather than my own version. I like to provide the how and the tools to people out there – to get inspired and make their own pieces. It doesn’t have to be an exact dupe either…the great thing about DIY is that the degree of customization is up to you.

Now if you were going to sell anything that is an exact copy of someone else’s work, or sell the tutorial somehow, then that gets into a gray area.

The driving thoughts behind this blog are that we are all still learning. Here is the how – now go off and make it yours. Remix, remaster, remake. And try, try again until it’s something you like.

Make it for yourself. Make it to give someone else. Share the knowledge and the skillset.

I’d highly recommend this book to anyone. It’s a great pick-me-up for when you’re feeling tapped out of creativity, and a great reminder to keep going. And to get better. I always read a little bit, then have to rush off into a project because I’m so.goshdarn.INSPIRED by what’s written here. It’s a great little Chanukah present or stocking stuffer for the artist in your life as well!

Buy Steal Like an Artiston Amazon ($8.76)

Be inspired – get creative – and steal, steal, steal!

xoxo

Carly

Categories: Books
Tags: reviews, Steal Like an Artist

3 Comments

Outfit 11.15.12: It’s a Mod, Mod World in Seafoam – a Modcloth.com Review

Nov 16

Hair: rolled in soft rollers, let dry overnight, back-brushed at the top, top half pulled back with a clip

Crystal Tower Earrings: JewelMint

Cut Back Blazer: DailyLook.com

Copper Collar: H&M

Teach for the Sky Peplum Top: Modcloth.com

Wallet Clutch Bag: Laguna Moon [Japanese brand]

Rings: Target, Claire’s, Cartier & Tiffany wedding rings

Bling Rhinestone Watch: DailyLook.com

Weave Been There Skirt: Modcloth.com

Sparkle tights: ? (similar here)

Cone-Heel Studded Ombre Pumps: Spiral Girl [Japanese brand]

I finally made my first Modcloth purchase recently – and couldn’t wait to share.

… Read More—>

Categories: Cool Sites, Outfits
Tags: Modcloth, reviews

6 Comments

Review: SCOUT by Bungalow Tote

Aug 31

SCOUT by Bungalow is a line of colorful, preppy totes, bags, and carry-alls that are heavy-duty enough to take whatever you can throw at them and more. What differentiates them from other carry-alls on the market are the fashion-forward, bright patterns matched with the incredible durability and functionality of each piece. The folks over there kindly sent me the Pocket Rocket Tote in the blue Boca pattern to try out and write a review about.

This particular tote isn’t made of canvas (though they do have canvas-material items for sale on the site); it’s made of a super-tough poly material; similar to tarpaulins. It wipes clean and amazingly resists wrinkling and spills.

It has an inside zipper (perfect for when my bag turns upside-down…which it seems to almost daily!), and has outer pockets, enough to hold 6 bottles.

2 separate handles allow you to carry it as a shoulder-tote or as a carry-all.

I also DIY’d a little preppy initial keychain charm for the handle…DIY tutorial coming soon!

I really like my tote and it’s already survived 2 family trips, stuffed to the gills with drinks, food, and clothing – and looks great paired with a number of different outfits! If you’re looking for something that looks fun and colorful and can hold all your stuff (and your family’s stuff!) check out SCOUT by Bungalow for the perfect carry-all! (And they also have storage and decorative options for your house, like their pretty Tabletop Collection – so check them out!)

xoxox

Carly

FTC Disclosure: I was sent one tote by SCOUT by Bungalow as a review item and have received no other compensation. The opinions in this post are my own. See here for my Disclosure Policy.

Categories: Cool Brands, Cool Sites
Tags: handbags, reviews, SCOUT by Bungalow

0 Comments

Giveaway: Back to Work with Lily of France

Jul 18

When I left the workforce to raise my son back in 2005, I traded in my suit jackets and button-down shirts for a wardrobe of T-shirts, sweatpants, and sports bras. That became my uniform for the next 6 and a half years, and in the interim I moved to suburbia, lost a huge amount of weight, gained all of it back slowly, saw the U.S. hit one of the most severe economic depressions in history, and lamented ever rejoining the workforce again. Even though in 2008 I began blogging from home about fashion and budget-shopping, my weekly roundups of must-buy clothing and accessories were more aspirational than my everyday reality.

In 2010 my son was in school full-time, so I began applying for jobs in my field locally. And applying and applying. Nothing happened, and I decided to switch tactics and go back to school to improve my skills, to network, and to hopefully land an internship.

Finally, in June of this year, I got that coveted internship at a production set and design studio. Now I’m back to suit jackets and button-downs, though this time around my jackets are flower-patterned, my button-downs accessorized with vintage rhinestone necklaces, and sometimes even a T-shirt is acceptable work attire. I now work in a very creative field, where expressing one’s personality and being on-trend is tantamount because it speaks volumes about how “current” your knowledge is, as well as your taste level.

Before: My work attire, sports bra underneath.

So now I need foundation garments that are appropriate for work – and not just for working out, as before. I’ve lost and gained enough weight since being pregnant that my bra size has fluctuated dramatically, and though I’ve gotten used to the snug feeling of sports bras, they don’t look too professional, they mash my shape, and the wide straps often show under boatneck tops.

Lily of France sent me two of their bras to try out so I could see if they worked better for my new work wardrobe: the Extreme Push-Up Underwire in black with gray dot edging, and the Extreme Options in black.

Extreme Push-Up detail shot.

The fact that they’re both convertible (and the Extreme Options is convertible 62+ different ways!) is incredibly helpful and means that they can take the place of multiple different bras in my lingerie drawer. This means either can be worn under a variety of clothing, from sleeveless dresses to boatneck tops to bustier dresses. Plus, they’re both generously padded, which gives my poor sagging chest (after baby, ahem) a much-needed boost and myself a much more feminine figure. I’ve gotten to an age where I am now embracing my figure, so I prefer to accent the little I have on top to balance out the generous amount I have on the bottom. It’s incredible how much the Extreme Push-Up lifts and boosts my A-cup into at least a cup and a half larger, which makes me feel way more feminine for date nights with my Hubby and helps me fill out all of my fitted sheath dresses properly.

After: Wearing Lily of France Extreme Pushup bra.

Style Tips for Dressing in a Creative Field:

*Even if it’s creative, a workplace where a visible bra is okay may not be too common. Always err on the side of being covered up rather than being a slave to fashion. And always wear a dark bra under a dark top, a bra matching your skin tone under a white top, and a nude camisole underneath a sheer top.

*It’s totally okay to wear undergarments that give you a “womanly” shape. Even in a male-dominated field, you are who you are, so there’s no reason to try to hide or pretend to be less. Choose undergarments that play up your assets. (Just keep the cleavage under wraps to stay appropriate!)

*If you work somewhere that has a fairly lax dress code, still try to take it to the next level and dress up a little bit: a blazer over your t-shirt, a statement necklace over a tanktop, low heels with fitted trousers, etc. Making that extra effort shows you care about that job and the image you project.

*Add something to your outfits that is your personal signature: your favorite bracelet, some nice stud earrings, even a specific color of nail polish. The more “identity” you show in what you wear, the more it will become your creative calling card!

So, to help someone out there kickstart her workwear-appropriate lingerie drawer, Lily of France has graciously partnered with Chic Steals to offer a $100 Visa gift card to one lucky reader!

(Actual card received may differ from version shown.)

How to Enter

Choose 2 of the following entry methods:

a) Visit the Lily of France website and leave a comment on this post in the comments section telling me which bra you like the most (NOT in the Facebook comments box or through Facebook)

b) Tweet about this giveaway and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post

c) Blog about this giveaway and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post

d) For those with no Twitter or blog, read the official rules to learn about an alternate form of entry.

Total entries allowed per person: 2

Also: No duplicate comments. Any comments left through the Facebook comments box or on Facebook will not be counted. All comments must be left on this post on my blog.

This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older. Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. You have 72 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.

The Official Rules are available here.

This sweepstakes runs from 7/18 to 8/15/2012.

Be sure to visit the Lily of France brand page on BlogHer.com, where you can read other bloggers’ reviews and find more chances to win!

Good luck to everyone!

xoxox
Carly

FTC Disclosure: This is a paid post with BlogHer and Lily of France. I was sent 2 bras from Lily of France to review. ONE $100 VISA gift card will be sent to the winner of this giveaway. For more information, see my Disclosure Policy.

~Share this giveaway with your friends!~

Giveaway: Back to Work with Lily of France

Categories: Giveaways, Lingerie
Tags: Lily of France, reviews

95 Comments

ModPodge Rocks! Decoupage Your World Book Review and Giveaway

Jun 18

From the amazingly talented craftster (and incredibly multi-tasking) Amy Anderson I received a copy of her latest book, ModPodge Rocks!: Decoupage Your World.

Have you guys ever worked with ModPodge? It’s an absolute must-have when it comes to all sorts of crafts: sealing, gluing, decoupaging, and even…faux resin!
I used multiple layers of ModPodge to seal my faux glitter DIY Jeffrey Campbell Litas, and was so pleased to find that despite the glitter being quite fine, the ModPodge did the trick perfectly and kept 99% of the specks on the shoes. I’ve always loved ModPodge’s versatility, and in this book there are 40+ great projects to introduce anyone to the amazing world of Mod Podge (including a jewelry project contributed by my blogger friend Heather Mann of Dollar Store Crafts…who incidentally lives less than 20 minutes down the road form me! What a small world.;-)

The projects in this book are all simple and easy to do, and totally customizeable for your own personal style. Of course, I’m partial to the jewelry and accessory projects…but there are also a number of projects for quirky home decor, cute furniture, and whimsical gifts, all attainable through the versatility that is Mod Podge.

I’ve also been given an extra copy of the book to give away, so here are the details…

One lucky reader will win a copy of Mod Podge Rocks! Decoupage Your World by Amy Anderson.

How to Enter

Edit 6/25: Entry period is now closed and winner will be announced shortly!

~~REQUIRED:~~

1. Leave a comment on this post telling me if you’ve ever tried Mod Podge before. (PLEASE do not leave your entry comment in the Facebook comments box, or through Facebook. If your comments are through Facebook it totally messes up the chronological order of the comments, so I can’t count them properly! Thanks~)

2. Follow Chic Steals on Twitter and leave another comment telling me you did! (Or if you’re already a follower, please leave a comment SEPARATE from your entry comment so I can count you as two entries!)

Total entries allowed: 2 entries per person

Giveaway open to U.S.-based readers ONLY.

Giveaway period is open from now until Monday, June 25, 11:59 PM PST.

Winner chosen by Random.org and notified by email.

Good luck!

Mod Podge Rocks! Decoupage Your World is available for $14.95 from Amazon.com. Also check out Amy’s blog, Mod Podge Rocks! for a million and one other projects and crafty uses for her favorite super-sealant!

xoxo
Carly

FTC Disclosure: I received 2 copies of the book Mod Podge Rocks!: Decoupage Your World; one as a review copy and one to give away on my blog. I received no other monetary compensation, and the opinions expressed in this post are my own. To read my Disclosure Policy, click here.

~Please share this giveaway with your friends!~

Categories: Books
Tags: ModPodge, reviews

42 Comments

Styled by Tori Spelling Jewelry Components Review – and DIY Jumble Chain Choker Necklace

Jun 8

{styled}™ by Tori Spelling is a brand-new line of chic jewelry components that you can use to make your own jewelry without the use of any tools (no pliers necessary!)

Available at both Michael’s and Jo-Ann Fabrics stores (though the items available may vary per store), the line is divided into 4 “styles” of components: Noir, Boho, Glitz, and Glam, with different-colored stones and metals that are mix-and-match. The components are designed to work together and to be easily assembled into finished jewelry.

8 Comments

Review and Giveaway: Create Your Style with Swarovski Elements Magazine, Issue Sound

May 18

Swarovski recently contacted me about their in-house magazine, asking if I’d like to check it out. And of course I said yes! Anything that celebrates fashionable creativity - especially with the high-end name of Swarovski attached – is a must-see in my book!

See the beautiful heat-embossed texture on the crystals on the cover!

The Create Your Style with Swarovski Elements magazine, founded in 2007, is published once a year in Austria [the birthplace of Swarovski]. It typically includes new products in the Swarovski line, tons of tutorials using the crystal elements, ideas and tips, and interviews with artists and makers. It is mainly available online here, but is also available in select Swarovski Elements retailers throughout the world. With this fifth issue (Issue Sound), the editors have included the many instances of how Swarovski has collaborated with the music industry for show-stopping costumes, accessories, and stagewear in the past, as well as music-inspired projects that would get any crystal enthusiast excited. Covering a wide range of techniques from stringing, bead-crimping, papercraft, resin-coating, sewing, and bead-ironing (!), the 10 step-by-step projects can easily be customized or adapted to your own personal taste, and feature large step-by-step photos that are easy to follow. (You can also find some of these projects available at www.create-your-style.com.) The Swarovski Create Your Style community celebrates DIY and crafts utilizing Swarovski Elements, including makers and crystal-lovers from all over the world.

I personally love Swarovski crystal (the brilliance, cut, sparkle, and quality is unmatched by any other crystal brand), and have used Swarovski items in many of my projects and DIYs before (see: Subversive Jewelry Sunken Treasure Necklace; Gossip Girl-Inspired Crochet-and-Bead Necklace for example) Though not all the projects in the magazine are things I personally would try, I can easily follow the directions for some of the more unfamiliar techniques to apply them in different projects (can’t wait to try that Cocktail Decoration Bead-Ironing project (pictured above), for instance!)

Swarovski has generously sent me an extra copy of Issue Sound to give away to one lucky Chic Steals reader. Here’s how to enter:

Win a Copy of the Create Your Style with Swarovski Elements Magazine Issue Sound!

How to Enter

Edited 5/26: The entry period is now over and the winner will be announced shortly.

REQUIRED:

1. Like Chic Steals on Facebook. (I have a “Like” button in my right sidebar, under “Never Miss a Post!” Click it to “Like!”)

2. Leave a comment on this post telling me if you’ve used Swarovski crystal in a project before. (1 entry) (Example: “I made a necklace with a big Swarovski pendant last year and I loved how it sparkled!” or “I’ve never used Swarovski crystal before but I really want to try out a project from this magazine” or something like that.)

ADDITIONAL ENTRIES:

3. Swarovski is also offering another copy of the magazine for giveaway on their Facebook page. So visit their Facebook page and enter there (daily, if you like), to increase your chances of winning a copy of the magazine. (unlimited daily entries until May 31). This giveaway chance is unaffiliated with Chic Steals.

~~Total: 1 entry per person for the Chic Steals giveaway, daily entries from now until May 31 on Swarovski’s Facebook page.~~

Giveaway open to U.S.-based readers only.

Giveaway period is open from now until Friday, May 25, 11:59 PM PST.

Winner chosen by Random.org and notified by email.

Good luck!

xoxox
Carly

FTC Disclosure: I was sent 2 copies of Create Your Style with Swarovski Elements magazine; one as a review copy and one to give away to a reader. For more information, see my Disclosure Policy.

~Share this giveaway with your friends!~

Categories: Giveaways, Magazines
Tags: Create Your Style with Swarovski Elements Magazine, reviews

12 Comments

Tag Archives: reviews

GIVEAWAY: ONE $25 Gift Card

How to Enter

Style Tips for Dressing in a Creative Field:

How to Enter

One lucky reader will win a copy of Mod Podge Rocks! Decoupage Your World by Amy Anderson.

How to Enter

Win a Copy of the Create Your Style with Swarovski Elements Magazine Issue Sound!

How to Enter

REQUIRED:

ADDITIONAL ENTRIES: