photo from my DIY Chocolate Erasers post from last year.
If you are celebrating V-Day this year…may it be a wonderful one! And even if you’re not celebrating it, may you have a lovely day regardless!
xo
Carly
Tag Archives: Valentine’s Day
DIY His and Hers Leather-bound Mini Book of Love Necklace and Keychain for Valentine’s Day
I love taking little scraps of things – whether they be paper, lace, or fabrics – and turning them into pretty accessories. Plus I also have an obsession with teeny, tiny things…like mini-books, which can hold all your secrets and ideas, stored away on your person. And what better way to create a personalized gift for a loved one this February? I dreamed up this DIY for Valentine’s Day – which will use up a very tiny amount of little bits of fabric, leather (or pleather, vinyl, or other fabrics), and cardstock you may have lying around. Here’s how:
You Need:… Read More—>
How to Create Your Perfect Valentine’s Day Look
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If you celebrate V-day with your significant other and want to look your best on the big day…here are a couple tips for romantic makeup, hair, and outfits. With just a little bit of effort, achieving the whole package just got a little easier!
MAKEUP
A great look starts off with your face – and what better way to find inspiration than a slideshow of different romantic looks from Refinery29?
The Head-To-Toe Guide to V-Day Hotness
HAIR
From Nicholas Penna, Jr., owner and lead stylist at SalonCapri in Newton and Dedham:
The Sock Bun: Start by blow-drying hair with a natural bristle brush; once hair is dry, apply a dime-sized drop of smoothing serum to the shafts and ends of hair. Using a fine-tooth comb to smooth out bumps, slick hair back into a high ponytail at the crown of your head and secure it with an elastic. Cut off the end of a clean, unwanted sock (where your toes would be), and roll it up into a donut shape, placing it around the base of the ponytail. Tilt your head slightly forward and spread your ponytail evenly around the sock so that half of your hair is toward the top of the sock, pointing toward your forehead, and half is at the bottom, pointing toward your back. Use a second hair elastic to wrap and secure hair around the outside of the sock, creating a ballerina-bun at the crown of your head. Twist remaining hair in one direction and use bobby-pins to tuck and clip the ends underneath your bun. Finish with a light application of hairspray.
Sleek, “Wet-Inspired” Hair: Start by combing through wet hair with a wide-tooth comb to remove tangles, and add a walnut-size dollop of styling balm to the top half of wet, tangle-free hair. Brush your hair towards the back of your head with a fine-tooth comb and secure it tightly with an elastic. Twist hair gently, and wrap it into around the base of the ponytail to create a round bun. Use bobby pins to secure the end of your ponytail and tame fly-aways. Run a fine-tooth comb through the top of your hair up to the bun to smooth over any bumps, and finish with a generous amount of an extra-hold hairspray.
Bouncy, Volumized Hair: Start with a classic blow-dry using a round, natural bristle brush and a palm-full of volumizing mousse. Once hair is dry, add volume to the top of the head by teasing the hair using hairspray and a round brush. After desired volume is achieved, curl hair away from the face from end to root with a large barrel (2″) curling iron.Using a dime-sized drop of smoothing serum, rub your hands together and gently run your fingers through the curls to separate them. Finish the look with light hair spray and you’re red carpet ready!
Smooth and Sleek Hair with a Center Part: Start by parting wet hair directly in the center of your head using the edge of a fine-toothed comb. Dry hair with the nozzle attachment of your blow-dryer, and a natural bristle brush, pulling hair and the dryer downward to smooth out hair. Apply a pea-sized drop of smoothing serum from the shafts to the ends of your hair. Run a straightening iron through your ends to straighten out any waves and voila, you have a classic look for day or night!
OUTFIT
Need some ideas for what to wear on your hot date? Want to go beyond “sexy and red?” Try checking out looks that other stylish ladies on Chictopia have put together:
A Gallery of V-Day Inspiration Outfits
HANDMADE GIFTS TO GIVE
And if you’re still stuck for a gift, try out this handmade chocolate box from Delia Creates:
or this geek-chic Lego heart necklace from Iridium on Karmaloop (try a DIY if you have the parts!):
or a whole bunch of ideas of what to craft for your guy over at Dollar Store Crafts (heart-print boxers from ILoveToCreate.com):
Hope that gives you some ideas for the Day of Love!
Happy Valentine’s Day to everyone!:-D
xoxox
Carly
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DIY: Valentine’s Day Chocolate Erasers
Though I rarely cover non-wearable DIY’s on this blog, I’ve been struggling with what to showcase for V-day for awhile. In the past I’ve found that making non-edibles for my guy has not gone over well. In Hub’s case, he has always thanked me sincerely, and then proceeded to never wear or use whatever I have funneled hours into making. The sweater I hand-knitted him sat in the closet for 9 years until he finally admitted he wasn’t really a “sweater-person” and I finally gave it to Goodwill. The notebook I made, with the cover fashioned from one of his favorite shirts that he threw out, and then hand-bound…gathering dust in the bottom of his desk drawer. Yet everything edible I’ve ever made him he’s devoured within 24 hours, and loved. (Do you know any guys like that? I think maybe it’s a guy-thing.) So I was going back and forth between making something for my husband to wear (that he won’t) and showcasing it on this blog…since this is a wearables DIY blog…or making him something to eat and mentioning it.
So after many nights in thought I decided to forget the wearables idea (since I hate creating useless things more than anything)…and made Hub his favorite dessert: cheesecake, with chocolate swirls.
But…I made something else, too…for Lil Tot. Erasers…in the shape of chocolates! I made them using a make-your-own-erasers kit bought in Japan (but it’s also available on Etsy here, shipped straight from Japan to you.)
photo from Etsy store ThisandThatfromJapan
Sometimes I enjoy fiddly, time-consuming crafts like clay crafting and deko-sweets, and because these kits come with plastic molds in them, making tiny chocolates, donuts, cakes, and ice cream is super-simple! Then you dump the finished piece into the included box, add water, and zap in the microwave for about 3 minutes to let the binding agents evaporate.* Allow to cool and you have a fully usable eraser!
This eraser clay is soooo fun, and already I’m thinking of new tiny edibles to create with the remaining colors. And think of the trading potential at your little ones’ schools! (I hear those food-shaped eraser packs are the new tradeables among the Elementary set lately…)
I made a swirl chocolate with a dollop of whipped cream, a heart-shaped chocolate, and a chocolate square with icing lines and an almond on top.
I also made a pink chocolate truffle, a chocolate square with a pink heart, and two chocolate pieces that look like they were snapped off of a chocolate bar.
They’re so adorable it seems like almost a shame to use them!
If you’d rather not order kits like this from Japan, Sculpey also manufactures Eraser Clay
Tomorrow I’ll be taking the in-laws to the slopes of Mt. Hood…and Lil Tot will have his first-ever skiing adventure! I’ll be stiff and sore from attempting to ski for the first time in…oh, 9 years or so…and looking extremely unfashionable as all my ski-wear is circa 1992 and I just haven’t seen the need to update it since. (Likely photos from tomorrow I’ll be keeping under lock and key lest word get out I have a neon…multicolored….ski…poncho. Yikes!!!) And since I posted about the V-day erasers today, tomorrow I’ll also be sharing my DIY Links of the Week from the past week…and there’s some great ones, so stay tuned!
Hope everyone had a lovely day – whether you celebrated the holiday or not! \* x */ (That’s a kiss – kinda;-)
xoxox
Carly
*since U.S. microwaves tend to be 1000+ KiloWatts and Japanese microwaves are either 500KW or 600KW, I adjust the microwave times by subtracting about 10 – 30 seconds off the times recommended in the kits.
My Funny, Fashionable Valentine
Love it or (more likely) hate it, Valentine’s Day will soon be upon us in all its red-festooned glory. But instead of focusing on the latter – fattening gifts, commercialization, over-enthusiastic emphasis on relationships – why not use it as an excuse for indulgence…not of chocolate but clothing! If your closet is a sea of black, gray, and white, then there is no better time to inject some passion into your look. Whether you try a few bright red accessories, or really go for it in an entire outfit, here are our six picks for sexing up the humdrum everyday with some fiery fashion fabulousness:
“LOVE-LY” CLUTCH With a satin red exterior, rhinestone-topped clasp, hidden chain strap, and black satin lining, this Lulu Guiness-style minaudiere is equal parts fun and fab. Measuring 3.5″ x 3.5″, it’s a mini dash of charm paired with dark skinny jeans and white tee, or black blazer over a frilly frock or city shorts. Rock it on February 14th and you’re in love with Love, use it any other day and you have a cheeky sense of humor. La Regale red satin minaudiere heart $50 at Endless.com.
ROMANTIC EARRINGS For earrings with a tiny bit more love that the rest, go for these handmade “flowers” crafted from mother-of-pearl, magenta stones adorned with twisting gold vines, glass leaves, and seed beed accents. Picture them with your fave charcoal blazer on casual Friday, a similarly-printed breezy flower dress on a weekend date, or ooh-la-la Parisian chic with a striped boatneck tee and long skinny scarf. Adorn Berry Handmade Earrings, $35 at ShopRuche.com
CHIC STEALS TIP: Save 10% on your entire purchase at ShopRuche by entering the code CHICSTEALS at checkout; good until March 2009.
FAB FROCK The draped tulip skirt and large pockets of this year’s mini dresses have really helped invigorate the tried (but tired) go to “little dress”. Pleating in front and a vibrant hue make this bustier frock rock with a cropped cardi (a la Lauren Conrad) and pretty flats during the day, or after hours belted and with heels – the higher the better. Sweetheart Bustier Dress $65 at FredFlare.com.
RED, RED SHOES Pump up a denim pencil skirt, crisp dark trousers, or other preppy looks with penny loafer heels in red patent! But nothing could be better than the price tag – a classic almond toe, covered cone heel with platform, lightly padded insole, and penny loafer detail, all for $30 – for such an essential work (or play!) staple. Penny Loafer Pumps $29.99 at CharlotteRusse.com.
CHIC STEALS TIP: For the ultimate collegiate-inspired ensemble, add a colored polo and grab a duffle bag.
RACY LACY THONG Nothing feels more sexy than a pair of sweet little panties that only you know you have on. This low-rise thong from celeb-fave Hanky Pankys has a low-rise cut that banishes muffin-tops, and a sweet double-heart rhinestone applique to set hearts afire. Hanky Panky Low Rise Thong at $28 ShopIntuition.com.
Steal of the Week: ICE, ICE BABY V-Day – and every day – a girl needs diamonds in her life. Unlike typical diamond pendants, this stylized heart studded with 5 clear diamonds (.1 carat each) is asymmetrically offbeat, and would look lovely glittering at the neckline of a deep-V cardi, or draped over a fluttery chiffon gathered blouse. White gold heart pendant $195 at ICE.com.
CHIC STEALS TIP: Don’t forget to take advantage of discount diamond jewelry e-tailer ICE.com‘s
free shipping with all orders.
If there are any high-priced pieces you’d like me to find similar, less costly versions of, please email me at carlyjcais AT fashiontribes DOT com.
- Carly J. Cais, Contributing Editor
Carly’s Chic Steals and Fashion Deals of the Week: I Heart Fashion!
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 hot designer-style steals (each for $100 or, in most cases, for much, much less)…along with one splurge-worthy item.
It’s that time of year again: the time for some of us that brings decadent gifts in the form of jewelry and chocolates…or the time that some of us refuse to celebrate with resounding “down with love!” anti-V-Day sentiment. Whether you choose to embrace the day or not, Valentine’s Day brings a great opportunity to grab some cute merch at closeout prices, and these picks this week are no exception. Show yourself a little love with these 5 heartful choices – that unlike that box of chocolates from what’s-his-name you can enjoy year-round and mix into your daily wardrobe as you please:
CUTE WRISTLET
From the candy pink box it arrives in to the sweet little heart at the top, this clutch may seem like a gift limited to V-Day…but it’s definitely an accessory that can make an appearance in your everyday wardrobe without a hitch. The little gold scottie tag at the front may inspire you to take this cutie when out walking your pooch or on a short trip down to the corner store – it’s the perfect size for a quick excursion or works great on its own as a sweet little clutch to go with that flowered dress that’s in your closet awaiting the first warm day of Spring. Slip it into a larger tote for workdays and use it alone on the weekends with some denim capris and a big flower corsage pinned to your blouse to celebrate all that is carefree and girly. From Juicy Couture for $95 – it’s a designer steal that will juicy up any outfit.
Scottie Leather Wristlet, $95, Juicycouture.com.
CROPPED PANTS
In February with the winter winds still a-blowing cropped pants require some dark stockings underneath to keep your gams toasty…but in a month all will be forgotten in a flurry of warmer weather. For now, to bring a bit of brightness to these gray days try these lovely pink capris with a pair of peep-toe platform pumps and a wrap-sweater. From the forefront of French fashion at La Redoute, these $30 pantalets can be paired with a beret and romantic piles of cashmere scarves pinned back with a fantastic brooch to brave the cold, and then lightened up with a thin print tee and some strappy sandals come May.
Cotton Twill Cropped Pants, $30, Laredoute.com.
ANTI-V-DAY TEE
Whether you love or hate the day itself, this bleeding heart tee can be worn year-round without looking out of place. Girly but with a touch of rocker sass, this $24 cap-sleeve number comes with black, red, or brown sleeves, and the design itself can be found on a number of items (including housewares!) at this boutique. Head on over to its parent store Cafepress.com where they have thousands – thousands! – of adorable Valentine’s Day-themed merchandise not designed by some faceless, huge corporation, where you’re apt to find designs with er, heart. Create a design yourself too, while you’re at it!
Bleeding Heart Cap-Sleeve Tee, $24.00, Cafepress.com.
LASER-CUT EARRINGS
The detail on these laser-cut doily earrings belie their $10 price tag. Oversized and girly, they look just as fab paired with a striped marine-inspired sweater for a weekend matinee as with a dark wrap dress for a night out on the town. They may look like those doilies you may remember from Granny’s house, but in a foxy red they’ve been updated for 2008, and dangling from your lobes are sure to sweeten up even the most bland outfit.
Red Doily Heart Earrings, $10, Fredflare.com.
EMBELLISHED BOOTS
This winter brought an update on the Uggs we love to hate: embellished versions with hand-painted motifs by a number of well-known celebrities that were auctioned off for charity. Even if you missed snagging a pair of these highly-coveted items, grab this $20 funky version that appeals to both those who love the Day of Love and those that can’t stand it. Updated with a gorge bronzey glow, the tattoo-like graphic on the backs sends this hard-edged mixed message and keeps your admirers guessing.
Love/Hate Boots, $20 (sale), Gojane.com.
SPLURGE OF THE WEEK: DESIGNER NECKLACE
Every Valentine’s Day, I admit: I Dream of Dolce. Dolce & Gabbana that is. Even if the S.O. plans not to splurge on jewelry this year, perhaps you can convince him to part with a mere $150 for this luxe designer pendant that’s both sweet and a little tart. With its high-polish silver front, sparkling stones, lever clasp, and leather cord, it’s not your average heart-shaped pendant, and adds a little cheekiness to what’s become a relatively boring motif at all those other jewelry stores. Pair with a fuzzy v-neck sweater and skinny jeans- or something frilly, red, and delectably see-thru! – and show him that it was most certainly worth his while to get your something designer and fabulous.
D&G Heart Pendant Necklace, $150, Eluxury.com.
If there are any high-priced pieces you’d like me to find similar, less costly versions of, please email me at carlyjcais AT riveted-clothing.com. ‘Til next week, fellow bargain-hunters!
- Carly J. Cais
Copyright 2008-2012 by Carly J. Cais and Chic Steals, licensed by Creative Commons CC BY-NC-SA 3.0.
