by Carly J. Cais, Fashion Designer & ChicSteals blog

As a designer, I’ve developed an eye for style over the years along with an appreciation for the fact that sometimes, designer pricetags can be downright scary. While life necessitates a splurge once in a while on that can’t-live-without-it fabulous item, much of the fun of fashion is mixing high with low to create outfits that are creative, and also budget-friendly. Each week, I showcase five hot designer-style steals (each for $100 or, in most cases, for much, much less)…along with one must-splurge item.

Now that it’s a new year, it’s time to put those Resolutions to the test & improve physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually…and, while you’re at it, fashionably.  Here are our 5 Fashion Resolutions for 2009:

RESOLUTION #1:
DITCH TREND ITEMS THAT ARE SO OVER ALREADY
Spring 2009 Brights by Fashiontribes

It’s painful, but bite the bullet and stash all those items guaranteed to make you cringe in the not-too-distant future: yes, we mean the Uggs, celeb-inspired Love Quotes scarves, and matching velour tracksuits. Ditto busy prints that are not geometric, bold, floral or adorned with butterflies (not stars, though: so 2008).  The Spring 2009 fashion forecast calls for color, so put away the grays and give all that black in your closet some oomph with cheery brights.  To get back on trend, try one-shouldered outfits, rompers, sheer tops, art-inspired prints, and bejeweled items, as well as 80’s-inspired pieces.  Here are some of our picks:

• Forever21 Butterfly Burnout Top ($13.50)
• Butterfly Hoop Earrings ($3.80)
• Accessory Bug Carmen Faux Leather Clutch ($41.99)
• Wet Seal One-Shouldered Lace Dress ($15)
• Thakoon for Target Shibori Woven Dress ($39.99)
• Charlotte Ronson Back Tie Romper ($76)

RESOLUTION # 2:
LOOK FAB EVEN ON OFF-DAYS
Get the Look: Gossip Girl’s Blake Lively by Fashiontribes

If you’re feeling under-the-weather or just fashion-challenged, there’s nothing guaranteed to make you feel even more frumpy like a pair of baggy sweats and stained tee.  For little or no more effort, you can pull on a casual go-to outfit that’s comfy, chic, and guaranteed to lighten your mood. (Yes, fashion can be both uplifting & inspirational…when you know you look great, that confidence shines from within.)  An easy way to pull together some looks you like is by combing through magazines, blogs (like this one!) and even TV shows…professional stylists have already done the hard work of coming up with the looks; all you have to do is replicate them in your own closet.  Alternatively, take inspiration from a celeb who has a similar body type and coloring whose style you like; if she looks chic and pulled together, so will you. We personally adore Gossip Girl Blake Lively, who was recently named one of Marie Claire’s Best Dressed of 2008. Here’s what you’ll need to steal her style:

• Express Short Sleeve Double Ring Cuff Shirt ($39.50)
• GoJane Wide Buckle Elastic Belt ($10.40)
• Alloy Truck Jeans Essential Skinny ($39.50)
• Guess Carrie Pumps ($73)

RESOLUTION #3:
PARE DOWN & ORGANIZE THE CLOSET

If your closet isn’t bursting at the seams with unworn party dresses, belts still with their tags on, and way too many pairs of shoes with unscuffed soles - we salute you! For the rest of us, there are just too many options stuffed into the closet, and as a result, a confusing mess. For 2009, we’re planning to donate more and keep less…and then actually wear it.  Anything that’s obviously stained, way too small, or somehow never got altered automatically gets purged. And if it hasn’t been worn it in a year, buh-bye! Of the stuff that’s left, why not recruit a girlfriend help you find new ways to create some fresh new outfits? Once we’ve pulled together some fabulous, on-trend outfits, we’re going to snap photos and create our very own lookbook; extra work to be sure, but guaranteed to pay dividends on those OMG-I-have-nothing-to-wear days.

RESOLUTION #4:
STEP OUT OF YOUR FASHION COMFORT ZONE
Agyness Deyn Style by Fashiontribes

Day after day, most of us reach for the same handful of items. But much of the fun of fashion is about taking a risk, pulling off the unexpected, and being open to trying new things.  Even if you’re not feeling Agyness Deyn-level bold enough to rock a taffeta ballroom skirt with a stonewashed denim jacket and spiked hair, why not try at least one thing you normally wouldn’t? You may be pleasantly surprised. Love day-glo but don’t own a single neon item?  Instead of a dress, try a scarf.  If you’re more rock ‘n roll than preppy, a slouchy striped tee under a blazer is a fab way to meld the two. Trying something new will also help you get additional mileage out of your closet by formulating more go-to outfits than you would have ever thought of while lounging in the safety of that comfort zone.

RESOLUTION #5:
WHATEVER THE OCCASION - OVERDRESS!
We’ve become a nation of fashion slobs by Fashiontribes

People used to dress up. A mere half century ago, even housewives who spent all day cooking and cleaning at home did so decked out to the nines in tight-fitting, crisp hourglass dresses, crinolines, and frilly aprons. Granted, we’re not asking you to don petticoats while dusting or other restrictive garments completely inappropriate to the situation, but the time has come to fight back against the widespread Slide into Slobdom. Since there’s nothing sadder than a closet full of gorgeous stuff hanging unworn, even if you don’t have a fancy function to attend, make up your own and dress the part!  Break out those shoes you love and that dress you adore from the back of your closet - even for a short trip to get coffee - just because! As long as you’re chic & pulled-together, you’ll garner stares, extra attention (at worst, they might whisper: “Isn’t she just a little overdressed for Starbucks?” To which we say Pfft!), but more likely you’ll be that woman of mystery who has everyone dying to know what fabulous after-hours fete you’re just now arriving home from.

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. ‘Til next week, fellow bargain-hunters!

Tags: fashion, clothes, vogue

The LBD is truly a heroic multi-tasker with at least 9 fashion lives.  This version from Bottega Veneta may initially seem pricey at $2100, but factor in the timelessly flattering A-line silhouette, classy fabric (silk), and mindboggling number of different ways you can wear it…and thanks to Fashion Math, suddenly its cost-per-wear magically plummets to pennies.  Whether you’re headed for cocktails, the office, art galleries, shopping, or lounging glamorously at a resort, this dress is a fabulous neutral foundation that takes its style cues from whever you pair it with.  Here are 9 completely different ways to rock the exact same dress:

9 LIVES OF THE LITTLE BLACK DRESS:
#1 Cocktails & Dinner

How to get the look: When going minimalist, the accessories take center stage, so they’d better be luxe and eyecatching; in other words, this is not the time to scrimp.  Be prepared to shell out some cash for either high-end designer labels or top-shelf vintage.  These t-strap sandals stamped to look like a rich exotic leather and fab clutch are both timeless, yet right on trend.

Bottega Veneta asymmetric black silk dress
Bottega Veneta leather T-bar sandals
Bottega Veneta Intrecciato clutch bag

9 LIVES OF THE LITTLE BLACK DRESS:
#2 Slick Rocker Chic

How to get the look: Take your LBD for a walk on the wild side with a leather motorcycle jacket, and tough knee-high leather boots.  For a rocker chic vibe, the metal of choice is never dainty and always silver (or platinum), so pile on accessories like bangles by the bunch.  Sleek futuristic shades and a hands-free cross-body bag make you look ready for action, while diamond panther earrings confirm that this kitty has a dangerous side.

Bottega Veneta asymmetric black silk dress
Miu Miu rosette leather biker jacket
Thomas Wylde Warrior skull boots
Prada oversized round frames
Anita Ko diamond-encrusted panther earrings
Cole Haan Kyle Crossbody Flight bag
bangles by Lois Hill - top: granulated & hammered layered bracelet; middle: silver & white bangle;bottom: silver rope cuff

9 LIVES OF THE LITTLE BLACK DRESS:
#3 Parisian French Girl Style

How to get the look: For a much-needed dose of sartorial ooh-la-la, start with a classic denim jacket, and add a colorful scarf and bag in prints that are complementary. Here, the blue in both not only ties in the jacket to create a coordinated overall look, but makes them work together without being overly matchy about it. Black leggings, booties, and of course a jaunty beret add enough je ne sais quoi to get you mistaken for a French fille.

Bottega Veneta asymmetric black silk dress
denim jacket in a classic dark wash
lightweight printed scarf
DKNY wool beanie
Orla Kiely bag
daniblack Velma black suede booties
HUE stirrup tights

9 LIVES OF THE LITTLE BLACK DRESS:
#4 Hipster Artiste

How to get the look: When a dress is this versatile, it’s more than just a dress; add some rockstar leggings, and it becomes a fabulous tunic! (If your particular bodytype looks best with your waist defined, simply cinch on a classy black belt.)  Fun, colorful booties and a cape or poncho look downtown chic without trying too hard, while tough brass-hued accessories keep it edgy. And best of all, classic diamond studs hint at the possibility of a fabulous, artist-friendly trust fund…

Bottega Veneta asymmetric black silk dress
Sass & Bide Black Rats leggings
Mike & Chris Lyle belted poncho
Alexander McQueen Union Jack ankle boots
Thomas Wylde metallic studded wristlet
3 carat Cubic Zirconia stud earrings
hematite metal 2.5″ wide cuff

9 LIVES OF THE LITTLE BLACK DRESS:
#5 Ms. Fashionista Fabulous

How to get the look: Lil’ Miss Fashionista, you know how to extract the maximum mileage out of the LBD.  Earth- and chocolate-tones make the black of the dress look rich (done right, brown with black is a strikingly chic combo) while the berry hues in the accessories and shoes add some sass and the just right amount of frivolity.

Bottega Veneta asymmetric black silk dress
Michael Kors Single-breasted trapeze coat
Miu Miu oversized bowling bag
Sergio Rossi color-block pumps
Cutler & Gross Cat-eye sunglasses
Sequin circle-link necklace
Grandoe leather gloves with rabbit fur cuffs

9 LIVES OF THE LITTLE BLACK DRESS:
#6 Bodacious Bombshell

How to get the look: The bombshell knows that with the right accessories, the LBD goes from appropriate to NSFW.  How?  An animal print is pretty much mandatory, especially leopard or cheetah. And gold…lots & lots of gold (preferably real, embellished, and received as a gift from a suitor). With shoes and accessories, go for height, go bright, and as much flash as you can muster. Here, the taxicab yellow of the heels plays off the warm tones of the trench and the leopard print, creating a coherent overall feel, and a playful, sexy vibe. For the requisite teensy dog, consider adopting one through Dogs in Danger, which saves dogs from being euthanized in shelters (sad factoid: every 9 seconds, a dog abandoned at a shelter is killed).

Bottega Veneta asymmetric black silk dress
Moschino Cheap & Chic bow-tie trench
Jimmy Choo Prize t-bar sandals
Roberto Cavalli oversized leopard print tote
Prada rimless wraparound sunglasses
Betsey Johnson Charm School heart ring

9 LIVES OF THE LITTLE BLACK DRESS:
#7 Running Errands

How to get the look: For the same reason your mama warned you to always wear your good underwear just in case, you never know who you’re going to run into just running errands. And do you really want to bump into your ex/boss/frenemy a sweatpant-clad mess? Instead, simply toss on the LBD, and copy the failsafe chic of a classically preppy red/black/white look.  Add touches of red in the headband and floral-pattern flats, and some white with a pearl necklace and striking white watch.  The soft, feminine coral/red tones in the cardi pull everything together in a non-matchy way, while the coordinating lipgloss is a subtle but effective touch, making you look perfectly polished and frenemy-ready.

Bottega Veneta asymmetric black silk dress
Missoni Agostina cardigan
Miu Miu Alice headband
Dior Christal 33mm diamond watch with a rubber band
faux pearl choker
Jessica Simpson Leve satin flats
Pa-Tou-Tou Silhouette tote
Josie Maran Lip Gloss in Authentic, a flattering shimmery coral-pink

LIVES OF THE LITTLE BLACK DRESS:
#8 Resort Glamorous

How to get the look: Lounging poolside is the perfect time to chill with a fun book, a Glamour Girl hat, and a festive cocktail…and your trusty LBD.  The relaxed silhouette means you can just toss on scarf and some casual gladiator sandals, and head straight from the beach to cocktails and dinner.  Because jewelry at the beach or pool is - let’s face it - ridiculous, a colorful oversize tote and equally oversize sunglasses make you look stylish rather than Fashion Victim’ish.

Bottega Veneta asymmetric black silk dress
Emilio Pucci raffia floppy hat
Emilio Pucci Vivara vinyl shopper
Emilio Pucci pink metal sunglasses
FitFlop Aurelia gladiator sandals
Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection Lotion SPF 55
Sephora Nail Care Collection
Armed and Glamorous: A Crime of Fashion Mystery

9 LIVES OF THE LITTLE BLACK DRESS:
#9 Glam Globetrotter

How to get the look: Although the days are long gone when travel was actually considered glamorous, you don’t personally have to succumb, thanks of course to your LBD.  Just as on Errand Day (Life #7 of the LBD), a color scheme of black, red, and white is failsafe.  A striped, vaguely French cardi is a smart way to ward off any in-flight chill, and paired with equally smart black flats and a gold locket, it shows you didn’t leave your sense of style at home.  Stash the on-board necessities in a roomy red tote - mineral water, Kindle and even a coordinating makeup bag & bracelet/watch - and when it’s time to snooze, you’ll be glad you packed your iPod and cheeky pink eyemask which lets pesky flight attendants know that, hello…The Bitch is Sleeping already.

Bottega Veneta asymmetric black silk dress
Oscar de la Renta silk-cotton striped cardigan
Alex Monroe Original Sin heart locket
Bottega Veneta Capri intrecciato tote
Maloles Zoe ballet flats
Fendi logo cosmetic bag
Marc by Marc Jacobs cuff watch
Topo Chico mineral water, 11.5 oz.
Kindle wireless reading device
Apple iPod touch 16 GB
The Bitch is Sleeping fuzzy pink eye mask

Tags: fashion, vogue, clothes

Still stumped about what to wear for New Year’s Eve?  Time to reach for the trusty LBD, and gussy it up a bit. Try a bold clutch and shoes that, while not matchy-matchy, are complementary in some way, such as being in the same color fam or with touches of similar hues (and fortunately, there’s still time to run to the store for a bag or shoe intervention if you’re really desperate).  Since this dress is strapless, we chose eyecatching earrings, hands-down the best way to show off a sexy neck.  Instead of the usual necklace, try a cooler, more unexpected touch like this gauzy scarf.  Finish off with bold bangles and a tough black motorcycle jacket give the entire look a bit of edge…just the right balance of sweet & sour to usher in a fashionable new year.   Here’s where to get the goods:

Miu Miu strapless tiered dress

Alexander McQueen hummingbird print scarf

Miu Miu rosette leather jacket

Isharya cascade earrings

Kenneth Jay Lane bangles

Miu Miu oversized metallic bronze clutch

Brian Atwood Marielle satin pumps

Tags: clothes, vogue, fashion

According to ABC News, almost 5 out of every 10 Americans resolves to lose weight in the New Year. And the reason that half (!) the population is having to revisit this goal annually?  The abysmal success rate of diets: almost 95% of dieters put the all weight back on within 3 years. So why not try a different approach this year?  Celeb nutritionist Tanya Zuckerbrot of Skinny and the City offers up these road-tested tips on losing weight and keeping it off:

Be Realistic You didn’t gain the weight overnight, so don’t expect to lose it that way.  This isn’t a sprint, it’s a marathon that is best approached - and won! - by creating healthy new habits that will last a lifetime. And the first step to a new trimmer, slimmer you? Setting goals: write down where you would like to be with your weight in 1 month, 3 months, then 6 months, then 1 year.

Fill up on Fiber & Protein When combined, they are extremely effective at keeping serum glucose levels consistent, which in turn leads to improved energy throughout the day.  Eating small meals frequently throughout the day that contain both fiber and protein helps keep you from feeling ravenous…the gateway to overindulgence. At lunch, have a large salad filled with veggies and lean protein, and try snacking on an apple and some peanut butter or a piece of string cheese.

Don’t Skip Breakfast The most important meal of the day also jump-starts your metabolism for the day, and recent research has shown that not skipping breakfast can actually help you shed the extra pounds.  While it’s tempting to think you’re “saving” calories by avoiding breakfast, you’ll most likely end up starving later, which leads to overeating.  Breakfasts with both fiber and protein fill you up with the fewest calories, such as high fiber cereal (5 grams or more) with skim milk and berries, or an egg white omelette with veggies and a slice of whole wheat toast.

Drink your 8 Glasses Water, and lots of it, is key to losing weight. In addition to facilitating various bodily functions, it keeps you hydrated and helps avoid fatigue - which can lead to the munchies. If plain water is just too plain, jazz it up with a slice of lemon or lime.

Eat Fruits & Veggies Even without making any additional dietary changes, simply eating more fresh produce will add bulk and satiety to your diet without too many additional calories, increasing your chances of shedding the pounds…not to mention the extra health benefits of crucial vitamins and minerals. Fabulous fiber-rich choices include: broccoli, cauliflower, artichokes, hearts of palm, apples, berries and pears.

Slow Food Researchers at Eastern Illinois University recently gave test subjects identical servings of shelled and unshelled pistachios. When people had to open the nuts, they ate almost 50% less.  This small study shows that by slowing down the time it takes to eat something - in this case, having to first shell the pistachios - curbing calorie intake dramatically occurs naturally.  (Pistachios are also a great choice because they contain the highest amount of fiber compared to other nuts, as well as heart healthy mono-unsaturated fats which also have been shown to lower cholesterol.)

Write it Down According to a new study from Kaiser Permanente’s Center for Health Research of nearly 1,700 dieters, over a six month period, those who documented their food, drinks and exercise everyday lost an average of 20 pounds; people who journaled only occasionally or not at all only lost an average of 10 pounds. Journaling makes you accountable and aware of subconscious eating that packs on the pounds, and can double your weight loss. (Try the handy, spiral-bound DietMinder food & exercise diary - available at Amazon.com.)

Tags: fashion, clothes, vogue

Tags: vogue, fashion, clothes

You already knew Stuart Weitzman knows for shoes, but did you know he’s also an ace Ping Pong player?  If you think you have what it takes to beat him, first check out the video of him in action against Team Zappos, and then make your own 3 minute (or less) video in response, explaining why you think you can beat him at Ping Pong. The most creative video wins a trip to NYC February 6-8 to go one-on-one!  Contest ends January 9, 2009 at midnight Pacific Time & the winner will be announced the next day. The video & rules are at Zappos.com.

Tags: vogue, clothes, fashion

Uggs….ugh. Fanny packs…please.  Celeb perfumes…do you really wanna smell like Paris Hilton?  While the year was fashionable in so many ways (glamorous shine, fabulous florals, ladylike loveliness), here is Lemondrop’s fun list of the Top 10 most cringeworthy, tickety tackity trends of 2008 that really must die:

1. Jaunty Hats Paging Samantha Ronson & Agyness Deyn: thanks for ruining a classic
2. Uggs Over. So Over.
3. Celeb Perfumes Just because you can smell like Mariah or Paris or Hilary or Britney, does it mean you really want to?
4. Scarves, Scarves Everywhere Pete Wentz, Lil Wayne, Kirsten Dunst…too many of the same interchangeable celebs in the same interchangeable scarves.
5. Fanny Packs Unspeakable.
6. Sunglasses at Night Don’t be that loser. Just don’t.
7. Crop Tops Trust us, no one wants to see your belly (or Speidi for that matter).
8. Leggings Look good on precisely no one.
9. High-Waisted Jeans If they make Mischa Barton look like that, imagine what they’re doing to you.
10. Gladiator Sandals Probably Ye Olde Renaissance Festival weirdos are to blame.

Tags: vogue, fashion, clothes