Shopping Finds/In my Closet: Crossing over to the Orange (Hermès) side

It's official.  I crossed over to the dark side.  Dark orange, very French, and very chic.

Yep, a few Hermès scarves now reside in my closet.

I told my husband I wanted to get my mom a Hermès scarf for Mother's Day.  She has some of the most beautiful scarves and it has always been a staple wardrobe piece for her.  But I wanted to get her the ultimate scarf: an Hermès scarf.   In the process of oohing and ahhing over scarves for her, I accumulated a few for myself.

Hermès scarves are known for their craftsmanship.  Raw silk is converted directly into silk yarn and spun into fabric twice as strong as other silk scarves (at its inception in 1937).  New designs are individually screen printed and up to 40 colors can be selected from a range of 200,000 colors.  The vibrant colors and vivid designs of these scarves can be pretty amazing.

I also love versatile pieces and when I saw that I could wear an Hermès scarf as a headscarf, top, or belt (instructions here), I was sold.  Savvy also recently posted DIY scarf as a hat instructions and the Glamourai also posted a scarf dress here.
I also view these as pieces of artwork and am looking into getting a few framed some day (ahh and Apartment Therapy thinks it's a good idea too!)

They retail for $375 and up (for the 90 cm/35" square size), but of course I never paid that.  I got a few through the Market place at Purse Forum (you have to apply to be a member) and a few on eBay.  I always looked for 100% seller feedback, hand-rolled hems, good condition, and the presence of the care tag (though "Quai Aux Fleures" doesn't come with a tag, I loved it too much to care).

This is the scarf I eventually ended up getting my mom: a mousseline (semi-sheer)

Here are my scarves "Quai aux les fleures" and "Au Coeur de la vie" (yes the same as the one I got my mom but in a different colorway!).  I affectionately refer to them as white lady-like scarf with carriage and tropical Jimmy Buffet. ♡

So do you have some lovely scarves of your own?  How would you wear/use them?

Photo Love (Inspiration}: Being true to yourself and staying comfortable

To be nobody but yourself in a world which is doing its best, night and day, to make you everybody else means to fight the hardest battle which any human being can fight; and never stop fighting.  

~e.e. cumming

Photo from here

There is such power in this quiet photo - it is the power of self-assurance and one being completely comfortable in her own skin.  Katharine wore pants like no one could in an age of stockings, girdles, and petticoats.  Once the RKO studio took away her pants to force her to wear a skirt, she walked around the movie lot in her underwear until her pants were returned.  Whew, don't play games with this lady!

Sometimes without realizing it, we may be quietly directed towards dressing a certain way, working in a certain job, and living a certain lifestyle.  But is it a lifestyle that makes you happy?  I actually attended a personal coaching workshop this past week and one of my main takeaways is that I am going to make a career switch.  It's scary to segue into somewhat unknown territory but I realized that I wouldn't be completely comfortable in a function in my old role.   It is transforming to a manner of living from which I was just fine  and earning a paycheck to one which I can speak with passion about my job.  It might take some time, but I'll get there.

Here's to living life on your own terms while being completely fashionable and comfortable.

Have a lovely week!

San Diego, LA, and Orange County Food and To-Do suggestions!

Happy weekend to you my dears!

I realized that we are less than a week from flying to Southern California and we really need to plan our to dos (and more importantly to shop and eat!)


To Do

LA
We'll pay a visit to the Getty obviously.  I love the views and serenity of the space.  $15 for parking seems kinda brutal though.

Also looking for some great places to shop - but seriously have no clue since my experience is limited to the Beverly Center and South Coast Plaza!  Any cool stores with vintage clothing?
Coquette is supposed to have great designer vintage pieces right (like the clutch below)
I'll take any store with cool pieces (doesn't have to be designer!)

San Diego
San Diego Museum of Art is a definite to-do because my cousin is getting married there and they graciously paid for the guests to see the exhibits as well.   I'm going to check out the Toulose -Lautrec exhibit.

Will also drop by Noon Stationary (remember Pink Argyle's post here)- nice to browse this lovely shop in person!

To Eat

San Diego
I just know I'm getting fish tacos.  Place TBD based on my cousin's recommendations.  Hmm what else is a must eat?  Yay and I get to meet Mo!

Orange County/Irvine
I'm visiting the fabulous bestie and she has good Lebanese and Vietnamese places in mind.  Anywhere else that's a must visit?

LA
Latin loveliness
We'll definitely be eating at Mario's.  The saltado de pollo, picante de marisco's and aji (green spicy sauce) is out of this world.  Possibly my favorite non-fancy Peruvian place ever.

Picture from Yelp

We're going to my husband's favorite Wahaccan place (forgot the name though)
Mmm, mole...

Burgers
Umami Burger has been the hot burger place apparently.  I'd definitely like to visit and try the SoCal burger (mmm oven dried tomato, caramelized onions, and home made American cheese - yes please!)

I remember reading about this Saigon burger at Kalbi Burger on Love and Lemonade and was totally fascinated.  I loved pickled carrots and on a burger - refreshing and delicious!

Nina's professional picture

Then of course the classic In 'n Out burger - animal style!  Seriously I don't eat this much beef in a month so can probably do 2 of the 3.  Hmm which two...

Food trucks
Kogi and Nom Nom truck.  Korean/Mexican and banh mi are only among my favorite foods ever!
Any other stalk-worthy trucks?

Picture from Nom Nom

I'd be eternally grateful for your shopping, browsing, and restaurant/food truck recommendations  in these areas!

FFF - Body Shop Friends and Family 20% off this weekend and a summertime movie

Happy Fun, Free Friday lovelies!

This week has flown by and I've almost forgotten I'm going to California next week!  Woohoo!  Come to me fish tacos and In 'n Out burger!  I'm making my restaurant/food truck list.  I'm overwhelmed and excited by the possibilities.  I'm also picking up lots of random packages sent to my dear bestie's house (thanks for storing them!)

This weekend is also Body Shop's Friends and Family weekend!  Get 20% off anything with the code FF10. Psst, a little secret for you.  I use the Vitamin C Skin Boost on my husband and think his face might just be a teeny bit smoother.  It also smells pretty nice.  He probably won't be thrilled I told you so don't tell him, sshhh.

Otherwise this weekend I'm...
...going to an outdoor movie by the Museum!  Summertime movies with friends and snacks are a great time to catch up and enjoy cool summer evenings.  I remember munching sandwiches at Bryant Park and watching movies there during the summer.  Definitely fun times.

Image from here and I still need to see this movie!

...finishing my Picabo photo book!  Get your code here if you're interested in the free photo book ($39.99 value - I'm definitely getting the leather one!)

What are you doing this weekend?

Have a fabulous weekend!

{Shopping alert} Yumi Kim NYC Sample sale 8/26 - 8/27

Secret #1 to a New Yorker's great wardrobe: sample sales


It's unbelievable, ridiculous and amazing that you can get designer items for the price of dinner ($20, $30) at these annual sample sales (actually this is the first Yumi Kim sale I've heard of).  Check out the Yumi Kim sale soon New York lovelies and make me jealous!  Let us know what you get!


There is also an awesome sale online.  This is one of my favorites now.  This designer makes some of my favorite dresses, tops, and rompers for the warm weather - gorgeous patterns in lovely silks, what's not to like?

Love dress in Aqua Rio $88 here

Yumi Kim 2-Day Sample Sale!
Thursday August 26, 2010 (12-7PM)
Friday August 27, 2010 (12-6PM)
Cash Only!
Dresses and Rompers-$30
Tops-$20

Location:
Cable Building
611 Broadway Suite 816
NY, NY 10012

Summer corn and yellow pepper {recipe} and CSN winner!

I love corn all year round, but corn in the summer is something else special.  I love the sweetness and lightness of fresh corn and the aroma of it roasting (with a lovely spicy butter that I randomly make).  Luckily for me, summer is all year round here so I can have fun with fresh corn recipes.

Tip: Use a bundt cake pan as a pedestal when cutting fresh corn from the cob.  The kernels fall neatly in (I haven't tried this but it would sure be better than all the corn that flies around when I cut it).

I bought some fresh corn and was inspired by Sara's pan-fried corn.
Pan-fried corn is so fun and and a little scary too.   It pops a little bit in the hot pan and there were a few random kernels strewn about my kitchen.  A lower heat would probably be fine and less hazardous to your stove top and unprotected eyes (kidding, kinda).

I combined pan fried corn with one sweet yellow pepper and the results were delicious.  It's the color and taste of a beautiful summer day.  It's also super easy which is always nice.

Summer corn and pepper
Ingredients:
- kernels from 2 freshly shucked ears of corn
- 1 tablespoon of butter or olive oil spread (I used the latter)
- 1 yellow pepper, cute into small 1/2" cubes
- salt and pepper to taste

Directions:
1. Melt butter/olive oil spread in a hot skillet.
2. Toss in corn and stir for 5 minutes.  Put yellow pepper in pan and continue to cook until pepper is cooked.  Season with salt and pepper.

Sweet and salty goodness on a plate!

Now onto the winner of the CSN certificate!

Congrats to....



...The Fabulous Adventures of Mrs. Smith!  Her extra Facebook fan entry was the winner!
Congratulations my dear!  Thank you all for entering and don't worry, another opportunity will come again.

  I'm also launching a fun contest for something super cute and fun so look out for it soon!

Please contact me at cncliving{@}gmail.com with your contact details (name and e-mail address where you want the gift certificate e-mailed!)

A new way to present photos: Printed photos on glass!

Pictures in frames.

Digitally printed photo books.

Photos printed directly on canvases.

Now pictures printed onto glass.

Seriously?  Fracture enables you to create a one piece picture and frame on printed glass.  Your picture will also print edge to edge with no cropping  (this is actually a downfall I've experienced in making photo books and canvases).

Simply upload your desired photo, customize your order, and wait for your frames to arrive so that you can mount them directly (no screw or additional attachments necessary).  I'm fascinated by the concept of digital printing on glass.  Fracture has also made finished photos safe and durable by removing sharp edges, making it shatter proof, and guaranteeing that the image will last a few years under the worst conditions.

It already seems chic, but it is also thankfully cheap with prices ranging from $8 to $25 for sizes 5"x7" to 11"x14" respectively.

There is also a money back guarantee which certainly makes me more comfortable with the product.

Disclaimer:
I wrote this blog post in response to a TwitterMoms RAMBO alert, making me eligible to get a Fracture picture frame for review. You can learn more about Fracture at http://www.fractureme.com.


If I'm among the first 100 bloggers to write about this, I'll receive a frame for review.  Of course,  I also chose to do this because I find this to be a pretty innovative and intriguing product (and i always share that with you!)   I'll definitely post a review when I receive this and you can decide for yourselves!

LOTC: Temple St. Claire jewelry for Target

Target has collaborated with a jewelry designer for this edition of Luxing it on the Cheap (LOTC): affordable and chic jewelry for all (she's normally at Saks and Bergdorf Goodman)!

The line consists of Temple St. Claire's subtle Mediterranean influences apparent  in her use of yellow gold and boldly colored cabochons.  This collection definitely grew on me - at first it seemed disarmingly simple, but the more I looked, the more I loved the vibrant colors and elegant styling of the stones.

Temple St. Claire for Target is in stores Aug. 29 and everything is under $50.  Perfect for gifts or rounding out your jewelry collection.  I used to be a jewelry snob (silver or gold only) but I've really learned to embrace good costume jewelry and all its fun possibilities.

Images from the Budget Babe

I'll take one of each please.

What do you think of this collection?  Are the brightly colored stones something you'd wear?

Dreaming/Travel: Underwater dining and living in the Maldives

*Remember to enter to win $60 for your own Le Creuset, Thomas Paul and more!  Enter here*

Imagine dining 16 feet below sea level with an up close and personal view of reef and marine life in the Maldives.  You can do that at Ithaa, the restaurant in the Conrad Maldives Rangaali island.

Talk about an unbelievable view!

Now think about sleeping with the fishes (in a good way).  Yes you can rent this as a suite as well.

Pictures from Hilton.com via Martha Stewart Weddings

Simply amazing.

A 14 day advance reservation is required for the restaurant or room.  More details here.

The pricing is TBD, but if you love ocean life, this is definitely a once in a life time experience (and likely very pricey, so something you'd probably only do once!)

On another note though, my good friend told me there are also tons of great boutique hotels in the Maldives that are reasonably priced.  I'll try to get a list from her soon!

What destinations do you dream of and what would the ideal room look like?