What kind of Fashion is Worth it? Crazy Couture or Effortless Elegance (via MFW 2010)?

Milan Fashion Week was a colorful affair full of funky cutout coats (a la Marni), floor-length floral, sheer chiffon gowns (a la Alberta Ferretti), and coordinating and contrasting spring patterns (a la D&G).

But I saw these two wildly different images and got to thinking - if you're buying designer fashion, what style is worth it?  What structured gown or must-have piece of outerwear justifies the hefty price?

Bottega Veneta  Spring/Summer 2011 via style.com

Emilio Pucci Spring/Summer 2011 via style.com

Any piece of clothing I buy at any price point will have to have a little flair.  If I buy a designer piece, it would either have to be something like the Bottega Veneta - classic, effortless chic that can be dressed up or down and worn on a number of occasions (lowering the cost per wear right Tanvii?)  Or it has to be a crazy cool and utterly show stopping piece like the ethereal flowing piece above.

What are your thoughts?  What designer pieces are worth the price for you?

Decor Thoughts: Unfolding the Beauty of Molding

What a beautiful way to highlight a place of rest...

...bring an edge to a family room.

...insert instant old-world glamor

 ...infuse a modern sensibility

...or highlight an entry into the next room

Images 1+2 from Martha Stewart, 3 from Neat Home,  4 from Inviting Home, 5 from De Lovely Photos

I've already thought about how I can somehow incorporate the last example of molding into my next home.  I love how molding instantly adds dimension to any room - it's such a subtle yet striking detail that isn't necessarily expensive but very chic. My parent's home has gorgeous crown molding in their living room that I'd love to recreate.  But I also love how it encircles the bed and door way too - I'm so excited about the possibilities!

Do you have molding in your home?  What are your most favorite uses of molding?

CnC Living Recommends: Websites for affordable art prints

* Remember to enter the Night Owl Paper Goods giveaway for your choice of wooden or letterpress stationary here*

Are you constantly decorating or searching for ways to spruce up your home (or is that just me and my super slow home shopping ways?)

Art prints are a Chic 'n Cheap way to build and enhance your art collection.   Look for prints that are laid out on archival paper, use quality inks, and have fun discovering new artists or uncovering old prints.

Here are a few favorite websites and images:
Poster Cabaret

Runaway Girl by Robert Lee, $30

20x200

Sugarcoat by Michelle Hinebrook, $20 - $1000 depending on size

Thumbtack Press

Life by Adonis Werther, $69.99/set of 4

Yeehaw Press

Jazz Poster Alphonse Mouzon Letterpress print, $35

Renegade Handmade

Lucky Bear Wall Hanging, $60

Etsy of course has a huge variety of great print shops as well and you can always search eBay if you're looking for a specific print.
Here's a great list of a few more websites for great prints.

Where do you get your art prints?

Photo Love {Inspiration}: Floating onwards and upwards

Up, Up, and Away!

Superman

Photo from here

I haven't been in a hot air balloon before, but I can only imagine the vistas and feelings of lightness and tranquility from the gorgeous view.  As much as I travel (including next week to Canada), I forget everything else and get a little giddy when we ascend, everything becomes smaller, and we're up in the clouds.

Have you been on a hot air balloon ride before?

Here's hoping that you get a beautiful and peaceful view and things are looking up. ♥

Have a lovely week!

{Recipe}: Styling and sumptuous white chocolate champagne truffles

Pink.
Champagne.
Chocolate.

Delightfully decadent and undeniably fun.  These would be great as favors, for goodie bags, or any day ending in "y".

From Sprinkle Bakes for Dog 'n Bird.  Full details here.

Sprinkle Bake’s Wedding Toast Truffles


Ingredients:
- 7 oz. high quality white chocolate, chopped
- 1 cup pink champagne such as KORBEL Brut Rosé
- 2 tbsp heavy cream
- 1 tsp red flavored gelatin (strawberry or raspberry)
- Confectioners sugar

Directions:
1. Pour the pink champagne into a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until champagne has reduced to 1 teaspoon. Set aside and let cool slightly.
2. Set a heat proof bowl over a small pot of simmering water. Add the heavy cream and champagne reduction to the bowl and stir until combined and hot. Gradually add the white chocolate and stir until melted and smooth.
3. Sprinkle over the gelatin and mix with a rubber spatula until combined. Mixture will thicken slightly and a little of the cocoa butter may rise to the top (pour this off). Cover and chill.
4. Check for firmness at 5-10 minutes. This mixture firms up quickly and should not be left in the refrigerator for too long.
5. Roll the scooped chocolate with your hands into small balls (about the size of a large grape) and roll into powdered sugar. Serve truffles in fancy candy foils with a glass of champagne for the toast.

Makes 12 small toasting truffles.

FFF - Snique Away Travel deals, Luca Luca, Priscilla of Boston, Hermes NYC Sample Sales and F1 gazing

Happy Fun, Free Friday darlings!

Another Friday and another ringing in of the weekend (yay!)

So I wanted to update you about a few cool new sites and sales (sorry sales are in NYC!)

Snique Away
I got an invite for Snique Away, a members only discount luxury travel site from Smarter Living (great website full of travel tips and deals).  They function like the designer sample sale sites, except that their temporary boutiques are for sales of rooms at specific resorts, spas, and hotels.  
Right now, my favorite deal is at the Reefs at South Hampton, Bermuda - Bermuda's best hotel according to Condé Nast Traveler 2010. Rooms range from $207-$221  Pretty awesome for the best hotel on the island!  I like being aware of different travel deals and thought this was a cool service.  Click here if you'd like to join via my invite.

Love the views from the cliffs!

New York City
Lucky shoppers, here's a rundown of a few awesome sample sales...

Luca Luca
Umm outfits like these up to 90% off.  Run and prepare your credit cards for a worthy workout.

Image from here

Priscilla of Boston
Remember when I got an evening gown for $20 here?  It might be more now but I would still stop by to check out the selection (and of course if you're a bride, what a great place to start gown shopping!)

Hermes
Silk scarves, enamel bracelets, and possibly a dream bag can be found at this sale.  Read Jenn's report here for more details!  You know you want something in a pretty orange box.

Otherwise this weekend, I'm...
...stalking the F1 races here!  Ok we don't have tickets but my friend is staying at the Marina Bay Sands and we're hoping to have great city views there!  If not, we'll still have a nice city view and get to use their infinity pool!

Image from here

What are you up to this weekend?

Hope you have a fabulous weekend!

LOTC: John Derian for Target dinnerware and decor

Nature was the inspiration and star of John Derian's Luxing it on the Cheap (LOTC) line for Target.  I love the offbeat, whimsical, and chic designs.  It's in stores and online now!

Here are a few favorites.

Honeycomb mug set of 4 $19.99 here, Moth mug set of 4 $19.99 here

Home Sweet Home Serving Plate $12.99 here

Apple Salad plate set of 8 $19.99 here

Floral salad plate set of 8 $19.99 here

Dragonfly square tray $14.99? here

What do you think of this collection?

Chic 'n Cheap Living Contest: Night Owl Paper Goods - Wooden or Letterpress Stationary (Worldwide contest)

The wonderful world of Night Owl Paper Goods was introduced here.

Learn a little more about Night Owl Paper Goods below  (derived from a interview from Dash, Pinch, Smidgen.  See the full text here)

The image of two owls on a limb is a self-portrait of sorts.  Jennifer Tatham and Alan Henderson daydreamed about starting their own stationery company and would moonlight on projects for friends after hours.  In 2004, they started Night Owl Paper Goods with a devotion to creating handmade letterpress cards and eco-chic wooden goodies in a "modern yet folksy" style.  They created a company and product line that combines everything they love: design + printing + writing + paper + wood + nature + the environment + friends + family.

They have a wide selection of designs for every event available on letter press or wood.  Custom designs are also available and can be sent to custom@nightowlpapergoods.com.  Simply view the options and pricing online and work with the designers to make a custom design come to life (also don't be afraid to ask about any other options you may want to create!)

Samples are also available on the Samples Page so one can really get a feel of the dimensions and texture of these amazing little wooden cards.

Review
Night Owl Paper Goods kindly sent a few wooden and letterpress samples for my review.  I had no idea what to expect of the wood stationary and was pleasantly surprised - the colors were bright and it was both light, yet flexible and durable (minimizing extra postage costs!)

 

The letterpress stationary was whimsical and lovely on a heavyweight paper.

Deal alert

Save 15% when you order now with code chicncheapliving through September 30th! 

Win your choice of 3 cards, 2 jotters, or 1 journal.

{Le Rules}

This is for the Chic 'n Cheap Living family (aka blog followers - Blogger, BlogLovin, Google or other Reader) only because you rock!  New followers are always welcome too of course.

First entry:
Become a Night Owl Paper Facebook Fan and comment below on your favorite item.  If you don't have a Facebook profile, just comment below letting me know your favorite item.

Please include your e-mail address if you do not have a blog or Twitter ID.

Check the blog to see if you win.  If you win, please e-mail me within 3 days.  I would hate to redraw a winner but everyone deserves a fair chance.

Extra entries:

1.  (+1) Become a Twitter Follower AND tweet about this contest with this line: "Win wooden or letterpress stationary from @cncliving & @nightowlpaper http://su.pr/5OJF7n" (use the Tweet button below!)

2. (+1) Write on the Night Owl Paper Facebook Page telling them your favorite item from the store here
3. (+2) Become a Facebook Fan - for my friends who love to keep up via Facebook! (or remind me if you are already a fan, I changed Facebook fan pages, please come here!)

4. (+1) Blog about the contest/sidebar w/a picture on your page linking back here.

Note: Please WRITE A SEPARATE COMMENT FOR EACH EXTRA ENTRY, it will make the cross-referencing a little easier (esp. for people with different handles on different accounts).

I'll leave this contest up until September 30, 11:59 pm PST.   This is open to readers internationally!

Good luck!

Dreaming/NYFW 2010 Favorite Images

Oh to be a high-flying fashion editor rubbing elbows with Rihanna in the front-row and sipping Fiji Water while touching those zanily colorful 70s inspired fabrics backstage at Marc Jacobs,

Until then, here are a few favorite images from NYFW as I await invites for future shows.

Swimming in Marchesa gowns at Style.com's indoor pool party

Catching t-shirts from Alexander Wang's t-shirt gun...

...when I just hung backstage with his models

I'd pair an Alexander Wang top with this Marc by Marc Jacobs skirt.

Braving the street outside Bergdorf Goodman during Fashion Out NY is more fun with a crowd

Aahh and celebrating Tom Ford's return to womenswear (just got a pair of his sunglasses and would long for his SS 2011 clothing line)

Image sources: 1+2 from Style.com, 3+4 from Dazed Digital, 5 + 6 from Vogue

What fashion images are on your mind?

Photo Love {Inspiration}: Take time to enjoy the sunset

What is life?  It is the flash of a firefly in the night.  It is the breath of a buffalo in the wintertime.  It is the little shadow which runs across the grass and loses itself in the sunset.

Crowfoot

Picture from here

Life passes by more quickly than we like and seems to rush faster and faster with each coming year.  While we commemorated the passing of one life this weekend, we also witnessed a beautiful infant's joy at demonstrating her knowledge of animals and love for her parents.  How cool, crazy, and amazing to witness her evolution and own discovery of life. 

Take time to hang out with loved ones.

Travel to the place that's been on your wanderlust list.

Have a bite of the cupcake everyone's talking about.

And of course enjoy each and every sunset.

Have a lovely week!

FFF - Unexpected and welcome family time

Happy Fun, Free, Friday lovelies!

We're unexpectedly going to the Philippines today for an unfortunate family event on my husband's side.  But we'll be staying to visit some uncles and aunts we've been wanting to see for a while.  Sometimes life can bring you an unexpected but ultimately comforting and happy reunion.

Picture from here

I'll miss your blogs this weekend!

What are you doing this weekend?

Have a fabulous weekend?

{Recipe}: Basic Chinese dumplings

I ♥ dumplings.

Yes, I love dumplings of almost any size, shape, and ethnicity (gyoza, veriniki, pierogies, etc.).  I particularly like savory dumplings and fried dumplings are the best (though you'll find this recipe below actually uses light frying and steaming).

My friend, Kent was visiting Singapore and he was gracious enough to teach me how to make Chinese style pork dumplings from scratch (I've added a few seasoning revisions).  He learned this recipe from his grandmother and mom and was a pro at making this at our house parties in France and Singapore.

Freshly friend, homemade dumplings are so seriously delicious.

If you ever have a few friends over, I'd recommend this as a fun and edible activity (the dough part is actually a bit tedious since it needs to be kneaded smooth).

Basic Chinese Dumplings (makes about 30-50 dumplings depending on the size of your wrappers)

Ingredients:

- 1.5 cups flour

- 1/2 cup water plus up to 1/3 cup of water for steaming each batch

- 1/8 cup canola oil plus 1-2 tablespoons for cooking each batch

- 1 tablespoon salt 

- 3/4 pound pork or other meat

- 1/2 inch ginger (minced) 

- 1 stalk green onion/scallion (minced)

- 2 tablespoons soy sauce plus 2 tablespoons for sauce

- 1.5 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon rice wine

Note: Feel free to add chopped cabbage, carrots, mushrooms, eggs, tofu etc. to balance out or replace the meat
Tip: Don't have time to make the dumpling wrappers?  Save a few hours and grab a pack from a Chinese or Asian supermarket - note that many store made dumpling wrappers tend to be thin so be careful!

Tools

- Large mixing bowl

- small bowl for sauce

- chopping board

- floured surface or cutting board for rolling wrappers
- plates for holding freshly wrapped dumplings

- rolling pin

- skillet

- cover for skillet

Instructions:

Dough prep

1. Make the dough by combining first 4 ingredients (only half of salt) in a large bowl.  Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are combined.

2. Create a large ball of dough with some flour at the periphery of your kneading surface.

3. Knead dough with palm of hand - spread dough with the heel of your hand from the middle and upward so dough is spread thin.

4. Continue until dough is smooth.  This make take up to 10 - 15 minutes.

5. Roll dough into several (our case 4) logs about 3/4 inch thick and about 10" long.

6. Cover dough to keep moist.

Meat prep

7. Mix pork, remaining salt, sesame oil, and about 80% of the ginger, scallion, two tablespoons of soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and rice wine.

8. Cover mixture and keep it ready.

Dumpling assembly

9. Cut off about 1.5 - 2" of dough from a log.

10.Roll into a ball form. Use a floured rolling surface and rolling pin to flatten and roll out the dough.  Roll outward from center and flip over.

11. Gather a bit more of a tablespoon of meat (too much will make the dumpling first so start small and add a bit) into the center of the rolled skin. Start folding dumpling into a crescent shape by gathering the circle, folding in half, and pinching at the top.

12. Form small pleats by gathering 1/4" of dough and pushing towards other side to create a fold.

13.Pleat both sides and place on a tray/plate (ok there were circular shapes thrown in for fun).

Cooking

14. Heat up your skillet on medium heat and pour in the tablespoon of oil.

15. Place dumplings in a circular pattern.

16. Pour in 1/8 - 1/4 cup water (1/8 cup at a time).  Water will dissipate in a few seconds.  Pour in remaining water and cover for about 5 minutes.  Picture below shows a bit too much water - don't let your pan look like this!

17. Voila - freshly cooked dumplings in a few minutes!

Sauce assembly
18. Combine remaining soy sauce, ginger, scallions, and dash of sugar to create the sauce.

Dip, eat, and enjoy!