Worth it?/Decor Thoughts: Phillipe Starck Louis ghost chair

Sleek, styling, and versatile, the Phillipe Starck Louis XV ghost chairs are the epitome of modern vintage (they're a modern polycarbonate spin on the original Louis XV chair.)

It even comes in different designs now!

All pictures courtesy of Unica

We're looking for a few seating options for the living and dining area and I'm kinda intrigued by these chairs.   They're certainly chic and unique.  But they're not cheap with a retail of $410 (though in furniture shopping, I realize there are few cheap yet quality options),  While it is extremely durable. it also looks like a very nice plastic (so could that really be chic?)

I found a few on Craigslist and may eventually go for it,  If that doesn't work out (since we know sellers aren't always reliable), I may just take the plunge via CSN.

So, what do you think, is this chair worth it?

Photo Love: Travel memories via food

Our happiest moments as tourists always seem to come when we stumble upon one thing while in pursuit of something else.

Lawrence Block

Kashmir, my favorite Northern Indian restaurant in Singapore

Pollo saltado from Mario's in Los Angeles.

Grilled sausages in Jiufen, Taiwan

With American Thanksgiving over and the official start of holiday eating just beginning, I've been thinking a lot about food.  Food can be associated with some of our most cherished situations, places, people, and memories.  It is definitely an important part of my memories when I travel.   I love exploring a city, discovering its culture and also trying its cuisine.   Then of course I have to photograph everything so I remember (yes even here, I love taking pictures of food and delaying my husband's meal while I do so, hehe.)

I love looking back at these photographs and remembering the people I was with and the defining characteristics of that place.

Do any foods bring up a favorite travel memory for you?

Have a lovely week!

Worthy Reads Roundup - Kate Spade's home and how it relates to Thanksgiving, Bridal sales in NYC, and Karl Lagerfeld for Macy's

Hope you had a good week lovelies!

This is what happened at Chic 'n Cheap Living this week:

- Instead of feeling blue, pick yourself up and feel turquoise!
- Ruffled femininity interpreted in canvas - Valentino for Gap launches and I want it (alas it's in Europe only!)
- My birthday wishes and what I'm thankful for this year
- Thanksgiving and decor thoughts with a peek into Kate Spade's home
- My Black Friday highlights and sales - woohoo, time to shop!

Here are some worthy reads from blogger buddies and beyond:
- Did you know that this year's BFC/Vogue Fashion fund was announced this week (via Liberty London Girl)? I love Jonathon Saunders and Christopher Kane - who are you cheering for?

Jonathon Saunders collection from 2007, picture from here 

- Jessica's twinkle toes board reminded me how much I love sparkly shoes!

- These designer collaborations keep on coming - what do you think about Karl Lagerfeld for Macy's?

Image from here

- One of my favorite pictures this week - kids taking photos via Debby? Aaww.

FFF - Black Friday Highlights, Bridal Sales and Thanksgiving love again

Happy Fun, Free, Friday lovelies!

Of course, it's a special Friday because it's Black Friday (aka awesome savings which make you buy more)!
Almost every retailer has a special discount today in-store or online so check their website or Google whether they have an extra discount today.

Here are some favorite deals...

Online sales

Shopbop - 20-33% off with code BIGEVENT Get the following deals: $50 off $250 orders, $100 off $500 orders, $150 off $750 orders, $250 off $1,000 orders and $500 off $1,500 orders.  Aww wish my Shopbop contest ended by tomorrow, but remember to enter if you haven't!

Body Shop - 3 items for $30 (excluding sets, gift cards) in-store and online from 11/25 3 am EST to 11/26.  Stock up on gifts or refill because this is the best deal of the year.  My husband uses a skin serum that costs $29 here and as far as I can tell, this would be included!  Phenomenal deal.


Williams Sonoma  - if you're ever wanted a salad spinner or Calphalon Unison nonstick pans (their best line for nonstick),  get them today because this even beats Amazon prices.  See the full list here.  We don't even need the pans now but since nonstick pans all have a limited shelf life, I'm stocking up!  You also get Citi Thank you, Upromise, or MyPoints points if you go through those programs first.

Online sales (invitation only)

Swirl by Daily Candy - quite a few more casual and pretty brands on sale here.  I like the EDUN selection and it's a good time to stock up on bodycon skirts if you need them.  I got my first pair of Tom Ford sunglasses here for $109.

My invite if you need it.

Ideeli - deep discounts on multiple brands from Calvin Klein to M Missoni.  I saw a Pucci top sold out for $49 (insane, retail was over $1000). 
My invite if you need it.

Ruelala - also deep, multibrand discounts akin to their Final Sales from designers like Valentino to Michael Stars.  Malandrino (one of my personal faves) has dresses for as low as $259. 
My invite if you need it.

Hautelook - I visit this site less often, but feel a need to call out Tom Ford sunglass sales whenever I see them.  I have one pair and they are classic, edgy, well constructed and extremely chic.
My invite if you need it.

NYC Bridal Sales
If you're a bride or have a friend who is a bride, now is a great time to go wedding gown shopping!  There is a white Friday sales at Priscilla of Boston today nationwide.  Remember when I talked about my $20 evening gown find here?  This is why I post whenever they have a sale and now you could get one for $10!

Both Kleinsfeld (NYC powerhouse bridal boutique) and Saks Fifth Avenue (great selection, saw the most gorgeous Vera Wang and Claire Pettibone gowns at a sample sale) have sales next week.

Expect 70% off a wide variety of designers like Kenneth Pool, Amsale, Monique Lhuillier, Vera Wang, and more

Kleinsfeld - Nov. 30, 3 - 7 pm (no appointment necessary)
110 West 20th Street
New York, NY, 10011
Saks Fifth Avenue - Dec. 1 - Dec. 5 (no appointment necessary)
611 Fifth Avenue, 5th Floor
New York, NY 10022

Otherwise, this weekend I am...
...doing Thanksgiving dinner, part 2!  Aahh Americans abroad can only really commemorate during the weekend and we will do it in style!  I am making wine braised mushrooms (divine and the sauce, wow!)

Picture from here

What are you doing this weekend?

Have a fabulous week!

Happy Thanksgiving and Decor Thoughts via Kate Spade

Happy Thanksgiving to my American friends!

To my friends elsewhere, I leave you with pictures of Kate Spade's home which also evoke the feeling of Thanksgiving...
...hanging out at home

...laughing together

...creating and collecting memories

...breaking out your fine silver

...heading towards loved ones

...relaxing

...making sure your home looks its best

Picture source

I love how her home also reflects her warm, whimsical, and lovely brand!

Birthday Thanks and Wishes

It kinda crept up on me, but it's my birthday!  It has certainly been quite a year!  To think I celebrated my birthday in France two years ago, in London last year, and in Singapore this year (which I should theoretically remain in for a while).  My birthday has always been around (sometimes on) Thanksgiving.  I thought it would be nice to reflect on what I'm thankful for and put down a few wishes as well.

I'm thankful for...
...love and support of friends and family (in real life and online!) 
...my ability to travel.  My husband and I are in an amazing new section of the world and there's so much to explore!
...living chic 'n cheap but still saving and staying within our means.  Sure I've been on a Hermès scarf spree lately.  But I'm still practical and not buying Birkins left and right.  Someday, I'll show you the full Hermès collection though ;)
...Skype and IDD (international direct dial) minutes from my phone.  It's awesome to seamlessly communicate with my family with these free/very low cost services.
...good health of my parents.  I've seen sickness and loss this year and wish I was closer to my parents but at least they're doing well.

I'm wishing for (or material stuff that actually corresponds to the stuff that matters)...
...more decor for our home which actually means we're settling here for a bit!  I also see myself buying a few more things from Amazon and CSN as we stock our kitchen as well.  This platter was from my wish list for the Blogger Holiday Gift Guide 2010!  

...a sweet outlook.  That and I ♡ caramel though I don't have a sweet tooth.

 ...light or clarity in my next steps here.  Will I really start a new business?  Or will I enter a new field or go back to the old one?  I wish this was clear!

...motivation when the future is uncertain, perhaps helped by this invigorating tea?

...a bright, pink, fashionable year - perhaps in the area of fashion or at least this will be the new dress I can wear when I enter my new field (err maybe with a black cardigan)!

Images: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

If anyone would like to trade birthday wishes with me (or just a random message), send me an e-mail at cncliving {@}gmail.com!  I'll let you know my mailing address and send you a card from Asia too!  I have so much great stationary here!

LOTC: Valentino for Gap aka Canvas becomes fancy

Signature Valentino ruffles and bows have always made my inner girl extremely happy.  The signature Valentino price has ensured that I only have one piece of Valentino clothing (a deal of a lifetime Valentino silk jacket). With the launch of Valentino for Gap, I can stock up on my Luxing it on the Cheap (LOTC) Valentino items more easily (well easiest if I was in Europe since this collection is only in England and Italy). 

The collection is available on November 27 and does not disappoint the ruffle loving lady.  I am lusting after the sportswear gone chic pieces in this collection.  Valentino designers Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pier Paolo Piccioli insert feminine tailoring into the most unlikely of materials – cotton canvas.  The results are neutral, fun safari chic looks that can be worn every day.

I especially love the bow skirt (£69.95) and short ruffled jacket (£119.95) – ultimately feminine and timeless. 

The hoodie (£89.95), cargo pants (£99.95), and parka (£149.95) are also definitely unique and fun though maybe a little too funky for me.

 All pictures from here

These items will be available in the Milan flagship (it was already there since Nov. 20), London flagship, Colette Paris, and Dover Street Market in London.

What do you think of this collection? 

Photo Love {Inspiration}: Feeling Blue but seeing turquoise

Embrace the serenity, freedom, and brightness of a turquoise state of mind.

Chic 'n Cheap Living

All pictures from here

Today has been hard and I admit to being a little blue.  I'm crushed that something I thought was promising wasn't at all what I envisioned.  My hope was dashed and I understood the meaning of the saying "I feel gutted."

But I'm making my way back.  I moped and wallowed, but there is no point in wasting my time over something that I can't change.  I'm turning my blue state into something turquoise.  We were invited to weddings in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico and Verona, Italy next year.  We're likely going and I am appreciating the fact that we can do that.  I have a supportive husband, a comfortable lifestyle, and a (rented) home that we can call our own.  It may take me longer to find my path but I'll get there.  These bumps in the road just make it hard (that and I keep on asking "Are we there yet?")

I feel blue, but I will see turquoise and all its possibilities.

Have a good week lovelies!

Worthy Reads Roundup - Shopbop giveaway, Blogger Holiday Gift Guide, and Miles Redd's (and my future) black kitchen

How was your week lovelies?

Here is what happened on Chic 'n Cheap Living this week:
- Take the first step and discover amazing things.
- You deserve a treat.  And great boots. Enter here to win $100 to spend at Shopbop.
- The Blogger Holiday Gift Guide is here!  Part 1 has great picks for the fashionista to a purple and gold Laker's lover!
- Part 2 of the Blogger Holiday Gift Guide has selections for the Liberty of London lover to the travelista!
- DIY your own photo pop-up cards (and create some crazy and fun designs like I did!)
- Mmm recipes from Martha Stewart AND a Yumi Kim shopping discount - food and shopping are a sublime combo!

Here are some worthy reads from blogger buddies and beyond:
- Liz is a constant inspiration and her 30 Before 30 reminds me that I want to keep on learning, go to Fashion Week, and be surrounded by my friends for my upcoming birthday.

 

- Alkemie posted Miles Redd's kitchen - I found my dream kitchen!

- I never liked French manicures, but Diana showed how awesome they can be,

- Creature Gorgeous is always posting pictures of amazing food and she included a recipe for clay pot pork with caramel sauce.  Yes!

FFF - Martha Stewart Thanksgiving cookbook download, Yumi Kim Friends & Family

Happy Fun, Free Friday lovelies!

Fun Downloads
Thanksgiving is just around the corner for my American friends.  Ahh the holiday of eating and merriment - what's not to love?  The domestic diva herself, Ms. Martha Stewart got a few famous chef friends to contribute recipes for Thanksgiving.  Fried stuffing bites with cranberry pesto, sweet potato gratin - delectable and delicious!

Download Martha's Thanksgiving cookbook here.

Picture from here

Online Sales
One of my favorite designers, Yumi Kim, has a Friends & Family discount of 35% for one week (ending on my birthday!) with code YKFAMILY10.  I am so getting the Gemma dress (in the chevron print below) which should be in stock this week.

 Otherwise, I'm...
...celebrating Thanksgiving, part 1!  I'm bringing salad with carrot, ginger miso dressing and a cauliflower gratin.

Picture from here.

What are you doing this weekend?

Have a fabulous weekend!

DIY: Photo pop-up cards

You're never too old to appreciate pop-up cards right?  A fun, personalized photo pop-up card is even better.

I saw this tutorial from PhotoJojo and just had to try it.  This could be a fun and simple holiday present or quirky decor for your home as well.  This is also a great excuse to play around with photos and design a great unexpected photo combination.

Materials
- (2) 8" x 10" photos (main photo to be cut out should be fairly tall) 
- glue stick
- scissors (I found my sharp fabric scissors worked well)

Directions
1.  Use a photo printer or order (2) 8" x 10" images (lots of low cost photo printing options including Artscow which gives you 1200 free photo credits in the first year).  One photo should be a subject in its entirety (whole vertical length) and the other should be a more plain piece of scenery to use as the background.
If you want your subject to be tall, you may want to resize it to be 9" tall for dramatic effect.

2. Lay your background photo image-side up.  Fold it 2″ in from the bottom. The bottom of the image will fold inwards towards the top with your image on the inside.
Unfold the photo. It will now have a 90 degree angle and will be able to stand upright.
Note: If your photo paper is light, you may need to glue heavier cardstock on the bottom for additional support.
The horizontal plane will be the floor for your subject to stand on, and the vertical plane will be the background image of your diorama.

3. Cut out the subject photo trimming closely along the subject shape until is completely separated from the rest of the photo.

4. Cut a strip of photo paper about 1/2″ wide and 8″ long. This will be what props up your subject. Fold the strip into three sections. The first section should be 3″ long, the second section 2″ long, and the third section 3″ long. When unfolded, the strip will be U-shaped with two 90 degree angles.

 5. Glue one 3″ section of the strip to the subject. Allow the glue to dry. Glue the other 3″ section of the strip to the background. The 2″ inch section will run between your subject and the background. Adjust your subject so that it appears to be standing.

 6. Make any other glueing and folding adjustments and you're done!  Remember that if your photo paper is light or bent, it may not stand readily on its own and will need to be supported in the back.


Here is my photo pop-up card (residing on the bookcase and propped up by a small wedding album!)
It is a combination of a photo from our wedding day in NY and the view from the Seine river from the spot that he proposed.  Err, I know that it may be kinda funny that we're standing in the river but it is a quirky, sentimental combination for us. ♥

Have fun if you do this project!  What pop-up card would you create?

Blogger Holiday Gift Guide 2010 (Part 2 of 2)

Welcome to the Blogger Holiday Gift Guide for 2010!

Welcome to the second half of the Blogger Holiday Gift Guide.  See Part 1 here.

Here is the list of Gift Guides and Bloggers:

Part 1

Fashionista - Style-Obsession

Eternally Feminine and Fun - Chic 'n Cheap Living

Purple and Gold Love - Honey My Heart

Etsy Lover - Dolce Vita

Workroom Wishlist - The Thirty Something Bride

Part 2

Glitz & Glam - Little Blue Deer

Men's Gift Guide - Living Luxe for Less

Travelista - Village

Kitchen Gift Guide - Useless Endeavors

Liberty of London Lover - A Diary of Lovely

We hope that you enjoy these guides!  Happy holidays and happy shopping!

Glitz & Glam 

by Little Blue Deer

I am so excited to share my holiday gift guide with you.  I know we’re in a recession, but in my opinion, the holidays are always a time to splash out and add a little sparkle to life, so forget that flannel robe you were planning on purchasing, and check out my glitzy glam picks that are sure to cheer you up (and aren’t too hard on the wallet!). 

1. Ruffle Wristlet, Etsy, $25

2. Merino Strobe Sweater Dress, J. Crew, $398

3. Creed Silver Mountain Water, Creed Perfumes, $270 

4. Melinda Maria Oxidized Link Ring, Melinda Maria, $98

5. Black lace leggings, Ruche, $32.99

6. Belle by Sigerson Morrison, Zappos.com, $350

7. Sequined pillow, Horchow, $129.90

 

Men's Gift Guide 

by Living Luxe for Less

In this Holiday Gift Guide for Men I have featured a variety of gifts from books, technology, sports, music, and clothing.  It was also important to me to focus on gifts that are functional, chic, and classic pieces that you can be sure the special man in your life will hold on to for a long time! (except for the Microbrew Beer of the Month Club Membership…that is really a gift that should be enjoyed immediately!)

In creating this gift guide it was also important to me to feature a variety of price points.  At my blog Living Luxe for Less, my motto is, spend less, live better, and I believe that everyone should be able to enjoy nice things without going over their budget. 

1. The New iPod Touch, Apple, starting at $229
2. Take Ivy, Amazon, $16.47

3. Microbrew Beer of the Month Club, 3 Month Membership, Amazing Clubs, $101.85

4. Patagonia Men’s Better Sweater Jacket, Patagonia, $129

5. Life: The Autobiography of Keith Richards, Amazon, $16.18

6. Hermes Tie, Hermes, $170

7. Cole Haan Wythe Aviator Duffel, Cole Haan, $498

8. Ray-Ban Classic Aviator Sunglasses, Nordstrom, $139

9. Clarks Desert Boot, Piperlime, $95

10. Mr. Bar-B-Q Platinum 18-pc. Stainless Steel Grill Set, Target, $49.99

11. FLOR’s Putt Up or Shut Up Rug, FLOR, $139.99

12. Smathers and Branson Custom Needlepoint Life Belt, Smathers and Branson, 

(create a belt with all of your guy’s favorite interests and affiliations!),

Price Varies, usually around $300

13. The Wire: The Complete Series, Amazon, $106.99

14. J. Crew Washed Favorite Shirts, J.Crew, $59.50

Travelista 

by Village

Maybe you know someone who is a world wide traveler or someone who is planning on becoming one! Either way, here's a gift guide for the dreamer or the wanderer.  It's good to surround ourselves with both inspiration and happy memories - I think these gift ideas could set the mood for both!

1. 5-Year Journal (with cities visited map), Amazon, $16.47

2. Globe Necklace, Pretty Little Thing, $74

3. Melbourne Scarf, Melbourne Style, Must email for price

4. One Colorful World Archival Print, Sunny Champagne Etsy, $22

5. Giraffe Figures, Acacia, Must email for price

6. Amsterdam Tea Towel, ToDryFor, £9

7. London Tote, TopShop, £10

8. Brooklyn Pillows, Build Your Block, $38 (each)

Kitchen Gift Guide 

by Useless Endeavor

The Chic Kitchen Supplies Gift Guide consists of kitchen must haves for anyone serious about cooking in style.  All of the items are affordable, functional, and fun.   From coffee to cutting boards, any of these items would be a fabulous gift for a cook or foodie.

1. Bodum French Press, World Market, $27.99 to $47.99 

2. Colorful Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker, Sur La Table, $39.99

3. Vintage Scale, South Rose Window on Etsy, $34.00

4. Pig Shaped Cutting Board, Cocoboheme, $45.00

5. Perch Glass Containers, Modern Chic Home, $32.00-$36.00 

6. Half Apron, Anthropologie, $28.00

7. Tea Towel, Jonathan Adler for HSN, $19.95

8. Phone Salt and Pepper Shakers, Ruche, $17.99

9. Mini Bowls, Yasha Butler on Etsy, $30.00

10. Recipe Cards, Rogue Press on Etsy, $12.00

11. Mini Donut Maker, Urban Outfitters, $30.00

12. TheSilver Spoon for Children, Amazon.com, $13.5

Liberty of London Lover 

by A Diary of Lovely

If you were visiting London what would you really like? Tea? a Burberry trench? a bit of Topshop? or maybe a bit of Liberty or a lot? yes, that sounds like right, I'm sure! I'm a big fan of Liberty myself and I would definitely love to add some of these (all actually!) on my Christmas wish list!

1. Stuffed Giraffe in Liberty print, Liberty, £24.95/$40

2. Graprefruit and Jojoba gift set, Liberty, £29.00/$47 

3. Fabric bundle for quilting, Liberty by Tana Lawn prints, Purl Soho, $217

4. Ballerinas with Liberty Print, Pretty Ballerinas, 129 €/$177 

5. Mirabelle printed Stool, Liberty, £80.00/$129 

6. Long Floral Scarf, Liberty, £165.00/$265 

7. Card Holder, Liberty, £30.00/$48 

8. Fabric watch, Liberty, £55.00, $88