FFF - NYE parties anyone?

Happy Fun, Free Friday!

{Source}

Happy New Year to all you lovelies!

I'm going to a beach party tonight (we're still young-ish and I'm fully embracing living in a warm weather climate!)

What are you doing this weekend?

Have a fabulous weekend!

{High Street Highlight} Ann Taylor Abbey Lace Pumps

After holiday sales are dangerous (for my wallet).  But willpower and savvy shopping can be balanced right?

The lace love continues with these Ann Taylor Abbey lace pumps which I just ordered for myself and my mom (because we're the same size and any shoes I've left in NYC have been claimed by her).  I couldn't resist at $79.99 with an extra discount (last day for 40% off with code save40).


I also went through Mr. Rebates first for another 3% back.   Yep, I am definitely the savvy shopper.

While they don't have the signature, make me weak at the knees bows of these Valentino d'Orsay pumps, I'm happy to put my $800 savings towards another pair of Valentino heels.

What good deals have you gotten lately?

2010 and my favorite fashion trends

I don't have to have the season's latest trends.  But if a piece speaks to me and seamlessly works its way into my wardrobe - how can I deny it?

Here are my picks for pieces that represented some of this year's hottest trends:
1. Lace
My love for lace is well documented (why else would one sew an alencon lace veil or buy a 2nd Monique Lhuillier lace wedding gown 3 weeks before her wedding)

Victorian is victorious in this whimsical Oasis lace dress, £60

Wearable lace shift via Joie, $318

2. Leopard print apparel
I always thought I was too conservative for leopard print.  But I find that a touch of leopard can bring just the right raw edginess to an outfit.
Spun by Subtle Leopard zebra scarf, $50

...and shoes
Leopard print with a touch of black makes these Attilio Giusti Leombroni leopard print flats super versatile, $355

3. Minimalist essentials
One day, I will own Celine clothing.  Until that day, I can still evoke the spirit of Phoebe Philo's modern and minimalist pieces.

This Vince coat ($375) has such clean, modern lines.

This Karen Millen trench dress for £116 is super sleek and versatile.

4. Retro dressing
Timeless, womanly apparel is something that I can definitely adopt - flattering fits and full skirts evoke instant ladylike glamour.

This Pink Tartan piece at $395 is my ideal dress - fitted with an a-line silhouette and a great print.  It's going on the wishlist!

This Mango buckle waist full skirt, £39.50, looks comfortable and refined (pockets are a plus too!)

What were your favorite trendy pieces of 2010?

DIY/Decor Thoughts: Lacy Doily Luminaries

This is just proof that an item can be chic, cute, and fun at the same time.  Go beyond regular candle holders and create these lovely doily outlined luminaries. They're super lovely and easy.

How fun for a tea party, wedding, dinner party or now during the holidays.

Tools and Materials

• Light-colored paper lunch bags in various sizes
• Ruler
• Scalloped rotary cutter
• 12-inch gold-colored doilies (white ones won't show through as well)
• Utility knife
• Scissors
• Glue stick or Xyron sticker-making machine
• Votive candles in glass holders
• Utility lighter

1. Lay each bag flat; use a ruler to guide the scalloped rotary cutter as you cut a new top edge 1 inch below the bag's original edge.

2. To cut doilies to fit the bag, lay a bag flat on the work surface. Lay a doily on the bag, and determine where to cut in order to create a pleasing design. Cut straight lines with a ruler and a utility knife; use scissors to snip along curves. The final size of the doily should be 1/8 inch narrower than the width of the bag so the doily will lay flat inside.

3. Coat the gold side of the doily generously with glue from the glue stick, or coat it with self-adhesive using the Xyron machine. Attach doily to the inside of the front of the bag, positioning it as desired. After gluing, close the bag, and run your hand firmly over the design to seal. Open the bag, and let dry at least 1 hour.

4. Set the bag in desired location, and then put the votive candle, in its holder, inside. Light the wick once the candle holder has been securely placed; do not carry the lit luminaria.

Thanks for the tutorial Martha - full details are on Martha's site here.

Photo Love {Inspiration}: Holiday lights in Manila

Let the holiday lights fill you with a lighter, brighter spirit!

Chic 'n Cheap Living

Tri Noma Mall, Manila, Philippines

Welcome to the last week of the year!  I just stepped off the plane about an hour ago and am glad to have internet access,  (much needed) opportunity to get to my gym, and a chance to relax at home.

It was great to see family, walk around a few new malls, and see the sights.  There is something about holiday lights that instantly put me in a better mood.  I think they appeal to my inner child and make me appreciate the simple, beautiful things in life.

How was your holiday weekend?

Have a great week lovelies!

FFF - Holiday sales, a wish list under $50, and 5 things I can't live without

Happy Fun, Free, Friday lovelies!

Online/NY/London Sales
Vogue has a great list of sales starting today and at various times this weekend.  This list covers online, NY, and London based sales.  Hmm, what to buy...


Also, check out my guest posts: "5 things I can't live without" at Acute Designs 
Yep, this is definitely one!

and "4 items under $50 and 1 splurge" wish list at Living Luxe for Less.
Seriously how cute is this bangle?

Otherwise, this weekend I am...
...on a plane to Manila right now and getting ready for a weekend of holiday eating!

What are you doing this weekend?

Have a fabulous weekend!

Fun Finds: Boots and bows with the Nine West Amaya

I am the quintessential girly girl and Nine West has apparently recognized this with one of the cutest boots I've seen in some time - boots with lovely bows at the back.

The Amaya should be mine (and a great deal at $99).  Sigh if I didn't live in a tropical country at the moment making boots a little silly.  Hmm though I am visiting NYC again soon...

What kind of boots are on your wish list?

CnC Living Recommends: {Restaurant Review}: Mozaic, Bali, Indonesia

A place has got to be pretty good it if greets you with this right?

Bali shouldn't be known for just its beaches and markets, it should also be known for this restaurant.  Eating at Mozaic was one of my most unique and fun restaurant experiences to date (and in Pellegrino's World's 50 best restaurants).

If you're a foodie, eat the chef's (ahem, Michelin starred) table tasting menu here.  It'll be a good time and possibly your best meal in Indonesia and among the best meals in your life (this coming from someone who was getting over food poisoning in Bali but ate almost every tasty morsel here).

The chef's tasting menu was a Chic 'n Cheap Living experience - you sit in a private room with other patrons while the chef guides you through the dishes and offers tips along the way in a shining and enviable test kitchen.  It cost ~$100/person which was worthwhile considering the level of cuisine and personal attention from the chef.  This restaurant was memorable not really solely because it had good food, but because it provided such an intimate and personal dining experience.

A sampling of our courses:
Langoustine tails in a citrus ceviche

Foie Gras two ways - chilled with nashi pear and seared with candied kumquats and chocolate

Whipped celeriac ice cream with black truffle espuma (yes truffles can be eaten for dessert)

Chocolate truffles - mmm

These pictures and more uploaded to my Flickr photostream.

What was your last great restaurant experience on a vacation?

All Clad/Le Creuset winner and the best carrot ginger miso salad dressing for dinner {recipe}

Thanks everyone for entering the All Clad/Le Creuset giveaway.  Don't fret if you didn't win this time, because the prizes will just keep getting bigger and better!

The winner is...

...Claire from Bicoastally (thanks for the Bloglovin' love darling - that was the winning entry!)

E-mail me your prize choice from the original list and full mailing address info at cncliving {@} gmail.com.  You have 3 days to claim your prize!

Now onto one of my favorite salad dressing recipes EVER (and first mentioned here).  This is simple, somewhat healthy and has vegetables in it.  It's so good my friend dipped her bread into this dressing just to eat it (salad is apparently optional!)  I adjusted it from the Smitten Kitchen recipe because it was too chunky and didn't sit as well on salad.  I've gotten asked for this recipe at multiple parties and hope this becomes a hit with your friends and family too!

Avocado Salad with Carrot-Ginger Dressing

Adapted from www.smittenkitchen.com adapted from Gwyneth Paltrow’s GOOP.com

Serves 4, with dressing to spare
Ingredients:

- 1 large carrot, peeled and roughly chopped

- 1 small onion or shallot, peeled and roughly chopped

- 2 tablespoons roughly chopped fresh ginger

- 2 tablespoons white miso (Korean bean paste can also be used)

- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seed oil
- 1/4 cup + 1 tablespoon neutral oil (grapeseed or canola work)
- 3 tablespoons water
- 2 small/medium heads of lettuce (butter or bibb are good) or mixed greens of your choice
- 2 medium tomatoes, chopped or 2 cups grape tomatoes
- 1 avocado, cubed
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced (optional)


Directions:

1. Blend the carrots, shallot and ginger in a blender or food processor until finely chopped. Scrape down the sides, then add the miso, vinegar and sesame oil. While the machine running, slowly drizzle in the neutral oil and the water.

2. Arrange the lettuce, tomato, and avocado on a platter or among a few bowls. Drizzle with plenty of dressing and serve.

Enjoy!

Photo Love {Inspiration}: You don't have to wear sequins to glitter (but do!) and an exclusive Lulu's discount

Personality is the glitter that sends your little gleam across the footlights and the orchestra pit into that big black space where the audience is.

Mae West

Issac Mizrahi Fall 2010

I'm not necessarily a "I always have to be the center of attention" kinda girl.  I do like to meet new people and practice the social version of the golden rule - nice people attract other nice people.  I don't think you have to have a large, boisterous personality to get noticed, you can just be the cool chick with the nice jacket and an enthusiastic love for "Glee".  I'd like to think my semi-geek chic/sorta fashionably cool personality comes through just fine.

When you do want to evoke a sense of "Look at me now", sequins are the perfect material to project a cool, chic personality.  I love the different sizes, textures, and shapes of the ones that Issac Mizrahi used in his collection above.  I'm definitely happy to have sequins be a part of my closet!

Lulus has a few option for sequin/glitter goodness for the holidays:

Sequin pumps are such a subtle, shiny fashion statement

 $89 here

Isn't this such a perfect jacket over a LBD?  I may have just ordered it with the discount below.

$68 here

What an owl-some cocktail ring!

$15 here

There is still a hint of glimmer from this hammered metal necklace.

$18 here

Exclusive deal alert:

Use code CHEAPNCHIC (case sensitive) for 15% off your total purchase site wide & free shipping over $75! This is valid for customers in the US and Canada and is a one use per customer coupon.  Valid through today, Dec. 20!

How do you let yourself shine?

Have a great week lovelies!

Worthy reads roundup - 4 stores for designer collaborations, staying away from fakes, and spotted chairs

Hope you had a great week lovelies!

Here is what happened at Chic 'n Cheap Living this week:
- Pool parties, great music and lovely friends are timelessly stylish
- Bali Beach wedding? Check. Awesome shell trimmed wedding gown? Check.
- Check out 4 great stores for designer collaborations for apparel
- Stocking stuffers and great host/hostess gift ideas under $30
- Lauren Merkin's first online sale kicked off this weekend and awesome Yumi Kim and Nanette Lepore sales in NYC

Here are a few worthy reads from blogger buddies and beyond:
- Liberty London Girl says it well: If you ever consider buying a fake in NYC Chinatown (or anywhere else), think about what you're really funding (and don't do it!)

- I love an unexpected touch in home decor, like these leopard chairs that Sue highlighted.

- Carine Roitfield leaving Vogue?!  I guess even French Vogue can't keep a creative spirit tied down.

- Are you perpetually chilly?  How about battery powered clothing that will keep you toasty via WarmX?

FFF - Yumi Kim, Nanette Lepore NYC Sales, Lauren Merkin online sale and pizza with truffles

Happy Fun, Free, Friday lovelies!

It's been a busy week so I'm glad to be winding down for the weekend (which hmm is kinda busy but in a very good, social way!)

Online Sales
Lauren Merkin is hosting its first online sample sale!  One of my favorite clutch designers and the maker of my wedding clutch is a go to source for a great variety of clutches.

Isn't the gold Eve perfect for the holidays?  Shop here through Dec. 19th.  

NYC Sales

Tired of faux fur and want to stock up on easy-breezy silky print tops and dresses?  Make me jealous and head to the Yumi Kim sample sale.  The prices are ridiculous and that can only mean you must stock up now.

Girly jackets, well structured dresses, and my favorite summer hat were all found at a Nanette Lepore sample sale.  What goodies will you find?  Definitely drop by if you can!

Otherwise, this weekend I am...

...having pizza with truffles.  Ultimate chic 'n cheap food.  Mmm truffles.

Yes, that is egg, surrounded by truffles in oil.  Your stomach thanks you and your heart lets this one slide.

What are you doing this weekend?

Have a fabulous weekend!

Stocking stuffers/Host gifts for Men and Woman under $30

Oh my are the holidays almost here?  Well thank you internet age because I just ordered a few presents online today and am done shopping for my close friends.  If you're still looking for some small, budget friendly ideas, take a peek at the list below for the favorite ladies and gentlemen in your life.  They're portable, fun, and wallet friendly - added bonus, many are great host/hostess gifts as well so you don't have to be limited to the holiday season (well except the beer toppers) to give and get them.

What do you want in your stocking?

1. Fish napkin ring, Jonathan Adler, $18
2. Raindrop bank, MOMA Store, $29.95
3. Holiday beer toppers, Urban Outfitters, $8
4. Monkey journal, Night Owl Paper Goods, $18
5. 4-in-1 Travel Games, MOMA Store, $14.95
6. Peace honey, Savannah Bee, $15
7. Casina Rossa Truffle and Salt, Amazon, $22.90
8. Single Malt Scotch chocolate bar, Foodzie, $15/3 bars
9. Winter duos tea, Teaforte, $5
10. Elephant bottle stopper, Jonathan Adler, $18

4 great stores for designer collaboration collections/apparel

I'm constantly surprised and impressed by the number of savvy and chic options available for a lady on a budget.  I would have never considered buying clothing and facewash at the same store.  But today that is not only an option, but one that is attached with designer labels.

Here are four surprising stores for Chic 'n Cheap wardrobe options:
1. Target
I have always loved Target for its everyday low prices and enviable selection of housewares and personal care items.  But I only started wandering into their apparel section in 2006 when GO collections was launched in collaboration with various hot designers.  I've gotten a few pieces like a Behnaz Sarafpour jacket for which I'm constantly getting compliments.  I've also highlighted their collections with Zac Posen, Eugenia Kim, Anna Sui and Temple St. Clair.  William Rast just launched their collection for Target recently so if you're looking for great denim, check it out!

Luckily for us, Target is releasing 34 GO Collection dresses from past seasons next year.  Keep an eye out for some options at your local store!

Anna Sui for Target

2. H&M

Their designer collaborations have been well publicized and highly successful at making luxury a bit more accessible - Karl Lagerfeld, Stella McCartney, Sonia Rykiel, Lanvin - need I say more?  I'm still stalking the Lanvin for H&M pink ruffled dress and tuxedo.   Luckily I actually have most pieces on my wish list through a combination of my lovely brother and online shopping.

The awesome thing about these collections is that they always retain a signature of the original designer - zipper pulls by the ankle for Jimmy Choo shoes and large oversized ruffles typical of Alber Ebaz's Lanvin.  As Alber said, it's pretty cool that H&M can go luxury as well.

I just got this on eBay and for a discount too!

3. QVC

I never quite understood the allure of QVC, but they must be doing something right, especially if they pull in big names like Rachel Zoe and Janie Bryant (costume designer for "Mad Men").  There is a large selection of accessories endorsed by these big names.  If you love prints, particularly animal prints and faux fur, this is the place to go!

Rachel Zoe watercolor print scarf $32.18 here

4. Wal Mart
I first brought up their Norma Kamali collection here and it continues to be simple, chic, and super affordable.  It's great everyday wear and possibly work wear!  Walmart? Clothing?  Don't reject it immediately especially if you are offered super versatile options from a known designer like Norma Kamali.
Oh and this collection has great clothing for traveling or even for bridesmaid dresses too like the one below.

Less than a nice lunch at $10 here

Do you have any favorite designer collaboration pieces?

Fun Finds {Wedding} Look: The perfect beach wedding gown

I remember reading an article stating that one of Vera Wang's first questions to a bride whose gown she would design is where the bride is getting married.  After all, a wedding gown should make sense in the venue in which the couple is getting married.

So if you're throwing a beach wedding in Bali, this shell wedding gown would be perfection indeed.  That's the glorious thing about wedding apparel - it can be fun or formal, but the main thing is that it should reflect the bride.  Ms. Oracle Fox seriously had the coolest gown - ethereal, crocheted, shell trimmed and undeniably fun (notice the feather headband too).  Congrats and what a lovely wedding!

Thanks to Cristina for highlighting these pictures!