Photo Love (Inspiration): Below and above

He who would search for pearls must dive below. 

John Dryden 

 

Stephen Alvarez "Earth from Below" project

We have all had those periods in our lives - those times when we just seem to get into funks and are feeling generally low.  While these times may be trying, we may discover things about ourselves (hidden reserves, strengths, ability to deal with any situation) that were previously unknown and can pull ourselves into a new situation.  My husband and I were just discussing the differences in our lives last year and this year.  We were living in a tiny (but fabulously located) studio in London, looking for jobs, and unsure of the future.  It wasn't always easy and the uncertainty was a strain.

But we made the most of our situation, explored our hometown for the moment, and persevered (living in such a historic and culturally rich city certainly made things easier!)  My husband's experience in London also helped him to secure his job here in another corner of the world.  We are in such a different situation and appreciate it even more because we still remember our experiences, how they contributed to where we are today, and how we remained content.

If times are tough, just remember that it may take a long road to get to where you want to be, but you may discover beauty around you and inside you that gets you to your destination.

Have a lovely week!

Worthy reads roundup - $150 Perricone giveaway, dancing in real life, and why you should reconsider shopping at Forever 21

Hope you had a great week lovelies!

Here is what happened at Chic 'n Cheap Living this week:
- If only I could just dance when I go about my day like these gorgeous dancers in Jordan Matter's photos
- Bride on a budget?  Check out my top picks for high street retailers/stores with reasonably priced wedding gowns (and discounts or custom made wedding gowns too)
- Change your skin for the better and enter to win a $150 product from Perricone MD
- Designer Thursday: Funky and fresh Comme des Garçons (woohoo and it's opening in Singapore!)
- DIY for giant, fun paper flowers

Here are some worthy reads from blogger buddies and beyond:
- Blatant, repeated copyright infringement and labor rights violations are making me rethink ever shopping at Forever 21 again (p.s. I like Trovato a bit and think it's remarkably uncool that F21 targets smaller designers to copy)

- The White Cube in London has such amazing exhibitions like this Richard Phillips "Most Wanted" show that captures celebrities as the images we see them

- Manrepeller's twitter roundup posts are ridiculous...ly funny (fashion for the ladies in a "get real and stop wasting your money" perspective)

- Big Apple Nosh had an ice cream sandwich with actual sliced bread here.  After living here a few months, I almost forgot that this is unusual!

FFF - DIY Giant paper flowers and exploring new ventures

Happy Fun, Free, Friday lovelies!

DIY
For my friends in the blustery and chilly Northeast (and of course friends everywhere else) I wanted to offer a fun glimpse of spring via this DIY paper flower tutorial (courtesy of 100 Layer Cake).  This huge paper flower was used in a wedding in lieu of a bouquet, but I can see it in the corner of a living room all year round.  The best part is that it's a very simple project for a rainy day and will last for years.

Otherwise, this weekend I am...
...going to an entrepreneur talk so my friend and I can learn more about setting up a business!

It'd be cool to have my own airline. {Source}

What are you doing this weekend?

Have fabulous weekend!

Designer Thursday - Comme des Garçons (coming to Singapore Jan. 31!)

Comme des Garçons, French for "like boys", is a Japanese fashion label created and maintained by Rei Kawakubo.  I've always been fascinated with the label because it has such a cult following and is one of the few successful Asian brands.  They started out using (and still use) a lot of black and distressed fabrics.  Currently, they have a range of lines from Junya Watanabe Comme des Garçons Man (menswear) to Tricot Comme des Garçons (women's knitwear) and Comme des Garçons Edited (accessories).

  {Source} - I don't wear t-shirts but would totally rock one with a bear on it!

Here are some of my favorites across their current collections.  I like the mix of patterns, textures, and basic colors with a little edge. I find myself drawn to the first double breasted jacket with different textures and lengths.  I think Mr. Spend 'n Chomp would like the contrasting patterns and subtle skull motifs on their menswear line too.

{Source}

Comme des Garçons (via Club 21) is opening At Hilton Singapore 02-39/40 (tel: +65 6304 1362) Jan 31 and I'm excited to stop by.  

What do you think of Comme des Garçons?

Chic 'n Cheap Living Contest: $150 Perricone MD product-best anti-wrinkle cream (US, Canada)

Winter skin have you feeling dry, patchy, and not your luminous self?
Well my dears, why not enter to win any Perricone MD product worth $150?


Perricone MD has a great array of skin remedies and according to some users has the best anti wrinkle cream (when I used Cold Plasma for a few months, I did notice fewer fine lines.)  You can also compare anti wrinkle creams to choose a product that is right for you.  I know I want something that works for: fine lines, redness, discoloration, dryness, and impurities (hence why I liked Cold Plasma when I won this product myself).


Get your choice of any Perricone MD product worth $150 when you comment below!

{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.

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.

First entry:

Comment below - what Perricone MD product would you choose and why?

Extra entries (leave a separate comment for each entry):

1.  (+1) Become a Twitter Follower AND tweet about this contest with this line: "Win a $150 #beauty product from @cncliving and @drperricone #cosmetics #giveaways #contests http://su.pr/5Jq5TE" (or use the Tweet button below!) - This can be done daily

2. (+2) Become (or remind me if you are already) a Facebook Fan - for my friends who love to keep up via Facebook! (I changed Facebook fan pages, please come here!)

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

4. (+2) Become a Bloglovin follower here.

I'll leave this contest up until February 4th, 11:59 pm PST .  This is open to readers with US/Canadian addresses (sorry international friends!)

Good luck!

LOTC: Top High Street/Mass Market retailers for Chic Wedding gowns in your budget

High street stores now have a great selection for brides Luxing it on the Cheap (LOTC).  If you're looking for a silk gown, head to your mass retailer first.  They have really done a great job of creating light colored silk gowns with great draping, flattering cuts, and sometimes even a little additional embroidered or beaded detail.

If you're looking for more embellishment or specialty material (e.g. I wanted alencon lace which retails for $150/yard), head to sample sales, vintage sites, and trunk sales for wedding gown designers.  You will not find silk glass chiffon, French lace or other materials at these retailers simply because the materials are too costly.  But you will find simple, chic, and fashion forward gowns that may be a great option for you or your friends (p.s. and check out the upcoming Vera Wang for David's Bridal collection too.)  You will also likely find these dresses for a price lower than the one I've posted because all these retailers have sales!

1. The Limited makes cute clothing with just a little feminine edge.  I believe blogger buddy Los Angeles Love tried this gown too.  The cascading silk tendrils are too fun and I can totally see something like this for my original vineyard wedding.

$298 (though I've also seen it on sale for $178) here

2. J. Crew has been a creative force that has evolved to include some chic options like this simple white Sophia gown.

On sale for $250 here

3. eDressme has a few inspired gowns that are truly gorgeous.  Beaded straps, dropped waist, and flowing silk come together beautifully in this elegant gown.

$578 here

4. BCBG pairs fanciful feather details and a lovely defined waist in this vintage inspired gown.

$219.20 here

5. Ann Taylor has a few silk gowns with great draping - the v-neck on this looks so flattering!

$295 here

6. White House Black Market also has simple striking styles with silk and tulle details 

$598 here

7. David's Bridal and Vera Wang seem to be at opposite ends of the bridal spectrum.  Not anymore with the launch of White by Vera Wang for David's Bridal launching Feb. 2011 (I'll post pictures when it comes out).  Prices range from $600 - $1400.

Price TBD, source

8. Nordstrom has a diverse selection of white gowns from known designers,  like this Lauren by Ralph Lauren Sheila sequin trim jersey dress.  This is such a cool and mod look for a wedding (seriously how comfortable would it be for dancing at the reception!)

$154 here

9. eBay and Etsy are also worthy mentions because they can either connect you with a seller/reseller with potentially great prices for designer gowns (I found Lazaro and my Monique Lhuillier alencon lace gown there) or with custom designers.  Etsy has a fantastic array of vintage sellers and designers (Amy Jo Tatum at Bridechic is one and her gowns are under $2000 for a CUSTOM gown!)  Read the seller's ratings carefully and be careful of fakes!

Yolanda $1995 here

What do you think of wedding gowns from high street retailers?

Photo Love {Inspiration}: Just Dance

Dancing is the loftiest, the most moving, the most beautiful of the arts, because it is not mere translation or abstraction from life; it is life itself.  

Havelock Ellis

{Source}

This gorgeous collection of photographs from Jordan Matter, "Dancers Among Us" placed dancers in ordinary settings demonstrating extraordinary agility in the streets of NYC.

These pictures both make me yearn for my home city and also make me appreciate the beauty that people can create with their own bodies.  I remember when my husband and I were actively taking salsa lessons (he was always better than me) and danced it at our wedding.  It is a rapid, dynamic, joyous dance that represented a happy moment in our lives.
Here's to wishing you great moments and happy dances for many years to come!

Have a lovely week!

Worthy reads roundup - Long sleeved, sequined glamour, iPad giveaway, and smelling like money

Hope you had a great week lovelies!

Here is what happened at Chic 'n Cheap Living this week:
- The Golden Globes was full of sequins, chiffon, and long sleeved dresses - what was your favorite?
- French chairs square off - do you like the his or hers version?
- Fun Finds - crocheted headphones with a bow?  Nope can't get much cuter than this.
- I'm seeing stripes everywhere and I like it!  My top picks under $100!
- Want me to give away an iPad or Nano?  Check out my referral links for nomorerack and ebates and I will give away the iPad or Nano if I get enough referrals!

Here are a few worthy reads from blogger buddies and beyond:
- Money perfume and cologne that smells like money.  Err good motivation for earning more?

- The Hermes window in Paris designed by Leïla Menchari is a fantastical, floral, macaron filled masterpiece

- Quintessence had a great post about the origin and use of corks in wines.  Good wines are switching to screwcaps now - have you had a good screwcap wine?

- Nitrolicious posted pictures of the Jeremy Scott for Adidas collection.  My fuzzy slippers from childhood are reborn and have 3 running stripes on the side now!

FFF - iPad/Nano giveaway with No More Rack sign up, Banana Republic discount/ebates promo, and claypot rice

Happy Fun, Free Friday lovelies!

It has been a really, really great week but I am still glad to see the weekend come!

Online Sales
nomorerack is a new flash sale site with a simple concept - 8 products (everything from housewares to toys) are on sale every day.  I don't see them having DVF but it has a decent selection of household stuff (e.g. Corningware ramekin for $1 from $5) and gifts (e.g. Ion flat iron for $21 from $118).

They have this cool promotion now where one gets prizes for referral like an Apple Nano or iPad!  If you sign up through my link and I get the required number of referrals, I will give away the Nano or iPad (hey my husband has these gadgets already so I just want to share the ♥),  It's a pretty cool contest AND you could win the iPad!

The first five referrals also get a $10 credit to the store (I got $5 signing up through someone else's link and was probably the 60th person, so maybe you will still get a store credit?)
I am not affiliated with nomorerack though I've included my referral link.  But I thought this was an interesting way to earn a prize I could give directly to one of you.

Here is my invitation.

Banana Republic has 30% off everything this weekend if you use code BRWINTER30.  Go through ebates first and you get another 15% in a cash rebate - this is the largest cash rebate I've seen offered so take advantage of it!
I'm thinking of these earrings ($44.99/ $26.77 after discount and ebates rebate).

ebates has a similar referral promotion and if you use my link, I will do a give away for a cash prize if more than 20 people sign up (but the contest only works if you sign up and spend more than $25!)
Even if you buy nothing, you still get $5 for signing up.  Ahh free money...

Here is my invitation.

Otherwise this weekend, I am...
...trying clay pot rice again!  I've been wanting to try more "local" specialities and tried this place once.  Chicken, sausage and rice are cooked together in a clay pot and mixed with the restaurant's special sauce.  Mmm.

{Source}

What are you doing this weekend?

Have a fabulous weekend!

Fashion Forward: My favorite picks for Seeing stripes (under $100)

Patterns weren't always for me.  I used to stick to solids and neutrals.  But life is too short to be dressed in basic black all the time (ahh the steroptypical New Yorker in me.)  I've since converted to wearing everything from a skull and butterfly printed DVF dress to oversized floral prints on a no name kimono sleeves silk dress (shout out to random designers found in the Loehmann's back room.)

Stripes have recently struck me ever since I saw this wall.  Stripes don't just signify a French or nautical theme, they also represent a fun and clean way to pair colors unexpectedly; also remember width of the stripe and contrast can also make a huge difference in the overall look.  I've picked some of my favorite striped apparel and accessories and they are each under $100 - savvy and chic (Shopbop and J. Crew also have some fabulous options too in this range for just a bit more!)

1. Striped tunic by Wall G, Topshop, £21.00 

2. Lead me Straight to you Striped Blazer, Ruche, $84.99

3. Plains Zebra Cardigan, Modcloth, $52.99

4. Lady with dog compact, Henri Bendel, $30 (classic, classic Bendel!)

5. Forever and ever striped top by Many Belles Down, Ruche, $34 (who said stripes are just black and white?)
6. Shipshape up dress, Modcloth, $69.99
7. Shirting stripe anklets, Kate Spade, $12 (the first time I've considered wearing socks and a skirt)

8. Going Green stripes shorts, Ruche, $32 (these shorts make me actually want to wear shorts)

9. Pink Studio Paradise t-strap wedges, Ruche, $69.99

What striped items have caught your eye lately?

Fun Finds: Crochet headphones

For the person who must always look cute, keep her ears warm, and rock out even in cold weather.

$40 here

Is it wrong to have seasonal headphones and wear this all winter?

Decor Thoughts: His and hers chairs

Another peek at how men and women have such different tastes.

My ideal chair

£275 here

His ideal chair

£645 here

I'd still love either in my home and really wish I had more furniture options here!  Hmm worth shipping from the UK?

Photo Love: Sparkles, chiffon, and sleeves at the Golden Globes 2011

There's nothing like a few photos of glorious gowns covered with sleek sequins or draped with chiffon on a Monday.  I am reminded that I want a stylist and a Hollywood sized wardrobe.  Here are a few of my favorites.

Anne Hathaway in Armani Prive (love the shoulders)

Scarlett Johansson in Elie Saab (lovely sleeves)

Sandra Bullock in Jenny Packham (the draping and unexpected blush color are so feminine)

Angelina Jolie in Versace Atelier (green is also unexpected and this is just a great sleek style though a bit simple)

Leighton Meester in Burberry Prorsum (while also low-key and possibly not awards show blingy enough, this dress is also pretty timeless)

Eva Longoria in Zac Posen (basic black but what a stunning cut and fit!)

Claire Danes in Calvin Klein (minimalism chic though I think a richer color would have been better)

Mandy Moore in Monique Lhuiller (this is a semi-favorite because I love the top half but didn't love the strange tulle skirt)

 

{Source}

p.s. This is the sweetest photo montage of Chris Colfer's expression when he won the Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor.  Yay Glee!

So which styles did you like best - sparkles, chiffon, or long sleeved?