Photo Love: Purple, red, and nude/cream fashion love at the Oscars 2011

Lights, camera, (fashion) lust!

Hollywood's elite walk the red carpet in anticipation of the Academy Awards/Oscars 2011.  I noticed a general lighter air to the gowns that were worn and picked a few favorites in the following categories:

Packing the perfect colorful punch with purple...

Mila Kunis in Elie Saab - sensual and elegant (a favorite of the night)!

Scarlett Johansson looking the bombshell as always in Dolce & Gabbana

Natalie Portman with a lovely maternal glow in Rodarte

Reeling in red...

Penelope Cruz in L'Wren Scott one month after giving birth (sigh, I want her trainer and her body)

Sandra Bullock in Vera Wang vs. Anne Hathaway in Valentino - I have to go with Sandra's more shapely gown and interesting front silhouette

Jennifer Hudson is ravishing in Versace

Light gown lust with nudes and silvers

Michelle Williams's Chanel gown was a favorite due to its simple and elegant draping

Hailee Steinfeld is age appropriate and adorable in Marchesa (how come a teenager gets to wear Marchesa before I do!)

Celine Dion in Giorgio Armani Prive vs. Gwyneth Paltrow in Calvin Klein - similar shapes but the fit is more flattering on Celine's gown

 

Halle Berry in nude Marchesa vs. Hillary Swank in Gucci couture - strapless gowns with embellished skirts but I prefer Hillary's gown because of the gradient color and texture from the feathers

Mandy Moore in Monique Lhuillier is simply elegant (and a rare instance where I like tulle, I suspect it's silk tulle from the easy draping)

Cate Blanchett's Givenchy gown is a worthy mention - I didn't love the yellow trim or shoulders, but the detail is spectacular

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What were your favorite gowns of the evening?

Worthy reads roundup - H&M Conscious Collection, tween fashion designers

Hope you had a great week lovelies!

Here is what happened at Chic 'n Cheap Living this week:
- Just love one another - it can be that simple and that difficult
- Different decor looks from Martyn Lawrence Bullard - what is your decor style?
- Savvy vs. Splurge finds via Couture Carrie!
- White, breezy, eco-friendly looks from the H&M Conscious collection
- High Street Highlight - Anthropologie "Its in the details jacket"
- FFF - Aisle New York wedding and accessories fashion sale site (great for deals for non-brides too!)

Here are some worthy reads from blogger buddies and beyond:
- China chic inspired fashion is blazing through the runways (love the red laser cut look via Naeem Khan)

- Olivia Palermo has it all, including a gorgeous Tribeca apartment (thanks for posting Nookie) - I'll bring great banana or chocolate cake if you'd ever like to have me over dear!

- Would you buy clothing from a 12 year old designer? Hmmm...

- Mardi Gras and this article about typical New Orleans fare have me thinking about po boys, gumbo, and fried chicken (all things I had when I last visited) - yum!

FFF - Aisle New York shopping for non-brides and more long flights!

Happy Fun, Free Friday lovelies!

Online Sales
The Aisle New York is a new online sample sale website for the chic and savvy bride with everything  from Anne Barge, Lela Rose, and Monique Lhuillier gown to shoes and accessories for everyone else.

But these Oscar de la Renta earrings (now sold out) are worth the click to the website for me.

They also had a few Pour la Victoire shoes on the site recently.  If you're not a bride, but love another resource for chic 'n cheap items, keep an eye on this site for great accessories, jewelry, and shoes!
Here is my invite if you need it.

Otherwise, this weekend I am...
...spending half the time flying!  Though we depart Friday the time difference is horrid and we get back late Saturday/early Sunday.  Sigh perils of living so far from our native city...my inner clock will be so confused.

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What are you doing this weekend?

Have a fabulous weekend!

{High Street Highlight} Anthropologie Details jacket

Who doesn't want to be quirky and loveable?
There's something about the mismatched colorful buttons and semi sheer lace effect that has me feeling like it is the perfect modern day cardigan for my inner "Emma".  Sigh, too bad my size is sold out!

It's in the Details Jacket, Anthropologie, $79.99

{Green} Fashion Highlight: H&M Conscious Collection

I'm sure no one will say they don't want to be green, but how does one actively ensure they make green choices when it comes to fashion?  H&M has made it a whole lot easier with the launch of the H&M Conscious collection - it is a small, carefully cultivated collection of sweet and simple white pieces.  I love the unabashedly feminine details like the scallop hems, lace sleeves, and ribbons.   Materials include organic cotton (H&M plans to increase use of this by 50% every year until 2013) and recycled polyester.

Prices range from £12.99 to £34.99.  Find the complete price list here.

{Guest Post} Savvy vs. Splurge finds from Couture Carrie

Shopping is a constant balancing act as one contemplates "Is this item worth the closet space and/or funds?!"  While there are some items for which one may find worthy savvy selections (e.g. Cetaphil cleanser is always one of my savvy beauty finds), there are others that are worth the splurge (Chanel reissue 2.55 purse anyone?)
The ever fabulous Couture Carrie has come up with her own fashionable Savvy vs. Splurge shopping list.  Shop along and think - what is on your Savvy vs. Splurge list?


********************************
Hello darlings, CC here!  Couture Carrie is so excited to be guest posting on Chic 'n Cheap Living's lovely blog while she is away!

Here are CC's savvy and splurge selections:

Savvy: House of Harlow 1960 Drop Earrings, $25 at shopbop.com

Splurge: Oscar de la Renta chandelier earrings, $495 at net-a-porter.com

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Savvy: Schutz suede pumps, $214 at shopbop.com

Splurge: Alaia laser-cut calf hair platform pumps, $2,375 at net-a-porter.com

Savvy: Satin invitation clutch, $35 at jcrew.com

Splurge: Judith Leiber sequin-embroidered clutch, $1,995 at net-a-porter.com

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Savvy: Kill City leather pants, $264 at shopbop.com

Splurge: Gucci skinny leather pants, $1,995 at net-a-porter.com

.Savvy: Silk chiffon Whitney gown, $425 at jcrew.com

Splurge: Lanvin strapless silk-gazar beaded gown, $15,440 at net-a-porter.com

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Savvy Total: $963

Splurge Total: $22,300

Hope you've enjoyed this shopping comparison!

xoxo,

CC

Decor Thoughts: A room in many styles via Martyn Lawrence Bullard

Martyn Lawrence Bullard, interior designer to everyone from Tamara Mellon (Jimmy Choo CEO) to Kid Rock, is a chameleon (or at least his rooms are).  His interiors encompass the whole range of design and incorporate differences in height, color, pattern, and dimension.  It makes me think of me and how I can love many different design styles and appreciate someone who can cater to all of them!

While I identify most closely with this somewhat modern Victorian room with its shimmering wallpaper and impressive chandelier,

I also like a comfortable room that may just be highlighted by statement pieces, like a gorgeous chair or fabulous rug,

or sometimes I also have a preference for something more modern, 

and may keep a more serene/zen room,

but I still want a little space that can remain undeniably glamourous!

 Do you always identify with one particular style of decor?  What is it?

Photo Love {Inspiration}: Simplicity of love

Love one another and you will be happy.  It's as simple and as difficult as that.  

Michael Leunig

Max Wanger

We are at the Mexican wedding of my husband's good friend.  We're coming to the tail end of the weddings among our good friends.  It is nice though to attend a small destination wedding.  There is such an intimate vibe between the bridal party and guests.  The wedding details that may cause such stress in larger weddings is nonexistent (or greatly diminished) in this smaller setting.  I know from personal experience that in planning this ultimate celebration of love, some things may get lost in designing and fussing over details.


I appreciate the message that love should should just be about love (or bringing this to the above, weddings should be about love) and it will ultimately lead to happiness.  Get away from the noise, push aside differences and just love your partner, your friends, and your family.  It is that simple and that difficult.


Have a great week lovelies!

Worthy reads roundup - Tweed jacket love, Ebates double cashback, andBlake Lively gets a pair of Christian Loubotins named after her

Hope you had a great week lovelies!

Here is what happened at Chic 'n Cheap Living this week:
- Love is and begins with you Valentine's Day and always!
- Fun/Decor Finds - the coolest table (bicycle wheels!) ever
- A peek at the Valentino Retrospective
- A wardrobe staple - tweed jacket love and my favorite picks
- Ebates double cashback weekend and flying to Mexico

Here are some worthy reads from blogger buddies and beyond:
- Carine Roitfield talks about her future and maintaining her legend as a risky woman.

- Diana found this tea set - how quirky and adorable!

- Josie posted these super cute neon lit centerpieces - oh the fun possibilities!

- Blake Lively has it all: hit show, fabulous wardrobe, Chanel ambassador status, and now her own Christ Loubotin shoe (though I also agree the rainbow brite coloring is not my thing).

FFF -Double Cashback at Ebates this weekend and fun in Cabo

Happy Fun, Free, Friday lovelies!

Online shopping
For my friends in the US, Happy President's Day this coming Monday and happy shopping if you hit the sales!  Even if you don't leave home, you can score great deals shopping online.

eBates is doing double cashback this weekend.  Discounts include 3% from Nordstrom, 5% from Macy's, 5% from Saks Fifth Avenue, and 2% from Wal Mart (am actually going to try a Norma Kamali piece.)  It's more fun shopping when you save more!
Remember if you sign up with my link, you get $5 automatically (no shopping required!) and cash back from many online retailers.  If I get enough referrals, I will also give away a cash prize to share the love!

Otherwise, this weekend I am...
...going to NYC/Cabo San Lucas, Mexico!  It's a quick trip but we're passing through NYC to attend a good friend's wedding in Mexico.   It'll be a fun and relaxing time!

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What are you doing this weekend?

Have a fabulous weekend!

Wardrobe staple - tweed jacket

As I mentioned here, my love for Chanel is definitely due in large part to their flawless (and sometimes fanciful) execution of the classic tweed jacket.  While I think a lovely Chanel tweed jacket is worth the cost, the reality is that it will take a while to save (or be willing to spend) for one!  The good news is that there are many options for tweed outerwear ranging from the classic jacket to modern cardigans.

I love contrast trims...

MM Couture Miss Me gray jacket, Revolve Clothing, $114

Marc by Marc Jacobs metallic tweed jacket, Revolve Clothing, $349

BB Dakota Herringford tweed jacket, Revolve Clothing, $110

Rebecca Taylor sparkle tweed jacket, Revolve Clothing, $395

Contrast Sweater jacket, White House Black Market, $118

...but a solitary color blend is also great

Tweed peacoat, Gap, $29.99 (on sale so unfortunately most sizes sold out!)

Tweed cardigan, Ann Taylor, $59.99

Juicy Couture Metallic tweed Jemma jacket, Shopbop, $398

...as is a jacket with an extra touch of embellishment (the collar is amazing though I wish the jacket came in another color)

Galleria Addie jacket, Kate Spade, $179

Do you have any favorite tweed jackets?