Worthy reads roundup - $150 Summer beauty giveaway, The top bargain travel destinations, and Summer fedoras from Tilly's

Hope you had a great week lovelies!

Here is what happened at Chic 'n Cheap Living this week:
- Photo love {Inspiration}: Productive days and lounge-worthy nights
- Fun Finds: Flexible ice blanket
- Chic 'n Cheap Living Contest: Win any Super Perricone or Perricone product through August 5 (US or Canada addresses)
- High Street Highlight: Tilly's straw fedora (under $15!)

- Last day - Yumi Kim Friends and Family discount

Here are worthy reads from blogger buddies and beyond:

- Prints are slowly becoming a style staple (I know I've lusted after a vintage Missoni dress forever!).  Do you have any printed pieces of apparel for the summer?

- Yet another reason to get to the gym - exercise keeps the brain fit!

- This is a list of the 25 greatest music covers (I love Fiona Apple's "Across the Universe").  Did you know Sinead O'Connor's "Nothing Compares 2 u" is a Prince cover?

- Here is a list of the world's top bargain destinations.  I went to Bangkok 10 years ago and would love to return!

FFF - Yumi Kim Friends and Family Discount and birthday bbqs

Happy Fun, Free Friday lovelies!

Online deals

Yumi Kim's clothing is perfect for warm summer days and cooler nights (and the silk prints are always fun!)

Today is the last day of the Yumi Kim Friends and Family sale.  Get 30% off online with code ykfamily.

Otherwise, this weekend...
...I'm attending a birthday bbq.  When you live in the land of perpetual summer, BBQs are a fun and more frequent occurrence.  It'll be good to kick back and eat some great grilled goodies with friends.  I've had another hectic week so I'm ready to wind down!

What are you doing this weekend?

Have a fabulous weekend!

High Street Highlight: Tilly's Straw fedora (and a few pictures of my trip to India at Aspiring Kennedy)

Simple summer chic were the thoughts that first came to mind when I saw this straw fedora by Tilly's.  It's both casual enough for a last-minute picnic, but can pull together an outfit for brunch with the ladies.  It also happens to be under $15 which makes it all the more tempting!

I'd definitely wear it when I'm traveling in warm climates.  Speaking of trips, I'm over at Aspiring Kennedy today detailing my thoughts on how India surprised and amazed me.  I've included a few favorite shots (taken by my good friend) of Goa, Varanasi, Delhi, and Jaipur.  Explore India through my eyes!

 Banded Straw Women's fedora, Tilly's, $12.99

Save!

Go to BigCrumbs first before shopping and save an extra 5.6%!

Chic 'n Cheap Living Contest: $150 Super Nicholas Perricone product (US, Canada)

Looking for some natural products to take care of your summer skin?

How about trying a product from the Super Nicholas Perricone collection (Perricone MD's line that uses natural and effective beauty remedies).  They have pretty interesting products including the Second Skin Hand and Cuticle cream (which is like putting yogurt on skin!)  I'm also looking at the Bright eyed eye cream which contains ingredients carotenoids found in melon for antioxidant protection.

Give any of these products a try (or a tried and true favorite like Cold Plasma) and 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) 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 respond to 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/6JZo2E"  (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.

5. (+2) I just joined bloggers.com - follow along here!

I'll leave this contest up until August 5, 2011.  This is open to readers with US/Canadian addresses (sorry international friends!)

Good luck!

Fun Finds: Flexible ice blanket

Picnics go hand in hand with warmer weather.  Of course it can be a challenge keeping things cool, but this flexible and reusable ice blanket does the trick!  That and who wants to clean up soggy, melted ice right?

Flexible ice blanket, Gracious Homes, $7.99

p.s. My husband saw this item in the browser and thought it was a blanket he could use to cool down after a warm day.  I suppose you can use it for that purpose too!

Photo Love {Inspiration}: Productive days and lounge-worthy evenings (worth some Moët & Chandon!)

Look at a day when you are supremely satisfied at the end.  It's not a day when you lounge around doing nothing; it's when you've had everything to do, and you've done it.

Margaret Thatcher

2011 Moët & Chandon campaign shot by Tim Walker

We've all had those intense days of work or school - the days may be an intense, flurry of activity leaving you pretty exhausted at the end of the day.  But at least you come away with a feeling of great satisfaction because you were productive; you finished a paper, completed a project, or launched something new.
I've been pretty exhausted the last few weeks because I launched something new at work.  While my days were long, I feel a great sense of accomplishment now at all that I've done.  It has definitely left me feeling like I deserve to rest on a lovely chaise lounge and sip on some champagne.  
Remember to relax and treat yourself if you've been diligently working away on something.  You did it.  Put on your favorite piece of clothing and grab a glass of your favorite beverage - you deserve to kick back and relax!

Have a lovely week!

Worthy reads roundup - Italian rustic chic wedding, Maxi skirts under $100, and DIY purses with Sharpie fabric pens

Hope you had a great week lovelies!

Here is what happened at Chic 'n Cheap Living this week:
- {Photo Love}: Italian rustic chic {wedding}
- Wardrobe Staple: Maxi skirts/dresses under $100
- Fun Finds: Hanger tea bags by Soon Mo Kang

- Jennifer Behr summer sale and Zoya Remove+ Big flipper with purchase

Here are worthy reads from blogger buddies and beyond:
- How cool would it be to make your own fun summer clutch with a sharpie?  Here's a great example and DIY.

- Baseball games are such a big part of summer.  Alas I won't get to attend any myself this year, but I do miss the garlic fries at Yankee Stadium and would love to try mama's subs at Citi Field (miss the name Shea stadium!)  Here are the 10 best places to get stadium food in the US:

{Source}

- RIP Amy Winehouse.  Her troubled life recently came to an end but here is to hoping she finally finds peace.

- Who else is waiting for the new "Great Gatsby" movie to come out?  In the meantime, it's lovely looking through 1920s inspired jewelry!

FFF - Zoya Free Remove+ Big Flipper with any purchase, Jennifer Behr sale and zucchini cornnbread

Happy Fun, Free Friday lovelies!

Online deals

Zoya is fast becoming a favorite nail polish brand (great colors and they're formaldehyde free!) and now it is giving away a free Remove+ Big Flipper!  This is a nail polish prep, remover, and conditioner which is of course useful if you're frequently changing colors in the summer.  Get your free Remove+ by entering code zoya50k through July 24.

Isn't this Phoebe color the epitome of bright summer days?

Jennifer Behr makes some of the most beautiful accessories (hairbands, belts, and fascinators chief among them).  If you love the brand, but not the prices, now is a good time to stop by their sale.  Some items like the hair pins below are 60% off.  Oh to have a jeweled headband!

Phoebe hair pins are now $56

Otherwise, this weekend I am...

...going to try and make some zucchini cornbread.  I had a big launch at work today and am exhausted in every way.  I'd love to sit at home and let the smell of baking fill the apartment.  That and I have to use zucchini anyway!  I'll let you know how it turns out!

What are you doing this weekend?

Have a fabulous weekend!

Fun Finds: Hanger Tea bags by Soon Mo Kang

Functional fashionista + tea drinker = Hanger tea bag user

Just say it - they're adorable right?  Love the functional fun aspect of these tea bags!

 

{Source}

{Fashion}/Wardrobe Staple: Maxi skirt/dress (under $100)

Gotta love a skirt that's easy to wear and has full coverage (no worries about exposing your legs!)  I love maxi skirts because they are such versatile pieces - it adds a refined air to even a more casual cut.  Maxi skirts get extra points if it can easily become a dress like the last pick (I have one from Charlotte Solicki and it's awesome).  I'd definitely consider maxi skirts wardrobe staples because they are relatively season-less and are transforming into classic as opposed to trendy pieces of apparel.

Here are some of my favorite maxi skirts:
...refined in a neutral color

Stretch waistband maxi skirt, Express, $88

...bright and fun

Spare sonny maxi dress, Swell, $64

...convertible and comfortable

Splendid Maxi Convertible Tube skirt/dress, Singer22, $83...colorful and fun Topshop tall maxi skirt, Topshop, $80...printed and perfect

Floral print maxi, Asos, $77.58

What are your favorite maxi styles?

Photo Love: Italian Rustic Chic {Wedding}

Ahh to wander the cozy. meandering streets of a small Italian village while wearing a great, white gown! Why not tap into your rustic chic side when planning your next event (or wedding!)

Grab some flowers in season, rent a fun car, and have a great time with loved ones!  I love the natural, easygoing vibe of this party and it's definitely one I'd love to infuse into many events that I'd host!  While getting to the location would be a bit pricier, the al fresco dining, rides in Fiats, and fresh caprese salad would be affordably fun!

Elle Italia Sposa 2010-2011

Have a lovely week!

Worthy reads roundup - How to shop at a physical sample sale, Cruise ships with 5 star dining, and MZ Wallace Summer Essentials

Hope you had a great week lovelies!

Here is what happened at Chic 'n Cheap Living this week:
- Photo Love {Inspiration}: A view from above
- {Shopping} Tips: How to score at a brick and mortar sample sale
- Fun Finds: Disparity Miniatures 
- Designer Thursday: MZ Wallace Summer Essentials
- Saks Consolidate Sale and SniqueAway travel deals invite


Here are some worthy reads from blogger buddies and beyond:
- One of my favorite sandwiches in burger form AND caramel sauce?  Yes I have to try this soon!

- I just joined Google's social network, Google+.  The Hangout feature (group videoconferences) would be fun to try and is one of the reasons it's a worthy competitor to Facebook!

- I've never been on a cruise but would love to try it sometime.  This list of 5 star dining on cruise ships (including Nobu trained chefs) would be a great place to start!

- How do you work out in the heat?  I'm all about indoor workouts but should also swim more as well. Here are some other suggestions for working out in hot weather.

FFF - Saks consolidation sale, SniqueAway invite and sale, and going to the movies

Happy Fun, Free, Friday lovelies!

Online sales
I love online shopping (even if it's just online window shopping).  Saks is tempting me with its consolidation sale.  While I didn't find any shoes on my list, I'm loving the bold colors and relaxed styling of this DVF dress ($267, ret. $445).  Worth it?
If you can find it at Neiman Marcus in-store it's $155 for the orange combination!

Save!
Remember to go through BigCrumbs first for an extra 4% cash back!

SniqueAway 15% off sale
SniqueAway is an exclusive, invite-only travel flash sale site.  Their selection of international properties is really impressive.  I remember seeing a villa with private pool in Cabo San Lucas for about $179 a night a few months ago (it was about the price we were paying for a room with a regular garden/ocean view!) but alas we already booked our room.  I definitely recommend checking out this site to plan luxurious vacations while saving.
Here is my invite if you need it.  They also have 15% off everything through August 12.  It is an e-mail invite so please let me know if you'd like me to forward it to you.

Current deal: 1,280 SF 2-BR Bure with private pool at the Koro Sun resort in Fiji for $259/night (that's bigger than my apartment!)

Otherwise, this weekend I am...
...going to the movies.  The exact movie is TBD (hmm "Harry Potter", the new Audrey Tatou film, or "Super 8")  Do you have any movie recommendations?

What are you doing this weekend?

Have a fabulous weekend!

Designer Thursday - MZ Wallace bright summer essentials

Color can instantly captivate me.  I came across NY based MZ Wallace's site and was instantly smitten with the bright colors of their summer essentials collection.  What a great place to shop for weekend getaway essentials including a perfect printed skirt, passport cover, and scarf.  Proceeds of some products like the skirt below are also given to charity (Uganda pediatric patients in this case!)

Here are a few favorite items:

Passport cover, $75

Ball and tassel charm, $45 (sold out but hope it comes back soon!)

Small neon metro tote, $175

Wrap up Africa skirt, $75

Love quotes linen scarf, $75

Fun Finds: It's a Small World - Disparity Miniatures

I tumbled this and pinned this on pinterest, but had to write a quick post about it as well because these photographs are definitely a fun find.

Imagine a world where proportion is reversed and small, ordinary objects become something quite extraordinary.  I loved these whimsical photos by Christopher Boffoli.

What would life be like if we were this size?

{Source}

{Shopping} Tips: How to score at a brick and mortar sample sale

If you ever have a chance to stop by a sample sale for your favorite designer, go!

I may have even timed my NYC trip to coincide neatly with the DVF sample sale because my beloved watercolor print DVF dress was a $50 find on the sample rack last year.

Sample sales are usually located in major cities or at least the city where the designer originated.  If you happen to be in that city and have time, check out what sample sales are going on at that time.  Why? Here is one of my best deals ever: a $2 silk, sequin and mother of pearl embellished dress at Hayden Harnett (retail $350 or so).  Seriously.  While that was a once in a lifetime deal, I've also gotten great pieces at 50% off or more from Theory, Nanette Lepore, Lauren Merkin and more.  It's like getting designer duds for Gap prices.

Here are a few tricks I use to score at sample sales.

1. Know the details for the designer that you're stalking

Get the details on when and where sales are being held!  I've noticed that some designers hold their sales at about the same time once or twice a year.  These are usually off-site (not at the brand's retail store).  I find Racked and Daily Candy (Topbutton too in NYC) to give good information in the US.  I find local papers, including free daily newspapers, to be reliable sources of sale information outside the US.  Also visit shopping forums including the Deals and Steals Thread on Purse Forum.

Beso.comAds by

Reara Draped dress, Neiman Marcus, $365 (but $150 or less if you're at the sale and it's available!)

2. Get there early
If it's a pretty popular sale (DVF, Hermes), get there on the first day if possible and when the sale first opens to the public.  While many sales may restock, you have the choice of the best selection on the first day or at the beginning of the day during this sale period.

3. Hover

If you can't find anything you want immediately, don't fret just yet.  Many shoppers grab more than they are willing to buy just so that they can decide about it later.  If you see something you like on someone else's arm, don't be afraid to ask her if she will keep it or be aware if she drops the item later.  Also keep close to the rack of your choice.  Staff are likely constantly refilling the racks with new stock or fitting room cast-offs.

4. Don't let the price do all the talking

A low price shouldn't mean that this item should come home with you.  Will you really wear that neon floral hat even if it is $10?  Lower priced items at a specific sale may also indicate slight damage.  If it is fixable (like a zipper), go for it.  If it is something like fabric tears (which can't easily be fixed), put it back and move on.

5. Go more than once

If you have the time, visit the sale more than once.  The best selection is in the early days of the sale while the lowest prices may take place during the last day or two of the sale.  For example, most sales will reduce their prices even further on the last day so it's a great time to visit in terms of pricing though you are faced with a limited selection.

6. Bring a little cash just in case

Ok I usually use credit cards at sample sales, but once in a while, certain sales will offer you an extra discount if you pay cash.  So why not save if you can offer cash right?

Do you have any tips for scoring at sample sales?

Photo Love {Inspiration}: The View from above

As I get older, I get smaller.  I see other parts of the world I didn't see before.  Other points of view.  I see outside more. 

Neil Young

 1, 2, 3

I have to admit that I can sometimes be a stubborn person.  I hold onto to my own perspectives and fight for them.  However, it is interesting seeing a different viewpoint sometimes and learning information that could change everything.  My husband has been a great person to help me expand my views.  I've also  adjusted them myself as I've become older and started seeing the world from different eyes.
See outside yourself once in a while and you may be pleasantly surprised at the view.

Have a lovely week!

Worthy reads roundup - Unique decor touches, NE US Summer Seafood, and balloon escort cards

Hope you had a great week lovelies!

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

- {Photo Love}: Bright, white, and blue

- High Street Highlight: Old Navy Women's braided wedges

- Fun finds: Railing/balcony planter (so cool for apartments!)

- Decor Thoughts: Unique touches in your home

- Balloon escort cards - a fun an unique touch for any event!

Here are worthy reads from blogger buddies and beyond:

- Traveling to national parks is a great way to explore the landscape of a region.  Look through this list of 10 great national parks to visit in the US and get tempted to explore areas like the volcano in Big Island.

{Source}

- Oh how I'd love to head up to Maine for lobster rolls or down to Maryland for crab cakes - here is a list of great seasonal eats in both locations

- Marimekko has created bold prints and colors since Jackie O made them famous in the 1960s.  Now they'll be opening a store in NYC.  How much fun would it be to see all their prints in one place!

- Kizzydoll wrote about Grace Jones - the original rebel.  While I have a different style, I love her strength.