Savvy Tips: How to clean a Hermès (or any) silk scarf safely at home

I unknowingly developed my mother's love for scarves in the last few years.  She is one of the most elegant people I know and she often has a colorful silk scarf tied around her neck.  When I really started coming into my own and wanted to think of ways to give back to her, I started to look for Hermès scarves for her and developed my own passion for them.  As I mentioned here, I love the design and workmanship of these scarves and have a few vintage and more recent release scarves.

I wore my almost vintage "Quai Aux Fleures" scarf my first week of work at a new job and instantly got strange dark stains on it.  NOT cool.  It was either coffee or soy sauce (there was a lot of messy food that day) and I knew it would be hard to wash.  I was hesitant to take it to my local dry cleaners after having had other bad experiences there and was stuck.

But I remembered coming across this thread on TPF and this guide on eBay.  If other people had washed their beloved Hermès scarves at home, so could I!  I thought it would be worth a shot and was really pleased with the results.  I could not see any stains after I was done and the colors remained intact atop the white background.  I would highly recommend this method of washing scarves and yes, you can save your scarves!

Here are my simple instructions and a list of necessary equipment.

Items needed:

- plastic bucket

- lukewarm water

- delicate detergent (though I've heard dishwashing detergent works too!)

- large white towel

1. Combine less than a capful of Woolite or other delicate detergent with about one gallon of lukewarm water in a large plastic tub or bucket.  Completely dissolve detergent.

Note: You may also need to add in a color catcher cloth if you have many bold colors on your scarf

2. Put your scarf in the water and keep on swirling the scarf in the water emulating a washing machine spin cycle.  Do this for about 5 minutes (you can put on a song or two in the background to pass the time!)

3. Repeatedly rinse the scarf of all detergent and residue.  You may also need to do this for 5 minutes to ensure that the scarf is free of any detergent.

4. Lay the scarf on the white towel.  Roll up the towel so that it captures excess moisture from the scarf.

5. Iron scarf on silk setting.  It doesn't need to be 100% dry, but if it isn't dry, lay it out flat to fully dry.

You don't need to iron the scarf to bring back the scarf folds (if you like it that way).  Simply fold the scarf to fit inside the shape of the box and the folds will return!


Scarf with the stains

Scarf after cleaning

There you go!  You too can clean your scarves at home!

{Shopping} Tips: Finding the best swim suit for your body type (under $100)

Swimsuit season is well underway in many parts of the world now.  As I try to make more frequent trips to the pool in our complex, I am also thinking about adding a new swimsuit to replace my ever fading favorite green swimsuit.  I know that not all swimsuits are created equal and started to think about what swimsuits are best for each body type (I call myself a skinny pear and look best in bikinis).   I looked through a few resources for the best swimsuits for each body type and wanted to share my tips for those that are: petite on top, full on top, full on the bottom, or athletic.  After all, if you're wearing a swimsuit, you should feel comfortable in it and look fierce!
By the way, if it's summer in your area of the world, now may be the best time to shop for a swimsuit since many will be on sale!

What is your body type and what swim suit suits you?

Petite on top

Add some dimension with a fun, ruffled top


Try a padded top for a fuller figure


Wear horizontal lines

Shoshanna navy gingham print ruffle bandeau underwire, Bluefly, $75

Pour Moi Azure, Asos, $41.37

Lepel Isla padded swimsuit, Asos, $60.34

Full on top

Prints are fun and conceal

Halters provide good coverage




Underwires have the best support

Beach sexy Star print Banded halter top, Victoria's Secret, $34

Button detail spot halter bikini, ASOS, $15.52

O Beach Masai Animal ring halter bikini top, ASOS, $13.79

Full on bottom
An edgy one-piece can create a long, lean silhouette

Direct attention to the top with a deep v-neck




An elegant one-shoulder top will ensure your bottom isn't the focus

Guess Monokini ruffle swimsuit, Tilly's, $89.99

Jersey Lomellina v-cut halter tank, J. Crew, $79.99

Talbots One Shoulder One Piece Swimsuit, Talbot's, $18.99

Athletic/Straight figure
Try a triangle top




Ring-tops add interesting flair




Ruching adds great dimension

Melissa Odabash Riviera printed halterneck, the Outnet, $85.75

 RAISINS Floral Womens Swimsuit Top, Tilly's, $19.99

Lisa Curran swim ruffle detail bikini top, Bluefly, $33.99

Photo Love {Inspiration}: Children of Cambodia

I believe the children are our future...

Greatest Love of All sung by Whitney Houston

I was struck by many things when I visited Cambodia: the breathtaking temples, the lovely food, and the children.  We encountered many young children everywhere.  Many were quite young (probably less than eight years old).  It actually broke my heart to see so many children not in school, playing on the sidewalk, or being forced to solicit business for their family's shops (by the way, kids can be quite forceful in following up and trying to coerce you into shops).  It really made me wonder what I, a foreigner and tourist, could do to help.  It was impossible to shop at every family grocery store and textile stand.  I ended up feeling slightly helpless.  I know I can start by being more directive about where my donations go and focus on education and children.

The thing that did give me hope was the brightness and happiness of the kids themselves.  One little girl was perfectly happy as long as we shared our potato chips with her (no English is needed in the international, tasty world of potato chips).  Another one loudly yelled "Hiiii" to us before doing a cannonball into the river.  They were perfectly content to frolick and play among themselves living fully in the present.  They have that optimism that some adults lose.

I am fortunate enough to be able to see the world and travel.  This experience with Cambodia's kids has touched me and I certainly hope that I can touch their lives some day as well too (Angelina Jolie was onto something here...)

Have a lovely week!

Worthy Reads Roundup: My Favorite temples in Siem Reap, Seasonal foods, and Mad Men for Banana Republic

Hope you had a great week lovelies!

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

- Photo love: My Favorite temples in Siem Reap Cambodia (I'd go back to Cambodia in a heartbeat!)

- Fashion Highlight: Mad Men for Banana Republic

- Fun Finds/{Art Highlight}: Waste landscape (gorgeous art created with CDs!)

- Worth it? Missoni for Bugaboo

- FFF - Ice box cake recipes

Here are worthy reads from blogger buddies and beyond:

- I was inspired by this interactive, seasonal food map to make a few tomato dishes and also put a few aside for later (vodka spiked tomatoes as an appetizer - intriguing!)

- Cheryl has the coolest tutorial this week for marbled nails - how fun and easy!

- Miuccia Prada and Elsa Schiaparelli are the subjects of the next Met Costume Institute exhibit.  While Prada has been a powerhouse, can she stack up to the legendary McQueen?

- Can you imagine the Los Angeles river as a waterway filled with kayaking couples?  Imagine no more because the Los Angeles river is open for kayaking!

FFF - Icebox cakes and salsa dancing

Happy Fun, Free Friday lovelies!

Recipes
I wish I had a bigger freezer because it would be SO cool to make one of these ice box cakes (mmm strawberries and cream).  I found this great list of perfect for summer icebox cake recipes.  I love the variety from pastry cream to coconut cream cheese flavors!  What would you make?

Otherwise, this weekend, I am...
...going salsa dancing!  My husband signed us up for classes and my uncoordinated self is slowly getting into the rhythm!  It's also nice to feel like I'm getting in some exercise on Saturdays!

What are you doing this weekend?

Have a fabulous weekend!

Worth it? Missoni for Bugaboo

Missoni's iconic prints have been everywhere lately (or will be after the Missoni for Target launch!) and now they're also on baby strollers.  This edgy Italian fashion house has teamed up with the ultimate name in carriages to launch Missoni for Bugaboo strollers.  

Bugaboo is a brand that I have frequently seen around NYC - these modern carriages are supposed to be safe and somewhat light as well.  However, they have always been priced for the financial services crowd (do people really spend that much on a stroller?!)  Sure it's lightweight, allows for multiple positions, and allows for a one piece fold, but I've wondered whether the price is worth the cost.  Then again, would you put a limit on how much you would spend on a useful mode of transport for your baby? The addition of a versatile print and Missoni blanket (which of course could be put to other uses!) certainly make this a unique and unexpected carriage!

Missoni for Bugaboo bee, Neiman Marcus $600 (+$199 accessory package)

Is this stylish stroller worth it?

Fun Finds.{Art Highlight} Waste Landscape

One man's trash can truly be another man's treasure.  Artist Elise Morin used 65,000 unsold or donated CDs to create this gorgeous landscape.
It makes you think: are there things that we don't use anymore but could be remade into something beautiful?

{Source}

{Fashion} Highlight: Mad Men for Banana Republic (and sale through Aug. 24)

Though I haven't watched "Mad Men", I can still appreciate its retro chic style.  Ahh the days when women rocked shift dresses and men always donned fedoras was a good time.  "Mad Men" designer Janie Bryant has teamed up with Banana Republic for a limited collection featuring signature styles that could have been worn in the 1950s as well as today.

Leopard and lace are definitely recurrent themes and with prices ranging from $198 for the leopard trench to $150 for the lace tipped dress, they are pretty affordable as well.  If you want to recreate a classic look, you can also save 30% off everything at Banana Republic (as well as Gap, Old Navy) through Aug. 24 with code thanks.

Here are a few favorite looks (for some reason I'm obsessed with finding a leopard print cardigan though I wish this were a bit looser).

Mad Men Collection leopard print trench, $198

Mad Men Collection lace tipped dress, $150

Mad Men Collection leopard print cardigan, $89.50

Mad Men Collection lace shell, $49.50

I also have a weakness for hats!

Mad Men Collection Felt Fedora, $49.50

Check out the entire collection here.

Save!
Go to Mr. Rebates first and get 4% cash back on your online purchase!

Photo Love/Travel Log: My Favorite Temples in Siem Reap, Cambodia

Siem Reap is known for its temples.  It can actually be quite easy to get "templed" out because there are so many.  But if you go to Cambodia, I encourage you to see as many as you can.  You will start to see the differences in the temples and appreciate the workmanship of these wondrous buildings.  We got day passes for $20 each, but you can get a pass for up to one week (for $60).

Enjoy my pictures!

Read more »

Worthy Reads Roundup: Missoni for Target sneak peek, Links à la Mode, and Summer Squash recipe

Hope you had a great week lovelies!

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

- Photo love: Vintage Romance
- LOTC: Missoni for Target sneak peek
- In my Closet: Chanel vintage camera bag
- Fun Finds: Cloud Chair
- FFF - $10 credit for signing up with RueLaLa
- Links à la Mode: August 18th (My feature: {Shopping}Guide for eBay

Here are worthy reads from blogger buddies and beyond:

- This simple recipe for pan-seared summer squash screams summer, but would likely be tasty all year round!

- If you have a large or extravagant engagement ring, you may be judged on it if you wear it to an interview!  Interesting how our jewelry can inadvertently help/hinder us

- I was instantly smitten with Plume designer Pamela Johnston's Mexican sailor tunic, but also love that her outfit represents her history (as I sit here wearing a butterfly and skull silk DVF dress my brother originally bought for my mom and that I now wear)

- I remember reading "The Odyssey" many moons ago for English class.  Matt Gross attempts to recreate this journey (which even in modern times can be quite the journey!)

Links à la Mode: August 18th

I am honored to once again be included in IFB's Links à  la Mode for August 18th.  I'm glad that I was able to share my eBay shopping tips with others, but it was also cool to read about whether it is necessary to get press credentials to NYFW and how fashion blogging could make one more body conscious (I know I can be slightly camera shy!)  Hope you enjoy this week's reads my lovelies!



The seasons are changing and as fashion and or style bloggers, you know what that means? Time to switch stuff up! Whether it be your content or your wardrobe, I always look at the seasons as a time for change-- a time to gather inspiration from the streets or from your heart and just run with it. This week's roundup talks about issues such as "The issue fashion blogs may be facing" to "Finding the perfect fall color palette."  All important topics, right?  Needless to say they're interesting reads and certainly make the mind wander. Enjoy!

The IFB Weekly Roundup: LINKS À LA MODE: AUG 18TH

• Angela Osborn: Guide to DIY- 7 spendid tips
• Beauty.Fashion.Inner Fierceness: It’s okay to take a break (Your blog will thank you)
• Bella Busta: Knock out color combos for Fall (+ styling tips)
• Beyond Fabric: Give it up for...Camel
• Can ya heel me: The voice of fashion bloggers
• Chic n Cheap Living: {Shopping} Guide: How to shop on Ebay
• Fashables: The search for a great bag
• Fashioned by love: Green inspirations
• Fashion Moriarty: Peaceful Protest
• Forever Amber: Often Imitated: Half assed hair tutorial: Gigantic messy bun head
• Independent Fashion Bloggers: Do you need press credentials to cover NYFW?
• J.Rose Style: Outfit Chronicles: Daytime Sparkle
• January Sublime: Boohoo AW Press Day!
• Kyoto Maiko: The proper care and feeding of a boat shoe
• Leia’s Delights: Has Fashion Blogging Made you more body-conscious?
• Simply Frabulous: Stockholm Fashion Week Day 2: Rützou
• Tea for Two: Their brand, your blog and how to respect yourself
• The Loudmouth Lifestyle: How to pack light... with heavy clothing!
• The Simply Luxurious Life: Kate-Moss-Vogue US- September 2011
• The Taxonomy Of My Wardrobe: What is Precious?

SPONSOR:
Fashion's Night Out at Shopbop: Antipodium, Holy Tee, Obakki, DKNY Intimates, Daftbird, C&C California, Pamela Love, Thakoon dresses, & Rachel Zoe collection.

PLEASE READ IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO PARTICIPATE
If you would like to submit your link for next week’s Links à la Mode, please register first, then post your links HERE. The HTML code for this week will be found in the Links a  la Mode group will be published later today. ~Jennine

FFF -RueLaLa $10 for new members until Aug. 23, World Photography Day, and Game Night

Happy Fun, free Friday lovelies!

Online Sales
RueLaLa is a favorite online flash sale site with great 2 day sales on everything from designer apparel to home decor.  If you haven't joined yet, you can do it by August 23 and get a $10 credit just for signing up (gotta love free money)! Here is my invite if you need it!

Halston Heritage is on sale now - wouldn't it be awesome to have a gown like this (longer version is on Bluefly now)?

Events
Did you know that today is World Photography Day (gotta love celebrations of random things)? I'm really developed an appreciation for photography these past few years.  I love the instant connectivity and interaction of Instagr.am (I'm chicncheapliving!) to the crispy quality of my new Canon DSLR (now I just have to figure out how to use it better).  This reminds me that I should at least snap a few Insta.gram pictures today!

Otherwise, this weekend...
...I'm attending game night thrown by a few friends.  My friend posed the question: is it weird to have game night?  Does that mean we're too old?  I think it'll be great fun - Mexican food, some Cranium, and good friends.  What's not to like right (as long as people don't get too competitive because they are just games after all!)

What are you doing this weekend?

Have a fabulous weekend!

Fun Finds: Cloud chair

A chair that is the perfect size for a person of any size?

Enter the Cloud Chair by Yanko Design.
I'm definitely intrigued by the comfortable, chic looking design though not by the price ($949).   But I also know that good design and comfort are certainly worthy the investment.

Ahh if I could only test drive lounging on a cloud chair!

In my Closet: Chanel vintage camera bag

Remember when I posed the question: is a Chanel handbag worth it?

I debated the same thing to myself for a while, but finally decided yes!  I'm fortunate to be part of a DINK (double income no kids), have no debt, and have been financially responsible enough to treat myself once in a while. Regular retail for Chanel still scares me (as well as reports of worsening quality in the last few seasons) so I am perfectly happy to purchase vintage handbags in good condition.

I got this vintage Chanel camera bag from a seller on TPF Marketplace (available through application only).  I had been stalking reissues for a while, but this one also caught my eye.

I love the timeless shape...

...the classic gold and black combination (btw, vintage gold chains may actually be gold plated as well!)

...the unique quilted detail on the chain and the charm

...and the sturdy caviar leather (which is also a great size - I keep other clutches in here now!)

My dear husband got this for me aka I negotiated and bought it and he was allowed to call it my birthday gift last year.  I saved a ton of money over retail and was able to get an extra discount because the seller had something mis-sewn inside the bag.  Always remember to purchase vintage goods from reliable sellers!

It really is a great bag and I'm now on a mission to find more vintage Chanel handbags.  These are definitely purses I'd be happy to pass onto my daughters some day!  Tres chic right?