FFF - Tin can Photo Frames and saving clothing

Happy Fun, Free Friday lovelies!

DIY Project
This is such a quirky, fun little project - tin can photo frames.  Huh?!  Yes, use your tin cans to display your photos in a kitchy, unexpected way.  I found this great tutorial on Photojojo and love the ease and unique way of presenting photos.  I may have to try this some day!  Can you imagine a collection of photo tin cans stacked together?  It would be a great rainy day project or one you can do with kids.
What photos would you display?

Otherwise, this weekend, I am...
...getting a beloved H&M midi skirt tailored.  I first mentioned this perfect indigo skirt here and found it after visiting 4 H&Ms in NYC/Syracuse.  Mr. Spend & Chomp is the official ironer in the household and didn't realize that he had to change the setting to iron for my skirt and poof - the side melted a bit.  Luckily, it is not too far from the side seam, so I am hoping I can just get it altered slightly.  I am also going to do a mini closet cleanup this weekend to see what can be saved and what can be donated.  Sharing a closet is not easy, so I always have to think about what I'll actually keep and wear!

What are you doing this weekend?

Have a fabulous weekend!

{Fashion} Highlight: Zara Lookbook September 2011 (refined fall looks)

Zara keeps on rocking it and really hits a minimalist, edgy chic stride with its Fall 2011 collection.  It's all about the little things...leather sleeves, sequins, and colored lace (I saw the lace skirt in gray at the stores...oh my, it is such a fun and versatile piece!)  I also love this model's hair - oh wait, is that a good reason to want to buy clothing?
Either way, I still love the modern classic vibe of this collection and of course will wait for sales, but am really captivated by these looks!

What is on your shopping list this month?

Coat with leather sleeves, Zara, $189

Sequined miniskirt, Zara, $129

Twisted tube dress, Zara, $79.9

Polka dot blouse, Zara, $59

Lace skirt, Zara, $79.9

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Fun Finds/Decor Thoughts: Wire art by Gavin Worth

I love finding examples of art that aren't limited to a canvas/frame and use untraditional materials (these Rob Ryan cut paper art creations are another example of unique art).  Gavin Worth has created wire sculptures that depict simple silhouettes.  The couples, hands, and solitary woman are all so serene.  I also love the 3-d quality of the pieces - wouldn't they be great in a living room or serve as lovely housewarming or even wedding gifts?

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Savvy Tips: {Shopping} Picking the right High Street Retailers for your wardrobe

I love to talk about fashion.  I enjoy reporting on new collections, collaborations, and designers from Etsy to the large High Street brands.  I do this because I find fashion fascinating and the range of designs to be exciting.  But I'm not a girl with a new Chanel couture gown every season (how crazy cool would that be though?)  I'm just a girl that loves interesting clothing while maintaining a sensible budget.

I love that more and more people are pairing High Street items with a few choice designer items

I've been gravitating more and more towards designer brands, but will still shop at tried and true favorite High Street stores, including H&M, J. Crew, and Ann Taylor.  But the question is: how much of your wardrobe should be from high street brands?

That answer of course is that it's totally up to you! Let your own wallet and preferences dictate what you choose to buy and wear.  But I like to keep a few things in mind when I am shopping:

1. Is the quality worth the price?
There can be huge disparities in the quality of even a single retailer's collection.  Feel the fabric, try it on - do you think the quality is worth the price?  Sometimes you may find some gems at mass market retailers, but often times you will also find colors that will run easily and inferior materials.  Just remember that you get what you are paying for (though I would also say some designer clothing isn't great quality, but that is another

Midi skirt with belt, ASOS, $65.86 - I love their extensive selection but their quality can be lacking (one beautiful scallop edge dress was completely see through!)  I'd still shop there though because I've gotten great skirts there!

2. Does it fit in with my ideal wardrobe?
I talked about planning and only shopping from my ideal wardrobe list here.  I practice what I preach and constantly look over my list before getting tempted to shop.  Remember to buy something because you love it and it fits with your style.  Your closet space and eventually wallet will appreciate your choices in the long run.

3. Am I buying it just because of the price?

Ok it's $20.  Does that mean you have to buy it?  High Street stores are the most tempting places to spend money in small bursts.  But will you actually wear those pieces?  Are you just tempted to try it out because it's on sale?  Remember to really think - are you buying it because you love the piece or because you love the price?  If you don't love it or wear it, it's the equivalent of having many $20 bills sitting in your closet.

4. Do I feel comfortable supporting this company?
Are all retailers created the same?  Not necessarily.  They all have different values and practices.  We  know that fast fashion stores do questionable things, like copy other designers. That already makes me slightly uncomfortable.  But do I need to keep on contributing money to a company that only lets people work for them if they submit full body shots and is headed by a CEO who has allegedly harassed his employees (American Apparel)?  Do I want to fatten the wallet of a corporation that pays its workers .12 to sew one vest and regularly pays off designers when they are caught stealing their designs (Forever 21)?  The beautiful thing about fast fashion retailers is that there are quite a few of them and every consumer has a choice about where to shop.  It is up to you who choose to support.

How do you choose what to buy at Fast Fashion stores?

Photo Love {Inspiration}: Music and feelings

Music is what feelings sound like.

Author unknown

I was one of those kids that was forced to take piano lessons every week since I was about 5 or 6.  I remember not quite getting it at first.  I would mechanically play the notes on the page, but the music was just sound that emitted from the piano.  When I became older, I started to develop more of a feeling towards music.  I would connect with the passion, sadness, or fear in the pieces that I would play and understood how those notes would create moods.  While I haven't touched the ivories in a while, I still appreciate music and the memories and feelings associated with certain songs.  

When we listened to "Lucky" by Jason Mraz feat. Colbie Caillat the other day, I was reminded of the first time I heard that song.  It was right before we got married and I insisted that it go on our wedding playlist because it so sweetly captured the light, lucky feeling I had of being in love and getting married.  Music can so beautifully encapsulate the range of emotions that we go through in our lives.  I'm reminded to keep on adding to my playlist and cherish old songs and find new ones that sound out my feelings.

What kind of music captures your feelings now?

Have a lovely week!

Worthy Reads Roundup - Art in jewelry

Hope you had a great week lovelies!

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

- Photo love: Rising Above it all

- {Affordable} Fashion Highlight: Jennifer Lopez for Kohl's (and an awesome sequin top!)

- Beauty Product Review: Benefit Benetint

- Designer Thursday: Emilia Wickstead Spring/Summer 2012 for London Fashion Week and English Country chic

- FFF - Tying the knot wedding invitation

Here are worthy reads from blogger buddies and beyond:

- Jaime posted these awesome comparisons between famous artwork and jewelry that recall those pieces.  I am obsessed with the Delifan Delettrez ring!

- In this modern age of shrinking space and increasing development, we should remember which landscapes are truly important, including these 12 endangered US landscapes.  I'd love to visit the Afton Villa Gardens (pictured below) some day!

- Diana posted the coolest quick and easy bun trick...and it involves using a sock!  What fun and easy genius (just use the top of a clean one!)

- Mark Bittman, one of my favorite food writers, commented on the myth that junk food is not actually cheaper than healthy food, but that cooking is the real culprit behind poor eating habits.

FFF - Tying the Knot wedding invitation and Formula 1 (F1) racing/Shakira

Happy Fun, Free, Friday lovelies!

Fun Find

I just pinned this adorable invitation on Pinterest (I'm cncliving). The simple red knot stationary by Cristina Moralejo says just as much as a pair of doves or lovely embossed stationary.  The message is so perfect and lovely.

Otherwise, this weekend I am...

...going to watch the F1 race.  I have never been to a race, but the F1 is supposed to be amazing and more importantly our tickets gets us into the concerts that day.  Think of the crazy combination of Shakira and Rick Astley.  Who has been Rick-rolled before?  The song "Never gonna give you up" is such an awesome nod to the 80s.  "Hips don't lie" brings me back to 2005 and the year I worked in the DC area.  It will definitely be fun!  I will definitely be sharing the fun on Twitter and Instagram (I'm chicncheapliving there!)

What are you doing this weekend?

Have a fabulous weekend!

Designer Thursday: Emilia Wickstead and English country chic LFW Spring/Summer 2012

Country chic prints.

Muted colors.

Clean lines.

Those were the first thoughts that popped into my mind when I saw pictures of the Emilia Wickstead Spring/Summer 2012 collection.  I hadn't heard of Emilia previously, but was happy to discover her designs.  She doesn't use create any color blocking effects, produce vivacious prints, or design elaborate structured, shapes.  But her collection does have mod lines that will remain classic pieces in your wardrobe.   The subtle Paris prints are also sweet and unexpected.

Maybe I'm really captivated because this clothing epitomizes a Kate Middleton aesthetic - sweet, subtle, and ladylike (though slightly edgier with some of these lengths and cuts).
That and I love a fun print or a jacket with a great shape!

What do you think of this collection?

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Beauty Product Review: Benefit Benetint

I love having a natural (looking) blush on my face.  If I didn't have a pink glow, I'd just be stuck with my natural "does that girl ever get out?" paleness.  I tried a few blushes (power, cream, liquid) and like Benefit Benetint because it is super light, easy to use, fragrant (just a hint of roses) and provides double duty as a lip tint as well.  I like to use a few drops of Benetint on my lips after putting on lip balm for a natural, subtle color.  Then I place three drops on each cheek and rub it in.
Subtle makeup in 30 seconds?  I'm sold.

Benefit isn't super cheap but is worth the cost for me.  I can use it all year round for a great color and it feels nice and light.  But it only lasts a few hours so be mindful of this if you use it (this is fine for me).  Use your department store gift cards to get Benetint or wait for the Sephora Friends and Family sale (hmm probably coming up in November!)

Benefit Benetint, Macy's, $29

Save!

Go through Mr. Rebates first before making your purchase at Macy's

{Affordable} Fashion Highlight: Jennifer Lopez for Kohl's and extra ~20% discount

Jenny from the block has created a line of affordable apparel with just a bit of flair in her Jennifer Lopez collection for Kohl's.  I hadn't heard of Kohl's until a few years ago when it entered NYC and was never that enthusiastic about celebrity fashion collections.  But one should never judge a book by its leopard print cover.  After all who would have guessed that the Full House twins would end up being respected designers of the Row?  So I was certainly willing to look at J. Lo's collection here.

She has an array of basic styles that cover the classics (see the white sheath dress below which reminds me of a Milly dress I already own) to the slightly edgier (see the prints on the tunics, some which look better than others) to the blatantly glamorous (I gotta admit that the gold, sequin top is kinda fabulous).  There is nothing in this collection that changes the face of fashion.  But it does have a few work-worthy pieces/weekend worthy pieces at manageable price points.  I'd certainly consider a top or dress from this collection and give this Bronx babe a chance (I wasn't as impressed with her accessories and jewelry though).

Here are a few favorite pieces:

Jennifer Lopez Ponte Sheath Dress, Kohl's, $52.50

Jennifer Lopez Cowlneck Crossover top, Kohl's, $33

Jennifer Lopez Sequin Crop top, Kohl's, $63

Jennifer Lopez Embellished Foil Top, Kohl's, $40.50

What do you think of the collection?

Save!
- Go through Mr. Rebates first to get cash back on your purchase!
- Save 20% off your Kohls.com purchase (on top of the discounted prices) with code fall savings until Sept. 21 (with a Kohl's charge card).  
- Save 10% off $75 with any card with code savingvs2 through Oct. 28.
- Save an extra 15% off the Jennifer Lopez collection with code jennifer15 through Sept. 24 (can be combined with one of the codes above).

Photo Love {Inspiration}: Rising above it all

Everything negative - pressure, challenges - is an opportunity for me to rise.

Kobe Bryant

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So many things can bring us down - our environments, other people, external pressure...the list goes on and on.  I know that long hours and difficult people have certainly effected me in the last few months.  I ended up feeling exhausted, deflated, and figuratively weighed down by the stress.  But I have learned that there are some things that I can not change and thus shouldn't continue to stress about, and there are things I can influence.  I have the power to determine what can affect me.  Once I learned that, I wasn't as bothered by small dramas.  I would take those negative experiences as learning experiences and rise above it all.

How do you rise above?

Have a lovely week!

Worthy Reads Roundup - Holding onto summer, NYFW 2011 looks, and Ebates double cashback at Nordstrom, Banana Republic, and Saks

Hope you had a great week lovelies!

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

- Photo love: Holding onto Summer
- Money Matters: Top 5 tips for saving (so that I can get that Chanel bag some day!)
- Fun Finds: Ear Miki holds your phone on your finger safely and stylishly

- Designer Thursday: Kate Spade and Current/Elliott create Westward (love the sparkles and ostrich!)

- FFF - Ebates double cashback at stores, including Banana Republic, Saks, and Nordstroms (get those credit cards ready!)

Here are worthy reads from blogger buddies and beyond:
- The Gossip Girl clothing line is being released by Romeo & Juliet Couture.  I do like the fashion featured on Gossip Girl.  But what would be even better would be having Blake Lively's body (her legs basically go up to my shoulders, sigh).

- I saw this picture and knew I had to also travel across Patagonia some day.  The vista of turquoise glaciers is both exhilarating and surreal.

- Fashionistas frolicked in the newest trends while pairing it with classic pieces as well.  Here are a few favorite looks.  Oh how I'd love Carine Roitfield's closet!

- We try to eat healthy foods at home, but I was intrigued by this article about when healthy foods backfire and will be minimizing my avocado portions now!

FFF - Ebates Double cashback at Sak's, Nordstrom, and Banana Republic and Japanese eats

Happy Fun, Free, Friday (FFF) lovelies!

Online Shopping
If you happen to be building your fall wardrobe, treating yourself after a long week, or eyeing something on your wish list for a while, now may be the time to shop around.  A few e-tailers are increasing their Ebates cashback amounts.  If you shop online and go through the Ebates site first, you get a percentage of your purchase back - yep, it's pretty easy.  I am still looking for a few cardigans to wear while at my ridiculously cold office, and this Banana Republic one caught my eye (their cashback is now 10%, nice)!

Slub knit open cardigan, Banana Republic, $44.50 after cashback

Saks cashback is now 6% and Nordstrom cashback is 5%.  Gotta love spending less!
If you don't have an Ebates account, feel free to use my invite and get $5 just for signing up (gotta love free money).


Otherwise, this weekend, I am...
...going to a Japanese restaurant with a few friends.  I used to love sushi, but then developed a sensitivity to seafood (some weird mercury related reaction) and didn't go to sushi or Japanese restaurants as often.  I have been having more seafood lately and this restaurant has great cod as well as spicy tuna (so bad for my skin, so tasty in my mouth).  We also wanted to take out a friend whose birthday has passed and what better way to celebrate than with some great grilled food right?

What are you doing this weekend?

Have a fabulous weekend!

Designer Thursday: Kate Spade and Current Elliot create Westward

You wouldn't necessarily think to combine preppy chic Kate Spade with boyfriend jean queens Current Elliott (stylists and designers Emily Current and Merritt Elliott), but that is exactly what happens in the new collection Westward.  These two sets of designers meet in the middle to create a collection of leather goods that isn't perfect, but still lovable (how could you not love purse names like wanderlust and runaway).
Texture and sparkles collide in Westward making this an unexpected collection for Kate Spade.  The prices are a bit higher than typical Kate Spade, but I am intrigued by the slightly edgier feel and use of ostrich embossing.  Of course I'll also wait and see if prices end up coming down as well.

What do you think of this collection?

Westward ingénue clutch, Kate Spade, $545.00

Westward adventurer satchel, Kate Spade, $795.00 

Westward curiosities satchel, Kate Spade, $1,095.00 

Westward runaway duffle, Kate Spade, $1,295.00

Fun Finds: Ear Miki by Jun Hyun Kim, Byeol Shim and Young Jun Kim

This 2011 Idea award winner helps you stylishly manage your phone and earbuds.  Ear Miki can be attached to your phone so that it can hold onto your phone and prevent it from falling even if you drop it.  It can also be worn as a ring serving as both an accessory and storage place for your earbuds.

Tres cute and functional right?

Money Matters: Top Five Tips for Saving

I talk about shopping a lot, but I definitely have experience saving as well and thought I should share that side too.  In most years (non-grad school years) I've saved over 50% of my net income and this has enabled me to pay for my own wedding, support myself through my last year of college and all of graduate school, and contribute financially towards my family.  I have been able to spend my money on fun things that matter to me - handbags and trips across the world of course top my list.  I've also managed to build a large cushion that would enable me to cover rent for a a few years (but having money in savings vs. investments, like real estate, is another post!)

Izak Zenou is awesome - isn't this a stylish woman in charge picture?

Here are the top 5 ways that I've managed to save.
1. Save every chance you get
Where can you save a few dollars a day?  Start with the small manageable things: bring lunch at least once a week instead of eating out, think about taking public transportation or carpooling, and look for coupons when you shop in-store or on-line (my links at the right side help you save almost every single time you shop online!).  Those few dollars definitely accumulate over time and can be put towards your nest egg (because it's always good to have extra savings!)

2. Track your spending (esp. your cash spending)
It's really important to be aware of your spending.  Do you know how much you spend on food every month?  What are your entertainment expenses?  It takes more work to note down all your expenses, but the insight into your money management is totally worth the effort.  We've used quite a few money management softwares and are now using both ibank and mint.com to track our foreign and US expenses, respectively.  Once you know how you are spending your money, you can start scaling back or reallocate your spending to categories that matter more (e.g. if you love shopping, but spend a lot on eating out, why not cut down your dining expenses so that you can put it towards saving and shopping!)

3. Budget for the short and long term
Budgeting isn't just for the hares, it's for the tortoises as well.  Make a budget and try to stick to it.  But don't deprive yourself of spending or else you might unexpectedly splurge way past your budget.   Budget what you feel comfortable spending in different categories and know that it's ok to splurge a little in one month as long as you save at other times.  Just remember how it effects your longer term savings goals. *Ahem* so more than one Chanel reissue a year may be a problem if your shopping budget is $100/month!
Remember my ideal wardrobe list (shopping for the long term, not just because you like something?)  Saving and spending are both long term issues and should be planned accordingly.

Vintage lizard Chanel bag?  Yep, that is definitely worthy of a splurge!

4. Prioritize payments
What are your regular expenses every month?   You likely have some form of housing expense along with a transportation expense as well.  This may be coupled with student loans and credit card expenses.  Pay off the charges with the highest interest rates first (e.g. your credit cards, unless you have a 0% trial interest rate).  Remember that expenses like the interest on your student loans may be tax deductible so it's ok not to pay that all at once.

5. Live within your means
A credit card shouldn't be an excuse to spend more than you have.  Some people limit themselves to spending only with cash (it's a good savings tip and reminder to "spend what you have").   Sure you may want to live in a larger apartment or have the newest pair of Louboutins, but can you realistically afford it?  Over time, your income will vary (hopefully to your benefit) and you should remember to adjust your spending accordingly.

Hope this money matters post helps!  If not, I'll be back to fashion and design posts tomorrow anyway :)

Photo Love {Inspiration}: Holding onto Summer

There shall be eternal summer in the grateful heart

Celia Thaxter

{Source}

I know that summer is coming to a close for many of my friends (though as I mentioned, summertime weather is a year long reality for me).  Now is the perfect time to out on a bathing suit, soak up some sun, and enjoy the cool waters of a swimming pool (something I really need to do more often!)

While the days may get shorter, I still intend to hold onto: wide-rimmed straw hats, watermelon drinks, late night conversations by the pool, barbecues with great friends (going to another one today!), al fresco dining, and light chiffon dresses.  There are so many beautiful things that we can do because of the longer days and lighter state of mind.  Fall may be coming for many of you, but that doesn't mean you can't hold onto a summer state of mind right?

Have a lovely week!

Worthy Reads Roundup: Hermès Festival des Métiers (Festival of Crafts) Recap, IFB coverage of NYFW, and Kate Spade Sasha purses

Hope you had a great week lovelies!

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

- Photo love: Happy US Labor Day!

- Hermès Festival des Métiers (Festival of Crafts) Asia and how Hermès scarves are made

- Fashion's Night Out and my top picks for FNONY 2011 (ahh to have been in the Alexander Wang talent show!)

- {High Street highlight}: J. Crew Twisted Ribbon dress (love the gorgeous green!)

- FFF - FNO continues with exclusive online only Kate Spade Sasha purses (love these prints!)

Here are worthy reads from blogger buddies and beyond:

- Get up to date coverage of NYFW shoes on IFB (aren't these Suno prints cool?)

- Breakfast is a meal that shouldn't be missed and here are some great recipes for an easy and tasty breakfast

- I haven't been to the Jersey Shore in years, but remember staying at idyllic bed and breakfast inns and strolling down the beach (not in the same town as the famed show of course).  Where are your summer side shore spots?

- Did you know that Kate Middleton's wedding gown has attracted more than 300,000 visitors to the palace since it went on display July 23rd?  Would you want to see it up close?