Photo Love {Inspiration}: Behind the mask and Halloween Wishes

Although I know it's unfair, I reveal myself one mask at a time.

Stephen Dunn

Diane Kruger in Le Figaro, February 2011

Happy Halloween to my friends that celebrate this holiday!  While this is a work day (and no I don't work in an ultra hip/fun office where people dress up), it is amusing to think of fun costumes.  Do you think that people put on costumes to be who they want to be or is it an expression of something else in the name of fun?  Perhaps our choice in costume reveals just a small piece of us each time.  One year, I may want to be glamorous and wear a Venetian mask with a long gown.  The next year I may want to pay homage to a favorite character or celebrity (Wonder Woman never gets old right?)

Either way, we can only display one look at a time.  I do find that it mirrors real life.  Different people may see different sides of me, but only those that are very close to me see me with and behind all my masks.  Those are of course the people I hold most dear because only they can see the real me.

What masks do you wear?

Have a lovely week!

Worthy Reads Roundup - Indian intrigue, Sephora Friends & Family, and 100 best bags for fall/winter 2011-2012

Hope you had a great week lovelies!

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

- Photo love: Indian Intrigue
- Beauty {Deal} Alert: Sephora Friends & Family 20% off through Nov. 2 (US)
- Happy Diwali - the festival of lights!
- LOTC: Versace for H&M Lookbook (some crazy but wonderful prints!)

- FFF - Roasted fall flavors

Here are worthy reads from blogger buddies and beyond:
- Sneak Peek: Mary Katrantzou for Topshop - would you wear this multi-patterned dress?

- Vogue posted a list of the 100 best bags for fall/winter (with a very English slant since this was Vogue UK).  Do you agree? I do love the Alexa in a muted metallic below...

- Diana posted about the stone forest in Madagscar - how magical!  I have yet another travel destination to add to my list.

- Katherine posted simple tips for a perfect manicure at home here (I have to remember to buff!)

FFF - Roasted Fall flavors and Quiet times at home

Happy Fun, Free Friday lovelies!

Fabulous food
I love roasting vegetables all year - the sweet and savory taste is so addictive.  My go to roasted vegetables include red peppers, zucchini, onions, and pumpkin.  They are great on their own or as a filling for a frittata or with pasta.  I recently slow roasted tomatoes and they were pretty divine (they went into an egg white omelet and also make a nice side).    Roasted vegetables are usually more popular about this time of year and I saw this recipe for roasted cauliflower and radicchio salad and got excited about more delicious possibilities.

Otherwise, this weekend I am...
...taking it easy and not going out.  I don't want to be a hermit, but it has been a long week of business and I just want to spend time with the husband and hopefully get in some time at the pool.  Sometimes you just need a down time kind of weekend you know?

What are you doing this weekend?

Have a fabulous weekend!

LOTC: Versace for H&M lookbook and US pricing

Nov. 17 is V day (the day Versace for H&M launches) and one of the ultimate Luxing it on the Cheap collaborations.  As expected, this collection is not for the faint of heart.  Skin is in, tight fits are expected, and embellishment and electric prints are mandatory.  It definitely conjures and recreates the essence of the house of Versace at a much more manageable price point (everything is under $299).  While I'm not quite daring to wear some of the pieces (red floral pants are gorgeous, but I would need Cameron Diaz's legs), I do love the fun studded patterns on some pieces and the edgy cutout detail on a staple like the little black dress.
Many of the pieces also feel like resort wear to me - perfect for a night out in Bali or a piece that you throw on for a great summer party.

I've included a few of my favorite (and for me, most wearable) looks below along with the price list.  The belt, black dress, and skirt are practically work worthy as well!

{Source}

What do you think of this collection?  Are there any pieces that belong in your closet?

Happy Diwali/Festival of Lights!

Happy Diwali to my friends that celebrate this holiday!  This Hindu festival of lights is marked by the lighting of small clay lamps filled with oil to celebrate the triumph of good over evil.  It is a communal time of family and sharing of good food and fun.

My colleague and I happen to be in Mumbai at this time and aren't sure what to do.  We hope to stumble on some Diwali lights and observe some wonderful things in the city (hopefully places will be open!)  Suggestions are welcome of course.

While I don't celebrate Diwali, I can appreciate a time for family and fun. It will be good to get back home this weekend!

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Beauty {Deal} Alert: Sephora 20% off Friends & Family through Nov. 2, 2011

It's here again ladies - the annual Sephora Friends & Family deal!  Click here to enter your e-mail address and instantly get a code on the screen (the code will be e-mailed to you as well but if you're cautious like me copy and paste this on your computer or e-mail somewhere immediately because my browser conveniently crashed a few minutes after I got my code).

Get ready.  Set.  Click (and remember to get your extra cashback too!)

I've been waiting to stock up on a few beauty essentials and these are a few musts on my list:

Daily Essential
My go-to mineral foundation, Bare Escentuals, in the newer matte formula.  I've heard that this coverage is better and I can't wait to try it out!

Bare Escentuals Bare Minerals SPF Matte Foundation, Sephora, $22.40 after discount

Weekend Wear
I recently saw glitter nails all over the web (on Alexa Chung, Katie).  I had to try the funky, large glitter polish myself just in time for the holidays.  The large, silver sparkles are pretty darn perfect.  I might need to get this in gold too.  Wouldn't these be perfect for any night out (and especially New Year's Eve!)

Sephora by OPI Flurry up Top Coat, Sephora, $7.60 after discount

Gifts
It is the perfect time to stock up on gifts for friends and family.  I am thinking the nieces may kinda love this Tokidoki mirror.  I may also browse around for gifts for my lovely friends as well (with Sephora's selection, this may take a while).

Tokidoki Vanita Mirror, Sephora, $12 after discount

Will you be getting any beauty daily essentials, weekend wear, or fun gifts?

Save!
- Go through Big Crumbs first and get an additional 5.6% cashback from your entire purchase!  Here is my invite if you need it!

Photo Love: Indian Intrigue

I like the evening in India, the one magic moment when the sun balances on the rim of the world, and the hush descends, and ten thousand civil servants drift homeward on a river of bicycles, brooding on the Lord Krishna and the cost of living. 

James Cameron

Louis Vuitton India {Source}

I'm off to India yet again on another business trip.  It will be another hurried trip full of meetings and multiple cars, jitneys, and other modes of manual transportation all rushing to get to where they want to go (at exactly the same time of course). While this trip is strictly professional, I am excited to have been invited to two weddings in India next year - one at a fort a few hours from culturally rich Delhi and the other in beautiful idyllic Kerala.  I hope to really explore these two regions at this time and convince some friends to join my husband and I on this journey.  I am excited about the cultural and culinary possibilities of this marvelous subcontinent!

Have you visited India?  What was it like?

Have a lovely week!

Worthy Reads Roundup - Retro Chic, Saving your cotton clothing, and Great gifts for travelers

Hope you had a great week lovelies!

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

- Photo love: Retro Chic a la Marilyn Monroe
- Decor Thoughts/Luxing it on the Cheap: Jonathan Adler for HSN
- DIY/Savvy Tips: How t o refresh pilly, cotton clothing
- Fashion Highlight: Pink October items for your home and closet for Breast Cancer Awareness

- FFF - Extra 10% off ASOS sale items this weekend!

Here are worthy reads from blogger buddies and beyond:
- Can you guess which First Lady was first a model and singer (seen here walking for Vivienne Westwood in 1995).  See her style evolution here.

- America's favorite pastime: dieting (and why it shouldn't be)

- 10 great gifts for travelers (and how cool are these Alexander Wang sunglasses!)

- I've heard a lot about quinoa, but haven't had it much myself.  This version with pesto and roasted vegetables sounds fabulous!

FFF- Extra 10% off ASOS this weekend and tidying up

Happy Fun, Free Friday lovelies!

Online Discounts
I'm still looking for a few work worthy separates (I feel like I'm always shopping for these work to weekend worthy pieces).  ASOS comes along and tempts me with an extra 10% off their sale this weekend with code BONUS10.  I tend to dress pretty conservatively during the week, but am tempted by this kimono sleeve top - it still covers and is just a bit edgy.  What do you think?  

Vero Moda Kimono Sleeve Top, $32.74 after discount

Save!

- Go to Mr. Rebates first to get cash back your purchase!  Here is my invite if you need it!

Otherwise, this weekend I am...
...taking it easy and tidying up our apartment.  We got in late last weekend from Phuket and I am flying out again early on Sunday so I just want to clean up a little.  I just feel more at ease when the living room is in order and the clothing is folded and put away.  I'm not a tidy freak but I do balance out my very messy husband (seriously, single socks end up everywhere!)

What are you doing this weekend?

Have a fabulous weekend!

{Fashion} Highlight: Pink October/Breast Cancer Awareness Shopping ideas

I am the quintessential girl and have always loved pink.  October is all about the pink and the month is dedicated to breast cancer awareness.  Many designers and retailers are also partnering with the cause and creating special items whose proceeds will be donated to a related charity.  I love shopping for a cause (it justifies the spending as well right?)  Breast cancer is also something that many of us may not consider, but should be aware of and help combat.
Here are a few favorite picks if you are looking for something pink this month:

1. Breast Cancer Awareness Shoe, Milk & Honey, $285 (100% of profits)

2. Lauren Merkin Reusable tote, Lauren Merkin, $20 (50% of proceeds)

3. BCRF Scarf, Coach, $68 (20% of proceeds)

4. Full of Hope Charm Bracelet, Lily Pulitzer, $48

5. OPI Pink of hearts shatter edition, OPI, $8.50 (set overall donation)

6.Tweezerman tweezers, Bloomingdale's, $20

7. Sonia Kashuk Breast Cancer Awareness Proudly Pink Brush set, Target, $15 (15% of proceeds)

8. Robert Siegel Handmade Berry Bowl, Robert Siegel Handmade, $75 (20% of proceeds)

DIY/Savvy Tips: Save your clothing! How to refresh pilly, cotton clothing

I was in grad school when I first started obsessing over this Hayden Harnett dress.  I loved the color and the slightly 80s vibe of this dress.  I of course snatched it up when it went on sale and even wore it to my bridal shower.

It has been a few years now and unfortunately, the dress looks a bit worn because of the pilling. I was hesitant about getting rid of this dress, but have now discovered a way to make it a bit newer and it only takes one ingredient you may already have in your household - a razor!  Be careful when you use the razor and pull the cloth taut.  But if you use it correctly, the initial pilling will disappear and your clothing will be refreshed!

Here are the brief instructions for refreshing your cotton clothing:
1. Gather your razor and pilly apparel (look at all the small pills before!)

2. Pull clothing taut and glide razor over surface one section at a time.

3. A lot of pilled cotton will come off so be sure to clean your razor and clothing often (be patient and careful!)

4. Your clothing is pill free and almost as good as new!

Decor Thoughts/Luxing it on the Cheap: Jonathan Adler for HSN

Sometimes a name just says it all...Happy Chic!

Happy Chic is Jonathan Adler's houseware collection for HSN and provides many pieces for Luxing it on the Cheap (LOTC).  It is of course affordable and has a few cute classic pieces for the house.  I don't love all of the finishes on the vases (hmm metallic paint on stoneware?), but the Greek key items like the throw and pillows are classic and contemporary at the same time (the throw also has decent reviews so I am definitely tempted!)  I love that interior designers are branching into mass market collaborations as well.

Do you see any pieces that you like?

Happy Chic by Jonathan Adler Greek Key Woven Throw, HSN, $39.95

Happy Chic by Jonathan Adler Ceramic Accent Lamp, HSN, $59.97

Happy Chic by Jonathan Adler 32-piece Dinnerware Set, HSN, $29.97

Happy Chic by Jonathan Adler 4 Wine Glasses, HSN, $39.99

Happy Chic by Jonathan Adler Greek Key Pillows, HSN, $49.95

Save!
- New Customers save 15% with code C70121
- Go through Mr. Rebates first for additional cash back!

Photo Love: Retro Chic a la Marilyn Monroe

If you're gonna be two-faced at least make one of them pretty.

Marilyn Monroe

Michelle Williams in Vogue US October 2011

Is it any wonder that style via the "Mad Men" era of the 1950s is so popular now?  It was all about perfect red/nude lipstick, tousled hair, and form-fitting, but still elegant apparel.  Marilyn Monroe was and still remains one of the quintessential style sirens.   Retro chic is about apparel that celebrates the female form while still leaving something to the imagination.

Savvy options today: back then and today, chic options are the iconic halter dress with flared skirt (the polka dot print on this Victoria's Secret one is cute!), tight sweater dresses (metallic makes it modern, like this Express one), and midi skirts (this printed Topshop one is cute).  Hemlines were longer, but fiery spirits and the role of women as simply housewives was becoming a memory.  I love how these styles remain, but are owned by the modern woman.  

What retro chic apparel do you love?

Have a lovely week!

Worthy Reads Roundup - Red hot (and affordable) felt fedora, Vegan dinner recipes, and Alexander McQueen Spring/Summer 2012

Hope you had a great week lovelies!

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

- Photo love: Bright and Bold in the Cold
- High Street Highlight: Red Hot felt fedora from Charlotte Russe
- Wardrobe Staple - Scarf of every color (pattern and texture!)
- Designer Thursday: Alexander McQueen Spring/Summer 2012

- FFF - OpenSky Celebrity curated flash sale site - I'm getting one of the dried mushroom packs tonight and can't wait to try some fancy mushrooms!

Here are worthy reads from blogger buddies and beyond:
- Fashionista playground alert: Oh to visit the Albright Library and play among the 7,000 pairs of shoes, glorious gowns, and jewelry!

- Annemarie posted about a chic fall DIY: glitter pumpkins!

- We increasingly eat vegetarian meals at home and I love this collection of hearty and delicious sounding vegan dishes!

- Metallics are showing up everywhere, even in makeup!  I love the look of the metallic smokey eye seen on Kristen Stewart below!

FFF - OpenSky Curated Shopping Site (possibly $15 credit), Louboutins, and Phuket Trips

Happy Fun, Free Friday lovelies!

Online sites
Have you heard of OpenSky?  It's a new sale site with a twist: each of the items is hand-picked by celebrity curators. They have a huge range of curators from Bobby Flay to Molly Sims to Joy Behar and Padma Lakshmi.  I like that the celebrities cover a wide range of categories from food to style and design.  While the celebrity curators are different, I really like the diverse selection of offerings (think Spanish olive oil selected by Padma Lakshmi to a Julia dress by Wren chosen by Kristin Cavallari).
I have my eye on these Artland Radiance flutes that were picked by Preston Bailey ($32!):

Here is my invite if you're interested!
Extra incentive?  There is a contest to win 6 pairs of Christian Louboutin shoes. Shoe. Heaven.  Go and sign up now!  That and I randomly got a $15 credit for signing up (they put it into my account the day after I registered).

Otherwise, this weekend I am...
...heading to Phuket, Thailand!  I am very proud of Mr. Spend 'n Chomp because it is the first trip that he has planned (well sorta, he bought the tickets and suggested a few activities).  We're tentatively going to see the James Bond island and go to a cooking class.  Hopefully we can schedule both things in and get some beach time in as well!  Of course I'll share pictures!

What are you doing this weekend?

Have a fabulous weekend!

{Fashion} Highlight: Alexander McQueen Spring/Summer 2012

Fantasy.

Whimsy.

Femininity.

Those are the first words that came to mind as I perused pictures of the Alexander McQueen Spring/Summer 2012 show.  Sarah Burton (ahem Ms. Catherine Middelton's wedding gown designer) continues the tradition of McQueen with exquisite detail, structure celebrating the female form, and unabashed colors and cuts.
The house of Alexander McQueen has always been bold.  Even suit jackets are transformed by sharp shoulders and gold tipped edges (umm I so want that first cream and gold suit).  An asymmetrical ruffle makes an ordinary black jacket extraordinary.  I loved the strength in all of the clothing from gowns to jackets.  I also loved how she realigned my vision of lace from ivory French lace to a dark, modern, lazer cute version.  It's romantic and modern at the same time.

All of these details remind me why some designer pieces are truly worth the price.

I will have a McQueen jacket some day and it will be fabulous.  Oh and can I just dance around in that lace embellished coral gown at home?

{Source}

Style at any price:

- Structure and fit is key.  None of these pieces were for anyone that wanted to hide her body.  They are close fitting and really accentuate a woman's curves.  

- Detail on a piece of apparel (gold tipping, lace detail, etc.) really makes clothing unique.  Look for special touches and workmanship in embroidery, lace, and cut.  These are the touches that makes clothing pop.