Gift Guide: Gifts for the guys

Guys - your brother, your best friend, your husband, or your dad - can be both easy and hard to shop for.  Their tastes can be very simple or they may be the type to buy everything themselves first so you're left scratching your head at the remaining prospects.  I like to separate gifts for the guys into a few main categories: wardrobe staples (my brother still mentions how much he loves the Donna Karan cashmere sweater I got him years ago), gadgets (the Kindle isn't just for the guys though), and cool house stuff (well everyone appreciates cool glasses right?)

Here are my picks for gifts for the guys in your life:

1. Marc by Marc Jacobs Silk Cashmere pullover, Revolve Clothing, $119

2. Alice Made This Alexander Cooper cuff links, Mr. Porter, $125

3. Jack Spade Monza credit card holder, Amazon, $125

4. iittala - Aalto Stainless Steel Tray, All Modern, $85

5. Kindle Touch, Amazon, $99 (with special offers) or $139

6. Inside Out Champagne Glasses, MoMA Store, $70

Fall/Winter Decor Thoughts: Easy touches for seasonal decorating

The seasons can as easily be celebrated indoors as well as outdoors.  I love the practical, easy, and savvy methods of using seasonal foliage and food as indoor decor.  Or switch out the color scheme of your living room to include rich reds, golds, and oranges.    This reminds me to go out and get some red vases for the holidays (vasen from IKEA is one great option) or fill clear vases with decorative ribbons and bows.
Can you tell that I'm in the holiday spirit?  What decor touches put you in the holiday mood?

{Source}

Photo Love {Inspiration}: Picture Perfect and healthy lifestyles

Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder.

Elle Italia October 2011

Isn't it funny how we can be our own harshest critics?  I remember staring at myself in some pictures (or perhaps my little belly) and thinking enough is enough.  I had steadily been gaining weight over the last year or two (not much because I am petite by nature) and just gotten generally lazy.  Even though my lovely brother poked my non-toned arms and I realized that I couldn't fit certain dresses any more, I didn't mind.  I wasn't overweight by any means, but I was eating way too many potato chips (especially when living in London - the English can make a mean crisp) and not exercising at all.  I was buying bigger clothing while shrinking into the background.

My husband also didn't love his own image when he looked at pictures.  We both decided to do something about it and started making healthier lifestyle changes.  Morning workouts have become routine and huge portions of vegetables/low portions of meat and starches make up our diet (if any, we follow low sugar/low carb most of the week).  It has started to make a difference both physically and mentally.  I'm starting to fit my old clothing again and more importantly, I feel good about myself.  

I don't think it is healthy at all to try to look like a waif if your body is not meant to be that size.  But I do know that you should be happy with yourself and how you look according to your body type.  I realized that I was using food as a bit of a shield or to give myself a sense of comfort in some unstable times in the last few years.  I didn't want to let my happiness be ruled by food.  I still have the occasional ice cream or burger, but I don't have to have it all the time.  Most importantly, I know that the lifestyle choices I make now effect me later.  I've learned to have fun with healthy eating. 

Be happy with the person that is reflected in pictures - I know I am!

Have a lovely week!

Worthy Reads Roundup - $100 Shopbop Giveaway, Fun Gifts for the home under $50, and how to wear jeans

Hope you had a great week lovelies!

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

- Photo love {Inspiration}: Light through the Fog  

- Chic 'n Cheap Living Contest: Win $100 to Shopbop!

- Gift Guide: Fun gifts for the home under $50

- Birthday and Thanksgiving Wishes (too bad I wasn't in the US this year to appreciate my birthday as a national holiday!)

- FFF - ASOS, Anthropologie, and Shopbop Black Friday discounts (Shopbop is through Monday!)

Here are worthy reads from blogger buddies and beyond:
- Would you let a 19 year old be your interior decorator?  Sam Allen is an up and coming teenage design talent and so far his clean style intrigues me.

- Nookie posted the cutest sketch on how to wear jeans (I wear them like style no. 1).  How do you wear your jeans?

- Pumpkin doesn't' have to just be for pumpkin pies - I love this smoothie version for a healthy alternative!

- Machine beauty - do today's high tech beauty gadgets really work (I'm intrigued by the exfoliating brushes myself)?

FFF - Shopbop, Anthropologie, and ASOS Black Friday discounts and intimate dinner parties

Happy Fun, Free Friday lovelies!

Happy Friday and happy beginning of the holiday shopping season!  Many of my American friends may brave the lines (some starting at midnight!) to get a great deal.  But there are also great deals online for those of us that are happy to shop in our pjs from anywhere (though preferably in our home of course!)

Online Discounts

Shopbop
Get $50 off $250, $100 off $500, $150 off $750, and $200 off $1000 with the code BIGEVENT now through Nov. 28.  Oh my there is so much clothing to choose!  I'd still look for something that is work-worthy though.
Remember to enter my Shopbop giveaway here!

Theory Impeccable Kadiem Dress, Shopbop, $206.50

Save!
- Get cash back on your entire purchase by going to Big Crumbs first!  Here is my invite if you need it.

Anthropologie

Get 50% off sale items online and in-stores from 6 am - 11 am Friday and an extra 25% off sale items the rest of the weekend.  I'd love to stock up on some accessories now!

Flip a coin drops, Anthropologie, $10 after discount 

ASOS
Get 20% off full priced items (though psst it worked on one sale item in my cart) at ASOS with code HOT20 through 8 am Friday GMT. HAPPYBLACKFRIDAY is another code that works until Monday 11:59 PM PST.  Now is definitely the time to shop for sequins!

Warehouse sequin jacket, ASOS, $107.82 after discount

Save!

- Get cash back on your entire purchase by going to Ebates first!  Here is my invite if you need it.

Otherwise, this weekend I am...
...hosting a small dinner party at home.  We were going to have larger American Thanksgiving celebrations, but couldn't organize something in time.  A small dinner party will be just as fun and less stressful too!

What are you doing this weekend?

Have a fabulous weekend!

Birthday and Thanksgiving wishes

Happy Thanksgiving to my American friends and happy birthday to me!

This year has really snuck up on me and I barely realized that the end of the year was already upon us.  I'm yet another year older and a bit more bruised as well.  It has not been an easy year in many ways.  But I do love the sense of promise, progression, and hope that comes with the following year.  I am already making strides towards health and happiness and am pretty proud of myself for making and sticking with my goals.  I just hope all the other pieces fall into place as well.

In the meantime, I am thankful for...
...love and family.  Where would I be without the support of my husband and family?  I don't even want to think about it.

...promises of great food.  We don't get today off and it has been very busy at work, but I am still looking forward to weekend plans filled with great food and friends.

I wish you all love and lovely food darlings!

Gift Guide: Fun gifts for the home (and under $50)

The season of gift giving is just around the corner (how did it sneak up like that?!) and there are precious few weeks to shop.  This is also the time of get togethers, office parties, and secret santas so it is great to have extra small gifts on hand.  I've come up with this list of fun gifts for the host/hostess (while you're ordering personalized cookies for your host, you may be tempted to order some for yourself too!)

100 inspiring ideas for creating beautiful rooms, Anthropologie, $45

Hotel Collection Barware, wine chiller, Macy's, $34.99

Jonathan Adler Greek Key salt and pepper shakers, Lord & Taylor, $38

Chilewich Bubbles Table Runner, Velocity Art and Design, $24

Beetle Gem Ornament, Anthropologie, $18

Parker's Crazy Cookies, e-mail here, Price unknown (assuming it is under $50)

Chalkboard bud vase, MOMA Store, $40 

Chic 'n Cheap Living Contest: $100 Shopbop gift card and DVF dresses

My closet is full of dresses - it's just a staple wardrobe item for me (that and I love the ease of a single piece of clothing!)  Dresses are amazingly versatile as well.  Tibi dresses, like this one, are long and luxurious statement pieces.

But DVF dresses, like this Savannah long sleeve dress make such a fun statement by using a great print (imagine wearing it day to night!)

If comfort and warmth are key, sweater dresses are chic and sensible options.

I've partnered with Shopbop to give away a $100 gift card so you can get the dress (or anything else) that works with your holiday wardrobe.  Check out the designer clothing sale as well at Shopbop

{Le Rules}

1. 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!

2. Please include your e-mail address if you do not have a blog or Twitter ID.

3. Check the blog to see if you win.  If you win, please e-mail me within 3 days.  I would hate to redraw a winner but everyone deserves a fair chance.

4. Sorry, no Pennsylvania bloggers are eligible (Shopbop rule, not mine!)

First entry:

What are you excited about this holiday season?

Bonus entries (leave a separate comment for each entry):

1.  (+1) Become a Twitter Follower AND tweet about this contest with this line: "Win $100 from @cncliving and @shopbop #style #giveaways #contests http://su.pr/3Ij4mp" - This can be done daily

2. (+1) 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. (+2) press the +1 button at the end of this post to +1 on Google
4. (+2) Blog about the contest/sidebar w/a picture on your page linking back here.

5. (+2) Become (or remind me if you are already) a Bloglovin follower here.

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

I'll leave this contest up until December 2nd, 11:59 pm PST.  This is open to readers worldwide!

Good luck!

Photo Love {Inspiration}: Light through the Fog

I actually haven't encountered fog too many times in my life.  I do remember driving through it in NY on a long drive once (that was a slow drive).  The close up view of fog wasn't very fun, but the perspective of fog and how it transforms an environment can be quite thrilling.  I also love that through all the density of the fog, the lights keep on shining and working their way through (has the Golden Gate ever looked better?)  The light and the brightness will continue through all the murkiness and layers of smoke. 

 

 

{Source}

I'd like to think this is an analogy for hope in a time of grayness and uncertainty.  If you have the light within, it will inevitably shine through, no matter how thick the grayness is on the surface.  Just remember to keep the light on.

Have a lovely week!

Worthy Reads Roundup - Boat trips in Phuket, Thailand, stolen Marc Jacobs collections, and J. Crew sparkles

Hope you had a great week lovelies!

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

- Photo love: Phang Nga Bay, James Bond Island, and beautiful boat trips in Phuket Thailand

- Fun Finds/Decor Thoughts: Chat plates by Ikuko Nakazama

- Deal/Fashion Highlight: J. Crew sparkles for the holidays and double cash back

- Designer Thursday: Kelly Wearstler Edgy Metallic Jewelry (so sculptural and bold!)

- FFF - Linea Pelle Friends & Family Sale

Here are worthy reads from blogger buddies and beyond:
- Beautiful grays fill the home of Swede Mats Gustafson and are described as "the beauty and texture of fog" (so true and I love the mix of antique and modern pieces)

- Glamour listed its top beauty picks for Save vs. splurge - do you agree (I'd splurge on this gorgeous Dior nail polish)?

- These 10 easy tips make it easy to stock a holiday pantry this season

- What to do when your spring 2012 collection is stolen?  Hopefully Marc Jacobs will find his soon!

FFF - Free $20 Nordstrom Rack Certificate via Hautelook, Linea Pelle Friends & Family sale, and Kevin Spacey sightings

Happy Fun, Free, Friday lovelies!

In-store discounts
I haven't shopped at Nordstrom Rack a lot, but I love checking out outlets (especially high-end department store outlets like Saks).  Hautelook is partnering with Nordstrom Rack to offer a $20 certificate and as far as I can tell, all you have to do is sign up!  Who am I to say no to free money for shopping?

Check your e-mails for the $20 certificate.
Note: Nordstrom Rack sent me a note and this is for existing Hautelook members.  So those of you already signed up would have received a similar link.  Sign up today to get offers in the future!

Online Discount
I have a much more delicate and feminine style rather than a edgy rock 'n roll one.  Linea Pelle is known for their beautiful and funkier leather goods.  I love their versatility though and their belts can be worn by both rock stars and ladies who lunch (I love the few I own and have worn them to everything from watching the Formula one race to attending a formal wedding).  Get a nice 25% off everything with code LPFF25 at their Friends & Family event ending today.

Vintage Sliced Waist Stretch Belt, Linea Pelle, $60.75 after discount.

Otherwise, this weekend I am...
...watching Kevin Spacey act in the play "Richard III".  I am so unbelievably excited because I love, love Kevin Spacey.  Two words - Usual Suspects.  I rest my case on the utter coolness of Kevin Spacey.

What are you doing this weekend?

Have a fabulous weekend!

Designer Thursday: Kelly Wearstler Edgy Metallic Jewelry (and clothing!)

Design for some people enables them to segue into many different areas of design (I wish I was one of those people but I do at least appreciate great design).  Kelly Wearstler, interior designer extraordinaire, is an example of someone who can just transform shape, color, and texture into different visual components first for the home and now for the human form.  Her collection is exactly as she describes it: bold, sculptural, and dramatic.


What do you think of her pieces?

Kelly Wearstler Perforated Burnished brass cuff, Net-a-Porter, $225

Kelly Wearstler Brass and Quartz pyramid necklace, Net-a-Porter, $425

Kelly Wearstler Pyrite-embellished brass cuff, Net-a-Porter, $395 

Kelly Wearstler chain necklace with cube, KellyWearstler.com. $325 

I'm also in love with this printed maxi dress (though not the price).  I'd be more willing to splurge on the jewelry than this dress.  But you never know what will end up on s sales rack!

Kelly Wearstler Palladian Printed Maxi Dress, Neiman Marcus, $725 

Deal/High Street Highlight: J. Crew Sparkles for the holidays and double cash back

There is something about the cooler weather and the shorter days that makes me want to wear something that shimmers and sparkles.  Why leave sequins for New Year's Eve?  Bring them out and have fun with them whenever you can!

Now is a great time to shop at one of my favorite High Street stores, J. Crew, and get some sparkly numbers for less.

Shop now and get an extra 30% off sale items with code MUSTHAVE through Sunday, Nov. 20.  I'm definitely eyeing the Lulu Frost bangle - statement jewelry is always worth it!

Lulu Frost for J. Crew Art Deco Wide Bangle, J. Crew, $68.60

Shimmerist Sweater, J. Crew, $62.99

Starla Ankla Pumps, J. Crew, $125.99

Shimmer skirt, J. Crew, $174.99

Save!

- Go through Ebates first and get 8% cash back (limited time double cash back) on your purchase!  Here is my invite if you need it (and get $5 just for signing up, seriously.)

Fun Finds/Decor Thoughts: Chat Plates by Ikuko Nakazawa

Psst, these plates are awesome.

What a great set of pieces to keep in your living room or serve at a party.  You'll always be guaranteed a conversation piece!

Chat plates by Ikuko Nakazawa, MOMA Store, $48 for set of 3

Photo Love/Travel Log: Phang Nga Bay, James Bond Island and beautiful boat trips in Phuket, Thailand

We were only in Phuket for a short time, but the highlight was our boat trip to a few islands in the area.  When you are in Phuket, you are inundated with different tour options, but the husband really wanted to be on the water.  We booked our package with Nara Cruise the night before (seriously like 10 hours before) at a random stall in Patong.  My husband picked it because he liked the look of the boat (more on that later) and it had seven different stops on the itinerary. He also liked that it started at about 9 am and came back about 7 pm (we already suffered getting up at dawn on vacations previously and it isn't always worth it).  The price was listed as 3200 baht, but the operator offered 1500 baht (we got it for 1400 baht/$50 at the end).

Travel Tip: Always negotiate the tour price!

Without further ado, here are the reasons I would recommend this trip for...
...relaxing on the boat

...traveling to James Bond Island in long boats and observing the sheer rock wall- where "Man with the Golden Gun" was filmed (oh the Sean Connery days!)

...kayaking through underground caves and among monkeys at Hong Island

More photos on Flickr and Facebook!

Worthy Reads Roundup: GILT Free International Shipping, Gaga's Workshop at Barney's NY, and 10 Food Myths

Hope you had a great week lovelies!

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

- Photo love/Travel Log {Inspiration}: Sunset in Phuket 
- In my Closet: Maison Martin Margiela Funky two-toned heels
- Trend/Fashion Highlight: Snake print
- Fashion and Interiors: Rich Red

- FFF - GILT Free International Shopping and 40%off Ann Taylor

Here are worthy reads from blogger buddies and beyond:

- This article about 10 Food Myths was really helpful - it is useful to know that pregnant women can eat sushi and eating turkey won't make you sleepy.

- I first read about this from Punctuation Mark and loved the story - it tells of the first American (and foreign) ballet dancer, David Hallberg, dancing for the Bolshoi

- Barney's NY has partnered and Lady Gaga for Gaga's Workshop this season (specially selected items are placed in the shop transforming a floor at Barney's and all holiday shopping bags).  25% of proceeds will also benefit the Born this Way Foundation.  What kinds of items do you think she will pick?

- Are cookbooks becoming obsolete?  Animated recipes, social networking, and video tutorials in recipes - is this the wave of the future?