Inspiration: Life can be Wonderful

You said it Annette!

My life definitely is not perfect and hasn't been for a few months.

But I do have wonderful things like a great husband, family, and friends.

Remember the people, places, and objects that make your life wonderful.

Fashion Highlight: Sunbursts via Tony Duquette collection for Coach

Old Hollywood glamour always brings to mind screen sirens like Elizabeth Taylor with perfectly coiffed hair, impossibly chic clothing, and larger than life accessories.  Tony Duquette was one of the artists that created beautiful clothing, furnishings, interiors (like the Hilton Hawaiian Village - I stayed there, the complex was lovely!), and jewelry for this era.   It was only natural that his designs would be tapped and brought forth again today.

Coach has peeked into the archives of Tony Duquette and created a few statement pieces with his signature sunbursts and starbursts.  A few pieces, like the gorgeous stone necklaces have sold out already, but there are still a few accessories in a wide range of prices.  If I could only pick one item, I may pick a pin - imagine a sunburst on a basic blazer!  The stone ring is gorgeous as well, but oh it would be quite a splurge!

What do you think of this collection?

Sunburst stone pin, Coach, $58

Sunburst Pave ring, Coach, $98

Half inch hinged Starburst bangle, Coach, $118

Stone Flame ring, Coach, $695

Photo Love: The Secret Lives of Women by Lillian Bassman

Women possess a grace in movement that may pass unnoticed in every day life.

{Source}

The female form has been celebrated in works of art for thousands of years and it is easy to see why through the lens of the late Lillian Bassman.  There is an elegance and serenity to women when they feel at ease and truly comfortable - Bassman referred to this as the secret lives of women. She was a female photographer that really tried to capture a different side of women. I imagine that any woman can be both glamorous and beautiful (especially under such an expert eye an beautiful gowns).

I love that her photography here emulates illustrations.  Perhaps great art then does live in the intimate portrayals of the secret lives of women and is an endeavor to be enjoyed by all.
Have a lovely week!

Fun Finds/FFF: Anicase iPhone cases for endangered species and weddings in Rajasthan

Happy Fun, Free, Friday lovelies!

Fun Finds/Accessories
I know I'm an adult, but it is so hard to resist something cute!

I am a newly converted iPhone lover and love the variety of cases that are available.  Here is another fun  option - Anicase iPhone cases bearing the faces of endangered animals, like pandas.  The coolest thing isn't your phone, but the fact that 10% of proceeds from the phone go towards saving these endangered animals.

Enter code "dailycandy" for an extra 15% off any case!

Which case would you get?

Otherwise, this weekend I am...
...celebrating a wedding in Rajasthan with a dear friend.  We are going to do a whirlwind tour of Rajasthan this weekend and also include a visit to the Taj Mahal, Delhi, and whatever else we can fit in!

What are you doing this weekend?

Have a fabulous weekend!

Hot under {$100}LOTC: PLAY Comme des Garçons (and fun hearts) at J. Crew

Sometimes, there are some fashion brands that you may admire from afar, but think you will never really buy.  Maybe it was too funky, too expensive, or it seemed inaccessible.  PLAY Comme des Garçons isn't totally Luxing it on the Cheap (LOTC), but it is a fun line with a slightly lower price point.  It is a different, but interesting brand for J. Crew to carry as well since Comme des Garçons and its following are much more exclusive and edgy than J. Crew.  At least it's nice to have options while shopping online!  What do you think of this collection?

PLAY Comme des Garçons Converse Sneakers, J. Crew, $100

PLAY Comme des Garçons printed heart tee, J. Crew, $72

Tip: J. Crew has a good discount off all items (FABFEB just ended), but keep on the lookout for additional ones to use on designer items like this!

Travel log/Worthwhile {Art} Visit: The Getty Center/Museum in Los Angeles

The Getty Museum is a place that breaks all your stereotypes of LA (no it's not just a city of materialism) and reinforces other ones (the weather and view can really be perfect here).

It is definitely a worthwhile visit if you're in the area (or the Getty Villa which I highlighted here).  The serene views, striking architecture, and surprisingly satisfying art collection are worth a drive away from the heart of LA.  My husband lived in LA for a few years and said that the Getty is all about the views.  The museum itself becomes part of the art experience.

Yes the views among the hills of LA are definitely a nice respite from the traffic and congestion below.

But the Getty also has a larger than expected and well curated art collection as well.  What I love about the collection is that it is not too large and covers every medium from sculptures and paintings to furniture (oh to have a room in this style at home!)

I particularly loved the impressionist selection (my absolute favorite style of painting!)  The light and movement in these paintings is captivating!  It is also wonderful to see a classic like "Irises" (and practice shooting paintings with no flash!).

Yes I'd return here again, perhaps with a small family one day!

Tip: There is a $15 parking fee per car so it is a great value if you visit with a small group and drive in together!

LOTC: Marni for H&M - European Bohemian meets the masses

Fashionistas, mark your calendars for March 8 because that is the day Marni for H&M hits stores.

  

{Source: H&M Press}

This Luxing it on the Cheap (LOTC) collaboration definitely bring a label with a different aesthetic to the masses.  This label is usually well known by the well-dressed and well-financed set and makes clothing that is more loved by women than men - think billowy, well-tailored (but not necessarily very fitted) silhouettes.  Bold, but necessarily bright hues (think blues, yellows, blacks, and whites) are a trademark of Marni, as are vintage and African prints; these really create a European Bohemian feel.

I wasn't sure I loved this collection at first, but the quirky, yet refined prints are growing on me as are the reports of well-made construction.  The prices are about $60-$80 for most pieces as well (including coats!) so it is also a great buy.

Will you be checking out this collection?  Oh and when, oh when, will hm.com have online shopping available?!

Check out the video as well of the launch party in LA - isn't Drew Barrymore so cute!

Photo Love: Natural beauty via Rooney Mara

Beauty that is natural and defines you is true beauty!

Chic 'n Cheap Living

Vogue October 2011

What adjective describes your look?  Are you cute? Ladylike?  Edgy? Striking?

I haven't seen the American version of "Girl with a Dragon Tattoo" but am as entranced as the rest of the world with the breakout star Rooney Mara.  She has a distinct and striking look and equally edgy style - no matter how you want to describe her look (too skinny, too dark), it is a look that suits her and that she carries off naturally.  It is a beauty carried on by different, but equally beautiful stars like Adele, Alex Wek, and Gisele when she first came out (remember she was criticized for her nose and curvy body?)

Be the beauty that becomes you!

Have a lovely week!

Worthy Reads Roundup - Camera Confidence, Maison Margiela Acrylic Cuff and kicking off London Fashion Week

Hope you had a great week lovelies!

Here is what happened at Chic 'n Cheap Living these past two weeks:

- Photo Love: Camera Confidence and the model in all of us

- LOTC: Mary Katrantzou for Topshop

- Fashion and Function: ONA camera bags and accessories

- Savvy vs. Splurge - Maison Margiela Acrylic cuff and Talbot's Tapered Cuff 

- FFF - NYFW Autumn/Winter 2012-2013 and Spontaneous Trips

- Floral mod elegance via Nahm Autumn/Winter 2012-2013

Here are worthy reads from blogger buddies and beyond:
- NYFW wrapped up recently - here are some key trends that emerged according to Marie Claire (love navy and black!)

- I just came back from a weekend of massages in Thailand (ahh!) but have never considered being massaged to rock music and spinning lights.  Would you?

- Another fashion week continues - who are you looking out for at London Fashion Week?

- I used to travel 100% for my job and racked up enviable air and hotel status along the way.  I travel much more for leisure now and am glad to discover more tips to gain preferred status.

Fashion Highlight: Floral Mod Elegance via Nahm Autumn/Winter 2012-2013

Sometimes a single image can captivate me.

I was browsing through NYFW photos and actually got drawn into the background of these photos for Nahm Autumn/Winter 2012-2013 (I know, it should be about the clothing!)  But this small, curated collection is both distinct, but pretty and wearable.  I love the inspiration of floral touches even if it is only in the sleeves or a patch of a skirt.  It also reminds me of how much more versatile floral prints become when it is done in a sheer fabric.  Trends come and go (hmm Marc Jacob, oversized Mary Poppins hats - not sure how long I'd rock that!), but elegant silhouettes remain.

Now that is fashion I can really appreciate (and is inspiration that can be found at a variety of price points!)  After all, sometimes don't you just want to wear something that is just plain pretty, and not just fashionable for the season?

{Source}

FFF - NYFW Autumn/Winter 2012 and Spontaneous Trips

Happy Fun, Free Friday lovelies!

NYFW Autumn/Winter 2012
Who else loves to check out runway photos this time of year?  Oh to be back home in NYC at this time would be lovely!  But the internet and the increasing digital broadcasts of catwalks has really made fashion so much more accessible.  I'll only post about a few shows, but I love that I have the ability to very quickly view all of the looks in a designer's collection within a day and without having attended the show (though I'd love to some day!)  It is about living the fashion fantasy.
What designer epitomizes fantasy and luxury more than Marchesa?  The fabrics and styles are always boldly beautiful.  It was of course pure loveliness to see all the lace and tulle (two favorites of course!)

{Source}

Check out photos from Marchesa and other shows here.

Otherwise, this weekend I am...
...going to Chiang Mai on a spontaneous trip!  I am not spontaneous at all.  But a few friends told us they were going to Chiang Mai and my husband turned to me and said, "We should go too - why not?"  So I have to hurriedly pack and research what to do/where to go.  But it should be fun!  How many times will I be able to pick up and go on a random trip right?  Of course I will take as many pictures as I can!

What are you doing this weekend?

Have a fabulous weekend!  

Savvy vs. Splurge: Maison Martin Margiela Acrylic cuff and Talbot's Tapered cuff

Do you have a cutting edge, modern fashion style?

Err I don't necessarily.  I have ore of a classic, feminine style with a slight modern flair.  But even though I'm not bold in my dress, I like to add edgy accessories.  It was love at first sight when I spotted the Maison Margiela acrylic glass cuff - they tempered it so the material is extremely durable.  I also love the color too - the smokey gray is so versatile!  I'd love it even more if it went on sale, but in the meantime I found an alternative version of this cuff at Talbot's.

Tapered Cuff, Talbot's, $19

MM6 Maison Martin Margiela Acrylic Glass Cuff, OAK NYC, $154

Would you be savvy or splurge?

Fashion and Function: ONA Camera bags and accessories

Are you a photography geek like me (or wannabe geek!)?  I didn't realize how beautifully moments could be captured until I got my DSLR recently.  My new camera has certainly traveled the world and help me tell a story of my trips.  But it has been a journey to find stylish, yet practical camera bags to store my delicate (and pricey!) camera and accessories.

I recently discovered ONA bags and was instantly intrigued.  "Ona" means to feel, believe or experience with the eyes and is at the core of the effects produced by photography and style.  The styles range from messenger bags to backpacks to inserts and I really like the clean, classic styles.   The bags are well-made and contracted of durable materials like vegetable-tanned leather for the Brooklyn bag and wax infused canvas for the Union Street bag; they not only have room not only for a camera and a few accessories,  but have pockets for  your other necessities like a wallet or iPad (a must if you want to transfer pictures from an Eye-fi card!)  I really like the beautiful combination of form and function.

Brooklyn, $309

Roma, $59

Union Street, $279

Do you think nice camera bags are worth the splurge?

LOTC: Mary Katrantzou for Topshop on February 17

There is nothing meek about Mary Katrantzou's prints.  Ever.

The rising designer will continue to put forth her bold prints and designs in a collaboration with Topshop launching February 17th; this Luxing it on the Cheap (LOTC) collaboration.  The colors and designs are vibrant and in your face (so think twice before you wear it to a conservative office, but oh yes please do shine in this in a more creative office!)

The prices are a point of interest though because while the leggings are  ₤40, the satin dress seen on the model is ₤350.  Would you pay this much for a designer collaboration piece?  Or it is a worthy investment for a designer whose prices will continue to rise?

 

 

More details of the launch here.