{Fashion Highlight}: Styld by Gap and summer wardrobe basics

Every closet - large or small - needs a few good basics.

These basics include well cut t-shirts and light, fitted pants. The Gap is the classic American purveyor of classic and affordable wardrobe staples. Every time I think that they are being out styled by fast fashion retailers, they come out with beautiful basics with a twist. Gap showcases these styles in its Styld by site. These are looks from the apparel maker styled and modeled by bloggers. I love the basic t-shirt in a bold color as well as classic white. The skinny jeans in beautiful bright yellow have also caught my eye for summer - doesn't the color just remind you of a perfect summer day?

What are some of your wardrobe basics?
Should I attempt to locate these jeans and just give in (of course they are totally sold out online!)

Hot under {$100}: Floral Print Jeans

One fashion trend I still haven't subscribed to: premiums jeans at or over $200.
I have started appreciating well constructed, shape maintaining jeans more and more (alas a recent pair of cheap NY&co. Jeans lost their shape after one wash!) I also will pay for quality, but haven't gotten around to going in store and trying out many of the designer brands (though I will be trying J brand soon).

In the meantime many brands have come up with beautiful printed skinny jeans for this season. As I've mentioned before, one of my rules for trends is to buy in at a lower price point. Why spend more when you won't wear it more than two seasons?

Here are a few printed floral jeans I've found that are hot under $100:

1969 floral print legging jeans, Gap, $69.95
Moto Chintz Leigh jeans, Topshop, $90
Current Elliott 'The Stiletto Print' skinny jeans, Nordstrom's, $98.90

Have you found good floral jeans this season?

Photo Love {Inspiration}: Happy Memorial Day via Victory Kiss!

The Greatest Glory of a free born people is to transmit that freedom to their children

William Havard

San Diego "Victory Kiss" statue - picture taken by me!

Remember...

...the opportunities that you have

...the family and friends that support you

...that you can choose your own path

...that you should never stop trying

...that complaints won't change your fortunes, but actions will

...that you are more fortunate than many other people in this world

I may only spend limited time in my native home of NYC these days, but I am so glad for the opportunity to have grown up there.  I take my upbringing for granted, but not as much today when I am on a business trip in a country where there is no freedom of the press or freedom of assembly (I am so hoping my message gets across the great firewall).   It is a beautiful to have choices and grow up in a place where our voices are encouraged (even if some of us may talk about travel, design and fashion!)  I am always conscious of trying to pass that on when we start our own family some day.

Thank you to those men and women that devote themselves to service and happy unofficial start of summer!

My posts will be very limited in the next two weeks, but I'll be back thereafter!

Happy Memorial Day and have a lovely week!

FFF - Memorial Day Sales via J.Crew, Intermix, Nordstroms and China bound

Happy Fun, Free Friday lovelies!
It is a great time to shop (or at least browse) if you can shop in the US!

Online Discounts
J. Crew
I usually head straight for the jewelry section during J. Crew's sales (use code loveit to get an extra 30% off sale!).  While there isn't much of a selection this time, there are a few cute dresses and jackets.
The Evie dress is really pretty - the color and wonderful silk chiffon material make it so light and lovely!  It is still on the border of what you may want to pay at $126, but worth it for silk chiffon.  Here is another great wardrobe staple:

Contrast boatneck sweater, J. Crew, $34.99 (Retail: $98)

Intermix
I am always on the hunt for more maxi skirts and dresses and Intermix usually has a good selection on sale.  This navy one is both basic and looks comfortable!
Summer also means more gold tones for me and I am looking to get more gold chains and earrings.  This necklace is a good start!

Splendid Exclusive foldover maxi skirt, Intermix, $49 (Retail: $125)

Marie Laure Chamorel Mult Color Crustal gold necklace, Intermix, $129 (Retail: $325)

Nordstrom's
I already have a favorite sales associate at Nordstrom's (who checks e-mail regularly!) and have experienced superior customer service at the store.  I am also curious about their other offerings and will be checking out shoes and apparel this weekend.  I haven't found enough good brands for affordable shoes, but this is a start and I do love bows.

Enzo Angiolini Mistle pump, Nordstrom's, $59.90 (Retail: $89.95)

Save!
- Go to Ebates first and get cash back your entire purchase at J. Crew and Nordstrom's!  Here is my invite if you'd like it!


Otherwise this weekend I am...
...cleaning up and packing for a business trip to China!  It is actually going to be a long trip (over a week) and I will be staying through next weekend.  I'm actually pretty exhausted because I just got back from a business trip to Jakarta a few hours ago.  But I can't complain - I wanted more travel in my job and am getting it!  I am excited to explore Shanghai, but am not even sure how I will access anything behind the "Great Firewall" including my own blog!  Hmm, I'll let you know and let you know if I can reach your blogs too!

What are you doing this weekend?

Have a fabulous weekend!

Fashion and Interiors/Hot under {$70}: Gold and black

Some colors come together and create a brilliant new combination - one set of colors that does that is gold and black.

I think of gold and black and instantly think of a classic Chanel flap with gold hardware.  It is a timeless and instantly chic color combination that can stand the test of time and trends.  Perhaps is why I am trying to incorporate gold and black touches into my living room.  I have a black book case and chair set off by gold bowls and pictures in gold frames.  You already know I am a very slow decorator, but I am liking the look so far!

Here was my gold and black inspiration:

1, 2, 3, 4

Here are some lovely gold and black picks to inspire your wardrobe and home for under $70!

Gorjana Pristine Circle stud earrings, Shopbop, $45

Spitfire Anglo 2, Revolve Clothing, $35

Milly Black lace combo dress, Rent the Runway, $50

Elise bowl, Z Gallerie, $69.95

T Tahari "Bamboo" gold necklace with black oval pendant, Endless.com, $48

{Fashion} Highlight: Corto Moltedo Handbags in Singapore

Are you someone that likes classic black clutches or do you go for something a little more edgy and unusual (I am a bit of both!)?

If you are someone that identifies with the latter, you should check out Corto Moltedo - a contemporary and funky brand designed by Gabrielecorto Moltedo (sons of Bottega Venetta founders Laura and Vittorio Moltedo) - talk about a great family history in fashion design!  I was curious about his purses after seeing one on Anna Dello Russo (who so fittingly carries the bags) and attended a preview at the Marina Bay Sands in Singapore in late April.

Corto's handbags are definitely quite a departure from those of his family.  There is a familiar play on texture with the perforated bags, but I liked the edginess of some of the clutches.  Neon colors, unexpected add ons (aww don't you love the ladybug!), and a combination of textures make these clutches modern and totally Anna Dello Russo appropriate.   I didn't love the multicolored exotics, but veered towards the unexpected classic styles.

This was my favorite clutch - I love how the classic gold touches peek out of the more rustic cork material.  

I also liked the boldness of the Susan Shock style - gotta love the edges and see how it reflects the neon pink clutch that is the same style as the one carried by Anna Dello Russo!

The bags range from 250 - 1400 Euros and are available in Milan, Paris, and NYC.

Photo Love: Waiting for summer via H&M Magazine Summer 2012

Get ready for summer!

H&M Magazine Summer 2012

While I may spend most of my time in a country with eternal summer, there is still something about the coming of June that marks summer for me.  Even here, summer is the promise of warmer weather, longer days, and inevitable days grilling.

Summer is also the time for vacations.  Have you ever noticed how August is just the time to take vacation (especially for European colleagues).  I'm planning my summer vacations already (our anniversary is in the summer after all!) and am wondering if we will do a beachy vacation or a more culturally rich one (the husband usually likes the lazy promises of a beach vacation, but that just isn't me!)
How are you getting ready for summer?

Have a lovely week!

Worthy Reads Roundup - Whisky Truffles, Unique lighting for the home, and DIY Bird Profile prints

Hope you had a great week lovelies!

Here is what happened at Chic 'n Cheap Living the past few weeks:

- Photo Love {Inspiration}: Beautiful Escape via Numero May 2012
- LOTC: Joseph Altuzarra and J. Crew (casual French chic!)
- Fashion and Interiors: Fuchsia and Aqua
- FFF - Petite hipsters via Very French Gangsters eyewear

- Photo Love {Inspiration} Athletics and Passion
- High Street Highlight: Rain mint stretch bracelet
- Decor Thoughts: Unique Lighting for the home
- Travel Log/Restaurant Review: SunnyHills Bakery and Shaburi Hot Pot in Taipei, Taiwan
- FFF - Tahitian Floral via Kate Spade

- Photo Love {Inspiration}: Mental break in Bali
- Cure natural Aqua gel winner and Chocolate Whisky Truffles recipe
- Fun Finds: Handbag cookie jar via Horchow and sale
- FFF - Simple Statement art via Rolle & Tumble Press

Here are other worthy reads from blogger buddies and beyond:

- Admit it - royal watching is kinda fun right?  It is interesting to see more and more of Charlotte Casiraghi (granddaughter of Grace Kelly) as she comes into the spotlight more and more

- Ruthie Ann created the most adorable DIY bird profile prints for her future nursery.  It looks so fun, easy, and adaptable to other shapes and colors too!  Here is how she did it.

- I'm definitely thinking about throwing more cookouts soon.  This grilled romaine lettuce with vinaigrette and parmesan sound divine!

- I don't have a green thumb, but have been thinking about trying to plant a few things - here is a great guide for how to plan your own garden

FFF - Eat (in a Fancy Way) and Filipino weddings

Happy Fun, Free Fridays lovelies!

Fun Art
I really love how beautiful fonts and styling transform a simple message into a beautiful piece for the home.  I came across this hand letter pressed poster from Rolle & Tumble Press and thought it would be such a fun piece for the kitchen, dining room, or family room.  I mostly love the message behind this - enjoy your food, have fun, and hopefully do both in good company.   It is also an appropriate send off into the weekend as we have more time to cook or go out and really enjoy our meals!

Eat, Cargoh, $20

Otherwise, this weekend I am...
...attending my first wedding in the Philippines!  My husband's cousin is getting married in Manila so we are going to fly over there and party!  I've never gone to a Filipino wedding and I am looking forward to the inevitable free flow of food, dancing, and laughter.  We will likely have the required halo halo with ube ice cream (a purple starch that is like taro).  Mmm I can't wait (um and have to go to the gym quite a bit as well next week to work off that ice cream!)

What are you doing this weekend?

Have a fabulous weekend! 

Fun Finds: Handbag Cookie Jar via Horchow and sale

It is an undisputed fact that I am a budding fashionista, lover of great design, and occasional cook.

Well my friends, the trifecta meets in this handbag cookie jar.

A zebra or leopard striped container that can store my snacks?!  Score!  I am seriously thinking about the other ways I can use this in my home.  Hmm bathroom container for random makeup? Sugar container in the kitchen?  Pen container in the office?  All simple rationalizations for a pretty fun find.

Handbag cookie jar, $17.43, Horchow

Check out the Horchow website if you have time today.  They are one of my favorite sites for luxurious furniture and decor (think French style settees, beautiful mirrors, and fun finds like this cookie jar).  This is their annual sale and everything on the site is an extra 25-30% off until 8 am CST on May 17.  Now is the time to shop for your home and gifts!  This circular manicure set would be a great small gift (hmm bridesmaids, part of a manicure set?) and I am seriously thinking of ordering the Felicie mirror and bringing it to Asia.  I'm just slightly worried about it breaking after bringing it 10,000 miles.  Hmm worth it?

Save!
- Get 13% cash back by going to Ebates first!  Here is my invite if you'd like it!

I am not affiliated with Horchow in any way.  I just love their products and sales!

Cure Natural Aqua Gel Winner and Chocolate Whisky Truffles Recipe

Congratulations to our winner...
...Cynthia M. Richardson (Hofken)!

Please contact me at cncliving{@}gmail.com with your mailing address information so we can ship the prizes to you!

Thanks for entering this contest and there are a few other contests coming up so stay tuned!

Now onto a delicious and decadent recipe that I kinda made up myself!  It is ridiculously easy, rich, and a wonderful treat to gift or snack on after a hard day.  I started with this recipe by Melissa Clark of the New York Times, who is like my modern day Minimalist.  But I wanted to up the "wow" factor and decided to make a slightly wicked version with alcohol.  I had good whisky on hand as well as sea salt so why not (you can replace with the alcohol of your choice!)

Here is the reaction you will get when you give someone these truffles...
Person: Wow, these are amazing and you made truffles yourself!  You are such a good cook!
You (in your head): All I did was melt some chocolate and put some salt on top!  But sure, I am amazing.

Try it yourself - you deserve it!

Chocolate Whisky Truffles
Ingredients
- 12 ounces good chocolate (60% cacao), broken up
- 2/3 cup heavy cream
- 1/4-1/3 cup whisky (to taste)
- pinch of sea salt (or kosher salt) for each truffle
- 3/4 cup cocoa


Prep Time: 30 minutes
Servings: at least 20 1" truffles
Directions:
1. Roughly break up the chocolate.  They don't have to be in very small pieces because they will melt!  Put this into a bowl.

2. Heat the cream in a small saucepan until it comes to a simmer.  Add the whisky according to your taste.

3. Place the heated cream in the same bowl as the chocolate and whisk to melt the chocolate.

4. Cover this bowl and leave it in the refrigerator to set for an hour or more.

5. Set aside a plate full of the cocoa powder and take out the chocolate.  Create 1"chocolate balls and roll immediately in the cocoa powder.  Don't hold the chocolate too long because it melts very easily!

6. Put a pinch of sea salt on the newly formed truffle.

You can make truffles or eat the ganache itself and cut it into fun shapes too!

Photo Love {Inspiration}: Mental break in Bali

One travels to escape from it all, but that is the great illusion: It cannot be done, since one travels with one's mind.

Ella Maillart 

 {Source}

Is it possible to actually get away from it all?  While I can't take much time off, I'm happy that I have the option to make a quick trip during the weekends (like this coming weekend to a wedding though it would be cool if it was in Bali!)  It is hard to stop thinking about all the things that I have to do, but it does help to have a change of environment.  While I can't fully escape thinking and worrying about ongoing issues, I can at least try to start thinking about trying to relax by a serene sunset.

I place such a high priority on travel not only because I want to see the world and family in different corners of the globe, but I also want to give myself a mental and physical break from the craziness of everyday life.  I find that if I am busy doing other activities, it does start to put my mind at ease, even if only temporarily.  We all need those breaks somehow, even if we may not all be lucky enough to go to Bali (though you deserve it!)  So I hope you can plan a vacation soon, recharge, and renew yourself.

How do you get away from it all?

Have a lovely week!

FFF - Kate Spade Tahitian Florals and Farm visits

Happy Fun, Free Friday lovelies!

Pattern Highlight
This year is the year of print for Kate Spade (and for so many other designers too, it seems!)  This month's print is the Tahitian floral print.  I like how it seems like an interplay between two patterns - a black and white, more sedate pattern marries with a colorful, tropical one.  It makes for a pattern that is both classic and unexpected!  I definitely see it working well in Sidney tote for trips to the beach or the Eliana dress for a tropical touch at a weekend brunch.

Otherwise this weekend I am...
...going to a farm!  I know, it is quite a random weekend trip.  But my friend found an operating farm on the far side of town and it seemed like a cool thing to visit (hmm are we really that bored during the weekends now?)  I suppose the city girl in me wants to take a little break from this little concrete jungle.  I hope they sell some good vegetables!  Otherwise, I can still say I made the trek and saw the farm!

What are you doing this weekend?

Have a fabulous weekend (and happy Mother's Day to dear friends that are moms!)

Travel Log/Restaurant Review: SunnyHills Bakery for Taiwanese Pineapple Cakes and Hotpot at Shaburi

There are a few famous Taiwanese foods (besides their street food at the night markets which is so fun to eat!) Otherwise, two of the most authentic and affordable Taiwanese eats are hotpot (or huoguo) and pineapple cakes.  I went to a few of the more famous restaurants for these treats and wanted to share my experiences.

What is hot pot?  It is basically shabu shabu or fondue or food you boil yourself.  It can be a fun individual or group meal.  You order a list of raw foods based around a type of meat - usually fish or beef.  Then you order your stock which can be light or spicy.  Your soup selection is brought to you along with vegetables (cabbage, enoki mushrooms, etc.) and starches (handmade noodles and fish dumplings - they are better than they sound and not fishy!)  It is SO fun just chatting with friends while leisurely cooking your meal.  You get to create your own dipping sauce as well (mmm for sacha sauce with dried shrimp!)  It is a cool, somewhat healthy way to eat out.

We went to Shaburi which is in ATT 4 Fun (who named this mall?) and has a really great ambiance.  It is a little pricier, but comes with salad and dessert as well.  You can save a little by going a la carte as well though sesame ice cream is definitely a great way to end this meal!

899 NTD (about $30)
ATT 4 Fun mall

To be honest, I never loved pineapple cakes.  Some brands were too greasy, others were too sweet.  But SunnyHills Bakery sets itself apart.  First, there are the ingredients: this international cast of ingredients includes butter from New Zealand, flour from Japan, and free range eggs as well as organic pineapple from Taiwan.  This adds up to a simple, flakey, and perfectly sweet (not too sweet) cake.  The second draw of the bakery is the location.  It is based in a quiet, tree-lined residential neighborhood in Taiwan.  The environment is artistic and chic and I loved the random art work throughout the place.  You can order cakes to go and the bakery will invite you to sit down for a complimentary cup of tea and a pineapple cake (two cakes for the price of one - score!) The last two pictures are from the website because I quickly devoured my cake and there was none left for photos!

350 NTD for 10 cakes (about $12)
No. 1, Alley 4, Lane 36 Section 5 MinSheng East Road, Songhan District

Decor Thoughts: Unique lighting for the home

When you walk into a room, what do you notice?

One of the things that strike me most about a room is the lighting - it can be the amount of light or type  of lighting in a room.  Our new apartment has several groups of interesting pendant lighting in the living room.  But I would love to have chandeliers (including my most popular pin on Pinterest with a chandelier in a pink and gray bedroom!) some day to give that unexpected chic edge.  Unique lighting in the most unusual places - like a kitchen or bedroom - really make an unexpected statement.  Or lighting in different forms, like in the stainless steel chandelier or adorable bowling hats (how fun for a family room!) would be fun too!

Unique lighting can also be a chic, but cheap way (at least cheaper relative to other large statement pieces) to make a great decor statement.

What are your favorite examples of lighting?

{Source}