Guest Post: What's your (decorating) style from Legally Married

I want to welcome blogger buddy Legally Married and thank her for guest posting.  She has a funny blog about life as a law school wife and frequently brings a smile to my face.  She talks about finding her decorating style today - enjoy!
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We’re still in the process of working on our house and I find myself thinking a lot about interior design (at least, when I’m not watching reruns of Psych or obsessively looking things up on Wikipedia).

How do we choose the colors and styles that appeal to us? My parents have a Victorian decorating style but my mom is loud and outspoken.  Do you think it’s common to surround yourself in your home with the things you WANT to be? Maybe my mom wants a life that’s a little more pastoral, a little more romantic? Maybe this is the kind of life she’s been secretly longing for while she’s been working and raising four daughters?

I would classify myself, on the other hand, as being more reserved, more subdued and a little daydreamy-ier. And most certainly grounded here in my little city – working away.  Yet my house is decorated in warm, rich colors and textures with hints of Old World styling and glamour – maybe more symbolic of what I’d like to be: bold, vibrant and glowing.

What are your thoughts on your personal style? Is it who you are, who you hope to be, or a complementary foil to your personality?

Here are a few rooms that have inspired me in my decorating, although as a sole-breadwinner law school wife, I’m far from achieving these levels of grandeur and put-togetherness. I would love to hear what inspires you!

P.S. If you’re not sure what styles you love, you may want to try out this fun online What’s Your Style? Quiz.

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{Guest Post} Savvy vs. Splurge finds from Couture Carrie

Shopping is a constant balancing act as one contemplates "Is this item worth the closet space and/or funds?!"  While there are some items for which one may find worthy savvy selections (e.g. Cetaphil cleanser is always one of my savvy beauty finds), there are others that are worth the splurge (Chanel reissue 2.55 purse anyone?)
The ever fabulous Couture Carrie has come up with her own fashionable Savvy vs. Splurge shopping list.  Shop along and think - what is on your Savvy vs. Splurge list?


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Hello darlings, CC here!  Couture Carrie is so excited to be guest posting on Chic 'n Cheap Living's lovely blog while she is away!

Here are CC's savvy and splurge selections:

Savvy: House of Harlow 1960 Drop Earrings, $25 at shopbop.com

Splurge: Oscar de la Renta chandelier earrings, $495 at net-a-porter.com

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Savvy: Schutz suede pumps, $214 at shopbop.com

Splurge: Alaia laser-cut calf hair platform pumps, $2,375 at net-a-porter.com

Savvy: Satin invitation clutch, $35 at jcrew.com

Splurge: Judith Leiber sequin-embroidered clutch, $1,995 at net-a-porter.com

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Savvy: Kill City leather pants, $264 at shopbop.com

Splurge: Gucci skinny leather pants, $1,995 at net-a-porter.com

.Savvy: Silk chiffon Whitney gown, $425 at jcrew.com

Splurge: Lanvin strapless silk-gazar beaded gown, $15,440 at net-a-porter.com

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Savvy Total: $963

Splurge Total: $22,300

Hope you've enjoyed this shopping comparison!

xoxo,

CC

Guest Post: The {almost} Priceless List from Sogni e Sorrisi

Connie from Sogni e Sorrisi is such a cool girl to know - she's the girlfriend with really cool taste in clothing, home decor, and the latest read-worthy books.  She also gives great "Gossip Girl" recaps and shares cool celebrity news.   I'm glad to have virtually met her and so excited to see her {almost} Priceless list!

The {almost} Priceless list

We all have our own special mementos that we've cherished through the years.  They could be anything from a first designer handbag to a cherished handmade dress passed down from a family member.

But what makes them special and priceless to us? 

If you'd like to contribute your {almost} Priceless list, please e-mail me at cncliving{@}gmail.com 

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Hi, Connie from Sogni e Sorrisi here! When Chic 'n Cheap Living asked me to contribute a guest post, I was both super excited and honoured that she thought of me. I quickly realized that it would be a bit hard to come up with 10 mementos or things that are almost-priceless to me.
In preparation for our upcoming move I've been trying to streamline our stuff, and while I've always been one to keep movie stubs and dried flowers, I've now started to realize that while these things are great the really priceless stuff are the memories I carry with me. With that said here are 10 things I would find it quite painful to live without...

{Photographs}

I would be incredibly sad if I lost old pictures of my parents and grandparents or our baby pictures. Not to mention our wedding album, especially after what we paid for it! Seriously, though, aside from memories photographs are the next best thing to reliving old times and some of these images are truly irreplaceable.

{Wedding Video}

Kind of in the same vein as photographs above. At first I didn't even want a wedding video, but when I saw a sample from our videographer and actually found myself getting teary over a bride I didn't know I was sold. And not disappointed when our finished copy arrived. What a precious reminder of a really fabulous day.

{Jewelry}

I have a few pieces of jewelry that I would be really heartbroken to lose. While I'd certainly shed a few tears over my diamond studs I'd be even sadder to lose four rings in my possession--my engagement and wedding bands, naturally, a ruby snake ring that was once my grandmother's (even though I'm terrified of snakes and could never actually wear it) and a ring that my husband bought me when we were vacationing in Mykonos. Not only do I love that ring but it will forever bring me back to that utterly perfect vacation and time in our lives.

{Cards and Letters}

I have a collection of cards and letters stretching back for years. Reading these I can see the evolution of relationships, the bitterness of heartbreak, the joy of new love. Some of my most precious are cards and letters written to me by my father--I would be crushed if I ever lost them.

{Rosary}

Given to me by my grandmother, I carried it on my wedding day. It's not only beautiful but sentimental.

{Art}

I have slowly started the process of collecting art that speaks to me and my taste. I love looking at my walls and seeing my carefully selected pieces, many of which were collected on our travels. I would be very sad to lose any of these as each reminds me of the time and place it was first discovered.

{China}

I fell in love with my set (Grosgrain by Vera Wang for Wedgewood) on sight and wouldn't want an accident to befall any of the pieces.

{Shoes and Bags}

While my collection is by no means extensive nor incredibly expensive I truly heart my shoes and bags. How dismayed would I be if I had to start searching again for the perfect gold clutch or black pumps?

{Books}

Anyone who knows me knows how much I love to read. And, really, what's a house without books? Although I think my husband would prefer not always having to trip over stacks of mine.

{Espresso Machine}

Seriously. You would not want to know me if I did not have this appliance in my life.

All of the things above are very important to me. They not only enhance my memories, but my life. Yet the one thing that was glaringly clear as I was writing this post--and excuse me in advance for getting cheesy and sentimental--is that what really matters in my life are the family and friends that make every day worthwhile. Thanks to Chic 'n Cheap Living for asking me to fill in during her absence! xo Connie

Images via WeHeartIt

Guest Post: Personal Style and Shopping Tips

Tanvii is one of my newest blogger buddies.  She always has a good attitude, unrestricted and free style, and a dash of wisdom.  Check out her recipes too - healthy and delicious!  I'm so glad I "met" her - her fun and easy vibe and lovely outfits always put a smile on my face!


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I am really excited to be filling in at Chic ‘n Cheap Living today while she is off enjoying her time away!
Today, I will sharing a few of my personal styling & shopping tips.  Running a personal style blog means being under a public scrutiny and detailing every single item you decide to wear. However, if you are smart and efficient about your purchases you can definitely get bang for your buck. 

Closet Rules

First, clean out of your closet. Anything you haven’t worn even once in the past year needs to go [except for your wedding dress, of course!]. This is the biggest hindrance in your path of becoming the next fashion icon. Trust me!

Organize your closest according to the space and utility. For example, I hang all the tops/blouses/dresses which I wish to wear in the season within my immediate reach. Then I organize types of clothing together (t-shirts, tanks, etc.)

'Use’ all your clothes easily! 
Once I have worn an outfit I stack it at the bottom of the pile or hang it right at the end. Then I use my ‘other’ clothes and make an effort to style things differently.


Styling Rules

Keep it minimal. I often find people getting their outfit right but going over board with their accessories. Ideally wear accessories according to the occasion and your outfit.

Keep in mind the neckline of the top/dress, the hairdo, color palette of the outfit and shoes!

99% of the people get their shoes wrong. They should complement the outfit, but not stand out or distract from the overall look.

Shopping Rules


I always, always only buy things if they meet all the following criteria:

·       It fits you perfectly today [not tomorrow, not in future but TODAY!]

·       You absolutely love it! Have no doubt in your heart about it

·       You can see yourself wearing it at least 3 times at 3 different occasions [or what I do is divide the cost of the item by the number of times “I think” I will wear it, e.g. Jeans $100 and I will wear it at least 10 times = $10 per wear = Worth it!]

And just to prove my point below are two collage
1. Top - Urban Outfitters, bought in September 2009

 $26.00 (already worn at least 6 times)

 $26 ÷ 6 = $4.33 = Worth it!

2. Trousers - BCBG, bought in May 2010

 $100.00 (...so far worn 3 times)

 $100 ÷ 3 = $33.33 = Kinda worth it! [Don’t you think?]

Links to all the images:

Image1, Image 2, Image 3, Image 4, Image 5, Image 6, Image 7

What are your personal style and shopping rules?

Guest Post: Keeping Fall trends Timeless from The Alternative Wife

The lovely Dawn from The Alternative Wife is another of my first blogger buddies.  She is one of the sweetest and most styling ladies I know (I confirmed it when I saw her Balenciaga City bag when we met for pizza and of course when we hit up the Coach Collectibles party).  She always shares the loveliest sentiments and swoon worthy images, like the ones below...  

Hi there, this is Dawn from The Alternative Wife.  I am so excited to be filling in for my friend, Chic ‘n Cheap Living today while she is off enjoying her amazing vacation!


I know there’s still another month or so of summer left but I can’t help but be thinking of fall with all of the September magazines being out. Fall has always been my most favorite season to buy for. Nothing beats the luxe, rich fabrics, textures & colors. 


I actually have been really excited about this season since I got the first glimpse of the collections back in the spring. There are so many trends that I’m swooning over, I fear that my wallet might take a big hit! For the sake of being as concise and frugal as possible I thought it would be best to narrow down my list and focus on my top 3 trends.


Animal Magnetism
I’ve always been a huge fan of animal print and I’m happy to say that it’s back in a big way this season. I have many a scarf, bag, shoe, ring with this lust worthy pattern. If I see an item in animal print, I usually go right ahead and buy it.  I try to only wear it as an accent but I might be tempted to go overboard a little bit this fall :)



Ladylike Glamour


Kitten heels, gorgeous blouses, figure loving silhouettes. How could I not love this 50’s retro, uber feminine trend? I like being a girl and getting to accentuate the positives. Luckily I happen to have a few pairs of kitten heels that I held onto for years even though they were out of style. I didn’t care, they were cute and comfy so I held onto them. I also have a few pencil skirts, cardis and pretty blouses to complete the look. It’s definitely a good start.





Dressing For Success


In my book, nothing looks classier and more authoritative than dressing head to toe in neutral buttery honey colored silks, wool trousers, and sleek gold accessories. There’s definitely a 70s feel to it but I like the idea of modernizing it with cute booties and clutches. I can’t wait to break out my old wool camel colored skirts, trousers, coats and boots. I knew that my tendency to hold onto things would come in handy one day :)





And so that’s my top 3.  I’ll be able to execute these trends fairly easily since I own a lot of key items for each of them already. My honey & our bank account will thank me for it.


So what are your favorite trends this Fall season?


And thank you so much, Chic ‘n Cheap Living for having me here on your lovely blog. It’s been a ton of fun and I can’t wait to hear all about your fabulous trip when you return. xoxo


Images: 1, Animal Magnetism - 2, 3 & 4, 5, 6, Ladylike Glamour - 7-11 , Dressing For Success - 12, 13, 14, 15, 16

Guest Post: {Shop Highlight}: noon stationary, San Diego - Lovely handmade jewelry, hair candy and letterpress stationary

Pink Argyle is one of my first and dearest blogger buddies.  She is the sweetest lady and also has great style, a love for cupcakes, and an eye for lovely finds (check out her invitations and the mini bamboo steamers  and other details from her Chinese banquet - so cute!)  I'm glad to have her here and happy to meet her in September!

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Hello Chic n’ Cheap readers! I’m so pleased to be guest blogging here, as Chic n’ Cheap has been a great blog buddy and avid supporter of my blog, Pink Argyle. I hope you enjoy my guest post about a local favorite shop of mine, noon designs, where I purchased all of my bridesmaids’ gifts.

[The interior of noon designs. noon designs is located in the Ocean Beach neighborhood of San Diego, California. If you look close enough, you can see that the entire wall is covered in unfinished cootie-catchers. It’s amazing in person!]

I married my partner in crime of 8 years this summer on July 3rd in a colorful Southern California vineyard wedding. Planning my wedding was at times stressful, but quite honestly one of the happiest times of my life because of the constant influx of creative energy from myself, my blogger buddies, and from the talented vendors and artisans I met along my journey.

One of my favorite finds was noon designs, a local shop in San Diego that sells handmade jewelry and letterpress stationery, run by two talented artists: Nora Farrell (the jewelry designer) and Maie Liis Webb (the graphic designer).

[Maie was on site when I was shopping, and gladly showed me her letterpress printer, which is right in the shop next to the cash register!]

[She designs everything from wedding stationery to business cards. You can view more of her work here.]

I picked up a lot of fun goodies for my bridesmaids and our friends who were making toasts at the wedding, including pearl earrings, pink swarovski crystal earrings, and handmade fragrant soaps.  The ladies at noon designs packaged them up in cute tissue paper and brown twine, and labeled the copious pairs of earrings I bought so I would know which package was which! It was hard to choose what to buy, because the shop is chock full of cute, affordable (earrings were an average of $32,) stuff from independent artists in San Diego.

[They had a plethora of colors and pieces to pick. All jewelry from noon designs]

[These smell sooo good! Soap from naiad soap arts]

Super cute hair candy, hair pins from Acute Designs]

[All photos by Mo of Pink Argyle]

[A note about pricing: prices you see in these photos may be different if purchased in the online store, because noon designs gives a small discount in its San Diego shop.]

I was really happy to have found this local gem and give my bridesmaids and friends something special they could wear at the wedding and in the future.

What’s your favorite shop to purchase gifts?