In My Closet: Maison Martin Margiela Funky Two-toned shoes

Funky or fashionable?

Do you (or is it just me) look at your closet and think hmm...  I bought my first pair of Maison Martin Margiela shoes online a few months ago. I knew they were edgy, possibly edgier than items I usually wear. I started second guessing myself when I received them because the patent was brighter/more gradient than I initially envisioned. But I still appreciate the almost architectural detail of the leather and the unique pseudo-mesh side. These are definitely statement shoes!  I am still struggling with what could be paired with these shoes - a classic LBD, a white dress, or a simple set of separates (let the shoes shine right?)

Either way, I still want to work these shoes into my wardrobe because sometimes it is nice to go outside the lines just a little bit.

So how do you think I can wear these shoes?

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

Snack Styles - Cake balls (red velvet cake dipped in chocolate)

Sigh, today has been a tough day.  Sometimes everything seems great, and the next second it becomes undone.   Well here's to hoping I can work things out.  Either way I'll be seeing great friends in Switzerland tomorrow - concentrating on the positive!

Anyway, I realized that there are so many awesome snacks I haven't shared with you lovelies.  I mean cool snacks too (can't wait to introduce my funny crisps another week).

But first we have...cake balls!

By Crunchy Jewels

I think these would make almost anyone feel better.  Umm, red velvet cake, cream cheese frosting, DIPPED in chocolate and then coconut.  Le sigh.  Well I might skip the coconut sometimes, but everything else sounds peachy.
Ooh how about chocolate sake - chocolate baked with sake and a dash of espresso and cinnamon.
Or pumpkin and white chocolate?!  Cake Balls has a great selection.

This would be a great addition on the dessert buffet for my bridal buddies and for anyone looking for a unique gift for the discerning hostess (or someone that just loves cute little cake bites). 


Now if they only had these in London...which flavor cake ball would you want?