Chic 'n Cheap Living

FFF - Electric Sunsets in Iceland and Celebrating Milestones

2012-01-27T02:00:00.000-05:00

Happy Fun, Free Fridays lovelies!

Travel Finds
I know I just got back from a trip across the world, but travel is always on my mind! I have heard more and more about the beautiful natural vistas in Iceland and would love to visit some day (not when it's dark for 16+ hours a day though!) I imagine there are few places in the world where you can see a sunset with the electric colors below as captured by Joe Capra (though the sunset in Phuket was spectacular!)
These pastels are also a color inspiration for spring!

Where have you experienced beautiful sunsets?

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Otherwise this weekend I am...
...attending a baby shower and a bachelorette party on the same day! My friend moved here a little over a year ago and is now having her first child. It will be great to celebrate her dragon year baby and have an utterly girly time. I am also going to a friend's bachelorette party (or hen night as she would say since she is British). There will be quite a few events to celebrate her last days of singledom. I don't know if I can last through all of them (jetlag=no sleep=weakened immune system=major headache), but I do love daring the bride to be to do silly things.

What are you doing this weekend?

Have a fabulous weekend!

Fashion Highlight: Chanel Spring Summer 2012 takes flight

2012-01-26T02:00:00.000-05:00

Ahh to have sat in one of the "first class" or even "business class" seats at Chanel Spring/Summer! The airport runway was recreated with this show and the clothing was somewhat of a 1960s homage to flight attendants (err if flight attendants wore Chanel of course!) Jackets and cuts were boxy and waists were undefined. While the silhouette wasn't fitted (I normally don't' even take a second glance at dresses with a boxier shape), the detail was typically Chanel and typically divine. I loved the large beads on the bodice of the dress below - they make a bold statement on a simple dress. I also think a gradient tweed jacket should be in the works for me some day.
The mixed sizes of the stones and the tulle cape also make the first dress a quirky and wonderful wedding gown alternative no? It is all in the details (hmm or a fab DIY if you had the time)...

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High Street Highlight: Juicy Couture Furry beret

2012-01-25T06:43:00.000-05:00

I breezed into brunch this past Sunday with my black beret/cap and Mackage Jamie coat and was greeted with "Ooh you look so stylish and French - love the hat and coat!" Ahh yes, flattery will you get you anywhere, especially when you compliment my outfit (my husband was jealous he didn't get complimented, hehe). I totally recommend Mackage coats by the way - the look is so unique and they are decently warm too (the Leigh is probably my favorite this season because of the belt and collar!)

But if a Mackage coat is out of your price range now (wait for end of season sales or for it to appear on a sample sale site!), at least you can still get a cute beret. Now that is an accessory that is sure to please and keeps your head a bit warmer during these cool winter days. Oui, oui!

Furry beret, Juicy Couture, $24.99

Tropicana Trop50 Review and Chic 'n Cheap Living Contest: Spa Week $50 gift certificate (US and Canada)

2012-01-24T02:00:00.002-05:00

One of my lifestyle resolutions (not just a New Years resolution) is to eat healthier. We have done this by cutting the amount of sugar, carbs, and meat that we eat on a daily basis. This has not only resulted in leaner physiques for us, but a generally more positive feeling about how we look and feel.

I was asked to do a review of Tropicana^®Trop50^®- a line of fruit juices with 50% less sugar and calories. The campaign behind the juices - True Resolutions - is a great way for people to share their deeper motivations behind their resolutions. This really reflected my own recent diet resolution - yes I wanted to eat better so I could fit in my old clothing, but I also wanted to make smarter eating choices for the long run so I could live a longer, healthier life (my husband's genetics definitely work against him so we make a team effort to live healthier).

I tried the Tropicana Trop50 orange juice with vitamin D and Calcium (gotta love extra vitamins). It was like fresh orange juice with a thinner consistency and didn't have the taste of orange juice from concentrate. It was light and refreshing but didn't taste too diet-like. I don't like to drink any diet drinks because of the strange aftertaste. But I would definitely try this juice again.
I don't usually eat or drink many sweet things, but this juice was a nice and guilt free treat.

A visit to the spa is also a welcome want to treat yourself. I am giving away a $50 Spa Week gift card so that you can indulge and congratulate yourself as you make strides towards your own true resolutions.

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Use the Rafflecopter widget below (simply click the buttons to the right of each option to note your entries) to register your entries. This is the first time I'm using this tool so let me know how you like it!

In addition, you can reveal the truth behind your New Year's resolution on Facebook here and receive a $1 off Trop50 coupon for yourself and 50¢ off coupons for 50 of your friends. You can also enter a sweepstakes to win a $1000 gift card (NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Ends 1/31/12. See Official Rules for details.).

Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Photo Love: Asian Inspiration and Lunar New Year Celebration

2012-01-23T02:00:00.000-05:00

Happy Lunar New Year to my friends that celebrate this holiday!

Taryn Davidson for Elle

It is year 4710 and the year of the dragon. People who are born in this year are said to be enthusiastic, fun-loving, and excitable. They are known to be honest, courageous and trustworthy as well. These are all certainly admirable qualities and I don't mind a second "New Year"as a reason to get together with friends, celebrate, and begin anew.

I will be in NYC briefly as well as Singapore so I hope to see of the festivities around both locations. Singapore is already decked out from the local supermarkets to the main shopping malls. I even hear the distant drumbeat of lion dancers every now and then! I know Chinatown in NYC will be festively decorated as well.
Are you witnessing any New Year preparations in your part of town?

Have a lovely week!