Float On

Happy Valentine's Day!

My sister wanted to do a Valentine's shoot with balloons, so naturally that meant digging out a few pieces that would work for the pink and white color palette, and standing in the middle of the road in New Haven to take some fun photos.  

Last year for Valentine's we had a fun Galentine's party, this year was of course a bit more low-key, just a viewing of Crazy Stupid Love, a chocolate cake, and lots of wine.  

Hopefully we won't have to endure socially distanced celebrations too much longer, until then, sending you all virtual hugs!

The Rundown
Pointelle Sweater J.Crew similar
Color Block Pleated Skirt Express
Havienne Stiletto Boots Rebecca Minkoff
Bag Rebecca Minkoff
Heart Necklace Jennifer Zeuner via TJMaxx
Pearl Hoop Earrings Mejuri similar
Deco Fan Pearl Ring c/o AUrate New York
Thin Gold Ring Etsy
San Marco Twist Ring Golden Cleff via TJMaxx
Gold Ring TJMaxx
Nail Color "Sun-Day Style" Essie

What to Wear for Valentine's Day

I haven't done much in the way of celebrating Valentine's day the past few years, however this year my mom, sister, and I are hosting a Galentine's Day, and when I reviewed my closet for potential outfits, this maxi dress stood out. It has only been worn once, Christmas Eve of 2018, and never properly photographed, so it seemed like a perfect choice.

Another small nod to the occasion with my double heart earrings, and topped off with this vintage inspired faux fur coat; I will be the most glamorous single girl drinking wine and eating chocolate at home with her girlfriends this February 14th.

If you have actual cause for celebration or an outing, I found a few similar maxi dresses and bold heart shaped earrings which I've linked below.

What are your Valentine's plans?

      

The Rundown
Color Block Maxi Dress Banana Republic similar
Brown Faux Fur Coat Banana Republic
 Jeweled Strap Mule Banana Republic
 Scalloped Clutch Matine similar
Versailles Earrings  Julie Vos similar
Bracelet Vintage
Pearl and Pave Ring Forever 21 similar
Thin Gold Ring Etsy via Ellyn Blue Jewelry
Nail Color "Bubbles Only" Essie

Draped in Velvet

I'm not always on top of things when it comes to shooting holiday content in a timely manner, aka, before the actual holiday; I usually drop the ball when it comes to taking photos on the actual holiday as well. However, approximately one month later is when I can get it together and share what I wore for Christmas Eve.

I'm sure you know I've got a bit of an affinity for Banana Republic and may have over done it when it came to purchasing holiday styles; I first bought the velvet cami in navy, but then decided I also wanted it in taupe, only to conclude that it would just be foolish to not have the matching midi skirt as well.

As Christmas Eves go, having 30+ family members gathered in a space where the oven has undoubtedly been on all day, means that sleeveless tops, bare legs, and open shoes are easy to get away with, even if I have to be extra bundled up outside. I did have a cardigan, but I barely needed it all night.

Thankfully my delays in photographing this outfit worked in my favor, as we had that warm weekend, and I was not freezing to death shooting this outside. Perhaps we can forget this was meant to be Christmas outfit and instead repurpose it for early Valentine's Day? You can even still pick up the top and the skirt in a gorgeous deep red at a delightful 60% off.

     

The Rundown
Velvet Cowl-Neck Camisole Banana Republic
Velvet Midi Skirt Banana Republic
Asymmetrical Strap Mules Zara similar
Scalloped Clutch Matine similar
Pave Disc Earrings similar
Fresh Water Pearl Necklace S.V. Decker 
Bracelets The Cavernous Jewelry Box
Midi Stackable Diamond Ring c/o AUrate New York
Thin Gold Ring Etsy via Ellyn Blue Jewelry
Nail Color "Bubbles Only" Essie

What to Wear to Thanksgiving

Some years Thanksgiving is a casual affair, you can find me in my most comfortable pair of jeans and a sweater, other times I delight in the idea of having an occasion to get dressed for. The past few years I've been a big advocate for the long sleeve dress - sleeveless dresses in late fall tend to require additional layers, but with sleeves, a simple one piece outfit is back within grasp, and isn't that the best part of a dress after all?

The moment I saw this golden leopard faux wrap dress, I knew it would be perfect for Thanksgiving. The rich color epitomizes the fall season, with the jacquard leopard print being just my style. Plus it was on sale for $75, and I don't need much more convincing than that! Fortunately it can still be scooped up for 40% off plus an additional 10% as the Friends of Ann sale lasts through Tuesday.

The final reason I advocate for wearing a dress on a holiday such as Thanksgiving is for the comfort factor - I love my high waist skinny jeans, but they can stay in the closet until after the leftovers are gone.

Do you enjoy getting dressed up for Thanksgiving, or do you prefer to keep it casual?

       

The Rundown
Cheetah Print Jacquard Wrap Dress Ann Taylor
Nude Pumps "Natalie" Naturalizer
Leopard Clutch Clare V c/o Shopbop
Pearl Earrings Maris Pearl Co. 
Diamond Necklace Belonged to my Grandma
Fresh Water Pearl Necklace S.V. Decker 
Midi Stackable Diamond Ring c/o AUrate New York
Thin Gold Ring Etsy via Ellyn Blue Jewelry

Nail Color "Mrs. Always Right" Essie

Grand Avenue Jewelry

Thanks to Grand Avenue Jewelry for sponsoring this post.

I'm always looking for an excuse to get dressed up. If I had my way, every weekend in December would be booked with a party or gathering, any reason for a pretty dress, a pair of heels, and fabulous jewelry. When Grand Avenue Jewelry asked me if I'd be interested in styling a couple pieces from their latest collection, it was an immediate yes; gold and minimalistic has very much been my style as of late.

The pieces crafted from brass and double plated in 14 karat gold feel special enough for an evening out, but are also completely wearable for everyday. While I can sometimes be wary of plated jewelry, Grand Avenue describes their double electroplating process as being four times thicker than average, yet they keep their markups low enough that all the price points are under $100. Better quality jewelry that is kinder to my wallet certainly meets my approval!

If you are still searching for gifts for some of the special ladies in your life, or just something to treat yourself, Grand Avenue Jewelry is offering Chic on the Cheap readers an exclusive discount code, which can be used through the end of the year. Use CHICONTHECHEAP20 to get 20% off your order!

      

The Rundown
Maxi Dress Banana Republic similar
Black Pumps "Natalie" Naturalizer
Scalloped Clutch "Tilly" Matine
Fur Scarf Target
Circle Earrings c/o Grand Avenue Jewelry
Curve Necklace c/o Grand Avenue Jewelry
Nail Color "Twill Seeker" Essie

Thanks for supporting the brands who support Chic on the Cheap. As always my views and opinions are my own.

Connecticut Blogger Holiday Soiree

This post is going up much later than I'd anticipated, (where did the last two weeks go?) but better late than never, right?

A week before Christmas the CT Blogger Collective hosted a Holiday party at Flora in West Hartford. There was a huge turn out - I had no idea there were so many bloggers in Connecticut! I am continually impressed at how quickly Nonee, the groups founder was able to assemble the members and host three events last year, with a fourth event this coming Sunday. Seriously, she has my utmost respect and admiration. When I arranged a blogger meetup and there were six of us, I was pretty excited.

I met and chatted with some beautiful, talented bloggers and if I've snapped you in a candid shot, I'm sorry. I didn't take as many photos as I would have liked to, but there is just always that dilemma of focusing on being the photographer, or trying to be social, and I really did want to have some conversations that evening. And eat - there was quite the spread of delicious food, and I'm not one to hold back to try and be polite or proper. I got seconds, for sure. There was also some great live music for the first half of the evening which was fun and festive.

Even though it was an hour drive for me and it was a Monday evening, I'm happy I went. Plus it gave me an excuse to buy these pretty satin pants, which I need to exchange for a petite, and they literally arrived that day, giving me just enough time to rush home from work, tear open the package and cross my fingers they'd fit, before jumping in my car so as not to be too late.

Thanks to Nonee for putting the whole event together, the guest speakers, Kallie of But First Coffee, Alycia of CT Eats Out, Sandra of The Rustic Life, Rachel of Pinteresting Plans, and the sponsors, Flora, Melanie Ruth Photography, BakaFana, Anika Zebron Design, Java Skin Care, April Marin Accessories, Ooh La La Boutique.

         

The Rundown
Scalloped Cami J.Crew Factory
Merino Wool Cardigan Gap
Satin Pants Ann Taylor
Black Pumps "Natalie" Naturalizer
Necklace "Scottie" LuxbyUK
Ring The Cavernous Jewelry Box
Nail Color "Twill Seeker" Essie

Stylin' in St. Louis's Spotlight Linkup

and

Elegance & Mommyhood's Thursday Moda
and
Linking up with Jeans and a Teacup's Flashback Friday (one year ago today)