Stacking Rings for a Statement

If there is one trend that has been around since I started blogging (over a decade ago!) it's layering jewelry to make a statement. Of course the trend has evolved over the years; first it was layering bracelets, then we had statement necklaces and layering statement necklaces, which thankfully became usurped by delicate necklaces (likely because our necks were starting to hurt), and now the trend has moved to layered rings.

I've been steadily working towards growing my collection of stackable rings, so that I have lots of options to mix and match. I started out with some simple solid bands, but quickly added a chevron band because of how beautifully it accentuates a ring with a stone setting. Now I'm seeing twisted and curb chain bands increasing in popularity, and I love the addition of these new textures. 

The jewelry lover that I am, I do often fall for the allure of inexpensive costume pieces, however, I'd much rather invest in solid gold, or at least high quality vermeil when I can. For custom pieces, Etsy can not be beat. Being able to order half and even quarter sizes is a game changer! If I'm going to spend money on vermeil, then shopping at AU-Rate is the clear choice, as they have an amazing life time warranty that includes re-plating if a piece fades or gets scratched.

I can't forget adding in a statement ring into the mix as well, because, why not? This art deco inspired fan ring is wonderful as the band is thin and thus it's quite comfortable to wear. I've also got my eye on another vintage inspired ring that I'm sure would be great addition to my collection! 

Do you love layering your rings? Do you have a favorite band combination? Let me know in the comments!

The Rundown
Camel Sweater Madewell
White Jeans Gap
Reversible Coat Banana Republic
Booties Aerosoles
Brown Croc Bag Loeffler Randall
Aries Pendant Necklace Mejuri
Deco Fan Pearl Ring c/o AUrate New York
Thin Gold Ring Etsy
Midi Stackable Diamond Ring c/o AUrate New York
San Marco Twist Ring Golden Cleff via TJMaxx
Chevron Ring Etsy via Silver Canyon Jewelry
Gold Ring TJMaxx
Nail Color "Surrounded by Studs" Essie

Thanks to Responsival for partnering with me on this post!

Italic

Luxury for less has always been the guiding principle of this blog. Lots of things have changed over the years, but I still get excited over a beautiful, quality bag at an attainable price point. So how about a calfskin leather bag made by the same manufacturer as Prada and Miu Miu for $170? If you can live without the designer labels but still want quality, Italic is the company to put on your radar.

Italic is like a direct to consumer brand, only minus the brand - the membership based site is about enabling products to be purchased from the manufacturer at cost. Eliminating the brand removes packaging hallmarks we often associate with luxury goods - the glossy box with a magnetic closure, pieces swaddled in tissue emblematised with logos - but do we really need them?

 

Not just limited to bags, Italic is home to coats from the same manufacturer as Alexander Wang and Armani, shoes sharing a manufacturer with Chanel and Prada, even housewares and bedding from the same manufactures as All-Clad and Frette.

 

Italic's membership costs $120 a year, but considering they sell everything with zero markups, they aren't profiting on product sales, and most members break even on the cost with a single purchase. With the holiday season approaching, I can't think of a better way to gift a cashmere sweater that could retail at $400 for only $65.

The Rundown
Cream Denim Jacket Banana Republic
Cream Sweater Tank Banana Republic
Rust Wide Leg Pants H&M similar
Cream Booties Aerosoles
Green Mini Trunk Bag c/o Italic
Earrings S.V. Decker
Necklace S.V. Decker
Gold Snake Chain Vintage similar
Thin Gold Ring Etsy
Chevron Ring Etsy via Silver Canyon Jewelry
Sunglasses "Meteor" Ray-Ban c/o TJMaxx

Italic provided me with the bag for this post. Thanks for supporting the brands who support Chic on the Cheap.

Fall Fashion Style Challenge with Connecticut Post Mall

I am so excited to be a part of the Connecticut Post Mall's second annual Fall Fashion Style Challenge with four other Connecticut bloggers! Naturally the day I went to shop for my look, I had no plan, I just started shopping. I purchased three bottoms and no tops, a blazer, a fedora, a pair of pumps. I felt like once I found the perfect 'anchor' piece the rest of the look would fall into place. It was a bit overwhelming to put one look together when there was a whole mall full of shops with pieces and styles that could go in any direction. 

I thought I'd settled on my look, which featured lots of layers, plaid, a blush pink coat, and several accessories. However, once I added up my total, I realized I'd exceeded my budget of $300, and then I found out that accessories couldn't be included. Naturally I was very attached to the accessories I'd chosen, and when I found that out they weren't allowed, I ended up scrapping the whole look save for the shoes. 

I realized I needed my 'anchor' piece to be a coat, and headed to Macy's. There were so many gorgeous coats that even on sale would have consumed my entire budget; but then I found the most perfect brown leather jacket, priced just right. I immediately recalled the long sleeve wrap dress I'd looked at in Express earlier, with its metallic flecks of caramel brown among a black and white print, and knew would be a standout piece even sans accessories. 

I was (mostly) good and returned all of my 'maybes' with the exception of the wool fedora and wide leg pants which were on sale for a mere $12 at H&M. 

If you haven't cast a vote, please head over to the post on Instagram and do, I would very much appreciate it!

P.S. If I win I'm going back for this coat!

The Rundown

Metallic Ruffle Wrap Midi Dress Express

Leather Jacket Michale Miachel Kors via Macy's

Croc Pumps Unisa via Macy's Backstage

All pieces c/o Connecticut Post Mall

Style and Support

For many years I had a fraught relationship with heels, buying shoes I thought looked cute, only to be faced with the harsh reality of trying to navigate the world in a wobbly stiletto that was too narrow for my foot, despite all my DIY attempts to stretch them.

Thankfully there has been a shift, comfort brands like Vionic are working hard to bridge the gap between the shoes we visualize when we hear the word 'orthotic' and the fashion forward shoes we might have chosen to suffer a little to wear.

This open heel bootie is from Vionic's new fall collection, featuring a fabulous tortoise block heel, hovering at just about 3" - a perfect blend of height, support, and style. The shoes are offered in wide widths, though I will mention that Vionic's medium width shoes do seem to run a touch wider than average.

Sometimes my shoes need to take me a little farther than door to car, and I'm happy that brands like Vionic exist, filling my closet with heels I can walk confidently in.

      

The Rundown
Button Camisole J.Crew Factory
Plaid Blazer H&M similar
Mid Rise Jeans Banana Republic similar
Open Heel Booties c/o Vionic
Bucket Bag "Johnny" Danse Lente
Gold Twist Earrings Thrifted similar 
Fresh Water Pearl Necklace S.V. Decker
Thin Gold Ring Etsy via Ellyn Blue Jewelry

Vionic provided me with footwear for the purpose of this post.

Affordable Custom Clothes with eShakti FX

I've featured a few pieces from the online realtor eShakti a few times over the years. If you are familiar with them, then you know that they allow customizations of their designs to be made to your measurements, as well as changing hemlines, sleeve lengths, and necklines.

For someone as short as I am, even just being able to buy a garment that is going to arrive at my door and be the correct length is a huge win, but eShakti has stepped up their customizations even further with the introduction of their FX feature. Any item marked with the FX logo features a live update of each change you make to the garment. No more guessing about if you should opt for the V-neck or the deep V-neck, as you can see the difference with a click of button.

With all the custom options, every dress is almost like having 100 dresses to choose from. No more getting hung-up on a style not having the right style sleeves, a neckline which works for your bust line, or being stuck with midi dresses so long they might as well be a maxi. I also love that every piece has pockets (and the option to remove them, but who would, right?) plus the lead time is only 14 to 17 days, and everything is so affordable. Even including the $10 fee to customize, you'll be unlikely to spend over $150, while most pieces are under $100.

If you've ever wanted a custom garment, you need to give eShakti a try!

    

eShakti is providing me with a gift card for this review. My views and opinions are my own.

Everyday Luxury

Thanks AUrate for sponsoring this post!

When it came to pierced ears, I was a bit of a late adopter. My mother never had good luck with pierced ears, prone to sensitivity and infection, my sister, eight years my junior jumped at the chance to get her ears pierced as soon as my mom let her, and that was promptly followed by an infection. So you can see why I wasn't super eager to try it out for myself.

Eventually, at the tender age of 20, feeling let down by the complete discomfort of clip on earrings, I took the plunge, headed into a Claire's, and got my ears pierced. A whole new world of accessories had opened to me, and I celebrated with a stop at So Good Jewelry - a mecca of glitzy and inexpensive earrings. I'm pretty sure they are no longer in business, and I'm even more certain that if they were I would no longer shop there. The decor was an explosion of bright pink with animal print carpeting, and I've since developed a sensitivity with my ears which keeps me from buying anything other than sterling silver, gold, or gold vermeil.

Thankfully my love of jewelry has never once faded, but has, gratefully, evolved. Now I try to fill my collection with high quality pieces,  and I'm always delighted to discover and share companies like AUrate, which focuses on making fine jewelry without concessions, crafted from high quality durable materials, 14 and 18 karat gold, pearls sourced from Japan and the South Sea, and the use of only S1-clarity diamonds on every piece, which are all handmade in New York.

AUrate's pieces are simple, timeless, and completely wearable. Since my gold circle earrings have arrived, I've put them on nearly everyday.  They are small enough that I can wear them comfortably, and of course have no reaction to the metal.

Because AUrate sells directly to the customer, they are focused on honest pricing, which means that  earrings in 14 karat gold would cost $550, instead of something like $1,200. The icing on the cake (aside from free shipping and returns) is that AUrate wants to give back, and are currently working to help develop the literacy of students in New York. For every purchase made, AUrate donates a book to a child in need.

When it comes to pieces I'm confident I'll want to wear forever, I don't mind investing in quality, and I know there are more pieces from AUrate I want to add to my collection.

       

The Rundown
Side Tie Knit Top J.Crew Factory
White Wide Leg Jeans Gap similar

Huarache Mules "Camila" Rebecca Minkoff
Vintage Macrame Tote Etsy
Straw Boater Hat Hinge similar
Circle Earrings c/o AUrate New York

Chevron Cuff "Vista" Gorjana similar

Gold Ring Thrifted
Crystal Bar Ring Upper Metal Class

Linking up with Pink Sole's How I Spring

and

Oh To Be A Muse's Lookbook Linkup
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By Lauren M's Mix it Monday

Clearer Skin with MD Complete

This post is sponsored by MD Complete, with the opportunity through BrandBacker, but as always my views and opinions are my own.

I've touched on my issues with acne a bit before, and while I know my skin isn't terrible, it does bother me that now being into my thirties I still breakout regularly. As I'm always open to new products that might help to banish breakouts, when I saw the opportunity to give the MD Complete system a try I jumped at it. I've now been using the four part system for one month.



Changes I've noticed
I think the biggest difference has been with my whiteheads. Normally they show up and stick around for days and days, then leave annoying scars in their wake. After two weeks of using MD Complete I noticed that the size of the whiteheads which appeared were much smaller, and were gone in a couple days, leaving a much less noticeable trace of their existence.

How it's different from what I've been using

Exfoliating: The Clarifying Cleanser contains 2% Salicylic Acid as the active ingredient. While I've used face washes with Salicylic Acid in the past, I haven't for at least the last two years. Instead I've been using a lighter everyday wash and a more powerful chemical exfoliate once or twice a week. I like this facewash as it has a silky smooth feel and a little goes a long way.

Treating: Benzoyl Peroxide has been a mainstay in my acne regime since day one, so seeing it as part of MD Complete's treatment was no surprise. While I've used various concentrations over the years, lately I've been opting for the lowest I can find. MD Complete's Breakout Treatment contains 4.5%, roughly double what I've been using. I found it too drying so I've only been applying every other day in just the evenings.

Repairing: The Citrus-C Healthy Complexion is the first product I've ever used with Retinol. Like the breakout treatment I started with every other day usage, slowly increased to everyday. This is vastly different than the essential oil blend that I've been using. I've got a few dark marks I've been keeping my eye on and I'm hoping for some noticeable fading.

Probiotics: The Healthy Skin Probiotic is the first probiotic I've taken. There were five included and the first one I accidentally dumped out because the instructions on how to properly open them were online and not included in my box (oops). The supplement is meant to reduce stress, which is a big cause of acne. While my constant anxiety likely plays a roll in my breakouts, I didn't notice much of a difference after taking the probiotics. Likely they would need to be taken regularly for a more extended period of time for results.

The Results
Overall I'm happy with the results, mainly getting fewer whiteheads is the biggest improvement. While I'm hoping more of my scars will fade with continued use of the Citrus-C, there has not been a huge difference yet.

Before Starting Treatment with MD Complete

After Four Weeks of Treatment with MD Complete