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Staying In and Popping In the New Year!

12/31/2010

 
Happy New Year's Eve!  I am sure that many of you have fabulous plans for this evening that include wonderful parties, dinners out on the town, and late cocktails and champagne with friends to ring in the New Year!

This year my husband and I are having a low key New Year's Eve, and we are staying in to celebrate.  This year I have also heard from many of my friends that plan on staying in and having a low key celebration too!  If you plan on staying in, why not celebrate with some bubbly and a salty snack to bring in 2011?  I believe popcorn is the perfect snack for New Year's Eve!

Santa just brought me the new Ina Garten cookbook How Easy Is That? and I can't wait to try Ina's easy recipe for Truffled Popcorn!
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The recipe is simple! Just prepare one bag of microwave popcorn, Ina recommends Newman's Own Natural, and melt 2 ounces of white truffle butter.  Then toss popcorn with melted truffle butter and 1 teaspoon of sea salt.  Yum!  What a luxe snack for New Year's Eve!

But if you aren't a fan of truffles, here are a few other delicious recipes that I found on the Food Network, that would also be a delicious addition to any New Year's Eve party....just click on the following links for recipes!
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Giada De Laurentiis' Popcorn with Parmesan and Pecorino
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Emeril Lagasse's Blue Cheese Popcorn
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Neely's BBQ Popcorn
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Tyler Florence's Gooey Caramel Popcorn

And if  you just want the original...
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Theater-Style Butter Popcorn

Any cocktail will go great with a salty snack like popcorn, but my personal beverages of choice to enjoy for the New Year are a bubbly glass of Prosecco, a refreshing bitter brew like Nantucket's Whale's Tale Pale Ale, or a tasty glass of white wine like Paco & Lola's Albarino!

Happy eating and drinking, and have a wonderful New Year's Eve!

A Few of My Favorite Post Holiday Sales!

12/30/2010

 
Even though the holidays are over, you still have a few more days left to indulge yourself before you have to deal with those pesky New Year's Resolutions to start saving! 

Until then, I say take advantage of some of the amazing post holiday sales that you can only find this time of year.  Here are a few of my favorites...

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1. 50% off at Annechovie through December 31.

The fabulous and talented artist Anne Hartwell who creates the most beautiful prints and stationary, is offering 50% off everything in her shop through the end of 2010!  I have two of Anne's prints in my living room and I get so many compliments on them!  This is a great time to stock up on a few of her chic and chinoiserie inspired pieces!

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2. 25% off all SALE ITEMS at Tory Burch through January 2.

Check out the great sale going on at Tory Burch, and enjoy an extra 25% off sale items with the code: EXTRA25

I personally have my eye on this satin royal blue clutch...can't you see Kate Middleton carrying this?

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3. 20% off all SALE ITEMS at Sephora through January 1.

Get 20% off all already reduced items like this Fresh Brown Sugar set...just use the code: EXTRA

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4. 30% off all Final Sale at J.Crew, plus Free Shipping through January 2.

These adorable metallic flats are on sale for $49.99, but you can get an additional 30% off with the code: SHOPNOW

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5. Get up to 50% Off at the Kate Spade holiday sale...like this black Stevie bag that has been reduced from $300 to $147!

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6. Get 30-50% off at Bloomingdales...and maybe more in store!

This Bloomingdale's Holiday Beaded Cashmere Dress is currently marked down from $198 to $138 online, but I got it for $79 at the Bloomingdales store in NYC because in store they were offering an additional 40% off already reduced cashmere!  I wore this dress on Christmas Eve and I love it!  It's chic, comfortable, and so warm!

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7. Get 50% off your entire purchase (excluding new arrivals) at Ann Taylor Loft now through      January 2. 

I know a few ladies who are expecting right now, and I thought this maternity skinny jeans were adorable! 
Use code: SALE50

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8. Get 40% off your entire purchase at Ann Taylor through December 30.

I love this navy and orange striped boatneck sweater, but at 40% off the original price of $68, I love it even more!

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9. Get up to 50% off at the J. McLaughlin holiday sale!

J. McLaughlin is one of my favorite stores for timeless and tailored pieces...like these classic riding pants!  And now they are marked down from $145 to $89.90!

What is your favorite post holiday sale?

Happy shopping...and Happy New Year's Eve!

Festive and Luxe Heels for Less!

12/23/2010

 
Happy Christmas Eve!  I thought what better way to be in the Christmas spirit than to feature a pair of killer red heels for the holidays!
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LUXE: Kate Spade Kamille, $325
I love these red satin Kate Spade heels for the holidays.  They are flirty, fun and festive, but the only problem is their price tag of $325...
 
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LESS: Payless Fioni Night - Infinity Satin Rosette Pump, $19.99
Then I saw these similar red rosette heels at Payless for only $19.99!  What a deal!  For less than $20 these shoes will definitely spice up any outfit you have planned for the holidays, and they also come in black if you love the shoe, but would like it in a more subdued shade.

I hope you all have a wonderful holiday with your family and friends!

XOXO, Jenn

"4 Under $50 and 1 Splurge Wish List" Series Featuring Chic 'n Cheap Living!

12/22/2010

 
Today I am happy to introduce the second installment of my new series:
"4 Items Under $50 and 1 Splurge Wish List!"

For today's post I am honored to have one of my first blogging friends, and someone who has such a great eye for a good deal...Aimee from Chic 'n Cheap Living!

I'm Chic 'n Cheap Living and as you can tell by the name, I'm a lady with a lot in common with our dear hostess.  We both have a fond appreciation for living luxe, but saving when possible and choosing quality items worth the price.  Luxurious items are definitely accessible - I like to shop around, look for sales, and keep an ongoing wishlist with Wishpot or pinterest.

Accessories and home decor are great categories with so many different possibilities in every price range so they made up the majority of my wish list for gifts that are $50 or less.  I also believe in splurging once in a while and a statement making suit is definitely something I'd like in my wardrobe (OK still may wait for a sale on that one, but isn't it chic?)  Here are my choices...

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Kate Spade Pop Art Spot Bangle, $42
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J.Crew Glitter Belt, $24.50
(Note from LL4L: If this item is out of stock online or at your local J.Crew store, this skinny glitter belt from Talbots for $29 is another great option!)
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Tilly Losch Fashion Watercolor Print by Cate Parr, $35
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CB2 Galvanized 12 Bottle Wine Rack, $49.50
(Note from LL4L: If this beautiful wine rack is no longer available online or at your local CB2 store, this 12 bottle wooden wine rack from Crate and Barrel is also gorgeous and a great deal!)
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Donna Karan Jacket with Chain Mail Belt, $2,495.00
Donna Karan Streamlined Pull On Pants, $895


Thanks to Jen for having me and have a lovely vacation!  Happy holidays and happy shopping!

Gold and Glitzy New Year's Eve!

12/21/2010

 
Are you still looking for the perfect outfit for New Year's Eve? 

If so I believe this gorgeous gold sequin miniskirt from Victoria's Secret is the perfect option...it's sparkly, fun, and flirty...and at $79, it's also a great deal!
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Sequin Skirt, Victoria's Secret, $79
And if gold isn't your favorite color, this skirt also comes in black, navy, green, and silver!

This skirt is so versatile and because it is such a stand out piece, you could pair it with so many different neutral tops and it will always look great.

I think it would look great just on it's own with this simple crewneck black cotton tee, and this suede black pumps!
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Long Sleeve Crewneck Tee, Victoria's Secret, $19.50 or 2 for $25.00
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Colin Stuart Sky-High Pump, Black, Victoria's Secret, $68

Do you know what you will be wearing on New Year's Eve?

Festive Nautical Decorating For Less!

12/20/2010

 
As the thermostat keeps going lower and lower, and it keeps getting colder outside, it is hard not to dream about a warm sunny beach, and tropical temperatures!  But how can you bring the beach to you during this chilly time of year, even if a beach vacation isn't in your budget?

Why not decorate your Christmas tree with seashells and starfish to bring the beach to you?!  Wouldn't a Christmas tree look beautiful with seashells, starfish, and glowing white lights?

Just look at this beautiful white, gold, and nautical inspired tree!

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Or this one from Wisteria's 2009 Holiday Catalog...

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If you have any starfish or seashells lying around from your last trip to the beach, all you need is a drill and some ribbon to make these beautiful beach inspired ornaments...
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I just love the contrast of the seashells and starfish against the beautiful evergreen tree.  And doesn't it make you feel warmer already just looking at it?

These also would look great painted in silver or gold, or drizzled in glitter!

And if you don't have any starfish or seashells on hand from your last trip to the beach, you can check out your local Christmas Tree Shop or Jamali Garden...two of my favorite resources for nautical accessories!

It may still be snowing on Christmas morning, but with a tree like this you get the best of both worlds...beauty, the beach, and a warm holiday at home with family and friends, no matter how cold it is outside!

Christmas Eve Chic!

12/17/2010

 
The December holidays are one of my favorite times of year to get together with family and friends!

And who doesn't like getting dressed up for the holidays?  The problem is that after all that partying, you start to feel like you are wearing the same festive attire over and over.

So here is a chic, affordable, and comfortable look for Christmas Eve or any other casual holiday gathering you have coming up...

I love this festive blouse and bracelet from J. Crew, and the great news is that they are both on SALE, and J.Crew is offering an additional 30% off all sale items, plus free shipping, through Monday, December 20. 
Just use the code: MUSTHAVE

This elegant, classic studs from Banana Republic are a staple that you will wear all the time, and they are currently 35% off!
Just use the code: BR35PRE

These Ann Taylor jeans are a slim and flattering cut, without being too skinny.  Get 40% off your purchase this weekend with the code: HOLIDAY

Happy Shopping!
Christmas Eve Chic

Christmas Eve Chic by livingluxeforless featuring slim leg jeans

Women's shirts & tops - blouses - Plaid Eliza tee - J.Crew
$118 - jcrew.com
Plaid tops »

Petite Denim Modern Slim Jean
$88 - anntaylor.com
Slim leg jeans »

Steve Madden 'Kinnetic' Flat
$60 - nordstrom.com
Gold flats shoes »

Women's jewelry - bracelets - Mezzanote bracelet - J.Crew
$85 - jcrew.com
J Crew bracelets »

Women's Apparel: jewelry | Banana Republic
$30 - bananarepublic.gap.com
Banana Republic earrings »

Smashbox Lip Enhancing Gloss - True Color Pout Ulta.com - Cosmetics,...
$18 - ulta.com


Essie Merino Cool 730 - Essie Fall 2010 Collection
thebeautyclutch.com


Luxe for Less "4 Under $50 and 1 Splurge Wish List" Series Featuring Starfish and Sundresses!

12/14/2010

 
Dear Readers...Thank you for your patience as I try and balance out a few new changes in my life.  As promised I am trying to get back to the blog as soon as possible!  I miss connecting with all of you and sharing great ways to spend less and live better!

For today's post I am happy to introduce a new Wednesday series at Living Luxe for Less called "4 Items Under $50 and 1 Splurge Wish List!"

In the future I hope to connect with some of my favorite bloggers, friends, and family members, who I believe have great taste and ask them to share 4 things under $50 that are on their wish list, and then one splurge...the sky's the limit!

Today I am honored to have one of my favorite bloggers, Lindsay from Starfish and Sundresses, start off this series.  Lindsay has impeccable taste and her blog is at the top of my daily "must read" list!  Look at the four fabulous things she found for less than $50..this cake print by Paul Ferney MUST find it's way into my kitchen too!
Thank you Lindsay!

Hi Living Luxe for Less readers! I'm so excited to be sharing a few of the things on my wish list this holiday season. Sticking with the "Luxe for Less" theme, all of these items are under $50 with the exception of one big splurge! 
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I'm loving anything from Paul Ferney's Let Them Eat Cake series. His Le Fleur Giclee would be the perfect addition to my kitchen. I can never have enough Kate Spade Stationery and their "Tickled Pink" set is too adorable to pass up. My mom likes to stuff our stockings with goodies from Sephora (she's amazing, I know!) and every year I ask for a set of my favorite Stila Lip Glazes to last me through the year. Gorjana's Chloe Studs are classic, simple, and will go with everything! For my splurge gift I couldn't resist but pick this Rebecca Minkoff Minaudiere even though it's sold out. Sounds like some ebay stalking is in order! 
Thank you so much, Jenn for asking me to participate and for continuing to inspire us here at Living Luxe for Less. Happy Holidays everyone!

iPhone App of the Week: Mark on Call!

12/12/2010

 
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For my "iPhone App of the Week" series I always try and focus on a free application because there are so many wonderful free apps to choose from.  However, I was so impressed by the Mark On Call app from M.O.C. Interior Designer, LLC, that I had to feature it in this series!  Mark On Call is just $2.99 on sale at the Apple Store, and let me assure you, this is three dollars that will be well spent!

This application allows you to plan out any room and make sure that every piece of furniture will fit, while also giving you a visual image of how the floor plan will look, and how your chosen furniture, fabrics, and color palette will look together.  You can import photos from your camera or the app's library to accessorize your room, while also inputting exact measurements to get a sense of how everything will fit before you start buying furniture.  This is like a digital inspiration board and floor plan combined!  Here is a video which explains more about this creative application. 

I know I can't wait to start using it!

Thank You!

12/12/2010

 
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Thank you to all of my readers who have understood my silence during the past two weeks.  I have gone through so many unexpected changes in my life recently, and I really needed to take some time to cope with these changes and mourn a great loss.

I woke up today feeling refreshed and I hope to get back to a fairly normal schedule here at Living Luxe for Less.  I might not be posting every day for the next few weeks, but I hope to be posting often! 

Thank you for all of your love, support, and comments during the past few weeks.  It has been so comforting.  Please let me know if there is anything you would like to read about in the coming weeks!

XO, Jenn
Music: It's a Brand New Day By Joshua Radin
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