2009 December | Chic Thrills

Archive for December, 2009

Daily Diamond: Comey and get it!

December 28th, 2009 by Ruth

Rachel Comey Pyramid Cardigan, Forward by Revolve, $363

Lately, sex appeal has been made simple with comfortable fashion that doesn’t show a lot of skin. Instead of baring shoulders in strapless frocks, the rich and famous opt to cover their necks and shoulders with Balmain inspired blazers.

Similarly, Rachel Comey has created a cult following for her well-crafted, men inspired shoes and her fashionable comfort. Featured above, Rachel Comey’s Pyramid Cardigan is at the top of my wish list. Made in Peru with 100% alpaca, this cozy, textured, zippered cardigan is screaming for me to come and get it!

Tags: Pyramid Cardigan, Rachel Comey
Posted in Chic Frills, Daily Diamond | No Comments »

Crunchy cabbage.

December 28th, 2009 by Ruth

While sifting through my beloved New York Times Sunday Style Section, I came across the above image and felt inspired to weave cabbage into my diet. Naturally low in fat and high in fiber, cabbage is packed with vitamins and minerals that cleanse the body, promote heart health, protect from cancers, and raise serotonin levels.

I came across this super easy, delicious Bobby Flay recipe, Crunchy Noodle Salad with Cabbage and Peanut Sauce. The sesame oil is balanced by the vinegar and the red pepper gives it a kick while the cilantro adds a burst of freshness.

Check out the ridiculously easy recipe after the jump!

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Tags: Bobby Flay, cabbage recipes, New York Times Sunday Style Section
Posted in Chic Peas | No Comments »

A man’s best friend.

December 28th, 2009 by Ruth

While I’m not one to spend much money on my pup, I’ve come across one product that I plan to indulge in – it’s the Almond Exfoliating Scrub from Prince Lorenzo Borghese’s Royal Treatment Pet Spa – I know, it’s a mouthful!

Anyways, a friend of mine could not stop raving about it. She swore that unlike the standard shampoo and conditioner found at pet shops, this was a magical potion that transforms the coat into softest fur – but all I keep thinking was, “Why does a dog need a $15 scrub, or a scrub at all?”

Well chicskates, after some persistence, I was intrigued and decided to purchase the scrub and after washing Roscoe (that’s my puppy) with it, I am now a believer. It leaves the coat incredibly smooth, soft and cuddly. If you’re a pet lover like me, go ahead and try this scrub – it’s worth every penny!

Tags: almond exfoliating scrub, dog shampoo, prince lorenzo borghese, royal treatment pet spa
Posted in Chic Appeal | 1 Comment »

Sale-ing into the holidays at Sephora.

December 24th, 2009 by Catherine

If you haven’t already heard about it, Sephora is having a major beauty clearance sale, even going so far as to knock off an additional 20% off their already deeply slashed prices. With brands like Ted Gibson, Vincent Longo, Kinerase, and Dr. Brandt, there’s no doubt you’ll be looking super glam in time for 2010. Take a look at all clearance items here, and check out our top picks below!

: Kevyn Aucoin The Creamy Moist Glow, $16.80

: Laura Geller Lip Shiner, $11.20

: Josie Maran My Favorite Lips, $12.00

Tags: Beauty Sale, Sephora
Posted in Chic Appeal, Chic Skate | No Comments »

The ultimate chicskate dinner.

December 24th, 2009 by Ruth

Miso Glazed Cod by Ellie Krieger, FoodNetwork.com

Miso Glad Cod by Ellie Krieger, FoodNetwork.com

Roasted Cauliflower by How To Boil Water, FoodNetwork.com

Dear fellow Chicskates,

A few days ago, I discovered the chicest and least expensive meal for two. And no, we’re not talking pasta and sauce or a slice of pizza….we’re talking, Miso Glazed Cod and Roasted Cauliflower. At about $5 per 8 ounces of fresh fish and $2.50 per head of cauliflower, this gourmet dinner costs approximately $3.75 per person!

Not only is it cheap, but its easy to prepare and takes only 20 minutes from start to finish! Oh, and I also found this nifty wine/food pairing chart that we’ve been using. According to this chart, the fish would work well with a chardonnay, and boy, were they right on the money! And my last thrifty tip – I scooped up the bottle of chardonnay from the Costco liquor store in Brooklyn, NY for just under $6!

In the words of Julia Child, “Bon appétit!”

Tags: food/wine pairings, Julia Child, Miso Glazed Cod, Roasted Cauliflower
Posted in Chic Peas | No Comments »

ExclusivelyZoe – fashionable jewelry for any budget.

December 23rd, 2009 by Ruth

Sophistication by ExclusivelyZoe, Etsy.com, $34

I had the pleasure of meeting Ms. Amanda Massa, the beauty and brains behind the gorgeous ExclusivelyZoe line. Over some Leffe Blonde beer and delicious dishes, I learned all about her jewelry business. Offering Chicskates like us handmade statement pieces at insanely affordable prices, Amanda makes the show stopping line in the comfort of her Upper East Side, NYC apartment.

The classy and sophisticated jewelry has an edgy, alternative side that puts the collection into a different category. Available on Etsy.com from $18 to $85, there’s a perfect necklace, pair of earrings or bracelet for every one, no matter what the budget.

Check out more of our favorites after the jump.

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Tags: Etsy, ExclusivelyZoe, fashion jewelry
Posted in Chic Frills | No Comments »

Daily Diamond: bliss triple oxygen instant energizing mask

December 23rd, 2009 by Catherine

My skin is behaving like a spoiled child this week. In an effort to get some momentum going for my resolution for 2010, I’ve cut out sweets. So, in natural retaliation for its sudden sugar deprivation, my skin has produced a couple of pimples in my chin (ha, and to think I was always told sugar caused breakouts) and has been looking super blah. I’ve been told by my dermatologist that dietary changes can show up on a person’s face, and while it’s nice to know that I’m not alone with this complaint, I’d prefer it to do so someplace I can cover up.

bliss triple oxygen instant energizing mask, $52.00

To fight back, I’ve been using a super-gentle mask from bliss called triple oxygen instant energizing mask. Created as an at-home recreation of their popular in-spa service, the mask “perks up dull skin” with Vitamin C and antioxidants to protect against environmental damage. The most impressive part of the whole mask is its delivery of oxygen directly to your skin through nerdy (read: scientific) Fluid02 Technology. In short, five minutes with the mask, and you’re left with brighter, moister, happier skin.

That, and the promise that your skin has learned its lesson for behaving badly and won’t do it again.

Tags: Bliss oxygen mask
Posted in Chic Appeal, Daily Diamond | No Comments »

Dance, Magic Dance.

December 23rd, 2009 by Catherine

It might come as a shock to learn that as much as I adore going out, New Year’s Eve is at the very bottom of my list of favorite nights on the town. It’s partly to do with the pressure to have a really great time, but I also resent the “deals” that come along with the evening, usually requiring a boatload of cash for all-you-can-drink specials, which, quite frankly, irritate me. Why should I spend three times what I’d normally spend on a regular evening, where I can have just as much fun?

Split-Neck Sequin Dress, $159.99

But then I start dreaming up all the lovely outfits I could wear to ring in 2010. And before you know it, I’m making plans to go out, wearing said outfit. This year is no exception with this dress from Victoria’s Secret. How can you not want to go out dancing in this sequined number? With 3/4-length sleeves to beat the chill (if you’re like me and sticking around the East Coast for the 31st) and a figure-flattering gathered waist (if you’re like me and plan to have one too many desserts at Christmas), the pink will stand out against the predictable sea of little black dresses most women tend to lean towards.

Making the dress even sweeter is its sale price, marked down to $159.99 from $258. Dresses like this one (classic cut, with a dash of whimsy) are built to transcend trends, too. Can’t you see this dress on the dance floor at Studio 54 in the 70s?

Tags: Split Neck Sequin Dress, Victoria's Secret
Posted in Chic Frills, Chic Skate | No Comments »

House of Harlow for bebe.

December 23rd, 2009 by Catherine

Nicole Richie for bebe Sunburst Bangle, $29.99

We here at Chic Thrills cannot get enough of Nicole Richie’s chic, affordable jewelry in her House of Harlow collection. We were thrilled when we first heard she was designing for bebe (limited-edition designer pieces usually go for a LOT less than items in their original collection), and even more thrilled when we learned of the pieces going on sale this week. With all the vintage charm of her original House of Harlow pieces, bebe’s line embodies her signature hippie style, with price tags we can’t argue with. Our top pick is the Sunburst Bangle, marked down from $64.00 to $29.99.

Tags: bebe, House of Harlow, Nicole Richie, Sunburst Bangle
Posted in Chic Frills, Chic Skate | No Comments »