Color Me Thrifty - For the Bride To Be

Celebrating Bachelorettes is a long-loved tradition of ladies everywhere. It is a fun night, or entire weekend, of laughs, shots and inappropriate jokes.

But when you've got several to go to these weekends can add up on you and your bank account.

At each of the bachelorette parties I've been to this year, Target has accounted for just as many gifts as the classic Victoria's Secret! 

For the gift above I found a bralet and underwear to match as well as the red lips cup at Target. The intimates are part of the Xhilaration Juniors Lace Collection. The cup these pieces are packed in was found in the dollar aisle but you can snag a similar one at Urban Outfitters. 

Color Me Trendy - Monogrammed Velvet Slippers

New to J.Crew this fall are Stubbs & Wootton classic velvet slippers. These luxurious flats pair perfectly with A-Line skirts, cuffed jeans and cropped trousers. You can even up the ante by ordering a customized pair... for $900.

Coveting this style led me to try a DIY when I found these Mossimo Vianca flats from Target (similar ones from Dorthy Perkins). Then all I needed was some puff paint and I was on my way.

I love monograms. They've helped me to adopt my married name and I've got them on jewelry, shirts, bags and now... shoes! I free-handed a simple cursive "eb" on each toe. One is a bit bigger than the other, but I did it myself so I'm not complaining!

Then there was a little strip on the back of the shoes that was just asking to become a racing stripe. 

And now I have a whole bottle of neon pink puffy paint...

I'm not upset about it.

Color Me Domestic - Upholstered Coffee Tables

House Envy right? This is a scene from West Elm

It seems to be all the rage in the last few years (or maybe always if you ask Pottery Barn) but the upholstered coffee table is probably the best solution for small spaces (read: apartments).

Not only does it look super chic, it is a triple threat. No, it doesn't sing, dance and act but it does moonlight as an ottoman, table and extra seating during a party.

Even in homes with sizable living spaces there never seems to be enough seats. We're thinking of course of family Thanksgiving or Christmas celebrations where the youngest cousins or coolest Uncles get to sit on the floor after dinner. 

Depending on your financial clout and your decor there are a bunch of options out there. Ranging from super fancy high-end to DIY. (Warning: this DIY is not for the faint of heart... cutting wood and serious tools are involved)

If you have a large sofa like the one in the picture above a similar hued but solid ottoman table is the best choice. You don't want to detract from the big piece in the room. If you have a love seat and chair combo, both in a different color, a patterned ottoman table gives the opportunity to tie it all together. The ottoman table will also serve as an anchor for the sitting area.

Other essentials include a tray and low baskets for under the ottoman table. You'll want to have at least one side table near your seating so when the ottoman does get used as a bench you've got somewhere for people to set their drinks! Finally add your favorite flowers, candles and magazines and you're ready to go!

We've rounded up a couple favorite pieces!

  

And how cool is this whole system from West Elm? And the giant white-out loft with huge windows. Dream space.