Color Me Styled - Riding on the Edge



I remember wanting to learn how to ride horses when I was younger but really, as I reflect on it now, it was more about the fashion.

Color Me Styled - All I Want for Christmas

Every year around October I begin to think of what to get others for Christmas.  Our families are big on lists but I always try to find something "off-list" to give.

Since most of my gift list ideas will include some of those surprises I'm hesitant to share what I'd recommend you get for your friends and family.  So, I've decided to share my Christmas wishlist!

Color Me Styled - Accessorize This!



So I'm going to a wedding this weekend and instead of wearing any of the perfectly suitable dresses I already own I bought this beauty that I've been eyeing for a while.

Color Me Domestic - There's A Chance

Sipper Cup from Urban Outfitters

 

If you are sitting at your desk today and hydrating after yesterday's funtivities I highly recommend a re-usable sipper.

 

Or, as is the case with this particular one, you could be quietly continuing the celebrations.

 

Urban Outfitters makes a wide range of these cups and each has a cheeky graphic. Just make sure you don't take it into a meeting with the boss!

 

Happy Friday!



 



Color Me Thrifty - The Bar Shelf

 

Bar Carts are all the rage of Pinterest and for most blogger home tours out there. But it always seems these adorable drink stations cost an arm and a leg. Not wanting to be left out I set out to create our own version... for less than $100!

It starts with getting a good cart / shelf. I found mine from Urban Outfitters for $60 including shipping. Then we asked what color you think we should paint it (since the yellow didn't fit with our color scheme). Global Blue was the winner and it looks fabulous!

The only other piece we needed was a wine rack element and we found the perfect one from Pier 1 Imports for $12.  It is actually stackable so when we eventually build a wine cellar we've got a starting piece. 

Then it was a matter of bringing everything into one place. Our cocktail and party books, the bottles of booze and the cocktail napkins and umbrella straws all made their way over. A small box labeled "misc" holds decks of cards, dice, and a few spare ping pong balls. Our travel sized poker set fits nicely along side our hand-painted Dayton Flyers wine glasses and our decanter. And, finally the humidor (cigar box) has found a home.

Since booze bottles come in all shapes and sizes it is easy to arrange them in an attractive way while also making sure they're each identifiable. We propped our favorites out front (remember Hendrick's from the French 75s?) but it is easy to pick out the others.

So, it is possible to have a bar cart for under $100* you just need to be a little creative. Up-cycle old shelving or bedside tables, check out local thrift stores or antique markets and shop your house. Little jars or bowls can be repurposed to hold straws, matchbooks or wine glass tags. The most important thing is that it is a useful space for you!

*Liquor store bill not included... throw a "stock the bar" party and ask your friends to help you complete your selection.

Color Me Styled - 20 Degree Temperature Swings

Color Me Styled - 20 Degree Swing by ebdaily featuring a clear bubble umbrella

Chicago just can't make up its mind. It is one thing to swing from hot to cold every other day but lately she's been doing it all in one! This makes "what to wear" tricky because when you leave it could be in the 40s and then a few hours later we're pushing 70 degrees.

The key? Layers. But not just for the look, for the sake of temperature control. In the morning you'll need to be wearing a light / medium weight sweater or cardigan with a trench coat and a scarf. By late afternoon you can ditch the coat and scarf as needed. 

My spring-time go to pants are always crops. You get to taste what it is like to wear shorts without having to apply gobs and gobs of self tanner. Plus you get to show off your cute flats too!

Other spring essential... the bubble umbrella. I adore mine and can't believe that I've lived so long without it. The bubble umbrella stands up to wind and keeps you dry down to your shoulders at least!

Final spring essential, the Longchamp Le Pliage bag. The body is made of vinyl with leather detail. This means it dries instantly and it even folds up small so these bags are wonderful for travel. It is an investment bag but if you get it in black or in camel it'll be a staple in your wardrobe for years to come.

I featured a lot of different brands in the set above and I'm not going to list each item out because it is more about what to wear than that you wear these specific pieces. If you want to know what any of them are just shoot me a line or leave me a comment!

Color Me Thrifty - Bar Cart on a Budget

inspiration images via Pinterest | Urban Outfitters Shelf

It seems like everyone has a bar cart and I hate to be the one left out... but I don't have a spare $600 for the Society Social cart that I desire. I never advocate for knockoffs. But I do advocate for getting what you want at a price you can afford.

Enter the Urban Outfitters Tulip Shelf which is unfortunately now out-of-stock but the Urban Outfitters has a lot of good, affordable options is an excellent alternative. (As is the IKEA VITTSJÖ if you have room to go vertical. 

Now I really do like the yellow the only problem is that all of our furniture is essentially in one room (aka loft living) and unless I get all new furniture (an option sidelined by Danny pretty quickly) the yellow has to go.

Here's where I need your help. The bar cart / shelf will be in a corner on its own but will be in the eye line of our grey West Elm Henry Chair and a pistachio slash leaf colored love seat. We also have a black sideboard from Crate and Barrel, a black and chrome dining set from IKEA and a grey shelving unit from CB2 in the space.

I want the cart to add a pop of color but don't want it to draw attention. I've decided that a blue is a good choice but now I need your help picking from Ocean, Iris or Global Blue. 

Whaddya think? Which one should I go with? 

updated: the winner was... Global Blue! 
See the finished product here: Color Me Thrifty - The Bar Shelf