Color Me Thrifty - Shop Off Season

Image via Pinterest

It might seem silly coming from a blogger who has confessed to having limited closet space but I highly recommend stocking up in the off season.

What does this mean? Simple... buy winter clothes in the spring and early summer and summer clothes in the fall and early winter.

Trends do not evolve that quickly, plus we get to see the Spring runways in September so we get a hint. It is a perfect time to stock up on basics. Tshirts, shorts and sandals when shopping for summer gear and sweaters, wool pants and boots for winter gear.

Deals will be slightly better in stores than online because they need to move that product off their shelves to make room for the new stuff. My favorite is to visit a store on a week night and chat with the shopgirl while browsing. It has resulted in an additional 10% or more off my purchase.

But online retailers often offer upwards of 30% off sale items every so often. Just check your favorite stores or sign up for their email notifications.

I'm technically all stocked up on clothing (it won't stop me from shopping but I don't need to buy things) but I will need new riding boots and a new puffer coat for next winter. It can't hurt to look around!

Color Me Trendy - I don't understand UGGS

My Sorels were made for walking in the snow! (image via DailyE)

For the last 7 or 8 years UGGS have been the boot of choice for young women everywhere... except me.

I just don't understand them.

I've mentioned before that I typically choose practical over style (except for my stiletto boots I wore to dinner last night in the slushy snow of Chicago) but I do not understand how UGGS are even stylish?!

They're totally flat, wide and hit at the largest part of your calf making your ankles look like big tree trunks.

Plus... they're cloth so they are going to soak up all the slushy snow and grime on the sidewalks which I imagine produces quite the pungent stench.

I just don't understand why these are the footwear of choice when there are so many other more practical AND more stylish options.

Last winter I purchased a pair of Joan of the Arctic Sorel boots and I am in love with them. They are warm, water-proof and stylish! 

A great pair of Hunter boots with the fleece welly socks is another great winter option that will serve you well into April Showers.

Our girl Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge is a fan of Le Chameau boots. And I'm not about to question her choice in footwear.

Now, I don't want to totally come out against UGGs... they do have their place. I love a cozy slipper as much as the next. I would gladly sport those on a Sunday night by the fire.

Color Me Domestic - Kitchen Sink Quinoa

Quinoa Fried Rice - image via Damn Delicious

Sometimes cooking in winter is a lot less exciting than other times of the year. Spring and summer bring fresh fruit and vegetables, grilling and patios. But if you find yourself tiring of casseroles, pastas and soups quinoa might be just the thing you need. 

This super grain packs a punch of flavor while also delivering protein and is so easy to prepare.

Every package will have instructions but in summary it is one part quinoa to one part liquid (water or stock) and it is simmered until all the liquid has been absorbed.

Then the dish you make is up to you!

In January we've made buffalo chicken quinoa, pesto quinoa and fried rice quinoa which was my favorite.

Fried Rice Quinoa (adapted from this recipe)

Ingredients

 - 2 large eggs

 - 2 cloves of garlic, minced

 - 1 small onion, diced

 - 8 oz mushrooms, diced

 - 1 head broccoli, chopped

 - 1 zucchini, chopped

 - 1/2 cup frozen corn

 - 1/2 cup frozen peas

 - 2 carrots, peeled and grated

 - 3 cups cooked quinoa

 - 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger

 - 3 tbsp soy sauce

 - 2 green onions, chopped

Process

Fry flat or scramble eggs in a small frying pan, set aside and let cool before chopping into small pieces.

Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in a large frying pan or wok over medium high heat. Add garlic and onion and cook, stirring often until onions become translucent, about 4-5 minutes. 

Add mushrooms, broccoli and zucchini and cook, stirring frequently until veggies are tender, about 3-4 minutes.

Add corn, peas, carrots and quinoa. Cook stirring constantly, until heated through, about 2-3 minutes.

Add ginger and soy sauce and toss to combine and let it heat through for another 2 minutes. 

Stir in green onions and eggs and serve.

Color Me Styled - A Coat A Day

A Coat A Day by ebdaily

Our weather has been all over the board in the last two weeks. We've seen the coldest and the warmest temperatures of the year (record setting on the warm side). We've seen rain and sleet and snow and sunshine.

But what has bothered me the most is the question "what coat should I wear?"

Luckily I've got a guide. 

It is important to dress in layers throughout the year because temperatures can vary anywhere you are. Starbucks can be 90 degrees or 40. The train or bus could also be hot or cold.

When the air temperature is above 45 degrees - aka there is no wind - you are  safe to wear your cotton-twill trench coat. It is a good idea to keep light gloves and a scarf in your bag just in case.

When the weatherman (or your phone) tell you it is going to be between 30 and 45 degrees your wool coat is best. It will keep you warm and block more wind than cotton-twill will. In addition to your gloves and scarf pack ear warmers!

And finally, for me personally, anything under 30 degrees calls for the heavy stuff. I wear a down coat. Down blocks the wind and the cold and will keep your body toasty. I usually opt for mittens and a stocking cap when temps are this chilly. 

The best rule of thumb is to think like your Mom. Would she let you out of the house with that thin of a coat on? You can always unzip a bit but you can't bundle up more once you're on your way. With temperatures on our phones take note if you are feeling warm or chilly and adjust your coat selection accordingly.

Color Me Bonita - Cold Weather Skin Care

image via elle&blair

So, the cold is still very much on my mind. As I walked home in the "Feels Like -8" temperatures I got to thinking what that chill and wind was doing to my skin. After I thawed I spent the evening researching top winter skin care tips to share with you all.

In general the top advice I saw was to HYDRATE! Not only do the cold temperatures suck the moisture out of your body, the low humidity levels do too and the central heating (or radiator heat) pumping through your place is keeping your toes toasty but it is drying your skin out.

For your Face

1. Don't skip sunscreen! The sun might not be doing much to warm you up but it still doing damage to your skin.

2. Exfoliate Dry skin cells look dull and flaky making your complexion, well, icky. Exfoliating will remove those dead skin cells and refresh your face. The key is to use gentle and moisturizing exfoliation products. Avoid any with high levels of acid unless you have a product to battle acne specifically.

3. Moisturize This is the time of the year to use a night cream to help do some of the heavy lifting when it comes to repair. Overnight, with the help of a bunch of water, your skin naturally restores itself but if you have areas prone to dryness during spring, summer and fall an extra dab of night cream will help keep those areas soft.

4. Buff and Balm Take care of your lips by using a lip buffer and following with a untinted and moisturizing balm with SPF. If you wear lip color during the day avoid matte colors and any labeled "long lasting". While they may look the part and hang around all day they are drying your lips which will lead to cracking and peeling.

For your Nails

1. Hydrate with Cuticle Oil The Oil actually does better on your cuticles than your normal hand cream. Cuticle oil can penetrate your polish and get down to your nail to nourish them.

2. Nude Polish If you haven't noticed already the cold weather does a number on your polish's staying power. Add in all the extra hand washing to combat the flu and you'll need a new coat every few days. Nothing looks worse than your Lincoln Park After Dark being chipped off 7 of your 10 digits. One way to hide any chips is to wear a polish in a nude tone like Barefoot in Barcelona.

For your Bod

1. Exfoliate same as your face the dead skin cells sit on your skin making it look lackluster. Gently exfoliate in your shower using either an exfoliating body wash or your regular soap with exfoliating gloves.

2. Moisturize from head to toe giving special attention to elbows, knees and feet. Go ahead and use some of that cuticle oil on your toes too... they'll thank you.

3. Shave with a cream if you, like me, typically just quickly run your razor up and down your shins haphazardly you'll appreciate the protection that a shaving cream provides. Make sure too that the razor is new.

While I did this post based on internet research alone, our skin care pro Daniela is a great resource too. Send your current beauty routine to her at skin911@daniela.com and including the products you use anywhere on your body and any problems you're having and she'll let you know what to keep, ditch and what to replace it with. For example, she recently told a client that her jawline acne wasn't going away because of her hand cream. Who knew!

Plus use discount code "CMS" for 10% off your first purchase from her skincare store.

Stay warm everyone!!

Color Me Styled - Too Cold to Think

It is the "Feels like -4" that makes me shudder. Or it is the fact that it does feel like -4 that makes me shudder. 

Either way it is dang cold outside today and I couldn't think about much else since it was this chilly yesterday too. 

Today is also Blue Monday, Martin Luther King Jr. Day and the Inauguration so there are plenty of other things to focus on. Color Me Styled will be a light one.

Back with more tomorrow once my fingers have thawed out.

Color Me Styled - Slip Sliding Away

Slip Sliding Away by ebdaily

Just because Christmas has come and gone doesn't mean all of the winter fun is over! There are plenty of cold weather months ahead. Side note: I've found that it is best just to accept that the cold is here in Chicago instead of wasting valuable energy on complaining.

Chicago has several outdoor ice skating rinks that are open all winter long. A few of them are free and skate rental prices are reasonable. It is a fun activity for a wintery weekend afternoon.

While you might be inclined to wear a snow suit I highly recommend wearing a, wait for it, skater style dress! As you whirl around the rink the skirt will flap in the wind and you'll be twirling like Kristi Yamaguchi in no time. Be sure to pair your dress with leggings, a pea coat, warm socks and mittens. Just in case you need to hold onto the side for a while.

And make sure to smile and make eye contact with the judges as you pass!

Shop this post! Go ahead, get it all and then get out there!

Color Me Trendy - She Wears Short Shorts

She Wears Short Shorts by ebdaily

Giuliana Rancic inspired today's outfit post with her Health Magazine cover for November. It got me thinking  about how close shorts are to the skirts and dresses that I would wear to parties.

And the same rules apply. If you were going to wear tights with your skirt, then wear tights with your shorts. I love the look of black tights on black pumps which creates a long leg line.

Giuliana wears simple jewelry to accentuate her hot pants. I suggest doing the same. Since you're flashing a lot of leg wear a long sleeved sweater or cardigan to keep things classy. It is winter after all.

Get the look here:

Color Me Styled - Winter Wedding Wear

via pinterest

The weather is chilly for most of us and dressing for a formal occasion when you'd rather be in leggings, boots and a sweater takes some motivation. And usually with motivation it is best to get a bit of a push start.

Here are some of my picks for your winter formal events like weddings, showers, baptisms and work parties.

A lovely color for any skin tone is Forest Green. And luckily it is a hot color this season so you can find it almost anywhere. The Taryn long dress in silk chiffon from J.Crew is a classic option. Well worth the investment.

For a more casual event a shorter dress with sleeves is a versatile staple. I love the daniella dress from Kate Spade. It can be worn with stockings and nude pumps, black tights and black pumps or with just a pair of boots for a more casual look.

Now for your office party a more structured yet dressy look is the best bet. Think A-line, pencil skirt and peplum. I found this gem from Oasap Limited (available here).

Pair each option with silver and / or gold accessories and celebrate the season with sparkly options whenever possible. Actually, sparkles are great year round.