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 - Obviously



It is no secret I adore everything Kate Spade. 

Color Me Styled - Indian Summer

Color Me Styled - Indian Summer by ebdaily

Early September is that wonderful time of year when it is too warm to have to be bundled up to the chin but it is appropriate to mix in fall colors.  It is a perfect time to showcase accessories in burnt oranges, oxbloods and tans.

Color Me Styled - Short and Sweet

Over Labor Day weekend we traveled to Destin, FL to celebrate a family wedding!  I knew it would be hotter than Chicago but thought that because we were right on the Gulf it wouldn't be too bad.

Color Me Styled - Blooming Baubles

Color Me Styled - Blooming Baubles by ebdaily

Floral prints were all over Vogue's September Issue this year.  Besides being kind of a classic, floral prints were big this spring and this summer too!  But a shirt or a dress in a floral print kind of stands out and if you have a bunch of pictures in it on Facebook... you have to wait a while to wear it again.  We understand.  Here's our solution...

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 Styled - St. Patrick's Day Style

St. Patrick's Day Style by ebdaily

You know the rules... If you're not wearing green you're going to get pinched!

Luckily green is a major color this year and it is everywhere so you can wear stylish digs for this weekend's festivities.

Have fun and Éirinn go Brách!!!

Color Me Trendy - Kate Spade Saturday

Kate Spade Saturday (image via Saturday.com)

I make no secret of my adoration for Kate Spade. If I could afford it I would have a Kate Spade store as my closet with clothing supplemented from J.Crew, Anthropologie and Emerson Fry. 

Imagine my delight when a new lower price point brand from Kate Spade is launching in two weeks!! I've been following along since the fall and have gotten more and more excited.

And now, we can shop a week long preview of Kate Spade Saturday on Fab.

I love the punchy yellow color of the logo, the bright, clean shapes and the strong graphics of the line. I can't wait to see more then the brand officially launches in March!

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 Styled - Slope Style

Color Me Styled - Slope Style by ebdaily

Today I am heading out west to California for a vacation to see friends and hit the slopes! Lake Tahoe is forcasted to be a blustery 13 degrees so bundling up will be the top priority.

In my suit case I have packed my warm weather gear and I plan to fly in my big Sorel Boots because they would take up way too much space! Then I'll be sporting my black diamond best in Lululemon leggings and zip up. Gap Fit makes great leggings and zip ups too!

I have had this Patagonia fleece for a few years and it works perfectly for a day outdoors in the snow. It is good with the wind, keeps your warm and is just fluffy and fun!

But just because it is really chilly outside doesn't mean that you have to abandon style. Thankfully, our favorite, Kate Spade makes cheeky knits for your head and fingers!

Color Me Styled - Christmas Gift Guide for the Lady Friend

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

I know that there have been a few posts about Christmas cookies already (Christmas Confetti Cookies and Peppermint Nutella Crinkle Cookies) but now we've got the Christmas banner (thanks Liz!!) and today is our first gift guide post.

Buying for that lady friend in your life could go in a million different directions. When I am buying for a friend I try to combine the things she "needs" with what she "wants". So, if she needs a new iPhone case... I get her one or two from Kate Spade.

Chit Chat | Polka Dots | Hello | Live Colorfully
Exclamation! | #TalkIsCheap | #PopFizzClink | OMG That's Hilarious 


Or... if she isn't an iPhone junkie and still uses a BlackBerry or is a Google fanatic and operating on Android devices she would appreciate one of the Kate Spade sleeves. I mean, you can never go wrong with Glitter.

If your friend is more of a pen and paper gal... you can't go wrong with a Russel + Hazel SmartDate system calendar. 

I also adore their People+Places business card system.

Or if she is more likely to enjoy something pretty hanging on her wall, the Inslee By Design 2013 calendar is a lovely addition to any perfectly appointed wall.

Is your gal pal a coffee addict? Perpetuate the habit with these delightful mugs. Pick up a bag of gourmet beans too and you've got a great gift set going! Add in a 2-4 cup French Press and you've hooked her up for life!

Charity Mugs from West Elm

If she's more of a monogram gal... the Homegrown Monogram Mug from Anthropologie is a sure hit!

I think the most important part about giving gifts is that you remember why you are doing it! Be thoughtful and go the extra mile to complete the thought. (Like buying the coffee to go in the mugs, or the hot chocolate. Or if you're buying for a baker, buy the cake stand and the cake pans that fit it.)

I'm a great gift consultant... I really work towards giving the perfect gifts each year! If you are stuck on what to give a special someone let me know. I respond quickly to email, twitter and facebook messages! Or... better yet... leave comments below and I'll comment too and then everyone can be inspired! 

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.

Color Me Styled - Earmuff Already!

image via Pinterest, via ExtraPetite.com

After a summer of hard work my sweat glands are glad to have these chilly temps return, but trying to find the right amount of clothing to wear for 30 degree temperature swings is beyond tricky. The last thing you want is to have to pack along all the essential layers for 35 - 55 degrees (literally, that is Chicago's temperature today).

Plus a hat, although adorable, can sometimes mess with your hair do for the day. And let's not try to add anymore stress to this already tense situation of warmth.

Enter, earmuffs. 

You'd be surprised by the warmth just covering your ears will provide. Plus designers at all price points have options for you! If you get a neutral pair, like the Burberry ones in the picture above (which I adore by the way) you can wear them with nearly anything. But I am really digging the green coat, tights and boots, and bag that Jean at extrapetite.com

I am rocking a pair of 180s that wrap around the back of your head because they're the only pair I've got! But I am putting these pairs onto my wishlist.

The top contender? These Kate Spade NY Carriage House Earmuffs. They look so fuzzy and luxurious!

Kate Spade NY Carriage House Earmuffs

But I also wouldn't complain about any of the earmuff options below. There are even muffs out there that will plug into your iPod, iPhone or Walkman too! 

Color Me Styled - Labor Free Labor Day

The un-official end of summer is upon us. Here at Color Me Styled we don't exactly follow the "no white after Labor Day" rule but it is a great excuse to let the bright white shine one more time.

No matter your plans mix white with bright colors and easy accessories. Since the temperature might start to dip, a denim jacket or a scarf are essential pack-along items. 

What are your plans for this holiday weekend? Remember to keep everyone in the path of tropical storm slash hurricane Issac in your thoughts... they could be spending the weekend cleaning up. 

Color Me Organized - Back To School

It has been 5 years since I last had a "Back to School" season but I still love all of the pencils and paper and new clothing that comes with the season.

Yet, I refuse to do a lot of "Fall Fashion" in the middle of August so I'll stick to paper today. Another love of mine. Even with all of the Google calendars, Facebook Events and Phone reminders I still tend to write my schedule down on paper. So a calendar is a must!

For years I used the school provided date book and would have cover decorating sessions with my best friends. Then for a few years I used the French Women Don't Get Fat calendar which unfortunately isn't available this year.

This past year I don't have an official 2012 calendar so I am itching for a 2013  issue! I think my ultimate is a Kate Spade Tudor City Debra Organizer with the calendar and address book inserts. I also adore all of their stationary. (Well, I adore anything ksny.)

But, recently I came across the "Smart Date" system from Russel + Hazel and might be more in love. It is designed to keep you organized to the satisfaction of all us Type A's out there. 

If I designed my own it would be a two piece set; The Mini Black Book and Mini SmartDate Weekly & Monthly. Each would be in its own mini binder and I think I'd pair the charcoal with a patterned binder, probably with the Special Edition Rouge.

These sets do set you back a pretty penny but I can't think of a better investment than your own time (slash sanity).

Then of course you need to have the proper pens. I am a major fan of color coordinating so this Paper Mate set is my go-to. And I do love the use of washi tape in the picture above (which is where I first heard of Russel + Hazel from a post on Take Two They're Small).