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 - Thanksgiving Styles + Giveaway Winner

Congratulations to Melaney Ann!! You are the lucky lady taking home the hand painted wine glasses and set of wine glass tags!

As I've gotten older I've learned that families celebrate Thanksgiving in many ways!  At first you'd think there's not much that could be done differently.  Everyone has turkey, stuffing, and potatoes but there are plenty of elements that vary!  The Macy's Parade, football, board games, naps, and Turkey Trots are just a few of the options.

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 Styled - Demure Date

Demure Date by ebdaily

Being a plus one to a wedding when your date is IN the wedding party is one of the trickiest style situations out there. Typically you might not be as close with the people going to the wedding. You probably don't know what the bridesmaids are wearing (hopefully your guy knows what he is wearing).

Luckily, Color Me Styled is here with your complete outfit to be the demure date that is just enough of a showstopper without stealing the show!

It starts with a great basic dress. Black will blend in (Aunts and Family Friends wear black to weddings) so choose a solid color in a hue that flatters your skin tone. For our wedding we've chosen this fabulous Zara Peplum dress in red.

Now that you've got your big piece down the rest is easy. Shoes and bag should be nude. You don't want them to detract from you in your perfect dress! This dress has a higher neckline so we're draping a longer necklace as a bib. Both of these are from Francesca's and either the cream or the mint are divine options.

In your bag, you'll need the right lip color. Not quite nude but not pink. Something in a pale blush. Our go-to lip colors are from bite beauty available at Sephora. Eyes should be neutral and should play up your natural eye color. Remember, you want YOU to shine through. Once your eyes are done for the night just spritz them with All Nighter spray and then leave them alone (except for a few blots during the speeches). Pack a concealer / powder duo for last minute touch ups. And a pack of oil blotters for when you've been cutting a rug and the photographer hasn't left yet. (They always stay 20 minutes too long.)

People will obviously remember the food, centerpieces and what the bridesmaids had to wear but they'll fondly recall how you, the groomsman's date, were the picture of elegance and fun!