Tastemaker Spotlight: Erin Bassett of Daily E & Color Me Styled!

By Christyo8 @CTDESIGNSINC
Happy Monday all... I am finally proud to be able to spotlight one of my past clients who has not so quietly evolved into a local tastemaker and "style maven" - Mrs. Erin Bassett. The managing editor of TWO up and coming lifestyle blogs, she amazingly covers a ton of territory. Think: fashion, crafts, money-saving tips and a lot more.
I adore Erin and am impressed with all that she's done in such a short time. Let's get to know her a little better today and don't forget to subscribe to her blog!

Erin is a must follow! www.colormestyled.com/


1. Erin, why don't you tell our readers a little bit about who you are.I am, what I consider, a rather normal gal in her late twenties. I was lucky enough to meet my husband when I was in college at the University of Dayton in Ohio. Well, maybe I should say he was lucky to meet me!! In the years since graduation I have lived in Santa Cruz, California, traveled to 9 different states and two different countries, eaten at world renowned restaurants and started two blogs, Daily E and Color Me Styled... all while keeping a day job! I am passionate for adventure and am constantly trying new things. My interests vary from reading to skiing and from cooking to twitter (in fact, all social media fascinates me). Rarely do I find a pastime I don't enjoy. Danny and I live in the West Loop neighborhood of Chicago and share a 600 sq. ft. lofted one bedroom and both the space and the area suit us perfectly.

2. How have you become such a style and taste icon?This question might be better asked to my readers but since this is my interview I'll do my best. For my personal style I am American Classic all the way (or "Prep"). I believe in timeless style. Not that I plan to wear the same clothes I have now for the next 50 years but it should be obvious that all the clothes I own are mine. Every lady has her own style. I love going into stores and saying "Oh, that is a Katie dress." or "Oh, that necklace is very Kellie." Also, I don't believe in any rules... if the outfit makes you feel good, rock it! I don't think that any girl should feel held back because she isn't a carbon copy of Heidi Klum. Finally, I am observant and I find inspiration everywhere. I notice what girls like (Pinterest has made that a million times easier) and as funky as we all think we are... we like a lot of the same things. 

3. What trends are exciting you right now?Emerald is the color of the year... not to toot my own horn but I predicted that a year ago! It is a rich color that is appropriate for winter but also nods towards the freshness of spring. I suggest Emerald necklaces or scarves with any color shirt you've got. Accessories are a great way to shop trends because you can pair them with different pieces you already own. I'm not sure if it is a trend but I love the combination of Cabernet with Fuchsia. I think watercolor florals will be big this spring and mint will come back again. Polka dots are here to stay too! But to me the most important thing about trends is to incorporate pieces from these trends into your wardrobe sparingly. Trends come and go and you don't want to get stuck with 9 pairs of mint jeans when next year everyone is wearing cerulean. 

4. Do you have any suggestions and/or advice to the new throng of brides-to-be out there?First of all! CONGRATULATIONS! Some of the best advice I can give is this: enjoy the process of wedding planning. Take your time, listen to your mother and mother-in-law (grr, I know) even if you don't use their suggestions make sure they know you listened. Understand that (almost) everything on Pinterest  has been professionally styled and photographed to make you spend money! Use Christy for all your paper and calligraphy needs. Don't skimp on the food for bigger flower arrangements. Your guests will remember the food and the drinks not that you had 17 imported peonies in your bouquet (read: passed appetizers and open bar if you can afford it). Ultimately it is a day to celebrate you and your man with your closest family and friends. That is why they came. That is most important. Also, I am a fantastic outside, non-partial party... shoot me a line for some one-on-one advice!

5. Wow, so are you the next Rachel Zoe? Or better yet, how big are you planning Color Me Styled to become? 
I die to be the next Rachel Zoe... to borrow her phrase. Seriously, I aspire to be and I admire countless women in leadership whether it be in fashion, business or politics. I love it when ladies make their voices heard, as long as they're well informed, polite and elegant when they give their opinions. (I'm a stickler for grammar). When I created Color Me Styled I envisioned it as a tastemaking blog to inspire ladies to elevate their current lifestyle. If you ask me, it has the potential to be huge. I try to offer content that ladies relate to, can learn from and want to discuss without being too heavy hitting... this isn't C-SPAN. Today I'm creating a place where a community of ladies can turn for style advice, decor tips and new recipes and where that goes tomorrow no one can really say.  

5. Cubs or Sox?Neither... STL Cardinals... so the SOX. My favorite Chicago team is the Blackhawks!

6. Cats or Dogs?Dogs - Westies to be specific! 

Haha! Thanks Erin! Good stuff... Appreciate you taking the time and we appreciate the background. Looking forward to a "style-filled" 2013 through your feeds!


How to find Erin:
Blogs: Daily E (geturdailye.tumblr.com) & Color Me Styled (www.colormestyled.com)Email: colormestyled@gmail.comFacebook: www.facebook.com/ColorMeStyledTwitter: www.twitter.com/ebdaily Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/dailye