Dressember Essentials + Outfit Ideas for Men and Women

One of the most intimidating things about Dressember can be the issue of what to wear, especially if you're in a region with cold, snowy winters. Don't let this discourage you, it's not as hard as you might think. That's why I have assembled an updated list of my Dressember Essentials, plus some outfit ideas. And I haven't left out the men either! (Keep scrolling if you're looking for some Dressember Men ideas.)

Also, if you have to wear a school or work uniform that prevents you from wearing a dress or tie, just wear your Dressember-wear when you can. Any time you can choose your outfit, choose to wear a dress or tie. You don't have to wear it all day, just as long as you can. Personally, I make sure to get a photo in my dress to share on social media so my donors can see that I am keeping my commitment. I also make sure to wear a dress whenever I go out in public.

1. Versatile dresses. Start with checking your closet for the most comfortable and versatile dresses you own, even if they are more summery. I love mixing things up with a floral print sundress or a neutral-colored t-shirt dress. Remember that layering is key, so you can make light fabrics work.

If you want or need to add a new dress/dresses to your wardrobe, check what's available in the Dressember shop. If you're shopping on a budget, check out your local thrift shop, or borrow a dress from a friend or family member.

2. Tights and leggings. Look for warmer options, like fleece-lined leggings and sweater tights. You can also layer up with ponte pants or even jeans. If it's really cold where you live, try layering tights under leggings.

3. Sweaters and cardigans. Really any type of outerwear is great and can be layered in multiples. Cardigans with pockets are handy if you have a pocket-less dress. And a pull-over sweater can completely change the look of your dress.

When choosing a cardigan or sweater, think about the climate and what will pair well with most of your wardrobe. If you're in a cold climate, go for a thicker, chunky-knit sweater. If it isn't as cold, go for something lightweight. Choose neutral colors if you have mostly bold or bright dresses. If you have a lot of solid-color, neutral dresses, go for a bright color or bold print to brighten things up.

4. Layering pieces. Layering pieces can add warmth, and they can also change the look of your dress. Add a fitted t-shirt underneath a tank dress, or wear a skirt over a shorter dress to make it look like a top. Don't forget scarves, mittens, wool socks, and knit hats for extra warmth.

5. Boots. Boots are cute and will help keep your feet warm and dry, especially if there's snow on the ground. Switch things up with different styles, from ankle booties to riding boots, and different colors.

6. Accessories. Top off and switch up your Dressember styles with fun accessories. Cinch your waist with a belt, add a pop of color with a bag, and work in some glitter or metallics with jewelry.

Want some specific outfit inspiration? Check out my Dressember board on Pinterest! I've pinned looks from casual, to cute, to dressy.

I didn't want to leave out the men, so here is some inspiration for the guys who plan to participate. Typically, men wear ties or bow ties for Dressember, but can also choose to wear something else throughout the month like suspenders or vests. The key is to choose one type of item to wear each day throughout December. This will give consistency and provide a talking point to share about the campaign.

Combine multiple elements including fun socks, cuff links, dress shoes, or hats to complete your look. If you want to look put together and stay warm, choose a peacoat in place of a suit jacket or casual coat, and don't forget to add a scarf. If you need some new items, check your local thrift shop, or see about borrowing things from a friend or relative.

I've got some more outfit ideas for the guys on my Dressember Men Pinterest board. You can also check out the hashtag #DressemberMen on Instagram to see what other guys have done.

Dressember: Week Four Recap

Dressember 2015 has come to an end, but it's still not too late to donate! The campaign will stay open until January 31. I've also extended my surprise thank-you gift incentive; for each donor who gives to my fundraiser throughout the month of January, I will send a gift! You can still help me meet my goal of $2,000--we're only $800 away! Plus, if you give $20+ and pick out a dress from the catalog, I will wear it!

In the mean time, check out week four's styles, stats, and dress sponsors! I am so thankful for everyone who has given to the campaign and supported me through their encouragement! I couldn't have done this without each one of you! While the campaign isn't technically over, I feel like it has been a success. Together we raised $194 more than last year and overall Dressember participants have raised over $862,000. Thank you so much for helping accomplish this!

Day Twenty-Two

About the look: This is dress L from the catalog, paired with an army green jacket, lettings, boots, and a belt.
Fundraising Stats: Total raised, $1,165.

Day Twenty-Three

About the look: This is the Dressember Dress, also in the catalog, layered with a black cardigan and ponte pants and paired with a grey scarf made by my friend and Dressember donor, Jessica!
Fundraising Stats: Total raised, $1,165.

Day Twenty-Four

 About the look: This is dress B from the catalog, paired with a printed cardigan, leggings and boots.
Fundraising Stats: Total raised, $1,165.

Day Twenty-Five

 About the look: For a fun, Christmas Day look, I styled dress H from the catalog with a red plaid scarf, leggings, boots, and a baby Christmas tree.
Fundraising Stats: Total raised, $1,165.

Day Twenty-Six

About the look: On day 26, my mom wore a dress with me so I invited her to join me in the photo! I wore dress E from the catalog, paired with a cardigan, ponte pants, boots, and a scarf. My mom wore a gingham shirt dress layered over a lightweight turtle neck tee and leggings with boots.
Fundraising Stats: Total raised, $1,165.

Day Twenty-Seven

About the look: This is dress I from the catalog, layered with a burgundy cardigan, leggings and boots.
Fundraising Stats: Total raised, $1,165.

Day Twenty-Eight

 About the look: This snow day outfit is dress F from the catalog, paired with a cowl neck sweatshirt, leggings, boots, hat, and coat..
Fundraising Stats: Total raised, $1,165.

Day Twenty-Nine

Dress sponsor: Beth
 About the look: This dress was selected from the catalog (option C) by my friend Beth. Day 29 was also her birthday--happy birthday, Beth! I styled the dress with a cardigan, which you can't see under my coat, and added a scarf, ponte pants, and boots.
Fundraising Stats: Total raised, $1,165.

Day Thirty

About the look: This is dress A from the catalog, paired with a scarf, leggings, knee-high socks, and boots.
Fundraising Stats: Total raised, $1,165.

Day Thirty-One

Dress sponsor: Julie
 About the look: This dress was selected from the catalog (option K) by my friend Julie. I styled today's dress with a cardigan, ponte pants, and booties.
Fundraising Stats: Total raised on day 31, $25. Grand total, $1,190.

Dressember 2015 Overall Stats

Grand Total Raised as of Jan. 1: $1,200
Total Unique Donors: 20
Percent of Goal Raised: 60%
Average Gift per Donor: $60
Visit my campaign page or make a donation.

Dressember: Week Three Recap

I can't believe there is a little over one week of Dressember left! The countdown is on with only 10 days remaining! So far we've rallied together to raise $1,165 for my campaign and over $520,000 collectively for the Dressember Foundation (as of publication)!! For both my campaign and the campaign at large, we are a little over half-way to the goal.

I feel like this is crunch time. With only $835 left to raise, I would love to finish as strong as we started. To hopefully make this final stretch a great one, I'm hosting some final incentives! Here's the deal:

For each person who donates to my campaign December 21-31, $1 will be donated to the campaign, up to $50. So by donating, you will help raise even more money! Also, to each of those donors who provide their address, a surprise gift will be sent! Plus it's not too late to sponsor a dress with your $20+ gift!

Thank you for your consideration, your support, and keeping up with this cause. I look forward to seeing what we can do together!

Day Fifteen

Dress sponsor: Katie
 About the look: The Dressember Dress is back! (It's also available as an option in the catalog if you sponsor a dress!) This time I paired it with my folklore sweater, black tights, and booties.
Fundraising Stats: Total raised on day 15, $25. Grand total, $1,140.

Day Sixteen

Dress Worn in Honor of: My Mom, Sue Ann
About the look: Dec. 16 is my mom's birthday, so I decided to wear the day's dress in her honor. I chose one of the dresses from the catalog that I hadn't worn yet, option K. I paired it with a boyfriend cardigan, ponte pants, wool socks (not pictured), and boots. I had to leave my anorak coat on because it got pretty cold today!
Fundraising Stats: Total raised, $1,140.

Day Seventeen

Dress Worn in Honor of: Families who have lost loved ones to human trafficking
About the look: This is dress E from the catalog layered under a wool sweater with leggings, knee-high socks and boots.
Fundraising Stats: Total raised, $1,140.

Day Eighteen


Dress Worn in Honor & Memory of: My Grandpas
About the look: This is dress H from the catalog, the last dress to be warn! (Although dress J hasn't been featured yet, I wore it for a Christmas party last week). This is a comfy t-shirt dress, so I added a boyfriend cardigan and giant wool scarf on top and ponte pants, wool socks and boots on the bottom.
Fundraising Stats: Total raised on day 18, $15. Grand total, $1,155.

Day Nineteen

About the look: This is dress D from the catalog, layered with an open cardigan, printed scarf, grey tights and boots.
Fundraising Stats: Total raised, $1,155.

Day Twenty

Dress sponsors: My Parents, Tom and Sue Ann
 About the look: This dress was selected from the catalog (option G) by my parents! I paired it with a cardigan, grey sweater tights, and taupe booties.
Fundraising Stats: Total raised on day 20, $10. Grand total, $1,165.

Day Twenty-One

 About the look: It's been getting strangely warmer out so I brought back this maxi dress, pairing it with a burgundy cardigan and booties.
Fundraising Stats: As of hitting publish part-way through day 21, the current total is $1,165. But it's not too late to donate today!

Dressember: Week Two Recap

We're coming up on the half-way point of Dressember after a really great weekend thanks to more generous donors who pushed us over half-way to the $2,000 goal. We have now raised over $1,100 for my campaign and over $417,000 for the whole Dressember campaign.

When I set my goal last Dressember, I thought it was huge and somewhat unreachable. There were lots of days that went by when no one donated and I thought we wouldn't make it. But in the end, we did, and it was awesome!

This year I set a bigger goal because I wanted to challenge myself to do more, to work harder, and to ask my donors to do more. Plus with two organizations to support this time, I wanted to raise twice the money. Just like last year, there are days when I think we won't make it to the goal, which really is fine. In the end, it's not about the goal, even though sometimes it can be easy to fixate on that. It's about changing lives, raising awareness, making a difference. Together, we are already doing that and hopefully will continue to do it.

So once again, thank you for coming along side me in this effort! I feel so encouraged and inspired to keep going strong toward the goal. We still have two weeks left to raise $885. We can totally do this!

Day Eight

Dress sponsor: Cami
 About the look: This dress was selected from the catalog (option C) by Cami. This is a popular dress, so you'll be seeing it again! For its Dressember debut, I paired it with a heart-patterned cardigan, leggings, and ankle boots.
Fundraising Stats: Total raised, $915.

Day Nine

Dress sponsors: Nick and me
 About the look: Since Nick and I donated to Dressember, I figured we could pick a dress too. Plus I was wanting to go a little bit comfy for a Christmas shopping expedition. :) This dress is option D from the catalog. I paired it with my army green jacket, a leopard print scarf, ponte pants, and boots.
Fundraising Stats: Total raised, $915.

Day Ten

Dress sponsor: Janice
 About the look: This dress was selected from the catalog (option I) by Janice. I love leopard print with berry tones, so I paired it with a bright magenta-purple scarf, open cardigan, leggings, and boots.
Fundraising Stats: Total raised, $915.

Day Eleven

Dress sponsors: Jessica and Matt
 About the look: This dress was selected from the catalog (option A) by my boo thang, Jessica. I paired the thick sweater dress with "lighter" options like tights, long necklaces, and topped the look off with boots.
Fundraising Stats: Total raised, $915.

Day Twelve

Dress sponsor: Claudia
 About the look: This dress was selected from the catalog (option C) by Claudia. It was a warm day so I paired this dress with a leopard print scarf, grey tights, and booties.
Fundraising Stats: Total raised on day 12, $100. Grand total, $1,015. We passed the half-way point on this day!

Day Thirteen

Dress sponsor: Jan
 About the look: This dress was selected from the catalog (option L) by Jan. This time around, I styled this floral print dress with a burgundy boyfriend cardigan, ponte pants, boots, and delicate accessories.
Fundraising Stats: Total raised on day 13, $100. Grand total, $1,115.

Day Fourteen

Dress sponsors: Tim and Angie
 About the look: This dress was selected from the catalog (option B) by my friend Angie. I paired this LBD with a lightweight cardigan, an infinity scarf, tights, and boots.
Fundraising Stats: Total raised as of publication, $1,115, but it's not too late to donate! Plus I'm looking for more dress sponsors as I only have a few left!

Donate now  |  Visit my Dressember Page

Dressember: Week One Recap

I can't believe week one of Dressember is over already! The campaign has gotten off to a great start, thanks to everyone who has been supporting me in this adventure! It is so great to have so many different people join the cause and give to Dressember. My hope and prayer is that we can keep this momentum going as we move into week two. 

Will you consider joining me in the fight for freedom and donating to my Dressember challenge? The process is secure, simple, and tax-deductible within the United States. Your gift will go toward funding the work of International Justice Mission and A21, two organizations fighting to end human trafficking and restore dignity to those rescued from slavery.

At the end of each week of Dressember, I'll be posting a recap which will include photos and information from each day. I want to highlight my donors, their generous giving, and have some fun by talking about the different styles I create around each dress. If you don't want to wait for the recap, you can get daily updates and photos by following me on Instagram @MrsEliseMance.

Day One

Dress sponsor: Mary Lou
 About the look: I paired the wine Dressember Dress--ethically made by an overcomer of sex trafficking--with a chunky cardigan, leggings, and boots.
Fundraising Stats: Total raised before day one, $475. Total raised on day one, $160. Grand total, $635.

Day Two

Dress sponsor: My Grandma, Shirley
 About the look: This style was all about the layers: long-sleeved tee under a summery black dress (option E in the catalog), paired with a waterfall folklore sweater, sweater tights, and booties.
Fundraising Stats: Total raised, $635.

Day Three

Dress sponsor: Anonymous
 About the look: This dress was selected from the catalog (option G) by my anonymous donor. I paired it with a lightweight cardigan under an army green jacket and finished the look with grey tights, and taupe booties.
Fundraising Stats: Total raised on day three, $100. Grand total, $735.

Day Four

Dress sponsor: Brianne
 About the look: This dress was selected from the catalog (option B) by my friend Bri. I paired it with an Aztec print shawl, leggings, and boots.
Fundraising Stats: Total raised, $735.

Day Five

Dress sponsor: Emily
 About the look: This is a Lou & Grey maxi dress paired with Hawkeye-themed accessories, a golden cardigan, and Converse.
Fundraising Stats: Total raised on day five, $30. Grand total, $765.

 Day Six

Dress sponsor: Jenae
 About the look: This dress is option F from the catalog, paired with a flannel shirt, leggings, and boots for a casual look.
Fundraising Stats: Total raised on day six, $150. Grand total, $915.

Day Seven

Dress sponsor: My Aunt Wendy
 About the look: This dress was selected from the catalog (option L) by my aunt, Wendy. I found some inspiration on Pinterest and paired this floral print dress with blue tights, a navy scarf, and an open cardigan.
Fundraising Stats: As of hitting publish part-way through day seven, the current total is $915. But it's not too late to donate today! We're only $85 away from being half-way to the goal!

Donate now!  |  Visit my Dressember Page

Dressember Essentials: How to Stay Warm During Dressember

One of the scariest things about participating in Dressember in northern states and cold regions is the idea of wearing dresses all December. It can be intimidating to think about trekking through the snow in a dress. However, if this is the biggest thing keeping you from participating, let me encourage you: it is totally doable!

To take some of the uncertainty out of it, I've made a list of items that will help you stay stylish and warm all month long. I call these my "Dressember Essentials" for my girls in the Midwest and other cold areas. I recently did a Periscope video on this, so if you missed it, you can catch up on what I talked about with this post.

1. Versatile dresses. The best place to start is in your closet. Pick out the most comfortable and versatile dresses you own, even if they are more fit for summer. You don't have to go out and buy a whole new wardrobe to participate in Dressember. If you do want to add a new dress to your collection, I recommend pre-ordering the Dressember Dress, shown in wine on the model above. It is ethically made by a sewing center in Nepal.

Last year I styled many dresses that were intended for warmer climates, including all of the dresses featured in this post, and in this post. In fact, pretty much all my dresses were made for spring/summer with the exception of a sweater dress. I like to think of the dresses as blank canvases that I'll pair with my winter-ready essentials.

2. Tights and leggings. I love wearing leggings and Dressember is the perfect time to pull them out! If it gets really cold where you live, stock up on fleece-lined leggings or layer tights under your leggings for added warmth. If it's chilly but not really cold, I like to stick with just tights. I also like to wear athletic-type leggings for their non-clingy texture.

Another item to consider are ponte pants, they're like a thick version of leggings. They typically aren't see-through, plus the thicker the material, the warmer you'll be. I first got introduced to Loft's ponte pants while working there, but you can find them just about anywhere.

3. Cardigans and sweaters. On this board I chose button-down and open front cardigans, but you can also add pull-over sweaters and jackets. Really any type of outerwear is great and can be layered in multiples. I love the look of an open cardigan, I think it adds a pretty, flowy dimension to an outfit. Plus pockets are an added bonus!

My tips for choosing a cardigan or sweater are to think about the climate where you live and also what will work well with most of your wardrobe. If you're in a cold climate, go for a thicker, chunky-knit sweater. If it isn't as cold, go for something lightweight. Choose neutral colors if you have bold or bright dresses, or if you want to be able to easily pair your cardi with other outfits in the future. If you have a lot of solid-color, neutral dresses, go for a red or berry color to brighten things up.

4. Layering add-ons. If it gets really cold where you live, invest in some good layering pieces. These can include long-sleeved tees or undershirts, thick scarves (especially good for dresses with low-cut necklines), wool socks, knit hats, and of course, mittens! With all of these, the thicker the material, the warmer you'll be.

5. Boots. Boots are a style lifesaver when there's snow on the ground. You can look cute while keeping your feet warm and dry. Plus knee-high boots will hide your wool socks. ;)

6. Cute accessories. Let's not forget to top off the look with some fun accessories. Just because it's cold doesn't mean you can't add on pretty details. I especially like belts to cinch in the waistline (which, let's be honest, can disappear under all those layers) and sparkly jewelry to add visual interest and dimension.

These are my Dressember essentials, but I want to know: what would you add? If you have done or are planning to do Dressember, what are your essentials? How do you keep it cute and cozy during the winter months?

My 2015 Etsy Holiday Gift Guide

Christmas is coming and now is a perfect time to start planning for thoughtful, hand-picked gifts. Let my gift guide help you with some one-of-a-kind ideas from my Etsy shop!

In my shop, I specialize in custom creations. My listings feature examples of product designs as well as some pre-made items. With this gift guide, I hope to show you some things that are ready to buy, or give you ideas for something totally new that I could make for you.

When I talk to friends about what they want for Christmas, most say they want something thoughtful. What better way to give a thought-filled gift than a completely custom creation from my shop? I will work with you to design something that reflects the style and personality of whomever you are shopping for.

When you shop through my Etsy store, you are not shopping alone! Consider me your personal shopping assistant, who will also make the items you're buying! Together we can create personal gifts that will be treasured for years to come. Plus, they'll be delivered right to your door!

These journals are perfect for the writer, note taker, or artist in your life. They're also great for anyone who wants to begin keeping a journal but may need help getting started. These notebooks are perfect for women or men of any age. Plus, they can be gift wrapped so they'll arrive ready for gift-giving!

My art options are perfect for home decor and make a great, personal Christmas gift. Plus, if you order a custom piece, I will work with you to create a design that fits the style of whomever you are shopping for. Once you've settled on a size and design, why not purchase a coordinating frame from another Etsy vendor or local store to make your gift complete?

If you don't see exactly what you're looking for here or in my shop, please send me a message or custom order request. I've done paintings, signs, and made various other products for my shoppers. Just because it's not listed doesn't mean I can't do it.

Finally, top off your gift order with a few finishing touches like a card, gift wrap, or a bag tag. When you purchase something through my shop, you will be able to designate if your item is a gift or not. If it is a gift, you will receive a free, hand-lettered tag. On select items, you will be able to add gift wrapping for only $2. Your item will arrived wrapped and ready to go!

If you want more than a swing tag, order a custom card or my pre-made Christmas card set (one set is available, it comes with 3 cards). These cards ship free when you add them onto an order with another item.

As a thank you for checking out my gift guide, use the code "BLOG10" at checkout to receive 10% off your order! Come over to Elm Creative Designs and let's make this holiday season one to remember!

Etsy Shop Grand Opening Party + Giveaway!

I am so excited to throw a virtual party to celebrate the grand opening of my Etsy shop, ELM Creative Designs! Everything starts bright and early August 7!

Product Giveaway

Friday at 12 a.m. the giveaway is open! Enter to win this product bundle valued at over $35 by completing the tasks at the end of this blog post. The giveaway will be open through Sunday.

The product bundle includes (clockwise from top): Two nautical-themed mini (3.5 x 5.5") hand-stamped Moleskine notebooks in brown and navy, filled with blank paper; hand-lettered 5 x 7" quote card on archival quality bristol paper, lettered in mint watercolor ink; hand-lettered minimalist hello greeting card in mint; gold color block hand-painted canvas wristlet clutch (approx. 7 x 4"), features detachable wrist strap and zippered opening; hand-lettered happy birthday greeting card in mint; bonus roll of metallic gold triangle print decorative masking tape!

Promo Code

Start shopping tomorrow morning and use code GOPARTY to get $5 off $10 or more through August 14! Plus, for every purchase you make this week, you will receive another coupon code to use on a future purchase through September!

New Shop Products 

I'm excited to reveal some new shop products in connection with the grand opening party! These new products are one-of-a-kind and available now!

Hand-Stamped Gold Arrows Canvas Clutch // Hand-Stamped Bicycle Blank Mini Moleskine Journal Set
Hand-Drawn Minimalist Hello Greeting Cards // Hand-Stamped Nautical Blank Mini Moleskine Journal Set
Hand-Painted Explore Canvas Panel // Hand-Stamped Turquoise Anchor Canvas Clutch

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Grand Opening: ELM Creative Shop + Sale

I am so excited to announce the GRAND OPENING of my shop on art-hosting site Society6! And what better way to celebrate than with a sale?! Get free shipping + 20% off all apparel, tote bags, phone cases, and mugs!

This shop has helped to fuel my creativity as I have been working hard to fill it with new designs and art pieces. I launched it with a soft opening several months ago, but wanted to add more of my original work before the grand opening. Now I have not only my photography for sale, but also some of my painting and lettering designs!

Please come check out what I currently have to offer! Also, if you sign up for my ELM Creative email updates, you will be the first to know about new designs and sales! (Updates are only periodic and definitely NOT spammy, I promise!)

I'm so thankful for the support and encouragement I have already received. I've always wanted to have a shop of my own and now I get to! My goal is to create unique designs and also meet the requests of my shoppers. So, if you have a particular design you would like to see, let me know! The sky's the limit!

>> Shop at ELM Creative now! <<

My Summer Beauty Picks

With warmer days right around the corner, spring is a perfect time to get your beauty routine summer-ready. I don't know about you, but winter leaves me feeling sort of bleh. I've usually over-indulged in heavy foods, worn thick sweaters and long pants, and haven't seen my toes for months.

Along with getting active and eating healthier foods, I want to use some great beauty products to help me get ready for summer. I created this board with 12 of my top picks to share with all of you. Whether you're planning a stay-cation or going on a vacation, get your skin and beauty routine summer-ready with these products.

1. Bath & Body Works Wild Madagascar Vanilla Body Scrub - One of the first steps to getting your skin ready for summer is by exfoliating. Bath & Body Works' scrubs will definitely help with that! Find one in a new summery scent (like this one!) and make sure to get the corresponding Ultra Shea Body Cream for hydration and the Fragrance Mist to lock in the scent.

2. Banana Boat Summer Color Self-Tanning Mist - Tanning in the sun is fun, but isn't always safe. If you're looking for a good self-tanner, I recommend Airbrush Color from Banana Boat. It's easy to apply, and doesn't turn you orange. You can get a little color from one application or build a deeper color over several days.

3. Mary Kay Botanical Effects Cleanse - I recently started using this cleanser and I love it. I'm adding it to my summer beauty routine because it not only keeps my skin clear, but is lightweight and will be perfect for cleansing away chlorine, dirt and sun screen.

4. Clean Clear Morning Glow Moisturizer with SPF 15 - I'm always on the lookout for facial products that have SPF built in, especially during the summer. I recommend starting with this moisturizer, it's light and will brighten your skin.

5. Garnier Fructis De-Constructed Beach Chic Texturizing Spray - Whether or not you're actually at the beach, you can still get beachy waves with this texturizing spray. You can scrunch it into damp hair before you dry, or twist your hair up and leave overnight for extra waves. Who doesn't love an effortless hairstyle during the summer?

6. Not Your Mother's Clean Freak Dry Shampoo - I almost never wash my hair two days in a row, so dry shampoo is a staple. I recommend this one because it leaves hair looking fresh and not greasy. Use it to extend the life of your blowout or save time when you're getting ready for the day.

7. Maybelline Baby Lips Lip Balm - Summertime and the activities that come with it can definitely dry out your skin. Keep your lips soft, hydrated, and protected from the sun with the SPF 20 in this balm.

8. Neutrogena Naturals Cleansing Towelettes - I'm a big fan of makeup remover towelettes, especially when I'm using waterproof products. I really like these from Neutrogena because they are free of parabens, sulfates, harsh chemicals, and dyes. They're great for when you're on-the-go, or times when you might be tempted to go to bed without washing your face.

9. Bliss Spa Fat Girl Slim - I got turned onto this product when I was looking for a skin-firming cream with caffeine before my wedding. After one application I noticed the skin on my arms looking firmer and smoother. It's not a weight loss tool, but it's great for giving your skin and confidence a boost.

10. Bath Body Brush - Another great exfoliating tool is a bath brush. This brush can be used on dry skin, but I prefer to use it in the shower. I apply body wash and use it to scrub dry skin and cellulite problem areas.

11. e.l.f. All Over Color Stick in Golden Peach - I love using a shimmering bronzing stick to create a sun-kissed glow. With this color stick by e.l.f., a little goes a long way, and it only costs $1!

12. NYX Mineral Matte Finishing Powder - Set your summer look with this super lightweight finishing powder. A little goes a long way and leaves a soft finish.

What are your favorite summer beauty products? Share them in the comments!

Dressember Days 30 + 31: The Recap, The Outtakes, The Lessons

While Dressember has officially ended, donations may be given through January 31. If you feel called to give, please visit my challenge page, https://support.dressemberfoundation.org/elisemance.

When I first decided to participate in Dressember, 31 days seemed like a long time. Now that it's over, in some ways it feels even longer, but at the same time, I can't believe it's already done.

I set out on this journey thanks to a tweet and a well-scripted video. I was intrigued first, then captivated, then sold, and underneath it all, heartbroken. This wasn't the first time I'd heard about human trafficking. It wasn't the first time I'd given money to IJM. But it was the first time I did something like this.

I don't normally ask people for money. The last time I did, I was in college and we were trying to collect tuition money for a friend. I know times are tough for many people, many of us get by month-to-month. I don't like fundraising for mission trips because all I can think about are my missionary friends who need the money far more than I do for a simple week-long venture. I always feel sort of selfish.

But this was something different, and I was determined to do it. I liked the challenge aspect, wearing only dresses for the month of December. It was something I could do to raise awareness about the cause. And I liked that the money was going to an organization I have and will continue to support. I didn't really know how far it would go or how much we could raise, but I set a goal that I thought was pretty high, and set off on this adventure.

Outtakes from some of my Dressember "photo-shoots."

I always knew that this wasn't a one-woman operation. I just hoped other people would buy into the mission of Dressember like I had. That would be what would make or break this whole challenge. Would others see the value in it like I had? Or would I just be shouting into the void with nothing in response? I hadn't invested much personally, but I was still worried that this could crash and burn and all that would be listed on the challenge page would be my donation.

Hope is a funny thing, though. It flies in the face of doubt and uncertainty. It burns in the darkness like flame, calling you to focus on it alone. And that's what I did. Day after day, week after week, throughout the month of December, I internally held my breath and hoped for success. There were great days when people gave and I knew we could do this. There were even more days when no donations came in, but I couldn't give up. Maybe we wouldn't reach $1,000, but that was okay. Anything would help.

But now, here we are, at the end and we more than made it. We passed the goal. Together 17 different donations became one big piece of an even bigger number. We joined hands and voices, saying with gifts of money that injustice shouldn't be tolerated in our world. We want something better.

Isn't it funny how much you learn about yourself when you do something for someone else? This whole experience taught me so many things I don't think I would've learned otherwise. Things that only came about as a result of this month, this initiative, and these results. Here are some of the things I learned:

I learned that I can. It sort of feels like Obama's election tagline, "Yes we can." But it's more than just a catchphrase or a collection of words and hopes. Learning that you can do something is empowering, especially in the seasons of life when you're not so sure. Sometimes I question what I'm doing and where I'm going. Life can feel directionless and confusing. Dressember has shown me that I can be successful at new and different things, and I shouldn't skip something just because I might fail.

I learned about making a difference. It's kind of popular to tout that "we can make a difference" but it's true. The thing with changing lives or the world is a lot of times you don't see it. It's like the pebble that makes the ripples, it sinks to the bottom and doesn't see what it's done, meanwhile the surface is changed. We're the pebble. We can't always see or measure the difference we make. Whether it takes decades to manifest itself, or it happens across the world, or it happens after we are gone, we usually miss it.

With Dressember, a lot of us will never know the lives our donations will change. We won't learn the names of the families, see the faces of the children, but we will change lives. We will make a difference. This truth should spur us on in the times when we don't feel like we're accomplishing much of anything. Change and differences happen even when we're not looking.

I learned to take a chance. I usually like to play it safe. I don't risk a lot because I don't want to fall on my face when I fail. It's a pride thing. But if I never take a risk, how will I grow and change and do new things? Dressember wasn't really a risk, but it set an example. It was something totally new and different, outside my comfort zone and beyond my personal experience. Would it have been any less valuable if I had failed or hadn't reached my goal? No way!

So it is with chances in life. Even if we fail at the things we try, we still get something out of it. A lesson, a new direction, personal growth, a friend. We can't let the fear of failure, the uncertainty of the unknown, keep us paralyzed in a state of inaction. How else will we change the world?

Dressember Day 30

For the second-to-last day of Dressember, I decided to style this Loft dress from day 16. I wanted to bring out a few dresses at the end that I had only worn once this month for one last re-style. This time, I paired the patterned dress with the oversize cream cardigan from day 13, plus an off-white scarf. Ponte pants, a belt and boots finished out the look.

Dressember Day 31

Since we met my Dressember goal, I wanted to create a fun party look that would still be work appropriate. I decided to style my floral lace dress from day 6 with a flowy, open-front cardigan from Loft. I belted the dress and added sweater tights and boots for warmth.

Here is my last Polyvore board detailing these looks with the same or similar pieces. Find a collection of all my Dressember style boards here. I wore a total of 14 different dresses throughout the month, restyling all but two at least once.

Dressember Days 27 + 28 + 29: What Would You Give?

I have some great news today! As of last night we are 90 percent of the way to the goal I set and have less than $100 to raise! I am always so excited and yet overwhelmed by the generosity of my family and friends. We can do this! We can meet our goal and declare together that slavery and human trafficking cannot, must not continue!

This week, my mind keeps going back to one simple question: What would you give? Imagine a world where a woman who is precious to you was kidnapped, sold into slavery, trapped in prostitution. It could be your sister, or daughter, or mother, or wife, or best friend, or cousin. It could be a woman who means the world to you, or one you can't wait to see grow up, or one you've known all your life. What would you do to rescue them? What would you give?

Thankfully, most of us haven't experienced this. We can't fathom what it would be like, the feelings of helplessness, the crazed desire to be reunited, the longing to see justice served. We go about our days not really considering what is reality for many people who have lost a girl they love. People who would give anything to see their child found, but feel powerless.

If this was you, if you lost someone, no doubt you would empty your bank account to find the one you love. No doubt you would organize searches, make endless phone calls, do whatever it took. But you couldn't do it alone. You would need the strength of many men, the voices of many women, the help of everyone you could find. You would be asking them, "What can you give to help me?" And you would hope they would give as much as they could, and then some.

Now is our chance to answer that question. So many people are crying out, but their voices are not heard. So many need justice, rescue, help that we can give. What can you give? What would you give? What would you hope others would give? I ask you to think about these questions. We are in the final days of this fundraising initiative called Dressember. We are so near the end and so close to the goal. No, slavery won't be gone on January 1, but it will be dealt a blow. How hard, and by how many, remains to be seen.

Will you join us? Will you give whatever you can to a cause so beyond all of us individually, but not beyond us when we stand together? Will you stand with me? If the answer is yes, please click this link to visit my Dressember fundraising page. There will be an option to donate, where you can answer this question: What would you give? Thank you for considering, and if you have already given, thank you for your gift! We will change the world.

Dressember Day 27

Today was one of the colder days we've had this month, so I went with a warmer option by layering with a burgundy pull-over sweater. I paired it with my black Loft dress from days 3, 9, 14, and 22. It does create a somewhat bulky look, but most of the day it was hiding under my olive anorak (included on my Polyvore board from day 11).

Dressember Day 28

Day 28 was also chilly, and since we were going to church, I wanted something that looked nice and simple. I chose my Lauren Conrad sweater dress--from day 2 and day 8--since I hadn't worn it in a while. I paired it with charcoal tights and my berry scarf, along with a necklace I made the day before (pictured below).

Dressember Day 29

Today I decided to find another way to style my olive t-shirt dress from days 13 and 20. This time I paired it with my geometric Loft cardigan from day 4, belted at the waist, and added leggings and knee-high socks under my boots.

As always, here are the details of each day's styles with the same or similar pieces.