Check check.

{Shirt: J. Crew | Dress (worn as skirt): Forever 21 | Boots: Steve Madden | Necklace: Nordstrom}

This ensemble was definitely out of my comfort zone! I figured I needed to keep trying out the dress as skirt trend, but I wasn't quite sure how to do it. I've seen Rachel Sayumi tie up her button downs over skirts and dresses, and thought I'd give it a try. I'd say her expertise in the matter is highly evolved from my effort, but I guess it was worth a shot!

Blogger Feature: Heather & Kayla of H&K Style Journey

Please welcome Heather & Kayla of H&K Style Journey to The Daily Dani! The concept of their blog - "A Mother & Daughter's Journey to Look Stylish On A Budget" - is so awesome! I love seeing their mother/daughter remixes full of adorable outfits!

3 words to describe your personal style?
Heather:  Classic with a modern and trendy twist
Kayla: Casual, comfortable, affordable

Who are your celebrity style icons?
Heather and Kayla: This is hard to choose just a few but we would have to say that we love Reese Witherspoon for her classic and effortlessly chic style.  Rachel Bilson is adorable, she adds some trendy features to her outfits, but she dresses perfect for her petite size.  Victoria Beckam for always looking so pulled together and polished.  She has some fabulous dresses and we admire that she can walk around in those super high stilettos!

What is your most meaningful item of jewelry?
Heather:  My wedding band would be my most meaningful piece of jewelry.  I have been married to my husaband for over 11 years and a wedding band is the ultimate commitment.  I would also have to say a ring that was my grandma's.  It's a beautiful blue stone called a Lindy Star and when it shines in the light, it looks like a starburst.
Kayla:  I have a Breast Cancer Awareness bracelet.  We have had breast cancer affect our family, so this is a meaningful piece of jewelry to me to always remember.

Who are your favorite bloggers, and why?
Heather & Kayla:  This is a really hard question since we read so many great blogs and so many of them are very different.  We have made so many great blog friends in our short time of blogging, that we would feel bad leaving anyone out. 

A few that we both really enjoy reading daily are Tiffany of Breakfast with Tiffany.  Tiffany seems like she should be a great real life friend and someone that we would love to hang out with.  She was one of our very first blog friends very early on in our end of the blog world.  She is absolutely adorable, dresses very much like both of us would dress, she is a mom juggling career and a family just like Heather, and she always does Tasty Tuesday in which she shares some delicious recipes (we both really like food, ha ha!).

Another one of our favorite bloggers is Van from The Clothes We Wear.  Van is so personable and sweet.  She takes the time to send emails just to say hello and see how we are.  She is a great pattern mixer, an expert layerer (is that even a word?), and makes so many beautiful outfits using texture and color.  We also like Van's style because she is kind of like a style chameleon like we are.  She can look great dressing up or dressing casual.

Last but not least we have really enjoyed getting to know Megan from Megan Mae Daily.  Her style sometimes is very different from what the two of us would wear, but that's why we love her blog.  Megan has a fabulous collection of boots and shoes and some awesome All Saints pieces.  Megan was also kind enough to send us a really cool belt and flower button that she made out of men's ties.

We also really enjoy reading Tracy at The Closet Shopper, Emily at Tinfoil Tiaras, Sage at Sweet and Sage, and Bessie at Bravoe Runway, and of course The Daily Dani!

I love your blogging style - mother/daughter inspiration - what about each of you inspires the other, fashionably or otherwise?
Heather:  Although Kayla and I don't always see eye to eye (she is a teenager, ya know), one thing we agree on most of the time is our fashion.  It's fun to be able to share a lot of the same clothes, because it's like double the closet!  I don't know if this would be considered something inspiring, but I do admire the fact that Kayla doesn't lie to me when she doesn't like something that I am wearing.  She is my worst critic when it comes to fashion, but a lot of time she sees a piece of clothing that I am wearing and she gets inspired to try and make that piece work for her.   That's inspiring to me because maybe I am inspiring her to try new things when it comes to fashion, while teaching her to dress for her body type and to be confident in how she dresses.
Kayla:  My mom inspires me into trying out new things that I may not necessarily think works for me.  Usually once I try something out, I end up seeing something totally different.  My mom asked me try on a wrap dress that I was hesitant about because I am a little curvy.  I ended up really liking the way the dress fit me!  Without my mom bugging me to at least try the dress on, I would have never known how much I like wrap dresses.

Heather, can you name a favorite childhood moment of Kayla and clothing?
I could go on and on with this question since I am a mom, and that's what moms do, but I will try and keep this short.  Some of my favorite childhood moments of Kayla are just the simple things like her cuddling with me, going on her first camping and canoeing trip when she was three, watching her in her many dance recitals, and watching her grow up into a smart and beautiful young lady.  A favorite outfit that Kayla wore when she was probably about 6 months or so was a black Baby Gap dress that I had received for my baby shower.  It was so exciting to have this black dress with white stitching amid all of the pink!  I paired the dress with black patent leather mary janes and a little headband scrunchie thing with a bow.

I feel most myself when I’m wearing:
Heather:  Other than my comfy pajamas, I would say heels! There is just something about high heels that make you want to walk with your head held high. 
Kayla:  Jeans and a cute top.  I like to keep things casual, but I do like to add little details like a statement necklace or my beanie hat.

Make sure you head over to H&K Style Journey and check out their wonderful posts - especially their latest, beginning a series on rebuilding your wardrobe!

2012 Screen Actors Guild Awards - Fashion!

Truth be told, I've never really been a fan of awards shows. Maybe I overdid it as a child with the Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards, or as a teen with MTV's tragic VMAs and Movie Awards, but there's something about sitting through 3 hours of presenters that makes me far too anxious. I do, however, LOVE to see what everyone wears to the events! Luckily, the internet (and US Weekly) makes that very possible! I wanted to share with you some of my favorite (and least favorite!) looks from the night!

The Best

Rose: I'm sure this jumpsuit is going to get mixed reviews, but I LOVE it! It is such a fun alternative to an evening gown, the cut is incredibly flattering, and the hint of sparkle makes it extra special! // Jayma: Jayma is my favorite this year! I tend to be iffy on the clothes she wears, but I think she really nailed it with this sparkly black number! The neckline and train make it perfect for the occasion, while the sparkle and belted trend keep it looking modern and fun! // Jenna: Another dress I'm sure will get mixed reviews, but I happen to be in love with it. In my eyes, Rebecca Minkoff can basically do no wrong, and this sheer floral cut-out dress is no exception! I want this dress for myself! // Kaley: Yet another dress I'm guessing will cause a difference in opinion, I happen to just be in love with the color. This pale mint shade is so yummy, Kaley looked great in it, and I love that she did the braided headband hairdo. This look is definitely on the younger, fresher side. / Diana: While this pinky-purple gown doesn't exactly have a major WOW factor, I think she just looks fantastic in it. The color and cut are perfect for Diana, and I think she looks smashing.

The Worst

Oy vey. Zoe: This is just... wrong. The sheer top with the thick straps underneath is disconcerting. The drop-waist with the embellishment at the gut is confusing. The choker is not for me. And the strange trim at the hem? What? // Shailene: Poor girl. I get what she was trying to do... I think. But unfortunately, she's not Michelle Williams and kitschy chic just doesn't work for her yet. // Jessica: I'm sad to say this, because I love Jessica Chastain. However, this dress just makes me feel blah. The color is nice, I suppose. But the straight silhouette is boring, and that cupped bra top makes me feel like she forgot to get dressed. // Busy: I love Busy Phillips, too, but what is going on here? Where did she think she was going? I want to hem this 3 feet and plant her at a garden party with a white wine spritzer in her hand. // Lea: Homegirl is style schizophrenic. I need her to decide if she is demure or skanky, and stick with one. Judging by this slit up to her woo-woo, I think I know which direction she's leaning...

What IS this?!

If someone wants to explain this whole bizarre goth girl trend to me, feel free. I don't get it! Heather: No. // Glenn: No. // Ashlee: No, honey. // Amber: She is too beautiful to do this to herself... No... // Angelina: Brang, I still haven't forgiven you for stealing Brad from Jen, and I can't forgive you for wearing this dress either. Capital N-O.

Most Handsome Gentlemen 

Jesse: Oh boy, do I love a snazzy dresser. I want every man I meet to wear funky suede shoes. Jesse, you had me at pinstripes... // Jack: Attempt to draw your eyes away from his face and check out this fantastic three-piece navy suit. // Cory: Cory looks incredibly classic, and he's doing it well. // Michael: Michael Pitt has been one of my favorites ever since he was on Dawson's Creek. (I hope you all remember this. If not, don't worry, his face seems to be permanently frozen at age 14.) Anyway, I think he looked awesome tonight. I love the bad boy-esque motif, and I never would have thought to pair these tough boots and open collar with such a handsome suit. // Ty: I said it before, and I'll say it again. I love a snazzy dresser!

Cutest Couples

John & Emily: Emily might actually tie Jayma for my favorite this year. This dress is unbelievable! The green makes a major impact, the slit is actually styled tastefully, and it fits Emily like a glove!  John stands by her side looking just as flawless and absolutely handsome. // Armie & Elizabeth: Has a classic tux ever looked so good? Sigh. I love when celebrity wives choose their dresses wisely. Elizabeth looks absolutely beautiful, but fits next to Armie perfectly - she compliments, but doesn't outshine him. // Mike & Courtney: Another desperately handsome man styled impeccably with a fabulously-dressed wife to match!


So what do you all think? Do you agree/disagree? Who were your favorites this year? Who did I leave out? 

New 'Do.

{Shirt: Foreign Exchange | Cardigan & Pants: Urban Outfitters | Shoes: Toms | Watch: Nordstrom | Scarf | LuluandLoie on Etsy}

I got my hurr did. (Non-Missy Elliot-related translation: I got my hair done.) My awesome stylist gave me a great deal on the Brazilian Blowout & a cut, so I went for it! It pretty much feels softer than anything ever, and I'm excited to see how much styling time I'm able to cut out once I start to work with my curls! Yay!

Also, I threw this outfit together in my head/in my sleep the night before I wore it, and I'd say it's one of my best last-minute idea outfits in awhile! Sometimes, a girl's just got to wear stripes, polka dots, and plaid at once, especially when she works from 7:45am-10:30pm. ZzzZzzZzz...

Flower-tastic

{Urban Outfitters Blazer & Jeans | Nordstrom Tunic (similar) & Scarf | Steve Madden Boots | Vintage Necklace}

So, I bought this blazer almost 3 years ago. It fit wrong in all the right places, and I knew I needed to get it tailored. After I did so, it fit well, but I had literally zero clue how to style it. I was all set to part with it, after having not worn it once, then I got a spark of genius (wear all black, duh), dug it out of the donation bag, and put it on! Ta-da!

I got a lot of compliments today, but I'm still not quite sure it's "me." What do you all think? Is this floral blazer a keeper or what?

Sponsor {the daily dani} in FEBRUARY!

The Daily Dani is now accepting sponsors, partners, and affiliates for February!

Sponsorships/partnerships available:

Ad space.

Review, feature, or wear.
Giveaways.

 If you're interested, send me an e-mail [danisays@yahoo.com] for more information!

Stripes, Glasses, Emotional Breakdowns, and a Winner!

{Shirt: Old Navy | Jeans & Watch: Urban Outfitters | Scarf : Nordstrom | Bangles: Forever 21 & Vintage | Wedges: Modcloth | Glasses: c/o GlassesUSA | Purse: Luna}

I wore this outfit Sunday night to go see Dashboard Confessional. You read that right. Chris Carrabba, the boy whose face, voice, and wholeheartedly depressing music I fell in love with when I was 12, played a solo acoustic show at The Glass House in Pomona, and I loved every minute of it. By loved, I mean almost had a full-on emotional breakdown and had to stop myself from crying because his songs are so sad AND GOOD. But really, I loved it.

Also, we've got a winner of the Shabby Apple Duchess Black Cameo Necklace! The winner is... [drumrollllll... seriously that joke won't ever get old...]

Debra!

 (I'll be sending you an e-mail shortly!)

Skulls & Scarves

{Sweater: YesStyle | Jeans: Urban Outfitters | Socks: Steve Madden | Boots: Hunter | Scarf: Nasty Gal}

Here I am again, in the shining sun and a thick scarf. To my credit, it was in the 50s when we took these photos. We're having a cold spell - highs in the 60s. Hahaha.

I love my Hunter boots. Love. Did I say love? I meant... LOVE. I will continue wearing them when it isn't raining. They're perfect for things like: (1) work, (2) dog walking, (3) staring at your feet with hearts in your eyes.



By the way... you have until 10pm PST tonight to enter my Shabby Apple Giveaway!

Blogger Feature: Rachel of xoxo Rachel Sayumi.

Please welcome the cutiest-patootiest girl ever, Rachel of xoxo Rachel Sayumi, to The Daily Dani! 

3 words to describe your personal style?
I would have to say...
1. Modest; it's something that's really important to me,and it's definitely #1 on my checklist!
2. Colorful; sometimes I mix some crazy colors together. I think it's so fun!
3. Versatile; There have been weeks where I've worn the same shirt three times,but in a different way! It's important to me that I can wear something more than just once in a while! (:

What would you consider the 5 essential items to a fashionable wardrobe?
 1. A good pair of skinny jeans!
2. A nice collared shirt. They can be dressed up or down! I'm obsessed with collared shirts.
3. A staple black skirt or dress.  
4. A good pair of shoes you can wear with anything. For me,it would have to be my bootie wedges! I can wear them with a dress or jeans!
5. A "statement" piece of jewelry- preferrably a watch or a necklace!

What is your favorite/most versatile accessory?
 Ohh. That's a tricky one! Lately I've been wearing my lace shirt a lot,but in different ways! Same with my chambray top!! I adore them both so much! (:

You are definitely a model of modest fashion in the blogosphere. How do you maintain your modesty while still appearing fashionable?  

Modesty is a big part of my life. As a young girl,my mother always emphasized the importance of not dressing "of the world," but to dress in a way that inner beauty is reflected by the way I dress rather than how much skin I show. Not gonna lie- I've never had a problem with wanting to dress immodestly. I actually feel really uncomfortable if my skirt is too short, etc. However, I truly am loving the fact that recent styles have been more in accordance with my church's standards. It makes me so happy! I definitely used to be one of those "Only Hollister-Wearing" girls back in the day. But through blogging, I have gotten a lot of inspiration from other modest fashion bloggers. Now I'm crazy about dressing up. It's all thanks to people who fashion blog that I have been able to not only be modest, but appear fashionable while keeping my standards!

Who are your favorite bloggers, and why?
Ahhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!! This is SUCH a tough question!! I stalk other fashion blogs hardcore... But I would have to say that some of my most favorite, inspired-by blogs are:
Steffy from Steffy's Pros and Cons. I LOVE Steffy's collection of amazing clothes. My eyes seriously drool over her outfits! Her pattern and color mixing is pure genius. She always looks effortlessly cool.
Kristine from Kristine. Or Polly. Kristine is just the cutest lil thing ever! She knows exactly how to put together a completed look. She is very sweet and simple,yet bold. I love her style.
Kristina from KRISTINA J/Krista from Lazy Saturdays. These ladies both have some amazing DIY tutorials! They're both sooo talented! I wish I could sew like them!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 

Can you name a childhood moment of you and clothing?
 I'm still the same way,but I usually pick out what I'm going to wear the night before. My parents have pictures of my outfits all layed out on the floor,exactly how I'd wear it. The necklace would be in the right spot... Socks. Shoes. Everything. I would even put my panties on top of the skirt/pants I was going to wear! Good times.

I feel most myself when I’m wearing: 
A collared shirt with a pretty skirt and tights,or a big T-shirt with leggings. Either way,I am pretty dang comfy! Haha!

What did I tell you? Cutiest-patootiest and super sweet to boot! Make sure you go visit her over at xoxo Rachel Sayumi to see more of her preciousness!