Guest posting again!

Hey, all! Today I'm guest posting over at nelle creations on how to style maxi skirts!

Check it out!

Freshly picked from the pumpkin patch.

{Top: eShakti | Skirt: Target | Boots: Forever 21 | Watch: Nordstrom}

This is what I wore on Saturday night to the Yost Theater in Santa Ana for Melissa's birthday! It's an electronic dance music club, which as I've stated before (probably 100x), I'm totally not into! Haha. But a few of us found a little "hip hop" room where we spent a lot of the night, and ended up having a ton of fun dancing!

I got this top from eShakti awhile ago, and have been waiting for the appropriate occasion to wear it. (Have you noticed a trend here? I'm trying to to do this less - my shopping goals for 2012 are to only buy things that I will wear, and that are versatile with other items in my wardrobe and for the occasions in my life!) Anyway, I've talked about eShakti here before, but I'm still a fan! The fact that all of their neck and bust lines, sleeve, and hem lengths are customizable is such an awesome perk! It's the perfect way to fit a curvy figure or a modest lifestyle! Here are a few eShakti items I've had my eye on lately...

{Rose garden tea dress | Water lilies dress | Bandwidth skirt | Undulation skirt}

P.S. You have till 10pm PST tonight to enter my Hana Flat Iron Giveaway!

Blogger Feature: Hilary of Young & Naive

Please welcome one of my favorite new buddies here in the blogosphere, Hilary from Young & Naive. I love her calm, cool, and collected personality, and her street chic style!

3 words to describe your personal style? 

I would say minimalistic, neutral, with a few bursts of color. Minimalistic because if you noticed, in all my outfits I wear few pieces of jewelry. In my opinion, beauty stands well on its own. I think a simple outfit is one that looks the most put together. Neutral, this is because I rarely wear bright clothing. I love black, white, tan, gray and all the above. Its just who I am but that "burst of color" above is when I accentuate with shoes or purses or head wraps that have a bunch of color.

Who are your celebrity style icons? 
 Rachel Bilson is my main celebrity style icon. I love her effortless California style. She is simplistic and minimalistic and loves neutrals as much as I do. And she always looks put together, whether she is in leggings and rain boots or a dress and heels. Also Rachel Zoe, who doesn't love some Zoe in their life? Although she always wears jewelry, the outfits she puts together look absolutely amazing at all times. I've never not been impressed by her style.
 
What is your favorite item in your closet?  
My favorite item in my closet is my high waisted dark jeans from Urban Outfitters. I love the basics as mentioned above. I think black biker boots, a slouchy black tee, and skinnies might be arguably the best outfit. Sure, heels and booties are great and look fantastic but who dresses like that every day? As a student I sure don't. Comfort is key in my closet!

What would you consider the 5 essential items to a fashionable wardrobe?  

Five essential items, thats a tough one because I'm a sucker for anything and everything shoes and clothing. I would say that the five essential items to a fashionable wardrobe would be: a pair of riding/biker boots, dark skinnies, plaid shirt, vibrant wedges or heels, and a classic white v-neck. With those five things you can already come up with at least three different outfits. For a broke college kid, revamping is everything for my fashion and personal style.

What is your go-to, never-fail outfit?  

Well that goes along with the question below. It all depends on the season and the weather. In the summertime, a tank and maxi skirt with a pair of gladiators is my go to outfit. In the fall, a pair of riding boots with a long cardigan and white v-neck. In the winter/snow, my winter boots and as much clothing as possible (it gets cold people). And in the spring, a fun colored pair of heels with jeans and a slouchy tee.

Here in Southern California, we don't exactly get true "seasons." How does seasonal weather affect your wardrobe choices?  

Seasonal weather can be your best friend or your worst enemy, it just depends on how you look at it. Personally, I love having every season especially for the style that comes along with it. Ohio has crazy temperamental weather. It can be 50 degrees on a day in January, then the next day it could be sleeting/snowing and hailing with a 30 degree temperature. That being said, layering is key here in the winter and that is how my wardrobe is affected. I don't get to wear a lot of my cute frilly shirts because they simply look stupid when layered. You'll see on my blog that my fashion choices in the winter are much more simple than my spring/summer/fall outfits.

As a student/young professional, how do you find a balance between fashion and comfort/professionalism/appropriateness? 

It's not hard to find a balance between fashion and professionalism. Zara is my favorite place to get work clothing/sorority meeting clothing. I try to pick out clothing that I could wear out with a pair of jeans and heels or wear to work with a skirt and heels. I try to be age appropriate too, nothing bothers me more than people who don't act their age.

One trend I'm dying to try is the bright orange spring trend that is going on right now. I need some more colors in my life.

I feel most myself when I’m wearing: a pair of leggings, riding boots, flannel, v-neck and hair in a bun on top of my head. This is when I am most comfortable and it gives me the ability to do whatever I want to do!

Thanks, Hilary! Make sure you all head over to Young & Naive to see more of Hilary's lovely looks!

2012 Academy Awards - Fashion!

I've told you all before that I don't really watch awards shows anymore - but surprise! This year, I watched the Oscars! I got to scope out a few more outfits than I can usually find in red carpet photos, so that was exciting! The show moved along, I suppose, but it hasn't made me an awards show junkie yet. ;) Moving on, most importantly... the fashion!

My Favorites

Michelle: Michelle is hands-down my favorite tonight! The cut, the fit, the peplum, the seaming, the pleats... she is nothing short of perfection! I may be biased, as I'm pretty much obsessed with her, but really, this watermelon gown is STUNNING. // Emma: A redhead who can pull of wearing red is a magical thing. This dress is classic and beautiful, and the bow gives it just an extra bit of fun. Plus, she was so cute when she was presenting. But when isn't she cute?! // Octavia: I don't know if I've ever seen a woman with a curvy figure dress her body this well! Everything about this dress is so flattering on Octavia! I love that she wore attention-grabbing white and tons of sparkle, and the gathering at the waist looks perfect on her.

The Best

Milla: Milla's dress tonight was gorgeous, but the dress she wore at the Academy Tech Awards was even better! I love this sparkly mauve gown. Homegirl knows fashion. // Leslie: As if being super hilarious, talented, and married to a super hilarious, talented man wasn't enough, Leslie Mann is GORGEOUS. This navy number looks beautiful on her skin, and the combination of strategically placed beading and draping is so flattering on her long, lean figure. Love her! // Kristin: I tend to not to love nude, bandage-y numbers, but Kristin just looks great in this. As a Sex & The City fanatic, it immediately reminded me of a dress Carrie wore in Season 2. I love the fitted bodice and ruffled skirt, and the nude color ended up looking lovely against her warm brown hair. // Berenice: Upon first site, I hated this dress. On the red carpet, I thought the color looked washed out and the beading was chintzy. However, when I saw it on-camera at the awards, it was magnificent. It was a vivid mint color, with just the right amount of sparkle! // Kate: This is simple, but I like it. Either that, or I just can't believe this beautiful woman came from the same genes as her wacky-lookin' sister. // Missi: This aqua color is just exquisite, and the fit is perfect for the always-hilarious Missi. Also, this is a "green" dress - made of organic silk, hand-dyed with natural mineral pigments and lined with recycled polyester. What's not to love about supporting sustainability and eco-friendly living?

The Worst

 I have to admit, there were few horrible gowns tonight. While many people were underwhelming, I could only really choose two "worst" dressed. Rooney: What happened to this girl? Where did Kate and Rooney decide to go in completely different directions? Kate - normal. Rooney - to the moon. If it were possibly to ignore her bizarre bangs and ridiculously harsh makeup, could I ignore her weird alien boob cups? I just... I can't. // Shailene: I'm not sure if Shailene has a stylist. If not, she needs one. If she does, she needs to fire the one she has. I know she is trying to be unconventional, and she succeeded in this, but like she did at the Golden Globes, she keeps missing the mark. The fit is off, the length is off, and I don't even know what this is. Is it made of neoprene? Ay ay ay...

Reporters to Report On!

Some of my favorite looks tonight came from the women who are usually reporting the fashion trends! Louise: Isn't she just lovely? I love that this look is unique, yet still has a classic air and is so incredibly flattering. The blush tone is beautiful, and her hair looked fantastic. // Maria: I'm not a big Maria Menunos fan, but I love this dress! It was nice to see something almost ethereal on her. Can you tell I love myself some sea foam green? // Giuliana: Oh boy. From the illusion neckline to the strong shoulders to the incredibly flattering beading pattern, she nailed it. I think she looks gorgeous here!

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

{Top: Nordstrom | Pants: Foreign Exchange | Wedges: Modcloth | Purse: Forever 21}

I'd been looking for the best way to wear this top since I got it in December. I thought it was too dressy for work (though I may be able to dress it down), and I don't have that many "going-out" occasions.  So when I got to go out last weekend in Downtown LA for my friend Ashley's birthday, I chose this top! I wrestled between these pants and a skirt, and I think I could have gone either way, but I'm pretty happy with how this look turned out. I thought I looked cute. Or like a cute cater waiter, at least.

Did someone say cater waiter?

Also, my cat, Zachary, totally photo-bombed me. At least he matches my outfit.

Shorty got low.

{Shirt: Forever 21 | Jeans: JustFab | Boots: Ugg | Watch: Nordstrom | Scarf: Lulu & Loie}

When I first got these, it was before Snooki ruined furry boots, before people referred to furry boots as "boots wit da fur," and before the rave scene infiltrated mainstream fashion. Despite all that, I still love them, and so do all of the 3-year-olds who couldn't stop touching them at work when I wore them. I feel like a Shetland Pony in these boots, and I mean that in the best way.

Review & GIVEAWAY: HANA Titanium Flat Iron from Misikko

Throughout my past year or so of blogging, I will admit to you: I've been totally jealous of all the bloggers getting to review flat irons and hair dryers! So when Misikko contacted me to review one of their products, I had a legitimately difficult time deciding between a Hana Salon flat iron and a hair dryer! Ultimately, I decided that I'd be unlikely to spend much more than $20 on a blow dryer, so I went with the flat iron! I'm a total slave to my Chi straightener, so I wanted to see if a different flat iron could make a difference!

When I opened the package from Misikko, I was so excited! Not only did the flat iron come with a carrying case, travel case, no-slip heat pad, and guide, but they included some great goodies - like shine serum, a turbie twist, make-up and more! What a lovely surprise!

Turns out, the Hana flat iron totally lived up to its claims! I have fairly coarse, frizzy, curly hair, and it was able to get my hair virtually stick-straight!

It worked just as well as my Chi straightener, and I'd definitely recommend it to anyone who was looking to try out a new flat iron!

GIVEAWAY!

That being said, I have a surprise for you all! Misikko accidentally sent me 2 packages - so they're giving me the opportunity to give one away to you! To enter, you must be a follower of my blog through Google Friend Connect, and all you have to do is leave me a comment with your e-mail!
For extra entries, you can follow me on: Bloglovin', Twitter, or Pinterest! (Leave a separate comment for each entry!) The giveaway will close Wednesday, Feb. 29 at 10pm PST. Good luck! :)

Correction: Pre-Strep

{Sweater: H&M | Skirt: Hawaii | Boots: Steve Madden | Scarf: Nordstrom | Watch: Urban Outfitters}

Comfiest outfit ever award. I actually realized later in the day that knotting this sweater up makes a really cute look, as well. I have tights on underneath this, too, but you can't see 'em. They were purely for warmth's sake. It was a chilly 50-something last week. It's back to the near-'80s this week, though. Hi, California February. (Or shall I say, hi from the comfort of my own infirmary?)

There's still something about wearing a maxi skirt that makes me feel really preschool teacher-y. More like, I should pair it with a denim one-button vest full of apple, ruler, pencil, & crayon pins, and then I'd feel really preschool teacher-y.

As you may see from my title, I was incorrect regarding the assumption that I had the flu. Turns out, I have strep throat. Even better. One more day off of work, a bottle full of antibiotics, and I think I'm finally on the mend. Now, if only my next 5-day weekend could be spent traipsing on the beach, rather than traipsing in a box of tissues.

Party hopping.

Happy Mardi Gras!

In honor of the ultimate party, Fat Tuesday, I'm guest partying for Bekah over at matters of merrymaking!

Check it out!

Pre-Flu.

{Shirt: J. Crew | Sweater & Belt: Nordstrom | Jeans: Urban Outfitters | Flats: Tory Burch

I wore this last week, before I got hit smack-dab in the face by the flu. I've never gotten a flu shot, but I'm thinking that years and years of wiping snotty noses has caught up with me, and I may need to get one next season.

Though you may not be able to tell by the washed-out face in these photos (thank you very much, almost-broken camera), and though it's hard for me to believe, I once wasn't a bed-ridden sickling.

There's something about a button-down/pullover/skinny belt combination that is just classic and makes me feel good. I'm not sure it screams "Dani!" but I do think it's a flattering look!

Now, back to my liquid diet...

Blogger Feature: Meg of Henning Love

Please welcome my fellow So Cal blogger Meg from henning love to The Daily Dani!

Happy Monday, the daily dani readers! I loved Dani's idea of a Q&A guest post when she asked me if I was interested. Of course I had to say yes to my sweet friend who I am still really hoping we meet soon, ehm, Dani ;-) For this Q&A, we are talking about Dani's favorite thing, fashion. I mean, she posts all her cute outfits and takes the latest trends and wears them in a way, for me, at least, that doesn't make the trend seem scary to try or too trendy in general. 

Onto the questions!

3 words to describe your personal style?

Hm... three words to describe my personal style, it would be versatility, classic and fun. I work full-time and I like to buy pieces that can be worn at work, I work in an office but fortunately I don't have to wear a suit, but I also want to wear them on the weekends. I said classic because for me I like to have pieces that can be worn easily from season to season. I don't want to buy a new wardrobe each season. Having the classics, a white shirt, pencil skirt to name a few helps me stick to what I know while trying on new styles from the seasons. Lastly, I said fun but I like to be playful with my outfits, I like to look cute and I don't want to be stiff looking in my outfits either. Plus when I am wearing a fun outfit, my attitude overall becomes more fun!

Who are your celebrity style icons?

My celebrity style icons are definitely Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon. I like Jennifer Aniston for the simplicity of her outfits, nothing too flashy or showy but they are classic. Reese because she is blonde like me, oh so adorable and her outfits are easily to re-create with pieces I already own without the high designer price tag! Both of those ladies are just gorgeous too!

Source: google.com via Melanie on Pinterest

Source: google.com via Sarah on Pinterest

Where do you find inspiration for your outfits?

If you asked me this question prior to being on Pinterest, I might have to think a bit more about my answer. But since I do have a Pinterest account, that is my number 1 inspiration for my outfits. Sometimes on my blog, I do a post that I call Pinspiration, I post the outfit I found on Pinterest and then I post a photo of me wearing the outfit I recreated. Other than that, I get my inspiration from clothing retailers and some of their looks. I try and use pieces I already own to re-create that look before I buy. 

How does living in Southern California influence your style?

Most definitely since we are in California and more laid back in our style, my outfits reflect that laid back style, although still put together. You won't catch me in a mini jean skirt and Ugg boots and always wearing my yoga pants but because we live in Southern California, my outfits are definitely more laid back, relaxed but still versatile, classic and fun!

I splurge on ____ and save on ____

What I splurge on most right now it is Essie nail polish colors, love them, love them!! I also like to splurge on jewelry pieces, a new ring, a new necklace or new bracelet. For saving, I would prefer to own a great looking pair of jeans, or a new top at Anthropologie but not everything in my closet can be Anthropologie so shopping there is far and few, although you can find some Anthropologie items on Ebay. I justify adding more Anthropologie pieces to my outfit if I outbid everyone else on Ebay. 

I feel most myself when I’m wearing:

When I have a pair of jeans, my boots, and a fun top that is when I most feel myself. I know I look cute, I feel like wearing that outfits says this is who Meg is. If I am not wearing my boots because the weather is too hot, I like to exchange my boots for a pair of flats and that still feels like I'm me. I have never ben a  high heel wearer, tons of make-up, tons of accessories wearer, so put me in a simple outfit of jeans, boots or flats and a cute top and I am me all the way!

Just a few outfits I love that I created on polyvore that mos represent me are:

Source: polyvore.com via Meg on Pinterest

and

Source: polyvore.com via Meg on Pinterest

If I am wearing either of those outfits, I am a happy camper, I feel cute, I look cute and I feel like me.

Thanks Dani for this fun Q&A! And now we gotta plan for our official meet-up, it has been a long time coming girl! 

Make sure you check out Meg's blog, henning love, and stay tuned for a recap when we finally do meet up! ;)

"Excuse me, Miss."

{Dress, Necklace, & Watch: Urban Outfitters | Belt: Kohl's | Tights: Target | Wedges: Modcloth}

I wore this outfit last weekend to Sutra in Newport for a friend of a friend's "launch party." What were they "launching?" I have no idea. I didn't meet them. But I did dance around a lot to a DJ I'd never  heard of.

I can't get enough of these wedges, and I haven't worn this dress since Christmas. This dress has a "built-in" slip, that's a little too short and sheer for my liking. I went to the restroom at the club and came out of my stall with it tucked into my tights. I mean  - worst nightmare, only happens in Seventeen Magazine embarrassing moments - tucked into my tights. Luckily, the bathroom attendant and another very nice club-goer fixed me. And I was embarrassed for the rest of the night.

Let's see if I wear this dress again anytime soon...