Red, Beige, & Blue

{Top & Watch: Nordstrom | Jeans: JustFab | Scarf: Free People | Boots: Steve Madden | Necklace: Boutique}

I'm so in love with this scarf! It is actually super gigantic and an almost exact depiction of a real American flag. Who knew Old Glory could be so fashionable after all? I decided to mix this USA staple with my arrowhead necklace (for the true Native American touch) and my cowboy boots - because what's America without the good old Wild Wild West?

Perhaps I went a little overboard on the proud to be an American theme.

Vintage Boots.

{Sweatshirt: Urban Outfitters | Jeans: JustFab | Boots: Vintage (Mom's) | Scarf: deroucheau etsy shop}

Can you tell I'm head over heels in love with this pumpkin-colored scarf? I have to stop myself from wearing it everyday. Honestly.

My mom was cleaning out her shoes to donate to Soles4Souls charity drive we're doing at work, and she came in to ask me if I wanted these beauties. She told me she's had them for probably 25 years, though I swear I've never even seen them! I thought the stitching and croc print was so unique - I've never seen anything like them! They're also pretty much perfectly broken in (I guess that's obvious, eh?), so they felt just lovely on my tootsies. Thanks, Mom!

Because I needed another pair of boots... ;)

Oink Oink.

{Blazer & Necklace: Forever 21 | Sweater: Old Navy | Pants: Urban Outfitters | Moccasins: Minnetonka | Watch: Nordstrom}

I'm having a bit of blogger's block today. Sometimes, I look at my outfits and think things like, "What else is there to say about an outfit involving a pink blazer besides, 'I'm wearing a pink blazer.'???" Also, after thinking things like this, sometimes I tweet them. And I get excellent advice from my homegirl Angie that leads me to sharing something like this with you...

Baby animal videos are a very slippery slope...

Confessions of a Blogger: 30x30 Success via Failure

{Jacket: J. Crew | Shirt: Target | Cords: Urban Outfitters | Shoes: Vans}

So. I was all set to do a Spring 30x30 Remix. Meaning, I picked out my 30 pieces, I even basically had 30 outfits planned out. Then I wore three of them (this was the 2nd), and decided I was over it. Haha! It had nothing to do with my past 30x30 complaints/stressors: not being prepared, being bored by my clothes, or not being able to come up with interesting outfits... Nope, it really came down to this realization: I'm truly on my way to mastering a remixable wardrobe! I'm no Kendi yet, by any means, but as I was putting together outfits for this spring remix, I realized that all the pieces I'd chosen actually went together... I wasn't doing crazy pattern mixing just to piece together outfits, or figuring out if I had enough colors or neutrals to make enough outfits - it all just fell into place!

Then I started to look at the rest of my wardrobe, and realized that a good amount of the wardrobe I've been building since I began blogging is highly remixable! Sure, I still have those random pieces that just don't fit in (and maybe never will) - oversized Hawaiian shirtdress, I'm talking to you - but for the most part, with every closet purge and every new purchase, my wardrobe is becoming highly functional!

When I buy clothing now, I think a lot harder about it. I don't just buy some wild print if I can't think of how I'm going to wear it with the rest of my clothes. I buy a lot more neutral and classic pieces because I know that I can remix them with the more unique pieces that I already do have. I'm not saying that a bunny rabbit print crop top won't jump out at me one day (imaginative, I know), but I am saying, I will have a much stronger urge to avoid it. ;)

Blogger Feature: Sarah of Raving Fashionista

I am so excited to be featuring Sarah of Raving Fashionista today on The Daily Dani! I admire Sarah's style so much! She has an exceptional way of making high fashion inspiration easy to relate to and super wearable for the everyday girl! I look forward to seeing her beautiful outfits and gorgeous photos each day!

3 words to describe your personal style?

feminine, eclectic, bohemian

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

1. a fun, bold pair of heels - This may sound cliche, but shoes make me happy.  My favorite are the kind that seem totally impractical, but are the perfect thing to throw on with a boring outfit and also look great sitting on a shelf like little works of art that can make you smile.

2. a chambray shirt - In recent years I've learned to appreciate the versatility of a chambray shirt.  They can be dressed up or down, knotted over a dress, tucked into a skirt, or worn loose with a pair of skinny trousers.  They've become my answer to jeans and a t-shirt.

3. a sturdy pair of black booties - I live in black booties in the winter, but they're also great with bare legs when the weather is a little milder.  They go with 90% of my wardrobe and they're comfortable enough to run around in and carry me from day to night.

4. a little black dress that makes you feel great - Accessories can do so much to completely transform a LBD for any occasion.

5. and a versatile statement necklace - I love my Gemma Redux necklaces that mix gold and silver elements — they're a little pricey but they've already earned their cost per wear.

 

 

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

I live for a great pair of black tights during cooler months!  I've experimented with different colors and textures, but I always come back to basic black.  I've found I can extend my summer/spring wardrobe year-round by incorporating tights and a sweater or blazer.  I often find myself grabbing for drab colors when it's grey outside, but it's amazing what a pop of pastel, neon or a little floral can do to lift your mood when it's miserably cold out.  

 

 

One of my favorite things about your blog is that you make serious fashion seem so accessible and wearable! What are your tips for bringing bigger-picture fashion into real world style?

Stay true to what you feel comfortable in.  A few years ago I remember bandage-style dresses were pretty popular.  I loved the idea of the style, but I've never been completely comfortable in anything too form fitting.  Instead I paired fitted bandaged skirts with loose tops and t-shirts.  Also, never be afraid to have fun with fashion.  I love to take risks, but I know there are certain outfits that aren't going to be well-received in every situation.  Consider the environment; if I'm going to a hole-in-the-wall pub, I'm probably going to tame my outfit down and forgo a skirt and heels, but I'm still not going to let it stop me from wearing bright red denim with a hot pink clutch and bright lipstick.  I wouldn't feel like myself otherwise.  If you think something feels too over-the-top, throw a blazer or jacket on over it to tone it down, but never be afraid to experiment with your style.

Can you name a childhood moment of you and clothing?

I've never been a jeans girl.  From the earliest age I wanted to be in dresses, but that doesn't mean I was a girlie-girl.  You'd find me playing in a mud puddle wearing a frilly dress holding tightly onto my little purse.  That was probably a good sign that comfort was always going to be as important to me as dressing up.

 

 

Where do you see fashion evolving in the next few years? Trends? Styles?

There's been a distinct retro-feel the last few seasons; very feminine.  I think there's going to be a bit of a rebellion from that.  A little more streamlined, a little less structure, a touch more masculine even, just a little more edge.

I feel most myself when I’m wearing:

A twirly full skirt or a filmy boho maxi dress.  And 6 inch heels of course; my boyfriend is 6'6" - I'm usually on my tiptoes if I'm not in heels.

 

 

Be sure to check out more of Sarah's stunning looks over at Raving Fashionista!

Sponsor {the daily dani} in APRIL!

I'm now accepting sponsors for the month of April!

If you own a blog, shop, or etsy store interested in advertising, 

please contact me at [danisays@yahoo.com] for rates & stats!

Stripes on Stripes on Modcloth Wedges on Harry Potter.

{Sweater: H&M | Skirt: Target | Wedges: Modcloth | Glasses: c/o GlasseUSA.com | Watch: Nordstrom | Purse: Luna}

So, truth be told, I wore this exact outfit (minus the frames) about a month ago. However, I didn't get any photos of it, and I went home early that night as it was the immediate onset of my strep throat body aches and fever. Cute. After I slept in this sweater for 5 days (yum), I eventually got around to washing it and decided to try the outfit again.

Moving on...

I wore this last Friday night! Holly & I drove down to San Diego to hang out with her sisters and their kiddos (so cute), and once everyone went to bed, we decided to head out to see our friend Bryant (I guess eventually, I'll have to start referring to him as "dj beefam," but today is not that day.) DJ on the Stingaree rooftop. Woo woo.

Also, one of the first things Bryant said when I saw him was, "I like your Harry Potter glasses." Thankyouverymuch.

P.S. This interviewer has officially been interviewed! Check out my Q&A over at the MRS. & the MOMMA!

Terra Cotta

{Sweater: Nordstrom | Pants: Luna | Boots: Minnetonka | Scarf: deroucheau}

I woke up on this rainy morning thinking thoughts along the lines of: "Do I have to wake up?" "I just want to stay in bed cuddling with the cat." "Do I really have to put on pants today?" "&%*#!" This was one of those thrown together at 7am outfits that was almost a crummy hoodie and Ugg boots. Thank goodness I saved myself from that embarrassment. (And by embarrassment, I mean from the outfit that I wore a few days later.)

How would you classify this color scheme? Rust? Brick? Well, I'm taking a lesson from Crayola (and the endless hours I've spent coloring with Crayolas with the darling I babysit 3x a week) and calling it Terra Cotta. C'est magnifique!

P.S. Is it weird that my hair looks long again in these photos? Yes, I think so, too.

Soiree-ing

{Cardigan: Old Navy | Dress: Forever 21 | Boots & Socks: Steve Madden | Belt & Watch: Nordstrom | Heart pin: bando | Turquoise bracelet: Tory Burch | Tortoise shell bracelet: J. Crew}

Last week I went to DailyBuzz Style's "soiree" at Madewell in Century City. (My Academy Awards fashion round-up was featured there last month!)

I only mildly obsessed over what I'd wear, and wanted to go with something classic, since it was at Madewell, but with a little bit of flair, thanks to my leopard belt and sparkly pin! I brought my best friend Holly with me, but sadly my shyness reared its ugly head! While I enjoyed looking around the store and sipping on a little bubbly - and briefly meeting Amanda (!) - it was hard for me to branch out of my comfort zone and meet the people around me. We left after about 45 minutes - and had some delicious burgers at The Counter! Anywho, better luck to gearing up some more guts next time!

Blogger Feature: Jessica of The In-Between

Hi! I’m Jessica over at The In-Between. Dani’s blog was one I discovered a few months ago, and have been hooked ever since. I’m new to the blogging world and was truly honored when she asked me to do a guest post. Thanks for reading.

3 words to describe your personal style?

Functional. Bold. Chic.

(This one was hard for me.)

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

Skinny pants, cardigans, scarves, silk tops, bold accessories.

(Random pic from a trip I took.. Everything but the scarf here)

How would you style the classic LBD to reflect your personal style?

I love working with a blank canvas like a LBD. I typically add bold accessories --bauble necklace, bangles, perhaps a print scarf, etc. Then I add fun footwear and a printed cardigan (if weather appropriate).

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

Fortunately the company I work has a business casual dress policy. Much of my wardrobe can be used for work and play, and I typically keep that in mind when shopping. I do feel like my “play” wardrobe gets more and more business-like all of the time, so I need to work on getting more fun outfits this spring/summer.

What item of clothing are you currently coveting?

Shoe wear. I’ve been wanting a pair of Tory Burch Wedges for ages, but have yet to pull the trigger. I also have had my eye on lots of summer shoe wear.

I gave up shopping for lent and currently have a Lust List for all the items I want to purchase after Easter.

I feel most myself when I’m wearing:
Wedges. I’m a tall girl but still enjoy adding extra height with a great pair of wedges. There’s something about a pair of heels that makes me feel more girly.


Make sure you all head over to The In-Between to read more from Jessica!

Get along, little doggies.

{Sweater: Romwe | Shirt: J. Crew | Jeans: JustFab | Boots: Steve Madden}

If I were a sweater, I would be this sweater. Mostly because I don't have any sweaters with giant kittens on them. (Suggestions welcome.)

I had never thought of layering this sweater over a shirt until I did this! I needed a way to tie the black boots into the black stitching, so I added my classic buffalo check shirt! I'll consider this my own version of equestrian chic.