Blogger Feature: Elle of Living in Color

Hi everyone! I'm Elle from Living in Color style! I am so honored and excited that Dani has decided to feature me on her blog! I loved learning about other bloggers on her previous features, so it's exciting to be in the spotlight now! I had a blast answering these questions, and I hope they help you learn a little more about me!

3 words to describe your personal style?
Glamour. Eclectic. Classic

Who are your celebrity style icons?
I adore Audrey Hepburn. The big hats, long gloves, and up-dos are something I feel like our generation sort of missed out on. However, I was able to have my own little flash to the past! I recently had my bridal shower, and my family and friends used a Breakfast At Tiffany's theme. However, I'm inspired by Jenna Lyons for her quirkiness, Olivia Palermo for her classiness, and Ashley Olsen for her stylish simplicity.

What would you consider the 5 essential items to a fashionable wardrobe?
That's a tough one, because I think it depends on the season. But for Spring, we'll say: colored denim, a khaki trench, a denim chambray, neutral toned wedges, and a nautical striped tee.

As a lover of all things colorful, how would you style the classic LBD to reflect your personal style?
You know, I'm a believer that the perfect pair of shoes will do the trick with a little black dress! My Zara color block basic sandals dressed up this LBD pretty fabulously :)

As a student/young professional, how do you find a balance between fashion and comfort/professionalism/appropriateness?
Honestly, it helps to keep yourself aware of the dress code in your professional life. Next year, I'll be a teacher full-time, and  I plan on wearing a lot of fun-colored J.Crew pencil skirts mixed with blazers and blouses of all patterns and shapes. As for now, I work at a preschool and we have a specific required uniform provided by the school, however, comfortable shoes are a must for me. Most of the time, it's sandals.

How has growing up in Orange County influenced your style? How did moving out of California change the way you dress?
Growing up in OC, I wore a lot of sundresses, with my swimsuit underneath in the summer, and lived in a tank top and shorts most of the time. I don't think I really developed my personal style until a few years ago, however because of my roots, I still gravitate towards girly dresses.
Moving out of state has made me realize that I can dress for seasons. In really low temperatures it's essential to make sure you're dressed appropriately. I feel like I've added a fun, New York chic element to my personal style; it really adds a cool dynamic to an outfit when you're all layered up.

Can you name a childhood moment of you and clothing?
I've always been a lover of clothes- You could say it was engrained in me from the very beginning. But a childhood moment of me and clothing has me thinking back to this picture. Throwing a tantrum on the porch in my little black dress.

I feel most myself when I'm wearing:
A dress of any size, shape, or form. I adore dresses, not only because of their versatility with seasons, but because you can add statement pieces or accessories to accentuate the outfit. I love adding jewelry, belts, scarves or tights, and a fun jacket or sweater to the mix.

Thanks again, Dani, for featuring me on your blog! You're such a great girl, and have become one of my favorite blogger friends! Well, if you'd like, stop by and say hello, everyone! While you're there, check out my feature of The Daily Dani! xo, elle.

Sunday Song: Coconut Records

I've loved Jason Schwartzman ever since I saw Slackers in high school. He's a talented actor and musician, and was the drummer in Phantom Planet. He has a solo project, called Coconut Records, which has been popping up on my Pandora Stations a lot lately. He's filming a movie right now, so the official music video isn't your typical one, but the music still gets its lovely point across! I'm a sucker for any song that touches on long-distance romance, so here it is!

And, just to kill two birds with one stone, let me bring you back to the moment when I truly became a musical fan of Jason's... (I knew how to play this on the piano once,  I wonder if I could still pull it off!)

I change shapes just to hide in this place, but I'm still I'm still an animal...

{T-shirt: Everlane | Skirt: Target | Belt & Watch: Nordstrom | Sandals: Old Navy | Bracelets: derng | Sunglasses: Juicy Couture}

Can you tell I was into my maxi skirt last week? I wore this to go see Miike Snow at the El Rey in LA last week! This was Melissa & my (technically) 4th time seeing them! I fell in love after hearing them on The Buried Life (remember that show?) and haven't stopped listening since! We saw them at Coachella in 2010, the Pomona Fox again in 2010, and a DJ set they did at the Wavehouse in San Diego about a year ago. They never fail to disappoint! Their show was fantastic, as usual, and we loved dancing the night away! (Plus, they're kind of dreamy...)

Day to Night

{Top: Forever 21 | Cardigan & Sandals: Old Navy | Jeans & Initial watch: Urban Outfitters | Skirt: Target | Necklace & Bracelet: Luna | Menswear watch: Nordstrom | Belt: june.july | Sunglasses: Juicy Couture}

This is how I took my new striped blouse from day to night! I wore the "day" look to work. It felt super classic and put-together, but also very comfy!


That night, I went to the Bon Iver concert. (Ahhhh birds and precious angels singing in my ear...) I considered wearing my daytime look there, which would have been just fine, but then I decided to mix it up a little! I love the way that by simply switching what I wore on my lower half and funking up the accessories a bit, I got an entirely different look! From day to night, from preppy to semi-boho! Yay for versatility!

Celeb Style - My Way: January Jones

Sweater: Old Navy | Tee: StyleMint | Pants: Forever 21 | Sandals: ShoeDazzle}

I'll have it be known that the better part of my Spring Break was spent watching the first 2 seasons of Mad Men on DVD. I know I'm a little late to the game on the whole Mad Men phenomenon, but whoah! I'm slightly obsessed with all of its fictional glory! That being said, I am now also slightly obsessed with the reality of it, that being the show's actors. (Except Elizabeth Moss. I can't go there.) Anyway, I always thought January Jones was a little loopy before watching. Now I think she's super loopy, but I kind of dig her style, so I decided to give this look the good old copy-cat try!

I couldn't bear to wear boots on this 90-degree day, but I went with a similar color palette in the shoes. Despite feeling a bit like a Valentine, I thought the simplicity of this outfit was cute and comfy! I wore it to go see American Idiot, the musical inspired by Green Day's album, at the Ahmanson in LA. And a mad green good time was had by all.

And IIIIIIII-eee-IIIII will always love youuuuuu...

{Blouse: Elizabeth & James via eBay | Jeans: Urban Outfitters | Wedges: Modcloth | Watch: Shock Boutique | Bracelets: derng}

While I was on Spring Break, one of my main goals was to return to one of my favorite piano bars, Sgt. Pepper's, in Long Beach. A few of my friends and I had a few cocktails and enjoyed listening to various renditions of our favorite songs, including but not limited to, I've Got Friends In Low Places, Afternoon Delight, and I Will Always Love You. Let me tell you, a piano bar never fails to provide true entertainment.

P.S. I'm still thrilled by this Elizabeth & James find on eBay. I'd been obsessed with this blouse for years but never willing to pay the high price, so when I finally found a new (and affordable!) version, I jumped at the chance - and I'm so glad I did! This blouse is the best!

A little something different...

Usually, on Mondays, I post weekly blogger features, usually Q&As. This week I have a little something different for you. Jackie contacted me about writing a guest post for The Daily Dani. She works in outreach for the Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance, and was interested in writing an article to share the ways fashion and beauty can be so very important to women dealing with cancer. Jackie opened up to me and shared about her "belief that all women need to feel beautiful, no matter what circumstances they may be facing. Women are powerful beings and WE need to realize it! Sadly, many women are hearing those devastating words 'you have cancer.' Despite a cancer diagnosis, women can still feel beautiful in their own skin. Fashion is a wonderful way to feel strong and confident. I would like to share with your audience the reality of cancer and how women can say 'YES I have cancer', but I am no less beautiful than I was before my diagnosis." My sorority's philanthropy is Breast Cancer Awareness & Research, so there's no way I could even hesitate to say yes!

Self-acceptance and Confidence During Cancer

By Jackie Clark

For any cancer patient the whole idea of going through medication is not only challenging, but the effects it brings to your body is also devastating. As a woman, you need not sulk down and lose your confidence during and after such an experience. Put your head up high and feel beautiful at all times no matter the circumstances. Mesothelioma cancer, which is a rare type of disease, is caused from exposure of asbestos. Treatment of this kind of cancer can be through radiation, chemotherapy or a combination of both. Through the treatment period, you will suffer from the usual setbacks such as hair loss, nausea, weight loss and skin diseases.

If you are suffering from hair loss, you can visit many beauty stores that have extensions and wigs that will leave you feeling beautiful. These wigs are specially designed for people who are undergoing hair loss. They are comfortable plus they also come at reasonable prices in different beauty stores.

 
You should put your time into reading inspirational books that will leave you feeling confident and rejuvenated. These books focus on breaking the appearance discrimination that some people use to put the rest of the society down. They are especially helpful if you start reading them before undergoing hair loss due to cancer treatment; this way, you will start your chemotherapy sessions feeling hopeful and confident.

For women suffering from breast cancer, you can find a lot of undergarments that will make you feel good and build yourself esteem. The breast cancer health center has provided a wide range of products that are meant to improve the self-image of cancer survivors. You will find specialty bras that will be comfortable on your body. You can get bras made from lace, microfibers and an extensive selection of seamless styles in all colors.

 
If you have an issue with your skin then you need to adopt a lifestyle that will help your skin improve; eat healthy and drink lots of water. There are also plenty of skin care products that you can use to make your skin look good. You should consult your doctor and seek advice on the best products that will not be harmful to your health. Invest in natural make up that is mild on your skin.

 

You can also invest in flat yet comfortable shoes during cancer treatment. Many designers nowadays have a wide collection of flat stylish shoes that can make you feel comfortable.

 
Despite the many setbacks brought about by cancer, you need to be confident enough to step out looking and feeling great about yourself. Do not let anything put you down no matter what. There are plenty of groups in your area that you can join to get the emotional as well as physical support you need during and after cancer treatment.

I hope you all found this little change of pace on The Daily Dani relevant and interesting!

Sunday Song: Bon Iver

I've decided to add a new little weekly feature to The Daily Dani! Every Sunday (If I can remember, haha!) I'll post a song that I love!

This week, week #1, I'm posting a video I found of Bon Iver performing Re:Stacks solo at the concert I was at last week! This concert (and this performance, in particular) BLEW MY MIND! Enjoy:

These are a few of my favorite things...

I'm excited to say that I'm participating in Send Something Good! Send Something Good is basically a "secret sis"-esqe virtual event put on by Gentri, Kaitlyn and Kristi. Everyone has been *secretly* assigned another blogger to get to know, figure out what she likes, and send her a surprise package full of goodies that she'll love, and to share with her some things that we love, too! In an effort to help our secret senders get to know each other, all of the participants are linking up to share some of our faves!

Some things that I love include (but are not limited to - haha): hot dogs. cupcakes. baby dinosaurs. Sex & The City. seafoam green. feathers. Native American culture. John Stamos. matroyshka (Russian nesting) dolls. Lauren Conrad. MUSIC! The Beatles. Diet Coke. All things USA & flag-themed. Hanson. Mary-Kate & Ashley Olsen. Lip Smackers. Books books books. Trashy reality tv, hilarious comedies, and thrilling dramas. Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens.

Wooooo!

{Sweater & Necklace: Forever 21 | Leggings & Watch: Nordstrom | Boots: Steve Madden | Chain bracelets: Derng | Red bangle: Target}

I've had these leggings since last September, but I've never worn them. I'd eyed them for a few months before Holly picked them up for me, but I was always unsure of how to wear and style them. I tried to get them hemmed in hopes to to avoid the odd wrinkly lumps that appeared when I wore them, but my tailor said she couldn't sew normally through the leather-y part. So, result: lumpy legs. Any tips on how to de-lumpify? Nevertheless, I really liked this outfit. I wore it out for drinks with some old friends from high school over spring break. Spring Break! Get wild! Wear leather pants! Wooooo!

Neighhhhh.

{T-shirt & Sandals: Old Navy | Jeans: Urban Outfitters | Bracelets: Derng | Scarf: Fred Flare}

Oh, I just love anything with an animal on it! I'd been eying this scarf on Fred Flare for awhile, and kept adding it to imaginary shopping carts. One day, in one of my recent online shopping binges (Stop, Dani! Just stop!), I finally bit the bullet. It's hard not to go for something so unique-looking when it is pretty inexpensive at the same time! I wore this on Easter, for our non-Easter celebration, hanging out with my cousins, and was definitely happy and comfy all day!

P.S. Check out my blogger feature over at Living in Color!