Bye-Bye, Palm Springs!

{Dress: Target | Belt: Urban Outfitters | Sandals: Old Navy | Sunglasses: Juicy Couture}

Bye-Bye, Movie Colony Hotel! I threw on my favorite denim dress for a delicious brunch at Trio and the easy drive home. We had such a lovely, relaxing time with delish meals and mommy-daughter bonding time. It was wonderful! I'm ready for the next mother-daughter vacay!

Palm Springs Day 2!

{Dress: Modcloth | Sandals: Rainbow | Watch: Boutique in Baton Rouge | Ring: Vintage (Aunt's)}

Hands down, this is my favorite photo shoot location ever. This walkway of gorgeous cacti with beautiful palms and mountains in the background is perfection!

After cooking ourselves from the inside out at the pool, my mom and I escaped the heat by going to the movies, then we had a super yummy dinner at Hamburger Mary's, followed by strolling the Thursday night Palm Springs street fair.

What a lovely and relaxing getaway we had! :)

Palm Springs: Night 1!

{Dress: Lulu's | Sandals: Old Navy}

After a lovely afternoon of outlet shopping, some delicious fish tacos at the Crazy Coyote, and a little swimming and suntanning, mom & I had some complementary hotel happy hour cocktails, spruced up, and went out to a delicious dinner at Lulu's.

I used to have an innate hatred for animal print-floral combos, but something about this dress just screamed gorgeous tropical vacation to me. Safe to say, I love this particular print, and I'll be bringing it on just about every single warm weather vacation I have from here on out. I can't wait to wear it on my honeymoon. After I get married. After I get engaged. After I get a boyfriend...

Anyway, don't you love this dress? ;)

Mini Vacation: Palm Springs!

{Tank: Nordstrom | Cut-offs: Vintage via Urban Renewal via Urban Outfitters | Sandals: Rainbow}

My summer "vacation" was starting to feel like anything but! Yes, I had the luxury of sleeping in, but in general, the things that were starting to stand out about my summer were: my tonsil/nasal surgery & recovery, my mom's foot surgery/recovery & my care-giving (haha), and prepping for grad school! Yikes!


Luckily, my mom had the GREAT idea to end our summer in Palm Springs! (This is what I wore on the drive over, and to stop at the outlet malls in Cabazon.) Now, if you aren't from Southern California and you aren't familiar with Palm Springs, lemme give you the low down: it's a desert town about 90 miles from where I live in Orange County, known for its resort-style vibe and its scorching high temperatures in the summertime - often beginning in spring - and often lasting through the fall! We were able to take a few days, relax in the pool, see how long we could stand bask in the 100-degree heat, and eat some delicious food!

Now, that's how you end your summer!

Blogger Feature: Megan of Long Live Classy

Please welcome Megan from Long Live Classy to The Daily Dani! Megan's classic style is so impeccable, she impresses me with every outfit post!

 

3 words to describe your personal style?

Classic, Preppy, and Youthful

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

Every woman should own a sheath dress in a neutral color, a blazer (in either white, black, or navy), a classic pair of pumps, pearls, and a pretty sundress!

Your blog focuses on young women who are interested in classic style with a still youthful twist. What are the challenges in executing this juxtaposition, and how have you been able to overcome them?

There are actually a couple of challenges that I face with this style niche-- One being that even though my blog is centered around people my age (I'm 18), I haven't really met anyone around the same age who shares my style! It doesn't really affect me though, because I adore all of my followers so dearly, no matter how old they are! However, the biggest challenge I face is finding classic clothing with a youthful twist. A lot of clothing that is considered "classic" these days is often tailored towards older women, which means that sizing is often more generous. I have had luck with finding clothes that fit the classic-yet-youthful vibe, but it just takes a lot of searching and shopping! I've found that mixing super classic pieces with a hint of youthful "trendiness" keeps it fresh.

I splurge on classic, timeless pieces (Leather pumps and flats, watches, sunglasses, etc) and save on seasonal, trendier pieces ("Of-the-moment" colors and pieces I can't wear year-round).

One trend I'm dying to try is: 

The bright color block trend!

Can you name a childhood moment of you and clothing?:

My love for fashion and shopping probably began with frequent shopping trips with my grandma. For as long as I can remember, she'd always take me out to the department store and spend hours helping me pick out a brand new outfit (We still do this today!). I give all credit to my grandma for teaching me her classy ways and how to dress like a classy lady. She's 85 years old now, as slender than ever, and still wears three inch heels!

I feel most myself when I’m wearing:

For the office-- A classic sheath dress, a fitted cardigan and belt, and classic pumps. Oh, and you can't forget a chic, structured bag!

For the weekend-- Either a sundress and sandals, or a slouchy tee, mid-rise shorts, and my trusty Sperry's.

Thanks so much, Megan! Don't forget to head over to Long Live Classy and say hello!

Sunday Song: Margie Rayburn

I heard this song yesterday in my dad's car on the XM Radio 50s on 5 station. I'm sorry, but if this isn't the most precious little song ever, I don't know what is! Wouldn't life be easier if whenever you liked someone, you could just play this song for them? Forget waiting 3 minutes to reply to a text so you don't seem to eager, or wondering what exactly that particular smiling emoji he sent you means, or over-interpreting a random "like" on your Facebook page... Just blast this in their face and make it clear. ;)

Aloha Floral // Accidental Snooze

{Dress: Modcloth | Huaraches: JustFab | Watch: Nordstrom}

This is the outfit I wore yesterday half of yesterday. I would have worn it all morning and afternoon into the evening, but I managed to turn my alarm off in my sleep and wake up an hour later than I'd planned, leaving me to rush myself into a real hot mess! Oopsie. I've been wildly busy for the past week and a half, and it's catching up with me! Summer is coming to a close, fall is swiftly approaching, and it's bringing way too many responsibilities with it!

Luckily, I'm off to Palm Springs for the next few days! Nothing like a little shopping, a nice pool, and 100+ degree weather to ruin it all. ;)

Candy Colors

{Tank & Pants: Forever 21 | Sandals: ShoeDazzle | Watch: Nordstrom}

I wore this Sunday night to see Gavin DeGraw & Colbie Caillat at the Greek! It was sickeningly hot all day and I can't even believe I was able to put pants on. I didn't even need to bring a sweater to the venue because it ended up being so lovely out - once the sun set! I went with this looooud look because it feels nice and summery to me! I threw on the HOT pink pants and thought, What would go best with these? Oh I know, BRIGHT yellow stripes!

More importantly, Gavin was aaaamazing! I've never seen him live before, but I can't wait to see him again! He played a lot of songs off of his new album, Sweeter, which I love! He is such a great performer, so engaging, and incredibly charming! What a great night!

Blogger Feature: Andrea of Left brain, right brain, pug brain.

I'm so excited to have Andrea of Left brain, right brain, pug brain. on The Daily Dani today! Not only does Andrea have awesome style and beautiful (and very enviable!) hair, but she also has the cutest pugs I've ever seen! Read on to see what she has to say about her style!

3 words to describe your personal style? 
Colorful, creative and hippie-chic. 

 

What is your favorite item in your closet?  

Currently, I think it would have to be my denim chambray shirt. I keep finding myself wearing it with every stinking outfit. I'm probably starting to look like I never shower or do laundry. 

 

What is your favorite/most versatile accessory? 

I love a pair of nude heels or wedges and layered chain necklaces. Both can go with virtually anything.

I love how you and your hubby are in the whole blogging thing together. How does his support lend to your overall fashion sense? 

He'll be the first to tell you that I NEVER listen to his fashion advice...which is largely true. But he always makes me feel good about how I look, which I appreciate to no end. And I'm always trying to convince him to branch out with his clothing choices. Right now he's obsessed with tanks, which proves he's becoming a true Californian. Sometimes I have more fun shopping for his clothes than my own! 

You and your husband moved from Missouri to Southern California - what a change! How did the move affect your wardrobe choices? 

Well, I'm not sure I'll have a need for my winter coats anymore. And aside from that, I feel more comfortable taking fashion "risks" in California than I did in Missouri, if that makes any sense. There's just so much variety in dress here...people have a lot of fun with fashion and I'm loving being part of that.

What are some of your favorite places to shop? 

I'm a bargain shopper like no other. I love to shop at Forever 21, H&M, Charlotte Russe and more, especially for trendier items I know won't last more than a few seasons. And I LOVE finding a good, reasonably priced boutique. One of my favorites near us is this itty bitty shop in Redondo Beach called Korner Kloset.

I feel most myself when I’m wearing: 

Sweatpants. No lie. I love to get all dressed up and I love wearing fun and funky trends, but I feel most purely "Andrea" when I'm lounging around in a pair of sweatpants and a t-shirt. 

 

 

Isn't she fabulous?! Head on over to Left brain, right brain, pug brain. to say hey to Andrea, Ryan, Yoshi, & Dobby!

Sunday Song: Gavin DeGraw

I am SO excited - I'm going to the Gavin DeGraw concert tonight! I've loved Gavin DeGraw since high school, when I used to watch One Tree Hill and he performed the theme song. When Gavin's new album came out, it sealed the deal that I absolutely had to see him live, and lucky for me, we were able to get tickets to go see him and Colbie Callait at the Greek Theatre in LA! I can't wait to enjoy some beautiful music at a beautiful location on a beautiful summer night!

Work Wear!

Did you catch my Back-to-School Style post yesterday? I promised all of you non-students (or working students, like myself!) that I'd have something here for you today - and I do! I put together some work wear looks for a few different office dress codes. Personally, I teach preschool, and my dress code goes something like whatever you don't care about getting paint, flubber, and boogers on. Still, I put together some looks for those of you in the normal workforce, and I hope you can find a look here that fits in at your workplace!

Cardigan / Blouse / Skirt / Flats / Glasses / Necklace / Watch / Tote / Purse

Blazer / Shell / Pants / Flats / Briefcase / Necklace / Earrings / Ring / Watch

Blazer / Blouse / Skirt / Socks / Boots / Bow / Necklace / Cuff / Clutch

Cardigan / Blouse / Skirt / Heels / Necklace / Earrings / Bag

How about you? What's your go-to outfit for work?

Back-to-School Style

Though I graduated from college (Go Broncos!) over three years ago, I can still remember preparing for each first day of school like it was yesterday! Nothing brought as much anxiety excitement as the first day of school, but the real fun came with back-to-school shopping! Something about a back-to-school sale, perfecting that first day outfit, and having your clothes all laid out waiting for the bright & early alarm clock rise & shine always made me smile!

I'm starting grad school in a few weeks, and even though I'm 25 years old, it's still got me thinking about what on earth I'll wear on my fresh start first day!

I figured I'd style a few looks to share with you, too, whether you have an impending first day, or are sending a sweetie of your own off to hers!

Tee / Jeans / Jacket / Shoes / Hat / Earrings / Watch / Backpack / Brown notebook / Floral notebook

Sweater / Jeans / Loafers / Necklace / Bracelet / Ring / iPad case / Feather notebook / Map notebook

Dress / Shorts / Socks / Boots / Bow // Sweater / Jacket / Skirt / Headband / Sneakers

What are you going to wear on your first day of school?

P.S. Not a student? Tune in tomorrow to see what I've got in store for you! ;)

Scary-Kate & Smashley Olsen

{Tank & Sandals: Old Navy | Shorts: Vintage via Urban Renewal via Urban Outfitters | Headband: Modcloth via Birchbox | Watch: Nordstrom | Sunglasses: Juicy Couture}

I wore this on Saturday night to go to the Roller Derby. Yeah, you read that right. I went with my mom and some of our friends to see the OC Roller Girls compete in some flat track heats! I've been to a the Roller Derby once before, but I really ended up getting into it this time - once I remembered the rules! ;) I figured a little '50s flair couldn't hurt at the Roller Derby, plus I was pretty desperate to copy Sarah's outfit that day, and that's where this little headscarf came in! Next time, I'm going to make sure I represent the OC pride and wear some bright orange!

P.S. When if I join the Roller Derby, I'll need a tag-team partner, and our Derby names will totally be Scary-Kate and Smashley Olsen. BAM!