Friday's Fancies: Dress Yourself!

{Heart Pin/Jacket/Shirt/Cords/Monogram/Bubble Necklace/Watch/Bracelet/Boots/Ring/Belt/Purse}

This week's Friday's Fancies theme is "Dress Yourself!" aka make up an outfit that screams "you!" Or, rather, "me!" What I didn't realize is that it would take me three weeks to put one together! I know what you're probably thinking: there's a lot going on in this outfit.Well, turns out, a lot pretty much categorizes my style! I love a lot of things: I love accessories. I love anything Native American-inspired. I love denim on denim. I love monograms. I love bubble necklaces. I love seafoam green/mint. I love Tory Burch. I love oversized menswear-style watches (And this Marc Jacobs one is my new obsession - possible birthday gift?!). And apparently, I love eclectic outfits!

And how about yourself? What screams "you!?"

Blonde. Mint. Bubble necklace.

{Sweater, Blouse, & Watch: Nordstrom | Jeans: JustFab | Sandals: Jeffrey Campbell | Necklace: ILY Couture}

Ahhh, what a day this was. I woke up with a stomach bug of some sort, but had tickets to see Aziz Ansari with my friend in San Bernardino! Well, I fought through it, we drove quite a distance, had some sushi (which I had to force down, then almost barfed up - sorry for that imagery), and fought through my feverish tendencies, all whilst getting lost in scary neighborhoods and then laughing at Aziz. Upside: He was hilarious!

Other upside: I liked how I looked! I got more blonde in my hair finally - I was over the ombre and needed to brighten up. This sweater combines many things that I love - mint, leopard, and super softness. I'm in love. Never mind that I ended taking it off and putting my hair in a messy bun during a hot flash. It looked good while it lasted.

Starry Starry Night

{Cardigan: Target | Blouse: Romwe | Jeans: Urban Outfitters | Loafers: Shoe Dazzle}

I hadn't been so into star prints for awhile, because they sort of reminded me of being a 7th grader who really loved Blink-182. (Keep in mind, I still love Blink-182, but I'm no longer in 7th grade - no matter how my actions may fool you.) Anyway, once I finally embraced the trend, I bought a nude-colored star print blouse from Romwe awhile ago that didn't fit at all (happy one-size-fits-all to me), so I waited around till I found another one I liked - and here is the lucky winner! I paired my starry shirt with my twinkle toes loafers and called it a day!

Holiday Gift Guide - by Sarah!

Did you all see my Holiday Gift Guide last week? Well, I thought I'd put a fun twist on an installment of gift guides over the next few weeks - I asked some of my blogging besties to share their own gift guides/wish lists with you all, for some across-the-country perspective!

First up? My online turned real life homegirl Sarah from Think Twice Style!


Hi Daily Dani readers! I'm Sarah from Think Twice Style and am here today to talk to you about gifts. Mostly, what I want for Christmas this year. *hint hint MOM*

I have come up with two different options for the lovely lady in your life, whether it be your sister, BFFLYLAS, or a ladies only Secret Santa with co-workers you still don't know very well. 

First, the girly girl. I love everything about this! From the Paper Fashion print, classic ballet flats, and funky leggings, to the sah-weet LA necklace! You may be thinking, "Leather leggings? Girly girl? Do those go together?" If O. Palermo can do it, you can too! 

Flats;; LA necklace;; Shades;; Leggings;; Print

Now for the tomboy edition: I wouldn't declare myself a tomboy, but being raised by a Dad who has never been able to pass up a Wilson's Leather store has made me appreciate the scent of leather and, I hate to say it, a good cowboy hat. [Dad, if you're reading this, the beaded tassel on your beaver hat is crooked, haha.] Besides, who could resist these studly photos if Kris Kristofferson, Clint Eastwood, & Ronnie? If you're going to invest in a cool backpack for traveling, school, or just to look cool walking down the street, this is the one to go for! I love the side pockets and the double strap closure. The peace ring is just cool. I have no other excuse for needing it. Same goes for the pterodactyl pendant and the railroad cuff. They are simply cool pieces that I would wear every. single. day. And those loafers? I would wear them with everything.

Backpack;; Ring;; Pendant;;Cuff;; Loafers

I hope this makes it easier to buy for the gal in your life! Thanks for letting me visit, Dani! And if you like, mosey on over to Think Twice Style and pay me a visit. I'll have oatmeal cookies and lemonade waiting for you.

Thanks, Miss Sarah! Now all of you make sure to head over to Think Twice Style and check out Sarah's own adorable mix of girly girl & tomboy!

Foxy!

{Sweater & Watch: Nordstrom | Shirt: J. Crew | Cords: Urban Outfitters | Boots: Steve Madden | Necklace: Forever 21}

Are you impressed by my very creative post title? Anyway...

I love this sweater! I love an animal print! My friend Jenna posted a photo of her Nordstrom haul on Instagram awhile ago, and I caught a sneak peek of this beautiful little fox! I texted her immediately, and she located the only ONE piece left in the company, and ordered it in for me! I'm so lucky to have a great pal who is great at her job at my favorite store!

Sunday Song: Kanye West

So, when I saw Grouplove last week, they made their grand entrance to this song. Melissa and I thought it was hilarious. I love this Kanye album (along with every other Kanye album), so I thought it was even funnier because I was so familiar with the song. Basically, it showed me the members of Grouplove are super badass.

I also love Nicki Minaj's part about halfway into the song. This was before all of her songs started to sound like they exploded out of a rave on a UFO.

Plus, I'm pretty certain that Kanye collaborating with Bon Iver on this album makes everyone involved pretty awesome.

Friday's Fancies: Black Friday

{Outfit 1: Cardigan / Tank / Skinnies / Booties (similar) / Scarf / Tote | Outfit 2: Blouse (similar) / Skirt / Clutch / Coat / Heels}

This week's Friday's Fancies theme is Black Friday! I can say, with almost 100% certainty, that I will never brave a mall, Target, or (definitely not) Wal-Mart on Black Friday. I love shopping too much to have it ruined by the exhaustion of waiting in line and the anxiety of a fight to the finish! (Fun fact: My mom went to Target at 6am about 10 years ago to buy a stereo. We still use it.)

In other news, if you've noticed from reading my blog, I don't typically wear a ton of black. I'm a color queen. However, there is something quite effortlessly chic about an all-black ensemble! I put together these outfits to show how you can dress all-black up or down! Also, as a follow-up to my gift guide, please feel free to buy me any of these items that you'd like - particularly that Pendelton tote! ;)

Holiday Attire: Thanksgiving!

{Scarf / Sweater (similar) / Boots / Jeans / Watch / Hat / Bracelet / Wallet}

HAPPY THANKSGIVING, EVERYONE! If you're luckier than I am, you're enjoying a crisp, fall Thanksgiving day, and you'd be able to wear an outfit similar to this one! I feel like nothing says the holidays like a comfy sweater, a cozy scarf, and adorable boots! Plus, you need some some comfy boyfriend jeans on the baggy side for all those mashed potatoes you're going to eat! (I can't be the only one, right?)

While I'm planning to rock a similar brown floppy hat (and my map watch!) today, I'll be aiming to beat the California heat in some gladiator sandals and my new, excessively comfortable maxi dress... That should leave plentttty of room for pie! [Speaking of pie, I walked into campus last night and they were giving out slices of pie to take to class... how awesome is that?!]

What holiday outfits are you all sporting today?

Keyword: Comfy!

{Shirt & Tank: Nordstrom | Leggings: Target | Moccasins: Minnetonka | Necklace: Anthropologie (gift)}

This is pretty much the comfiest outfit anyone could wear. The shirt is incredibly soft, the long tank covers my butt (haha), and is there anything more comfortable than leggings? And, helloooo, my favorite moccasins ever? I recommend everyone go out and get a pair of Minnetonka anything - moccasins, boots, booties, slippers... you won't be sorry! They don't even need breaking in, they're that comfortable! Anyway, this outfit was super comfy (keyword in pretty much all of my outfits?), and I need to repeat it immediately.

Holiday Gift Guide! (2012)

With Hanukkah and Christmas swiftly approaching, I've been gift-shopping like crazy already! I had so much fun last year putting together a holiday gift guide, I knew I had to make one again this year! Much like last time, this is a gift guide/wish list/I can't wait till my birthday, either list! This list is comprised of my most recent obsessions, and I bet any fun-loving, fashion-loving friends and family members of yours would love them, too!

1. An adorable knit turban! - julianamade etsy shop ($18)
I've recently become obsessed with the idea of knit turbans, and when I saw that my friend Julie had opened up her own etsy shop, I was so excited to see this adorable earwarmer! Julie also knits beautiful scarves in a variety of colors. The best part - all of her pieces are super affordable! What's even nicer - Julie is offering 15% off all of her items with the coupon code HOLIDAYS01 - so head over now and scoop up some sweet gifts for your loved ones!

2. A precious pouf! - bando ($35)
Every bando piece is not only adorable, but their packaging and marketing can just make you want to spend your entire paycheck on their precious accessories! I had been obsessing over a larger ostrich pouf on their site for awhile, and when they came out with this more affordable, multi-back (you can wear it as a pin or as a hair-clip!) pouf, I became anxious to snatch this one up, too! Each of bando's sweet little pieces would be a cute gift for any party girl.

3. The comfiest, coziest sweaters! - All from SheInside (USA $30.48, Blue $36.77, Floral $42.88, Lavender $34.56, Camo $37)
I'm going crazy for sweaters these days! We had a few days of cooler weather down here in So Cal, and I jumped at the chance to stock up on sweaters! We're sadly back to another mini heatwave, but that isn't stopping me from lusting after comfy, cozy, adorable, and affordables snugglies! A stand-out sweater is such a sweet gift to give for the chillier months!

4. A grown-up tutu! - Fashion Dress Wholesale ($7.31)
I doubt I'm the only gal out there who has been inspired by Carrie Bradshaw to wear a tutu as an adult! I've seen a lot of options out there, but how can you beat this sweet skirt in a variety of colors for less than $10? Talk about a steal! What a cute (and extremely affordable) piece to make any lady in your life feel like a child at heart!

5. A statement necklace! - BubbleWorld etsy shop ($12.99)
I can't get enough statement necklaces! Now that I have the standard bubble necklace in way too many colors, I've started exploring some more options! I had seen a piece similar to this on BaubleBar, but they sold out in this mint shade - thank goodness for etsy! A statement necklace is such a fun gift to give - it will provide a little pop to anyone's wardrobe!

6. Some comfy Minnetonka boots! - Zappos (Red $54.95, Brown $55.95)
I am certain that I need these red moccasin-inspired boots! I'm so sad that they're sold out in my size! I have another pair of fringed Minnetonka boots, and they feel like I'm barefoot - they're so incredibly comfortable! Giving these as a gift would be akin to giving slippers - except you can wear them out of the house! They're that comfy! I suppose if I can't find the red in my size, I would be more than happy to wear this brown pair! I think I'd feel like Pocahontas in them, which is my main goal in life.

7. Classic All Stars! - Converse (Low tops $50, High tops $55)
I'm always seeking a casual option to pair with my jeans and sweaters that will be lighter than boots but warmer than flats - and I think these are the solution! I've been torn between the high-top and low-top, but I do believe I'm gravitating toward the low-tops at this point! What do you all think? I think this is the perfect gift for anyone who loves classic style or needs a classic anchor to their not-so-classic style! ;)

Happy Holidays!

PJs?

{Blouse: Luna | Jeans: JustFab | Boots: Vintage | Purse & Black ring: Forever 21 | Gold ring: House of Harlow | Bracelet: derng | Watch: Nordstrom}

I wore this a couple weeks ago to the Miike Snow concert! It wasn't completely blistering this day, so I was able to wear long sleeves AND boots - shocking! Don't worry, though, it was scorching inside the Palladium, especially during the serious Animal-inspired dance party! This show marked our 5th time

P.S. This blouse kind of reminds me of PJs. Remember when pajamas were supposedly in style for 5 minutes? Yeah, I bet you're all glad you didn't invest in that trend.

2012 American Music Awards - Fashion!

Ooh I love awards show fashion round-ups! As usual, I didn't watch this awards show. (I hate awards shows!) I did, however, take a peek at all of the fashion that graced the red carpet! I have to admit, no one particularly appalled me tonight, which is nice. Here I am, to share what I thought about some of tonight's stand-outs!

The Good

Ginnifer: Oh my word, is she adorable or what?! Ginnifer is definitely channeling Twiggy here! Not only does she look perfectly precious in this mod cut number, but the pale pink is beautiful against her skin tone and hair color. Plus, she is one of the few people who can pull of a pixie cut and still look ultra-feminine! // Kelly: I love this number. A cute minidress with structured bead detailing is the perfect rock-n-roll look for a music awards show! // Kerry: Holy crap. I LOVE this. This is nothing I'd ever expect to see Kerry in, but I think she looks phenomenal! I've already seen some criticisms of the fit of this dress, but I think it's nice to see a woman in a frock that isn't curve-hugging ever once in awhile, and I think she looks stunning in it! The lace has just the right amount of peekaboo to be demure but still eye-catching, and the goldenrod shade is gorgeous on her! // Stacy: Anyone who knows me knows that I am NOT a fan of Stacy Kiebler. As much as I love my homegirl Lauren Conrad, otherwise I'm not too fond of celebrities who are celebs for no reason. That opinion aside, I do love this dress. While it's a tad on the short side, it follows the same trend as Kelly Rowland's dress. By the way, why was she invited to this? // Taylor: Also, anyone who knows me knows I am totally O-V-E-R Taylor Swift. I also am rarely a fan of her red carpet style, but I think she got it right for once. She's still playing it a little too old with the high neckline, but at least she went sheer and mini!

The Not-So-Good...

Jordin: No... just, no... I don't get it. The scarf print is iffy, but the fishnet inserts? The weird draping of the top? The saggy boob-age? Poor thing... // Nicki: What's her problem? This is the same dress Julie Bowen wore at the Emmys, yes? What a difference a hairdo can make... It's not that Nicki's body looks bad in this dress, and it's definitely not that the dress is bad... But can't she ever just try to look normal for once? If this blonde wig is normal for Nicki, so be it, but I can't handle that... // Heidi: What happened to the curvaceous Victoria's Secret model that Heidi used to be? This dress is just blah, and her matchy-matchy gold heels aren't doing it for me. The slit is too high (Does a mini dress need a slit...?) and she is in desperate need of a bra!

Almost...

None of these looks particularly horrified me, but there was a little something about each of them that was just off. // Christina: Meh. Why the hair? It has to be a wig, right? I mean, if you have hair, why are you wearing a wig? If she would have just kept it floor-length rather than have that weird mini slip underneath, it may have been better. Wrong event for the dress? Maybe. I don't know, Xtina... I just don't know. // Elisha: This isn't that bad, either, I guess. I feel like she played it safe with the silhouette because she went so bold with the gold, but I think that was the mistake. If this dress had a more interesting neckline, or was shorter, or something, it could have been a knock-out! // Ke$ha: Let's all commend Ke$ha for not looking like a streetwalker tonight, yes? This dress is actually cute, and her hair looks pretty good (for her), and I even like how she anchored the soft dress with a harder shoe, though it may have been too extreme in this case. I think maybe I just don't like the hemline of this, the uneven notching. It's a little too short for her, too. Just needed a little tweaking in the fit and styling. // Carly: I have no clue who this is. From what I gather from the internet, she's a host of some sort? I don't know. I like the color of this dress, but the cut and the hairdo make her look like she's going to 8th grade promotion. // Brandy: This is sort-of cool. Her hair looks nice, and I get where she was going with this, I think it's supposed to be art deco-inspired? Perhaps? I think it's just too matronly, and why the matchy-matchy boots?!

The Fellas

BSB: 3/5 ain't bad, right? AJ has a sparkly bow-tie on, which is stupid. Nick Carter looks amazing. Truth. Brian's jacket is horrific. Howie looks precious. Who knew he'd turn out to be the most normal (and cute) member of this boy band? Kevin looks like he just stepped off the set of Mad Men, and that's fine with me. [Hey, at least none of them are dressed like mummies or vampires, right?] // Lance: What is this suit? I mean, really. It's shiny and almost looks like patchwork denim from some angles... Maybe he, AJ, and Brian can form a new, awkwardly dressed boy band? // Justin: This outfit is super cool... if Justin were a woman. I like studded loafers, leather accents, and cardigans, too... But I am female...

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

Sunday Song: Grouplove

Last night, Melissa and I went to the Grouplove concert at The Wiltern. I knew they were going to be good, but I was so impressed by how great they were! I always feel like when you see local bands (Grouplove and their openers - Papa and the Superhumanoids - are all from LA!) in their hometowns, they really put on the best shows! They were such a fun, happy, charismatic band to watch, and played a really beautiful acoustic rendition of this song at their performance last night. I felt like I was sitting around a campfire with the band and 500 of my closest friends. Grouplove definitely rocked it, and I'm really hoping they're at Coachella again this year so I can see them again!

Friday's Fancies: Autumn Faves!

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This week's Friday's Fancies theme is Autumn Faves! It's just fiiiinally starting to turn into autumn here in Southern California, and I couldn't be more pleased! All I want to do is wrap myself in rich, fall-colored sweaters, deep-colored & patterned jeans and military pants, and BOOTS! I am so excited to wear wellies, moccasin-inspired boots, and Uggs! I know some people are very anti-Uggs, but when your tootsies have had a long, chilly day, sometimes nothing feels better than a comfy pair of Ugg-lies! What are your autumn faves?

By the Donzerly Light...

{Tank: Old Navy | Jeans: Forever 21 | Huaraches: Steve Madden | Necklace: Vintage via Aloha Swap Meet | Watch: Urban Outfitters | Scarf: Free People}

Fun story. I've known the Star Spangled Banner for as long as I can remember. I don't know how or when I learned it, but somehow, I did. I mouth the words at baseball games all the time, and I know it perfectly. I can't sing it like Beyonce can, but I at least I know the words. Or so I thought. About a year ago, my mom was teaching her Kindergarteners the Star Spangled Banner. The lyrics were printed nicely on handouts for them to refer to. And that was when it happened - I realized that donzerly was not a word. I spent 24 years thinking that the lyric was Oh, say can you see by the donzerly light... Nope, I don't know what donzerly means or what I thought it could possibly mean. However, I was certain that was what the song said, and that donzerly was a word. For TWENTY-FOUR YEARS. But turns out, it's dawn's early light. I know that you all knew this. Welcome to my world.