"Fancy"

{jacket: j. crew | dress & watch: nordstrom | leggings: target | flats: tory burch | chain necklace: boutique | geode necklace: luna}

I really liked this outfit. Not sure why. Nothing really stood out about it, but I felt like it was a good combination of  classic pieces. Plus, it's a rare occasion when I wear a bun. And when I wear a bun, my 3-year-olds tell me I look "fancy." So, I must have liked this outfit because of its follicle fanciness...

P.S. Have a safe and fancy new year's eve, little kitty cats!

Sunday Song: Bon Iver

...and at once I knew, it was not magnificent.
 

Today's Sunday Song is brought to you by the depressing musical spiral I sent myself down last night after having 2 glasses of wine. 

Anyway, I just love Justin Vernon. There's something about his cryptic lyrics and haunting melodies that can really just get your tear ducts working in overdrive. Plus, this video is just really beautiful and mesmerizing. It almost makes me want to gallivant through snow-covered mountains. (That's a big almost.)

Friday's Fancies: New Year's Finest!

{earrings / clutch / dress / booties (similar)}

Ahhh, New Year's Eve. The perpetual waiting for the ball to drop. To me, NYE usually translates to finding something BIG to do and hoping it turns out well. Ha! Another big part of planning NYE: What on earth will I wear?! This year, I started planning my outfit a good month or so in advance, so I think I'm all set. (Don't worry, you'll see that ensemble on the blog next month... You know, once I wear it.)

Anyway, sporting your New Year's Finest is all about making a big statement! Bright colors, glitter, and stand-out accessories! Even though this dress is a classic silhouette, the Barbie hot-pink makes it POP! (P.S. It's on sale for less than $50!) I wasn't totally on board with this glittered bootie style when I first started seeing them around awhile back, but the more affordable options are made, the more I am kind of into them! These attention-grabbing pieces only need to be complimented by a classic stud earring! (They're on sale, too!)

And honestly, do I need to tell you how obsessed I am with this purse?! It is everything! Feathers, bedazzling... what more could anyone ask for?! It is just so beautiful! Major!

What will you be wearing this New Year's Eve?

Celeb Style - My Way: Rachel Bilson

{blazer: alloy | sweater: h&m | jeans: seven for all mankind | boots: steve madden | gold bar necklace: bk & jio | monogram necklace: baublebar | watch: nordstrom}

I know, I know. Here I go again with Rachel, but I just love her! Rachel's style is just always so classic, functional, and well-put together! Such an inspiration!

Since I'm still on the hunt for the perfect (and affordable) low-heeled tan boot, I went with my black cowboys instead. [Boot suggestions welcome!] Otherwise, I thought I was pretty on-the-money with my interpretation of Rachel's casual layered look!

Bundled Up

{jacket: target | sweatshirt: L.A.M.B. via eBay | jeans: urban outfitters | boots: uggs | beanie: forever 21 | necklace: bk & jio}

I recall waking up on this day extremely tired, grumpy, and cold. All I wanted to do was keep warm. Well, all I wanted to do was go back to bed, but since that wasn't an option, keeping warm was important. A cute hoodie, comfy uggs, a beanie, and (mostly importantly) some bright lipstick are all it takes sometimes to jump start your day in the right direction!

Girly/Tough

{sweater: luna | leggings: nordstrom | boots: steve madden | necklace: ily couture}

I like to mix feminine pieces (aka a fuzzy floral sweater and light pink necklace) with harder pieces (like my leather leggings and "rugged" cowboy boots!) and I thought this outfit did just that trick! This sweater is one of my go-to staples when I'm in a yucky wardrobe mood and just need something that I know will always make me feel happy! (Truth be told, I've been in desperate need of those pick-me-up staples lately!)

"I'm running out of polka dot blog post titles."

{dress: asos | sandals: old navy | bubble necklace: ily couture | monogram necklace: baublebar | watch: nordstrom}

I wore this over Thanksgiving weekend when I (1) took a final and (2) met Elle from Living in Color!

First, who holds a final on the Saturday of Thanksgiving weekend?! My school, apparently! Ridic. Oh well, at least I was complimented on my outfit and aced the class! ;)

Second, Elle and I have been blogging buddies for quite some time now, and since she's originally from the OC, I was so excited that when she came home from Thanksgiving weekend, we were able to meet up! We got coffee and shopped around South Coast Plaza! We were so caught up in being obsessed with each other that we forgot to take a photo together! Can you believe it?! Oh well, next time! :)

P.S. As we were shopping, I was, of course, attracted to everything polka dots! I told Elle, "I can't buy anymore polka dotted items because I'm running out of polka dot blog post titles!" And there you have it. Haha.

{the daily dani} Skin Care Routine

 

I've shared my beauty routine with you guys before, but I thought it was time to share my skin care routine, too! Make-up isn't much without a base to go underneath it, and skin care is the key to that clean base!

1. Clean & Clear Advantage 3-in-1 Foaming Wash: I've been using this cleanser off & on for what feels like 10 years or something. I always end up going back to it (when I can find it!) and it just works the best for me! Stores don't always carry it, so sometimes I just go with another gentle cleanser in the meantime. My skin gets a bad reaction to Benzoyl Peroxide, so I am a strictly Salicylic Acid-only girl.

2. Pond's Luminous Clean Daily Exfoliating Cleanser: After trying a Birchbox sample, I was using a Laura Mercier exfoliator for awhile (really, I feel like the bottle I had lasted over a year) and I liked it, but I kind of figured, does it really matter what kind of sand you're scrubbing your face with? My consensus: no, it doesn't. So I went from a $30 bottle to a $5 and I'm just as content.

3. Yes to Tomatoes Blemish Clearing Facial Towelettes: I read in some magazine that these towelettes and #4 (see below) were the perfect combination for clear skin. I must admit, it seems to be true! Something about these lovely calming towelettes and #4 have been keeping my skin relatively clear, and soft as something less gross than a baby's bottom.

4. Philosophy Clear Days Ahead Fast-Acting Salicylic Acid Acne Spot Treatment: See #5. Haha. I use this less as a spot treatment and more on my entire face. It's expensive, though, and the bottle is really small, so though I use it after every face wash, I still try to only use as much as I need to cover my little face.

5. Elf Zit Zapper: Samantha recommended this on her blog awhile ago, and I went crazy trying to find it at various targets. Now I'm kind of obsessed with it! You literally just roll it over your blemishes (10x a day, if you're obsessive like I am), and it really seems to shrink them! Plus, it's only $1! ONE DOLLAR!

6. Clinique All About Eyes: You know how every once in awhile, you will notice that every magazine you read in a month is recommending something "new" for your skin? Like, BB Creams were all the rage awhile ago, and then they started talking CC Creams and I completely lost interest? Well, one month I read about 5 magazines in a row telling me I needed to start using eye cream! Apparently, using eye cream in your 20s will prevent fine lines and wrinkles in the future. I am all for prevention of fine lines and wrinkles! Plus, this particular cream is mean to reduce dark circles and puffy eyes. What more could you ask for?

7. Philosophy Hope Oil-Free SPF: I am a crazy sunscreen advocate! I use this sunscreen every single day on my skin. I've said it before, but I'll say it again: unless you are spending the day locked inside of a room with no doors or windows, you need to apply sunscreen on your face (and neck! and the backs of your hands!) every day! I like this particular one because it isn't slimy, it doesn't stink like sunscreen, and it's natural and good for your skin! (FYI: I am super annoying to go to the beach or pool with, because I will spray your entire body with sunscreen multiple times, whether you like it or not.)

8. Peter Thomas Roth Instant Mineral SPF: This is a fun little dry sunscreen I got last-minute during a Sephora check-out. It's cool if you want to reapply your sunscreen but don't want to take off your makeup, or if you forgot to put your sunscreen on before your makeup. Or, it's just super easy to carry in your purse or something. (It kind of smells funky, though. FYI.)

I'm always interested in trying new products! What are your favorite skin care items? What's your skin care routine?

Friday's Fancies: Holiday Best!

{outfit 1: earrings / sweater (similar, similar) / skinnies / watch (similar) / flats / tote (similar) | outfit 2: clutch / coat / dress / necklace / tights / heels}

This week's Friday's Fancies theme is Holiday Best! Whether you spend your holidays snuggled up at home or out at a swanky soiree, there's no reason why you shouldn't look fabulous!

If you're planning to stay home, head home, or hang out at someone's home over the upcoming holidays, what better way to show your festivity than with a holiday sweater, easy tote, and simple accessories? Plus, FYI, these Yosi Samra foldable flats are so comfy and versatile!

If you're heading out to a holiday cocktail party, try out this pretty little girl grown up look! A pretty polka dot dress, ladylike coat, statement necklace, and an updated classic Mary Jane will make you a stand-out!

What outfit will you be rocking this holiday season?

Stripes & Turquoise

{Jacket: J. Crew | Dress & Belt: Modcloth | Sandals: Old Navy | Necklace: ILY Couture | Purse: Luna}

Before I hear all of your complaints about how I'm wearing sandals and short sleeves, take note that this photo was taken about a month ago, the day after Thanksgiving, and I wasn't happy with the heatstroke, either! (Don't worry, we've traded in our 100-degree November for a rainy and near-freezing December. I know you think I'm exaggerating when I say near-freezing, but seriously, it was 39 when I woke up this morning. That's cold for Southern California!)

I wore this to my family's "Chinese Thanksgiving." No, we aren't Chinese. However, since our family goes to different places on Thanksgiving, every year, we pick a day over Thanksgiving weekend to spend time together, drink some wine, and eat some delicious Chinese food!

Cozy Light layers

{Sweater & Watch: Nordstrom | Blouse: American Apparel | Cords: Urban Outfitters | Boots: YesStyle}

This oversized, sheer plaid blouse has been a go-to staple in my wardrobe since I got it a few years ago. I always found it so easy and versatile. I hadn't layered it under a sweater before, until this outfit! I thought the plaid plus the cozy white sweater plus the dark red cords & bow boots were all perfect for the holiday season! Cozy, light winter layers for the win!

Gift Guide - by Chelsea!

With one holiday passed and just a little bit of time left before the next, I'm back with another gift guide from one of my blogging besties, Chelsea of zipped! I met Chelsea earlier this year IRL [you know, in real life...], and we have been mildly completely obsessed with each other ever since!

I'm so excited and honored to be sharing a couple of Christmas gift ideas with you all on The Daily Dani! While this list is not all-category-encompassing, it includes some of my favorite things to gift to special people. Hope you enjoy!

Urban Decay's new Naked Basics palette has the beauty world buzzing, and the matte neutral shades work on everyone.

Smith's Rosebud Salve is a recent favorite of mine, and is so inexpensive you can afford to throw one in everyone's stockings!

Essie's Beyond Cozy from this year's winter collection is what I'd call a statement neutral...it lives in the beige family, but is glitzy enough to get noticed.

The Dirty shaving cream and New! solid shampoo bar, both from Lush, both smell excellent...and much more snazzy than wrapping up a bottle of Suave or Barbasol.

I love chalkboard anything, and this glassware from Pier 1 Imports is perfect to bring out for parties. Candles are definitely one of my staple gifts...there is a scent out there for everyone! A gorgeous Pendleton blanket, ring holder (perfect storage while doing dishes), and a vegetarian cookbook round out the list.

Although it's a little late in the game to be ordering gifts online, hopefully this sparked an idea for some of you...I know I still have a few people left on my list. Wishing everyone happy holidays this season!

Thanks you so much, giftiest of Chelseas! Make sure you head over and say hello to Chelsea over at zipped! If you're still looking for more gift ideas, check out Sarah's, Olivia's, Hilary's, and my gift guides, too!

Pink & Polka Dots

{Sweater & Jeans: Forever 21 | Blouse: Urban Outfitters | Flats: Tory Burch | Necklace: ILY Couture}

This outfit was so fun! Does anything brighten a chilly day more than a hot pink sweater and polka dots? Plus, I think it's pretty clear that I can't resist topping off any outfit with a bubble necklace!

I rarely wear pink, but I kind of feel happy when I do. They're something so girly, bubbly, and Barbie about a bright shade like this one! (Plus, those thick cable knits totally kept me cozy on a chilly day!)

Friday's Fancies: Serious Sparkle!

{Top outfit: Sweater / Jeans / Necklace / Flats / Clutch | Bottom outfit: Dress / Purse / Ring / Heels}

What screams holiday season more than a little sparkle?! This week's Friday's Fancies theme is Serious Sparkle! and I can see why! Whether you are dressing your sparkles for day-to-day with a fancy flat, or pumping up the volume for a party look, a little glitter never hurt anyone's holiday spirit! Winter white is the perfect compliment for some winter sparkle, and some killer tough-girl accessory embellishments (like spikes, chains, and sharp-cut gems) make for the perfect balance of girly and bad-ass! How are you going to rock some serious sparkle this holiday season?

Fluffy Lumberjack Gangsta

{Shirt: Forever 21 | Vest: Old Navy | Jeans: JustFab | Wedge Sneakers: Go Jane | Watch: Nordstrom}

Fluffy Lumberjack Gansta style. This outfit is a bit weird, isn't it? I copied it straight out of a magazine. (I forgot which one haha.) Really, they had this identical outfit in a magazine and I couldn't resist the ease of straight-up copycatting. It was comfortable enough. I need more uses for my wedge sneakz (suggestions welcome), my plaid shirt is always an easy staple, and this vest keeps me fairly warm, though it definitely makes me look like a bounce house. Oh wellz...