Celebrity Inspiration: Lauren Conrad {New Year's Eve Style}

Have you been tuning in the past few days to check out my celebrity style inspiration a la Rachel Bilson and Sarah Jessica Parker? Well if you're anything like me, it's the day of and you're still scrambling to figure out what you're going to wear to tonight's festivities, whatever they may be! Never fear, we have another one of my favorite style icons to lend us a last-minute hand!

Ever since she first appeared with her bleached-out hair and overplucked eyebrows on Laguna Beach in 2005, I immediately carved out a soft spot in my heart for Lauren Conrad! (Nevermind the fact that I, too, had bleached-out har and overplucked eyebrows in 2005... let's just let that one slide.) Not only has LC seemed incredibly sweet and relatable as we watched her grow in her romantic relationships, friendships, and career on The Hills, but she has wowed us with her fashion sense from the beginning!

{dress / bangle / sandals}

I think we're all pretty familiar with the LBD, or Little Black Dress, but what about the LCD? The Little Cream Dress? Or is it the Lauren Conrad Dress? Either way, you are sure to be a stand-out stunner in a beautiful neutral-colored piece, plus rich cognac and gold accessories! Think out-of-the-box and stray from your go-to black number to take it up a notch for a very special night out!

{necklace (sold out - similar) / heels / dress (sold out - similar)}

I know that yellow is a typical sunkissed summer color, but Conrad shows us that in the right luxe fabric with the right evening cut, yellow can be the perfect happy-go-lucky attention-grabber for New Year's Eve! Pairing this sunshine shade with a delicate gold pendant and anchoring it down with a beautiful eggplant purple statement shoe will keep you fashionably festive as the ball drops!

{cage heels / blue & green dress / black & gold dress / bobby pins / cream pumps}

I think we can all admit that New Year's Eve and sequins/sparkle go hand-in-hand, but I think we can also admit that sometimes that notion is a bit overdone or over-the-top! However, in the case of Lauren Conrad, we can see that in the right color, placement, and silhouette, a little sparkle can go a long way in allowing your fabulosity to shine! If you're going to stick with the classic gold or silver metallics, try them in a gorgeous pattern rather than a head-to-toe shock! If you're going to venture into colored sequins, why not look for a fun pattern to shine the night away? Conrad even shows us that an unexpected piece - like a drapey cardigan or a sweet little hair accessory - could be the perfect glitteriffic element for a night out on the town!

So, what will you be wearing tonight? What will you be doing? I'll be heading out to an event in Hollywood with some friends, and all I have figured out as of now regarding my NYE outfit involves tulle, heels, and big curls! ;)

Happy New Year!

See ya in 2014!

Celebrity Inspiration: Sarah Jessica Parker {New Year's Eve Style}

Did you all check out the New Year's Eve style inspiration I posted on Friday? If you enjoyed getting a little push in the right style direction from Rachel Bilson, then you'll love what I have in store for you today!

I think there are very few ladies out there who wouldn't list Sarah Jessica Parker as one of their top style icons! Whether she is walking the red carpet or fascinating us in a scene of Sex and the City as the one & only Carrie Bradshaw, she is always an absolute stunner! Here are some ideas to take a cue from the always fashion-forward and always perfectly polished Sarah Jessica Parker!

{coat / necklace / dress / earrings / heels}

Not a "shout-out-loud" with your outfit kind of gal? Never fear, SJP can provide us all with some inspiration that shows - you don't have to wear loud colors to look chic! Find some impeccably fit pieces in blacks, grays, and navys (Why not try a menswear-inspired coat?!), keep your jewelry minimal, and you are sure to stun in classics with a tailored twist!

{bangle / sandals / zebra dress / camo dress / neon heels / cuff}

I am a huge fan of a fun print, and so is Sarah Jessica Parker! Go all-out festive with a printed, long-sleeve mini, a strong gold bangle or cuff, and some bright and FUN neon heels! Not too into neons? You could always keep it consistent and party-ready with metallics!

{dress / earrings / lipstick / heels}

Prints, prints, and more prints! Parker does red-carpet so right with gorgeous but modest printed maxi dresses! With a wild print, keep your accessories traditional with simple shoes in a matching color palette, gorgeous chandelier statement earrings, and a classic red lip! You will surely be the life of the party in a stand-out like this!

Have you decided what to wear for New Year's Eve? I'd love to hear your style choices - leave me a comment to let me know! 

Still deciding what to wear for the festivities tomorrow night? Come back tomorrow for some last-minute celebrity NYE inspiration!

Celebrity Inspiration: Rachel Bilson {New Year's Eve Style}

Remember when I popped in a few weeks ago to say hello and share some of my ideas for the future of The Daily Dani? Well, here I am, trying one of my ideas out! I have always been extremely interested in celebrity fashion - thanks, Us Weekly and Fashion Police - and I'm so often inspired by the red carpet and street style of my favorite famous fashionistas! With New Year's Eve just around the corner, I'm taking some inspiration from one of my favorites to guide my ensemble and celebrate in style!

Rachel Bilson has been one of my style role models since her days on The OC! She has perfected that mix of Southern California laid-back cool and fast-paced city chic! Sort of surfer girl turned urban stylecaster, if you will.

{blazer / heels / dress (sold out - similar) / necklace / lip gloss}

One staple in Rachel Bilson's wardrobe? Perfectly-tailored blazers! Whether they're classic black, a fun pop of orange, or a muted blush, she always knows the perfect blazer to pair with any of her feminine dresses! For New Year's Eve, a bright pop of color (like this powerful cobalt blue) paired with a drapey yet waist-accentuating dress is the perfect combination! Throw in a touch of sparkle on your feet and around your neck, and a sunkissed shade on your lips, and you are ready to go!

{nail polish / booties / dress / stud earrings / purse}

Bilson also has quite the eye for unique prints and figure-flattering silhouettes! Never one for over-the-top jewelry and accessories, she lets her funky prints, body-conscious tailoring, and legs do most of the talking! By anchoring a fun print with a classic black bootie and simple black purse, an out-of-the-box printed mini dress can be the real stand-out as the ball drops!

{heels / lipstick / skirt / top}

Not feeling like wearing a traditional dress this New Year's Eve? Take a note from Bilson and pair together some stand-out separates! More fun prints in a luxe fabric + a body-con bandage skirt are the perfect combination for sipping cocktails and getting your groove on! Add a classic nude shoe and a girly pink lip, and you are good to go! Cheers!

What do you think about this Celebrity Inspiration post? Should I make a habit of it and keep 'em coming? Either way, I've got a bit more New Year's Eve inspiration up my sleeve, so stay tuned!

Remember me?

{sweater: asos | leggings: nordstrom (similar) | heels: justfab | plaid shirt: urban outfitters (similar) | purse: rebecca taylor (similar) | necklace: justfab (similar) | lipstick: ysl}

Hey, everyone! I hope you haven't forgotten me yet! I just wanted to pop in to say hello! I've gone through a few transitions in my life since I decided to take my "blogging break" a little over a month ago, and I'm looking forward to seeing how those transitions translate to The Daily Dani!

I have about 2 weeks left until Winter Break, and I'm looking forward to taking that time to figure out exactly what I want to do to revamp the blog! I'm thinking that staying organized with a regular posting schedule will do me some good! I'd like to bring back Blogger Feature Mondays and keep up with my Friday's Fancies and Sunday Songs. You might start to see less personal style posts, but more outfit sets and style inspiration. I hope to keep up more steadily with one of my favorite topics - celebrity style! I'd also like to add a weekly or monthly "Life Lately" post - if nothing else, to have another outlet for my sometimes overactive Instagram account! Plus, a visual redesign couldn't hurt, either!

I'd love to hear any feedback that you have - what you've liked in the past, what you'd like to see in the future, what you think about the cluster of ideas I described above - all suggestions welcome! Thanks, pals!

As you can see, my brainstorming is all still in the works, but I take it as a positive sign that I'm finally interested in and able to come up with some ideas, plus have some vision for the future of The Daily Dani!

See you soon!

Gimme a break.

Hey everyone. My little kittens.

Maybe this was a long time coming, maybe it wasn't. It makes me sad when bloggers write these kinds of posts, but yet here I am writing one anyway.

I don't know if it's been my busy schedule, my lack of shopping funds, or just a change of heart, but lately I've just been feeling disconnected from the good ol' Daily Dani.

I used to be excited to take outfit photos every morning, upload them a few short hours later, and provide commentary on where, why, when, and how I styled up my pieces. Unfortunately, these days, I'm lucky if I find time to sleep let alone blog.

I've always been torn about how personal to get on my blog, since it started as "just" a style blog. I've never gone too deep; I've never been sure if I'd wanted to, or if anyone would want to read it. So, in turn, after almost 3 years, I feel that while, personally, my blog and I have come a long way from where we started, from a base-level outsiders perspective, it's as if I am still a young and novice blogger.

It's been said that "comparison is the thief of joy," and I'm certainty guilty of comparing my photos, outfits, numbers of followers, likes, repins, and retweets to other bloggers, and it's difficult to shake that habit.

I am incredibly grateful for the inspiration, creative outlet, and (most importantly) great friendships that blogging has provided me with. Sarah, Emily, Chelsea, and Olivia - You are my blogging besties turned real-life besties, and you are most certainly the greatest *perk* I ever could have asked for!

So, (very) long story short, I've lost a lot of my passion for blogging. This isn't a goodbye, but more of a see you later. I need some time to think about what kind of blogger I really want to be, and get a stronger grasp on my creativity that has felt fleeting as of late.

Please continue to keep up with me on Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram. I'll be back - I'm just not sure how or when yet. :)

Thanks for continuing to visit my blog and for all of your support over these years. I hope you continue to stay tuned while I figure out my blog-related ish!

'70s Style

{dress: forever 21 | platforms: steve madden (similar) (similar) | watch: c/o timex | tassel bracelet: c/o cathryn ann designs via sincerely truly scrumptious giveaway}

I fell in love with this dress when I saw it, and even more when I tried it on! Something about it just screamed out a '70s vibe to me! '70s style takes hints of '60s mod graphic prints, mixes it in with the hippie revolution, and takes it to the next level with oversized silhouettes, cropped hemlines, and solid accessories to anchor it all down!

Here is some '70s style inspiration, followed by some '70s-inspired outfits to get you all looking like you're grooving to a Supertramp album on a vinyl couch in your cork-walled basement. ;)

{images via pinterest}

{purse / jeans / blouse / platforms / earrings / bracelet}

Few things say '70s more to me than flared jeans, platforms, and bold prints! Put it all over the edge with a fringed statement bag, and you have basically entered a style time machine!

{sunglasses / purse / dress / platforms / ring}

Half-Twiggy, half-Mary-Kate Olsen, the over-the top mustard yellow dress, ditsy floral platforms, and funky accessories exude '70s style!

{jacket / blouse / necklace / hat / shorts / huaraches}

I think this interpretation of '70s style is extremely wearable! Easy cutoffs, comfy huaraches, and a drapey blouse and jacket are super relaxed and super easy, but have just the right about of vintage flair to really make your style pop!

What do you think - will you try rocking your own updated version of '70s style?

More Fall Colors

{cardigan: nordstrom (similar) (similar) | shirt: nordstrom (similar) (similar) | necklace: nordstrom (similar) | cords: urban outfitters (similar) | flats: ziginy via century 21 (similar) (similar) | clutch: popbasic (similar) (similar) | watch: c/o timex}

A couple posts back, I told you all how olive, maroon, and comfy sweaters just scream fall to me. Turns out, when you throw navy in that mix, plus some buttery leather, and just a touch of sparkle, it takes that autumnal color palette to a whole new level!

I wore this out last weekend on a chilly Sunday evening to see an awesome play with my mom & grandma at the South Coast Rep!

P.S. Can you check out this amazing watch that Timex so graciously sent me? Talk about a STATEMENT piece! I'm in love! [Insert double heart eye emoji here!]

Friday's Fancies: Boo-tiful! - Mary Poppins

{bag (similar) / hat / shirt / bow / tights / heels / skirt}

I have a confession: I'm over Halloween. Don't get me wrong. I'm not over candy. I'm not over pumpkin decorating. I'm not even over dressing up. But I am over big Halloween extravaganzas that include but are not limited to: DJs, public drunkenness, hours of dancing, and way too many people.

I didn't celebrate Halloween last year (I was actually at a Bat Mitzvah), and I have been hoping for the past year that some low-key plans would emerge, and lucky me, my friends Sarah & Dan are having a little soiree at their apartment - thank goodness!

This year, I'm leaving the slutty bumblees, slutty girl scouts, slutty race car drivers, and slutty Alice in Wonderlands at home (Why, yes, I have dressed up as all of those things... You can judge me. I would), and I'm going fully-clothed Disney this year - with the practically perfect Mary Poppins, Keiko Lynn style. Boyfriend is going as Bert, and I am stoked to be 1) comfy, 2) calm, and 3) coupled this Halloween. :)

What will you be dressing as this Halloween? Head over to long distance loving for more costume ideas!

Black & White & Ikat All Over

{dress: forever 21 | loafers: love culture (similar)}

First, let me say, no, these photos were not taken in the middle of the night, but actually prior to sunrise, at the crack of dawn when I am forced to wake up for work. ;)

Moving on...

I really love this dress. What's cool about it is that it has 2 "waist" styles - it's a drop-waist (there's a seam towards the bottom that gives it that precious ruffle), but it also cinches at the natural waist, which is perfect for my body type! It's the best of both worlds, baby!

I got this dress at the massive Forever 21 in Las Vegas using a gift card I'd hoarded for almost 6 months. I don't usually go for black & white, but I also had to talk myself out of getting this other black & white dress, and though I'm still in love with this cute little flirty black & white number (did you notice that pop of neon pink at the neckline?), I am totally kicking myself for not getting the 2nd option, too!

A Taste of Fall

{jacket: nordstrom (similar) (similar) | sweater: forever 21 | cords: urban outfitters (similar) | loafers: target (similar) | necklace: aloha swap meet (similar)}

There's something about olive, maroon, and comfy sweaters that just screams fall to me! Here in Southern California, we've had an at-length "Indian Summer," if you will. Also known as 80+ temperatures, extreme sunshine, and little chance for sweaters, jackets, or even pants. We were lucky enough to have about 3 days of under 70-degree temperatures, and 1 magical day of rain. I got to take advantage of that taste of fall weather and break out my tried-and-true autumn attire!

Here's some more autumn inspiration for you!

{sweater (similar) / boots / pants (similar) (similar) / earrings / purse}

{pants / sweater / boots / necklace / purse}

{blazer / heels / dress (similar) / necklace / ring / watch / purse}

What's your go-to fall color palette?