Life Lately via Instagram

In case you aren't Instagram obsessed like I am, I wanted to update everyone on my life lately via some of my Instagram snapshots. While my blogging has become much less frequent than it used to be, you can always follow along with my cocktail-induced adventures and outfit posts via my Instagram account, @dailydaniblog.

A pair of photos from my New Year's Eve festivities:

{clutch: gigi new york via saks fifth avenue | watch: marc by marc jacobs | heels: justfab | skirt: modcloth (same in black) | shirt: nordstrom (similar) (similar)}

 

Some "outfit of the day" selfies:

{cardigan: old navy | tank: forever 21 (similar tank) (similar tee) | spike necklace: nordstrom (similar) | monogram: baublebar | initial ring: nordstrom (similar) | phone case: margaux bonnie etsy shop}

{shirt: nordstrom (similar) | jeans: target (similar) | flats: old navy (other colors)}

{top: nordstrom (similar) (similar) | jeans: seven for all mankind | necklace: thrifted (similar) (similar) | watch: marc by marc jacobs | bracelets: alex and ani via nordstrom | clutch: gigi new york via saks fifth avenue | flats: steve madden}

Finding beauty in Orange County and Los Angeles:

{neon fountain at the music center in downtown la}

{the lab anti-mall in costa mesa}

{celestial stonework at the cathedral of our lady of the angels in downtown la}

{hiking at the laguna coast wilderness park}

A little "Throwback Thursday" action with the mom and pops:

{circa 1988}

{circa 1989}

Belated birthday cocktails with the lovely Emily Devine:

{pear cider & spicy watermelon margarita @ hudson house in redondo beach}

Celebrating my friend Jenna's birthday with some Sunday brunch Bloody Marys and pizzas all around:

{simmzy's on 2nd st. in long beach}

If you don't already, go ahead and follow me on Instagram @dailydaniblog and keep up with my antics!

Blog Birthday / Dani Birthday

January has come to mean many things to me during my time on this grand earth.
First of all, of course, it marks the new year! A fresh start, new beginnings, and another year to get it right!

My birthday also happens to be in January, so as the new calendar year greets us, so coincides a new year in my own book of life - this year happened to be lucky #27! (Any number is lucky if you just say "lucky" before it, right?)

Over the past few years, January has also come to mean something else - a "blog birthday," if you will! I can't believe I started this little gal 3 years ago as of January 10! The Daily Dani has grown, it has changed, and it is still evolving into what I hope will be a true representation of me and my style! Thank you all for following along, and hanging on for the ride, while I take my time figuring out just where my blog and I would like to be. :) Mwah!

Here are a few gems from my b-day celebration last weekend!

{taylor & sara / jordann, lauren, & andrew / jenna / ali, justin, & ethan}

{jessica & holly / melissa / brian / jessica, holly, karla, & andrea}

{jacket: j. crew | t-shirt: target | skirt: american apparel |  booties: forever 21 (similar) | watch: marc by marc jacobs}

Happy everything!

Menswear Monday: Winter Cabin Chic

So, I'm pretty into what I tend to refer to as "lumberjack chic," or "winter cabin chic," or "plaid chic," or "mountain man chic." You get the idea. Something about plaids combined with cozy knits, Pendleton-esque prints, and rich leathers just screams "Heyyyy!" to me, in regards to menswear!

{1 / 2 / 3 / 4}

See what I mean? Heyyyy. Looking to dress yourself (or your main squeeze) in this woods-meets-streets style? Here are some ideas!

{glasses / watch / sweater / shirt / shoes / pants}

You can't go wrong with a classic chambray shirt and chinos, some nice cognac shoes, and a masculine leather watch! Top it with a cozy, fairisle zip-up, and comfy cozy takes on new meaning! Throw in some stylish readers for some fireside reading, and you're set for a weekend in the woods!

{jacket / sweater / sneakers / jeans / scarf / belt}

 One way to get into the male snow bunny (snow rabbit? haha) spirit is with a rich color palette! Mixing mustard, burgundy, and olive is sure to represent the spirit of pine trees and roasting marshmallows! Make it even richer with some yummy patterns - like a "softer than cashmere" plaid scarf and luxurious paisley sneaks - and you are ready, set, snowmobile!

{hoodie / sneakers / jeans / hat / backpack}

Not super into the lumberjack look, but still interested in bringing some cozy patterns into your look - keep it casual and trendy by incorporating Native American/Southwestern ikats, flannel plaid, and classic camo into your staple hoodies, backpacks, sneakers, and caps! Mixing prints is easy as long as you keep your colors neutral!

How do you feel about this "winter cabin chic" look for men? Looking for more menswear inspiration? Check out my menswear Pinterest board!

2014 Screen Actors Guild Awards - Fashion!

So, I didn't see a whole lot of SAG Awards Red Carpet coverage this year - I felt like there weren't that many actors that actually attended the actors' awards! I wanted to see everyone - but I felt like I really only saw the nominees! Still, there were a few stand-outs, in my opinion, for good and bad reasons!

My Faves

Suki: While I don't quite understand who Suki Waterhouse is, what shoe does, or why Bradley Cooper wants to date someone half his age (who isn't me), but this dress was so lovely. It reminded me of Jennifer Lawrence's Golden Globes dress, but more flattering! // Kaley: When I saw Kaley during the show's introduction, I was too distracted by her lash-to-brow BLACK EYESHADOW that I didn't even notice how pretty this grey/lavender/periwinkle stunner was! // Anna: Anna Gunn really does pick beautiful dresses for awards shows. Though this dress is head-to-toe sequins, it is still classy, fits well, and is age- and occasion-appropriate. Plus, her blonde hair is just so much prettier than the odd color she had it on Breaking Bad! You go, Skylar White! // Sofia: I almost always hate what Sofia Vergara wears on the red carpet, but this dress is so beautiful! Her ta-tas were contained, this dress wasn't so tight she was busting out of it, and I love the strategically seamed sparkles! So pretty!

My Non-Faves

I have to start out by saying, I love all of these actresses so much, they are 3 of my favorites, and I thought their hair and makeup was beautiful, but something went awry here below the neck! Mostly, I was just slightly confused by these choices! Mayim: I know that Mayim Bialik is a Modern Orthodox Jew, so she is usually pretty covered up from neck-to-toe, but there are less... mish-moshed ways to do it? I would have probably liked this silhouette if it were all purple, or all lacey, but the mash-up was just a little fashion-schizo. // Sarah: Man, I love Sarah Paulson, but it feels like she took her 12 Years a Slave role as a plantation owner too seriously with this dress. I think that if the dress had been floor-length, and not had those odd rosettes on the chest, I would have really liked it, but alas... // Claire: I actually only saw Claire from the waist-up at the show, and was intrigued, but when I looked up a full-length photo and saw those odd nude-colored pieces down the side, I was gravely disappointed. I felt like if you extended the illusion to the wrists, this is something Jane Fonda would have worn... keep it young, girlfriend! You're only in your early 30s!

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

2014 Golden Globe Awards - Fashion!

It's that time of year again! Awards season is here, and we kicked off all the fun fashion last night with the Golden Globes! I had so many favorites, it was hard to only choose a few!

Belles of the Ball

Leslie: I don't usually love neutrals, especially not all-black, but when it's done in gorgeously feminine lace and an awe-inspiring silhouette, how could I not? Leslie Mann always looks so chic, yet, fashion-forward, and this ensemble is no exception! // Sosie: Finally, a Miss Golden Globe honoree who doesn't appall me! Haha. Not only is Sosie Bacon lovely to look at, she seemed very sweet in all of the interviews I've seen, and her parents are certainly admirable Hollywood Royalty! I loved this muted and pastel color palette - it was figure-flattering, age-appropriate, and adorably girly! // Caitlin: I don't watch Masters of Sex, so I had no clue who this was, but she certainly caught my attention with this AMAZING dress! I have been pretty into sky blue for the past few months, so this dress absolutely wowed me. Throw in the modest neckline and retro silhouette, and I'm sold - now, where can I find an affordable knock-off of this beauty?

Pretty in Pink (and Purple!)

Julie: I will preface this with my typical Julie Bowen disclaimer: homegirl needs to eat a sandwich. However, this dress is gorgeous. This is colorblocking done right, in complimentary wine shades, rich fabrics, and a very cool strong shoulder! (But serious, Julie, EAT SOMETHING.) // Giuliana: I loved this princess dress on Giuliana. On some women, it would have looked silly and maybe too young, but because of G's sandwich-less frame, it added some much-needed volume. She pulled it off very well. Plus, I'm loving her bob! // Maria: It seems like for the past year or so, Maria has been blowing it out of the water during awards season! This color, this silhouette, that figure-flattering sheer detail... all absolutely gorgeous! // Kyra: As the mother of Miss Golden Globe, I like that Kyra made some sort of statement in this gorgeous peach color, but kept it subdued with this classic, modest, and perfect-for-her-shape cut! // Sarah: Sarah Hyland was the first person I saw when I turned on the red carpet coverage! Once I got past her bare-face plus heavy-duty brows, I was able to take in this lovely peachy-pink chiffon number. Topped with those adorable milkmaid braids, I was sold! // Taylor: Everybody sitting down? I thought Taylor looked great. I will probably never say this again, so savor this moment. She was giving us full Karlie Kloss with her faux bob, and for once, this silhouette and color palette were totally flattering and age-appropriate for Taylor! You go, girl!

Sassy Sparkles

I love a little sparkle, a little rhinestone, a little glitter... and so did many of the ladies gracing the red carpet last night! Sarah: Eek! I love this! There is something sweetly vintage about it - '50s prom dress turned red carpet! I love the glittering silver, and I love the tiered skirt. I also think it was brave of Sarah to not go floor-length... I just love it! // Emma: I know Emma's look was controversial, but I liked it! Emma Stone is always youthful, fresh, and fashion-forward, and this top & skirt combo was no exception. Sure, perhaps it was a touch casual for the occasion, but she can pull it off! P.S. I'd wear this anywhere, any day! // Olivia: Oh gosh. She is just stunning. I was watching her present, thinking about the first time I saw her on the O.C., and just thinking... Wow. She is absolutely STUNNING. This is pregnancy done right! High-neck, long-sleeved, floor-length is always stunning, but throw in emerald sequins, and WOW! Talk about a show stopper!

White Hot

White is a bold move to make anywhere, let alone the red carpet, but these ladies pulled it off! Taissa: Taissa got a little flack for the casual nature of her outfit, but I figure, she is young, she is adorable, and so is this outfit! // Zosia: Not only does her new haircut look amazing, but this dress looks beautiful on her! The floral print is modern and super flattering! // Zooey: Finally, Zoe does something different than a '50s silhouette! I love her low hair bun, I love that she wore separates, and I love this whole outfit in general! // Rashida: Ok. I know this dress is kind of ridiculous, but I also know that I kind of love Rashida Jones. These glittering palm trees just scream Palm Springs resort to me, and I can't get enough of her adorable bangs. Throw a precious bun on top of there, and I continue to love her! // Jennifer: Oh, Jennifer. Can she do no wrong? From photobombing Taylor Swift, to her adorable Michelle Williams-esque pixie, to this STUNNING floor-length tulle dress... Oh, she is divine! // Paula: I know people have a lot of things to say about Paula Patton, but I think she's great. I also know people had a lot of things to say about this dress, but I thought it was great, too! It was a few inches too short, but I thought this giant ruffle was a beautiful way to make a statement.

What Were They Thinking?!

Amy: I just have one word for this: "Blah." I saw enough of her boobs in American Hustle, I didn't need to see them again last night. The colors seemed wrong for her, and her hair color looked lackluster. And her hairstyle looked like she was going to attend her 8th grade graduation. I dunno. Just. Blah. // Kate: Hi, boobs. I want Kate Mara's red hair back, I don't want to see her boobs, and I don't want a ruffle cascading down her crotch. ...Just sayin'. // Sandra: I'm bummed that Sandra did this. Why pink and blue? Why so much boob (or lack thereof)? Why an awkward midi length? Whyyy, Sandra? // Zoe: Wrong. Just... wrong.

Black & White & Bad All Over

Emma: I thought this silhouette was too mature for Miss Emma. When young actresses go over-the-top to look older than they are, I don't quite get it. Enjoy your youth, ladies! // Julia: Like niece, like aunt? Ugh, Julia. WHY? Whyyyy with the weird button-up under the dress? What IS this? // Hayden: If I could put the face I'm making into words, I would. Bad color blocking. Bad silhouette. The slit isn't tailored to her height. She has a bizarre brooch attached to her neck. And she has the faux-wet slicked-back hairstyle. My least favorite of the night. // Heidi: Meh. What happened to Heidi's boobs? I guess 4 (5?) kids do wonders on a supermodel's chest... Also, I'm over her bangs. // Allison: I want to like everything Allison Williams wears, but... I like pretty much nothing that Allison Williams wears. I think she tries to go too fashion-forward, but it doesn't suit her. I want her to be classic, like a modern Audrey Hepburn. I was just not into this weird striped pattern and weird neckline.

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

Menswear Monday #1

Happy New Year, everybody! As I expressed a few weeks ago in my little Remember me? "pop in to say hello" post, I wanted to try a few new things here on the blog! Being as it is a fresh new year, I thought I'd try something fresh here on The Daily Dani - a little taste of menswear!

I absolutely love the idea of putting menswear outfits together. I've always enjoyed opportunities to shop for guys, I love to follow and read menswear blogs (like The Mark of a Gentleman, TSBMen, Stay Classic, and The Midwestyle), and I'm always pinning menswear on my "Hey, Man" Pinterest board!

I'm not sure exactly how I will incorporate menswear onto my blog, but I thought some outfit sets would be a good start! I'd like to delve further into it with celeb style as well as style inspiration! These outfits are pretty general-occasion, all-encompassing winter-ish outfits... what do you think? :)

{jeans / sweatshirt (sold out - similar) / hoodie / sneakers}

I love the oxblood/cranberry color trend for myself, and I love it for guys, too! You can keep the bold color comfortable in a cozy hoodie, paired with some navy and gray neutrals! When paired with an equally as bold print, it can even take a backseat as the stand-out piece in your outfit!

{vest / thermal / jeans / boots (sold out - similar)}

Call me crazy ("Crazy!") but I've always been kind of obsessed with the idea of a puffer vest on a guy, especially in an odd color combination! I know it would take a bold fellow to rock this orange and brown guy, but even if you just stuck with the chukka boots and striped thermal, I'd be happy. ;)

{jacket / henley / watch / jeans / sneakers}

This outfit is simple, classic, and definitely cool! With a warm jacket with a little colorblocking twist, a nice substantial watch, and another pop of cranberry, you can't go wrong!


Is menswear style something you'd be interested in continuing to see on The Daily Dani?