Hot Kiss Denim Shorts

{shirt: target (similar) | shorts: c/o hot kiss denim | boots: target (similar) (similar) | sunglasses: target | bangles: from craft fairs/street fairs (similar) (similar) (similar) (similar) (similar)}

With summer lurking in the wings, it's about time to pull my shorts out of hiding - and maybe pull my legs out of hiding, too! Honestly, with the weather being so entirely unpredictable here in Southern California, you never know where the weather is going to take you lately! I tend to automatically associate cutoff jean shorts with casual attire, but there are definitely ways to dress and spruce up a cute pair of shorts, especially this adorable embellished pair from Hot Kiss Denim! They have so many fun prints and styles to choose from! Check it out...

{necklace / tee / shorts / purse / booties}

First and foremost, I think it goes without saying that cutoff shorts are perfect for festival season! This palm tree-printed pair just scream Coachella! to me! Pair it with a nice, light white tee, a beautiful statement necklace, a cross-body, and some comfy booties, and you are set for a lovely day in the sunshine!

{earrings (similar) (similar) / belt / flats / blouse / cutoffs}

The right pair of shorts is so easy to dress up for a Sunday brunch! Lace embellishments add just the right touch of femininity. A beautiful blouse in a jewel tone accompanied by a classic ballet flat and gorgeous statement earrings, and you are sure to outshine your bottomless mimosas! ;)

{earrings / watch / shorts / blouse / sandals}

While usually associated with bohemian style, the right pair of cutoffs can go mod, too! This daisy printed pair is perfect paired with tailored black and white pieces and classic accessories!

Which is your favorite way to style jean cutoffs?

Unseasonable Sunshine

{vest: j. crew (similar) | dress: sosie (similar) (similar) (similar) | necklace: caroline g. | sandals: urban outfitters (similar) | sunglasses: target}

So, Southern California's winter has been nothing short of schizophrenic this year. 3 days of cold, 3 days of rain, 3 days of sweltering heat, 3 days of comfortable sunshine... rinse and repeat. Not only are my allergies very confused (sniff sniff cough cough), but my wardrobe can't figure it out either! This does not seem like something I should have been able to wear in the winter! I actually wore this outfit last June (when it's supposed to be 90+ degrees...) to the Temecula Balloon & Wine Festival with my gal pals, but since I never took outfit photos, it gets to make its blog appearance now!

Basics + Statement Necklace

{shirt: popbasic (similar) | jeans: target (similar) | boots: sam edelman | necklace: via stitchfix (similar)}

As I mentioned recently, I love an outfit that consists entirely of basics. A traditional Breton striped shirt, some comfy jeans, and the perfect bootie make for an easy, yet tailored traditional look. Kick that classic look up a notch with a bold statement necklace, and you have the perfect mix of classic and trendy!

This perfect combination works for a fun night out...

{jacket / tee / heels / necklace / jeans}

a day at work...

{blazer / shell / flats / necklace / skirt}

 or a weekend brunch!

{necklace / heels / dress / cardigan}

(California) Winter Woes

{jacket: j. crew | shirt: nordstrom (similar) | jeans: seven for all mankind (similar) | flats: justfab (sold out in brown - available in black)}

I'm sure you've all heard of the polar vortex plaguing the nation. Well... Southern California was hit by our own version of the polar vortex recently... 4 straight days of pouring rain. I know, I know - terrifying. I'm kidding, of course, but seriously, this outfit only lasted so long, until on the way out of my door, I stepped ankle-high into a deceptively deep puddle, and had to return home to temporarily change into rain boots simply to get to my car. Like I said... terrifying. Nevermind my brand-new umbrella blowing backwards and upside down into the wind and having to reshape its wires back to normal on my way home. Terrifying.

Friday's Fancies: Green

So, I've said it before, and I'll say it again. I have very mixed feelings regarding St. Patrick's Day. While I enjoy drinking (duh), I do not specifically enjoy being told what to wear, and more importantly, I do NOT enjoy being pinched! Seeing as I'll be spending Monday with some 3rd graders, I'd best peruse my wardrobe for green - I don't need any of those little leprechauns causing me trouble!

The  way I see it, find your favorite shade of green, be it avocado, emerald, or sage, and let it compliment an otherwise neutral outfit! Mix your cute, tailored basics with with some St. Patty's spirit, and you're good to go!

{blazer / tee / necklace / jeans / purse / loafers}

{hat / bangle / heels / dress}

{purse / shirt / earrings / skirt / loafers}

Basics

{tee: target |  jeans: justfab (similar) | boots: target | sunglasses: target | bracelets: alex & ani | watch: marc by marc jacobs | necklace: vintage - my aunt's (similar) | purse: rebecca taylor (similar)}

Sometimes, an outfit that consists entirely of basics feels more fashionable than anything trendy. I felt classically comfy in this black tee, skinny jeans, and new booties. I was, however, slightly out of place at a Miley Cyrus concert. ;) To fit in, I'd have needed a little more fur, a little more weird, and a little more of my butt showing...

All Navy, All Week

{sweater: old navy | top: nordstrom (similar) | jeans: forever 21 | flats: justfab (sold out in brown - available in black) | necklace: vintage - my aunt's (similar) | watch: urban outfitters (similar)}

One fun perk about the #sublife? You can wear the same outfit 3 (or maybe 5...) days in a row, and no one will notice! If you're at a different school everyday, and you aren't seeing any of the same people, you can totally rock the same outfit repeatedly. I changed this one up on a couple of days and added some booties and a scarf, but you get the idea. This shirt is just so comfy I couldn't bear to take it off. And hey... I may even wash it...

Menswear Monday: Preppy

Last week, I gave a nod to festival-style tropical menswear! This week, I'm going in the opposite direction - full-on preppy! A timeless style defined by classic pieces, basic prints, and neutral colors look good on nearly anyone, and as long as you keep the pieces well-fit and tailored, you can't go wrong with this always perfect style.

{source / source}

{source / source}

Pair your classic stripes and plaids with khakis, neutrals, and boat shoes, and you are good to go!

{backpack / shorts / sneakers / shirt}

{belt / pants / shirt / shoes}

{watch / shirt / shoes / pants}

What style do you most identify with - preppy or tropical?

Life Lately via Instagram v2.0

We now interrupt your (extremely ir)regularly scheduled outfit posts to bring you a little glimpse into the goings-on in the life of Dani lately, via my most recent Instagram photos! (Follow along @dailydaniblog!)

Last month, I headed out to LA and Melissa and I went to the Diane Von Furstenberg Journey of a Dress exhibit at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA). This has been a must-see for all of the fashionistas in Southern California over the past few months! If you are a fellow fashion-lover and in the LA area, it is running through April 1 - head over ASAP and take in the beauty that is 40 years of gorgeous DVF patterns and portraits! (P.S. It's free! Cha-ching! Or, lack of cha-ching!):

{obligatory lacma lanterns shot!}

{multiply these mannequins by 10 and that's how many amazing pieces are showcased!}

{my favorite dvf portrait of the lot!}

Concerts are my happy place. I love being engulfed in beautiful music, surrounded by dancing crowds! My concert schedule was light over the past few weeks, but I did get to take in a few lovelies!:

{p!nk acrobatically sailing into the crowd!}

{miley cyrus. wearing yellow fur. floating over the crowd on a giant hot dog. yessir.}

Valentine's Day can be tough for the single (or in my case, the very recently single), but surrounding yourself with fabulous and supportive girlfriends is the cure for any broken heart:

{a valentine's day check-in to make sure i wasn't hanging from my shower rod.}

{some tasty sparkling wine, a b-day gift saved for #galentinesday}

My insta feed has been a little fashion-lite lately, but don't worry - I'll make it a point to post more #ootds soon!:

{adorable new d'orsay flats from justfab - sold out in brown, but still available in black}

I am a big fan of inventing my own hashtags, and #dailydaniclouds has become a new favorite. There is something about a mid-winter California sky that is just heavenly. (Ok, there's something about spring, summer, and autumn California skies, too...):

My best friend celebrated her 27th birthday this month, and we did it up in style... Translation:

{day-drinking at the bungalow in santa monica!}

Andddd... since Melissa's, Jenna's, and my birthday all fall within 6 weeks of each other, we did it up right - by spending an absolutely AMAZING day at Disneyland & California Adventure!:

{main street, usa}

{my new (and very necessary) hat}

{surprise birthday sundaes from the carnation cafe!}

{not just anyone gets a picture holding this oversized bunch of balloons. happy birthday to us!}

And, do send you all off, the most perfectly thought-provoking fortune:

Keep up with all of my antics over on my Instagram account, @dailydaniblog!