Waft and Weft

{Dress: Forever 21 | Belt: Luna | Sandals: Old Navy | Pink & pearl bracelet: Betsey Johnson | Chevron bracelets & Watch: Nordstrom | Ring: Vintage (Aunt's)}

This dress actually has tiny pinstripes; it's odd how the print was distorted through the camera lens! It reminds me of when you try to take a photo of a TV or computer screen. Odd!

Anyway, I wish I'd chosen to take photos of this wearing the denim jacket I had on most of the day; it gave an extra element to the outfit. But alas, I added that piece after the fact.

I got these sandals to replace my favorite Steve Madden sandals that I lost last year. Tragic, I know. Hopefully I can come to love these as I loved my others

Can you tell I'm having a bit of blogger's block today? What do you do to cure your writer's block?

You still have two more days to enter my eShakti giveaway!

Pastel Prep

{Shirt: Old Navy | Pants: Forever 21 | Sandals: Salt Water | Blazer: Alloy | Bracelet: Betsey Johnson | Watch: Nordstrom}

Summer is steadily approaching, and pastels aren't going anywhere! I mixed my classic pastel pieces with a heavier classic - the nautical navy blazer! - and a summer classic - my trusty Salt Water sandals! I've been wearing Salt Waters since I was probably 2 years old, so nothing screams summer to me like these bad boys, especially in sunshine yellow!

Blank Canvas

{Shirt & Sandals: Old Navy | Jeans & Earrings: Forever 21 | Bracelets: J. Crew, Betsey Johnson | Watch: Shock Boutique}

I consider this outfit a very bold move for a preschool teacher. White jeans + 3-year-olds + paint = deep-seeded fear. However, I figured if I don't wear my clothes to work, where else am I going to wear them? Moral of the story, I stayed paint-free all day (even through teaching an art class) and I am giving myself a major pat on the back.

P.S. One of my students went home on this day and said to his mom, "Mommy, you look very pretty today, but you'd look even prettier if you wore a pink shirt like Miss Dani." Winning the heart of a Pre-Ker? Check!

Celeb Style - My Way: Ashley Olsen

{Sweater: Nordstrom | Jacket: Target | Skirt: Forever 21 | Boots: Steve Madden | Necklace: Betsey Johnson via Rue La La}

So, I recently purchased this midi skirt. I thought I needed more printed skirts that I was comfortable in for day-to-day and work. (I recently got rid of a lot of my mid-length printed skirts, because I never wore them! Now all I have left is solid maxis and printed minis!)

I didn't really expect it to be difficult to style, since it's just black & white and a pretty basic print. However, when I saw this photo of Ashley Olsen, I knew I HAD to copycat this style! In my eyes, the Olsens can do no wrong! Ever!

Source: olsensanonymous.blogspot.com via Dani on Pinterest

Though I keep my Louboutins stored away for special occasions (Hah!), I found that I had similar enough pieces to basically replicate Ashley's lovely look! I'll have to remember to add the beanie the next time I have a bad hair day! Ta-da!

Trailblazer.

{Tee: Grateful Dead | Blazer: Forever 21 | Pants & Southwestern bangle: Nordstrom | Flats: Jessica Simpson | Watch: Shock Boutique | Tortoiseshell bangle: J. Crew | Pink bangle: Betsey Johnson (gift)}

This was a total last-minute thrown-together morning-of outfit, and I totally love it! I may have mentioned this before, but I am so not a morning person! I tend to hit snooze 2-5x every morning, and am always rushing to get dressed! I have been planning my outfits ahead of time for the past year or so, but lately it's been tough because the weather has been so bipolar! Low 60s all last week, pouring rain this weekend, followed by high 70s this week? RiDONKulous! Hmph.

I tend to just want to be super comfy at work, but I don't want to look like a slob! This outfit began as a simple t-shirt and utility pants, and became an actual look! I love how a blazer can take a totally casual outfit and give it just the right amount of polish! Plus, never underestimate accessories! I must have had a few extra minutes this morning, because I actually accessorized! A good arm party can just jingle-jangle and make me smile all day!

Smells Like Teen (/Adult) Spirit.

{Shirt: Chaser LA | Jeans: Urban Outfitters | Moccasins: Minnetonka | Sunglasses: Juicy Couture | Watch: Nordstrom | Purse: Old Navy | Suitcase: Betseyville}

What's the best thing to do when you're traveling to a beautiful, tropical locale full of the bluest oceans, the pinkest sunsets, and the most exotically colored drinks? Wear gray and pretend you're from Seattle.

This suitcase is the best suitcase of all time. Not only does it look awesome, it fits a boatload of stuff inside. I've fit 4 pairs of shoes and 10 outfits in here before. I tend to take full advantage of this bad boy's flexibility stretchability super powers.

The Big 2-5

{Shirt: Luna | Skirt: Babooshka etsy shop | Black socks worn as tights: Steve Madden | Red socks: We Love Colors | Wedges: Modcloth | Bracelets: Betsey Johnson (gift), Tory Burch (gift), J. Crew | Watch: Nordstrom}

On Saturday night, some friends and I went to Sgt. Pepper's Dueling Pianos in Long Beach to celebrate my 25th birthday! After trying on approximately 500 different outfits on, I went for this mixed pattern look. I think if I start planning my outfit for the big 2-6 now, I MIGHT be able to figure something out sometime over the next 365 days. Suggestions welcome, in advance.

I'm also guest posting today over at The In-Between! Check it out!

By the way... Have you entered my Shabby Apple Cameo Necklace Giveaway yet?

Jerry Garcia Sweater

{Sweater: Stitchfix | Tunic & Watch: Nordstrom | Jeans: Old Navy | Flats: Yosi Samra | Necklace: Luna | Pink bracelet: Betsey Johnson (gift) | Turquoise wrap bracelet: Tory Burch (gift)}

First off, I can't take credit for the term "Jerry Garcia sweater." That's all Renee over at Rock 'n' Roll Betty! I can, however, take credit for loving everything about a "Jerry Garcia sweater" and totally using it at a constant rate from now on!

Next, have you all heard of Stitchfix? It's basically an online personal shopping dealio... You fill out a style questionnaire, and their stylists send you a package of clothes they think you'll like! You get to try everything on in your own home, mix and match with what you already own, and there's no obligation to keep! Plus, it's free shipping both ways! I totally recommend it. I think it might take a few more tries for them to get my style down pat, but this awesome sweater is the first step in the right direction!

Also, I love these flats. Once I got my turquoise snake print Yosi Samra flats, I immediately wanted more. These versatile suede brown beauties were one of my final purchases of 2011. I'm so happy about them! Head over to Yosi Samra to see all of the amazing prints they have to choose from! (It's taking everything in me not to snatch up another pair of leopard shoes...)

Finally, I love this geode necklace. I love it so much that I almost cried when I accidentally cracked it in half Friday afternoon. I am now praying to the glue gods for a miracle of sorts. An accessory miracle, that is.

I wore this outfit for the day before the day before my birthday. AKA, Friday, when everyone celebrated my birthday at work. I don't think there's a better place to celebrate a birthday than a preschool - hugs, homemade cards, lots of cupcakes, and lots of love. What more could someone ask for?

Can you hear that jingle jingle jangle?

{Sweater: Romwe | Pants: Urban Outfitters | Boots: Steve Madden | Watch: Nordstrom | Bracelet: Betsey Johnson | Hat: Target}

Today, a co-worker asked me: "What is it that makes someone want to purchase a sweater with a giant horse on it?" Well, let me tell you the answer: Aside from the fact that I love basically anything with an animal print or an actual animal on it, I was 100% inspired by Coury from Fancy Treehouse! When I saw her in this sweater, I had an actual "have to have it" moment and impulse purchased this bad boy with the best of 'em! It's such a fantastic thick-knit and it feels almost handmade. I'm in love. I can't stress this next point enough: blogging is a dangerous hobby when it's in conjunction with an addiction to online shopping...

And now, for a close up of the bracelet! (When your iPhone takes way better photos than your digital camera, maybe it's time for an upgrade, eh?)

As if it needs to be stated, I am OBSESSED with my Native American themed Betsey Johnson jingle jangle bracelet I got about 3 years ago. It's heavenly.

P.S. Neigh.