Favorites & Sorries

{blazer: forever 21 (similar) | shirt: target (similar) | jeans: target | wedges: modcloth (similar) | necklace: baublebar}

These are some of my favorite pieces ever. A classic blazer, boyfriend jeans, and my comfy "Dani" wedge booties! Throw in a men's camo tee and pretty emerald-accented necklace, and you've got an "insta-outfit" in the world of The Daily Dani!

I read once that, as a blogger, you should never apologize for anything (i.e. what you wear, your absence, etc.). However, rules were made to be broken (this is comical coming from me, as I'm a strict rule-follower at all times...) and I'm going to say: I'm sorry my presence has been a bit scarce on here! I never realized how exhausting my life would be while student teaching (which is, essentially, a full-time teaching job in which you do not get paid...), along with grad school, along with homework and papers and state certifications... along with attempting to have a LIFE! Oh, and sleep. Sadly, sleep is what tends to take a backseat to everything else lately! So, from time to time, I am just far too busy or far too exhausted to blog! Sad, but true! Please bear with me, my sweet and wonderful readers, while I try to figure out how to devote time in my schedule to everything I want and love to do!!

Polka Dots + Purple Pants

{blazer: alloy (similar) | top: foreign exchange (similar) | pants: old navy (similar) | flats: breckelles via amazon | necklace: popbasic (similar)}

This outfit is a little odd to me, as it is kind of a business-casual combo. The lavender jeans don't exactly scream "professional," but paired with this structured blazer and ladylike flats, they seem to work for the office! (Or in my case, the classroom!) It was kind of a double monochromatic look, split at the hips. Pastels below the waist, navy up top. All-in-all, this look is a little bipolar. Oh well... we all have to experiment with our fashion sometimes!

White Blazers for Summer

{blazer: forever 21 (similar) | shirt: j. crew (similar) (similar) | shorts: vintage levi's via urban outfitters | huaraches: justfab (similar) | necklace: forever 21 (gift from chelsea - similar) | watch: nordstrom (similar)}

I feel like a white blazer just screams summertime! While a blazer can often be taken as business wear, by pairing it with a casual t-shirt, jean cutoffs, and island-y huarache sandals, you can really dress it down and make a blazer wearable for day, or for a fun night out! I happened to wear this out for dinner and drinks with some of my gal pals from grad school, saying sayonara to the school year and hellooooo to summer break!

Having trouble picturing yourself in a blazer outside of the office? Here are a few ideas to mix a white blazer into your summertime wardrobe!

{blazer / shorts / tank / purse / necklace / sandals}

This is a take on the way I styled my blazer, but I toughened it up a bit with a wild graphic, leopard print, and some serious hardware!

{headband / earrings / loafers / dress / blazer / belt}

This is a nice way to incorporate a more feminine vibe to take away from the starkness of a white blazer! Florals, girly colors, and a cute little bow headband make a white blazer wearable for a day of errands, for brunch, or even for a date night!

{pants / blazer / heels / top / purse / necklace (similar) / bracelet / watch}

If all else fails, stick to what you know! Pair that blazer with some white pants to make your own suit for the office - or for a swanky night out! ;)

Do you own a white blazer? How do you like to style it?

Friday's Fancies: Wedding Season

Apparently, it's wedding season! While, honestly, the two weddings I'm attending this year occur(ed) in February and October, that doesn't mean I can't help out all of my readers to plan what they'll wear as wedding guests this summer!

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

I think the classic theme for a spring/summer is pastels! However, by pairing contrasting pastel shades, and adding a brighter version of one of your shades into the mix, you can really pump up the volume of an otherwise subdued outfit! Keep it classic with some neutral accessories, and you're ready to go!

{blazer / clutch / dress / necklace / heels}

You really can't go wrong with the traditional blazer + dress combo, and by mixing your classic pieces with a stand-out dress and statement necklace, you will be prepared to stylishly celebrate your friends & families!

{outfit 1: studs / clutch / wedges / dress (sold out - similar) | outfit 2: dress (sold out - similar) / studs / clutch / heels}

While I've never been to a formal wedding, or a beach wedding for that matter, an ethereal maxi in a beautiful shade seems like the perfect attire for either! Let your dress do the talking, add some beautiful metallic accessories, and dance the night away!

Head over to Long Distance Loving to check out more options for wedding season!

Friday's Fancies: Stripes

Oh, boy. Stripes. The quintessential universal perfect print! There used to be a time where I'd pretty much buy any printed item I saw. I still kind of suffer from this (wonderful) affliction, but I've toned it down a bit. Stripes are just so versatile and work for everyone! Whether you go for a thin stripe or thick, in neutrals or brights, horizontal or vertical... Everyone's gotta love a stripe!

{jeans / necklace / watch / loafers / sweater / blazer / purse}

A little bit afraid of print? Then your feet are the perfect place to rock stripes! By taking a classic outfit, adding classic accessories, and throwing in a classic shoe in a classic stripe, you can take the plunge!

{jacket / purse / headband / skirt (similar) / shirt / wedges}

Like I mentioned above, stripes are so classic! Combine your stripes with classics like a denim jacket and a white button-down, and you're set! Throwing in a fun wedge and a quirky headband can take these classics up a notch!

{backpack (similar) / sweater / shorts / necklace / loafers}

Can you tell I'm digging classic prints in classic silhouettes lately? I love the neutral tones and slick leather in this outfit, but I think that statement necklace adds an awesome pop to spice it up!

What is your favorite striped item in your closet?

Neon & Navy + 3 Words That Sum Up My Style!

{blazer: alloy (similar) | shirt: nordstrom | skirt: target | flats: brooks brothers (similar) | watch: urban outfitters}

Now this is an outfit I feel like myself in! A touch of comfort, a touch of trendy, a touch of prep. That's me!

Comfort: A classic chambray shirt - I have a few too many accumulating in my closet, but let's be honest - they're a very important staple in my closet!
Trendy: It's always fun to incorporate trends (like NEON!) in fun, inexpensive ways. Thank you, Target!
Prep: I think this is where modern J. Crew comes into play! How could I resist this navy blazer with gold buttons years ago? Plus, I can never resist a sweet bow - who knew Brooks Brothers would ever be on my fashion radar?!

What three words sum up your style?

Blazer + Boyfriend Jeans at Lucky FABB

{blazer: forever 21 | shirt: nordstrom | belt: target | jeans: seven for all mankind | booties: modcloth | turquoise necklace: bought on the street in mexico | arrow necklace: forever 21 (gift)}

I returned for Day 2 of Lucky FABB to spend another great day with my Blogsquad! (Elle, Emily, & Brittany!) I wanted to go with an outfit I'd be comfortable in all day, so I went with my favorite booties, my comfy boyfriend jeans, and my trusty blazer!

Day 2 was full of breakout sessions. First, we enjoyed an excellent photography lesson from Jessie Webster of Sweet Thing and photographer Kimberly Genevieve. Then, we got some professional make-up tips from the amazingly talented and informed makeup artist Bruce Grayson - and got some pretty sweet swag bags from P&G Beauty! Then, we got a serious lesson in SEO and web traffic growth from Dave Cook, VP of Marketing for TheFind - with an adorable intro from Raman Kia of Conde Nast. Finally, we ended our sessions with Rachel Nguyen of That's Chic!

After perusing brand experiences from AG Jeans, Dylan's Candy Bar & Le Sportsac, JustFab, and Betsey Johnson, we picked up our amazing gift bags, and spent the rest of the afternoon taking photos. Then we went for a delicious early dinner at The 3rd Stop in Beverly Hills!

I had such a fun time - I miss my Blogsquad already!

My Uniform

{blazer & necklace (gift from chelsea!): forever 21 | tee (gift from sarah!): jolie & elizabeth | jeans: seven for all mankind | flats: target | bracelets: chloe & isabel}

A couple weeks ago when I wore a similar blazer & tee combo, Sarah told me that this was my "uniform!" To quote her exactly, "This outfit is so *you* to me! Basic tee, skinnies, cute flats, and a good blazer. If you are ever wondering what your uniform is, this is it, Dan!" So, she got me thinking... and she's right! I feel most comfortable lately in some form of a graphic tee and blazer! (This black blazer is my favorite!) I mixed it up this time by adding boyfriend jeans and a peep-toe, but I think the basic feel is the same!

How about you guys? What is your "uniform?"