Now that's more like it! (21/30)

{Top: Lauren Conrad for Kohl's | Jeans: American Apparel | Heels: Kohl's | Belt: Urban Outfitters | Necklace: F21}

After some shopping and much-needed air conditioning at the Fashion Show Mall, I felt much more like myself! Therefore, I got spruced up and ready to go out to see a comedy show!

I must say, I'm kind of in love with this outfit. I'd been wanting to check out LC's line at Kohl's for awhile, but never got around to it, until someone gave me a Kohl's gift card for my birthday! A few months later, I got off my lazy behind and headed over to Kohl's, and was pleasantly surprised!

I must add this word to the wise: what looks absolutely adorable on the outside, may feel like medieval torture on the inside. (A strapless bra, high-rise pants, and belted waist feel like medieval torture.) Just a little tip.

Don't worry; be happy now. (20/30)

{Top: Zara | Shorts: True Religion DIY | Sandals: ShoeDazzle | Scarf: Foreign Exchange}

If you couldn't tell by my joyous expression, I was in a terrible mood when I took these photos. I think that I had some form of heat exhaustion from the 110 degree weather in Vegas; I felt terrible! This, in turn, made me totally hate this outfit. Luckily, looking back at the photos, it's not so bad at all! I also think I'm getting kind of sick of this shirt. And by kind of sick, I mean super sick of it. Thanks a lot, 30 for 30! ;)

Upside, you know what's cool about this scarf? For awhile, Foreign Exchange was doing a promotion where something like every $10 you spent, you got a free scarf. I'm not completely ashamed to say, I think that I have about 20 of these nice, jersey scarves in a great variety of colors. I think essentially free beats American Apparel's $20 a piece version any day! I haven't been to FE in awhile... I think it's about that time!

Don't be surprised if you see another outfit post later today, just so this miserable mug isn't the last thing you have to look at on The Daily Dani! (Also, please enjoy this cone thing sticking out of my head.)

Wit has escaped me (19/30)

{Top: Luna | Pants: Nordstrom | Shoes: Kohls | Belt: Urban Outfitters | Earrings: Haven}

So, this (besides the shoes) was the outfit I was supposed to wear on my birthday this year, until I got shine spray all over the top and created a very bizarre oil stain. Lucky for me (and Vegas), I included these pieces in my 30 for 30, and got to give it another shot, minus the shine spray. These are pretty much the most comfortable pants ever, and it's been awhile since I played the "pajamas posing as clothing" game, so I'm glad I got back into the swing of things. Goodnight.

Vacay (18/30)

{Top: Zara | Shorts: True Religion DIY | Scarf: Foreign Exchange | Sandals: ShoeDazzle | Necklace: Vintage (Grandma's) | Suitcase: Betsey Johnson}

This past weekend, my mom & I went to Las Vegas. Whether I'm going to Vegas, Palm Springs, Portland, or the bustling metropolis of Pomona, I like to pretend that I'm going to Turks & Caicos. My mix of bright colors and prints felt pretty tropical/resort to me. And tropical is an interesting word to use when you're heading somewhere that's 110 degrees with about 0% humidity. Ick.

Isn't this the best suitcase ever? I got it at Nordstrom Rack (or was it TJ Maxx?) for about half price. The print is so so fun, and it is pretty safe to say I never have a hard time identifying my luggage. Plus, it fits about 50 outfits into it. (Trust me.)

More Vegas (all in the 30 for 30 - are your proud?!) outfits to come over the next few days!

Blogger Feature: Sarah of and she loved.

On this lovely independence day, I'm lucky enough to have Sarah of and she loved. gracing The Daily Dani! Now only is Sarah super fabulous and fashionable, but she's becoming one of my favorite friends in the blogging world! :)

3 words to describe your personal style?
Casual, Classic, Simple

What would you consider the 5 essential items to a fashionable wardrobe?

Black fitted jacket, dark jeans, statement necklace, silk scarf, jersey dress

What is your go-to, never-fail casual outfit? "Formal" outfit?

Casual: Skinny jeans, slouchy sweater, sandals, bangles and hobo bag

Formal: Fitted wool dress, black tights, black pointy heels, pearl earrings and neutral clutch

 

 

In your search to find your own "niche" in the blogosphere, who has inspired you/sent you in the right direction? Who are your favorite bloggers, and why?

 My favorite bloggers that have inspired the direction my blog is taking are A Beautiful Mess, Jen Loves Kev, and Bleubird Vintage. I love the mix of fashion and everyday life. This is partly because they have such fun adventures, but also because I think it puts fashion in the place of being just one thing (of many) that is fun and happy, which is where I think it belongs. They're also incredibly down to earth and have a great sense of the importance of having a life outside your blog. Somehow they've managed to have a very coherent blogging voice despite the range of topics they write about, and that's something I've been thinking about a lot lately with regards to how I want to grow my own blog.

 

 

As a student/young professional, how do you find a balance between fashion and comfort/professionalism/appropriateness?

 Being professional and appropriate while still maintaining my own style is something I struggled with a lot in high school as I was just beginning to be in situations that I had to represent myself in a more formal manner. I think the biggest thing I've realized is that it's worth it to invest in quality clothing. Instead of buying three or four things at Forever 21, I can buy one or two items from a store like Banana Republic or J Crew. Those items last me longer, fit me much better and are designed in a way that pays attention to trends but is never "trendy" so they are much more classic and timeless pieces.

 

 

Don't forget to head over to and she loved. to check out Sarah's adorable outfits, "self-caught" photography, and to get a peek into her busy and bold life!

Flashback Friday: Huntington Beach 8/2003

{Shirt: Gap | Skirt: Borrowed}

Something about this photo always cracks me up. It was a beautiful summer sunset on the beach the summer between my Sophomore & Junior year of high school. I was wearing a denim mini skirt, which is funny in itself. I also love the juxtaposition between the fact that I was tan and blonde and that these emo boys are pasty pale with jet-black hair. Welcome to Orange County.

2 Questions! (17/30)

{Top: Zara | Jeggings: Old Navy | Sandals: ShoeDazzle | Necklace: Vintage Salvage}

So I've never worn this top before, but I kind of love it. Which brings me to my 2 questions:

1. How can I style this top without looking like either a Pink Lady or Mary-Ann from Gilligan's Island? (Nevermind that I've dressed up as both, as an adult, for Halloween and/or a theme party...)

2. Even though I haven't been very bored at all this 30 for 30 Challenge, and haven't been too "challenged" either, I'm wondering: what can I do to spruce up my looks during hot weather? I'm mostly just mixing pieces, whereas during the winter challenge, I was layering scarves and socks and all kinds of things that are just not going to happen in 95 degree heat!

S.O.S.! Save Our Style! (Suggestions welcomed!)