Perfect & Preppy: Joules USA

{shirt: j. crew factory (similar) | vest: c/o joules usa | jeans: old navy | booties: forever 21 (similar) | glasses: c/o glasses usa}

Before a few weeks ago, I had never heard of Joules... however, as soon as I took one look at the homepage of their website, I was smitten! Their precious patterns and perfectly preppy styling sold me! I have always loved the idea of puffer vests, however, anytime I've ever owned one, I've felt like a marshmallow stuffed into a windbreaker! This one, however, is my new exception! Firstly, it isn't made out of that awkward, noisy plastic material - it's a really super-soft blend. Secondly, I love the bright color and the sweet floral lining! Last but not least, this vest is going to keep me WARM in the winter! (I know, I know, I live in Southern California, but hey - a girl can dream of a vacation fit for a snow bunny! In the meantime, it will be perfect for morning recess duty!) Joules has so many great vests to choose from!

Check out some more adorable options from Joules!

(hat / purse / dress / necklace / heels}

Last year at Coachella, a friend of mine described my outfit as "J. Crew goes to Coachella." I think he meant it as a compliment... I certainly took it as one! Well, this is my on-the-streets version of that desert look! The perfect little printed dress, beautiful tortoise and brown accessories, and a lovely little panama hat are so perfect for Sunday brunch!

{earrings / watch / heels / jeans / blouse / belt}

I love this silk blouse! I have been obsessing over sky blue for awhile now, and this shirt might just have to be mine soon! Pair a pretty blouse with flared jeans, a classic heel, and some statement earrings, and you've got an outfit that's perfect for Casual Friday!

{blazer / flats / shirt / necklace / earrings / skirt}

I know, I know... I went a little full-fledged Gossip Girl here, but I couldn't resist! These bow flats are just too cute! I love pairing bows with blazers, plus anchors and pearls put this preppy look over the top - in the best way!

Head over to Joules and let me know - what's your favorite piece?

Remember me?

{sweater: asos | leggings: nordstrom (similar) | heels: justfab | plaid shirt: urban outfitters (similar) | purse: rebecca taylor (similar) | necklace: justfab (similar) | lipstick: ysl}

Hey, everyone! I hope you haven't forgotten me yet! I just wanted to pop in to say hello! I've gone through a few transitions in my life since I decided to take my "blogging break" a little over a month ago, and I'm looking forward to seeing how those transitions translate to The Daily Dani!

I have about 2 weeks left until Winter Break, and I'm looking forward to taking that time to figure out exactly what I want to do to revamp the blog! I'm thinking that staying organized with a regular posting schedule will do me some good! I'd like to bring back Blogger Feature Mondays and keep up with my Friday's Fancies and Sunday Songs. You might start to see less personal style posts, but more outfit sets and style inspiration. I hope to keep up more steadily with one of my favorite topics - celebrity style! I'd also like to add a weekly or monthly "Life Lately" post - if nothing else, to have another outlet for my sometimes overactive Instagram account! Plus, a visual redesign couldn't hurt, either!

I'd love to hear any feedback that you have - what you've liked in the past, what you'd like to see in the future, what you think about the cluster of ideas I described above - all suggestions welcome! Thanks, pals!

As you can see, my brainstorming is all still in the works, but I take it as a positive sign that I'm finally interested in and able to come up with some ideas, plus have some vision for the future of The Daily Dani!

See you soon!

Olive + Plaid on the First Day of School

{shirt: luna (similar) (similar) | skirt: target | cardigan: nordstrom (similar) | flats: target (similar) (similar) | bag: steve madden (similar)}

I have officially finished my first week of student teaching! I've gotten into the swing of the 1st grade routine, observed a week's worth of awesome instruction from my master teacher, and enjoyed being around some super adorable kiddos! I've also worn some well-planned "teacher outfits," roasted in the 100-degree weather in said "teacher outfits," and am looking forward to planning some warmer-weather "teacher outfits." All ideas welcome! ;)

Now, onto week 2!

Friday's Fancies: Back to School!

As Summer begins to come to a close, and Fall swiftly approaches, it's time to think about back-to-school outfits! As the saying goes, you never get a second chance to make a first impression, so choose your first day outfits wisely! ;)

{vest (similar) / boots / tee / necklace / skirt / backpack}

Your teenage years are a time to keep it fun and light, so why not mix it up with a flippy skirt, printed backpack, a classic tee and vest combo, and some awesome combat boots? Tip: switch our your boring laces for same cool neon ones - use every chance to show your personality and make a statement!

{coat / purse / shirt / loafers / watch (similar) / jeans / belt / ipad case}

Congratulations! You're enrolled in a university and it's time to get serious about your future - but not too serious about your style! ;) You can play the grown-up with a structured bag, a classic coat, and understated accessories - but have a little fun with some bright colors and fun patterns, and don't forget to trick out your laptop/iPad case! Tip: Your gadget accessories give you a chance to show your personality without words - and incorporate a little pattern mixing, too!

{watch / necklace / ring / purse / shirt / flats / skirt}

Can't forget about us teachers! The first day of school is as much a chance for teachers to make a first impression as it is for students, and your outfit has a lot to do with that! Keep it classic with traditional shapes - an oxford, a pencil skirt, a round-toed shoe, and structured bag - but have a little fun with a delicate pattern and pretty accessories! Tip: Have a little fun with a monochromatic palette, but if it feels to bold, anchor it down with a nude shoe and neutral accessories!

What will you be wearing on your first day of school?

P.S. Need more inspiration? Take a look at my Back-to-School Style post from last year! :)

Friday's Fancies: May Flowers

{earrings / shirt / purse / shorts / boots}

Let me just tell you all: I love a floral print! Let me also tell you: I sometimes have a fear of looking too "girly." So my best bet for incorporating florals into your look without going overboard femme? Add some tougher plaid, some studs, some fringe to balance out the femininity... and/or put your floral print on a more menswear-style cut - like these rad Doc Martens! What's your favorite way to style floral?

Check out more Friday's Fancies May Flowers over at long distance loving!