Wishlist Wednesday // Staples

Whoooa there, a wishlist wednesday? I haven't done one of these in forever, but I thought I'd grace you with a classic post about classic pieces (or pieces that I think are classic). Basically I'm showing you some key pieces that I have in my closet that I never want to part from. Lez do dis.

1 // The Black Skinny Jean 

Oh you guys, I wish I could say mine weren't from J.Crew but they are. Mine have two rips in the knee and they are perfect in every way. They are mid rise, perfectly skinny and perfectly cropped. Ooo I love them. I did not buy them at $115 though, I got really lucky and got my pair during an end of season sale online. They were an extra 50% off, so keep an eye out, okay? They are the best and they go with just about everything. 

Also, any black skinny jean will do. American Eagle, Gap and even Levis have some great quality pieces. OH MY GOSH. I forgot about Old Navy. That place has bomb skinny jeans. The Rockstar Skinny Jeans are my favorite, and they are a decent price and they are always on some sort of sale. Really though, since I'm not the biggest leggings person, I love these. I also have a pocketless pair with a side zipper that I use that are jeggings, so there's an option as well. 

P.S. I honestly don't wear these a lot in the summer; I opt for a blue wash. Heck, I opt for shorts and dresses half the time. This post isn't supposed to be about summer staples, but I feel it's going that way. 

2 // A Shift Dress 

Whether it's floral, striped, chambray, pink, black, blue, white, orange, t-shirt material, poplin, or cotton, shift dresses are the most comfortable pieces for summer. I love this dress because of the summery print, but I also have so many others in plain grey, stripes or checker. You can throw them on, and if you are someone like me who has to worry about thighs getting sweaty and rubbing together, throw on some cute lace shorts...or garments, you know if you're Mormon. I also am a big fan of fit and flare dresses from Gap, H&M and Old Navy, but I feel like the shift is a little bit more laid-back and I'm all about laid-back. 

3 // A Midi Skirt 

Yours does not need to be black. My mom has the striped version and I saw someone with a cobalt blue version the other day. I love this thing. I wore it to my interview with Anthropologie with some booties and a structured eyelet blouse and it was great. It's airy, but sophisticated. You can also dress it down with some cook slip-ons or even an awesome band t-shirt. You heard it from me first. The midi length is totally cool now and it's a very versatile piece. 

4 // A Denim/Chambray Button-up 

I'm a loser when it comes to white button up shirts. They get so dirty when I wear them. I can wear every other white t-shirt or something, but when it comes to white button-ups I'm the number one winner when it comes to getting that stain. So I go for the chambray/tencel look because it's lightweight, breezy, and it gives you that street style look that you're (I mean I'm) looking for. 

Remember when the western denim shirt made a come back and it worked? Yes. I do. Praise. 

I strongly encourage you to try the half-tuck with this baby for maximum style effect. 

5 // A White Shirt Too Pretty to Get Dirty

In store, this baby is only $9.00 right now, I have a short-sleeve version of this and it's so dreamy. It looks great with just about everything. It's white. It's cotton. It's whimsical. It's girly. It's cool. Pop on some light wash denim or any denim for that matter and some gold jewelry then call it a day. 

6 // A Striped Top for all your Striped Top Needs

I don't have this one exactly, in fact, I have yet to find the perfect striped top. My latest one shrank so I'm keeping my eyes open. But this one is #goals. Thanks for getting me Madewell. Thanks for it all. 

7 // The Grey Pullover for Those Times in the Movie Theater When the AC is Just Too Chilly 

So mine is from Madewell and it's a complete different style. Again, a really good sale made we do it (harhar). But there is always a grey pullover somewhere in the fashion universe so don't get too disappointed. 

8 // Flats for When You Feel Fancy 

Holy goodness gracious, I love these flats. I have wide feet so D'Orsay flats are tough for me, but these are like butter. I love a good flat that makes you feel fancy. 

9 // Vans for Every Occasion

Because I have the classic black and white checkered pair and I can't get enough of them. I will wear them with everything (much to my mother's dismay). They are just that good. Sure you might think they look like nurse shoes, but I don't mind one bit. 

(Anyone else notice how my titles turned from practical to overdone in four five seconds? Me too.) 

EH...Stay Gold. 

Wishlist Wednesday // Birthday Wishes

//

My birthday is on Monday. I'm turning 22. Now please refrain from making me sing that Taylor Swift song. I love Taylor, but I can do without. Aren't we beating a dead horse a little bit? Yeah. I thought so.

So my birthday wish this year? To have courage and to be kind. Shout out to my bae Cinderella for teaching me the best philosophy.

Have courage and be kind.

Also, every birthday I think of really superfluous and really expensive wishes for my birthday wishlist.

Lez do dis.

1 // These slippers that look like they have been sent from heaven. I couldn't find a proper link for these. Where can I get these delights? 

2 // My bb Yves. I'm kind of obsessed with this man, and photographs of him and his work? Yes. 

3 // These bookends for not so much bookish decorating. I just want them for any kind of decorating. Couldn't find a good link for these either, so let's assume they are from anthropologie? 

4 // A baking cookbook, because I don't bake nearly enough that chocolate cake though. Also...not a good link. Anthropologie, is that you? 

5 // This absolutely over-the-top expensive striped frock that I absolutely over-the-top need in my life. 

6 // Anything from Alex and Ani. I went to the store for the first time with my mom and sister. I LOVED THE WHOLE CONCEPT! So so so beautiful. This is the eternity symbol. 

7 // A massive deer bed photo for a bare wall in my house. Katherine Wolkoff is a pure talent. 

Happy birthday, me. I guess!??? 

Style Profile // Me

 

This is a photo of my from Snapchat. Why do I like it? I really liked the way my striped shirt looked with the lipstick. Get ready for a Dani photo overload!  

It was about time I did this. The pictures aren't anything new. You've probably seen them on my Instagram, but hey, they are all depictions of what I actually wear every week, so it's better to be real, right? 

Anyway, what am I sharing with you today? Wisdom? Beauty? Grace? I'm Miss United States? Nope, just sharing my thoughts and feelings about style, because you all inspire me and I want to say thanks and I am so glad I got to share this with all of you. Thanks for being a part of my style journey. 

Here's another one. This shirt I'm wearing is probably the best t-shirt of all time. I have it in two other colors. Grey and black, of course. #SorryNotSorry

Q. How would you describe your personal style? 

A. One word. Casual. Or in the fashion world, #NormCore, but I'm a slightly more turned down form of normcore, because my mom and dad always taught me to be well-dressed even if you're dressed casually. So...I would say I'm basic. Yep, pretty much basic and that's okay with me. Gap is basic, and I love Gap. Psst. I would also like to think that I will one day dress like all of the Madewell girls, so I try to dress like them. 

Q. How did you “find” your personal style?

A. Oh boy, it took me quite the long time. Like, a really long time. Without getting into a looooong story about my style journey, just know that it's okay if you haven't found your personal style. When you do though, it makes all the difference. My personal style would always change with the trends. My senior year of high school though, I think I "blossomed". I stopped caring what other people were wearing. I would layer lace dresses with long, ratty cardigans. I chopped my hair to my chin. I wore funky headbands. I think I was a tom-boy Blair Waldorf if that's even possible. I had a pair of Nine West oxfords that I wore to their death. I did a lot of fashion magazine studying. My mom got me a copy of Vogue's Best Dressed, with Blake Lively on the cover, and I was hooked. This was before Pinterest, too! My dad was also a big influence to me. He's always liked clothes and I would go shopping with him. Oh there were hit and misses though. Lime green cable-knit sweaters, track suits, fringe boots. Ack! 

Lastly (Remember how I said I didn't want to get into a big story?), I think I've found my foundation of style, but I just add variation. I am a t-shirt and jeans gal for sure, but you can't wear that all the time so you need variation. So I'll buy something out of the ordinary that I would actually wear and I incorporate it into my personal style. That doesn't mean my style has completely changed, it just means that I'm trying new things, and you can too! If your style must change, let it change to something that makes you feel the most "you." If you want to follow trends, make sure they're trends you won't be embarrassed to be seen in 5 years from now. Just so you know, that's not a lot.

The end. 

Q. How do you plan your outfits or put them together? 

A. In the beginning, I would cry and pout and say that I have nothing to wear. Now I have key pieces. Now, as a college student/poor married student, I NEED key pieces. I can't waste time in my closet saying "I have nothing to wear." So I have my go-tos. I have black or grey skinny jeans that I always reach for and I have a tops all in the same shape or silhouette so they are easy to throw on and go. I always make sure everything can go together with everything. The same goes for shoes. I try to buy shoes that can be mixed and matched out. 

Oh and we can't discount Pinterest, Pinterest really helps. The style I have now is because of Pinterest and blogging and I'm totally fine with that. 

Q. Do you have any style “splurges”? 

A. My Sam Edelman booties and my Rag&Bone Camden tee. If I'm planning to spend a lot of money on something, I do my research, relentlessly. I research, research, and research some more. Reviews are my friend for any purchase, but especially for splurges. I don't splurge often, especially now, but my most recents ones were these booties, and this tee. AND THEY ARE SO WORTH THE MONEY, SO THANKS EBAY! Just so you know...I didn't pay the full retail price, so you can close your mouth. Hehe. Shoes and casual designer tops or anything Madewell are my weaknesses. 

Q. How does wearing your uniform/favorite outfit make you feel? 

A. When I am in my "uniform" I feel comfortable. I feel confident. I feel like myself, because I'm not trying to dress in a certain way to impress people. When Erika Wynn did her Style Profile she said that her favorite outfit makes her feel like she deserves a bouquet of flowers every day and I feel the same way. 

There is something about wearing your favorite tee or favorite pair of jeans that makes your rear look nice that makes you feel really good about yourself. And don't we all need to feel really good about ourselves? A little more often? Yes. 

Q. What do you like about your sense of style?

A. I like that I don't have to apologize for it. I can wear what I want to wear and it's fine by me. I don't have to say sorry for wearing florals with stripes. I don't have to say sorry for pairing an oversized sweater with a fancy dress, I can just wear what I want and people are okay with that. 

I also like that I've tailored it to my lifestyle. It works for my lifestyle. I'm not trying to be something I'm not. I'm a girl who has to wake up early and get stuff done and run around to 12 places a day, I ain't wearing heels for that. 

Q. Any style secrets we should know about? 

A. CAPSULE WARDROBES! So they aren't for everyone, but you can totally cater them to your budget, your lifestyle, your style preference and they are amazing. I'm doing one right now and it's basically helping me save money and not spend a ton on fast fashion or pieces that I rarely wear. It's also helping me find quality pieces even if they are unexpensive. Read up on wardrobe capsules, this is my all-time favorite inspo blog when it comes to capsules. 

Oh and clothing items that have saved my life, these jeans (on sale), this top (old navy had a $15 version of this and it's not there anymore, but it was amazing), and these shoes. They basically make up my most worn outfit. 

Okay, and a lot of people know about these stores, but H&M and Target are awesome for those girls looking to inexpensively build their wardrobe with cute basics or professional office wear. 

Q. What is your signature piece? 

A. Many would say stripes or grey tops, but I will say lipstick (Milani Sangria) and black skinny jeans. And probably oversized t-shirts. Those are the best. Maybe they're grey and striped, or maybe they're not. ;) 

Perfume too. I always wear perfume. Daisy by Marc Jacobs is my main squeeze right now. 

Q. What's a trend you tried and regretted?

A. THERE ARE SO MANY! Probably when I tried  to wear Hot Topic anime shirts, but I don't really regret it too much because those were some good and awkward times. 

But I have always regretted trying to dress like everyone else around me. In Junior High, everyone had Aeropostale polos and I hated it when my mom told me not to get them because everyone had them and I wouldn't be unique. So thank you mom. Sorry I didn't listen. Oh and DownEast Basics everything. Yes, I still shop there, but there was a  time where that was the only place I shopped. I was straight out of a cheesy LDS movie or Seagull Book catalog.  Which is okay??? (I guess???) 

Q. Anything you absolutely won’t wear? 

A. Overalls? Not because they are so yesterday, but because they don't look good on me. Other than that, I'll take it into the dressing room, try it on, if it's "meh" I'm not forcing myself to like it or buy it.

Q. What is your overall fashion philosophy? 

A. "Fashion fades, style is eternal." - my bae Yves and when I say Yves I mean Yves Saint Laurent. 

But really, style is within you. I know, that sounds so cliche or cheesy, but it's true. Style is who you are. Don't get lost in what everyone thinks about you or wants from you. What do you want? What do you think? Try something new and run with it. It might work, it might not, and that's okay. Try again. Because you're beautiful in a thousand dollar gown and you're beautiful in an old t-shirt with ripped jeans. 

The fashion world may roll on, and we may love it, but don't think that it's the law. Your style is your own. Never forget it. 

Style Profile // Jessica

AND WE'RE BACK! Yes, a Style Profile. A beautiful one at that. The lovely Jessica is bringing this awesome series back after a long absence of me crying over Accounting homework. Ain't she the prettiest?

Ok. Warning. I'm about to fangirl and gush and say things that are probably really embarrassing (for me) but I don't even care.

So here's the low down on Jessica. The low down on how she has always been this shining light of goodness and beauty to me. You see, Jessica and I went to high school together and she was the star. Like she is the prettier, nicer, WAY more wholesome Rachel Berry of Weber High. Ok so maybe Rachel Berry is totally not a good comparison because Jessica's so much better.  A good person through and through. She has the voice of an angel and a heart of pure stardust (and I'm not saying that because she played Wendy in the school musical) (Okay, maybe I am). No really though, ask anyone who went to Weber High (heck ask anyone now) and they will tell you that Jessica is the sweetest person alive. She really is. I've always looked up to her and I don't know if she knows that but I really have.

In other news, she made me bawl like a baby when she played Aida, so you know. Mad ups to this chick. This gem is also a BYU grad, a personal assistant and if you haven't guessed by now, she's a musical theatre lover. Oh and she's LDS! Represent!

Today she tells us about a signature jewelry piece that pulls a look together, a fashion philosophy for this day and time and how quantity doesn't always equal quality. Thanks, Jessica!

P.S. Her husband took some of the photos and the pink dress photo is by her sister. Follow her sister on Instagram at  @tiffpackphoto. 

Q. How would you describe your personal style?

A. I would probably classify myself under the stereotype of “Girl Next Door” - but with a little modern vintage twist.

Q. How did you “find” your personal style?

A. I used to have this philosophy of quantity over quality when it comes to clothes. But I was SO wrong.  I think that if you invest in pieces that you love, are comfortable & that reflect the inner you - that they can/should last a long time in your wardrobe rotation, regardless of the passing fads.  If you are buying something just because it’s on trend & affordable - you will find three months later that you are sending it off to Goodwill.

Q. How do you plan your outfits or put them together?

A. Typically, at least one of my clothing items is a solid neutral.  I consider myself a fairly simple & open-minded person in my views of the world - so I like my clothing to reflect that. I don’t want my outfit so exaggerated  that people miss the person inside of the clothing.

Q. Do you have any style “splurges”?
A. Shoes. All the shoes. I am definitely a believer in investing in what you put on your feet. Oh! & a solid pair of denim.  Splurge to have at least one pair of Joe’s Jeans in your closet - and by splurge, i mean: buy at a discount at Nordstrom Rack.

Q. How does wearing your uniform/favorite outfit make you feel?

A. Confident. When I’m putting a hearty effort into my appearance I feel like that echoes the state of my soul & that is usually when I’m most confident and happy with the world

Q. What do you like about your sense of style?
A. I like that the way I dress echoes the kind of lifestyle I live. It’s nothing too fancy, it is pretty simple - but it’s classy. And I like that.

Q. Any style secrets we should know about?
A. Own it. Whatever you are wearing - own it like it’s your first Polly Pocket. I have a hard time when people say “I love it, but I couldn’t pull it off.” Cuz I’m over here like “SAYS WHO?!” If you love the socks with sandals look - Go for it! If you love it - EMBRACE  IT - throw those haters out the window. Figuratively, of course.

Q. What is your signature piece?

A. A pair of simple CZ or pearl studs - they pull everything together for me.

Q. What's a trend you tried and regretted?

A. Basically everything in Junior High & High School. haha Jokes. But not really. I didn’t really know who I was then, so my clothes were just clothes - they didn’t really reflect anything. I mean, I always respected my body and dressed in a way that I felt comfortable - but there isn’t anything from my HS wardrobe that I have kept… so… that’s saying something.

Q. Anything you absolutely won’t wear?

A. Dr. Marten’s - I feel like I would look like I was walking around with bricks on my feet.

Q. What is your overall fashion philosophy?

A. You gotta love you. I think it is important to have people who inspire you in fashion - but at the end of the day, you should love who you are and the way you present yourself.

Style Profile // Karlee

 

Oh my goodness, friends, I am so excited for this blog post. Words cannot describe. Karlee is one of the most stylish, funny, and perfect human beings I know. She's beyond beautiful and she would look good in a potato sack. True story. Actually, I've never seen her in one, but I'm sure she would rock it. Her style is in full force awesome and her hair is a force to be reckoned with. I should have been best friends with this girl in high school but I was totally lame! Anyway...

One of the best things about Karlee though is that she has an incredible heart. She is kind and she shows genuine interest and care for you. Plus, she has the most adorable german shepherd pup named Ozzy and a husband named Tyler.  You know how I feel about Tylers.

Want to see Karlee in other places? Visit her blog, VSCO Grid, Tumblr, Pinterest (oh my heavens, her pinterest), and Twitter. You won't be sorry. She's going places.

Thanks Karlee for taking the time to do this style profile. Thank you for the pictures and thank you Kiersten Jones Photography for taking fabulous photos of this girl and letting me share them on here.

How would you describe your personal style? 

What one would typically wear to a funeral... all black...hah! Just kidding—I would say somewhere between street style and edgy.

How did you "find" your personal style?

Growing up my mom was a make-up artist for Neiman Marcus,so she was always dressed in black, white or grey. Every morning I saw her I thought she looked so graceful, and most of all, confident. So as I got older, I put my own style into what I already knew. I studied Pinterest and Tumblr— I avoided trends and still tend to do that. I just started taking risks. 

How do you plan your outfits or put them together? 

That's funny you ask, because I was just thinking about how much time I spend lying in bed planning out outfit ideas in my head... most of the time I think of my staple piece so lets say, a leather jacket, and then I throw in pieces from there.

Do you have any style "splurges"? 

LEATHER. Good, fine leather. It's just so timeless and such a beneficial investment for me that I don't feel guilty about because over time it only looks better, in my opinion. The wear and tear shows character. Oh, and booties. Ya...booties. 

How does wearing your "uniform/favorite outfit" make you feel? 

Confident and comfy. I can't enjoy my day unless I am comfortable or else I'll be thinking about the minute I will be able to change, nonstop. My outfits are very minimalistic in a sense... the more complex I try to make it the less I feel myself. Just stick to your basics and add small pops like lipstick or a trench coat. 

What do you like about your sense of style?

It is simple, yet bold. Low key, but makes a loud statement. I'm a platinum blonde brunette and I wear bold color lipstick, so because I make such a loud statement in my hair and lips, I simplify my outfits. I like that the simplicity makes a statement. 

And style secrets we should know about? 

Winged eyeliner. Life is too short not to. Oversized white v-necks (dont tell…but, I wear the men's white Hanes v-necks in a large and you'd never notice) they're always my go-to, as well as roots —ha! Silly I know, but in my opinion the more roots you have showing in your hair the better.

Any signature piece?

A long cardigan or leather jacket, lipstick, denim cutoffs and black skinnies.

Any trends you tried and regretted?

Yes! Of course. I regret how I styled what I wore more than I regret what I actually wore. Except, remember that trend in like the 8th and 9th grade where it was cool to mix and match your colored old navy flip flops?! Yeah... the worst. 

Anything you absolutely won't wear?

You probably will never see my in the color yellow. I just feel like it doesn't set well on me. Nothing that falls at an awkward length either. I will wear just about anything else though, especially if it comes in black/white/or grey. 

Do you have an overall fashion philosphy?

Take risks within your personal style. If you like it, wear it. Try new things and if you fall in love with it- run with it. If you find yourself hating it, forget it. Wear anything that makes you feel pretty and gives you confidence. 

My favorite quote is by Ms. Coco Chanel and she says, 

“Simplicity is the keynote of all true elegance.”

+ t h a n k s // k a r l e e

& 

+ s t a y // g o l d