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What is quiet luxury and why you don’t need to have old world money to adopt it

9/18/2023

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"Charmed, I'm sure." The expression that sums up the quiet luxury trend.  It is absolutely, and subtly charming. Also terribly classic. Quiet luxury is the epitome of old money, “don’t notice me” because I am subtly fabulous. We're talking about quality pieces that aren't flashy or extreme in any way.  Basically, the complete opposite of the logo-drenched check-me-out look you find on runways, fashion magazines, and urban streets. Why should you adopt this classic trend? The pieces tend to fit and flatter most figures and are appropriate for many occasions. These are pieces worth investing in because the style will last 7-10 years or more without looking dated, but they don’t have to be expensive. In fact, most people can afford to buy classic/quiet luxury styles. Here’s how to get the look without being a trust fund baby. (Be sure to check out my shopping catalog below.)
  • Choose wardrobe neutral colors with a few cherry-picked jewel tones that emphasize your best colors. ​
  • Create long visual lines through suits, dresses, even with monochromatic top and bottom layers.
  • Look for softly tailored pieces. These are traditional blazers, shirts and trousers that keep some of their angles but lose much of their rigidity. For example, oversized blazers, wide-legged trousers, and a neutral top. Basically it’s a way to “look casual enough for the resort, yet still appropriate when hopping on a (jet) to do a deal last-minute,” according to Pure Wow editor Dana Dickey.
  • Subtle accessories that are nondescript. The simplicity of a timeless necklace and earrings signal old money that doesn’t want to draw too much attention to itself, “preferring to signal its presence with understated good taste and subtle touches of ornament, if at all,” says Dickey. ​

For more style ideas or to shop your own Quiet Luxury looks with Dani contact her HERE.
GET YOUR QUIET LUXURY

Or click below to see my online shopping catalog. 
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See the Shopable Catalog Here

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GET THE LOOK OF FALL, EVEN WHEN THE TEMPS ARE STILL WARM

8/30/2023

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I get it, Fall is in the air, but the daytime temps don't warrant sweater weather quite yet.  How to feel the cozy Fall vibe without overheating? Look for those Fall-esc earth tones and darker shades in the closet that are still in lighter-weight fabrics. The effects of color on the psyche can't be underestimated. Even though the fabrics and textures may feel like Summer, when the colors say Fall, you feel right in sync with the changing seasons.  Look for these colors in lighter to medium-weight fabrics: cinnamon rust, burgundy, brown, brick, terra-cotta, granet, curry, maple mustard.  
Check out my Fall Color Picks for End of Summer Weather HERE. 
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Looking or suggestions on your BEST or most Brilliant Coloring? You'll love my one-on-one session HERE. 
GET YOUR COLOR ANALYSIS HERE

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SUMMER FUN Basics from golf to paddle boarding

6/29/2023

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What comes after my clients begin to feel amazing in their work clothes? The desire to feel that great all the time! I often have requests from clients to help them look and feel amazing for work.  Once we get this aspect tackled, and they begin to notice how great they feel in their new clothes at work, the question inevitably becomes why wouldn't I want to look and feel great for the other areas of my life?  Say for example, golf, paddleboarding, hiking, walking, etc. There's so much talk about everyday wardrobe essentials that work for many occasions, but what about summer activewear?  As some of you know, I am a full-on mermaid and completely at home in the water. Paddleboarding is one of my favorite, find my inner peace, activities. Golf has also become a fun family favorite. Who knew that the same basic pieces could be used for both? And many other fun-in-the-sun summer sports. (AKA pickleball, tennis, hiking, walking, running, kayaking, jai alai, squash, fill in the blank....). Who knows which sports you are apt to try once you have the versatile pieces that will transition as you do.
Start with these basics, then feel free to add in more sport specific layers and accessories. A few ground rules; focus on quick drying fabrics,  styles that are simple/versatile, flatter most figures, and include wardrobe neutral colors.  ​
GET THE SHOPPING LINKS FOR ALL THINGS FROM GOLF TO PADDLE BOARD BELOW
1.  Start with a sport skirt and tank made from quick-drying fabric. It will look like a golf skirt when golfing but can also double as a flattering swim skirt that dries quickly for paddleboarding, boating, and hiking in case you feel the need to jump in the lake.  Sunglasses and a great sun hat will work well for multiple activities, a neck strap is a plus in case the wind decides to pick up.  It never hurts to have a winder breaker, and I love those that fold up into an easy-to-pack pouch. Don't forget a sunny necklace and light-weight earrings (with backs that won't come off in the water). ​
2.  Add more sport specific details. 
As a golf beginner, I am perfectly happy swinging the club at city or municiple courses where there is no strict dress code. For country clubs you will need a shirt with a collar. Add golf shoes, golf glove, (and possibly a hair bow if you're really wanting to look legit lol). 
For boating, feel free to add bikini bottoms to the tank or swimsuit and water sandals.
For tennis, pickleball add the right shoes, visor,  and a sweat band. A tank dress is also great here. ​
For hiking add a bandana & hiking shoes (although your water sandals could work hiking in a pinch).
3. Finish it off with sun protection.  You may choose something tinted on the face to blend in differences in your skin coloration.  

Wondering if Dani can help you take the guessing out of dressing?
​She's just a click away...
GET STARTED HERE

GET THE SHOPPING LINKS FOR ALL THINGS FROM GOLF TO PADDLE BOARD HERE
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Is the Prairie / Pioneer Dress a Good Fit for You?

5/30/2023

 
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To Pioneer or not to Pioneer? It's fairly obvious why this trend is such a heavy hitter in our area. It's not hard to imagine a cute little pioneer walking through the fields wearing an easy breezy dress like this. We love our pioneer heritage in Utah! Not only that, this dress style is modest, also a Utah fave, and fits virtually every figure type. Win-win! But is it always flattering? Here are a few tips on how to make this cute trend work for your figure type. 
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Narrow shoulders?  Avoid the drop shoulder and love on the ruffle or puff sleeve details with seam lines on the shoulder joint. 

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Broad shoulders? Avoid big puffy sleeves with visually weighty fabric instead focus on flowy fabrics.  

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Little to no waist indentation? Or are you a combination of the above? Avoid seem lines right at the waist, be sure the horizontal lines hit at your narrowest point and bring the attention to the middle with a necklace or second layer such as a vest.

These are lovely dresses for weddings and graduation season. Enjoy looking your best in them with my pro stylist picks (below).
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Are you wondering what your figure type is? And what exactly IS the BEST SHAPE for YOUR SHAPE? You'll love my Fabulous Fit session.  Learn more HERE. 
GET YOUR FABULOUS FIT

Smart Clothing Choices = A Happy Planet

3/24/2023

 
Use Your Clothing to Show the Planet Some Love on Earth Day & everyday​
Some estimates say that 21 billion pounds of clothes end up in US landfills every year.  I know what you’re thinking, I donate my clothes so I’m not contributing to the 21 billion pounds.  But guess how much of what you donate is actually resold in the second hand market?  Only 10-15%!  (I know, mind blown.) So most of what you donate doesn’t get resold.  That doesn’t mean stop donating, it does mean to look twice before you buy. Here are 5 ways to love the planet & choose more earth friendly clothing:
​1.   Purchase clothes with organic materials that break down in landfill - these also tend to use less water to produce. (Organic cotton, organic linen, hemp, and Tencel are a few of these). 
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The jeans above are made from organically grown cotton that is easier on the earth.
2.   Buy pieces that use repurposed or made from “dead stock” fabrics
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Dress made from repurposed cotton.
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Jeans made from repurposed cotton.
3.   Choose clothes made from recycled materials like plastic bottles
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The suit above is made from recycled plastic bottles.
4.   Buy resale - get my 5 tips for resale shopping HERE.
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5.   Choose timeless pieces that you don’t throw out - what's the definition of a classic piece? See it HERE.
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We’ve been recycling plastic bottles and milk jugs for years. It’s time to be more aware of our clothes and how the constant inflow and outflow is treating our planet. Today is a great day to start looking at the tags. Some stores, like H&M make it easy. All of the earth friendly clothes have a green tag. For other stores, you may have to read the fiber content tag. If it’s organic or recycled you'll know you’re treating the earth well. (Tencel Lyocell and many types of viscose will be great as well.)


Looking for a customized approach to your earth friendly attire? Some personal shopping for spring maybe? Let’s hook up! Contact me HERE.
Learn More

the Patterns we Love to Wear to a Baby/Bridal Shower & Why They Seem So Natural - P.S. They're also great for weddings

3/17/2023

 
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The girls are busy prepping for their sister's baby shower, flowers here and there, pink plates and party cups, you know the drill."Wear the floral dress" the mother-to-be says. "But it feels like the dead of winter still," her sisters say. We're not having the love in her eyes and flowers in her hair kinda weather that Led Zeppelin likes to sing about. “Wear the floral dress.” she says. "Yes ma’am” says we.  Why is it that babies, brides, and spring weather bring about the love of all things floral? And why would the mother-to-be feel it more strongly that the rest? Believe me, this isn't an isolated incident. I've seen it time and again and felt it myself. There's something about being with child that stirs up that loving, nurturing, tender kind of feeling that makes us want to show it in what we wear.  After all, "what you wear does affect how you think, feel, act and others react or respond to you."(According to Judith Rasband image consulting master.)

What you wear affects you psychologically and can create powerful illusions about your physical appearance. Let's break it down:
The psychological effects of floral patterns - 
When you wear floral patterns or any curved lines in patterns or clothing shapes you can expect to look and feel more gentle, romantic, fragile, soft, casual, subtle, friendly, sensual, fun, happy, feminine, with a sense of buoyancy. Of course the lines, shapes, colors and textures all contribute to this affect.  In terms of pattern, as seen below the mood and message of the floral pattern is decidedly romantic, soft, and feminine. 
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Darker colors in this floral pattern may appear more charming, sensous, and mature.
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Lighter colors in this floral pattern may appear more youthful, dainty, and sweet.
The physical effects of floral patterns - 
Rounded and floral patterns can reinforce rounded soft-body curves, aka emphasize a beautiful baby belly as they repeat her curves.  They might also serve to s
often straight lines and angular body areas. Adding a touch of yin to an otherwise yang body type. It's also interesting to note that when the pattern takes attention onto itself it can actually camouflage and create powerful illusions about the size, shape, and weight of the body. In other words, you may notice the pattern more than the body beneath it.  ​
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The smaller scale of the pattern on her upper torso can appear to minimize the upper torso as the larger scale flowers near the hem of the skirt emphasize her bottom half.
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She could have a tummy bump or not in this dress. The empire waistline will accommodate either, with the focus being more on the floral print, who knows?
So the next time you have a girlie occasion such as a bridal or baby shower (and/or wedding) know that floral prints are usually a safe bet.  They will put you in the mood to shower her with gifts of love and may allow you to eat a few more eclairs.  Happy showering my friends. 

Are you looking to learn more about what clothing communicates to you and others? You'll love my PERSONAL STYLE COURSE here. 
LEARN HOW TO DRESS WITH INTENT

 Side note on dress trends - Are they right for you? You don't have to adopt every one! I'm seeing lots of cut-out details and high necklines.  If this trend doesn't emphasize your best attributes or work well with your face shape, let it go.  Otherwise, have fun trying out something new!
And don't forget to check out the shopping links in my Spring Dress Guide, which includes accessories, BELOW. 
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Successorizing - How to organize accessories in the closet

2/1/2023

 
Is your jewelry a jumbled mess? Do you wear the exact same earrings on repeat because it’s too time consuming to coordinate them with the outfit? Or get them unhooked from the jewelry tree you use to organize them? Are scarves stuffed in a drawer somewhere? Is it even worth digging them out to wear? This is the organization area no one wants to talk about… the orphans in your closet. The beautiful necklace your husband gave you, broach from Grandma, that never gets worn either because it’s to hard to get to or tricky to coordinate. The 3 best ways to organize your jewelry and scarves are…
  1. Display them on a fabric covered foam core custom cut to fit your space. Use simple push pins. 
  2. Hang them with the outfit / cluster / capsule that you actually wear them with. Use a cute sachet bag or even a zip lock bag you’ll never forget how to use that beautiful statement piece.
  3. Hang scarves with the outfit / cluster / capsule you wear them with or hang them with the jacket you like to wear them with. 
It’s time to adopt those long lost accessories with a system that makes them easy to wear! ​
When your closet is free from clutter, so is your mind. How would it feel to wake up, look in your closet, and love everything? Wouldn't it be great to know that your clothing fits your figure, your personal style, the occasion and your coloring? In other words, how would it feel to have everything in your closet be designed just for you? Learn how to save time, frustration, and money by organizing your closet and how to determine what additional pieces you need to buy so you don't waste time trying to decide what to wear. Book a wardrobe evaluation HERE.
BOOK YOUR WARDROBE EVALUATION

Which Vest is best and What's It saying About You?

1/10/2023

 
Do you have a vestie that you love as much as your bestie? Why do we like vests so much? They are warm, layer well, create a slim effect, and they can add a bit of visual authority without looking overpowering.  Which vest is best for you and what is it communicating? Whenever you put something on, it makes an impression first on you, the wearer, then on others.  We pick up on these cues, but often on a subconscious level.  When you understand the messages different clothes send to you, you can become a masterful influencer on your own thoughts and attitudes and on those who have the pleasure of being in your presence. Do you own any of the vests below? Are they communicating what you want to say to your subconscious you and to others?

Check out the video segment from Good Things Utah below. 


Puffy or quilted vests - These are hands down the most popular vests I'm seeing right now.  They are oh so sporty, athleisurey but also say that you are approachable, more casual, receptive, friendly, and fun to hang with.
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It’s fairly easy to add a coat over the top of the vest.  But how about under? Try layering a denim jacket below, with a flannel shirt below that and a tank top below that…mind blown yet? Hoodies are common, but how about a collared shirt, then sweatshirt (non-hooded)?  Sounds like a win to me! For guys, a vest over virtually any shirt is great. I have found that the guys can pull off a button up plaid flannel or poplin shirt - after all it’s oh so Hallmark movie.  (Doesn’t the girl always choose the guy in the warm cuddly flannel shirt?) The puffy vest is so sporty, anything very tailored underneath tends to look out of place. 
Amped up Puffer - Have you seen the puffy vests that are heated with a battery? They are magical! A few tips for use, don’t leave them plugged in when not in use…especially if it’s packed in your suitcase and you’re traveling to the Rose Bowl.  If the on button has pressure on it, it will use the battery life and you will be left with yes, a cute vest, but no magical amped up heat.
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Sweater Vests - These are definitely out there and a great choice when you are looking to feel and appear more confident, organized, efficient, reliable, and responsible.  The question always becomes to tuck or not to tuck? Tuck in the tee.  If your button up shirt lays flat below the vest, feel free to untuck.  You'll look more casual this way.  Tuck in to appear a bit more assertive.  
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Tailored Vests Elevate the Look - More tailored suit style vests are a lovely way to add more visual authority in an approachable way.  When you are looking to feel and appear more refined, businesslike, polished, dependable, firm, self-sufficient, and assertive without wearing a blazer or jacket, a tailored vest will hep you get there.  Of course tailored shirts are welcome with these tailored vests, to take it down a notch, try a crew neck sweater or an 80s throw-back high quality t-shirt. 
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May your vestie continue to be your bestie and may you wear it wisely! Now that you understand what each is saying about you, feel free to use these understatements to your advantage. 

Are you looking a to take a deeper dive into the psychology of clothing and how to speak without saying a word? You'll love my Personal Style Session! Check it out HERE. 
Learn More About YOUR Subconscious Style Here

CLICK IMAGE BELOW FOR THE FULL VEST RESOURCE CATALOG
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Holiday Party?  Here's Your Answer to The Grinch's "But WHAT will I WEAR?!?" Question

12/1/2022

 
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We have many excuses for hibernating during this festive time of year.  As I'm writing this, hibernating seems to be my M.O. due to a post Thanksgiving cold followed by a skin treatment that, trust me, no one wants to look at.  Needless to say, I've had my share of Christmas films and Food TV's holiday baking challenges of late. So forgive me for the cheesy movie references. Have you found yourself staying in more?​ Is it too cold to go outside and not worth the effort to leave the comfort of your warm house and fuzzy slippers? Or like the Grinch, and me after a skin treatment, is your schedule booked with at home "self loathing" activities? Or do you simply have no answer to the question, "But WHAT will I WEAR?!"  Not to worry, my friend. We're going to get through this together. I'll be ready to face the world within a week and it will be quicker than that for you to be the belle of the ball, office party, church activity or whatever is on your schedule that's worth taking the slippers off for.  I've got the tips for you to be the best dressed, anything-but-the-grinch, person at your holiday party.
1.  Casual Holiday Party What to Wear
***Go ahead! Embrace the holiday sweaters***. 
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Wear them with shiny navy corduroy pants, a black skirt and tights, or jeans and boots.  ​
Get the bold sweaters for cold weather catalog HERE
​***Add the timeless touch of plaid (red with navy is a great choice) in a jacket, shirt, skirt or scarf***
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Try it with cords and a long cardigan!
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Try it with dark denim jeans and navy sweater.
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You would flip one side of the front over your shoulder. For those of you obsessed with Barbi pink - this is the move.
2.  Swanky Dress Up ​Holiday Party What to Wear
***Go for a something with a bit of shine that will play off the lights. Such as... ***
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Also great with off-black stockings or black tights and boots.
A touch of velvet or silk
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Yes, they're coming back! Embrace an elegant bow as a way to finish off your look.
Leather
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While the other black leather pants may be more flattering, that model looks angry! Or could it be that the warm pink on this model softens the dramatic black leather and looks much more approachable.
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All black is always elegant but better with a smile : ) Also great with a 2-3" heel boot. Because Baby It's Cold Outside and who wants to wear strappy sandals when there's snow on the ground?
***But really, the best tip for your holiday look is to smile.  Yes, Buddy the elf is very, very wise. ***
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Thoughtful gifts are also a favorite of pretty much everyone.  Here's your chance to be a considerate gifter by giving your loved one the gift they will use every day for the rest of their lives.  The gift of confident, charismatic, authentic style.  Get the details HERE. 
And to help you out a little, I'm gifting you a limited time $ savings. 
GET 5% OFF STYLE PACKAGES WITH CODE HAPPYCHRISTMAS. 
​Expires December 25th.  
GET THE GIFT OF STYLE
“My husband surprised me for Christmas with an amazing gift. I had no clue how to buy clothes that fit correctly or what colors to look for. Now I know! I highly recommend Dani.”
-Melissa Clayton

What to wear if you plan to eat more than your share - The Thanksgiving Guide

11/14/2022

 
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When I was a girl, my mom used to sew dresses for me and my sisters for some of the major holidays.  Christmas, Easter, and occasionally Thanksgiving.  The first two holidays had dresses, usually fitted at the waist dresses, that looked amazing when twirling in them.  Then there was the Thanksgiving dress, which always allowed room to grow.  She was definitely onto something.  Why not enjoy the best low stress holiday of the year with clothes that are equally pretty and comfortable.  Yes, stretchy pants are still an option, but a little more polish reminds us that the dark days of covid hibernation are in the past.  I have some great options for you - and btw they all passed my personal try on fit test.  ​

Check out the video segment from Good Things Utah below. 

  • Fall dresses - the non-fitted variety - The “eat as much as you want because you can’t see my tummy anyway dress”.
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  • Soft chunky sweaters - feel free to tuck in at the front to show a little more shape and untuck after pie time.
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  • Skirts that expand as you do, hint slip skirts are great.  If you tend to be more curvy in the hips, try one that is more triangular shaped and less mermaid shaped.  
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Great shape for fuller hips
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Great shape for narrower hips
  • Pants with an elastic waistband - Yes! You can wear pants that stretch at the waist and look more elevated than leggings and joggers.
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  • Boots to boogie in - treat your feet like your momma - “If momma ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy”.  
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Gorgeous with skirts
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In the spirit of the season, thank you so much for taking the time to read my Thanksgiving dressing done well post and for being the caring person that you are. If you took the time to read this, you obviously care about others and giving them something wonderful to look at.  Gracias, malo, wir danken dir, tak, merci, kansha shimasu! (Thank you in Spanish, Tongan, German, Danish, French, and Japanese.) All the best to you and your loved ones this holiday.  ​

If you would like me to help you take the guessing out of dressing for your Thanksgiving or any other meaningful event, I’m just a click away!
CONTACT DANI HERE
For more shoppable Thanksgiving looks check out the catalog BELOW
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    Dani Slaugh

    Image consultant and personal stylist.  Dani is happily married, the mother of 3 charming children, and an Aussie named Josie Wales.  

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