If you are dreaming of that beachy, upscale, Hampton-esc vacation ala Martha Stewart, Diane Keaton, Ina Gartin, and Nancy Meyers. The coastal grandmother vibe could be for you.  It’s comfy, it’s casual, it’s chic…it’s also classic and fairly timeless. In spite of the TikTok hype surrounding this trend, the clothes are about as classic as they come. Which means you won’t regret spending a bit more money on some of these items because they’re not going out of style any time soon. Start with simple pieces like...
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1.  Collared button up shirt​ - the collar frames the face and vertical buttons draw the eye toward the middle for a more slim focus.  Leave it untucked for a super relaxed look, or tuck it in to emphasize your waist. ​

2.  Straight leg pants and/or wide leg shorts - with silhouettes that work for most figure types.  Finally we have shorts that are great for ladies who have broader hips!

3.  Comfy shoes - even better with a little platform, who couldn't use a little lift to spice up the granny vibe?  These are water resistant. 

4.  Woven hat - because sun protection is always a good thing.

5.  Sweater - even tied over the shoulder for a ready for any weather on the coast vibe.

6.  Linen, or light-weight organic fabrics - easy breezy is key with this look.  Look for high quality fabrics made from responsibly sourced materials and recycled cotton. 

7.  Washed out beachy colors with an occasional nautical stripe - picture a bright colored towel you left out in the sun for days...that's what we want.  Summer sun-bleached colors. 

On my last trip, traveling through the airport, I noticed the one thing most travelers had in common. Wearing sneakers. Most people had them on. And most, while going through security, balancing bags and retrieving digital devices also spent extra time fumbling to take their sneakers on and off. I noticed how much more efficient and less stressful it was to slip off the slip on shoes. Seriously, there are plenty of legitimate things to worry about when traveling, like which gate you’re going to and if you remembered to take your favorite pocket knife out of your bag.  Hasteling with your footwear is one stress that can be easily avoided. There’s also the added benefit of slipping your shoes off on the flight, hello happy toes. Which as you and I know, can be a tricky endeavor when you’re dealing with laces and confined to the itty bitty space between your seat and the seat in front of you on the plane. This is why slip on shoes top my list of genius travel packing tips. Check it out below👇

1.    Slip on heaven in the form of shoes - although these don’t go in your suitcase per se, they’re a travel staple. Be sure to choose those that have the versatility of working with most of the clothes you packed.

2.    Alternate style of shoes - yes shoes are on this list twice…they are that important. There are two things that are instant vacation busters  - one is getting a blister on your first day away and the other is getting a sunburn on the first day, (which is why the next item is on the list). If your shoe does happen to rub you wrong, be sure to have an alternate style that can’t possibly rub in the same area. This pro stylist recommends two-three pairs of shoes. One flat shoe and one with a lift that can be dressed up or down.

3.    Travel purse - Great sized cross body travel bag for phone, passport, credit cards, lip stick. Wear under your jacket on the train to avoid pick pockets.  Just be sure to remove your favorite pocket knife before going through TSA.  I used this for one of my trips and loved it so much, I stuck with it when I got home.  It fits easily into a larger purse if you need to pack more.  

4.    Make up remover mini-towel - my new favorite thing. A great way to remove the day’s face paint while reducing waste caused by wet wipes. It’s so small, that it easily fits in your makeup bag.  Just add water, wipe the makeup off, rinse out with soap, and it’s ready for you the following day. Easy peasy and planet friendly.

5.    Warm fuzzy socks - hotel rooms can be cold places, there’s nothing like a pair of warm fuzzy socks to bring comfort of home without taking much space. If you’re like me and tend to get cold feet when you first go to bed, these warm you up and slip off easily during the night.

6.    Zip lock bags - it’s so simple that some may think unnecessary until you’re the one who has their favorite smelly lotion leak all over the inside of your bag spilling over into every piece of clothing you brought. Sometimes staining and ruining them. Anything that can spill, put in a zip lock bag. It’s also handy to have one for each swimsuit, in case there’s no time for it to dry between destinations. I also pack underwear and shoes in their own bag.  It’s nice to add the dirty underwear to the bag on the way home and keep the dirt on your shoes inside the bag.

7.    Primer with sunscreen - keeps the make-up on all day long for travel pics you don’t need to be embarrassed by.

8.    Cluster your clothes - the most efficient way to plan which clothes to pack. With 3-4 tops and 2-3 bottoms that all work together, you will have more outfits with less clothes and a smaller bag to lug around. See the complete list of cluster guidelines HERE.

9.    Tide Travel Packets - pack less and if you need to do the wash, these tiny packets make it pretty easy.

10.    Mini perfume - smell as lovely as you would on date night at home when you add your favorite fragrance to this tiny vial. (Be sure to pack it into an equally tiny zip lock bag).

11.    Super compact umbrella and/or stuffable wind breaker - getting caught in a downpour is no fun! I always throw in at least one of these depending on the destination.

12.    Fashion emergency kit - 17 essential items for life's little mishaps.  Never underestimate the power of stain remover on your first day of the trip when you plan to wear the same shirt a few more times.

And “you’re off to great places, today is your day” so says Dr. Seuss. Instead of worrying about packing and having the right thing for travel emergencies check off this list and you’ll be looking, smelling, and feeling amazing! Safe travels my friend.

Have you ever had that experience where you absolutely LOVE the dress on the instagram model or mannequin, but when you actually try it on, it's down right awful?  And hopefully your first response IS NOT what's wrong with me? I wish I were.... 
Remember these wise words spoken by my mentor of all things image, Judith Rasband....
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The easiest, or beginning strategy, is to simply repeat your shape with the same shape in your clothes.  Here are just 4 of the 7 main figure variations (below).  Notice how the dress on the left is shaped like a triangle, which is great for the triangular figure type as it fits narrower shoulders and camouflages a fuller hip.  Inverted triangle is second from the left, accommodating broader shoulders and narrower hips.  Rectangular figure types (right of center), those with shoulders symmetrical over the hips and very little waist indentation, will find the rectangular shaped dress to be a quick, easy fit.  And hourglass shaped women, those with fuller hips and bust will appreciate the dress shaped like she is, with more waist indentation, (far right). ​

The second strategy, which works for virtually every figure type, is to bring attention toward the middle. Create a longer line that draws attention in and up and around your face.  Do this with any type of contrast.  It’s not just about covering up.  It’s about controlling where people look at you.  If you have larger hips, don’t put the contrast there (with lighter colors, wide stripes, etc).  If you have a tummy bulge, don’t place a circular pattern on your tummy so that it becomes the target of focus.   This could include adding a third layer piece, a vest, sweater or jacket to create a contrasting line in the center front, (left).   Adding a necklace to bring the focus in, (left of center).  A noticeable vertical row of buttons will also create a longer visual line, (right of center). Even a short necklace will bring the focus away from a broader body silhouette and up to the face, that's right, back to the "money maker", (far right). 

There are more options, but the first step is to determine your specific figure variation.  To learn your version of the ideal, and gain your fabulous fit, you'll love my hybrid virtual/in person session.  Check out the details HERE. 

“My teenager looks like an old man!” Says my client when talking about the trend of late…baggy jeans.  It’s always in fashion to mix up the fashion.  After a long run of skinny jeans, the trend was bound to change directions at some time.  So here we have it folks, baggy and / or mom jeans.  For those of you who only remember wearing skinny jeans, this new one is going to take some serious behavior modification and maybe even counseling.  You can wear a different style of pants. I believe in you!
The problem with a new trend is that it often favors the ideal figure type. Once the trend becomes more mainstream, manufacturers modify the design to work for more than just the ideal figure.  This baggy trend is no exception. Ideal figure or not, here are 8+ ways to wear baggy jeans and look slim, chic, and comfortable without looking like an old man…or sloppy looking teenager.

1.  Look for jeans that are fitted above the hips and loose below, instead of those that are wide from the waist down  - the second option tends to bag out around the zipper creating a tummy pooch....oof.

2.  Add some stretch. ​A bit of stretch = a bit more comfy. When in doubt look at the label, even 1% of elastane will make the difference in more comfortable movement - especially when sitting.

3.  Bring on the fitted top. When one piece is loose fitting, balance it with another that is more form fitting.  

4.  Give yourself the illusion of a waist!  Here you have many options.  If you are so inclined to show some skin and have a small waist,  wearing a crop top or crop top with a jacket or shirt jack will draw the eye to your narrower waist, balancing a bulkier leg.  

5.  Another way to draw attention to the waist without showing your belly is to simply tuck in your shirt, with or without a belt. Adding a belt will also draw attention to the waist, with the added bonus of looking more pulled together.  Be sure to blouse the top slightly above the waistband. 

6. Tie it up! Knotting a shirt at the waist draws attention to the waist and camouflages a tummy bulge. ​ It's also a great way to add shape to an oversized shirt and give you the illusion of a waist. 

7.  Try a top with should pads - broadening the look of the shoulders will often make the waist appear more narrow. 

8.  Give yourself a lift with heels/platforms/wedges - this elongates the visual line making you appear more tall and less wide. 

All of the sources for images above can be found in my online catalog HERE.  For a more customized approach to know the best fit for your figure, you'll love my Fabulous Fit session.  You'll know your figure type and love the many options you'll have to create your illusion of the ideal - looking true to you gorgeous! 

Are sunny skies calling your name? Are they expecting you in swimwear? Before you go through Rapunzel style mood swings about getting into a polka-dot bikini, take a deep breath, ponder your beautiful body that takes you to that sunny vacay and answer the four questions below.  Find the resource catalog next, and order your peace of mind in the form of a swimsuit for sun filled memories of fabulous fun. 

 Floating in water is calming, almost euphoric to some, it's definitely my happy place. What you put on your body should put you in the mood for the mental rest that's sure to come.   When you learn how to dress for your shape, and confront those troubled areas head on, you'll be on your way to a vacation just by donning your swimsuit.  Pick the right fit for you with my catalog below.​

Have you ever looked at something in your closet and wondered if it looks dated?
Does it make you appear less current and somehow communicate you are  less witty and charismatic in the process? Now is a great time to declutter and streamline the wardrobe, so I thought I'd provide advice on common suggestions I give my clients when revamping their closet.    After all, the key is to look like the most vibrant version of you, instead of a dusty - recently unboxed from grammy’s stuffy attic - version of you.  (Unless you’re going to a Golden Girl's themed party.) When we really analyze the clothes that tend to outlast the trends and become vintage, they are often simple in style, line and shape.  ​With this in mind, you will be smart to...​

3. Avoid oversized, 70s era gigolo sized collars. They may be spot-on for another themed costume costume party, but not your every-day current looking wardrobe.  Make sure the collar is small to medium, in proportion to your body size.  ​

4.  Look for medium to small lapels on jackets instead of the oversized alternative. 

5.  The shabby chic ruffled edges on sweaters and jackets have transitioned to a more stream-lined edge. 

6.  Avoid clothes with dirty looking distressed areas on them, usually found on the thighs and back side.
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Now that you have the list of "rules", know that rules were meant to be broken....it's not just what you wear but how it works for your body type, coloring and personal style.  It's not just what you wear, but how you wear it.  However, if you stick to the list, you will look like the most vibrant version of you, instead of someone stuck in time.  (For this year anyway.) 

I’ve been pondering on John Lennon’s Happy Christmas song,  “So this is Christmas and what have you done?” While thinking of you, my clients and friends, I wondered what I could give you that would be helpful to you this time of year.  Because so many of you would rather go to the dentist than go shopping, I've decided to give you the gift of my shopping treasure map.  Being in the stores as often as I am, I’ve learned which stores have the highest turn over, which have the cleanest and well lit dressing rooms, who loves to crank up the AC in the winter and oh yeah who has the best clothing options for specific pieces, body shapes and personal style types.  After all, you are good at what you do, you don’t have to be great at everything…especially shopping.  That’s why you have me.  Your friendly neighborhood stylist.  (You thought I was going to say Spiderman, didn’t you?)

"And so happy Christmas…." my gift to you is to help with your shopping, now and in the future. Feel free to share with those shopping for you who may need a little assistance.  Disclaimer:  The following resource list does not include product links or gimmicks but instead is a comprehensive list of my tried and true shopping places for your specific needs. (Both in person/in store or online.) Feel free to copy and paste to your notes on your phone to pull up when that moment of panic strikes because you can't find what you're looking for.

If after reading this, you still feel like the dentist is a better alternative to shopping, I’m going to give you another gift.  10% off shopping and any of my packages when you purchase before December 25th with the code HAPPYCHRISTMAS

The holidays are approaching, next up is Thanksgiving. It's my favorite holiday! And I'm not about to skip over it for any amount of blingy promotion for the December holiday they may throw my way.  Why would you? It's all about gratitude, being together, and food.  And who doesn't love to eat Thanksgiving style comfort food?  Eating comfy doesn't mean you can't dress comfy and still look put together. Besides, Thanksgiving is one of those lovely holidays where you can focus on the abundance in your life, show respect for the occasion, and those around you.  So let's dress up for it!  It’s also a great way to show we care about others enough to look nice for them.  So how do you balance comfort with style?  Is it possible to dress comfy without looking like you're headed for the gym or back to bed? Yes, yes it is. 

Check out the live video from Good Things Utah (above). ​

Need a new pair of those oh so comfy I could wear them all day long boots? Click below for this professional stylist's top picks of the season. 

With all of the social sacrifices we've made in the last year, many of my clients are dying to get back to having fun with those they love.  The GNO aka Girls Night Out is alive and well whether it's girls getting out, prepping for a wedding, or reconnecting with family members, here are few of their favorite ways to reconnect:
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Know Your Shape &  Reshape your Ideal Figure
Style is not a number or a size, whatever the weight, we'll create your version of the ideal figure type.  It's time to know your shape and reshape your ideal figure. Your Fabulous Fit Party includes: (Excellent for a bridesmaid party.) 

• Fun and interactive presentation on different figure types & how to dress for each
• Understand your figure type and how to create your version of the ideal
• Online dress shopping recommendations for the big day
• Workbook
• Online course and custom digital Fabulous Fit Guide

Your Brilliant Coloring
​​Understand which colors emphasize the brilliance in you! In this session, you will learn how to make your hair shine, your eyes sparkle, and so much more.  Your Brilliant Coloring Party includes:

• Fun and interactive presentation on personal coloring, color theory overview, and introduction to the psychology of color
• Workbook 
• Customized color swatches
• Color wheel with instructions on use
• Online course and custom digital Personal Color Guide

Let's get back to being social, loving each other and remembering how beautiful we are!  It's time my ladies.  Text/call 385.229.6297 or message Dani@StyleByDani.com or click here to connect and schedule your next best lifelong learning adventure with the girls.  

Every closet I've seen has included something in denim blue, with no exceptions. And for good reason. Blue is a great color for everyone. It complements your and everyone else's skin.  Denim is usually more rugged and only gets better with time, like a lovely European cheese.  Denim also holds up to the wash.  Hallelujah! And when it's combined with spandex, denim is more comfortable than ever.  So why not wear denim-on-denim?  Whether you're Canadian or not, (ever heard of the Canadian uniform?) we've all got denim, why not learn how to pair it together?  Here's how...

1.  Match the wash exactly 
Pretty basic.  You can do this one.  See tip number 4 below for what other colors to pair it with.  Why should you try?  Because matching your top and bottom is one way of elongating your figure and may help you appear taller, slimmer and leaner.  Taking a cue from the style icons below, who learned how to work the denim on denim long ago.

2.  Match the darker or lighter value of blue with your corresponding piece
This one is slightly more advanced. You can do this one. Look for a wash that changes from darker to lighter. You normally see the difference around pockets, cuffs, and near the stitching.  Choose the second color that matches the dark or light values there. 

3.  Work with similar tones - the amount of grey or lack of it should be the same
This is more advanced but you can still do it!  Ever put a denim jacket with denim pants and suddenly one of them looks blueish purple and the other more grey? That's because one has more grey mixed with the blue dye than the other. When the two blues are equally dull (more greyed) or bright (less grey) the blues will be friends.  Take it from Elvis, below, who knew how to ... you know ... play the blues.  

4.  Work with the buttons and stitching
This one is oh so simple! Bronze buttons and stitching? Wear with a deep caramel colored top and shoes.  Gold stitching and/or buttons is glorious with gold or mustard. And red is always an Americana classic, especially when there is a red Levi's tag (like on Gigi Hadid's short jacket below.)

Pairing denim with denim is a classic style that has been around forever and ever and adapts beautifully to the trends.  Feel free to tune into to your inner Steve McQueen, Marilyn, or Gigi Hadid when giving it a go for yourself.