It's summer and I'm heading north to get out of the heat.  My sisters have just arrived after making the 10 hour drive from Phoenix.  They walk into my bedroom and find my suitcase open and empty on the floor.  I can tell one sister is slightly annoyed by her body language, tapping her toe on the ground, arms folded.  My other sister says, well we could go shop at the outlets, I need a new dress....this packing stuff is bound to take a while.  They continue to discuss their options on how to fill the next hour.  As they're deliberating, I go to my closet, sandwich a group of clothes between my hands, lift them out of the closet and lay them in my suitcase.  I grab my make-up case, throw in my swimsuit, shoes, hat, underwear and zip up the suitcase.  I'm ready to go.  The girls are still trying to settle on a store to shop at.  When was the last time packing for a trip was a breeze for you?

Packing efficiently is all about great planning. And this happens much earlier than the day of the trip.  In fact, my closet is always organized with different groups or clusters of clothes for different occasions.  Getting ready on a daily basis is quick and so is packing for a trip!  It's also efficient.  Who wants to lug around a heavy bag while on vacation? Or pay extra for bags at the airport?  Below I give you the magic system for creating maximum looks with minimal amounts of clothing.  You will have enough pieces for dressy or casual occasions, warm days, cool nights and 12-15 different outfit options. You may even be able to take that small bag–you know, the one that fits in the overhead on a flight.   Which means you won’t have to wait and wait for your bag after you get to your destination. Which means you can start sipping piña coladas that much sooner!​

Check out the video from Fox 13's the Place or continue reading...

Wondering how many looks you can get from this cluster? So glad you asked!  Here are 12 different ways to wear your 7 pieces. Oh and there's only 7 days!  How in the world will you choose?   
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Click here to purchase any of the pieces shown above.  
Click HERE for hand picked clothes perfect your specific trip, body type, coloring and personal style.  Or let's talk!  Call or text: 385.229.6297.

B - On the other hand, if you are feeling the love, and want to show it in your clothes, warm colors will generally do the trick.
This is what the “love” colors may be saying…

• pink:  gentle, tender, warm
• red: love, passion, romance, sex, warm, also energy, power, combat, fire
• rich chocolate brown:  delicious, rich, more approachable than black​

Speaking of chocolates, you may be somewhere in between A and B. ​

Try these colors on a formal date, casual dinner out, an active date, or even breakfast in bed and notice how they influence your mood. ​ To know your absolute best colors, the ones that make your eyes light up, hair shine, and give your skin a healthy pinkish hue, try my Couples Color Session - on sale the month of February.  

YOUR FASHION STYLIST'S RECOMMENDATIONS FOR WEIGHT FLUCTUATING OPTIONS
​Click on the image for the source, or get the complete catalog HERE.

2.  Drop-shoulder and raglan sleeves are a wonderful way to camouflage weight changes in the shoulder area because the shoulder seam is not placed precisely on the shoulder joint.  Cowl-neck collars are another option.  Not limited to sweaters, find these styles for warm weather clothes as well. 

3. Wrap blouses, vests and jackets adjust when do as you tighten or loosen the belted tie.  Notice that some wrap tops and skirts are wrap "style" or faux wrap.  Meaning the tie doesn't come around the back, limiting their adjustability.  However, the wrap "style" below (navy and gold top) has an elastic waistline that will also transition as you do.  

4.  ​Wrap skirts and dresses are similar to the tops above. Follow the same principles and look for enough fabric in the skirt to provide coverage when you sit.  

5.  Shirtwaist dresses that are straight with a belt are lovely.  The blousing around the middle allows the clothing silhouette to be dominant, disguising any tummy bulges.  The floral float dress accommodates a wide range of sizes.  Look for a descent fit through the arm holes or add a third layer.  Other dresses to look for include empire waist dresses and jumpers.

6.  Wear trouser-pleat pants with a belt.  If they become too spacious, you can just add another pleat and no-one's the wiser.  Same with the trendy paper bag waist pants.  

7.  ​Who doesn't love stretchy pants?  The black pants, below, are both stretchy and professional looking.  Elastic waistlines are a great way to go.  Find them in the floral palazzo pants as well.  Patterns aren't your thing?  Palazzo pants come in many different colors, patterns and fabrics.  Don't limit yourself.  You have options!  

What adventure is on the horizon for you in 2019?  Do you have a new look in mind to get you there? Your clothes can be as flexible and as versatile as you are.  Expand your mindset, expand your clothing options and let your wardrobe evolve with you.  Contact me for your custom approach to the clothing that says who you are before you speak a word.   

It's Wednesday afternoon, the middle of December, and the snow is falling.  I'm out in the cold, at the cemetery, waiting for my friend's casket to be brought to her grave.   My sweet friend is being laid to rest after her courageous battle with cancer.  The mood is quiet, somber, peaceful.  Out of respect for her and her family, most people are dressed formally and wear darker colors.  After all, this is an occasion to show love and support, not to stand out and get noticed.  I'm surprised by the low number of well wishers who actually have dressy coats to match their more formal clothing.  Almost no one is wearing a classy looking hat.  And it's COLD!  Did I mention the snow falling?  Some people are even wrapping the mortuary blankets around themselves.  The lady next to me was wearing only a thin silk blazer.  She was visibly shivering  and subconsciously moving closer, I'm guessing for group heat. I put my arm around her and move to block the wind. In my long fur coat, I feel like the fluffy warm snowman trying to hug the icy cold one in the image above.  I'm feeling bad for my new friend, but not about to give up my coat.  

A warm coat and hat to keep the body temperature locked inside the body makes all the difference between frigid, shivering cold and cozy warm.  Even if you don't frequent snowy, cold weather funerals, you won't regret having one dressy coat and hat just in case.  You may even find yourself branching out and looking for other occasions to wear them. How about a nice holiday dinner or theater with an evening stroll after?  Maybe to see the lights downtown?  My goal for you, whether you know it or not, is for you to look like a million bucks no matter what you're doing.  With this mission in mind, it's always a good idea to have two coats, two hats and two pairs of gloves.  One for formal events where you need to look classy and show respect for your host.  And one for casual, fun events, where snowball fights will probably be involved.  Here are ideas for coat/hat combos for those more dressy scenarios and where to find them.  Because Christmas is fast approaching and Santa is still making his list.  Speaking of which....have you put a couple of hours of personal styling on your list?  How about a wardrobe assessment with a customized guide for what to wear where for your figure, coloring and personal style?  Click HERE to add Style By Dani to Santa's list.  Click HERE to get the elve's employee discount.  

Give the gift they will use every day for the rest of their lives.  The gift of timeless style.  
Contact me HERE to learn more.  For ready made packages with great discounts, click HERE.  

Not sure which package is right for you?  Let's create one together.  Click HERE or contact Dani at Dani@StyleByDani.com, call/text 385.229.6297.

You're running around on Halloween and want to show that yes, you are aware it's that hallowed day, without looking or feeling uncomfortably over the top.  Here are three easy ways to put out the Halloween vibe with minimal effort.  You're welcome. 

1.     The ugly Halloween sweater.  Yes, it's a thing.  A discreet, cool but no overly cool, Halloween statement piece. 

2.     Kritter Klips that match your actual hair color.

3.     Maskimals - they also come in the Nightmare Before Christmas variety.

This is A WAY to choose the best jeans for your shape, not the only way.  Remember, it's not just what you wear, but how you wear it.  For other options that are a fabulous fit for you, including how to make the clothes you currently own work for your figure, click HERE.  

Is the thought of back to school shopping stressing you out?   With multiple kids running in multiple directions all yelling “come with me Mom” and “I really need this!” with with 50 other moms and their kids all doing the same thing is absolute mayhem!  It feels like utter chaos, cock-eyed, google-eyed chaos and yes there is a better way.  Stress-free back to school shopping is possible when you and your kids are on the same page and have a rock solid plan. In addition to zen meditation yoga to prep you for the big back to school shopping event, try this equally satisfying process for guaranteed stress-free and effective school preparation.    

1.    Evaluate their wardrobe – A wardrobe evaluation is a great way for you to spend some one-on-one time with your child before their day is taken up with school and other activities. This should be on a stress-free day.  Try turning on music.  Make it fun.  It’s not about the stinky socks and the unidentifiable something or other that has been under their bed for a year.  Stay focused on the clothes in their closet and a great new school year that starts with how they feel about themselves. Clothes have a huge impact on our psyche…especially for kids in a new environment.  
    The Process:

• Bring in a clothes rack.  If you don’t have one, your can make one by setting up two chairs, putting a broom on top and hanging the clothes from the broom handle.  
• Bring in 2 boxes or plastic bags. One is for cleaning/repairs and one for repurposing/donations.
• Does it fit? Do they love it? Like it? Hate it? Look through each item of clothing. Move off-season clothing in the back of the closet.  Designate one place on the rack for items you love and hang them there.  Designate one place for items you like and hang them there.  Throw the hates in the donation box.  Put the hoodies, snow boots, or clothes that are still a little big in the end of the closet.  
• Evaluate what their “love it" section has in common.  Is it the color, the fit, the pattern (or lack of pattern), the texture?  Make a note of this.  Now consider the "hate it” items, what do they have in common?  Make a note of the things that make their favorites love-able and search for similar design elements in their clothes.  For example, maybe their “loves" are all solid colors and “hates" patterns…search for solid colors in the future.  
• Put the things they love back in the closet.  Begin creating outfits and expand those outfits to clusters. Each item should go with at least 2-3 other things in their closet. Ideally your child will have 3 tops and 2 bottoms that all work together.  This would create a cluster. (See July segment for guidelines.) 
• Make a list of needs. So if there are incomplete groups or clusters of clothes, add the missing piece to shopping list.  For example, they have 3 tops and only one bottom piece that goes with that color grouping, add another bottom piece to the shopping list.   List the shoes and other accessories that are needed to coordinate with what they have and what they plan to purchase.  
• Discuss your budget and plan your shopping day.  

2.    Hit the stores! Know where you are going before you leave the house – This may involve searching the internet to know which stores carry what you need.  The more efficient you are in the store, the better spirits everyone with have.  Make sure the child knows what their size is.  I have shopped with multiple children at once and you can very quickly feel outnumbered.  This is your chance to teach your kids how laser focused shopping works.  The list you develop together needs to be specific, with correct sizes, colors, what to bring with you if things need to match, etc., so that you can walk with them into the store and let them find the clothing they need.  Make it a real life treasure hunt!  
3.   Choose their best look for the first of day of school.  When in doubt choose a shirt with a collar, that gives them instant smarts, and makes a fabulous first impression for their teacher and other students.  If they look sharp, they’ll feel sharp! 

I have officially graduated to having kids who love riding roller coasters.  Wahoo!  It's been a long wait but totally worth it.  To watch your child scream and belly laugh uncontrollably is what every mother lives for. Right? As I'm gearing up for a long day of coaster to coaster riding, I realize it's time to leave the big floppy hat and skirt at home.  No more being an observer of littles at kiddie land.  I get to be in the action now, with the big kids, spinning upside down, front-ways, back-ways, side-ways, getting wet, then hot, then sweaty, then wet again.  Oh the joy!    It occurs to me that spending the entire day at the amusement park with all this action, takes some serious outfit planning.  Not willing to sacrifice one minute of precious time running back and forth to a locker, I've come up with this list of things to wear to keep your money, phone, and of course dignity, in tact.  

1.     Pockets with zippers + zip lock bag for the phone
A phone is handy for fun photos and contacting AWOL group members, but the last thing you should be worrying about when you're about to take a hundred foot plunge into the water is whether or not your phone is going to get wet OR fall out of your pocket.  Shirts and shorts or pants with zippers are golden in this situation.  Put your phone in a zip lock or water-proof bag before the pocket and you're safe as a kitten.   

2.     Fanny pack
You may call it a mini belt bag, a running waist pack, money belt, hip pack, or my favorite a pocket front bumbag.  It's essentially a fanny pack and has proven to be a trusted friend in on-the-go circumstances.  I normally wear mine under my shirt right at the waist.  If it's empty, it lays close and is hardly noticeable.  When it's full, a little blousing and even distribution of the essentials inside is also a good disguise.  If you don't need that extra granola bar and have plenty of zippered pockets, feel free to leave the pack at home.  

3.     Clothes that dry quickly
Wet clothes in heavy-weight or obsorbent fabric tend to either chafe or just feel uncomfortable as they take forever to dry.  Denim is one of these.  Ditch the cut-offs friends and instead try quick drying shorts or pants that your skin will thank you for later.

4.     Comfortable shoes 
This one is fairly obvious, if you're going to be on your feet walking on concrete all day you want happy feet.  Many people wear sneakers with socks.  These can take time to dry if they get wet and may cause blistering.  I've found that supportive flip flops actually work well.  You can take them off and leave them on the ground for rides where your feet fly through the air and hanging coasters have a base that your feet stay on.  Sandals with straps are an even safer bet.  Cool, quick drying, and supportive.  

5.     Hair tie, earrings, necklaces, lipstick ​
This is where the dignity stays in tact.  You can avoid looking like a drowned mouse with a little updo, earrings with backs, a secure necklace and yes 12 hour lipstick.  Say hello to end of the evening photos because you're gonna look great!  

Is there anything you would add to the list?  Post it below or just share this post with your coaster crazy friends! 

You know you have an event coming up where you want to, not only leave with your dignity in tact, but with your companions saying "NICE LOOK"!  I'm here to help you nail it....