 Don't you just LOVE plaid? It's one of those classic patterns that will always be around, especially this time of year. Because of the often larger, bolder horizontal and vertical lines, the effect can enlarge the figure...looking like bricks on a house. The right colors for the holidays? Yes. And who doesn’t want that “homey” feeling this time of year? I’ll never forget that December when I found myself wearing red and green plaid flannel pjs. I felt so warm and cozy, and oh so….plump. It wasn’t completely holiday weight, it was holiday pattern arrangement and placement. The wide horizontal and vertical lines on the top and bottom made my silhouette appear about a foot broader than it really was…truly like a brick house. (Cue the Commodores...video below.) If you're interested in rocking the plaid without looking like a brick house, check out these smart, slimming ways to wear your favorite plaid. 1. Wear the plaid diagonally. Diagonal lines tend to be more slimming than vertical/horizontal lines. Look for clothing pieces with diagonally placed plaids and watch visual weight disappear. You'll find this strategy applied to tops, bottoms, dresses, breast pockets on shirts, and even scarves. If you have a plaid scarf, twist it so that the plaid is turned diagonally.
2. Wear a smaller scale pattern. Plaids and checks are similar with their vertical/horizontal design. In general, expect smaller check patterns to minimize the figure and larger checks to maximize or enlarge the figure.
3. Wear plaid on your slimmer area to balance the fullness elsewhere. Is the bottom half of your body larger than the top? Or do you want your shoulders to appear more broad? Try wearing the pattern on your top to balance bottom-heavy weight, creating the illusion of a more balanced, ideal figure. Top Half Appears to Be Bigger/Broader
Is the top half of your body larger than the bottom? Try wearing the pattern on your bottom half to balance top-heavy weight, creating the illusion of a more balanced, ideal figure. Bottom Half Appears Fuller
Looking for more slimming ways to wear your favorite patterns? You'll LOVE a Fabulous Fit session. Appear taller, slimmer, and leaner with techniques customized for your figure type. Call/text 385.229.6297 or message Dani@StyleByDani.com The one, the only, Commodores doing She's a Brick House: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rrBx6mAWYPU
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 Boots at H&M Do you have a favorite pair of boots? Boots that you could wear anywhere and everywhere, that always look good and are oh so comfortable? If you don't, there's a perfect pair out there with your name written all over them. If you do, what makes them so special? So perfect? Answer that question and you'll find the perfect pair no matter what the seasonal trend may be. You've got questions. I've got answers. Learn what to look for in a boot meant for walking vs. cat walking and everything in between. These boots are made for walkingWEDGE SNEAKER BOOTIE A sneaker bottom with snakeskin top is the ultimate mix of comfort and beauty. The 2" heel is perfect to give everything about you a lift while still being comfortable enough to walk in all day. The sneaker bottom suggests you wear this with sporty looks and generally limits this shoe to more relaxed occasions. Pull the clothing colors from the pattern, off-white, white, black, and warm taupes or plum will be wonderful with this shoe.  Linea Paolo Amber Wedge Sneaker at Nordstrom WAFFLE BOTTOM BOOT This rugged looking shoe is great for cold weather comfort. The waffle bottom suggests plenty of traction for slick surfaces. A less refined suede texture is your cue to wear this shoe with equally textured fabrics such as denim, flannel, tweed, herringbone. Obviously a great shoe for daytime, active comfort, not so much for evening events.  Marc Fisher LTD Izzie at Nordstrom MOTO BOOT Oh the moto boot! Cool, chic, heavy and great for walking comfort. Pull out the leather or denim jacket with this boot and you're good to go all day long. This boot packs a rebel without a cause vibe and is best worn in a more casual or creative setting, generally limited to daytime events.  Spring Step Diony Motorcycle Bootie at DSW These boots are made for cat walkingSTILETTO BOOT There is no doubt that this is a beautiful shoe. The snakeskin and slouchy heeled style is very much on trend. The heel and shaft height are great with midi length dresses, they actually slim the leg where the hem hits the calve instead of causing it to look wider. And yes, this is a common problem for midi lengths on bare legs. If you can wear a high narrow heel all day, feel free! For the rest of us, this beauty will be the statement piece for the next evening event.  Jessica Simpson Saferra Boot at DSW LIGHT COLORED SUEDE BOOT Another gorgeous boot. However, the light colored suede can show wear quickly and denim may dye it slightly blue. Spraying with a scotch guard protectant, the second you get home, will help clean the dirt off more quickly. The color and the heel height dictate that you wear this beauty selectively for clean, mostly seated events.  Louise Et Cie Sevita boot at DSW These boots are made for anything and everythingBLOCK HEEL BOOTIE Simplicity is the key to versatility. The 2" block heel in this bootie provides all day comfort without sacrificing the lift that we all love. The smooth leather allows you to dress this boot up or down with understated elegance. A boot that works for so many occasions and is comfortable to wear all day long is worth the investment.  Compass in black at OTBT.com (get an extra 15% off with code DANI15) WEDGE BOOTIE A wedge heel gives you pleasing height in addition to comfort and stability. All trademarks of a - wear for hours on end - type of shoe. The three different textures in this bootie allow you to pair it with a variety of textures from denim and suede to more refined fabrics with some sheen like satin or crepe. It's easy to dress this boot up or down and lovely for many occasions.  Dharma in Acorn at OTBT.com (get an extra 15% off with code DANI15) WEDGE OVER-THE-KNEE BOOT Another lovely wedge style boot, this one has a 2-1/2" heel, my favorite height for all day wear. Great for a slimming leg with midi length dresses without sacrificing comfort. Wear with skirts or dresses of any length as well as fitted pants. For the most slimming ways to wear this and other styles of boots check out The How To Wear Boots for Longer Looking Legs Guide.  Colitta Over-the-knee boot at Nordstrom 2-3" HEEL HEIGHT BOOT The optimal heel and shaft height for day and evening. This boot also captures the animal skin trend without looking too trendy. And the versatile cinnamon rust color is great with most colors you pair it with. The heel height, design, shaft height and color all make this another gorgeous boot for a variety of occasions.  Jeffery Campbell Candle Knee High Boot at Nordstrom No matter your walk of life, there's a boot out there that's calling your name. Need help choosing the right one for you? I'm just a CLICK away! CHECK OUT MY LATEST SEGMENT ON FOX 13'S THE PLACE AS JENNY AND I TALK THROUGH THE PROS AND CONS OF OUR FAVORITE BOOTS Get the falling for boots CatalogWith discounts on my favorite styles  It's October and it's cold... today... lovely tomorrow afternoon... then rainy and cold in the evening. October is predictably unpredictable when it comes to the weather. The key to being comfortably warm is to layer, take off a layer and you're comfortably cool. Aside from being comfortable in any type of weather, layering is a great way to create more looks from fewer clothes. If you know what you're doing, it doesn't take much to triple the looks in your wardrobe. There are two main guidelines for layering well. First, the outer layer needs to be cut slightly bigger than the one underneath. Second, the outer layer should be a heavier weight (or at least appear to be a heavier weight) than the layer underneath. Here are 3 ways to take basic pieces and create multiple looks with them. Be sure to watch the video at the end, where Budah and I show the do's and don'ts of layering. Start With...A button up collared shirt - blue chambray is my shirt of choice 1. Wear with a tank under and roll up the sleeves.  2. Layer under a buttoned up cardigan, or a cowl neck or turtleneck sweater and pop the collar to frame the face.  3. Add a blazer for even more polish. (Hint: every time you add a layer it’s instant street cred.)  A straight, button up shirt dress 1. Wear as a dress with the fabric belt (as show above)or tie a bow in front of the buttons.  2. Change the belt. The dress often comes with a belt, lately we are seeing them in fabric. Swap this out for a nice leather belt and the effect is oh so rich.  3. Wear as a duster vest or jacket. When the dress is left open, the narrow column of color that's left in between creates a slimming effect. Who doesn't want that?  Blanket scarf 1. Some dresses are difficult to layer, a swing dress was made for a large scarf. Drape the scarf like a ruana, over the shoulders and draping in the front. Add a pin to hold it in place on the shoulder and/or belt to keep it close to the body. Be careful with the belt as this can add visual weight to the tummy if the scarf is bulky.  2. Bunch the scarf together so that it is narrow and long. Layer it under the lapels of your blazer or trench coat.  3. Wear it like a shawl with matching boots.  See how it's done in real time when Dani and Big Budah discuss the do's and don'ts of layering with sweaters, shirt dresses and collars poppin' like a preppy. Layering is a great way to discover your own personal style and develop a look that is uniquely you. Searching for more ways to layer the basic pieces in your closet? Then you'll love a wardrobe evaluation. Get the details HERE.
Take a walk on the wild side - which ANIMAL PRINT is best for your hair, eye color, and skin tone?9/17/2019  Photo credit nobasicgirlsallowed.com Animal prints are making their presence known in a big way this Fall. Most of my clients have a love/hate relationship with them. The hate may come from the element of drama they tend to communicate. Animal prints can be bold, daring, and exotic. Which doesn't resonate with everyone's personal style. But depending on the color scheme and animal being imitated, they can also become a subtle pattern that emphasizes your personal coloring well. If you’re ready to take a walk on the wild side, here’s how to wear these prints without looking like a wild thing. 1. Match your hair color to the a color in the pattern.
2. Repeat eye and blush colors in the pattern.
3. Keep the background color the same degree of warm or cool as your skin. This one is more complicated to navigate. Here are some examples of repetition of skin color done well and not so well.
Animal print patterns are a chic, classic print that also happen to be trending right now. When you keep in mind these three points, you’ll look like a class act instead of a wild hot mess. Not sure what your best hair, skin and eye colors are? Get your personalized color palette in my brilliant coloring session! For more INFO ON BRILLIANT COLORING click HERE or contact me below. Check out my latest Fox13 segment (below) with Amanda Jones to see more examples AND the best neutral colors to pair them with. Don't forget to hit the like button!  As your personal stylist, helping you navigate the trends is a responsibility I take very seriously. Knowing which trends to adopt and which to avoid will reduce your risk of becoming a fashion victim yourself. Here you have your 3 fashion myths debunked. Be sure to check out the video at the the end for examples. 1. Nude heels make your legs look longer & they go with everything. Not necessarily. According to Judith Rasband, Master Oogway of image consulting, "Light shoes are too delicate to support a dark outfit. Nude heels disappear when they match your skin. They can make you look like you forgot to put on any shoes. Others will say, 'Nude heels go with any brightly colored dress or suit for an elegant finish.' No they don’t. Nude is a subtle, dulled flesh color in opposition to bright fashion colors. They make you look like you don’t know how to coordinate your clothes." Before you go and toss them, try wearing them with light colors such as shell pink, nude, cream, and tan colored clothes. 2. Black is the most slimming color. Nope. According to classic art principles, dark, dull and/or cool colors appear to reduce, recede, and minimize making you look slimmer when you wear them. Black is not the only dark, dull color. Navy blue, olive green, charcoal gray, aubergine and others are also beautifully slimming colors. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying to throw out all things black. Instead, know that you have many slimming options in addition to black. 3. Don't wear white after Labor Day Nah. The rule about not wearing white after Labor Day is more of a guideline anyway....cue Pirates of the Caribbean. What’s the logic behind the rule....er guideline? It’s not about the date, per se, it’s about the temperature change. In theory, it’s just after Memorial Day when temperatures get warmer and we opt for clothes in lighter colors that reflect instead of absorb the light. They also help us feel light and sunny, and put us in the mood for warm weather. One of the reasons why white is always in season in tropical climates. After Labor Day, we may naturally gravitate toward clothes in darker colors that absorb the light. They help us feel warmer. Continue to don the white after this weekend. Here are some ideas how: https://www.stylebydani.com/blog/can-i-wear-white-after-labor-day4063613 Ignorance is bliss, as the saying goes. You are no longer ignorant. You are liberated from the online fashionista faux pas. Enjoy your new found freedom! Do us all a favor and report any other fashion myths below in the comments to enlighten others who are confined to fashion victim status. Anyone else tired of trying to find shorts that make your legs look as long and toned as the model showing them off? The two most common options available for shorts just aren't cutting it for most women. Option one: shortie shorts, which can be lovely on a select few, but more often than not, they call attention to all kinds of cheesy, cheeky skin that's better left unseen. Need I expand? Admit it, you've all seen more than you want to under some of those cut-offs gone wrong. Option two: longer, bermuda style shorts, which may provide nice coverage and tall skinny legs look fabulous in them. But add some curvy hips or bootie and boom that's where the focus goes. Is it possible to find shorts that work for your figure? Maybe... but there are so many cool, comfy, and cute ways to replace shorts that your need for them may been reduced. Here are a few ideas. You can also see the complete catalog with more options here. 1. Light-weight joggers
2. Relaxed, wide leg pants
3. Casual skirts
4. Fun in the sun dresses
Looking for a unique and custom approach to adding some late summer cool? Let's chat!
 Ever had one of those days where you don’t want to get out of bed because that means you have to go to your closet? If you’re like my client and friend, Janice (name changed for privacy), the bed blues is an all to often occurrence and triggered by the overwhelming task of going to the closet to find clothes to wear that day. This is how Janice describes her journey from starting off her days completely overwhelmed to having a peaceful easy feeling….  A huge thank you to Janice for finding the courage to overcome the daily triggers of an overwhelming wardrobe and for putting words to the mental health issues so many struggle with on a daily basis. Keep up the good work my friend!
Feeling Like Ferris Bueller? How to embrace your spring fever without looking like a hot mess5/29/2019
 When is the last time you had a Ferris Bueller morning? The one where you wake up to blue skies and sunshine and say to yourself, “How could I possibly be expected to handle school (or work) on a day like this?” (Video to follow.) Despite your daily responsibilities, spring fever is calling! Here are 3 ways to embrace it and still mean business. 1. Simplify your hair routine. It’s finally warm! We want our free time to be spent outside instead of inside doing hair. Time for a spring hair cut or updo so you can just add some product and go. Here are a few ideas:
(For more hair inspiration, click on the image above to see my Pinterest board.) 2. Go with florals. The flowers are finally blooming after this long winter! Embrace it. Add some visual authority to the when the floral is in a silk or rayon for women or subtle for men.
(Click on any of the clothing images to purchase through my affiliate link.) 3. Tailored light-weight layers. Linen blazers are easy to find right now. Choose them in a textured pattern to wear over denim or trousers to dress up the tee or polo beneath. Cause you know you’ll want to take it off to soak up the sun at lunch.
Go ahead! Embrace the spring fever AND look calm, cool and collected...ready for a quality work experience instead of looking like you just rolled out of bed. Not sure how to customize this approach to fit your personal style, figure type and coloring? Let's talk!  There are many fashion myths professed to be the only right or wrong way to wear something. As your personal stylist, helping you navigate the trends is a responsibility I take very seriously. Knowing which trends to adopt and which to avoid will reduce your risk of becoming a fashion victim. Here's your top 3 most common fashion myths you may be falling for.
1. Nude heels go with everything. Not necessarily. According to Judith Rasband, Master Oogway of image consulting, "Light shoes are too delicate to support a dark outfit. Nude heels disappear when they match your skin. They can make you look like you forgot to put on any shoes. Others will say that 'nude heels go with any brightly colored dress or suit for an elegant finish.' No they don’t. Nude is a subtle, dulled flesh color in opposition to bright fashion colors. They make you look like you don’t know how to coordinate your clothes." Before you go and toss them, try wearing them with light colors such as shell pink, nude, cream, and tan colored clothes. 2. Black is the most slimming color. Wrong again. According to classic art principles, darker, duller and/or cooler colors appear to reduce, recede, and minimize making you look slimmer when you ear them. Black is not the only dark, dull color. Navy blue, olive green, charcoal gray, aubergine are among a number of other slimming colors. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying to throw out all things black. Instead, know that you have a plethora of options in addition to the color black. 3. Don't wear white after Labor Day Nah. The rule about not wearing after Labor Day is more of a guideline anyway....cue Pirates of the Caribbean. What’s the logic behind the rule....er guideline? In theory, it’s just after Memorial Day when temperatures get warmer so we naturally gravitate towards warm weather clothes and lighter colors that reflect instead of absorb the light. They make us feel cooler. This is one reason why white is always in season in tropical climates. When it cools down after Labor Day, we naturally gravitate towards darker colors that absorb the light. They make us feel warmer. It’s not about the date, per se, it’s about the temperature change. So feel free to continue wearing white after this weekend. Check out how to do it here: https://www.stylebydani.com/blog/can-i-wear-white-after-labor-day4063613. Ignorance is bliss, as the saying goes. You are no longer ignorant to these fashion faux pas...enjoy your new found freedom! Are there any other fashion myths you're finding amongst the rigid rules of the online fashionista? Feel free to report them below in the comments.  My son is currently living in Central America. On his days off, he enjoys going to the corner market or "paca" and finding gently used t-shirts. Many are from the U.S. It was a real surprise to find a Pink Floyd tee in mint condition, Pink Floyd being his favorite band. It was an even bigger surprise to find a tee from his high school drill team. Just when he thought he couldn’t be further away from home, there he stood confronted with the reminder of a former life he and that lonely old drill team t-shirt both shared. That tee was one of the lucky survivors. 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. As your professional shopper and stylist, I’ve found you some earth friendly clothing options to look for next time you’re out shopping…you’re going to love the price as well. Fast fashion has gotten a bad wrap in the past for producing so many low cost, clothing options that people buy, wear for a few months and then throw away, where they eventually end up in the landfill. It's been called cheap chic in the past. Now, H&M has an entire line of “Earth Conscious” clothing. Look for clothing that has a green tag and this is what you’ll find: 1. Fabric containing some recycled material. H&M clothing is being highlighted below, but other brands including Ralph Lauren, Levi Strauss and Zella have found a way to incorporate plastic bottles into their fabrics. They use a minimum of 20 percent plastics recycled from drink bottles and food trays.  Skirt made from recycled polyester. Recycled polyester is a more sustainable option than conventional polyester, and is made from oil-based waste, such as PET bottles.  Tuxedo jacket made partly from recycled polyester.  Sandals made from recycled polyester. Knotted straps and long ties with decorative, recycled plastic stones. 2. Fabric containing sustainable sources such as cotton, silk, wood fibers, etc. These plants are grown in a controlled farm environment. When the clothes have served their purpose, they will decompose back into the earth because they're made of natural materials.  Tencel® lyocell blend, made from fast growing eucalyptus trees  Organic cotton oxford  Organic silk 3. Fabric from waste or cut-offs created during production or donated clothing. H&M has started a collection for unwanted used clothing that they recycle into new items. During the month of April, H&M stores has a drop box for unwanted clothing in any condition that they will turn into something new.  Coat made partly from recycled wool, it comes from the waste or cut-offs created during production, or from clothes gathered via H&M's Garment Collecting initiative. To find more earth friendly options from H&M, type "Conscious" in the search option at the top of the page. Looking for earth conscious clothing that fits your coloring, shape and personal style? Look no further! Contact me HERE for a free discovery call where we'll discuss the best fit for both you and the planet.
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Dani SlaughImage consultant and personal stylist. Dani is happily married, the mother of 3 charming children, and an Aussie named Josie Wales. Archives
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