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:
​

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.  

Did you care about what you wore the first day of school?  I may be a little odd, but I can remember what I wore the first day of school for many, many first days of school.  That is how much I thought about my first day look, my first impression on the potentially coolest kids in school.  How about you?  The problem is that the coolest kids in school will quickly dismiss you if the following days don’t live up to the first day hype.  As adults, are we and our teachers really that much different than the kids who want to put their best shoe forward and keep it there?  The advantage we have is that we don’t outgrow our new clothes every year or two.  (At least we hope not.)  So we can afford to be strategic, to invest our money wisely in clothes that will be more versatile, that combine well together, and help us keep the attention of those we wish to influence.  The clothes don’t need to be expensive, they just need to be smart.   Curating a smart first day and beyond wardrobe is as simple as remembering your ABC’s.  (Is there are pun there? I’m nor exactly sure but it seems to fit all the same.)

Be sure to catch the style segment video at the end. 

A for All Season Fabrics
Fabrics that are light to medium weight, the ones you can wear at least three seasons or about nine months of the year will wear longer, and can easily be layered in cooler weather.  Add a few light to heavier weight pieces for seasonal comfort,  Some all season fabrics include: gingham, pique, denim, broadcloth, chambray, twill, pinwale corduroy, jersey/knit, cool wool, crepe, cashmere, charmeuse, challis, and suedecloth. 

B for Basic / Classic Styles
Clothes with design lines and shapes that are simple or plain, not extreme, and look good on most people are more versatile as you can combine them easily to create many different outfit combinations. Add a trendy or decorated piece to show a little personality. Basic styles include what is shown below in addition to many other styles that are simple such as a camp shirt, straight skirt, sheath dress, pleat-front pants, turtlenecks and more. 

C for Colors that are Neutral
Colors that are dulled or muted tones of every hue, as well as black, white, and gray look good on most people, especially if those colors include your personal coloring, your hair, eye, skin, and blush colors.  Then add some bright or contrasting accent colors for interest.  Some wardrobe neutral colors are black, ivory, hunter green, camel, plum, and those shown below. 

Who wants to lug around a heavy bag while on vacation? Or pay extra for baggage.  Packing efficiently is all about great planning. Using the cluster system will ensure enough pieces for dressy or casual occasions, warm days, cool nights and a dozen different outfit options all in one itty bitty carry-on bag. That's right. Dust off that small bag...you know, the one that fits in the overhead. This system will give you more looks, with more style, and less weight so you won’t have to wait and wait for your bag after you get to your destination. Which means you can start exploring and snapping pictures that much sooner!

7 Pieces for 7 Days - the system
1. Find a source of inspiration–a pattern of colors in a print, stripe or plaid–to inspire the color scheme of your cluster. 
2. Plan for 6 easy pieces of clothing, at least 3-4 tops and 2-3 bottom pieces.  It's often nice to have one of the tops be a third layer piece. 
3. Select pieces that are basic/classics–simple in style lines and shape.
4. Select pieces that go together–will work with at least three, four or more other pieces. Every piece in this group can be worn together.
5. Select pieces that are distinctly different from one another (no two pieces alike) for maximum versatility. 
6. Select accessories to go with the clothes, beginning with essential basic accessories first. Comfortable shoes are a must on vacation. 
7. Finally, throw in a swimsuit, pjs, underwear, essential grooming items, a couple of books, sunscreen and you’re ready for piña coladas!

1.  We start with the button-up blue, red and white shirt as the inspiration piece. 
2.  Then we added three more tops, with the denim jacket as our third layer piece.  Also a dress which can double as a skirt.  2 pants are also added, the white and blue jeans.  The blue jeans are a lighter weight, wide leg, denim and therefore cooler for warm weather. The colors of these pieces all coordinate with the original blue, red, and white inspiration piece.  
3.  Clothing shapes are classic and flatter this owner's figure.
4. They are also simple enough that they can all mix and match to be worn together. (See coordinated outfits below.)
5. The pieces are definitely distinct from one another. We have a dress, button up shirt, wrap style top, and henley style shirt that all create a different mood and message when worn.  You will not look like you are wearing the same uniform every day! 
6. Accessories include a hat for sun protection, gold and red earrings, blue/red necklace, scarf, brown belt, navy sneakers, and brown sandals. (See individual outfits for all of the accessories.)  Jewelry and scarves don't take up much space and can completely change the look.  Feel free to add more of these.  Be choosy about your shoes.  It's smart to have comfortable shoes that are in different styles.  Nothing is worse than getting a blister the first day of vacation and having to wear a shoe that continues to rub that blister for the rest of the trip.  Be sure the styles of shoes are different enough that they contact/rub your feet in different places. (I will often throw in a pair of flip flops in case the horizontal strap of the other shoe rubs on my foot.)
7.  Add a red swimsuit and maybe cut-offs to go over them and you ready for a water day.  

Let's get you packed to amaze every day of your vacay. 
This session includes:

• One-hour style session, in person or virtual. We'll focus on your most travel worthy clothing and create the makings of a travel cluster.
• Shopping list for missing items.
• Customized online shopping picks that includes 5-6 new pieces to add to your travel cluster.
• Online closet with easy to access inspiration for each day on vacation.
• 10-20 different looks designed to meet the needs of your unique destination.

Get started HERE or click below to purchase. 

I was walking through the mall and saw a mannequin just outside the door of a menswear store.  The mannequin was getting a lot of attention, it seems the dad belly it sported was not what people are used to seeing on a clothes model, but it stopped me in my tracks.  I thought it was brilliant.  There are so many guys with a belly who have no idea how to dress for it.  

Have you developed a tummy bulge or your man developed a Dad bod? Here’s how to look taller, slimmer, & leaner without dropping a pound. 

​1.  Wear a similar color shirt or jacket and pants to create a longer and therefore slimmer visual line.

​Use the same art of illusion when matching your shirt to your pants.  Monochromatic is classic. 

3.  Put the contrast in the center front and near the face with buttons, jackets, and a tie. ​

You can look taller, slimmer and leaner without dropping weight - give these three tips a try. Check out the video below where Bookie gets his own dad bod makeover.  ​

Need your last minute gift for Dad?  Might I recommend 2 hours of in person or online shopping?  He will also receive an exclusive and private online closet with the purchased items uploaded and styled - up to 12 clothing items and 10 different looks. 

The door to life beyond the house seems to be creaking open. Can you feel it?  Are you ready for it?  I'm hearing from many clients who have return-to-work dates that they simply don't have the right clothes to return to the office.  Or the right clothes for family gatherings, vacations, the gym...basically all forms of life outside the home bubble. Do you have a worry-free wardrobe that takes you from one occasion to the next without stressing about what to wear?  With the right clothing in your closet, you'll be prepared for the variety of situations you want to look your best for.  Here's one client's experience...

Which of the following occasions apply to you? Do you have the right thing to wear? Not only clothes that pass but make you look and feel amazing and spot-on-appropriate for the occasion? 

​Use this checklist as you evaluate your wardrobe to identify gaps before that last minute event comes up for worry free game day preparation. (Don't forget the shoes and accessories.)
DO I HAVE THE RIGHT CLOTHES FOR THIS OCCASION?
1.   When I need to be active, as in...

• Taking the dog for a walk
• Working out - the gym, hiking, climbing, running, playing pickleball, etc. 
• Gardening

2.   For more relaxed occasions, such as ...

• Family dinner
• Outdoor picnic or BBQ
• Sporting event

​3.   When I need to appear a bit more polished, as in...

• Smart but relaxed business meeting
• Back to the office
• Lunch with a friend
• Sporting event (the one you pay to see)

4.   A knock their socks off type of work event...

• Work presentation
• Job interview

​5.   A knock their socks off type of social event...

• Wedding
• Church
• Dressy dinner
• Theater

You don't have to buy a completely new wardrobe.  Adding a few carefully chosen basics to your shopping list can make all the difference.  Need a little assistance with the basics? How about the evaluation process?  Mother's Day is the perfect occasion for you or the mother in your life to feel amazing and spot-on-appropriate for every occasion.​

As always, you have options! Do you wish there was a way to create the appearance of a jumpsuit with all the lovely benefits that a separate top and bottom provide?  Let’s be honest, using the bathroom isn’t always a simple task in a jumpsuit. This problem is solved with the 2 piece jumpsuit, separate pants and top that work together to look like a one-piece jumpsuit. This may be a great option for you if you're looking for...

• Versatility - you can separate each piece to wear with a different top or bottom
• Different sizes between your top or bottom half - great for those with figures that aren’t balanced with shoulders symmetrical over their hips
• Pieces that work double duty - as a one-piece jumpsuit with the versatility of separates
• More creative styling

This look is easier to achieve than you may think, by simply matching the fabric of the top and bottom, voilà,  you have the illusion of a jumpsuit.  
​
Check out this 2 piece jumpsuit option from Madewell 

You CAN be comfortable AND look put together.  It is possible to achieve both at the same time! Put a spring in your step with a  jumpsuit.  ​

Does anyone else have the reoccurring nightmare of being cornered in the playground by the St. Patrick's Day green patrol? You know, by those obnoxious kids who insist if you're not wearing green on that day, it's their right to pinch you?  And by the time you were able to spit out "I'm wearing green underwear!" it's too late and you were pinched anyway.  While I have graduated from feeling pressured to wear green on that one day in March, I've still noticed that many people still have very strong feelings about wearing green.  Instead of looking at it as a revitalizing, refreshing color, some feel it makes them look sallow or sickly.  Some versions of green may have this affect, such as chartreuse, but there's no need to avoid this fresh color completely. And no need to limit your clothing color choices.  Here are 5 ways that you can wear green, with or without the red hair, to look as vibrant, renewed, and yes, as lucky as an Irish spring. 

1.  Repeat your green or blue-green eyes
Small amounts of color tend to change when you place larger amounts next to them.  This explains why blue-green eyes can shift to look marine blue or forest green depending on the color that is repeated in your clothing.

2.  You don't have green eyes? Repeat the color in your clothing up near your face with accessories and make-up
If you love the earthy green vibe, but you aren't wearing it every day with your eye color, add it to your face in the form of hats, glasses, make-up, or jewelry. 

Not sure what your skin tone is?  Looking to feel vibrant every day? Let's do a color evaluation!