Ask me about my top ten childhood moments of drama and my answer will likely include family photos.  The pressure for everyone to wear matching colors when the person choosing the colors has vastly different taste, looks, and personal style.  Color schemes are pulled from midair and look good on maybe one person in the group - but not everyone - and the color I'm assigned to wear doesn't fit well in the clothes I have in that color. Instead of feeling fabulous and smiling like a movie star, I'm left feeling like my personal expression has been completely stifled for the sake of the group photo, the photo that will grace the wall with my presence for years to come.  Maybe that's why it took ten tries to get a good photo of me.  Sound familiar? ​Now that my job (aka professional stylist) includes choosing clothes for joyous family photo moments, here are a few golden tips I have learned to have your photos not only turn out lovely but also preserve each family member's version of personal expression. 

1. Know what the photo shoot location looks like. What are the colors in your background?  Which do you want to emphasize?  When you repeat these colors in the clothing, you will also highlight them and your people in the photo will become more in harmony with the surroundings.  We knew this photo would be taken at sunset and chose to focus on the pinks, blues and dark greys. (Favorite colors of each family member.) It was helpful to have a photo in advance to know which colors to work with.  

2. Find a patterned inspiration piece - a print, stripe, or plaid that includes a color scheme. The ideal inspiration piece will have a color in your home’s decor, where you will put said portrait, and/or the colors in the background of your photo, and should be enjoyed by the wearer.  The color schemes for the examples below happen to both be inspired by the mother's scarf.  (Yes, the inspiration piece can be something other than a scarf.)  In this case, the scarves are very different from each other, and both contain colors from the background, the people and even the dogs.  Who knew? 

3. Choose clothing colors that have the same colors in common with your inspiration piece.  These pieces of clothing should reflect the personality of the person wearing them, to a degree, or they may look and feel grumpy wearing them for the picture.  (Not ideal.) They don't all have to be solid colors, hello creative expression.  Mixing patterns is more advanced however, check out my guide to mixing patterns HERE.

4. Create your ideal figure when you opt for more fitted clothing for a slimming look and less fitted to fill out or enlarge. We come in many different shapes and sizes after all. Keep in mind that dark, dull, and cool colors tend to minimize and fade into the background while light, bright, and warm colors will appear to advance and maximize the place you put them. If you want your hips to look slimmer, put the dark, dull, cool color on your hips.  If you want the adorable little girl/boy to stand out, put the light, bright, warm color on him/her.  Tie the light, bright, warm color back into your look by putting it in a place you wish to emphasize.  

5. Plan your outfits, don’t forget the accessories. The more time you give yourself, the less stressed you’ll be when the big day finally arrives.  It helps to lay the clothes and accessories out on the floor, scarecrow style, to see how they all fit together.

6. It's also helpful to consider where your picture will be placed in your home.  “Since a few of these photos will most likely be hanging in your home and on display for a long time, make sure that the clothing you select blends with the color scheme of your home.” Thank you Shutterfly for this tip.​

Apparently this whole mask thing is here to stay. For better or for worse, it's time. Time for a little face mask enlightenment.  Time to embrace this unfortunate masked experience that has become a reality and time to be as portrait perfect as the Mona Lisa in our masks.  Like it or not, your mask now says something about you and can enhance or take away from your lovely visual appearance.  With kids going back to school and many returning to a hybrid virtual/in person work environment it's time to educate.  While masks can be a fun way to express yourself, they can also detract attention away from you, making it difficult for others to focus on what you have to say.   Here's how to bring the focus back to you and look good doing it.  

1.  Match the color of the mask to what you're wearing - ​pretty simple when your mask and clothing are exactly the same color or pattern.  

2.  Coordinate the pattern in the mask to your clothing - a more advanced technique but I believe in you.  This trick to pulling this off is to (a) choose patterns that have one or more colors in common and (b) select only one strong pattern, then a softer – more subtle – pattern, so that the scale of the patterns don't compete with each other.  In the example below, the mask and top have red and white in common.  The mask is a larger scale, stronger pattern, with the top as a smaller scale, less strong pattern.  

3.  Repeat your hair color in your mask.  Fairly simple, unless you're unsure about your hair coloring in which case an in-person or virtual brilliant color session is in order.  

​4.  Repeat your eye color in your mask which is a great way to bring the focus to your eyes for better visual communication.  Again, fairly simple unless you're unsure about your eye color in which case an in-person or virtual brilliant color session is in order.  

You now have the creative tools to make your face mask work for you.  I realize that sometimes it may be all you can do to just have a face mask in public places.  If that's you, great.  Honestly, I used to be that way...until I saw my husband wearing a lavender mask (you know every Kindergarten girl's favorite color).  That's when I realized it's time to speak up.  Face masks are not an expensive accessory, and are much more easily available.  There's no excuse to wear masks that make you look silly or anything but YOU.  I haven't met anyone who loves​ wearing a mask, tbh they're the lemons.  I'm here to help you make the lemonade.  Click below to get options for masks perfect for you.

It's summer.  It's hot.  There's a pandemic.  You're not seeing as many people in person.  So who cares about what you wear?  Maybe no one.  But you do.  Think about it. If you were to switch wardrobes with your neighbor, and could only wear their clothes, would you feel like your normal self?  Of course not.  It would be comical really.  The clothes wouldn't fit right, the patterns would be off - not like your favorites, colors would be too bright or too blah, and when you put them on you just feel like something's off.  Kind of like dressing during Covid. How has the pandemic affected your clothing choices?  Maybe you haven't switched wardrobes with your neighbor, but you may have put on some weight and the clothes aren't fitting right. Maybe you've gotten so used to comfy athleisure styles that you've forgotten how nice it feels to get dressed up, losing an aspect of who you are, and becoming much more one-dimensional in the process.  The truth is, what you wear truly does affect how you feel about yourself. How has your Covid clothing choices affected your mental health? With so many things beyond our control right now, what you wear and how it makes you feel is one of the few things you can control. So I'm giving you three ways to get out of the Covid style rut and enhance your mood using something as simple as your clothing. 

1. Wearing Dad jeans
Please don't! Mom jeans may be making a come-back but sorry, it's not happening with Dad jeans.  That's not to say you should adopt a Jonas brother style skinny jean or a rock-a-billy rhinestone studded jean.  Like dogs, well fitting jeans are a dad's best friend.  Here's what to look for.

• Choose jeans with a slight taper from the knees down without being too tight or showing the calve muscle.  You also don't want the fabric in the calve to bag out beyond the knee.
• Get a close fit in the bootie.  If it's a stretch fabric, it may loosen up during the day, so err on the side of a close fit.  The soggy bottom boys will not be performing today.  
• If the jeans fit in the calve, thighs and bootie but are big in the waist, have them taken in. This is an easy fix any tailor will be happy to do for you.    

2.  Color doesn't matter
WRONG. There's power in knowing your best colors.

• Repeat your eye, hair, skin, blush or lip color in your clothes.  It's that simple.  You want people to notice your eyes for better visual authority?  Repeat your eye color with a solid colored shirt, add the color to a pattern in the shirt, tie or scarf, or look for your eye color in the buttons of the shirt or jacket.  The same principle applies to your skin, natural deep rose blush or lip color and hair. Whatever color you repeat from those colors near your face, are the colors others will notice.  
• What if you're handsomely without hair?  If you have light skin, wear medium to dark colors for needed value contrast? If you have dark skin, thank your lucky stars and wear light to dark colors as well as medium to bright colors.  (In general, avoid anything pale.)
• Get color swatches of your best colors for easy reference HERE.  

3.  Wearing dress shirts with khakis
Can your say visual confusion? Your shirt and pants should send a consistent message.  Wearing dressy shirts with casual pants sends mixed signals about your purpose and maybe even your attention to detail.  

• Wear refined dress shirts with equally refined trousers and maybe even a tie.  Not sure if it's a dress or sports shirt?  Dress shirts will generally have some sheen to the fabric. 
• Check the collar of your shirt.  Button down tabs often indicate a more relaxed, sports shirt.  Wear this with more relaxed style pants.  This includes jeans, corduroys, and yes khakis.

4.  Shoes don't relate to the clothes  
Oof! They may have cool yellow shoe laces or be super expensive Air Jordans, but if they don't relate to the rest of your outfit, you risk looking like a fashion victim.

• If you go with the bright colored shoes, keep everything else sporty and neutral.  Take one of the colors from the shoes and repeat it somewhere else in the outfit.  It can be as small as a watch or dot in the shirt pattern, a little repetition will help you to own this stand out style.  
• Try matching your shoes to your hair color for instant coordination with the colors you're wearing every day.
• Brown or cinnamon works great with most colors including grey, blue, green, and black.  Black is great with camel, grey, green, and black of course.  As a general rule, I avoid black with navy.  
• When in doubt, the old rule of thumb still works.  Match shoes to pants or belt.  

5.  The wrong belt
Swing and a miss. Ever noticed the belts pro golfers wear?  They're usually as sporty as the rest of their outfit.  Your belt should also repeat the mood of your look that day.

• More formal, serious occasions call for a 1" refined leather belt.  
• More relaxed?  Go with a wider, distressed leather belt with jeans.  Or opt for a belt with stretch and a fun color with jeans or golf pants.  
• When in doubt, match your belt to the color and/or mood of your shoes.  Wear a stretch or scout style belt with sneakers.  Wear a leather belt with leather shoes.   

The above quote describes how I feel about this Covid Coaster we've been riding for the past few months.  The highs and lows have got me focused less on the anxiety expressed in the news and more on what I can do to support my family and my extended tribe. Which includes you!  I wish I could give you a real-life big hug, but for now, know that I care and hope you're finding ways to improve yourself during this global PAUSE.   A wise woman once told me of a friend who had been left standing at the alter.  All of her dreams of the perfect husband, marriage, and "happily ever after" quickly vanished out the window as she stood there alone. After wallowing for a few days, she decided she couldn't change the world but she could change herself.  So she made her top ten list, her bucket list of everything she wanted to do in her life.  From long term dreams like visiting the Eiffel Tower to learning how to make bread.  Although the Eiffel Tower was not in her budget at the time, learning French was.  So she started there with the help of an online app. Chipping away at the other 9 bucket list items came next.  Those things she could change until she changed enough to become a more complete version of herself.   Eventually she found another guy, who didn't stand her up at the alter.  It turns out that her "happily ever after" was more about becoming than the chaos happening around her.  How are you taking advantage of this Time Out?  What's on your top 10 list that you can chip away at?  I'm here for you!  Does your list include comfy at-home looks other than the sweats you've already worn twice this week?  How about the clothes you should keep versus those to let go of as the weather turns warm?  Those pieces with colors that enhance your best features and help give you positive vibes?  How about the clothing styles that will hide and/or take attention away from all the pandemic comfort eating?   

I've been working hard to convert all of my in-person sessions to virtual sessions.  Because I care about you, I'm offering a substantial discount.  Each session below will cost $59 instead of the normal $95. And I've added an additional session for video calls.  Gift cards are available for Mother's Day with group discounts. (Offer expires June 1, 2020.)

Which one fits into your pandemic self-improvement plans?  

• Look as engaged, committed and wonderful on video as you do in person!  What to wear, how to style your hair, and video make-up tips and tricks. (Includes custom zoom backgrounds to hide that messy room you're in and look like a million bucks.)
• One-hour Spring Revamp.  What to keep and what to let go of for warm weather. (For return clients only. New clients must also include Closetology 101 below.)
• Closetology 101 - organize your wardrobe for maximum efficiency. (Includes capsule/cluster strategies.)
• Brilliant coloring - colors to make your hair shine and eyes sparkle. (Includes color swatches.)
• Fabulous fit - create your version of the ideal figure.
• Fresh face and hair - make-up routine for the 7 minute face, best hair styles for your face shape.
• Personal style - zero in on the design elements that make your clothing choices oh so you.
• One-hour online shopping with exclusive and private online closet with the purchased items uploaded and styled - up to 12 clothing items and 10 different looks.
  
  For questions and scheduling call/text 385.229.6297 or email Dani@StyleByDani.com

All the best for a wonderful Mother's Day and a productive Pause!

Dani

What does your quarantined to do list look like?  Is it similar to mine?
√   Do the dishes
√   Clean garage
√   Do the dishes 
√   Clean out closet and cluster clothes (click here for instructions)
√   Do the dishes 
√   Make bread
     Put on pants that button
√   Do the dishes
√   Organize linen closet
     Summerize boots 

Yes, washing dishes seems to be a common theme around here.  And I've learned from my sister, who has worked from home for years, that wearing pants that actually button is a good way to keep yourself honest and feeling good about yourself.  Since many of us have extra time to organize and spring clean, harnessing your energy on that vital accessory that can make or break your day seems natural.  After all, you may have searched hard to find the perfect pair of boots that are comfy, chic, and classy all rolled up in a soft buttery leather exterior.  You owe it to yourself to take good care of this investment that keeps paying you back.  Here's how to give those winter shoes a lovely summer vacation.   

1.    Clean them up. They may be covered with salt stains (yes, that’s what the white residue is), dirt, and muck. The salt stains can be removed with a soft-bristle toothbrush and a solution of water and vinegar. Mix 1 part vinegar with 2 parts water. Gently rub the mixture into the salt stains using a soft cloth or brush. Keep adding the mixture to your shoes to remove the stain.  This method will also strip your shoes of wax polish if you have buildup.  Once you've tackled all the salt stains, use a leather cleaner to clean any remaining spots.
2.    Deep Condition—specifically your leather boots—to be done immediately after you clean them. Camp Dry milk oil or Dr. Martens Balsam are great products to rehydrate the leather that may be way to dry for comfort.  
3.    Do they need to be repaired?  If your boots are worth repairing, don’t wait until the Fall, or for the first big snow to realize that you can't even wear your boots until you've taken them to the shoemaker.  Yes, my favorite shoe repair shop is open now with limited hours.  Apparently shoes are considered vital during a pandemic.  
4.    Keep them in shape.  Before putting your boots away, stuff them with either a shoe tree or acid free tissue paper so that their shape is maintained. Use foam swim noodles, cut to size, or boot shapers to help keep the boot's shaft standing upright. If moisture is a problem, using desiccants (silica gels) or cedar shoe trees is the best option to prevent dry rotting. The cedar absorbs the moisture and has anti-bacterial and deodorant properties. Not only will it keep the mold away, and any bugs that may attack your shoes, but your shoes will also smell nice. Since shoe trees last forever, and they are quite cheap, investing in a pair of cedar shoe trees might be the smartest investment you can make for your shoe care. Find shoe trees here. 
5.    Get them smelling good.  You can either purchase a shoe deodorizing spray, or fill a sachet with baking soda and put in your shoes.  
6.    Give them a summer vacation.  Storing boots upright on an open shelf is ideal, but you can also store them in their shoe box with acid free tissue paper.  If you are planning to store them together in a large box, make sure you lay the heaviest ones down first. Lay a cloth or old tee between every pair, or place them into a dust-bag.  Dust and sunlight can alter the color so it’s best to protect your investment from both.  Don’t store your shoes in a plastic shoe box as this will prevent natural air circulation and create the perfect environment for moisture that may lead to mold. 

Or hourglass shapes fitted at the waist.

3.  Warm colors are an easy way to spark the love.  Try burgundy, pink sapphire, ​deep red, rose coral, even a rich chocolate brown.  For more ideas on color check out Showing the Love in Your Valentine's Day look and my Fox13 video with Big Budah HERE.  

Feel free to combine all of these elements in the same outfit, but for a subtle date night vibe you are wise not to overdo it.  Using one or two of these strategies is sure to get you and those around you feeling the love. ​​  Don't forget the accessories, you'll want them to repeat the same curvy shapes and textures you're wearing in your clothes.  Wondering how to adapt what you have to fit your date night or any other occasion?  You'll love a wardrobe evaluation, the perfect, sweet, calorie free gift you'll enjoy every time you get dressed.  

This is the perfect time to declutter and organize your wardrobe.  Now that the holiday mayhem has subsided you may even find yourself with a little extra time on your hands.  And who doesn't love walking into a well-lit, well-organized closet that gets you excited to start your day?  Or are you one of those people who wears the same thing every day?  And when you do venture out of your same outfit comfort zone, do you spend 20-40 minutes putting together something new?  If you organize well, putting together new looks that make you feel inspired will take you 5 minutes max.  Here's the system...watch out for the biggest mistake you may be making.  

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 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.  
​

The one, the only, Commodores doing She's a Brick House: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rrBx6mAWYPU