{This is where you can find planned outfits} I believe there is no such thing as being over dressed. Accessories should not be underestimated. I have a thing for hats, shoes, and dresses.
Summer Maternity Style
July 13, 2017 by Drafts & Crafts
Maternity style is made easy with PinkBlush Maternity clothes. Get the details of this comfortable, casual dress below.
{Dress: PinkBlush Maternity c/o}
{Diaper Bag: Mina Kay}
{Shoes: Lord & Taylor, similar}
{Necklace: Shannon Greene}
This pregnancy is requiring new maternity clothes because I was pregnant with our first child at opposite ends of the year. I am also showing much sooner with our second child, so I was already in need of some summer maternity essentials. Living in Florida, I try to stay in dresses all summer long. It has been about 95 degrees, with a heat index of over 100 degrees. You will not catch this pregnant mama out in jeans until the temps begin to drop again. One of my favorite places to search for cute maternity dresses in PinkBlush. They have so many styles: casual, florals, dressy, solids, basics, and great options for your baby shower too. You can check out the PinkBlush dress that I wore to my first baby showers here. I love this striped dress because it will transition nicely into fall. Throw it on with a denim jacket and booties and viola! My mamas out there, what are some of your go-to maternity essentials? Happy weekend friends!
Keep in touch,
Dani
Garden Mama
April 25, 2017 by Drafts & Crafts
An adorable printed tee should be apart of every mama’s uniform! I am swooning over this comfy look for spring and summer!
{Garden Mama Tee: Southern Trunk}
{Jeans: Forever21} {Sandals: Lord & Taylor}
{TC’s romper: Pikku Myy}
{Baby Bonnet: Briar Handmade}
My search for a cute mama tee is over! I had been wanting to buy a printed tee with some kind of mom slogan on it for quite some time. Then my IG friend, @govictoria, created a line called, The Southern Trunk. They have several sweet t-shirts for moms, dads, local lovers, and kids! Of course when I saw “garden mama,” I had to have it! I think every mama needs some causal t-shirts that can be thrown on with a pair of jeans or jean shorts, comfortable and practical for chasing after babies! I can not say enough good things about Tanner’s romper from Pikku Myy on Etsy. The romper comes in several different colors, both long sleeve and short sleeve, and it is the softest material! What are some of your favorite spring styles?
Keep in touch,
Dani
Spring style with #Gjewerly
March 28, 2017 by Drafts & Crafts
Spring is in the air and I am talking about easy breezy style, showing off a beautiful handmade necklace by Gjewerly, and announcing a fun giveaway!!
{Top: Free People} {Jeans: J. Crew}
{Shoes: Lord & Taylor}
{Bag/Diaper Backpack: Mink Kay @minakay.co}
{Necklace: G Jewelry @shannonrosegreene}
{Tanner’s Romper: Pikku Myy @pikkumyyboutique}
{Sandals: Baby Gap}
Spring is in the air, which means style is transitioning: out with the booties and in with the wedges. Spring means some warmer colors and all things white. I have recently been trying to minimize my clothes and curate my closet so when I saw my friend, Maria, wearing this Free People blouse, I knew I had to have it! The blouse may be a little on the pricey side for a stay at home mom, but it was worth every $. You can dress it up or dress it down, but this flowy shirt will make you feel like one. sassy. babe. There is nothing easier than throwing on a loose shirt and long necklace to make a statement. I am swooning over my new diaper backpack by Mina Kay. This camel leather bag is a dream!! More pockets for us on the go mama’s to stay organized and be able to find every item in a second!
My favorite part about blogging is collaborating with other local creatives and learning about what drives their passion. Shannon from #Gjewerly is a gem and has been making jewelry since she was a child. Shannon shared her story with me and told me about how she has always been passionate about making jewelry and uses the process as a bit of therapy for the anxiety that she deals with. I am so grateful that Shannon shared her story with me because there are many people that I know that struggle with anxiety and it is such a huge part in what drives her creativity. Shannon makes every clay bead by hand and only selects the perfect ones out of each batch. Also, Each necklace is made with gorgeous leather rope. Be sure to head to Instagram to enter the GIVEAWAY where you could win TWO Gjewerly necklaces, one for you and one for your OG! If you are a local here in Jacksonville, you can find Gjewerly at Wolf and Cub and Wolfgang clothing boutiques. What is your easy spring go-to style?
Keep in touch,
Dani
A Trip to the Cacti Farm
February 8, 2017 by Drafts & Crafts
A girlfriend and I took our baby boys for a day trip to Orlando to visit the Cacti farm. Here are the outfit details from our adventure!
{Top: Anthropologie} {Pants: Forever 21}
{Hat: Nordstrom} {Shoes: BP Nordstrom}
When I found out there was a Cacti farm near Orlando, I knew that I would have to take a day trip soon! My girlfriend, Carla of The Curious Natalia, our two baby boys, and I went on a day-long adventure last week. The cacti farm was filled with the most beautiful cacti and succulents! The Florida Cacti farm has about 5 green houses filled with teeny-tiny succulents, all the way to 6-foot cacti! I felt like I fit right in the farm with my buffalo plaid top from Anthropologie.
After visiting the farm, Carla recommend that we get lunch at the BEST latin spot, The Black Bean Deli. I am going back to Orlando for a wedding in April and The Black Bean Deli will definitely be visited. Lastly, we walked around Winter Park and I finally got to visit the OG Rifle & Co. brick and mortar store. Right inside of the shop is where the graphic designers work for Rifle & Co. It was such a fun day with Carla, her baby, Atticus, and of course, Mr. Tanner.
Keep in touch,
Dani
Winter Wonderland
December 15, 2016 by Drafts & Crafts
Tanner and I had the most wonderful visit to Virginia and DC last week! Today I am sharing our version of a winter wonderland!
{Coat: Gap} {Chambray: J. Crew}
{Jeans: J. Crew} {Boots: Nordstrom}
{Beanie: Target, similar}
{Tanner’s sweater & hat: Janie and Jack}
{Jeans: Gap} {Mocs: Gap}
For months I dreamt about the sweet week that I would take Tanner “up North” (anything is up North when you are from Florida). It was unreal taking our baby to the place where we lived for the three years before we got pregnant. I was beyond excited to get this little man in some cooler weather, but of course Tanner proved to be a true Florida, summer baby. While I loved sporting my new parka from Gap, Tanner hated putting his coat on and stayed with a red nose! Let me tell you, I have new appreciation for all of the moms who experience winter with small kids! I would be like, sorry kids we can not go out today because mama does not have the energy to get you dressed.
All in all, TC was a trooper and we enjoyed several outdoor activities. My girlfriend, Josie, took us to the most epic vintage and home shop called, The Old Lucketts Store. The Old Lockets Store is what winter wonderland dreams are made of- beautiful Christmas decorations and details everywhere!!! If you live or visit the DC metro area, I highly recommend taking a trip to the shop out in Leesburg. Leesburg is a cute town with an adorable, old downtown as well. What festive activities are on your agenda this week? I think we are headed to see Santa and check out Zoo Lights this weekend!
Keep in touch,
Dani
Fall Trends
November 8, 2016 by Drafts & Crafts
I am sharing some of my favorite fall trends: floral, hats, & wooden watches. Make sure you find out how to enter a chance to win a $75 gift card to JORD in this post!
{Dress: Target} {Booties: Nordstrom}
{Hat: J.Crew- similar} {Watch: JORD wood watches}
I believe fall and winter are by far the BEST time of the year! The thing I love most about fall (more than pumpkin spice everything) is dressing for the cooler weather. Fall means that we get to bust out the layers: jackets, hats, scarfs, and accessories. Today I am sharing some of my favorite fall trends that will transition perfectly into winter. I am obsessed with fall floral, think darker flower colors like black, gray, brown, and red. Some other fall favorites of mine are wool hats and wooden watches. The one piece of jewelry that you can catch me wearing the most is a watch. Watches are simple, classy, and make a statement for any outfit.
I am happy to be teaming up with JORD Wood Watches to talk about my favorite watch trend, a wooden timepiece. The watch that I am wearing above has a SWISS face and is curated from natural koa grain wood. I prefer my watch to have a larger face so I knew I wanted a watch from JORD’s Frankie Series. The Frankie Series features 6 watches with different wood grains and fun colored faces like plum, champagne, smoke, emerald, and navy. With the holidays just around the corner, these watches would make the perfect gift for both the ladies and men in your life. When my husband saw my watch, I know he was a little disappointed that it was not for him! So maybe he will just have to wait until Christmas morning…
I’m excited to share that JORD & I will be giving away away a $75 JORD gift card to one lucky winner AND it is simple!! Just click on the link and fill out the 4 questions! The giveaway will run through 11/27/16. Each entrant will receive a $20 gift card to shop- so basically everyone is a winner! If you have any questions about the giveaway, please feel free to ask me! JORD’s team is also helpful and can assist you if you have any specific questions about a watch or design. This post was sponsored by JORD wood watches.
Keep in touch,
Dani
Fall Dress Ready
September 7, 2016 by Drafts & Crafts
It’s not that I dislike summer, but fall and winter are my jam. I am over the hot weather and ready to say what’s up to fall. Here is a super casual look to kick off fall..
{Dress: Target} {Necklace: Momni Jax, similar}
{Booties: Sears}
Tanner: {Tee: Gap} {Jeans: Old Navy}
{Loafers: Janie and Jack}
This lady is ready to welcome fall with open arms. While we won’t get cooler weather in Florida for a while, it is feeling a little less humid and we can get use to it!! As a new mama, I am trying to keep my fall wardrobe casual, comfortable, and affordable. Target is one of my go-to places for trendy and affordable attire. Tar-get has the best clothes, shoes, and jewelry! A selling point to any outfit for me is versatility. I love any dress that can be played up or dressed down. Wear it with booties and a cardigan for the night out- or wear it with flats and a chambray to keep it causal. The dress also comes in black and olive. I apologize, but I could not find the link. My target store had tons of them in stock.
Who else is excited for fall? Last year I had searched forever for affordable, cognac booties. I was surprised to find the perfect pair at Sears.com. I am SO SO happy to share that they are still available online!! They held up great for the price and are actually really comfortable. I may have to get myself another pair. I see myself doing some apple picking in these booties this fall! I plan to share our family’s fall bucket list soon. What is on your fall bucket list? Have an awesome week friends!!
Keep in touch,
Dani
Navy Jumper & Baby Style
August 20, 2016 by Drafts & Crafts
I have been thinking about fall style and picked up some new additions that will transition into the coming season. Up first, this navy jumper.
{Jumper: Target} {Tee: Target}
{Hat: Forever 21} {Sunnies: Illesteva}
{Tanner’s Onesie: The Perfectly Peared}
{Leggings: Second Stitch to the Right}
My search for the right jumper has been fulfilled! I have been on the hunt for a jumper for just about the whole summer. And of course, Target comes through for the win once again! I am digging this playful, throwback look. I wanted to be sure to purchase a darker color jumper so it would transition effortlessly into fall. I am picturing it now with some booties and a long cardigan when the weather starts to get chilly… if the weather ever cools off. By the end of summer, I am soooo over the heat and just ready to welcome fall with open arms. Who else is with me?!?
If you follow me on instagram, than you may have noticed that Tanner has been wearing lots of cute onesies from our friends over at The Perfectly Peared Etsy shop. I love simple, clean, and trendy onesies. I paired the little man’s ‘baby bear’ onesie with his bear leggings from our other favorite Etsy shop, 2nd Stitch to the Right. The 2nd Stitch to the Right makes blankets, leggings, tops, and beanies with the most adorable prints for babies. If you are a mama friend or looking for a baby gift, be sure to check out both Etsy shops, The Perfectly Peared and 2nd Stitch to the Right. What style trends are you excited for this fall?
Be sure to follow me on IG @dccold because I have a few more giveaways coming up that I am realllly excited about!!
Keep in touch,
Dani
Stripes & Whites
July 27, 2016 by Drafts & Crafts
It’s that time of the year where we are wrapping up summer style and I am shopping summer sales.
{Top: Anthropologie} {Necklace: Anthropologie}
{Pants: Anthropologie} {Bag: Rebecca Minkoff, similar}
{Wedges: Target (old)} {Lips: SmashBox}
I hope everyone is enjoying sweet summer. Time is flying by so fast, especially now that I am a mama. Can you believe we are almost in August?? By the time July rolls around, I stop purchasing summer-y items. So no new bright-colored clothes or tropical pattern purchases. It may seem early, but fall fashion trends are already coming out. My favorite thing to do in July, which I did last year as well, is shop summer sales for neutral items that will transition into fall. Anthropologie is by far my favorite store to shop summer sales.
Up first, this black and white striped top from Anthro. The material is SO SOFT and I love the cut of the shirt. This top will pair perfectly with a green field jacket or jean jacket during the fall time. The necklace and white pants that I am wearing are also on sale! I went for a darker lip with this look and I can’t wait to rock this lip color the entire season of fall. My brother’s girlfriend, Linda, turned me on to this matte gloss by SmashBox. I am obsessed, no more putting powder over my lipstick to get a matte finish! Are you excited for fall fashion? Have you shopped any summer sales or the Nordstrom anniversary sale yet?
Keep in touch,
Dani
summer kimono + DIY torn jeans
July 6, 2016 by Drafts & Crafts
Now that I bought this summer kimono from the cutest boutique in town, I am wanting to buy all the kimonos! I have linked some adorable ones so you can shop straight from the link.
{Kimono: Momni Boutique In Jax- love this one and this one}
{Jeans: Forever 21– cut them myself but here
is an already torn pair for less than $10!!}
{Tank: Loft} {Flats: J. Crew (old)}
{Clutch: n/a similar $33! LOVE}
{Necklace: Kendra Scott}
Loving this simple summer look that I sported to date night with the hubster and bebe. This light-weight kimono has turned into my summertime chambray. What do I mean, you ask?? Well, I love to throw my favorite J. Crew chambray over everything I wear, but since it is summer, I am going to replace my beloved chambray with this kimono for now. I adore the print and tassels on this shear kimono that I picked up at Momni. Momni is a local boutique filled with trendy clothes and adorable gifts. Lucky for me, it is just a few blocks away from my house, right here in Murray Hill. If you are in need of a unqiue hostess or housewarming gift, I highly recommend taking a trip to Momni Boutique.
These black jeans are a no brainer. I picked them up for 10 bucks from Forever 21. While I do believe in purchasing a few pairs of designer jeans, I am not above owning less expensive jeans too. For the cost and how well they fit, I highly recommend purchasing a few pairs of Forever 21 denim. This particular pair was old, so I decided to play around with cutting them. I figured at $10, if I messed them up, I would not cry about it! If you want to cut your own:1. Put them on and mark the center of both knees with a pen. 2. Cut a straight line in the center of both knees 3. Make a few other small, random cuts in both legs 4. Take tweezers and pull some strings out of the cuts for a more “natural” look. Not talented enough to cut your own? No problem, I linked an already distressed pair for 8 bucks.. You are welcome! 🙂
Keep in touch,
Dani
Red, White, and Blue
June 28, 2016 by Drafts & Crafts
I love busting out the red, white, and blue color combo for the Fourth! Holidays are the perfect excuse to rock your festive attire and colorful accessories. I am sharing my casual July 4th look and linking some fun hair accessories, like these cat ears.
{Off the shoulder dress: J. Crew}
{Cat ears: Forever 21}
{Sandals: J. Crew}
{Bag: J. Crew}
{Tanner’s Onesie: J. Crew}
Additional Red, White, & Blue Accessories:
Red, White, and Blue striped Headband
Red and Blue Star Headband
Stars and Stripes Bows
Blue and Red Stripe Bow
This new mama is keeping it casual this Fourth of July weekend. You can not go wrong with a comfortable off-the-shoulder chambray dress. This dress is a repeat offender and I am completely OK with that. The last time I featured this dress on the blog, I was still preggo so I thought it’s time to re-style it now that I don’t have a big baby bump. Chambray is like a neutral color to me. The possibilities to accessorize chambray for July 4th are endless. I found these adorable cat ears at Forever 21! I have linked several other red, white, and blue hair accessories that would be super fun to style for the Fourth! What are your holiday weekend plans? Jason and I have family coming into town from Tennessee. We are super excited to spend the weekend with our brother and sister-in-law. Tanner will also get to meet his 3 cousins for the first time!! We are excited to kick-back, relax, and host our family in town. I hope you all have a safe and happy 4th!
Keep in touch,
Dani
Pink Scallops + Cold Brew
June 15, 2016 by Drafts & Crafts
Took this scalloped tank for a spin to my coffee date. There is nothing I enjoy more than sippin’ some good coffee at my favorite neighborhood coffee shop.
{Scalloped Top: Anthropologie} {Skirt: Target}
{Flats: Gap (sold out), similar, similar under $25!}
{Bucket bag: J. Crew}
{Watch: AIBI} {Hat: Forever 21}
My husband and I live in the Murray Hill neighborhood of Jacksonville. With new store fronts popping up regularly, most locals recognize the neighborhood as “up and coming.” I like to recognize it as being restored. Murray Hill, which was named after the neighborhood in NYC, is an historic part of Jax. The neighborhood was established in the early 1900’s and was thriving through 40’s, 50’s, 60’s. There are some historic establishments that are still open, like the Dreamette, which is a soft-serve ice cream shop that opened in 1948. The Dreamette was voted the best soft serve in Florida.
There are also several new places in Murray Hill, like Vagabond Coffee Co. Vagabond is my favorite neighborhood hangout. This retro coffee shop is the perfect space to catch up with a friend or catch up on some work. I highly recommend trying a latte, the cold brew, and a galette… you can thank me later! I took this Anthropologie scalloped tank for a spin to get some coffee (sleep deprivation calls from coffee with breakfast, lunch, and dinner) and headed to dinner with my little family. This raspberry top is the perfect pop of color for welcoming summer next week. I always look forward to adding some bright pieces to my wardrobe in the summer. You can still shop this gingham bucket bag from J. Crew that is on sale. My flats are currently sold out, but I have linked 2 similar pairs- one which is only $25. Are you ready for summer?
Keep in touch,
Dani
The Tunic Dress
June 1, 2016 by Drafts & Crafts
Baby boy is here and we are ready to welcome summer with open arms. This chambray tunic was high on my wish list to ensure a cool and comfortable summer.
{Dress: Anthropologie} {Sandals: J. Crew}
{Necklace: Anthropologie} {Sunnies: Illesteva}
Jason, Tanner, and I enjoyed a lovely stroll in Avondale last week. It was THE BEST to get out of the house with my new little family! We took full advantage of the beautiful weather and the husband’s day off. We looked at all of the gorgeous, old homes and tried macaroons at the new shop, Le Macaroon. Of course the census was correct… the macaroons were delicious! I am swooning over this chambray tunic from Anthropologie. Let’s be real, I am dealing with a post baby bod so this forgiving dress is where you will find me! This loose-hugging tunic is easy and breezy, which is just what the doctor ordered for Florida’s heatwave. A comfortable dress makes life so much easier, especially in the summer. I paired this tunic with my new eyelet sandals for the cherry on top! These strappy sandals are something to write home about, the sea salt color pair is on my wish list as well. Are you ready to say hey, what’s up, hello to summer?
Keep in touch,
Dani
Off-the-shoulder Chambray
May 17, 2016 by Drafts & Crafts
Off-the-shoulder and chambray are both on my top 10 list of clothing styles. With dresses being my favorite by far, it is no wonder you find me living in this outfit all summer long!
{Chambray Dress: J. Crew} {Gingham Bag: J. Crew}
{Sandals: Target} {Bracelets: Kendra Scott a la Rocksbox}
In the last post, I mentioned being ready to meet our baby boy and how I was gearing up for a few more long weeks before his arrival. BOY, were we in for a surprise!!! Our son must have known mama was ready because he decided to come 2.5 week early! With that being said, I can’t wait to share his birth story with you all in the next week or so. Secondly, this is officially the last outfit post with my big baby bump!
I wore this dress to venture around the Cummer Museum a few weeks ago. We strolled the art gallery and beautiful outdoor gardens on a Tuesday evening. If you are Jax local or ever visiting during the week, the Cummer has free entry on Tuesdays from 4:30-close. The museum is truly a must-see! Also, on Tuesdays you can enjoy happy hour and tapas on the outside porch! J. Crew did it again with this chambray dress. I know this is one piece that I will be sporting all summer long. I see many brunches happening in this dress with our new bundle of joy! Since this dress is not intended as a maternity dress, I am excited to wear it now that I am no longer pregnant. How adorable is this gingham purse? If you haven’t noticed, I have been obsessed with gingham lately! I am calling the bag my picnic bucket AND lucky for you it is currently on sale! What prints and styles are you ready to break out this summer?
Keep in touch,
Dani
Gimme Gingham
May 6, 2016 by Drafts & Crafts
Gingham is a classic spring print that will take you right into sweet summer.
{Top: Old Navy non-maternity on sale $10!!} {Maternity Skirt: Old Navy}
{Sandals: Target} {Bag: Michael Kors}
{Jean Jacket: Loft} {Sunnies: Illesteva}
{Jewelry: Rocksbox}
Gingham has to be by far my favorite print. This plaid transitions easily from spring into summer. The best news, this top is NON-maternity and on sale for only $10 from Old Navy! Check plus in my book! I picked up this top in a size larger to get me through summer. Baby boy will be here in a few weeks, but this mama will still need some loose fitting clothes for summertime. The keyhole cutout on the back is an extra darling touch to the top. This top pairs awesome with a skirt for date night or with some jean shorts for weekend brunch. What is your go-to spring print?
Notice I am chucking up the deuces in the last snap because I am ready to meet our baby boy and be done with being preggers! I struggle some with sharing these photos because I am very swollen and round #kankles, but I can swallow my pride because the ability to carry a child is the most beautiful gift that we are given. I have a few more long weeks ahead, yet I am looking forward to sharing some more motherhood posts!
Keep in touch,
Dani
Eyelet Maternity Dress
April 20, by Drafts & Crafts
There is just something about white eyelet in the springtime. The color white complements warmer temperatures that are here to stay..
{Eyelet Dress: Old Navy Maternity -on sale!} {Purse: Kate Spade, similar}
{Shoes: Loeffler Randall, old, love these}
{Bracelet: Loren Hope ala Rocksbox}
My sweet friend, Rebecca, threw me a baby shower in Jacksonville last weekend. I wore this maternity dress to the shower that was decked with delicious Southern cuisine. I love the soft, feminine touch of eyelet. Eyelet reminds me of blooming flowers and warm weather, that must be why I am so attracted to eyelet tops and dresses come springtime. At 34 weeks pregnant, I am wearing mostly maternity clothes. This is a maternity dress that I have been eyeing from Old Navy for about a month. The best part is that Old Navy makes the same dress in regular women’s (non-maternity) and plus size women! All three versions are currently on sale, so RUN into the store or shop maternity online!! I do wish I could have worn some platform wedges with the dress, unfortunately my swollen feet will not allow that at this time! #preggerproblems Tell me, what fashion prints or patterns do you crave in the warmer months??
Keep in touch,
Dani
Pardon My French
April 13, 2016 by Drafts & Crafts
Spruce up your spring style with a little French twist. Here are the details to this affordable outfit, great for a weekend stroll to the market.
{Dress: Old Navy– not maternity & on sale!} {Hat: Target}
{Tote: Old Navy- in store $6!!} {Flats: Gap}
{Earrings: Kendra Scott a la Rocksbox}
This outfit has got me excited about spring!! We enjoyed some beautiful weather in Northern Florida this past weekend. The hubs and I worked on a few home projects inside, but we were able to make it out for a Sunday stroll, church, & brunch. I keep finding myself in hues of blue… do you think that is a subconscious choice since I am counting down the days until our baby boy arrives?? 🙂 At 33 weeks, I officially do not fit into the non-maternity clothes that I have been wearing for the past several months. Thus, I made a quick trip to Old Navy for a few things to get me through the next 6 weeks.
To get away with buying non-maternity clothes, I go up one size in loose, flowy items. This gingham-print dress is light weight and comfortable for spring and summer. This dress is NOT maternity, so I simply sized up one size to ensure that there would be room for my ever-growing belly. This “Pardon My French” tote is a fun addition to a spring wardrobe. I am a sucker for witty phrases, PLUS you can never have enough bags, right?? Complete the french flair with a floppy hat and you will be ready to stroll your local farmers or arts market! What are some styles that inspire you this season?
Keep in touch,
Dani
Off-Shoulder & Espadrilles
April 6, 2016 by Drafts & Crafts
Freshen your spring wardrobe with an off-the-shoulder blouse and a pair of espadrilles. I have linked several blouses and espadrilles below for your styling convenience!
{Blouse: Chicwish– on sale!} Love this & this one
{Jeans: Pea in the Pod– on sale!!}
{Espadrilles: Dolce Vita for Target} Love these & these & these
{Bag: Anthropologie, similar} {Rose Gold Watch: Aibi watches}
Please excuse me while I have a spring fling with off-the-shoulder tops and espadrilles! Each season I find myself engulfed in some favorite trends, it doesn’t have to be a new trend per say, but this season I am crushing on off-shoulder blouses and espadrilles! I would even go as far as saying, I love these two trends MOST when paired together. Off-the-shoulder tops and espadrilles compliment each other for a casual, yet chic look.
Let me tell you about my new favorite kicks so you can RUN to Target! Target teams up with designer brands (a few times each year) to bring us awesome products at affordable prices. This spring Target and Dolce Vita (DV) did a shoe collaboration and these espadrilles are swoon-ful. I had been looking for a inexpensive pair of espadrilles to compensate for my swollen, pregnant feet. These shoes did the trick for me! They are more supportive than my usual sandal, so I can do much more walking in them. Some of the reviews say that they run narrow, but I beg to differ. My already wide feet are swollen and still fit in them. I recommend a half size up if you have wider feet.
I love this Chicwish blouse for spring and summer! It is not a maternity top, it is a loose one-size-fits-all kind of deal. I can’t wait to wear it in the future when I am no longer preggers. I purchased this woven purse from Anthro last year and I find it very adorable! I am really hoping they come out with a similar style this summer! Jason and I enjoyed a little picnic in the park while we were in South Florida last weekend. We are trying to soak in our together time before baby boy arrives next month!!! What are your favorite spring trends and activities??
Keep in touch,
Dani
Spring Maternity Dresses
March 15, 2016 by Drafts & Crafts
Sharing 6 beautiful maternity dresses to kick off the beginning of Spring.
{Swing dress: Gap on sale for $20!} {Flats: Gap}
{Bucket bag: Tory Burch old}
We are one week away from spring and I am 1 week away from not fitting in any non-maternity clothes! At 30 weeks, I have still been wearing a lot of non-maternity clothes, mostly loose shirts and swing or shift dresses that boast a generous amount of extra room. Now that this tummy is more pronounced, I will have to pick up a few maternity dresses for spring. When I look for spring dresses, I look for colors and patterns that will transition into summer attire. Our baby boy is due at the end of May, but I have learned that new mommas tend to wear maternity clothes for a few months. Here are a few dresses that I have my eye on…
- Tank Maxi via Gap
- Floral Tank Dress via Old Navy
- Eyelet Trim Dress via Old Navy
- Off the Shoulder Midi via Pea In a Pod
- Printed Maxi with Open Back via Pea in a Pod
Have you found the perfect spring dress yet?
Keep in touch,
Dani
Serenity & Rose Quartz for Spring
March 8, 2016 by Drafts & Crafts
Pantone’s color of the year are the perfect spring combo. Details about where I picked up this serenity peplum and rose quartz lipstick below.
{Peplum top: Loft} {Fringe Sweater: Loft}
{Jeans: Old Navy Maternity} {Lipstick: Dior Rose Caprice}
{Purse: Kate Spade} {Nails: OPI}
{Flats: Gap}
I wanted to give y’all a quick update because I have been a little MIA. If you follow me on Instagram or Snapchat, then you know that we FINALLY bought a house! The past two weeks feel like a BLURRR! Jason and I moved into our first home about 10 days ago! The last two weeks have consisted of packing, unpacking, and cleaning around our crazy schedules. We went away for the weekend to celebrate our sweet friends wedding, Melissa and Chris. Hard to believe, but yesterday was the first night that I have been home since we moved in! On a side note, I do not recommend anyone moving when 7 months pregnant! Jason and I are exhausted!! We feel so blessed to be in our first home and for all of our friends and family that helped with the move! We can’t wait to get settled before the big arrival of our baby boy! I can’t wait to share pictures of our new home, especially the baby’s nursery reveal! Hopefully that will come together in the next month….or two!
Enough move talk, has anyone else been crushing on Pantone’s color of the year? You may be wondering, what the heck does that mean? Pantone is a color intelligence institute that studies and names colors and the way they make people feel. Each year, they announce a color of the year! For the first time this year, Pantone has nominated two shades that balance each other for color of the year, Serenity and Rose Quartz. As a style blogger, it is an exciting time to discover new color palettes and see how the color of the year will have a large impact on the fashion industry. Spring is just two weeks away, so I wanted to showcase some fun ways to incorporate both Serenity and Rose Quartz into one outfit. This peplum top is not a maternity top, I just sized up to ensure that it would fit this big bump of mine! I am loving this shade of pink (Rose Caprice) by Dior. It is close to rose quartz and gives an awesome pop against the serenity hue! Have you gotten any new items that match Pantone’s color of the year?
Keep in touch,
Dani
Save vs. Splurge
February 20, 2016 by Drafts & Crafts
Getting down on a sensitive subject, saving vs. splurging on designer handbags. Plus, the details of some awesome Chloe dupes.
{Shirt: Nordstrom (old)} {Jeans: Motherhood Maternity}
{Purse: Joy Drew Baginc, similar dupe!} {Flats: J. Crew}
If you follow along with me, than you probably know that I have a thing for designer handbags. I do believe if you are going to invest in an expensive wardrobe item, it should be a “stable” purse. For instance, a black, beige, cognac, or grey high-end bag is always a good investment that is worth saving for. You should be able to carry a staple bag for years AND it should go with most outfits you wear.
The thing with designer bags is there is quite a LARGE price range when you think about it. Purchasing a designer bag does not mean each bag was $500-$1000. The designers that I find most affordable and often have AWESOME sales are Kate Spade, Michael Kors, Tory Burch, Rebecca Minkoff, and Coach. If you are patient, these designers bags do go on sale for around $200 and less. Great times to search for sales are the major holidays and long holiday weekends.
Now when you are talking prices of Chloe, Louis Vuitton, and Chanel, it is a whole different ball game. My beloved Chloe Drew bag (wearing a dupe) ranges anywhere from $1,200-$3,000. With a baby on the way, buying a home, and not having a 6-figure job, this purse is not AND will not be in the budget any time soon. If I wanted to save for years, the purse could be attainable, but once I saved $2,000 for a handbag, I could think of several other things that I would like to do with that amount of money…. home renovations, a family vacation, investing in a college fund for the baby, and so on.
With that being said, the above purse was a no brainer for me, SAVE!! I have linked 2 Chloe dupes that are under $100. This is the only dupe bag that I feel would be worth owning. It really does look very similar and at $30 you can’t go wrong! What are your thoughts on saving for designer bags? If you are looking to invest in a designer bag, do check out my favorite companies that I listed above: Kate Spade, Michael Kors, Tory Burch, Rebecca Minkoff, and Coach. Do you have a favorite hand-bag designer?
Keep in touch,
Dani
A Pop of Red
February 11, 2016 by Drafts & Crafts
I always find myself in a pop of red during the month of February, how convenient! Here are the details of this oversized sweater, perfect for a cozy holiday weekend.
{Sweater: J. Crew} {Skirt: Loft, similar & similar}
{Bag: Kate Spade} {Booties: Lord & Taylor}
{Sunnies: Illesteva}
At last, another 3-day weekend, just what the doctor ordered this Valentine’s Day! Between getting ready for a baby, purchasing our first home, and a few stressful weeks at work, I am looking forward to having an extra day off… to create a baby registry & pack up my house! Valentine’s Day just so happens to be the hubs and my 2 year wedding anniversary. I have been dreaming of our dinner reservations ALL WEEK LONG. My absolute fav restaurant in Jacksonville, Orsay. Side note: I feel obligated to explain that I am not some Valentine’s Day obsessed girl. We wanted to get married on a Friday in February since it was a destination wedding. Valentine’s Day falls on a 3-day weekend, so we just ran with the idea! With that being said, I do LOVE romance, flowers, pink, hearts, and sparkles… you could say it turned out to be a WIN, WIN!
This year, it is all about cozy & casual. This mama-to-be plans on keeping it chic in this tunic sweater, which is currently half off a la J. Crew!! I would recommend considering sizing down. I am wearing my typical size, medium, however I think a small would have worked too. It just depends on how slouchy/comfortable you want to sport it. I purchased this skirt last winter from the Loft and it has remained a staple in my closet. I have linked a few similar style skirts. Finally, my girl Kate Spade is having a great sale this weekend, HOLLA! What are your weekend and Valentine’s Day plans?
Keep in touch,
Dani
Boho-chic with Natural Life
February 7, 2016 by Drafts & Crafts
This Natural Life outfit hits all of my boho checks: soft, organic, and feminine.
{Dress: Natural Life} {Scarf: Natural Life}
{Shoes: Sears on sale!!} {Purse: Coach}
{Bracelet: Loren Hope ala Rocksbox}
c/o Natural Life
I can always get behind a company like Natural Life, they radiate positive vibes, and who doesn’t love some positive vibes! Natural Life is a boho-inspired website that specializes in clothing, gifts, and decor. You will want to check out the website to learn all about their feel-good gifts. If you have any questions about the Natural Life brand, please don’t hesitate to ask me!
This olive dress is SUPER soft and effortless, making it the perfect casual dress. The awesome thing about Natural Life is that each garment has hand embroidery and special dying techniques, so no two pieces are identical. Although this dress is not a maternity item, the “flowiness” allows it to double as a maternity dress.. which of course doubles the value for this mama-to-be! I paired this boho-chic style with cognac booties and Coach purse, love this color scheme. If you have not already subscribed to Rocksbox, be sure to use promo code “dccoldxoxo” to get your first month free!
Keep in touch,
Dani
Shopping Winter Sales
February 4, 2016 by Drafts & Crafts
At the end of each season, our favorite stores tend to have unbeatable sales. Today, I am sharing some tips for shopping winter sales.
{Bag: Kate Spade} (Jeans: Pea in the Pod}
{Rain boots: Hunter from Nordstrom}
Each item has a variation on a great sale!!
- STOCK UP ON THE BASICS– Time to purchase those basic pieces that you find yourself wearing at least once each week. For me, I wear my hunter boots, peacoat, green utility field coat, and my favorite pairs of jeans all winter long (J. Crew is my favorite place for basics).
- KEEP PRINTS SIMPLE– As much as we all love our bold, fun prints, I would avoid buying too many printed items at the end of a season. Prints are so trendy and come in and out of style so often that you don’t want to buy a wild print that you won’t wear next year.
- ALL ABOUT THE NEUTRALS– You can never go wrong with neutrals or have too many. I try to stick to solid colors like beige, cognac, grey, white, black, blush, and navy when shopping sale items. These are the colors that I will put on for several seasons to come (Nordstrom’s has a neutral selection for days).
- BUY THOSE TIMELESS DESIGNER PIECES- A great tip for building a wardrobe is having a few high-end timeless items. For instance, designer shoes and purses are an instant way to take an inexpensive outfit and make it look more high-end. I like to get sweaters from Forever 21 and pair it with my winter boots and bags. Designer items will go on sale at the end of each season (Kate Spade is my favorite designer).
- KIDS CLOTHES GALORE– Most children’s clothes do not go out of style as the season changes, so it is good to take advantage of savings. Gap and Old Navy are my favorite children’s stores. When items are full price, they are not exactly cheap for kids who are going to grow out of them before you know it. With that being said, Gap and Old Navy does have a great end of season sales!
Most stores have amazing winter sales right about now! I have linked my favorite winter sales above. Spring collections are being released, which means winter clothes prices are being slashed in half in some stores! One thing to keep in mind is even high-end stores will have good sales. My guilty pleasure is purses, especially from my girl, Kate Spade. If you wait until Kate Spade is having a great sale, you can get bags for half off!! At that point, they are actually affordable and I do not feel so guilty for the splurge. What are your favorite designer brands? Have you checked their winter sales?
Keep in touch,
Dani
Shake you Pom Pom
January 20, 2016 by Drafts & Crafts
“The mountains are calling my name and I must go.” Here are the outfit details from my recent trip to North Carolina.
{Turtleneck: Forever 21} {Blazer: Target, similar}
{Beanie: Target} {Jeans: Pea in the Pod}
{Shoes: Lord and Taylor} {Clutch: J. Crew}
If you follow me on social media, then you may have seen that I took a trip to the mountains last weekend. My husband and I joined his family on an adventure to Hayesville, North Carolina. We relaxed in a wooden floor-to-ceiling cabin that had a breathe taking view of the Blue Ridge Mountains. This was my only outfit look from the entire trip.. I stuck with my plan of only putting make up on once. 🙂
Is anyone else excited for beanie season? Beanie season is when it gets too cold for just a scarf and you need a beanie, incase you wanted my definition of this made up season. You may have been experiencing the cold months now, but for those of us who live in Florida, the cold weather is just making an appearance. I was excited to rock my new pom pom beanie that is currently on clearance at Target.. $8 bucks! Can never have enough cold weather accessories? I have a major crush on this beanie and this one as well. At 21 weeks pregnant, I have been living in these maternity jeans for at least a month. I had no idea maternity clothes would be so darn comfortable!! Any mommas out there agree??
Hope you had an enjoyable holiday weekend!
Keep in touch,
Dani
Knitted Poncho
January 4, 2015 by Drafts & Crafts
I wore a knitted poncho and my hunter rain boots to explore Charleston on a cold, damp day.
{Poncho: Forever 21, love this one} {Scarf: Asos, Nasty Gal}
{Hat: J. Crew} {Long Sleeve Tee: Forever 21}
{Jeans: Pea In The Pod} {Hunter Boots: Nordstrom}
{Bag: Kate Spade}
Jason and I finally made a visit to Charleston!! I have wanted to visited Charleston for YEARS. My parents were traveling to South Carolina for a wedding and were sweet enough to invite us along since they knew I was dying to explore Charleston’s charm and history. We had 5 days to explore and eat our way through The Holy City, which still was not enough time!
We must have felt every season in Charleston during our 5 day stay. The first day was 80 degrees and by the last day it was 50 and cloudy. This was my favorite look from my trip to Charleston. I linked a few look-alikes for items that are no longer available online. I wore my poncho and rain boots for a cold and damp day of site seeing and shopping. I love throwing on my rain boots because they are actually so comfortable. I walked nearly the whole day in them and my pregnant tootsies didn’t hurt! I picked up this new KS bag while in Charleston, she is lovely. The bag makes a great cross body for day, and then remove the strap for an adorable evening bag.
Stay tuned for my next blog post that will cover some of my favorite restaurants, shops, and sites to see in Charleston.
Keep in touch,
Dani
Winter Whites
December 13, 2015 by Drafts & Crafts
Each year I fall a little more in love with winter whites, it’s fun to break the rules 😉
{Waffle Sweater: Forever 21 only $15} {Plaid top: Ralph Lauren}
{Jeans: Pea in the Pod} {Flats: Talbots on sale!}
{Bag: Kate Spade} {Jewelry: Loren Hope via Rocksbox}
Who ever said you can not wear white past labor day must have been blind! If you ask me, wearing white in the winter is classy and magical! I am digging this Christmas inspired look from this past weekend. Nothing like a comfy plaid top and cozy waffle sweater. At almost 16 weeks preggers, this is my first pair of maternity denim. It is such a relief that you can find cute and affordable pregnancy clothes and don’t have to give up on style just because you are pregnant.
I bought these precious flats from Talbots on Black Friday at a whopping 50% off. You can currently purchase them for 30% off. They run a bit small and I have wide feet so I am working on stretching mine out. I love adding a little conversation piece to my wardrobe. Even though you may only wear these through winter, I try to take good care of my belongings so that I can have timeless pieces, like these flats, for many years ahead.
I hope everyone is getting excited for the holidays and still taking some time out to remember what Christmas is all about!!
Keep in touch,
Dani
A Very Plaid Holiday
November 24, 2014 by Drafts & Crafts
Keeping it classic in stripes with a side of plaid. It is not offically the holidays until we pull out the ol’ blanket scarf!
Photo credit: Lacy J Photography – Be sure to book your holidays sessions with Lacy now!!
{Tunic: Old Navy} {Blanket Scarf: Target, Lou Lou, Open Sky}
{Jeans: J. Crew, similar SALE} {Bag: Rebecca Minkoff, similar}
{Booties: Sears SALE}
It is that time of the year!! The holidays are officially under way and temperatures are finally starting to cool off in North Florida. Can you believe Thanksgiving is here?? I know that I can not believe it!! Time has flown by this year! It’s funny how time feels like it moves so slow when you are young, but as the years go on and life is happening… TIME JUST DISAPPEARS!
I pulled out the classic “Zara” blanket scarf for the first time this week. It took me forever to find this scarf last year and now so many companies make awesome dups. I linked three sites that practically have identical look-alikes. I love that you can really experiment with some pattern play when it comes to plaid scarfs. Don’t be afraid to play around with stripes and plaid this holiday season! I hope you all have a very plaid holiday!… only kidding…well, sorta. I hope everyone has safe travels if you are going out of town this week! I wish you all a happy Thanksgiving!!!
Keep in touch,
Dani
Wristwatch Game + AIBI Watch Giveaway
November 15, 2015 by Drafts & Crafts
Thrilled to announce this classy collaboration with AIBI watches and to give you the chance to win your own rose gold watch!
This collaboration could not have come at a better time. With the holidays around the corner, it’s that time of the year when we start picking out thoughtful and unique items for our loved ones. I was looking at watches for a family member of mine just before this collaboration commenced. All the ones that I had my eyes on were either too pricey or not traditional enough in style or color. I am a firm believer that a watch should be timeless (no pun intended). I personally do not care for watches that have bright colored faces or playful symbols instead of numbers. Surprisingly, I prefer watches with white or light-colored face and numbers that are easy to identify. AIBI watches meet all of the above qualifications for what I believe makes up a classic wristwatch.
Jason is wearing the “fabio miami silver” in brown and I am wearing the “julia engel miami rose golden” in brown as well. Each watch features a gorgeous leather band that is not only comfortable, but very versatile. These watches are sharp and add a little sophistication to any outfit. The watches that Jason and I are showing off retail around $120, which in my opinion is a reasonable price for a designer watch. AIBI has around 40 men and women watches to choose from. We are so pleased with the quality and craftsmanship behind our new bling. They each came in a hard box and wrapped in a protective layer of plastic to ensure that they are scratch free. If you are looking for a beautiful gift to share during the holidays, I highly recommend checking out AIBI watches.
Follow me on Instagram, @dccold, to see how to enter the rose gold watch giveaway beginning 11/15/15 and ending 11/20/15 at 7pm. One lucky winner will be announced on 11/21/2015! Thank you for reading and I hope everyone had a lovely weekend!
Keep it touch,
Dani
Wrapped Up
November 3, 2015 by Drafts & Crafts
Sharing my favorite look from my trip to DC a few weeks ago where the weather permits me to pull out the wraps, ponchos, and capes.
{Wrap: Anthropologie} {Jeans: J. Crew, similar}
{Purse: Michael Kors} {Boots: Lord and Taylor)
I had a great trip to DC a few weeks ago with my gal pal, Becca. We went up to DC to join in some baby shower fun. You can check out the baby shower that I help to create here. I was also able to get in a visit with my best blogger babe, Josie! We had the most fabulous day filled with lunch, shopping, picture snapping, sweet treats, and lattes at the Mosaic District in Fairfax. I shared a picture of my sweet friends in this post, Becs in the middle and Josie on the right. We had to stop by and catch up with Jackie of Wild Flowers. Jackie has a flower cart at the Mosaic District filled with the most beautiful blooms. If you frequent Mosaic, you have to meet Jackie and pick up a fresh arrangement from her, she is a doll!
It was such a treat to get up to DC and get a real taste of fall. Florida is hitting the 90’s this week, reaching all-time highs for November (Rude, Mother Nature). I was excited to bring some heavier sweaters with me to DC. This Anthro wrap is such a gorgeous piece for any wardrobe. I love that this wrap is reversible, but I admire the side with sequin details most. I was in need of a more dressy boot, so I picked these up on sale from Lord and Taylor recently. They are part suede and part leather, which I think gives them a classy look. When it comes to high-quality and comfort, I would recommend the shoe brand, Isola.
I hope everyone had a wonderful halloween!! I do wish I would have gotten this post up sooner, but I have had to make other things a priority. Jason and I are looking to purchase a home, which everyone says is a difficult process. No kidding, they were not lying about home buying being stressful!! We have had a million things on our plate and I am just trying to take it one day at a time. With that being said, I do have an AWESOME giveaway coming up with AIBI Watches. Be sure to follow me on instagram @dccold and you can see a snap of what the watch looks like that I will be giving away!!
Keep in touch,
Dani
Plaid + Field Jacket
October 22, 2015 by Drafts & Crafts
This plaid shirt is an oldie, but goodie. I love to contrast between red plaid popping off of the green field jacket.
Photo credit: Lacy J. Photography
{Plaid Shirt: Ralph Lauren, love similar} {Field Jacket: J. Crew}
{Skirt: Target, love this one $8} {Booties: Sears on sale!!}
{Bag: Michael Kors}
With temperatures finally beginning to get a little more crisp in North Florida, it was time to break out the plaid and field jacket! Like every girl, pulling out the plaid is one of the staple’s of fall. This may be a repeat look from last year, but it is too classic not to put on again! 🙂 I am digging these new cognac booties that I purchased last month from Sears. Best news, they are under $30… what a steal!! In addition, this field jacket is back for the second year in a row and is currently on sale; it comes in petite, regular, and tall. As a Florida girl, it is the perfect light weight coat until temperatures drop in the later months!!
Can you guys believe October is coming to an end already? Any big Halloween plans?? I believe I am going to keep it low key and join my bff with her niece and nephew for some tricker-treating fun!!
Keep in touch,
Dani
Black and Cheetah
October 14, 2015 by Drafts & Crafts
Black and cheetah are considered fall neutrals in my book! Add a high wasted belt to any cardigan for an instant pick-me-up.
photo credit: Lacy J Photography
{Cardigan: Loft} {Top: J. Crew Factory, similar}
{Jeans: J. Crew} {Booties: Sears}
{Belt: J. Crew} {Bag: Michael Kors}
Happy Hump day everyone! This post is a few days overdue, and quite honestly, I shouldn’t even be blogging right now because I have a thousand other things that I need to be working on! Creating a new blog post is one of my favorite evening activities, of course, only after enjoying dinner with my sweet husband. Lately, I have found myself a little stuck because I don’t want to get behind on posting, but I have a lot of other things going on (i.e house hunting and getting the right mortgage). My new job keeps me late twice a week and my Etsy shop has been keeping me crazy busy too!! My mom would probably tell me something’s gotta give and it is not worth stressing myself out, but its just hard because I am a perfectionist. I try my best to stay true to my 2 posts per week goal. Well, that won’t be happening this week and I am OK with that (or at least trying to be OK with that, breathe). This weekend I am headed to DC with my girlfriend for a very special baby shower!! So blog posts will just have to wait because spending time with friends and family is more important!
Ok, if you are still reading, I am sorry for the rant! I wanted to share this look because it is the easiest way to dress up that plain cardigan in everyone’s closet. I think every lady should own a cheetah belt, it goes with everything!! Not only does cheetah look great with solids and neutrals, but it also looks great with other patterns. Don’t be afraid to pattern play, you can pull it off! Cheetah looks great with plaids too! I bought this Loft cardigan a few weeks ago for $20. I desperately needed a new tan cardigan. It seems like I go through a tan cardigan every year since I always wear it to work. What is your favorite clothing item to belt?
Keep in touch,
Dani
Laid-back Sundays
October 6, 2015 by Drafts & Crafts
With a high top knot, laid-back Sundays are my favorite day of the week. I can’t stop wearing this denim jacket!
{Dress: Target, similar and similar}
{Denim Jacket: Loft} {Shoes: Converse}
{Sunnies: Illesteva} {Necklace: Kendra Scott}
{Clutch: Target, love this}
We are finally getting cool mornings here in Jacksonville and I basically am living in this denim jacket. It is the perfect addition to any casual outfit, like this black and white striped dress! This dress is older from Target, but I linked two identical dresses that I love! You can never have enough black and white stripes! Can we talk top knots for a second, I am so glad that I gave this knot a try. This half up/half down bun is going to be my new go-to relaxed look.
I changed into this casual look after Church to enjoy a laid-back lunch and some Sunday football! I love rockin’ my converse with dresses, it is the genius combo of sporty and chic! Have you tried sneakers with dresses?? My Rocksbox gems have been on point lately, i.e this rose gold Kendra Scott beauty. I have enjoyed the majority of the pieces that I have received and am so happy with my monthly subscription. You can still try a month free on me with code: dccoldxoxo.
Special thank you to Lacy J Photography for capturing these photos. It is always such a pleasure working with local creatives and other lady bosses. Lacy is currently booking Fall photo seasons in the North Florida area, so be sure to update those family photos just in time for the holidays!!
Keep in touch,
Dani
Pink Fringe
September 29, 2015 by Drafts & Crafts
My love for fringe is not new, but it is definetly heightened during the fall. This cozy cable sweater lined with fringe is on sale and is a must!
{Sweater: J. Crew} {Metallic Flats: J. Crew}
{Jeans: J. Crew, similar sale} {Purse: Kate Spade, similar}
{Bracelet: Jenny Bird via Rocksbox}
I go on a fringe binge in the fall. I want fringe sweaters, fringe shoes, and fringe bags!! There is just something about the edgy, yet feminine touch of fringe for the fall season. If you follow me on insta (@dccold), then you know that I am slightly obsessed with my metallic fringe/tassel flats that are also from J. Crew. I could live in these shiny ponies, they are an instant outfit maker.I purchased this blush sweater a few weeks ago when it was newly released and on sale. Well the good news is… it is still on sale!
A cable sweater is really a timeless look for fall and winter. I would love to own this sweater in the antique white color too. I took this baby for a spin to my husband’s birthday dinner at our favorite gastropub with family and friends (Kickbacks in Riverside). An adorable sweater is the perfect pick for any casual occasion or relaxed outing!! What is your go-to sweater this season? Hopefully you are having nicer sweater weather than we are in this humid Florida heat.
Keep in touch,
Dani
Fall Staple: Denim Jacket
September 18, 2015 by Drafts & Crafts
We are less than 1 week away from my favorite season of all, sweet fall! I am beginning to build up all of my crisp air staples and can’t wait to share a few on the blog over the next few weeks.
{Denim Jacket: Loft}
{Top: BB Dakota from J. Ashley Boutique}
{Jeans: Forever 21} {Boots: Target, doppelganger}
{Bag: Stella & Dot}
{Jewelry: Gorjana & Kendra Scott; Rocksbox}
Happy Fri-yay friends! I have been wanting a denim jacket for quite some time. I was a little apprehensive at first because I have not worn one since the 90’s. I always LOVE how adorable all the ladies out there look in them, but I was worried I would not be able to pull one off or something. This girl has been searching high and low for the perfect jean jacket for weeks now. I finally found the perfect one at Loft! This jacket is the perfect mix between thick and soft denim. It has a great worn in feel, which was exactly what I was looking for. This jacket will probably be my most worn fall piece. It is perfect for Florida weather and you an throw it on with anything! I think my other fall staple this year is going to be tunics, I can’t wait to share a few of my favs.
We enjoyed meeting friends at the Jaxson’s night market this week. If you are local in Jax, you have to check out the gourmet food trucks and stands that are set up in Hemming Park every third Thursday of the month!! It is similar to Art Walk (every first Wednesday of the month), but it had a more local and sophisticated vibe. The hubs and I indulged in Nitro Ice Cream last night. It’s a new food truck here in Jax where they make the ice cream with liquid nitrogen! So cool!!!
After 2 months, I finished job training today so next week is my first official week that I am in the field with my new job. On a real note, I wish I could be a stay at home blogger, but until then I will use my degrees with a smile. I am a state contracted worker (for those who have asked) and deal with Child Protectives Services cases. It is going to be a new, scary adventure for me. I am praying that I do not ignore my baby, aka Drafts & Crafts. I am a religious planner and agenda organizer so hopefully that will help keep my blog & Etsy biz in check. Wanna share any tips or tricks on how you get it all done??
Have a lovely weekend pretties and thanks for following my little dream!
Keep in touch,
Dani
Grey Flutter Midi
September 9, 2015 by Drafts & Crafts
Summer is for mini’s and fall is for midi’s. A comfortable and feminine dress will always get my attention, here is my first midi of fall.
{Dress: Loft, currently 40% off} {Bag: Michael Kors, similar love!}
{Sandals: Loeffler Randall, similar}
{Pearl Bracelet: Kate Spade}
I hope everyone had a wonderful labor day weekend filled with fun, sunshine, relaxation, and maybe a sip or two!
Midi, midi, midi can’t you see, sometimes your style hypnotizes me. Am I right? Who else is excited for midi season, midi dresses skirts are my jam!! This dress is my first purchase from Loft’s fall line that just came into stores! Loft is currently having 40% off all of their new fall styles… have I mentioned I love the Loft! They are tons of grey, camel, and plaid tones that I am swooning over. Now, I am just keeping my fingers crossed for some cooler weather so I can break out the sweaters!!
I wore this dress for a lovely day trip to Amelia Island. My husband and I, along with my parents, had a awesome visit to the Ritz-Carlton in Amelia Island! We drank DIY bloodies (see my DIY bloody bar here), visited the beach, and browsed all of the adorable boutiques in the hotel. We then traveled into Downtown Fernandina, where we strolled up and down the historic strip. If you are ever in Jacksonville and want to take a day trip, I highly recommend visiting Amelia Island or St. Augustine. There is just so much charm and history packed into one adorable town!!
Keep in touch,
Dani
Summer Sale Part 3: Blush Blouse
September 4, 2015 by Drafts & Crafts
I saved the best for last! Get the details of this gorgeous blush blouse in this last summer sale post.
Photos by Sarahdipity Photography
{Top: Anthropologie} {Jeans: J. Crew Factory}
{Bag: Zac Posen} {Shoes: J. Crew, similar}
{Cactus Earrings: Gorjana}
{Rings: Kendra Scott}
As I mentioned a few weeks ago in my first summer sale installment, Anthropologie is my favorite to place to shop a summer sale for several reasons. One, since everything is adorable & two because it is much more affordable that way. I saved the best blouse for last summer sale post! This may the cheesiest thing that I have said (I have definitely said cheesier), but this blouse makes me blush! This tank is the perfect blend between classy and playful. I wore it for a more casual look with my worn jeans and heels, but it also looks adorable tucked into a skirt. Hello, work outfit! 🙂
I have been looking for nutral pieces that will transition nicely into fall. This top comes in both blush and white. It has that timeless look that will be great with a blazer or leather jacket in cooler weather. Is anyone else counting down the days until the first official day of fall (insert hand-raising emoji)??? I will be enjoying labor day weekend with my darling parents and we’re going to visit Amelia Island! Then it’s my sister-in-law and BFF’s birthdays next week, lots of fun!! I hope you all have a lovely weekend and get some relaxation too this labor day!!
Keep in touch,
Dani
Bright Eyed for Fall
August 28, 2015 by Drafts & Crafts
I am a firm believer that just because fall is around the corner, does not mean you have to give up all things colorful. Join in the fun & learn how to win a tassel necklace via Instagram!
{Rose gold T-shirt: J. Crew} {Pants: J. Crew}
{Tassel necklace: Perle by Lola}
{Clutch: Target, several similar} {Flats: J. Crew}
TGIF friends, let’s talk some fall style! I know that we are just one week away from labor day weekend, so everyone is thinking, gotta finish wearing white before I am no longer allowed. While that cliche statement may be true for some, it does not personally apply to my style and wardrobe. I do cut back on white doing fall and winter, but you will not see it totally disappear. I love a good white top or sweater with a dark jacket or jeans. With that being said, I did purchase these corals pants for fall. They are going to be something that I can wear to both work and play. If you are like me and like dresses and skirts more than pants, than these pants are a pair for you to try! They are super comfortable, elastic at the waist with the perfect crop at the bottom. Total great purchase by my books!
Ladies and gentleman, boys and girls… the search for the perfect tassel necklace is over!! I have been admiring the jewelry collection, Perle by Lola, for quite some time. I love the organic and feminine look of this tassel necklace and it can be worn tons of different ways! The necklace features authentic bone, semi-precious stone, and a high-quality tassel. AND YOU ARE IN LUCK because Drafts & Crafts and Perle by Lola is teaming up this weekend to bring our sweet followers an Instagram giveaway. You can win your own necklace designed and hand-crafted by Lola. The giveaway entry will begin tomorrow, so be sure to check out my Instagram feed!
The photos for this post were taken by Sarah of Sarahdipity Photos (you must see her amazing website!!). Sarah is a local photographer in Jax and I have had the pleasure of getting to know her and her business through local networking. Sarah is such an amazing photographer and fellow creative. I can truly say that she is kind and genuine in her work and all that she does! Sarah shoots a wide variety of photography, so if you are in the market for a photographer, she is your girl!!
Keep in touch,
Dani
Summer Sale Part 2: Transitional Joggers
August 23, 2015 by Drafts & Crafts
After two months in Florida’s summer heat, I am now in the phase where I am dreaming of cooler nights. These joggers are great for making the transition into your fall wardrobe.
{Joggers: Anthropologie, Under $35!} {Top: Anthropologie}
{Shoes: Ralph Lauren, similar}
{Clutch, Golden Finch Boutique, similar}
I love all the activities and simple pleasures that come along with summer: lounging at the pool, beach days, happy hours, ice cream parties, sundresses, and bright colors. However, I do not care for summer’s humidity. Let’s face it, you can sweat just walking from your house to your car!! I know we still have some time before it cools off, but I am craving some fall weather! If you had the chance to read my summer sale post, Tips for Shopping Summer Sales, than you know that I am looking for those pieces that will transition seamlessly from summer into fall.
These gold pants are such a fun piece that everyone should have in their closet. They are extremely versatile, so comfortable that you can wear wear them with flats and a cute tee and classy enough to dress up for work or date night. These pants are just one of Anthro’s amazing selection of joggers, I am also loving these (on sale)and these (on sale). They come in several colors that are great for fall, navy, red, and gold. Beware that the pants seem to run a little large. I am wearing a medium and still have a little wiggle room. So if you are around a size 4, you will definitely want to order a size small. P.S. These snaps were taken at Florida Creamy in Avondale (Jax), best homemade ice cream ever!! They are also a candy store too! It’s a must try for locals! I had a fun ice cream and shopping date with my BFF, Rebecca.
Have you fallen in love with jogger pants yet?? Hope everyone has a fantastic weekend!
Keep in touch,
Dani
Sunbather Skirt + tips for shopping summer sales
August 11, 2015 by Drafts & Crafts
There is no better way to wrap up summer than with a fun and timeless piece. Plus, a few of my personal tips for shopping summer sales that are going on now!
{Skirt: Anthropologie} {Chambray: J. Crew Factory}
{Tote: Jonathan Adler} {Flats: J. Crew}
{Bracelet: Bourbon & Boweties}
The best time of the year is back! Ok, maybe the second best time of the year because my favorite time of the year is the Christmas! The second best is when all of my favorite stores have their end of summer sales! The sale that I like to focus (my wallet) on is Anthropologie’s end of summer sale. I got this skirt on sale and it filled with the cutest pattern ever! Can I be real for a second, Anthro is one of my favorite stores, but it is not always in the budget. These were all pieces that I liked in the beginning of the summer, yet since I held I got them for much less than original price. I wanted to share with you all some on my go-to tips for shopping end of summer sales!
I think it is important to keep a few things in mind when shopping “end of summer sales.” First, if you are going to buy pieces that are more geared toward summer fashion make sure it is a timeless look. For instance, this sunbather skirt features a fun pattern that will be cute for years to come. My girlfriend, Josie, even said that it is one of those pieces that you can keep for your own daughter. Isn’t that such a sweet thought, sharing timeless fashion with your child! Second, if it is not a summer staple that you could wear for years to come than make sure you are buying items that will carry you into fall. I would suggest staying away from multi-colored or neon items. Look for colors like, gold, gray, black, nude, green, light pinks and blues. Last, it is going to get cooler in the later months so I recommend purchasing items that can be easily layered. I can’t wait to share the rest of the items I bought from the Anthro sell with you!
I love to wear high-wasted skirts with a knotted chambray. I own two of these exact chambrays because it is the best shirt ever! Also, these J. Crew gemma flats are my new black flats for fall! How will you be transitioning your wardrobe into fall?
Keep in touch,
Dani
Summer Pants
August 3, 2015 by Drafts & Crafts
Today, I traded in my dress for these light weight pants that are bearable in summer’s humidity.
{Pants: J. Crew Factory, similar} {Shirt: Patterns & Pops, similar}
{Bag: Kate Spade} {Wedges: Nine West, similar}
{Earrings: Kendra Scott} {Sunnies: Illesteva}
If I am just being honest, I do NOT like wearing pants, except jeans. I much prefer to wear a dress or skirt… breezy and feminine! Throwing on a cute dress is much easier to me and they can usually be dressed up or down. I am happy to share that I finally found a pair of pants, other than jeans, that I enjoy wearing!! I got these pants at J. Crew Factory a few weeks ago. My store still had every size in these pants still avialable. They were only $25! Although, I was not able to link them directly, your store may very well still have them. J. Crew Factory had several similar pairs with adorable patterns. I linked another pair that I really liked and were on sale as well. This outfit is great for grabbing a quick drink with your friends or for a casual summer date night. The great thing about these pants is they will transition nicely into fall. I can’t wait to wear them again in fall with a light utility coat or cardigan and flats! Where have you found a good pair of summer pants?
Thank you to Lacy of Lacy J Photography for shooting this post for me! It is wonderful to work with other small business owners who are local! Lacy is a local photographer in Northeast Florida who specializes in wedding, family, and boudoir photography. She and her husband are good friends of ours. I would highly recommend Lacy if you are looking to capture a special event soon!
Keep in touch,
Dani
Chevron Embroidered Dress
July 22, 2014 by Drafts & Crafts
I have had my eye on this dress since the beginning of summer. When it finally went on sale during the last Asos sale, it found its way to my closet!
{Dress: Asos} {Sandals: Target, similar}
{Bag: Michael Kors, similar}
{Bracelet: Loren Hope a la Rocksbox}
Boy do I find this dress swoon-worthy! Since this dress was WAY out of my price rage, I have been stalking the dress (I know it sounds A BIT ridiculous) to see if it would go on sale. Two weeks ago Asos had a dress sale and sure enough this skater dress was HALF OFF, making Dani one happy girl. This dress just screams feminine and chic to me, and if the beautiful embroidery was not enough to sell me… it also has pockets! You could say that I am a sucker for dresses and skirts with pockets.The dress seems to be made well, and is very light for summer in Florida.
These photos were snapped when the hubs and I went to visit the new Sweet Pete’s Candy Shop and The Candy Apple Cafe for a candy cocktail. Since we moved, the candy shop has been moved and remodeled. This was our first time at the new location since it had opened. Jason and I sure were impressed with the restored three-story home turned candy shop and cafe. It is the most adorable thing that I have ever seen. The place is filled with black and white stripe walls, pops of color like teal and pink, and fun decor. This would be at the top of my must-try cocktail list in Jax (There are several more places I plan on trying so stay tuned). In my last photo, I am enjoying a rock-candy old fashion and it was everything I hoped it would be! Have you ever had a candy cocktail??
Keep in touch,
Dani
Arrows & Tassels
July 15, 2015 by Drafts & Crafts
I love the abstract arrow print in this top, add some tassels, and you have my ideal summer tank! This top is currently on clearance, so run fast.
{Top: J. Crew Factory} {Jeans: J. Crew Factory}
{Wedges: Nine West, similar}
{Bag: Kate Spade}
{Hat: J. Crew}
I had to have this top when I saw it at J. Crew Factory because it is a 2.0 of my favorite citron J. Crew dress from last summer. Last summer I bought a yellow shift dress with the same arrow print, you can see it here. This top is an upgrade since it has tassels, my favorite!! This top is great for a casual summer date night and you can not beat it since it is now on clearance for less than $20.
I wore this outfit to see my sister-in-law play her guitar gig at Sliders in Neptune Beach, FL. The food and atmosphere were on point for summer, and the music was even better! These nude wedges are old from Nine West, yet I have linked a similar nude wedge that I love. This Kate Spade Cedar Street Monday was one of my birthday gifts and I plan on enjoying it for years to come. It is the perfect size for my wallet, cell, and keys. Jason and I are headed to Gennie Springs this weekend to go camping… wish me luck!! Do you have any fun summer plans coming up?
Keep in touch,
Dani
Summer Swing Dress + Sisters Thai
July 9, 2015 by Drafts & Crafts
I crave comfortable dresses for summer, you know the one that you always want to put on because it’s just so easy AND it can be dressed up if needed. See what I wore to the best Thai restaurant in northern VA, Sisters Thai.
{Pinwheel swing dress: Loft (for some reason I can not find it but the stores do have it}
{Wedges: Target, similar} {Bag: Anthropologie}
{Earrings: Kendra Scott ala Rocksbox}
{Sunnies: J. Crew Factory}
Hope everyone enjoyed a lovely holiday weekend! This is my last look from Northern Virginia before I made the big move back to Florida! I am always searching more an “above average” Thai restaurant and of course I found one the day before I moved!! My two girlfriends and I, Josie (of Josie in Color) and Lori, had the best hand-crafted sips and food. Sisters Thai in the Mosaic District is a must try for anyone is the DC Metro area. It also doesn’t hurt the ambience was PERFECT… every little detail of the restaurant was gorgeous!
I purchased this fun, summer pinwheel swing dress a few weeks ago at a sip, style, and shop event that you can check out here. This dress is going to be one of those, “Dani, you can’t keep wearing this dress, dresses!!” It is soft and so easy to throw on. I am a sucker more a “mindless” throw-on dress. One of those dresses that you can effortlessly grab out of the closet and just feel confident wearing it.
I know that I have said this numerous times, but I am drawn to an outfit that I can wear both to work and that I enjoy wearing in my leasure time. I plan to wear this dress to work on the days that I am just at the office (not at court with my new job) with a pair of bright-colored flats for that POP of color! How do you like to style your summer dresses? I would love to hear!!
Keep in touch,
Dani
Breezy Palm Tank
July 2, 2015 by Drafts & Crafts
You could say that I am bright-eyed over these greens and blues with a pop of cognac in my purse and sandals. Get the details below of what I wore for our bloggers night out!
{Tank: Dotsy’s Boutique} {White jeans: Nordstrom}
{Bag: Anthropologie} {Sandals: Target}
{Earrings: Kendra Scott purchased via Rocksbox}
Making friends with women who have the same passions as you is the absolute best! It was a real treat to spend the night shopping, chatting, dining, and sipping some good wine with Josie from Josie in Color (to my left) and Lindsay from Sugar and Something blog (on the right). We attended the Style, Sips, and Sweets event at the Fairfax Corner shopping center right before my big move to Florida!
This look is going to be a summer repeat for me most definitely! I adore these colors together and I just love how the white really makes the other colors pop when all pulled together. This tank came from Dotsy Designs, it is a Texas-based boutique that I found via instagram! They were able to paypal me the order and shipped the tank the very next day!! It is difficult to tell in these photos, but the best part about this tank is that there are 4 tiny buttons in the back and then a slit, creating an open lower back!
These target clearance sandals are still the second best thing that has ever happened to me. The first thing may be this hand-woven purse that was made in Bali… only kidding, but the wicker craftmenship is amazing! My white Kendra Scott earrings are my third purchase from my Rocksbox! You can still try your first month free with code: @dccold.
I hope everyone has a fun and safe Holiday Weekend!! Happy Fourth!!
Keep in touch,
Dani
Celebrating 1 Year of Drafts & Crafts
June 22, 2015 by Drafts & Crafts
Today I am cheers-ing to 1 year of blogging: all that I have learned, all of the people that I have met, and all of those who have continually supported me!!
{Dress: Anthropologie} {Wedges: Ralph Lauren, similar}
{Pink Cake Pedestal: Crate & Barrel}
{Nail Polish: Butter Gold Monty}
Could not think of a better way to celebrate my one year of blogging than in my new Anthro dress. The window white pattern and drop-waist line feels very circa 1925. You know I needed a sweet treat to help celebrate… mini funfetti donuts from Dolcezza always do the job!
Wow what a big month it has been so far!! If you follow me on Instagram than you may have seen that Jason and I are moving back to Jacksonville, FL (where he is from) in ONE WEEK! We both are blessed to have new jobs waiting for us in Jacksonville and we can not wait to start the next chapter of our lives. This week represents the 1 year anniversary that I went public with my little blog, Drafts & Crafts!!
I hesitate to call it “1 year” because in the first few months of blogging I really did not know what I was doing. Today I now know that everyone has to start somewhere. Where I am today is much stronger than where I was a year ago. Blogging is like the best second job I could ever imagine. I really mean it when I say that my blog has brought great joy to my life. My husband adds that he loves working with me on certain features of Drafts & Crafts. Jason deserves a special “patience award” for working closely by my side. He has been nothing but supportive the past year. He is the person who shoots most of the photos you see on D & C so my blog would not exist without him!
I feel that I have grown tremendously as a person and as a blogger in the past year. I have learned to think outside of the box, step outside of my comfort zone, and to take chances. My favorite part about blogging is collaborating with talented women. We live in a time where social media is so powerful and I am thankful to meet other bloggers through it. I value all of the collaborations that I have had the opportunity to take part in and all of the local blogger friends that I have made! I love talking with other bloggers and getting to hear their experiences and what they have learned. Everyone brings something unique to the table in the blogging world and I just can’t get enough!
As you may know, the Etsy marketplace has been a huge part of my life as well. I have been selling hand-lettered designs for 8 months now. I love how I am able to not only share my lifestyle but also share my art work on social media. I look forward to continuing to grow my blog and my Etsy shop in the future. I truly appreciate anyone and everyone who has taken the time to stop by Drafts & Crafts. It has been an epic adventure this past year that I can not wait to share more with you. Thank you, thank you, thank you to all my friends and family who have been encouraging and spread the word about D & C!!!
Keep in touch,
Dani
Off the Shoulder
June 15, 2015 by Drafts & Crafts
Off the shoulder is one of my favorite summer trends. This was a dress that I pinned and I was able to find it on Top Shop’s website.
{Dress: Top Shop} {Sunnies: J. Crew x Illesteva}
{Sandals: Target on clearance!!} {Purse: Rebecca Minkoff}
I am really digging’ this off the shoulder swing dress. It also comes in petite, if you are in-between sizes like me, I would recommend purchasing the smaller size. It is so light, airy, and comfortable for summertime. I actually pinned it on Pinterest, than I saw it on Top Shop as I was perusing through casual dresses. I tend to look for verstaile pieces, items that can be either dressed up or dress down always get me!! I love this dress paired with my brown heel sandals and I plan to wear it with flat sandals too! I am going to be on the look out for an off the shoulder top. I found a gray one from Anthro that was adorable, but it sold out in my size in no time! What are your favorite summer trends?
Keep in touch,
Dani
Banana Palm on the Boardwalk
June 8, 2015 by Drafts & Crafts
Take a look at the breezy outfit that I wore while exploring the boardwalk during our trip to Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. My favorite print by far this season is banana palm!
{Linen top: Ralph Lauren} {Shorts: Old Navy}
{Hat: J. Crew} {Bag: Kate Spade}
{Sunnies: J. Crew x Illesteva}
{Sandals: Loeffler Randall, similar & similar}
Happy Monday! Hope everyone is off to a good start this June! Can you believe summer is just a few weeks away?? Sorry I am a little late with this post, this is my last outfit from our Memorial Day weekend trip to Rehoboth Beach. Exploring the boardwalk consisted of: playing some arcades games, eating greasy food, shopping, and getting popcorn from Dolles which has been opened since 1910. Dolles’ CARMEL PECAN popcorn was delicious on this cool spring day! We could not have asked for better weather that weekend! If you ever get the chance, I would highly recommend visiting Rehoboth, it is such a well-kept boardwalk with so many charming shops and restaurants.
I am swooning over ANYTHING banana palm so these Old Navy shorts were a no brainer for me! I can never pass up anything that is under $30. This outfit will definitely be on repeat all summer long. I was so excited to bring these shorts on our Memorial Day weekend trip to Rehoboth Beach. You can not go wrong when paired with a breezy linen bottom down. These Loeffler Randall sandals are everything! I got them last summer and I am still SO happy with them. I have linked two similar styles that I adore as well. You can also find me living in my new Illesteva sunnies and panama hat. What are your go-to summer accessories?
Keep in touch,
Dani
Casual Sunday
June 1, 2014 by Drafts & Crafts
I could not be more happy with a sunday stroll around Old Town with a sweet friend and fellow blogger. Take a peek at our casual Sunday looks!
Dani:
{Shirt: Loft– 60% off} {Pants: Anthropologie (old)- love-similar}
{Sandals: Loeffler Randall (last years), similar} {Bag: Kate Spade}
{Sunnies: Illesteva x J. Crew} {Hat: J. Crew}
{Earrings: Kendra Scott; Rocksbox}
Josie:
{Tunic: Anthropologie} {Hat: Anthropologie}
{Sandals: Urban Outfitter (old)- similar}
{Sunnies: Ray-ban}
Happy Monday y’all! Like my favorite saying, a Sunday well spent brings a week of content!! Amen, isn’t that line just so true!? I feel SO MUCH better about “the return of Monday” after an enjoyable Sunday. Jason and I had a wonderful brunch with Josie and her husband, Alex.
It is such a small world that we live in! Josie and I graduated from UNF and had the same undergrad internship. Our undergrad mentor (Shout out to the wonderful Dr. Rebecca Marcon) put us in touch when she found out that Josie was moving to Northern Virginia. I am so grateful that I have been able to connect with Josie and have a fellow blogger friend!! Anyone who has a blog or runs a business knows how GREAT it is to be able to have that extra support and understanding close by! It is like we speak the same language!! You must check out Josie’s new blog, it is AMAZING: Josie in Color. Her outfits are so bright and beautiful, you can’t help but smile when visiting her site! And a big thank you to Alex for the photo shoot!
Like I said, this shirt is going to be on repeat all summer long, you can check it out from my last outfit post. This top is still 60+% off at the Loft! These Anthro pants are a few years old, but man do I love them! I linked a similar pair incase you like them too! I hope everyone has had a chance to try Rocksbox, I am in love with each piece of jewelry they send me and it makes dressing up that much more fun! I get new jewelry shipped to me every few weeks! You can still use the Rocksbox code “dccoldxoxo” to get your first month free!
May your coffee be strong and your Monday be short!
Keep in touch,
Dani
Pom Poms & Ruffles
May 26, 2015 by Drafts and Crafts
I am a firm believer that a weekend at the beach is good for your soul. Take a look at my beachy Memorial Day look!
{Top: Loft (petite) sale!!} {Shorts: Lilly for Target, similar, similar}
{Sandals: Target} {Clutch: Loft sale!!}
{Sunnies: Illesteva x J. Crew} {Necklace: Stella & Dot}
Jason and I just returned from a fabulous memorial day weekend at the beach. We joined our friends at their beach house in Rehoboth, Delaware. Boy, are we thankful that our friends invited us to stay with them for the weekend! (Thank you Beth, Michael, Pride, Allison, Joseph, & everyone else!) We had a blast cruising the boardwalk, putting our toes in the sand, sporting salty hair, and sippin’ some beach-inspired cocktails!! There is nothing like getting back to reality after a long weekend away… a lot of coffee and motivation is needed this week!
I wanted to quickly share this MDW look because this ruffle top and clutch are on a SICK SALE!! Yes, I really just used the word “sick” to describe a sale- haha! This white ruffle top is the perfect breezy, light-weight shirt to repeat all summer long. All of Loft’s casual clutches are on sale right now, there are a 3 similar styles and each one is ADORABLE! These pieces are great since they can be dressed up or dressed down. I highly recommend checking out the sale that is going on at Loft. I hope everyone had a safe and fun memorial day weekend! Today, I am still thanking all of our troops who serve our country to ensure our freedom, we are so so blessed!
Keep in touch,
Dani
Birthday Boho
May 20, 2015 by Drafts & Crafts
As much as I love ALL holidays/celebrations, I wanted to keep it low key for my 26th birthday. My husband spoiled me so I had a perfect weekend. It all began with enjoying happy hour on the water!
{Top: Loft major sale} {Pants: J. Crew Factory}
{Pouch/Clutch: J. Crew on sale} {Heels: Target clearance!!}
{Necklace: Stella and Dot}
I don’t get to relax all that much. See the truth is… I am not sure I know how to relax anymore. My life consists of my 9-5, crafting, blogging, cooking, practicing art, going to the gym, and doing fun activities with my husband. Therefore I am not good at being still, but it is something I am working on. My time at Pure Barre is my time for myself, it is my time to focus on my body and my well-being. With this being said, I just wanted my birthday weekend to be relaxing and low key. We started with happy hour at the Chart House, saw Pitch Perfect 2 (so good!!), and the next day went to the National Aquarium in Baltimore with an amazing thai dinner after. It was just what the doctor ordered for me!! Thank you to everyone who wished me a happy birthday, it meant so much to me.. I feel so loved!!
Now the important stuff… almost every piece in this outfit is on MAJOR SALE!!! This boho top and the heels heels are both OVER 50% off! Steal! These heels are the perfect shade of brown (cognac) for spring and summer attire AND they are actually comfortable. This puts them at the top of my must-have list, cute heels for $20. I was thrilled to see that J. Crew restocked my favorite calf hair pouch. I love to use the pouch as a small clutch, I always get several compliments (use code SUMMERLOVE for 25% off).
Any big Memorial Day weekend plans?? Jason and I are looking forward to head to the beach with friends. Even though the water is not as pretty as it is in Florida, I am so excited to see the ocean! Let us all remember the men and women who have given their life for our freedom, as well as the people that serve our country everyday! We are so grateful and love you!!
Keep in touch,
Dani
Running Errands
May 13, 2015 by Drafts & Crafts
I don’t know about y’all, but when I run errands I like to throw on something comfy and quick. Here is a casual dress to run those hot spring day errands in!
{Dress: J. Crew Factory} {Bag: Tory Burch: old, love, love}
{Sandals: Loeffler Randall} {Sunnies: J. Crew Factory}
{Necklace: Gorjana; Rocksbox} {Watch: Michael Kors, old}
Some days I really tread running errands! I can think of a thousand other things I would rather be doing than grocery shopping, picking up dry cleaning, and going to the bank. I know, I know, I should not complain since these are all things we have to do, but being comfortable is a must. It is beginning to get pretty warm in VA so I am busting out all of my little dresses. I picked up this gray dress from J. Crew factory a few weeks ago and it is still available in stores and online. It also comes in three other colors. I see this dress doubling as a pool cover up in my near future for those awesome summer days by the pool: sleeveless with cool slits up the side for the win.
This canvas bucket bag is life, literally, I could fit my whole life inside of it. While this Tory Burch bucket is a few summers old so I have linked a few of my favorite bucket bags. Loving life in my new Loeffler Randall sandals! I have 2, $25 dollar off coupons for the Loeffler Randall website. If you are interested, message me and I can send you the code. My sandals were a birthday gift from my parents… even though my birthday is still a few days away. 🙂 And you can still use my Rocksbox code to get your first month subscription FREE: “dccoldxoxo”
Keep in touch,
Dani
Boom Boom Jumpsuit in St. Augustine
May 3, 2015 by Drafts & Crafts
I took my new jumpsuit for its first spin during our recent trip to Florida. In this extra special post, catch how my girlfriend Rebecca and I styled our way to the St. Augustine Distillery.
My parents, friends, husband and I had such an awesome visit to the St. Augustine Distillery on a perfect spring afternoon in the oldest city. It may have been the finest tour that I have ever taken (we have been to A LOT of breweries). This one was fun, informative, and interactive. But the best part? The delicious tasting at the end! We tried a “Florida Mule” and a “New World” gin & tonic, and both recipes were provided. There are several reasons why I can get behind this business, and no, not just because it is a distillery!
For starters, St. Augustine Distillery is helping preserve a 100 year old historic building by housing its operations in a renovated ice and power plant. The structure served St. Augustine beginning in 1907, but in recent years sat abandoned and in disrepair. I love the idea of brining new life into such a valuable piece of history. Plus, the building has a rugged industrial feel that adds authenticity and character. Even more awesome, the local group of founders have made extraordinary efforts to bring in all of their ingredients from Florida farmers for their small batch spirits. If that is still not enough, each batch is hand-crafted by their Master distiller, who gets some help from one of the former head distillers of Markers Mark. If you ever get a chance to visit this fascinating city, make sure you take time to visit the St. Augustine Distillery for your free tour and tasting. You won’t be disappointed!
Dani:
{Lilly jumpsuit: Target} {Bag: Kate Spade}
{Jewelry: Gorjana; Rocksbox} {Wedges: Target –only $14}
Rebecca:
{Maxi dress: J. Crew Factory –on sale} {Wedges: Jack Rogers}
Rebecca and I were feeling stylish and breezy in our full length touring attire. My bright jumpsuit was my fave purchases from the Lilly for Target launch. Not only did I make it out of the #Lillyfortarget sale alive, but I also managed to get the one item of clothing I was swooning over. Lilly named this exclusive green palm print, “boom boom.” Rebecca on the other hand is rocking a gorgeous new maxi from J. Crew factory! Jumpsuits and maxis a fun and effortless way to get a chic look to compliment any beautiful spring outing. So tell me, how do you style your jumpsuits and maxis?
The brown wedges that I am wearing are currently $14. SCORE! They are very comfortable with a safe height for strutting around. Lastly, I adore this Gorjana “Greer V” necklace, found in my latest Rocksbox set. I plan on making this piece my own by purchasing it with my “shine spend” money. Don’t forget that you can try your first month for free with the code, “dccoldxoxo.”
A big thank you to my BFF for being apart of this post!
Keep in touch,
Dani
Stripes Please
April 28, 2015 by Drafts & Crafts
Stripes are by far my go-to pattern for the warm days ahead. A good stripe tank or tee will solve any “I have nothing to wear day!”
{Stripe tank: Scissortail Clothing} {Panama hat: J. Crew}
{Jeans: J. Crew Factory} {Bag: Kate Spade}
{Shoes: Loeffler Randall, similar here}
{Necklace: Gorjana; Rocksbox}
{Ring: Pink Peonies}
I saw this tank on one of my fav local fashion bloggers and I just had to have it for my recent trip to Florida. My husband had a wonderful 4-day adventure visiting our families and friends!! (Thank you to everyone who wished us a fun & safe trip! xo) How adorable is the neckline of this top?? Most importantly, it was only $17!! I love this Gorjana necklace with the high, narrow neckline of the tank. It was a purchase of mine from my Rocksbox subscription.
Stripes are a significant part of my wordrobe, especially in the spring and summer. Stripe tops are great since you can dress them up or dress most of them down. Wear a stripe top with flats for a casual look or wear a stripe tank with some wedges and hit up happy hour! Don’t be afraid to mix stripes with some other patterns for a little pattern play! A stripe top is a real staple in my closet! How do you wear stripes?
Keep in touch,
Dani
Window pane & Scallops
April 22, 2015 by Drafts & Crafts
This skirt has been on repeat from my closet. I wear it with several different tops, but I think I finally found my favorite one for spring, a scalloped tee!!
{Skirt: Loft} {Scallop Top: Nordstrom}
{Bag: Rebecca Minkoff, similar RM} {Shoes: Ralph Lauren, similar RL}
{Bracelets: Bourbon & Boweties}
This window pane skirt is very versatile to wear through several seasons. I bought it at the end of winter, keeping in mind spring was just right around the corner. Now that I have been wearing it all spring, I am keeping summer in mind! Needless to say, at 40% off this skirt is on my must-buy list! Loft hit the nail on the head with this classic window pane look. I am loving my shoes with a pop of color for the win! These shoes are older, but Ralph Lauren makes a similar pair each spring/summer.
How gorgeous is that view?? If you live in the NOVA, DC, or Maryland area, I highly recommend visiting the National Harbor in Maryland. The harbor features some retail shopping, a ferris wheel on the Potomac, and numerous awesome restaurants! Hope everyone is having a lovely week. Mine is extra lovely since Jason and I leave for FL in just a few days! Can’t wait for some warm weather posts!
Keep in touch,
Dani
Sporty Spring
April 15, 2015 by Drafts & Crafts
The weather is finally starting to have some mercy on us, that means it is time to break out the sporty tee and comfy kicks for a weekend stroll.
{Shirt: Patterns & Pops Athleisure Top} {Distressed Jeans: J. Crew Factory}
{Bag: Rebecca Minkoff, similar} {Sneakers: Converse (I wear kids size)}
{Jewelry: Ring; Wanderlust & Co. // Earrings; Slate- Rocks Box}
I know all my Florida folks have been battling the heat already, but here in Virginia it is finally beginning to warm up. This past weekend the sun was shining and it was the high 60’s, my ideal weather!! I am beyond excited to be able to wear some short sleeve shirts without a heavy coat or jacket. I had my eye on this athletic-inspired top from Patterns and Pops for awhile, so I finally had to have it for myself. There is nothing like a cool, breezy top to own the spring sunshine in! The scooped sides on this shirt is everything!! Do not let this casual look deceive you, this shirt can definitely be dressed up! Although I wore this top with distressed boyfriend jeans and sneaks, I plan to rock this shirt with some black skinnies and a leather jacket for date night! Run… do not walk, this atheltica top will go fast from Patterns & Pops. The two ladies behind the online boutique are super sweet and helpful if you have any questions. You will def want to follow them on insta too, @patternsandpops.
Keep in touch,
Dani
East Coast vs. West Coast Spring Trends: Gingham + Yellow
April 8, 2015 by Drafts & Crafts
I have teamed up with a friend and fellow blogger to show how the East Coast vs. the West Coast wears two spring trends.
The best part about my journey into blogging is connecting and networking with fellow women who share the same enthusiasm for fashion, crafts, or baking. I love seeing old friends or learning that people that I have met along the way started their own blog. As soon as I saw an old girlfriend had a lifestyle blog, I wanted to collaborate with her! Veronica is the honest and witty writer behind the lifestyle blog, Four Threads. Veronica and I went to high school together in South Florida; she currently lives in San Francisco with her husband, while I live in Northern VA with my husband. There is something very special about reconnecting with familiar faces, especially when you are thousands of miles away!
We each styled two spring fashion trends, gingham, as well as the color yellow! This was a fun collaboration because we each gave clothing our own “coastal” twist, Veronica representing the West Coast and myself representing the East Coast. Now you may be wondering are there really differences in fashion from coast to coast… the answer is yes! To give you a quick run down, East Coast tends to be more polished and preppy, for instance, more dresses, skirts, and collared shirts. West Coast style is more casual, edgy, and flirty, for example, more crop tops and fringe.
Our outfit choices depict East Coast vs. West Coast fashion: Veronica’s gingham has larger black squares, giving the shirt a relaxed look. I love how she dressed her outfit with a fun necklace, giving it the perfect pop of yellow for the warmer season! Also, the author of Four Threads is in the perfect pair of skinny jeans and black flats, keeping with her cool Cali style.
{Top: Zara} {Pants: Old, similar here}
{Bracelet: Gorjana} {Lips: Nars}
{Target Flats: Old, loving}
On the flip, my gingham button down has small navy squares for a more structured and preppy look. For my touch of yellow, I picked this yellow mini skirt that would transition well from spring to summer. I am swooning the color and material of this new Zara skirt. To complete the East Coast look, I chose a pair of flats that match the colors in the top and skirt.
{Blouse: J. Crew} {Skirt: Zara}
{D’Orsay Flats: J. Crew– 25% off} {Bracelet: J. Crew- sold out, similar}
{Necklace: Rocks Box– Perry Street} {Gold Marbled Ring: Pink Peonies Collection}
{Sunnies: J. Crew Factory– only $14} {Bag: Kate Spade}
I think I can speak for both of us when I say that we enjoyed the challenge of picking our own unique looks to showcase these spring fashion trends! A BIG thanks to Veronica for working with me on this exciting post! Be sure to check out her blog for more outfit details, as well as some very inspiring posts! Please share with us what your favorite spring trends are!
Keep in touch,
Dani
Leopard Midi Dress
March 30, 2015 by Drafts & Crafts
And it continues, I am swooning over anything ‘midi.’ Obsessed with this blue-tone water brushed leopard midi. Here are the details of what I am wearing to the next spring wedding..
{Animal print dress: Asos -I order petite} {Purse: Zac Posen, & here}
{Shoes: Sole Society, similar}
{Bracelets: Hermes and Bourbon & Boewties}
{Gold Marbled Ring: Pink Peonies Collection}
I am very much in a spring time mindset now.. so if anyone has mother nature’s cell, please “text” her and let her know that she can stop with this cold, Virginia spring!! Good thing I bought this dress to attend a spring wedding in Florida. Jason and I are going back to Florida for another wedding in a couple of weeks, but I could not wait until then to share this blue-tone leopard outfit. This dress is on point, I absolutely love the shape of it!! The material is awesome, has a slight stretch and is light enough weight for the warm days that are to come (fingers crossed). I believe it would look great on many body types too! P.S it is also on sale!
Is everyone getting ready for Easter this weekend?? I plan to share a few quick-quick recipes this week for an Easter brunch.. yes, 2 quicks were necessary to get my point across!!
Keep in touch,
Dani
Windowpane
March 8, 2015 by Drafts & Crafts
Windowpane is one of my favorite winter trends that I plan to wear well into spring. These two ‘matchy” pieces are ideal since they look awesome together and just as good when worn separately.. three outfits in one I tell ya!
{Windowpane Blouse: Loft} {Windowpane Skirt: Loft}
{Shoes: Nine West, similar} {Bag: Kate Spade}
{Necklace: Stella & Dot}
I call this look my feminine two piece suit.. I am obsessed. I totally dig pattern on pattern ensembles this season. I believe windowpane is a timeless look; it looks classy in all forms: blouses, skirts, dresses, and pants too. Loft currently has several amazing windowpane items AND they are all 40% tonight!! This blouse and skirt can be dressed up or dressed down, like I said, it is three outfits in one. I can not wait to style each piece by itself, stay tuned!
My quote from earlier this week, “The only pain I need in this life: Windowpane and Champagne!” Cheers to that!!
Keep in touch,
Dani
Talk Turtlenecks to me
February 23, 2015 by Drafts & Crafts
I have looked for the right turtleneck all winter long, the search is finally over… and who knew I would have Forever 21 to thank for that?!
{Turtleneck: Forever 21 (not online)} {Hat: Forever 21}
{Jeans: Target} {Necklace: Bauble Bar, similar on sale for $8}
{Earrings: IlY Couture} {Purse: Kate Spade, similar}
{Booties: J. Crew Factory major sale!}
{Bracelets: Piperlime, similar & Hermes}
Finding the turtleneck that was right for me seemed like quite the struggle this season. I wanted to find the perfect turtleneck because A) it is cold in VA/DC B) they are comfy C) I love the way they look on others. Now the last time I wore a turtle neck was when I was under 10 and living in NJ. In Florida, there are no such things as turtlenecks… Ok, ok there are, but not too many people need them in 80 degree weather.
I knew I wanted an oversized turtleneck since I do not care for sweaters that are clingy. I rarely stop in Forever 21. I honestly just do not have the patience to go through that store. However, after several deep breathes, a girlfriend and I decided to quickly stop in. Within 5 minutes, I had like 5 pieces in my hand that I wanted to try on. I feel in love with this cozy sweater and hat. For the price, this hat was a steal, thank you Forever! Remember my winter white post, as much as I am obsessed with my white J. Crew hat, I was in need of a darker color hat for winter. Do you have a good winter hat or turtleneck, do share! Pulled together with this statement necklace from Bauble Bar, this is my go-to Brunch look! Cheers!
Keep in touch,
Dani
Valentine’s Day Red
February 11, 2015 by Drafts & Crafts
During the week of Valentine’s, it is my obligatory time to wear the color red. Here is my Valentine’s outfit, perfect for date night with my sweetheart.
{Sweater: Old Navy} {Skirt: Zara}
{Blanket Scart: Target} {Heels: J. Crew}
{Clutch: J. Crew, WANT} {Striped Bracelet: Hermes}
{Double Pearl Bracelet: Piperlime, similar} {Peach Necklace: Stella & Dot}
Shake, shake, shake…SALE, SALE, SALE.. shake your booty! Both this skirt and this sweater are currently on sale in stores for $10… yes, $10. This black skirt is the perfect midi with just the right amount of flare. I always find myself looking for something red in February (anyone else?) and this sweater is the perfect little addition to my closet. The sweater also comes in blush pink and deep red, swoon. I am going to wear this outfit on Friday night and a dress on Saturday night. Did I mention, Saturday is my one year wedding anniversary!?!?! I am beyond excited and in disbelief that it has been a whole year since marrying my best friend! 🙂 Yes, I am that girl who got married on Valentines Day… “And the haters gonna hate, hate, hate, hate.” Next post is going to be my wedding recap & some of my wedding DIY’s… stick around, I am pretty excited to share!
What are you going to wear this Valentine’s Day?
Keep in keep,
Dani
Winter Whites
January 28, 2015 by Drafts & Crafts
Winter whites is a tricky look to pull off. I am a fan of wearing white, but this look during winter forced me to step outside of my comfort zone and try something new.
{Shirt: J. Crew Factory, sold out} {Faux Fur Vest: Target}
{Pants: J. Crew} {Hat: J. Crew}
{Boots: Enzo Angiolini} {Bag: Michael Kors}
{Bracelets: Bourbon & Boweties, buy here}
Weeeeee! Does this hat look familiar?? It was my favorite Summer hat, I can’t believe I am pulling it out during the chilly winter season. My white hat and my white pants, for a not-so-white winter here in DC. Normally I would not wear white outside of season, but I had this crazy idea in mind, and I am glad I tried it. Let’s be honest, white may not be the most flattering color on me but I am fine with that. My advice for pulling off white in winter is move to south florida where people wear white all year around… Ok, Ok, I am only kidding (kind of)! I believe winter whites should pair white with deep and dark colors. White looks great against reds, navy, hunter green, browns, and black. Do you wear white in the winter.. please share your tips for pulling off the look!
Keep in touch,
Dani
White Picket Fence Dress
January 23, 2015 by Drafts & Crafts
TGIF! Nothin’ I love more than a dress that I can wear to work then grab dinner in after… wait, it gets better.. this plaid dress is on sale for less than $15 dollars at the Gap (in-store sale) – boom!
{Dress: Gap} {Belt: J. Crew Factory}
{Bag: Michael Kors} {Boots: Enzo Angiolini}
{Watch: Michael Kors}
I can not get enough plaid (and donuts) these days. I am holding onto plaid until Spring is upon us and with snow on the forcast tomorrow, spring is no where in sight. Run, don’t walk… each of these items in this post are on sale now! This dress was on sale IN STORES for $13, my kinda deal!
This girl has been crazy busy working on some fun projects to kick off 2015. Look for some new items in my Etsy shop coming soon! Also, I am working on my first custom wedding signage & I can’t wait to share it with y’all in a few months down the road!!
Keep in touch,
Dani
Primary Colors
January 8th, 2015 by Drafts & Crafts
Recently I have been wanting to live in comfortable clothes. I am sure this can be attributed to the fact that it has been less than 30 degrees out. For now, chucks and cozy sweaters will do.
{Scarf: Zara, look-a-like here} {Sweater: Forever21}
{Jeans: Loft} {Shoes: Converse, I wear kids size}
{Bag: Rebecca Minkoff} {Earrings: ILY couture}
{Bracelets: Hermes // Bourbon & Boweties}
{Glasses: Burberry}
I am digging this primary color scarf from Zara.. it is more like a blanket & I love it. Yes, it is as bulky as it looks, but it has come in extremely handy this past week when it was in the teens!! I can’t get enough of my ILY couture dual pearl earrings. It is nice how versatile they are, today they were dressed down for a casual Sunday funday in sneaks. At 40 degrees and sunny, this was perfect attire for my weekend stroll through DC.
Keep in touch,
Dani
How to Ad-dress a Snow day: Belted Blanket Scarf
January 6, 2014 by Drafts & Crafts
My blanket scarf and I enjoyed the first ‘real’ snow of the season today! This is my new favorite- an alternative way to wear the ever-so-popular blanket scarf!
{Scarf: Tartan Blanket, & here} {Shirt: White Long-sleeve Tee}
{Jeans: J. Crew Factory} {Bag: Stella & Dot} {Belt: J. Crew}
{Boots: Hunter} {Beanie: Nordstrom}
{Bracelets: Bourbon & Boweties}
Today was the first good snowfall of Winter in the DC metro area… & I loved it!! Time to bust out the hunter boots and some other warm gear! I am a Florida girl by definition but I get warm fuzzes every time I see my city covered in snow!! I obsess over wearing scarfs, sweaters, and layers on layers! Belting the ol’ blanket scarf was a chance I am glad that I took. This ensemble is high on my must-try trend list. It is easy- place the center of the scarf around your neck, like you would any normal scarf, then pull the sides down past your shoulders- complete the look by fastening your fav belt around your ‘true’ waist! Ta-da!
If your in a snowy area, enjoy the winter wonderful!!!
Keep in touch,
Dani
What is Black & White & Red all over?
January 4, 2015 by Drafts & Crafts
It is hard to adjust back to the cold weather after spending the first 2 weeks of winter in Florida. It has been rainy and cold since the hubs and I returned to VA, which means it time for the Hunter boots.
{Chambray: J. Crew Factory} {Scarf: Asos}
{Vest: Old Navy (in stores only at the moment)}
{Shirt: Target} {Jeans: J. Crew Factory}
{Boots: Hunter} {Beanie: Nordstrom} {Bag: Tory Burch}
My winter break/vacation has come to an end today.. this scarf makes me feel a little better. This grid scarf from Asos is now on sale for only $13!! The black and white scarf will pop against a nice accent color, I like red or brown for a pop of color during the winter months. I purchased this vest from Old Navy a little while back, it also comes in black and cream. Although the vests are no longer available online, I did see some in the store by my house recently. Hope everyone is staying warm! Unfortunately, this yucky weather is not helping my husband and I kick our 7+ day colds and it is back to work this girl tomorrow!
Keep in touch,
Dani
Cobalt + Plaid
December 18, 2014 by Drafts & Crafts
There is just something about cobalt blue that is so appealing to my eyes. What is better than a plaid scarf? A plaid scarf that is currently on sale.. Cheers to that!!
Did I mention I adore this shade of blue? Ok ok, I may be biased because it is also known as gator blue in my house (go gators!). I am digging this oversized plaid scarf that I purchased on black Friday from Asos. I have worn it a few times and received several compliments. I think this color combination is bright & playful, which makes the perfect scarf for the winter season that is settling in on us! Winter officially starts in 3 days, December 21!!
{Sweater: J. Crew, similar} {Plaid Scarf: Asos}
{Jeans: Loft} {Purse: Kate Spade, cobalt similar}
{Booties: J. Crew} {Necklace: Stella and Dot}
{Earrings: ILY Couture}
Can you believe we are only one week away from Christmas now?! I hope y’all have finished your shopping & wrapped all of your presents, but most importantly, I hope everyone spends this special holiday season with their family and friends!!
Keep in touch,
Dani
His & Her Holiday Travel Apparel
December 11, 2014 by Drafts & Crafts
When thinking about traveling, (plane, car, train, or bus) comfort is the first thing that comes to my mind! Yet, being comfortable does not mean you have to give up your sense of style. Find out where to get these fashionable ‘his & her’ totes, perfect for any type of travel!
HIS: {Plaid Shirt: J. Crew} {Sweater: Old Navy, similar}
{Pants: Old Navy} {Shoes: Nike}
{Men’s Weekender: ILY COUTURE}
HERS: {Dress: J. Crew Factory} {Scarf: Old Navy}
{Converse: Nordstrom, I buy kids size} {Hat: J. Crew}
{Wifey Tote: ILY COUTURE} {Earrings: ILY COUTURE}
I am a firm believer that being comfortable does not have to mean looking like a bum. Don’t get me wrong, we all have days where we just want to kick back and not get out of our PJ’s.. but being comfortable doesn’t have to mean only wearing sweatpants. When I saw this sporty dress from J. Crew Factory, I immediately saw myself throwing it on to run errands, grab a quick lunch, or getting comfy on my next flight. Throw on a hip baseball cap & VOILA, the look is complete!! I adore my monogrammed cap from J. Crew. I ordered it last winter and it has become a lazy-day/snow-day staple.
If you have not checked out the website, ILY COUTURE, I highly recommend taking a peek! One of my favorite fashion bloggers, Christine of HELLOFASHIONBLOG, is the creative genius behind the site. It really is a one-stop shop for adorable apparel; tees, sweatshirts, bags, jewelry, & much more! This may not be your first time seeing me sport my wifey tote, it is THE perfect “kitchen-sink” bag for all of my toting needs. I am happy to say that Jason loves his weekender bag as well! Every guy needs a go-to weekender, so why not have a fashionable one, right? These are both great gifts for your husband, wife, or BFF. We will both be rockin’ our bags for our trip to Florida for Christmas!! Can’t wait!!
Big thanks to Maya for taking the photos, & believe it or not, it starting snowing right after we finished!
Keep in touch,
Dani & Jason
Tartan Flannel
November 16, 2014 by Drafts & Crafts
The weather has dropped, which means it time to break out the warm flannel. I could live everyday in this boyfriend flannel from my fav store!
{Flannel: J. Crew} {Vest: Old Navy on sale!}
{Scarf: Old Navy} {Pants: J. Crew Factory}
{Clutch: J.Crew (not available) I really want the Clare V though}
{Booties: J. Crew on sale!}
This girl is tartan obsessed; I would like this tartan print in a pair of pajamas, a blanket, a throw pillow.. please and thank you!! I love the colors in this print, J. Crew has deemed it “bluegrass.” I may look a bit like a christmas tree, but this shirt is so warm and cozy.
Fun fact, these photos were taken at the Jones Point Lighthouse in Old Town, Alexandria. The point where I am standing represents where Maryland, Washington, DC, and Virginia all come together in a triangle point. Does that count as being in 3 places at once!? This was once a bustling port where trade took place in the late 1800’s. Captain John Smith (Pocahontas) sailed the Potomac here in the 1600’s. The lantern of the lighthouse has been preserved and is on display underground at the lighthouse. You can stand on the piece of glass that is over the lantern to look at it from above! So cool! I am beginning to really appreciate history these days!!
Keep in touch,
Dani
White House Attire
November 6, 2014 by Drafts & Crafts
I was in search of the perfect attire to wear on a private tour of the White House’s West Wing. After weeks of looking for a midi skirt, I finally found THE ONE!
My parents and brother came to visit my husband and I two weeks ago. We had the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to attend a private tour of the White House’s, West Wing. The tour was truly surreal, we were able to see the Cabinet’s office, the Roosevelt office, and the Oval Office. My favorite part of the tour was examining all of the historic, beautiful art! There was a giant gold-framed photo or painting on each wall. Fun fact, there are photos of President Obama lining the West Wing hallways that get changed every week, so they are all current photos of recent events. The quality of the photos are of course, nothing less than suburb.. I could have looked at them all for hours!
{Blazer: Loft} {Oxford: J. Crew Factory}
{Skirt: Zara} {Shoes: Nine West}
{Purse: Kate Spade}
I spent weeks looking for the perfect midi skirt! I must have looked at dozen different websites and then FINALLY I found a cute, simple, and affordable midi! THANK YOU ZARA for having my back!!! The skirt was not even out on the floor yet, but the saleswoman was nice enough to get it out of the back for me! It was only 40 bucks & I can not wait to wear it all fall and winter long!
Pictures from our tour, White House Press Room & West Wing Entrance:
Keep in touch,
Dani
The Coveted Blanket Scarf
October 30, 2014 by Drafts & Crafts
Call me basic, but I am proud to announce that the “infamous” look-a-like Zara blanket scarf has finally made its debut in my closet!
{Plaid Blanket Scarf: Here & Here}
{Sweater: J. Crew, similar J. Crew}
{Fringe crossbody: Ralph Lauren, here & here}
{Red Pants: Target, similar on sale}
{Flats: Nine West}
Big thanks to Cara for letting me take some pics at her beautiful home in Old Town & for the yummy apple cider donut on this perfect Kate Spade plate!
There are several websites and stores that are selling the Zara look-a-like scarf. This was so worth jumping on the bandwagon for. I love how large, cozy, and warm this plaid scarf is! I will defiantly be on the look out for another blanket scarf to keep me warm for the cold winter that they are calling for here in the DC area!
I love my fringed crossbody bag from Ralph Lauren. I bought this one last winter, so the new versions for this year recently came out. There is something about a good camel colored bag, especially with fancy fringes. I love light colored sweaters (white, grey, or beige) with jeans or dark pants, so there will be plenty more where this came from! Happy Halloween Y’all!
Keep in touch,
Dani
Moto + Camo
October 22, 2014 by Drafts & Crafts
I want to buy every “moto” jacket or sweater that I see! The Loft has some really cute moto coats, sweater, and leather jackets. Here is number one, of the two moto jackets I got during Loft’s fabulous 50% off sale.
{Jacket: Loft} {Scarf: J. Crew Factory}
{Jeans: Target} {Shoes: J. Crew}
I loveeee this comfy chic look! I have been wanting something camo for a long time. I bought a camo jacket a few months back but it did not fit right so it had to go back. I have gone back and forth with myself about buying the camo J. Crew Factory vest for awhile now. I adore the camo vest, but I do not think I would wear it as much as I would a solid color. So, in the mean time, this scarf from J. Crew Factory will be all the camo I need. Plus, it is outlined in pink and gray!
Recently, both Ann Taylor & Loft have had some awesome sales! Two weeks ago they had a day where everything in the store was 50% percent off. That day I asked the saleswoman if they have 50% off often.. she told me no, YET today I got the e-mail that everything in the store was 50% off, again! Loft has a great selection of jackets and sweaters for the fall and winter season! This moto is number one, of the two I purchased. Keep your eyes out for the next one!
Hope you are enjoying some fall weather and getting to break out your scarfs & sweaters!
Keep in touch,
Dani
Glad for Plaid & Fall
October 9, 2014 by Drafts & Crafts
It is finally is starting to feel more like fall, with chilly mornings and early-to-dark evening. I have been patiently waiting for this time of the year to bust out my utility coat that is just perfect for this time of the year.
{Shirt: Ralph Lauren} {Skirt: Target – on sale!}
{Jacket: J Crew, similar – on sale!} {Belt: J Crew Factory}
{Purse: Tory Burch, similar & similar} {Shoes: Old Navy)
Ok ok, I am guilty of this whole mad for plaid and pattern play thing. I love fall because layering is the best! On top of it, I am alwaysss hot so I look forward cold days where I can wear long sleeve and sweaters, where I can put on and take off layers as I please. I am swooning over all the colors in this get up. Against each other, each piece looks bold and crisp! Check out these items.. the skirt is only $13 dollars right now. J. Crew Factory is having some pretty good deals as well.
Keep in touch,
Dani
What’s Black and White and Cheetah all over?
October 1, 2014 by Drafts & Crafts
When in doubt, wear black and white.. and brown! Who said that you can not wear white after labor day? That is one rule I do not mind breaking. Here are a few Old Navy finds for under $15 each!
{V Neck Sweater: Target, similar} {Shirt: Old Navy}
{Pants: J. Crew Factory} {Shoes: Old Navy (J. Crew look-a-likes)}
{Crossbody: Rebecca Minkoff, similar}
Happy October Y’all! Lately, I have been seeing some trendy items from Old Navy that I really like. It is not a store that I often shop at because I feel like every time I go in there, it has been a miss for me. Finally, when I went in this past week, it was a HIT! If you are like me and have not shopped in Old Navy for some time now, I would recommend giving it another shot. They have tons of affordable clothes, shoes, and accessories that are cute for fall & winter!
Also, I am not concerned about wearing white pants past labor day, at least for a little while. White pants just look so good with dark colored tops and sweaters. I love the brown shoes with the black and white color combination. In other news, I want everything I see that is plaid or checkered these days, so this $9 Old Navy top was a win in my book!
Keep in touch,
Dani
ABC’s of Fall: Animal Print, Booties, & Chambray
September 14, 2014 by Drafts & Crafts
My ABC’s of Fall consist of animal prints, boot(ie)s, and enough chambray for days! This embellished Piperlime skirt is a great pick to kick off Fall AND it is on sale, SWOON!
{Embellished Skirt: Piperlime Sabine Isabel}
{Chambray: J. Crew Factory, also love} {Crossbody: Rebecca Minkoff, similar RM}
{Booties: Target, similar} {Arm Party: Bourbon & Boweties}
{Prop: Trader Joe’s Pumpkin, only $1.99!}
I am SO excited for Fall! I adore everything about the soon-to-be-season, especially the weather and fashion! This skirt was inspired by one of my favorite fashion bloggers, Gals Meets Glam. I am so glad I purchased this on skirt from Piperlime. I find myself wearing my beloved J. Crew Factory chambray at least once a week. I recently purchased a second one because my top from two years ago was that worn! I threw in this RM leopard crossbody bag for a little pattern play, it just works. Shout out to my mother for being so good to me and giving up her bag for me 🙂
Hope your weather is cooling off so you can enjoy a hot pumpkin spice latte!
Keep in touch,
Dani
LBD: from Summer to Fall & from Work to Play
August 31, 2014 by Drafts & Crafts
It is practically September and Fall is upon us (yay)! My plan is to only purchase pieces for my wardrobe that will transition nicely into Fall, I am even keeping Winter in mind. I am starting off my fall look with this LBD (little black dress).
{Dress: J Crew Factory} {Belt: J Crew or Target}
{Shoes: Sole Society Heels} {Purse: Kate Spade (similar)}
{Necklace: J Crew Factory (very similar & similar)}
I just love this little black dress, especially pulled together with a cheetah belt! Add a pop of color to complete the look by accessorizing with a bright purse or necklace. Now that I have started a new job where business casual is the appropriate attire, I am going to attempt to buy staple pieces for my closet that can be both great for work & play. I believe this dress is perfect for a day at the office & then head straight to happy hour for a night on the town.
P.S. most of these items are on sale now!
Keep in touch,
Dani
Bask in the Fun
August 3, 2014 by Drafts & Crafts
Bask in the sun with this panama hat, it seems like the most blogged about hat of the summer! I love how versatile this hat is, throw it on for date night or hide some frizz to go brunching.
{Top: Embroidered Tank} {Pant: White denim, similar here}
{Hat: Panama for J. Crew // J. Crew Factory has one too, link unavailable}
{Shoes: Sole Society} {Purse: Zac Posen}
I have seen this hat on my favorite bloggers all summer long.. now I get the obsession! It really is a fun and versatile hat that could be dressed up or dressed down as we end the season with some hot summer days. I know I will continue to wear this hat while transitioning into fall, it goes with anything! The J. Crew one is a bit pricey, but the J. Crew factory one was on sale this past week for $18. Holla! Also scored this top for the low too, the details are really pretty!
One more thing, I love these sole society pumps! I wanted black heels with ankle straps and these are the perfect height. Three inches is the new perfect heel height for me, they are easy to walk in and they are comfortable too! Fit true to size. 🙂
Keep in touch,
Dani
Tropic of Interest: this Citrus Shift Dress
July 23, 2014 by Drafts & Crafts
{Dress: J. Crew Citrus Shift also like this & that} {Sandals: Target}
{Clear Clutch: Michael Kors(old) similar} {Bracelet: Bourbon and Boweties}
The arrow print details in this shift dress are swoonful. From far away it appears to be solid citrus, but close up there is a lot going on AND it has POCKETS! I love the navy trim against the neon color. This dress was originally $99 and is now on sale for $40 from J. Crew… the perfect mid-summer addition to any closet. This dress comes in petite, regular, & tall so it will be great for any-body. Stay tuned for my other J. Crew sale purchases.
Must See Attractions: These photos were taken at the Philip Carter Winery in Hume, VA. Some friends shared this gem of a spot with us, now it is our favorite winery around. We enjoy visiting this winery with family or escaping for a day to get some R&R. It is amazing to live 15 minutes from DC and in the opposite direction, just an hour from mountains. I would highly recommend Philip Carter Winery; the wine and views are spectacular! The photos with the bridge in the background were taken at The Battle of Bull Run, a Civil War historic landmark in Manassas, VA.
Keep in touch,
Dani
Feeling a little Fruit-tee + with a side of Wifey Tote
July 13, 2014 by Drafts & Crafts
Fruit-filled fashion is the summer rage. You can find festive fruit attire in every corner you turn. I love this laid back tank from J.Crew, makes me feel a little bit fruit-tee! Plus the perfect tote for any wifey or soon-to-be!
My favorite fruit to wear lately has been pineapple! What is better than pineapple? Pineapple along with every other fruit being featured on this tank from J. Crew. The fruit layout is symmetric, giving a cheerful look to the white tank. I paired it with light pink jeans but my second choice would be denim shorts. I really love the scooped sides of the tank, but I do wish the overall length was a little longer. I read reviews that some taller women had tried the shirt on and decided not to buy it because their midriff was showing. The fruit tank is also available in kids, TWINS with your little princess!
{Fruit tank: J. Crew} {Pants: Anthro Old, similar here and here}
{Tote: ILY Couture} {Sandal: Loeffler Randall}
This Wifey Tote would make an amaze bridal shower or wedding day gift for your BFF… or just the perfect treat for yourself! I love all the Wifey merchandise from ILY couture. ILY couture is the shop that is associated with one of my favorite blogs, Hello Fashion. The website has some really cute apparel for any wifey, mommy, or expecting mama. Check her out, www.ilycouture.com
Keep in touch,
Dani
July 4th Mini Vacay: CHECK
July 5, 2014 by Drafts & Crafts
There is nothing quite like spending America’s birthday in an old, historic town. My husband and I decided to spend the Fourth in the Shenandoah Valley/Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. Check out my relaxed patriotic look to reveal the ideal summer dress.
{Stripe Dress: Merona Target} {Red Rancher Hat: Anthropologie}
{Scalloped Sandals: Marmy Loeffler Randall (amazon for half off)}
{Purse: Cedar Street Maise Kate Spade}
(Jason’s Socks: J Crew}
Sometimes getting away for a night or two is just what the doctor ordered. Jason and I had a 48-hour adventure to the Shenandoah Valley, Blue Ridge Mountains, and Massanutten Mountains. We went mountain biking, drove Skyline Drive, relaxed by the pool, toured caverns, ate local, and enjoyed the fireworks. Mountain biking is always a blast, but also a bit nerve-racking. Jason is an expert and I do my best to keep up with him. We hit 20 miles per hour down a rocky mountain and climbed 1000 ft in total for the afternoon! We are still sore!
If you ever have the chance to drive along Skyline Drive, do it! It was created in the 1930’s and is a scenic highway the runs along the middle (and on top) of the Blue Ridge Mountains. It has breathtaking views and over 40 look-out points. After an adrenaline filled day, we just wanted to get comfy, check out our hotel, and see some fireworks. We stayed at a Historic Hotel of America. The Mimslyn Inn was built in 1931 and is located in Luray, VA. I adore these classic hotels, they have so much charm! Jason and I got married at one of these hotels in Jacksonville Beach, FL: The Casa Marina.
To make it even better, we found out after we booked the reservation that we know the previous owner of the hotel’s family. My wonderful girlfriend, Rebecca and her family, use to spend each Christmas with her family at this vintage hotel! We truly enjoyed our stay and the service was top of the line!! Here are some snaps of my casual Fourth of July look, as well as some vacay shots! This dress is per-fecto for any summer day! I bought this dress at Target in two different colors. The dress could be dressed down with flats or sandals or dressed up with a statement necklace and wedges. It is IDEAL!
These shoes are bad, the good kind of bad.. the cats meeooow. Jessie Randall of Loeffler Randall makes some beautiful sandals. I have had my eyes on these scalloped sandals for so long. I could not bring myself to spend $200 on them…. buuuut when I saw them on Amazon for half off, I caved. I am sorry. You can find them on several other website like, Club Monaco, Piperlime, or Shopbop but size and colors choices are very slim on each website. That’s all.
Hope everyone enjoyed their holiday weekend!
National Geographic calls this part: ^BACON Cavern^
Keep in touch,
Dani
News Flash: Flashy Florals for Summer
June 23, 2014 by Drafts and Crafts
Flashy Florals are perfect for those warm summer days and nights. I love when neon is paired with a deep color, like these bright flowers sealed in navy.
{Top: J Crew Factory} {Pants: J Crew Factory}
(Shoes: Amazon, Qupid} {Necklace: J Crew Factory}
The color I am digging most for summer is Citron, a yellow-green neon. J Crew and J Crew Factory have been showcasing this color for the past few months, I just can not seem to get enough. I bought these inexpensive pumps for summertime, although I wish they were wedges. They look great with both pants and dresses and you can not go wrong with the right price! I kept seeing this Factory necklace, my store was out of it so I ordered it online.. Ooppss! This statement necklace is on point, it is dainty and makes a great match for a basic tee.
The back of this sleeveless wonder says it all, a bow at the top and a slit at the bottom. I love all the details, but the colors in the top are something to talk about. I got several compliments at my little cousins graduation party! I chose to pair the top with white pants to pull out the white that is around the flowers. AND How cute is this old mason jar holder… what is better than one mason jar…TWO!
Keep in touch,
Dani
Long Summer Days Ahead
June 22, 2014 by Drafts & Crafts
With long summer days ahead, I am taking advantage of my last days to wear dark denim before it gets too hot. From here on out it will be light denim, dresses, & skirts.
{Shirt: Collective Concept} {Pant: Paige Black Denim} {Shoes: Target, similar here}
{Clutch: J Crew, similar here} {Bracelets: Bourbon and Boweties}
I love all my black jeans, but I am going to do my best to put them to rest for the summer. My husband and I spent the weekend in New Jersey with my mother and close family friends. We could not have asked for better weather, it was absolutely beautiful. I am savoring these last few days before it is back up to 90 degrees. I bought this top months ago and only wore it once. I adore the faux leather details and the flowy-ness of the shirt. It was great top to throw on before a fun dinner with friends and family. Carrying the calf hair pouch made the outfit even sweeter. I finally bought the clutch/pouch from J. Crew’s when it went on sale, there are several stores that sale similar ones.
Wedges, wedges, wedges.. summer = wedges. Target made these awesome wedges last year and they have done it yet again. I would recommend these shoes, they are so comfy and go with anything. I had them on all day and my feet did not even hurt.. that is rare!
Keep in touch,
Dani
All the Hype: Everything Stripe
June 20, 2014 by Drafts & Crafts
It seems like the only thing I am wearing these days are stripes, and I am OK with that.
{Dress: J Crew Factory} {Shoes: Ralph Lauren, last year style, new style here}
{Necklace: Baublebar, old, here is similar} {Bracelets: both are Bourbon & Boweties}
{Bag: Kate Spade Cedar Street Maise, sale colors}
We have been busy-bee’s since moving into our new home about a month ago. It feels like I have not had a long night out-out in a while. I was excited to wear this J Crew Factory dress, especially since it is black and white stripes, a great combination. The best part, it’s on sale!! I like to rock a solid, bright colored shoe when I wear stripes so these Ralph Lauren Wedges were a must. These wedges are comfortable and stunning, if I do say so myself! I am currently obsessed with Bourbon and Boweties bracelets.. thanks to my bestie, Jenna, who got me one for my birthday! The bracelets stack great with the ever-so popular Alex and Ani bracelets as well.
Keep in touch,
Dani