Traveling In Style

I absolutely love traveling...so many fun places to see and be seen!  That being said, it can be a lot of work and after a few hours on a plane, even the most stylish of us can appear a little disheveled.  Here are my best tips for traveling in style:

1.  Wear your heaviest items:  This helps in two ways.  First of all, it is ALWAYS chilly on the plane.  Second of all, wearing the bulk helps to make more room in your bag!

2.  Sunglasses are glam.  They can hide those pesky undereye circles due to in-flight dehydration, mask the fact that you didn't have time to freshen up your makeup, and best of all?  You can sneak a quick nap in the airport in between connections!

3.  Scarves!  They can help keep you warm and brighten up a blah outfit.

4.  Ballet slippers.  Ladies, there is NOTHING fab about a woman hobbling in heels.  And by the end of a day en route to a vacay, you want to be comfortable.  

Check out Jessica Simpson's easy, stylish airport looks!  What are your travel go-tos?

Putting It All Together

Guys and girls, ladies and gentlemen, where are all those fabulous clothes I keep hearing about you buying? The fashion industry is a multi-billion dollar business, soI know you are buying the goods. Why aren’t you wearing any of them?

I travel a great deal for my work. I have to say that I am appalled by way people everywhere are dressed! When did being comfortable become and excuse for sloppy and dirty? Who wears short shorts and flip flops with a dirty t-shirt on an airplane? Who ever said slouchy was akin to style? Pajama bottoms are NOT slacks and while I am at it, neither are sweat pants! I am asking you to take pride in yourselves again.

The great costume designer, Edith Head once said, “You can have anything in life you want, as long as you are dressed for it.” Words to live by my friends. In closing I will add, clothes should make you a force to be reckoned with!


Ps.  See this outfit?  It's only a few, casual pieces but together?  It's killer!  Take the time to put yourself together, people! 

I Can't Believe It...It's Almost Here!

It is just a little over a week before the launch of my new line of upholstered furniture. I suppose it is needless to say that I am VERY excited. I flew to Highpoint, NC (furniture capital of North America) last week to finally see all of the pieces together and I can only say, WOW! They are even better than I had hoped. A typical launch of an upholstery line is about 8 to 10 pieces. The new Dann line will premiere with more than 20 styles of sofas, chairs, ottomans, stools, daybeds and one sumptuous and fabulous bed! My hope was always to create a line of furniture accessible to everyone. Style at the right price!

I cannot wait for all of you to find them in your local furniture storesand from stylish designers everywhere. I can promise you that they are gorgeous, comfortable, well priced...and STYLISH! Start asking your dealers and designers for the Dann line of furniture NOW!

Living Well is ALWAYS In Fashion!

Fashion is a love of mine.  And LIVING WELL is always in fashion!  How does my DANNion apply to clothes?  Glad you asked!  



Ladies, I don’t care what size you are.  I just want your clothes to fit!  You will never look fabulous if you refuse to buy the right size.  Fit your body for today!  That is what will make you feel better about the way look, not the 10 pounds you keep promising yourself to lose.  It is not unusual for you to go up and down as many as three sizes between labels before you find the right fit.  Don’t let the size label throw you.  It is the fit that makes it beautiful, not the tiny label inside.  



Yves Saint Laurent once said, “Over the years I have learned that what is important in a dress is the woman who is wearing it.”  Nothing I could say about fashion could be more eloquent than that.  I want everyone reading this to remember that every time you go shopping.  That new dress won’t change your life but it can give you the confidence to become the woman you dream of being.  Remember, you are supposed to wear the clothes, they are not supposed to wear you!  



Ever since Carrie Bradshaw donned her first pair of Manolo’s, women have been obsessed with shoes.  I get it girls, fabulous shoes, make you feel, well, FABULOUS.  Truth be told, it’s the same thing for men. We feel more powerful, sexier in a great pair of shoes.  So, why is it if women are spending billions on shoes that I see so many women in nothing but flip-flops and sneakers?  Where are all these shoes you are buying?  Hidden in the backs of your closets waiting to see the light of day?  Remember, it doesn’t matter what you are wearing…hot shoes make your outfit more fabulous!  Take a tip from Carrie, evening shoes don’t have to wait until after dark to shine.  



What are the fashion tips you follow to LIVE WELL?

Making Sure Your Great Room Is GREAT!

Why are so many “great rooms”… NOT so great!?  I think the idea of one big room for cooking, dining, entertaining and eating is a terrific idea.  The problem I see time and time again is the lack of vision and creativity in these not-so-great rooms.   



The trick is to bring the volume down to create intimacy.  I create groupings of furniture throughout the room to work for one or two people and then as a whole for larger groups.  I hang large lanterns and chandeliers to bring the height down and lots of fabric and rugs to cut down on echo and allow for brilliant conversation.   



Another key aspect of any GREAT great room is the acoustics.  The volume of space also plays havoc with sound systems and audio equipment.  This is the most overlooked detail of these huge rooms.  How “great” can it be if you can’t hear your huge plasma tv!  A professional is invaluable to assure proper sound.  



I also love to use lighting as a way to re-purpose the great room throughout the day.  Warm lighting for parties creates an intimate feel, window coverings are a necessity for cutting glare on the television, and of course spot lights to highlight beautiful walls!  



What are some of the issues that you have (or have had) with your great room?

Powder Rooms: Little Room But Big Statements!

Powder rooms are the new black.  Well, not really, but they are DEFINITELY important.  Think about it…they are the only room that you know all guests will get to see, no matter what!  Because of the size of these little design gems, you can totally experiment easily without renovating your house’s décor.  



Experiment idea #1: Color!  This is your chance to break with the other color schemes in your house and try something totally different.   



Experiment idea #2: Textures.  Try a simple, woven rug and luxurious hand towels.  Or fun, brocade window coverings.  Amazing!  



Experiment idea #3:  Fragrance.  Buy some really yummy candles.  The small size of the room will carry the smell, so make sure it’s fabulous but not overpowering!  



Tell me, what about your powder room makes it special?

Don't Cheapen Your Decor With Photographs: A How-To On Displaying Pictures

I’m not going to make friends with this observation: Picture frames are the most OVERUSED accessory in home décor today.  Yes, I know that they are an easy way to decorate.  But don’t cheapen your décor. 



Follow these guidelines to make sure that your frames work in good taste:  



1)    Be choosy with your pics!  You want the picture to be pretty and timeless.  With all of the easy ways to edit pictures today (even iPhones have options!), there is NO excuse for shoddy shots.



2)    Be just as picky with the frames you use.  Even the best picture of you and your beloved will be ugly with a broken or faded frame!



3)    Know that some places do NOT need pictures.  The bathroom, for instance, is a spot where no photographs are necessary. 



4)    A great way to make an impact with your pictures?  A picture wall!  Choose a well-lit wall and tell your story…and watch your guests congregate to see the “show!”



PS.  Further proof that a good grouping of pictures can be timeless and effortless?  This picture is from a magazine I was featured in over 10 years ago!  Talk about good style!

First Things First: A Glam Front-Door!

Let’s start from the very beginning. First impressions are lasting...so your front door better be fabulous! What are people seeing when they are at your front door? Things they SHOULDN’T be seeing: dirty doormats, peeling paint, dead flowers...or even worse, FAKE flowers. Major no-no.



It’s easy to give your home a facelift, even on a budget. Here are my quick and easy suggestions:



1) Sweep! Make sure your stoop/front porch/step is dirt-free and welcoming.



2) Put a fresh coat of paint on that door! Sun, wind and moisture can weather a door’s appearance. If you can’t paint, at least keep it clean. And just for fun: Install a handsome knocker or kickplate. Tres elegant!



3) Plant some flowers in a pretty pot. Keep it simple and make sure to keep up with them...NO dead bulbs or weeds.



And...voila! Instant glam. And send me pictures...I want to see what you’ve done!

Designer DANN Foley {Lifestyle Interiors}

Curious...what do you think of my new furniture line? I'll show you a piece each day, just promise me real feedback. Would you put this in your home or not? If so, where? If not, why? 

The DANN Brand!

I am so very excited to tell all my followers first… This April will mark the launch of the Dann brand! I will be introducing my very first license with upholstered furniture. Sofas, chairs, ottomans, benches, screens, sectionals, daybeds and one very glamorous bed! The time has come, I have been pushing for this for a long time. My high style, high end upholstery that I do for my private clients will now be available to everyone…at a price affordable to all! When I was first approached about doing a line I knew I wanted my furniture to be value conscious as it is stylish. I want everyone to be able to access my high end designs. I have created exclusive shapes and fabrics to be offered through retailers and designers nationwide. I have always been a strong advocate of the idea that, not everything is supposed to cost a million dollars. Good design is good design. It comes in every price point but, it's a great deal harder to find In more reasonable price points. Chalk one up for the rest of us, the new line Dann of upholstered furniture will help everyone live better! Be on the lookout for more information about this exciting launch and I will be giving my followers sneak peeks at some of the pieces as we get closer to April!

XO- DANN

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Bagging a Gift Is Like Wearing MOM Jeans

Wrapping…It is as important as the gift itself! 
I am a serious believer in presentation. 

Duh, I'm Designer Dann! Presentation is everything! I am fond of saying I can serve s#@* on a shingle but, my guest will eat it up because I serve it to them with Flair! 





Gift giving is nodifferent folks. Sometimes it doesn't even matter what you are giving, if the presentation has panache! I have a few rules-of-thumb, when it comes to my own gift wrap that I am happy to share with you. First of all, I keep a large selection of Holiday wrapping paper around, every style, color, theme. You don't have to keep as much wrap as I do but, you should be selective. don't settle for the first roll you set your eyes on, buy something you like. I buy most of my paper at discount stores like, Target, Tuesday Morning and Homegoods, Marshalls, and TJ Maxx. (Some would say I'm a Maxxanisto!) Regarless of the store...the price is always right!


Second, you MUST learn to make a bow! Nothing says, "I could care less" than a stick on bow! I wish I could have you all here in my studio and show you how easy it is to make a brilliant bow but, since that isn't feasible, let me say you can make a beautiful presentation by simply tying a sweet bow like a shoelace.

And then the easier flourish of all, pick up a small ornament to tie into your ribbon. It's like jewelry for your gift box! Is love it when they are glittery too, they add shine and sparkle! You don't want to spend more money you say, how about clipping a fresh sprig of holly or rosemary and tie it with your bow! These are small efforts that make a huge impact on those you think enough of to give a gift. Remember, chances are the gift will be under the tree or on the hall table for hours or days before it is opened, let your gift wrap be the one everyone is talking about, I know mine will be! HAPPY HOLIDAYS!


Notice: There is absolutely no way, no how a BAG would be on me or handed to ANYONE I'd consider giving a gift to! It's a sign of dispicable laziness that you should be ashamed of! Bags and mom jeans are for poorly dressed people...I can only hope I've saved you from being one! 

Happy Holidays,
xo,
DANN 

Designer Tricks To Gift Giving

Holiday gift giving can be as stressful and dental surgery for some… do what I do????

Keep a stock pile of small hostess gifts in a drawer or in a box in your closet. That way you always have a go-to spot when you need a quick gift. Ok, so you are saying to yourself, "It's so easy for Designer Dann to say but, a little late for my party tonite." Well, I still have a few tricks up my sleeve for you....

Frames! One of the most given gifts EVER! An easy choice but, there are a few rules to live by. First of all, be sure that the style of the frame actually works with the décor of the house it is intended. Frames may be the easiest gift to give but, they are also the most re-gifted item we receive! LOL To assure your gift frame is received with joy and gratitude, put a photo of yourself with that person in the frame! Don't have a photo handy? Print a favorite quote or poem or even a picture of your favorite still or landscape. The truth is, it is the picture and the message, not the frame that will be cherished.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
xo, 
DANN

P.S. Yes, the frame featured is a Missoni. 

Cheap & Cheerful Holiday Make Up Tips: There's NO EXCUSE For you to LOOK LIKE A CLOWN!

Ladies, when it comes to your makeup, you want it festive, NOT clown-like!

A smoky eye is sexy. Ruby red lips are sexy. Together they just make you look like hooker! LOL Example below.The trick here is to choose ONE. It's either the eyes or the lips. Which ever you choose will be fabulous but, the other should be neutral.


Today's look is more sophisticated than theatrical. Though we all want a little extra "sparkle" for that Holiday party, what you don't want is to look like a cartoon. And, when in doubt, have a professional apply your makeup. It's easy and doesn't have to cost a fortune. Plan ahead, call your salon and make the appointment for the afternoon of your party. Here's a little secret…go to your favorite department store makeup counter and have them apply it for FREE! Just don’t go too soon before your big party!




One last thing ladies, remember, there is nothing more beautiful than confidence! Stand tall, put on a smile and own the room when you walk in! ENJOY & HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

xo,
DANN

Themed Trees Are Tacky!

Ask anyone, Designer Dann is THE ULTIMATE XMAS fanatic! Seriously, I start planning my decorations, cards, gifts, food and even my wrapping in July! I LOVE CHRISTMAS! 

The first question I am always asked is, "What theme is your tree?" I have to be honest, this is not a question I like. My answer is always the same, I don't believe in "themed" trees. My Xmas tree is the story of my life. In my family, we have always collected ornaments. We gather them from every place we have ever visited. My parents would travel all over the world when I was growing up and my favorites gifts were always the ornaments. I continue that tradition and buy ornaments as memento's of my own travels. My friends and family buy me ornaments as gifts and I have ornaments fr

om my parents, grand parents and even my great grandparents. My tree is truly the history of my life and my family. I put over 600 ornaments of my tree every year! It takes me about 6 hours to decorate it and I unwrap each little item with great reverence and wonder every year…and yes, I even have a good cry over some along the way. I LOVE CHRISTMAS!
My advice for creating a beautiful Christmas tree is the same for creating a beautiful room, only use the things you love. Things with meaning, history, desire and deep emotion are the things that last. They are the things with the most meaning. During the Season, I take a few minutes every evening and sit in my living room with only a fire and my tree to illuminate the room. I wonder at the beauty of my tree and reminisce oner the history of each ornament. I revel, even wallow in the good spirit and joy of the Season. I wish each of you the same wonder and delight in your own tree!

Feel free to share your tree pictures on my Facebook wall (www.Facebook.com/DesignerDANN) or Tweet them to me (@DesignerDANN).

Merry Xmas,
xo,
DANN 

Do YOU have an ugly door? Get the 411 on how to create Door Envy! Designer Dann shares NO CO$T ideas that will leave your guests impressed! Watch this.......

A man MURDERED in his OWN HOUSE? YES! World famous architect, Francis Rattenbury WAS! And NOW my current project is the VERY house where the CRIME took place! Take a look. Who's the PRIME suspect? In our ongoing game of "Clue", who would be YOUR guess? Professor Plum and Miss Scarlet, with a rope in the Dining Room? No! What professor do you know that wears purple? And Miss Scarlet? With that HIDEOUS red gown, she's TRYING to ATTRACT widowers, NOT KILL THEM! Stay posted--we'll solve the MYSTERY together!

Most Women Have NO CLUE: How To Dress A Man

As many of you know Dann Inc is a full service Lifestyle Design Company. I dress as many people as I do rooms!  

This past week while I was working in Las Vegas I had a chance to spend some time with a prominent manufacturer, who recognizes the importance of personal style as an extension of who is as a person, as well as, a design professional. No! He's not gay! Don't even go there, just because a man doesn't want to look like he rolled out of bed with a 10-year old suit on! He's my favorite kind of client! Someone who already has great taste and a defined sense of style but, wants to be exposed to fresh ideas and new looks with someone can lend an eye to what they are seeing in the mirror.  

So, the issue at hand was....this gentleman and his wife are going to Scotland for a very high brow, luxuriously styled wedding. Since it is going to be a destination wedding, there would be several days of events and parties that would require some great outfits. Most importantly, the wedding suit… it had to be stylish and hip, yet age appropriate and work with his wife’s hat!  

Where did we enter to begin a fabulous shopping trip?  Ted Baker!!!! (http://www.tedbaker.com/) One of my favorite Men’s designers! So, take some advice from me, I don’t believe in wasting money. This suit had to be worn to a formal, daytime wedding but I had no intention of letting my client buy a one-time-wear outfit.  

The first thing to remember is, it takes time….you have no choice but, to try on a bunch of clothes! Those people who run out and think I will just buy whatever is in my size without trying it on, end up looking like… that is exactly what they did! After several tries, we settled on an amazingly cut deep charcoal silk suit. The color and style lends itself to the daytime event and silk gives the suit enough shine to appear formal. Instead of a traditional formal shirt, we chose an amazing floral design of purple and lavender and black on a cream background….really HOT looking!  

Then, the task of accessorizing a man without making him too much of a “dandy”, if you know what I mean. I added a multi-colored pocket square in every shade of purple and berry and a solid black silk satin tie from Etro. We debated on using a bow tie...I was appalled to find that even in a store like Ted Baker, all of the men’s bow ties were clip-ons! It is time to stop and give one my very few NEVER rules….no one over the age of 12 should EVER wear a clip on bowtie! There are NO EXCEPTIONS to this rule!  

Another tip, this season, as in the past several, men’s suits are being cut slimmer with shorter jackets. For many men this means you have to go up a size, at least. I have to laugh because; men and women are so much alike when it comes to their sizes in clothing. I have seen just as many men panic over and increase in size as women. My rule is, size doesn’t matter, fit DOES! The complete outfit is high style, appropriate for both the occasion and the gentleman’s age AND it can be broken up into its pieces and worn any number of times afterward!  

Style & Value….they always go hand in hand! Oh, and did I mention that we purchase all of the items at the Ted Baker and Etro Factory Stores (http://www.etro.it/) at significant savings?? Well we did! Which left plenty left over for an amazing touring coat that he will surely need on some off the day expeditions they are taking while in Scotland!   

xo~ DANN  

P.S. Post your style dilemma on my http://www.Facebook.com/DesignerDANN page. I'll answer you back ASAP with advice you shouldn't live without!

What's Hot This Summer For Fall: FACE IT...BIGGER IS BETTER!

Well, well, well everyone! Yes, I know a well is a whole in the ground!

Beau and I found bottomless wells at the markets filled with fashions for your home. World Market Las Vegas was the BIGGie on the west coast and we just returned from a VERY busy week shopping for clients. As if I'm the Designer of the Americas, Canada and the world for that matter, I've prepared some tips that will open your home horizons as you “feather your own nests" for fall....

First, linen is still HUGE in everything for your home! What I am seeing is, the trend is now morphing by using color, metallics and stenciling on natural linen to give it a fresh PUNCH! Upholstery, draperies, pillows.. you name it and it will be covered in every form of linen imaginable.

Accessories still run the gambit from formal to casual, big to small. Ceramics and porcelains continue to be the strongest purchases for us at Dann Inc. Every size, every shape, every style. I have been buying large scale porcelains, think 24” round bowls and 30” vases in solid colors. What I love most about them is, you don’t have to fill them with anything! They look great just because they are BIG! Sometimes they're bigger than I am! These babies make a statement.

Think, fewer pieces, better pieces and scale. Value and style always go hand-in-hand at Dann Inc. We worked every possible avenue and dealer at all the markets to ensure our clients the best merchandise at the best price. This is still the most important piece of the buying puzzle these days. I know you will see value in the coming season as these beautiful new products make their way to your favorite stores and boutiques.

Remember, this isn’t brain surgery, it’s just decorating! You can’t get it wrong, so relax and enjoy the process!

~DANN

P.S. Follow this blog for future updates or find my daily tips on www.Facebook.com/DesignerDANN

Going Green!

It's almost St. Patty's Day and green is everywhere! Spring is alive and blooming here in Southern California and it has me thinking about anything green. Not just eco-friendly green but, literally the color green!

Green is one of the most asked for and beloved shades in the rainbow. It can almost be called universally appealing and flattering. There are as many shades of green in a palette are there are in nature and I cannot think of a one that I don't like! From deep forest green to the ever popular, sage to the palest shade of celadon, green is fabulous!!

The newest shades of green for the season are being called "Pear" and "lemongrass". Both are truly gorgeous colors. Pear is really a softer version of chartreuse, less acid and more warmth. While lemongrass is a beautiful yellow/green. Think of the coat and dress Mrs. Obama wore for the inauguration.... sophisticated and warm, like the woman herself.

The latest shade of green making a BIG comeback is, avocado green! Remember all those avacado green and harvest gold appliances of the seventies!? I think both the Brady and Partidge families may have had them! LOL. In this reincarnation, avacado green is richer, more akin to the flesh of a kiwi, if you ask me. The latest products being shown at many of the industry shows I attend around the U.S. include a great deal of avacado leather... and it is glorious!

While the old Forest Green has gone deeper and richer and I am calling it Versaille. It's that green that is so deep it can be mistaken for black. Use this green on window frames and mullions to create a gorgeous European appearance to your windows. Or, paint that tired outdoor furniture in this deep color and give it new life! Keep a lookout, if I am seeing these shades of green at the buyers shows now, you will be seeing them on the shelves of your favorite design stores and showrooms very soon!

Pear is the new Chartreuse

Kelly is the new Avacado

Lemongrass is the new Sage

Versailles is the new Forest

Live Well!

Dann