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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A new chair, ottoman, or even sofa could be yours.
May the most pinteresting person win.

"I hate waiting in lines and bet you do too. Email me, I'll send you a VIP invite for an instant access Pinterest account. Otherwise you could be waiting for days."

DesignerDANNusa@gmail.com

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