Styling on a budget? It’s a jungle out there and despite how easy Marshalls and ‘Savvy Fashionista‘ TJMaxx commercials make it look; finding deals takes time and is not always so fun.

How do you mix and match high-end splurges with Forever21 staples? One of my favorite timeless looks is ‘Safari Style’ inspired by neutrals and animal print. Of course there’s no dusty plains, cackling hyenas or slithering snakes roaming the streets of SF. In no particular order, I styled my sister Jody below in a San Francisco last weekend in my top 5 ‘Safari Style’ trends…

1. Find Your Basic Neutrals ~ Maybe it’s an olive green sheath dress. Add a palate of neutral staples from khaki cigarette pants, solid tanks, skirts and blazers.

2. Scrape Up Safari Accessories ~ Always keep an eye out for animal print inspired jewelry from zebra print, rings in ivory shades and elephant earrings like these which are my personal fave.

3. Take a Makeup Risk ~ If your entire outfit is neutral, make your eyes pop with a bright or metallic eyeshadow. This color play creme shadow c/o of Drew Barrymore’s new makeup line called Flower Beauty lasted all day and we loved the rose gold packaging.

4. Try Tortoise Shell Shades ~ Do you normally wear black sunglasses? This Spring try a tortoise shell brown shade which will still match all your outfits but have a natural brown tone flattering against any skin tone.

5. Make Python Print a Priority ~ Snakeskin print is sexy and subtle in neutral tones. Always stick to snakeskin prints for clutches, heels in belts in brown, green or any natural shade.

 <DETAILS by Dale> Dress (recent) H&M, necklace (old) – Zara, heels – Gucci (outlet), eyeshadow – Flower Beauty, sunglasses – D&G, ring & cuff – Forever21 (try this Pyramid Stack Bracelet set), clutch – Marc Jakobs

Do you ever dress in ‘Safari Inspired’ looks? 

~xoDale 

Find me on Instagram & Bloglovin

From breaking news like the tragedy Monday in Boston to following your local news anchors, restaurants, celebrities or knowing what your kids are up to; I’m a firm believer everyone should be on twitter. It’s fun, more educational and informative than any other social media outlet, but it’s an amazing tool for bloggers and business’s to garner free advertising and traffic. My friend Jasmine who writes the blog FlyOpinion is a pro at twitter (follow her @FlyOpinion) has over 12K followers in her first year. Here’s Fly Opinion’s top Twitter tips: 

Tweet Tweet - ’Twitter can take someone who is considered a social butterfly and make him or her feel completely awkward. Seriously, how do you say what you need in 140 characters or less? But just like any new relationship, once you get over the awkwardness, you can truly be yourself.  You can share your blog updates, hold candid conversations, conduct research, and yes have fun!’ ~Jasmine @FlyOpinion (Handy Tips below)

1. Watch and learn

Sometimes sitting back and watching how some of your favorite bloggers do it, is a good start. Find your rhythm before jumping in with both feet.. This way you feel comfortable and reassured about your approach.

 2. On following

Try to follow people who share your same interests. Having 10,000 followers doesn’t mean anything if you don’t have shared interests. If you’re tweeting about fashion and their tweeting about sports, the relationship will be nothing more than a follow. You want to engage your audience, have meaningful conversations, and build strong relationships.

3. Be conversational

We all like two-way conversations. Who wants to be ignored? Join conversations or better yet start one of your own, by asking questions, and using hash-tags. Don’t just post your blog posts (unless you are super popular) and hope for the best. It’s helpful if people (also known as tweeples) on Twitter can get to know you.

3. Automated DM’s…

How do you feel about it? The automatic generic message ‘Thanks for following, like me on Facebook!” Seriously, It almost makes you regret following them. It’s spammy and it’s really impersonal. DM’s should only be used to ask specific questions or because you know them personally, otherwise its a sure way to get unfollowed.

4. Be human.

Share your post and be persuasive, so people want to click on your link. Instead of saying, “Click on this link!” Or “Hey visit my website!” Share some personal details (Not too personal, unless that’s the theme of your blog) about your day and engage people with your content.

Do you have your own Twitter tips? Thanks for reading! Up Next, Safari Style in San Francisco! 

~xoDale

Remember growing tired of those little-brown-bag lunches in elementary school complete with baby carrots and Capri Suns? Now that you’re an adult, does the same old salad bar near the office or your go-to sushi spot get a bit blah week after week?

From sunny spring strolls to subtle style tweaks, here’s a 5 tricks to liven up every-day lunch breaks and cubicle couture…

1. Try a New Location ~ Ted’s Deli on Howard St. in SOMA is one of my favorite spots ever in San Francisco for a fresh deli sandwich. It’s one of the only places in the city you can get a delicious sub, bag of chips, Squirt and a Butterfinger for under $10!

2. Soak in the Sunshine ~ Clear your head and use your lunch break to think about anything non-work related like the upcoming weekend.

3. Infuse the Office in Black & White ~ Try B&W graphic striped bangles like these from MANGO.

4. Same Role, New Part? ~ If you’re sick of the same workplace hairstyle, try an ‘extreme part’ in your hair a couple inches past your comfort zone.

5. Shady Trend Alerts ~ Circular, oversized and mirrored sunglasses are a huge trend for 2013. Clothes can be from past seasons, while updated accessories can catapult the look into ‘What’s Hot Now’.

<DETAILS by Dale> top – Express, skirt (old) JCrew, shoes – Coach, purse – c/o Olivia + Joy,

Are you already enjoying sunny spring lunches in your city?

~xoDale

Coming tomorrow -Friday 411! Find me on Bloglovin & Instagram

Sunsets are enjoyable wherever you are, but on warm spring nights in LA I can’t help but smile. Ignore the traffic, embrace the unique personalities you won’t experience in any other part of the world, and just accept that everyone you meet has a celebrity connection. Don’t try to compete.

My sister, Jody, and I spent last Thursday in our Ford Focus rental exploring Beverly Hills in between sessions at the LuckyFABB blogger conference. Below I styled her in one of my favorite altered vintage dresses along with the 5 Most Important Blogging Tips I learned at LuckyFABB….

Vintage Apricot ~ I found this dress vintage shopping in the Mission District in San Francisco last year and altered it from this to what you see now.

Accessorized in Simplicity ~  A Cruciani bracelet from Italy

Accented in Neon ~ This spring neon pumps seem to go with every look like these from H&M. (Similar pair here on sale by Gabriella Rocha Saber)

Beverly Hills ~ Strip malls & celebrity sightings 24/7

New on Savvy Spice ~ Throughout the summer, I’ll be featuring more ‘Vintage Dress Restorations.’ Above, I wore this same dress last Spring showing tricks for alterations to make a vintage dress look more modern.

As promised, here’s my TOP 5 Blogger Tips I learned at LuckyFABB:

1.  Quality Photos make a BIG difference. Best Camera for beginners wanting great photos ~ Canon50 mmF14. Also, here’s a Golden Hour app that tells you the most flattering time to take photos every day.

2. Know Your Worth ~ Emily from Cupcakes & Cashmere said a few months after blogging she got an email asking if she could place a banner ad on her blog in exchange for a scarf. Don’t sell out or sell yourself short for brands. An ad expert noted rates of $25 for 10K monthly pageviews, $125 for 50K page views & $1,875 for 750K pageviews.

3. How to Partner with Brands ~ Don’t always wait for them to come to you. Create a 1-sheet with social media stats. Look at your blog and see what brand would fit best with the voice and style of your blog. Try to put yourself in their shoes and make a list of the top 20 brands you’d like to work with.

4. Simple SEO trick ~ Tina Craig (founder of the Bag Snob) said when you link to the name of a designer in your outfit posts, always make it ‘bold.’ This will help drive traffic from Google searches and image searches. Example – Marc Jacobs Daisy Bag

5. Don’t Underestimate Newsletters ~ A Daily, weekly or monthly newsletter is a little delivery to your reader’s inbox that helps you connect immediately (if they open it so catchy subject lines are vital). Check out MailChimp for an easy way to start one.

Hope these help! More on LuckyFABB: Check out one of my new favorite bloggers Talking With Tami 

~xoDale

From business blogging tips to Drew Barrymore nearly in tears talking about motherhood guilt and her new baby, Olive, the LuckyFABB conference was jam packed from start to finish yesterday. The morning kicked off with Kelly Osborne in a graphic black and white outfit and ended with a glass of champagne and Betsy Johnson’s raw and wild interview.  (photo credit: luckymag.com)

Here’s a brief re-cap of yesterday with over 300 beauty and fashion bloggers from around the country…

LuckyFABB fashion and beauty conference brought out bloggers on panels to discuss the ‘business of blogging’ with none other than a crowd and worldwide fave, Emily of Cupcakes and Cashmere.

‘Behind the Scenes’ in Instagram Central ~ Although wifi was a bit sporadic and stress-inducing throughout the past 48 hours, I saw the hundreds of bloggers snapping away the entire conference. I can’t wait to check out other LuckyFABB footage on fellow bloggers’ upcoming posts.

Betsy is BACK! ~ Everyone was excited to see style icon Betsy Johnson. She previewed her new reality show debuting on the Style Network May 12. What I found most refreshing about Betsy was her honesty about her company going bankrupt in ’12 and how she’s reinventing her brand and starting over at 70!

Fan Favorite ~ Drew Barrymore was refreshingly honest about balancing her acting career, business ventures and the pressures of new motherhood. She stated ‘Women can’t have it all’ because ‘something has to give,’ and she also introduced her new cosmetics line Flower Beauty.

Have a great weekend! ~xoDale

 <Blogger Sidenote> I took over 20 pages of notes throughout the past 2 days, so I’ll narrow it down to my Top 5 Power Tips for bloggers and share Monday paired with a citrusy vintage dress in the heart of Beverly Hills.

You know the dress! Your ‘LBD’ or that ‘I always feel good in this’ dress. It seems almost every woman has a go-to black number hanging in her closet she can count on when the night calls for cocktail attire. But what about when your little black dress feels a bit stale or you just want to accessorize it in the latest trends?

Gold compliments black and adds an instant pop of glam! On our last night in Mallorca, Spain we went to dinner and I decided to add gold accents from head-to-toe…

The Scene ~ Date Night at Port Adriano in Mallorca

How to Create a Designer Look-for-Less ~ A few seasons back, Gucci went crazy for colorblocking and often featured gold, black and this same green hue. After finding these Gucci strappy heels at an outlet, it was time to channel the look. If you always reach for black or nude heels, try a metallic strappy one this spring and summer.

The Higher the Neckline, The Higher the Bun ~ A trick to feeling polished and put-together (especially with a high neckline) is a flirty top knot. It’s hot hairstyle rocked by Lauren Conrad to catwalks worldwide. Sexy Style Secret ~ If your collarbones are covered, show off the nape of your neck.

Your 3 Minute Top-Knot ~ Pull your hair into a high ponytail. Tease the ponytail for volume. Then wrap it around into a a bun and bobby-pin it in place. Finish with hairspray and a glitzy pair of earrings.

Snakes for Spring 2013~ Snakeskin print has slithered its way into the animal print ‘must have’ of the moment. Go for a snake skin print clutch, heels or accessorize your black dress with a gold snake bracelet or pinkie ring.

‘Honey, where’d we park the yacht?’… Just Kidding. Whenever I see boats like this, I think of Goldie Hawn in ‘Overboard’ before she (literally) fell for Kurt Russell.

DETAILS by Dale ~ heels - Gucci (outlet), dress - BOSS Hugo Boss (gift), Nails ~ H&M ‘Blue My Mind,’ ring – (old) G-Stage store in the OC, Green jacket ~ BOSS (borrowed)

Do You Prefer Gold or Silver with your Little Black Dress?

<Fashion Sidenote> I’m on my way to the LuckyFABB fashion blogger conference in Beverly Hills. If you’re going, let me know. I’ll be reporting the most important tips I learn from guest speakers throughout the day like Emily of Cupcakes & Cashmere, plus Nicole Richie and Drew Barrymore who have started a fashion and beauty line.

Find Me on Twitter @Savvy_Spice & Instagram 

There should never be a fashion trend strictly limited to yacht owners, Paris Hilton in St. Tropez and guys like Donald Trump, right? So it makes sense ‘resort wear’ is mainstream nowadays! Yay!

What exactly is Resort Wear? ’A specialized clothing style. Sometimes known as “cruise wear”, it was originally marketed by “upscale” stores and collections only to very affluent customers. More recently (and more importantly) designers, store buyers, and the media are viewing “resort wear” as a year-round clothing style and fashion season.’ ~Wikipedia So we can all sport ‘resort wear’ whenever we want which is what I attempted in Mallorca, Spain over the weekend for Easter. Here’s my top selections from accessories to sandals for him & her… 

Accessorizing in Apricot ~ Try a necklace with color like teal and especially apricot this season. This one is similar by MANGO. Clutch (recent) H&M.

Live it Up ~ Resort wear should be comfortable and ‘flowy.’ Try a lightweight knit or tank like this one.

Espadrille wedge sandals new by MANGO

When In Doubt, Wear White ~ Eggshell, ivory, whatever off-white shade you prefer, pair it with white pants to complete a resort-wear ensemble.

In lieu of an attempted April Fool’s prank today, here’s a pic of a gutsy little goat we saw yesterday eating food out of tourists’ hands.

Finally, Resort Style for Him & Her ~ ’Walking shorts, sandals, loafers, to ‘full-length maxi dresses for women’ and light dinner jackets for men. Resort wear is generally made cotton, silk, and denim. It’s lightweight and breathable and ‘easy to clean and look great without ironing or fuss.’

Is ‘Resort Wear’ a Do for you? ~xoDale

Hope you had a great Easter and I have a full week of posts. Coming tomorrow, ‘Dinner Attire in Gold Embellishments.’ Weekly sneak peeks on Instagram

The weekend is upon us and for this edition of my Friday 411 I want to introduce a new favorite San Fran based blog and talk about two style topics that keep popping up this week including Kim K’s pregnancy style blunders and Louis Vuitton’s X-rated ad.

Have you heard of the blog Bike Pretty? After connecting on twitter earlier this week, I checked out this SF based style meets cycling fashion blog. Not only is it, clever, unique and fashionable, accessorizing with bicycles is perfect for spring & summer. (Above – My ‘Citrus Cycling’ post from last April)

Louis Vuitton Meets ‘Pretty Woman?!’ Louis Vuitton’s new commercial has caused a red-alert controversy with its redlight district NSFW commercial showing two models approaching men in S-Class Mercedes looking exactly like luxury clad streetwalkers. Photo via

Does Kim Kardashian Need to Bump Up her Style? From what I’ve heard, maternity style can be a bit of a challenge, but with her resources and couture connections Kim can do better, right? As Kim is continually criticized and compared to Kate Middleton lately, do  you think her preggo style is chic or does she need a new stylist asap? Photo Via

 Coming Next Week~ I just touched down in Spain (Majorca) for my first time. I’ll feature resort style inspired outfit posts & coverage from the LuckyFABB fashion conference next week in LA.

Have a great weekend and Happy Easter to you & your family!

 ~xoDale

Did you know men love white denim on women? Of course I can’t speak for all guys, but part of the reason I started blogging was to share trends, tips and style secrets. I’m always listening in (non-creepily) on men and women’s conversations when I’m out in public and I pay attention to what styles men think ‘look hot’ on women. After doing a fair amount of white denim research throughout the years, I concluded this is one style staple men love on women.

After just finding the perfect pair of white jeans; I couldn’t wait to wear them yesterday out with Jakob on our date at the museum of modern art in Zürich. Here’s my 3 Tips to rocking white denim…

<Sunday Date at the Museum ~ Chagall art exhibition in Zürich Switzerland>

1. What to Wear with White Denim – (The possibilities are endless) I went to the extreme with a neon blouse & pumps, but this spring pairing black and white is everywhere. Also try any pastel, neutral or striped nautical top with white denim. Avoid halter tops, spaghetti straps, or any tank too revealing. It hits a little too close to Snooki & JWoww style.

2. Forget the Rules ~ If you feel like wearing white pants before Memorial Day, go for it, unless it’s raining. Then you’re just asking for trouble.

3. How to Wear White Denim with Confidence ~ The key is in the fabric. Choose white jeans very carefully and always try them on! Check out all angles in the mirror. Many fabrics are not forgiving so look for a thick, stretchy denim blend (these are 98% cotton). If you still don’t feel comfortable, you’re not alone. Did you know the creator of Spanx, Sara Blakely, invented Spanx because she hated the way her butt looked in white pants?

<Style SideNote> After finding a Dolce and Gabbana outlet Saturday with major deals, I was so excited! There’s not a TJMaxx or Marshalls in sight here in Switzerland and I think it’s important to be realistic. Today, Gwenyth Paltrow’s fashion & lifestyle site GOOP was slammed for being out-of-touch with women for posting her ‘Spring Fashion Must-Haves’ totaling over $450K. See the story here on my FB fan page here.

<DETAILS by Dale> Top ~ Forever 21 (similar Vince Camuto top here), white denim & shades ~ Dolce & Gabanna (similar white jeans here & here), spiked bracelets -silver (Stella & Dot) gold cuff (gift), heels (recent H&M) similar here, Nail polish ~ H&M ‘Blue My Mind’ 

So why do guys like women in white jeans? According to my research, white denim is eye-catching, tan enhancing, plus crisp and clean in the summer. White denim stands out in a sea of blue jeans and is generally a ‘fashion risk‘ so wearing it can reflect self-confidence. White jeans also present the possibility of a high-maintenance woman which can be initially alluring. Right or Wrong, what do you think about white denim? 

~xoDale