shoulda seen it coming when it got a little brighter...

shirt, Urban Outfitters; skirt, Seneca Rising; shoes, Pour La Victoire; watch, Tag Heuer; necklace, gift 

Today was a bright and sunny Saturday in California. Perfect for an aimless wander through West Hollywood. I loved this building I came across; the green and brown/grey colors were very earthy (perfectly contrasting with the red plants) but the style was modern and minimalist.

Seneca Rising has recently (since I was able to snag some pieces on sale on Billion Dollar Babes) become one of my favorite brands. The pieces are always made of the comfiest cotton in cuts that are tomboy-meets-girly-girl. This skirt nips in at the waist to flatter to perfection and the draped pockets are a lot of fun. I love these Pour La Victoire heels, I just wish they loved my feet!

paleyfest

Last Thursday I was lucky enough to attend Paleyfest: Dexter (birthday present from the boyfriend). We watched a special screening of the Thanksgiving episode and then there was a Q and A session with the cast and writers. It was really interesting and a treat for any Dexter fan (like me!)



Sorry, the photograph is not the best but you can see the cast and writers at the bottom. I just wanted to share this with you as it was, in my opinion, obscenely cool!

Also, many apologies for lack of outfit posts and posts altogether. Things have been unbelievably hectic in the life of Dani Brava but have calmed down significantly recently and the blog will be back with a vengeance this weekend!

being productive

Yesterday, I went out to (finally!) buy myself a GPS. I ended up going home with the TomTom ONE 130. While out, I stopped at a beauty supply store to check out the Essie Spring 2010 collection and picked up Tart Deco nail polish.



I absolutely adore the color. It just screams of Spring and I'm absurdly excited to paint my nails today! I guess life is all about the little things.

i want

When my boyfriend saw me downloading pictures for this blog post, he automatically assumed it would be some sort of nauseating ode to Johnny Depp. He couldn't be more wrong! It is a nauseating ode to Johnny Depp's eyewear. When I first saw the movie Blow, I distinctly remember falling head over heels for each pair of sunglasses he wore in the film.





Tonight I watched Public Enemies and I was, once again, smitten with Johnny Depp's sunglasses.



The right sunglasses can be such a great accessory and really elevate an outfit. I wish I owned every single pair he wears on set and off! Including this insanely fantastic blue pair:



All of these sunglasses would add lots of character and intrigue to an outfit. I'm convinced my next pair will be RayBan Clubmasters in black unless I find a fabulous vintage pair!

pink leopard print one-piece

At the risk of completely destroying your faith in my sense of style, I will divulge to you that I have been DYING inside since I saw this...



...pink leopard print one-piece on Gomatta Girls! I know, I know, hot pink leopard print, not exactly the caliber of style you've been enjoying on my blog thus far. But, before you judge me, check out this dose of vintage Dani Brava:



Now do you see where the obsession stems from? This was my absolute FAVORITE bathing suit growing up and, thanks to Iron Fist and Gomatta Girls there is a suitable grown-up version of it for only $29! This deal only lasts for one day and I've been desperately trying not to spend my money. And so, I'm torn. Do I appease the little Dani Brava inside and buy her the pink leopard one-piece she's been missing or does the more mature Dani Brava (the one who knows hot pink leopard print is tacky and that she shouldn't spend the money) win? Honestly, I don't know yet!

flirty florals

We are officially in March and therefore Spring has sprung! While some may say that florals for spring are "cliche" (cue Meryl Streep in The Devil Wears Prada rolling her eyes), I just love them.

1. Spun by Subtle Luxury - Ditsy Floral Scarf
2. Urban Outfitters - Organic Flower Bangle
3. ModCloth - Wildflower Mix Tights
4. ModCloth - Martinique Necklace
5. Kelsi Dagger - Belize Sandals
6. Tarina Tarantino - "Bubble Pop" Butterfly Cameo Mod Ring
7. TopShop - Large Flower Headband
8. TopShop - Encrusted Flower Ring
9. Spun by Subtle Luxury - Spring Harmony Scarf

A word of warning: do not go overboard; there is a fine yet distinct line between feminine and foolish, ladylike and looney, you get the picture. Pick one bold bloom and keep the rest of the look neutral or juxtapose the delicateness with lots of hardware or leather. For instance, wouldn't the TopShop ring above make a perfect contrast to some liquid leggings and sky-high heels?

chicken veggie stir fry

As part of my healthy new lifestyle, I made some chicken veggie stir fry (and consequently a big mess) today. Delish! First, I made some brown Jasmine rice.



Then, I chopped up some onions,



zucchini, broccoli, carrots and bok choy.



I cut chicken into thin strips and heated some sesame oil in the wok. I cooked the chicken in the wok until 3/4 done, added the stir fry sauce and cooked all the way through. I set the chicken aside and cooked the veggies in the same manner. Lastly, I added it all to the brown rice and mixed well.



The colors came out quite strange in the last picture but it was really very tasty! I will be eating this for dinner throughout the week. It tastes exceptionally great with lots of Sriracha chile sauce and is a wonderful way to add some veggies and good carbs into my diet.

I also picked up lots of fresh plump fruits to test out my juice extractor!