Savvy Spice

05 /22
‘Before & After’ Outdoor Makeover, Plus a Tapas Party

Do you consider yourself handy, crafty, or a true domestic goddess? Personally, I’ve avoided home decorating projects since a disastrous attempt to paint my room a semi-gloss shade of lilac as a teen. However, I’m addicted to ‘Before and After’ photos of simple room makeovers or home remodels on blogs and in magazines.

As it turns out, my father-in-law-to-be is a well known architect and artist in Europe and has expert tips for home decor. I wanted to introduce a more recent project of his (the house in this post) turning an inhabitable, trashed home in Mallorca, Spain into a summer oasis. The envy-worthy ambiance is a modern look we can all copy in our backyard, on a balcony, or roof for a Summertime Spanish Tapas Party. First, the before pics of the courtyard above…

Before

Before (Angle from the roof)

And…After

Tapas

Party

List!

1 Wine

2 Food

3 You

4 Sun

5 Fun

6 BFFs

and

now…

The Details! Start with a matching, modern white table and chairs or cover a an old table with a fresh white table cloth. Add simple plates (small are fine for tapas) and solid napkins in your favorite festive color. Also, Ikea has the perfect party dishware including candle holders and glasses. Try additional lighting fixtures beyond candles placing them behind plants or against a wall. Finally, crank up the salsa music as loud as your neighbors will tolerate and make your favorite tapas dishes. Like chicken croquettes, corn empanadas, patatas bravas dipped in spicy sauce and don’t forget the red wine or better yet, Sangria!

Do you enjoy looking at ‘before & after’ decorating projects? More home decor posts coming throughout the summer. Subscribe via email here.

~xoDale

professional pics in this post via Hanna Dlugosv

11 Comments , FILED UNDER: blush dresses, boat shoes, Elle Decor, family, Mallorca, nude heels, Tapas party, Uncategorized TAGGED: before and after home makeover, courtyard makeovers, Dale Janee, Dale Steliga, how to throw a tapas party, Mallorca Spain homes, Sangria, Savvy Spice decor, spanish wine, Summertime Sadness, Summertime Savvy, tapas, wine glasses for summer ,

05 /20
3 Tips to Style a Basic White Tee this Summer

There are moments in life when a basic white v-neck seems like the ultimate style solution. Like bedtime or the gym for her and under a blazer or collared shirt for him. However, there are ways to dress it up or make a crisp white tee a staple for summer. They’re also comfy, easy to pack and perfect for traveling.

Here’s my TOP 3 tips to style a simple tee from the country side on a road trip to Southern Germany this weekend…

1. Pair it with Ankle Length Pants ~ They’re short for spring and come in bright shades & patterns.

2. Accessorize to the Max ~ The tee is the foundation. Pair it with patterns and add one of my new favorite accessories like this neon, lightweight scarf ideal for Spring & Summer.

3. Super Bright Lipstick ~ MAC has some of my favorite shades like this one by Nicki Minaj

Style Sidenote ~ I saw so many bloggers last week posting about Old Navy’s new white skinny ankle pants and while these pants are a similar fit, pairing them with flats isn’t always flattering. I recommend wearing wedges or pumps for a leg lengthening effect.

<DETAILS by Dale> ankle length jeans c/o AGJeans/scarf/white tee c/o AGJeans/wedges/pink bracelet-Cruciani, silver -Stella & Dot

What are your tips to style a basic t-shirt?

Special Announcement ~ Tomorrow, I’m starting a new series on the blog called Savvy Spice decor. I’ll be featuring expert design inspirations and home remodeling ideas with Pinworthy ‘before & after’ photos. ~xoDale

13 Comments , FILED UNDER: 70's hair, 70's Jeans, AGJeans, Aldo, Uncategorized TAGGED: AGJeans, aviator sunglasses, Dale Janee, Germany, lime neon scarf, MANGO leather shopper bag, Mango wedges, Nicki Minaj Mac lipstick, San Francisco style blogger, Savvy Spice fashion blog, tribal print pants, white tee shirts, white v-neck ,

05 /17
Savvy Sleepers Spring 2013 Update

Yay, the weekend is here! I wanted to give a brief spring recap on Savvy Sleepers satin pillow cases and a product review by fashion blogger, Heel in Mint, who brought up a ‘sleeping on satin’ benefit that never occurred to me. New moms are often sleep deprived and ‘adequate regular sleep patterns foster an environment that encourages the anterior pituitary gland to do its job and secrete the human growth hormone which is responsible for keeping us looking and feeling younger.’ This is a major beauty bonus beyond the benefits of smoother morning hair and healthier skin. See her full review here.

What’s New With Savvy Sleepers?

First, thank you for orders received around the world from Napa to New Jersey and even Russia. Men & women, mothers, daughters, grandmothers, bloggers, dermatologists and even Wall Street bankers are now part of our Savvy Sleepers family! Our team proudly ships all orders from the heart of San Francisco.

Coming soon: Weekly giveaways, throwback thursday ‘crazy hair’ pic contests and announcing Savvy Sleepers brand ambassadors and interns. ‘Like’ Savvy Sleepers on Facebook for details and submit photos hashtagging #SavvySleepers if you already have one.

Have a great weekend. See you Monday! ~xoDale

www.savvysleepers.com

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05 /15
Top 3 Tricks to Update the Minimalism Trend

SS_051513_BareMarketEssentials_inMallorca_COVER

If you’re feeling bored with your spring wardrobe already, don’t worry, ‘minimalism’ is cool right now. The concept is plucking simple lines and solid neutral pieces out of your closet to create an ultra basic look. I took full advantage of this popular spring trend over the weekend.

We went to a farmer’s market in Mallorca where I wore a plain white dress, then added some new budget-friendly accessories. Here’s my ‘Top 3 Tricks’ to take a simple dress you’ve owned for years and make it feel new again this Spring…

Mallorca Spain

The Scene ~ Mallorca, Spain

1. ADD A Beaded Statement Necklace ~ They’re ideal for spring & summer in bright shades like tangerine, neon and aqua blue. Bonus: they’re under $10 at F21. (Style Tip – Pick a bold shade that brings out your beautiful eye color)

Savvy Spice fashion blog, San Francisco style blogger

2. A New Bag ~ Try a leather shopper bag that is perfect for traveling, plus gives you an instant ‘I feel good holding something new’ boost without breaking the bank.

Diet Sidenote ~ In continuing my newly discovered European Diet Secrets, olives are a must-have. My biggest carb downfall has been the most delicious freshly baked breads and croissants from Switzerland to Spain. I noticed one way to cut calories is to have a little bowl of green olives at the dinner table rather than a basket of bread. Check your local farmers market or Whole Foods always has an olive bar.

3. Statement Sandals ~ I’ve received so many compliments on these Zigi Soho sandals with chain straps that I consider them a summer staple. They’re comfy & add instant glam to any basic dress.

<DETAILS by Dale>

sandals ~ Zigi Soho (Recent TJMAXX)

bag (on sale) ~ leather MANGO Buckles Shopper Bag

white dress ~ (Marc Jacobs TJMAXX) Similar here

Layered necklace ~ F21

Robyn denim jacket c/o ~ AGJEANS

aviators ~ MANGO

Do you keep basic dresses around and re-style them with new trends each season?

See you Friday! ~xoDale

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05 /13
Spanish Sunsets & Metallic Gold Heels

When is the last time you wore any outfit adorned with sequins, paired with strappy metallic heels and topped off with dangly rhinestone earrings? It may sound like a get-up for a high school dance, but a bit of glitz and glam is ideal for a warm girls’ night out or a dinner date. Mariah Carey isn’t the only one shining a spotlight on ‘glitter’ decade after decade because I love a bit of shimmer! Plus, metallic heels and pumps are so HOT right now.

We spent the past few days in Mallorca, Spain. Here’s some sparkly traveling side notes and what I wore on our first night out to dinner…

The Scene ~ Mallorca, Spain

Why a Fuchsia Dress is a Staple Piece ~ This year, partly because of traveling so often, I’m focussing on finding ‘staple pieces.’ A hot pink or fuchsia dress is an automatic tan booster, looks great on women with any hair color and skin tone, stands out in vacay photos, plus brights are always trendy for summer.

Packing Lite? ~ Summer travels often require a carry-on and creative packing skills. A box of statement necklaces weighs more than you think, so now I keep an eye out for already-embellished dresses. Simple, light, and easy-to-pack.

Metallic Footwear is a Spring ’13 Must-Have ~ In the past week, I’ve spotted metallic heels all over fashion blogs, from pink and silver metallic pumps on Atlantic-Pacific, and this mirrored pair on Paulina of Lil Bits of Chic.

What about the Guys? ~ I noticed men in Mallorca wearing lightweight shorts, pastel or white pants, white collared shirts and definitely loafers or boat shoes.

Dress (last season) ~ Trina Turk (Similar HERE), clutch ~ H&M, heels ~ Gucci, nails ~ Sinful Colors (Similar HERE) , Earrings ~ TJMaxx

Will you be adding metallic heels to your wardrobe this summer?

~xoDale

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05 /10
Friday 411! Mother’s Day Edition

Welcome to this week’s Friday411! where I cover news of the week people can’t stop talking about, new products and other relatively hot topics. Let’s get started…

80′s Flashback ~ I can’t imagine taking three kids ages 1-6 hiking, but my mom did it. Hairstyles change and kids grow up, but the bond lasts forever. So thanks Mom, for everything. Now moving on to a more somber topic…

What Can We Learn from the Cleveland, Ohio News Story? ~ We’ve all seen the Charles Ramsey Youtube video by now who rescued the 3 women kidnapped a decade ago. Maybe I watched too much America’s Most Wanted as a kid, but my friends and I knew A LOT about the drama in the households of our neighbors. Shouldn’t we be more nosy after this story? We’ve all had creepy neighbors at some point in our lives and while they may not be criminals, it doesn’t hurt to keep a closer eye on them and call the cops if necessary. Especially if all of their windows are boarded up for a decade. ‘Minding Your Own Business’ isn’t the best policy when dealing with neighbors and Charles Ramsey is proof to never look the other way. (Pic above from the movie ‘The Burbs’)

On a Lighter Note, Sometimes You Just Feel Like a Graphic Tee! ~ Introducing Instapparel?! I just discovered this site last week (thanks to a friend) that allows you to take your most #amazing instagram shot in your favorite filter, then Instapparel slaps it on a tee for you and ships it free anywhere in the US. Use promo code ‘Savvy’ for 20% off thru May.

Coming Next Week ~ Posts from Mallorca, Spain where I’m staying this weekend. (1 Hour Flight from Zurich, Switzerland)

Have a great weekend & Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms out there!

~xoDale

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05 /08
How to Dress Slimmer with 3 Simple Style Tricks

SS_050813_SlimmingStyleSecrets_Spring2013Edition-1

We’ve all done it! Worn a dress or outfit and thought it looked fine, then saw photos splattered across FB or uploaded to iPhoto and immediately thought ‘Wow, that’s really unflattering on me.’

Here’s a Before & After pic of the way I looked in this same MANGO dress a few weeks ago. It was boxy and unflattering; plus I forgot the basic styling tricks like adding a belt. Luckily, we’re not under the scrutiny of celebs like Kim Kardashian getting slammed for daily fashion mishaps. Here’s my fave slimming style tricks…

IMG_1868 navy blue

1. Add a Belt & Posture ~ If your dress is on the boxy side and has no structure, add a belt. The shorter the dress, the thinner the belt. If your dress is longer or a maxi, the belt can be thicker. (Old school slimming trick) If you’re at an event and not a fan of your outfit, practice perfect posture and it’s an automatic trick to look 5 lbs thinner.

2. The Power of Neon ~ If you really want to disperse attention to other parts of your outfit, just ADD Neon. Jewelry, nails, and definitely summer footwear will instantly attract attention to your toes.

3. Get Vulnerable ~ Whether it’s asking ‘Does this look good on me?’ or ” Do I look fat?,’ only ask someone who will be totally honest with you. As it turns out, my non-American friends from Europe and Asia are always the most blunt and truthful. (Sidenote – Never take outfit critiquing personally.)

As I mentioned above, to see the Before & After 20lb difference this belt & styling tricks made, click here.

<DETAILS by Dale> Dress – MANGO, shoes (old) – F21 (Similar HERE), bracelets – yellow & striped – F21, Gold Bardot Bangle ~ Stella & Dot, belt ~ Ralph Lauren

Do you have your own styling tricks when it comes to unflattering dresses?

~xoDale

19 Comments , FILED UNDER: 70's hair, 70's Jeans, California fashion blog, California style, celebrity fashion, Dale Janee, Dale Janee Steliga, Kardashian sisters style tips, Khloe Kardashian, neon flats from Forever 21, Uncategorized TAGGED: Dale Janee, Dale Steliga, fashion blogger, Forever 21 neon shoes, Germany, how to add a belt onto a dress, How to look thinner, Liz Hassia water, MANGO dress, navy blue, neon toe flat shoes, Savvy Spice fashion blog, striped belt, Switzerland fashion, yellow cuff ,

05 /06
4 Classic Prep Style Essentials Live from Switzerland

From Clueless to Gossip Girl, the small screen loves classic prep style! Now that I’m back in Switzerland, the temps are higher but the general Swiss style remains cool and conservative.

While we were out sightseeing yesterday in baby fifi (Fifi’s new Swiss sister), I was instantly drawn to the entrance of a private estate fit for a princess, but ideal for a fashion blogger. Here’s my TOP 4 Prepster Essentials live straight out of Switzerland…

The Scene ~ An enchanted Castle (or at least I pretended) outside of Zurich, Switzerland

1. Classic Converse ~ I’ve worn Converse since I was five and will never stop. They’re casual classics with shirt dresses, shorts or skirts. (Buying Tip- Skip the ‘new’ pre-worn style Converse sells and just take an old pair, throw them in the washing machine with stain remover (avoid bleach) and air-dry for the same look.

2. Croc Hunting ~ Lacoste is ultra preppy, but I’m not a huge fan of their new polos with the extra large crocodile logo. Keep an eye out for retro Lacoste at stores like Crossroads Trading Co.

3. A Denim Coat of Arms ~ Pop the collar, tie it around your waist, and wear a medium wash denim jacket with any preppy look.

4. A Cross Body Bag ~ They’re naturally ideal for casual looks and go perfectly with any shirt dress or sporty preppy outfit. Keep an eye out for handbags that come with a longer strap inside transforming your evening summer clutch into a daytime cross body bag.

<DETAILS by Dale> Dress (old) Crossroads Trading Co. – Lacoste (Similar Here), shoes – Converse, sparkly chain bracelet c/o – Splenderosa, purse ~ Mulberry, Robyn denim jacket c/o – AGJEANS, car - Fiat 500 Lounge (baby fifi)

Do you like preppy style or is Lacoste just too preppy for your taste?

Coming Wednesday: ‘Weight Loss Styling Secrets’ ~ A Before & After Look of How an Improperly Styled Dress Can ADD 20 Pounds

~xoDale

19 Comments , FILED UNDER: 70's dresses, Blake Lively, celebrity looks for less, Converse All Star shoes, Crossroads Trading Co., Lacoste, Uncategorized TAGGED: Converse All Star shoes, Dale Janee, Fiat 500 Pop, Lacoste shirt dress, preppy style, San Francisco style blogger, Savvy Spice, Switzerland style blogger ,

05 /01
‘Behind the Scenes’ LA Vintage Wedding Adventures

Ahhh, wedding dress shopping! It’s so fun. If you minus the stress, awkward stares in the mirror, sales associates lacing up your pale winter back in corsets and oh yea, the price tags. With the big day almost exactly three months away, I needed an anti-anxiety dress shopping experience so I tried a vintage store in LA with my sister called ‘Bride’ and was pleasantly surprised.

I plan to make a couple wardrobe changes throughout the night and want to have a vintage reception dress for the Nor-Cal vineyard celebration. Here’s a ‘Behind the Scenes’ vintage wedding ‘reception dress’ shopping in LA’s Echo Park…

The Scene ~ Bride in LA which I first read about on Refinery29.

<Bride has accessories, jewelry and gloves perfect for any vintage inspired look>

I’ll reveal in August after the wedding, but I highly recommend a vintage experience for any bride or guest whether she’s looking for the main dress, a reception gown, or a simple stress free shopping experience. Also, thanks for following and all your nice comments throughout the engagement.

~xoDale

Follow more wedding updates on facebook & instagram

17 Comments , FILED UNDER: 70's dresses, Before and after styling, California style, California style tips, celebrity style tips for less, Dale Janee, Echo Park LA Bridal Store, Refinery29 wedding dress, Uncategorized, Vintage lace dresses, Vintage Wedding Dress

04 /29
How to Work the Color Wheel in Cherry Capris

Forget about Throwback Thursday for now, let’s take a walk down Memory Monday! Starting with your Crayola Crayon box back in kindergarden and its direct correlation to the core of fashion styling. From candy bins to makeup palates; bright colors are naturally enticing and always in-style. When it comes to fashion, the old-school color wheel is an essential tool used by skilled stylists, designers, bloggers and you!

I’ll include the color wheel basics at the end of this post, but first my sister Jody took a stroll in SF in a pair of casual cherry capri pants I paired with a bright yellow Olivia + Joy handbag…

The Scene ~ SOMA district in San Francisco

The Denim & Neutral Rule ~ They are both classics and will go with virtually any shade on the color wheel which is why I consider a basic jean jacket a wardrobe staple.

Safety First ~ Rather than taking an extreme style risk with bold colors all over, just stick to two bright shades in an outfit and keep the rest neutral.

Choose Your Outfit Starting with Accessories ~ If you have a bright handbag, start there and then choose a contrasting dress or top. The loudest hues in your look will draw the most attention. Similar cuff here in blue on Trendy Blendy, get 30% off using discount code ‘SAVVYFIRSTVIP’

<DETAILS by Dale> tee & shades ~ MANGO, purse c/o – Olivia + Joy, pants ~ H&M (old), sandals (old) ~ Report Shoes, denim jacket & yellow bracelet ~ F21, watch ~ Michael Kors

Below ~ The Color Wheel Cheat Sheet

Fun with Color! ~ You can make the following combos using the color wheel as your guide according to Fashion Bomb Daily (rules below):

1. Colors directly next to each other (i.e. yellow and yellow-orange; yellow and yellow-green; violet and blue-violet, etc.)
2. Colors that form right (90 degree) angles with each other (i.e. yellow and red-orange; blue and violet-red; green and orange, etc.)
3. Colors directly across from each other (i.e. yellow and violet; blue and orange; red and green, etc.)
4. Colors that form a T (i.e. blue, orange, and violet-red; yellow, violet, and red-orange; yellow, blue-green, and red-orange, etc.)
5. Colors that form an X (i.e. blue, orange, violet-red, and yellow, violet, blue-green, and red-orange, etc.)

Do you still use the color wheel basics when picking out bright outfits?

~xoDale

See you Wednesday. Find me on instagram & twitter!