New the the Dazey Lady Shop

At Dazey our mission is to empower women. We love working with and promoting fellow female entrepreneurs through our Dazey Lady Features. At the beginning of this year we took it one step further and began carrying a curated collection of girl boss goodies on a section of our shop called the Dazey Lady Shop!

We are always looking for ethically made brands owned by inspiring women. Today we are are excited to add a bunch of new stuff to the shop. Many of the women we feature in our shop reached out to us via email or Instagram. If you're interested in joining the Dazey Lady Shop email collab@dazeyla.com! 

Meet the Dazey Ladies:

TAMGA Designs - Gorgeous Dresses, pants, kimono

Yana emailed me awhile back and sent me a few of the items from her shop. I loved the bright colors, loose fits, and playful patterns. I wore them a few times on the story and I began to get questions. The only logical thing to do was add her to the shop :) We love that all of their clothing is ethically made and environmentally friendly. TAMGA started with two simple questions - is it too expensive to produce a socially and environmentally responsible piece of clothing? Does style have to be sacrificed for accountability? The obvious answer to them was ‘no’, and so they set out on a mission to prove just that.

Wyeth Eyewear - Handmade sunglasses 

Stef has a background in fashion marketing and after watching all these brands grow over the years she decided she wanted to try it herself! She loves the bicoastal lifestyle and wanted to create a product that made sense in both LA and NY. She considers sunglasses a necessity to protect your vision, and enjoys being apart of that. Stef sent me a few pairs when she started out and I fell in love with both the quality and vintage style. They are designed in NY and handmade in Italy. I frequently see her billboards and marketing around town and am so impressed, this gal clearly knows what she's doing! 

Bohindie Stream - Earth inspired handmade jewelry 

Bri started Bohindie steam at the young age of 19. Proving it is never too early to start your entrepreneurial journey! She loves the free-spirited bohemian lifestyle and successfully captures that in her brand. Her jewelry has such a magical feel to it. Everything is handmade and most of Bohindie Stream’s pieces revolve around crystals. Bri sent over an email asking to be apart of the shop! I had been wanting to get some more fun and interesting earrings into the shop and hers are to die for. I'm a big advocate for just being bold and asking people for the things you want in life. Bravery is often rewarded. 

Model: Christine Barraco

Photographer: Dani Nagel  

From LA to Reno

I have been quite the traveler lately! Wedding season has me going all over the country and last week's destination was Reno, Nevada for my sister's wedding. I drove up from LA with a few of my best childhood friends and my boyfriend. We took the 395 N most of the way up and wow what a gorgeous drive. There were scenic views, vast and varied landscapes, and so many cute little towns!

I was both the maid of honor and photographer for the wedding so I brought my camera along. Luckily my bags were packed with Dazey so I could snap some fun photos along the way. Always a huge thanks to Phillip for being my "Instagram husband" and taking awesome photos :) 

There were so many cute motel signs, as a graphic designer heavily inspired by vintage type I could hardly keep it together! We snapped photos in front of a few as well as some incredible landscapes. If you're ever on your way to Reno or Mammoth be sure to stop by Red Rock and the adorable town of Lee Vining! 

This past weekend I flew out to Chicago for @officiallyquigley’s wedding. My boyfriend @phillipbutler and I decided we may as well make a mini vacation out of the trip! We love exploring new cities and I had never been. My dad lived in Chicago years ago when he first moved to America and always had great things to say about it. Other than him I really hadn’t heard a whole lot about the city, so I feel like I was able to go there with a clean slate and no preconceived expectations. Let’s just say it did NOT disappoint! Everything was incredible, from the gorgeous architecture, to the vast blue lake, and the adorable brick filled and tree lined neighborhoods like Wicker Park. This is one under rated city! I really fell in love with Chicago. If it wasn’t for the wild winters (so I’ve heard) I would move there in a heartbeat! 

We were only in town for about three days so we were scrambling to get everything in! Wicker Park and Logan Square were adorable and the ultra hip parts of the city, so we spent a lot of time eating, drinking, and shopping in that area. We love to ask the locals where to go so we can see the city from their perspective. We always play the “what if we lived here” game in all of the places we visit :) Phillip and I normally shy away from the touristy stuff but actually had an amazing time seeing the landmarks and just being in awe of Chicago. Seeing everything from the Sky Deck was so cool, the buildings and lake just went on forever. The city planning, overall organization, and cleanliness of the streets was unlike any city I’ve seen before. It seemed like every building, bridge, and art installation was so thought out and made with intention. I highly recommend visiting if you haven’t, I’ll certainly be back soon! 

Below are some of the photos we took around town at some of the magical places we found. We also have some snaps of the gorgeous blogger wedding! Of course I was wearing Dazey Everyday (aside from the wedding night lol) so there is some fun outfit inspiration there too!

Spots to check out as shown in photos:

Doves in Wicker Park - Amazing dinner, 70’s style diner 

The Violet Hour in Wicker Park - Tastiest Cocktails, cool cozy chairs

Lula cafe in Logan Square - Brunch, sit outside by the planters and enjoy a mimosa

Estero in Logan Square - Coolest Cuban inspired bar, great for day drinks

Passion House Coffee Shop in Logan Square - Good lattes and plant wall for insta pics

Giordano’s - Classic Chicago deep dish Pizza

Millennial Park - Ultimate tourist spot, but gotta get that Bean pic

Goddess and the Baker by Millennial Park - Quick and yummy lunch, cool chairs for photos

Lucy’s in the Chicago Athletic Club Hotel - Drinks and an amazing view

Fairgrounds in the Chicago Athletic Club Hotel - Cute coffee shop for a pick me up 

Chicago Sky Deck - Lines for days only made worth it by views for days and the ultimate city-top Instagram

The River Walk - So gorgeous you will think you’re in Europe 

Navy Pier - Grab a beer and walk the pier, the lake seems like and endless ocean

So excited to release this collaborative design and some new exclusive items for the Dazey Lady Shop! Awhile back we featured Larissa, the boss babe behind Miracle Eye. She has an amazing story, company, and the coolest 70s aesthetic. Some may see us as completive brands, but we have decided to work together as opposed to against each other. :) We couldn't think of a more perfect partnership with Dazey! 

The Sunbeam Pinafore is a very special collab piece! Larissa and I got together and designed the dress inspired by both of our brands. Miracle Eye has always been know for their gorgeous handmade vintage inspired pieces and often use sunbeam motifs in their designs. After falling in love with their Sunshine Overalls I got the idea for a collab! I wanted a similar look in velvet, but something that you can easily pair with a graphic tee. We brainstormed and came up with this gorgeous design! It is a statement piece that will match almost every Dazey tee while still leaving room to show off the graphic.

Lovingly handmade in Los Angeles using top quality velvet. Perfectly paneled details in front, and clean brown velvet back with same cut as front. Creep below to see photos of all the new goodies! You can SHOP HERE.

Xx- Dani Dazey

Model: Allison of @butwhatshouldiwear

Never Enough Dazey!

Met up with Nikia (@madmavenstyle) and Chantelle (@chantellepaige) last week in the adorable little LA neighborhood of Loz Feliz. I spotted the cutest street filled with colorful buildings as I was walking around and knew I had to shoot it! We all met for coffee at one of my favorite new spots, Maru, and then shot the day away. These gals have such a fun energy and it really comes across in the photos. I love doing group shoots :)

The girls also are modeling the gorgeous new clutches from our Dazey LA x Marloe collab. You can shop all the amazingness HERE! 

Hills and Canyons of California

Recognize this gal!? Quigley is one of my best friends and a full time blogger, so we shoot together often :) I will shoot Quigley's blog looks for her, and then Dazey for me. It's so nice working in trades! I have been dying to get the new summer goodies on her. We are both so busy working often times the easiest way to spend time together is shooting! Luckily we both love what we do so it never feels like work.

For this shoot we headed to my favorite area, Beachwood Canyon. It's full of views, flowers, and foliage. Also my apartment happens to be right down the street! Doesn't get much better than that. I shoot in these hills and canyons often but always manage to find new undiscovered areas that are mind blowingly beautiful. I'm so obsessed with the California landscape. Vintage buildings nestled between palm tress and bougainvillea, you can't find that in places like New York. Creep the photos below to see our little adventure & hangout sesh!

Sisters & Cactus Connoisseurs - "Best Little Cactus Shop in LA"  

Last week I had the pleasure of meeting the lovely sister duo behind Ponderosa Cactus, one of LA's cutest cactus shops. Located in the up & coming neighborhood of Highland Park, this little shop with it's adorable orange door makes an amazing addition to this area. Boss babes Andanette (right) & Daniella (left) both came from very corporate worlds in the finance and pharmaceutical industry before taking the leap to boss-dom. Ponderosa has been in business for one year and they plan many more to come. 

As someone who runs their business primarily online, the Brick & Mortar concept both frightens and excites me! I feel like it's the secret dream of most online retailers including myself. It was awesome to meet some gals that really dove in head first and are living that store-front life :) I even took a cactus cutie home with me and it looks incredible in my living room! They really spent time helping me decide the best one, pot it, and carefully pack and load it into my car. That's the service and love you get when shopping small! 

http://ponderosacactus.com/

Read below Q&A and see the photos from my shop visit:

1) What is Ponderosa Cactus for those that don’t know? What did you set out to create when you decided to start it!? 

Daniella: Ponderosa Cactus is a small cactus shop that offers a variety of unique cacti to fit any space, indoor or outdoor. We like to say we have a "back door" because we offer other services such as landscaping, consulting, showroom decoration, staging and planting. We wanted to create a space that was inspiring to others.

Andanette: Ponderosa Cactus is a cute and unconventional cactus storefront nestled in Highland Park. We set out to create a new take on cacti. Thought as unapproachable, we want everyone to appreciate the goodness a cactus can bring any space at an approachable price.

2) We think it’s SO cool that you guys are a sister boss team. Is it hard working together with someone so close?

It's actually the best working with a sibling. We know that each of us is putting a 100% at the table. It really makes the days fly by and projects easier to take on and complete. We have each other as a support system and collaboratively make one another strong. 

3) Tell us a little bit about your background. What did you do before Ponderosa and did you have experience in the nursery world?

Daniella: Our summers were working alongside our mom in the nursery. When we weren't working on homework we were watering the lines of plants. I attended the U of A and focused my studies on physiology. After some time in Tucson, I headed west. I was offered a job in a phase one pharmaceutical company.

Andanette: I attended the University of Arizona and received a degree in International Studies focusing on world economies. After graduating, I found a job in finance, for a corporate law firm, in downtown LA. We grew up in the nursery world, our parents have owned their nursery for over 25 years. Each summer we would earn our allowance by helping out at the store. Our dad often joked that we would return back to what raised us. And here we are!

4) Many Dazey Ladies talk about the “big leap” being such a huge scary decision! How was it for you guys?

Daniella: There was a undiscussed fear that lingered for a few months after opening but we were so confident that the cacti, the stars of the nursery would do well. 

Andanette: Yes and no. The "big leap" felt so reviving! Walking into your future is scary, but it's mainly the self doubt caused by horror stories you heard from others. Once you learn to shut them out, it's smooth sailing. Of course the bright days don't make an experienced sailor.  The mistakes you make in the beginning are more like lessons that build a strong foundation.

5) You mentioned this younger generation being very supportive of small business, we love that! Would love to hear more of your thoughts on that. 

We feel that our peers are supportive of entrepreneurial ventures. More often than not they are at some stage of pursuing their own special interest. So we exchange some encouraging words and have a instant recharge.

6) OK so everyones dying to know what are the best tricks for keeping succulents and cactuses alive?!

Don't over think it. They are so simple to tend. Funny as it sounds, plants communicate with you when they are sad or happy. New growth will show if they are happy, wilting or lack of color will reflect their sadness. Succulents need water every 10 days. Cacti need water every 15 days. The amount of water is comparable to the size of the plant. Simple?

7) What are the highs and lows of being self employed? How do you deal with the hard times? How to you celebrate the good ones!?

When faced with a bad day, it's okay to just mope for 3 minutes, at most. Then wipe the bad thoughts! Don't let frustration pent up; if tackling a bigger than life project take it in baby steps. It will get done before you know it. Set a calendar with a new task to do every hour. As your own boss, you won't really have a day off, but you're rewarding yourself with a life of purpose. Celebrating the good ones is by soaking in the satisfaction, appreciating the very moment. Take everyday with a new light, "this day will be greater than yesterday."

8) What’s your #1 tip to someone looking to start a brick and mortar shop?

Daniella: Stick to your vision, stay true to your brand. Don't jump into a space unless you're completely sure. You'll know it's the right spot when you can imagine yourself on the opposite side of the room greeting people in your shop.

Andanette: The best way to find your brick and mortar is driving around your ideal area. Walk up and down the area get a good idea of the neighborhood. Just search up and down the area. Something will pop up. Don't hesitate to call be persistent with the search. If you can't find something there go to a nearby neighborhood. Restart the same process. Make your first ideal place be your ultimate goal for the year to come.

9) What are your future plans for the shop!?

We would love to expand! Keep the boutique style, but have more property to showcase our cacti cuties! 

10) What does being a Dazey Lady mean to you?

Daniella: Being a Dazey Lady means a lot to me. It's an art of being conscious. We all have a purpose. With collaborative efforts, like what Dazey provides, we each help each other leave a larger imprint in this society.

Andanette: It's about supporting one another, radiating positivity. We each are on a venture to making our dreams a reality, learning of other Dazey Ladies in their different chapters is spirit lifting. So happy to be part of something so positive! 

As many of you know I (@danidazey) have been challenged myself to wear #dazeyeveryday. 

It’s been well over 3 months and I am proud to say I have not broken said challenge! I love having to get creative and find fun ways to dress my Dazey. It has inspired all sorts of unique looks I would have never thought of otherwise!

The other day my boyfriend, on his own volition, decided to start a men’s lifestyle blog under his name @phillipbutler (give him a follow hehe). I was SO excited about this because after years of him begrudgingly helping me take photos for Dazey and my personal insta, I no longer have to feel bad! He’s a self proclaimed “Instagram husband who’s decided to turn the camera on himself”. Phillip plans to approach the “man blog” in a semi tongue-and-cheek manor, the sarcastic little bugger! But he does have great taste in clothes, tunes, interiors, food, drinks, and is dashingly handsome if I do say to myself ;) 

That being said, I now have a willing photographer to help me do outfit photoshoots! I’m normally behind the camera, but have been wanting to share some of my #dazeyeveryday looks. We headed to one of our favorite LA areas the Arts District for our first shoot. Lots of cool walls and rustic textures, perfect for his man blog haha. I plan on having a little bi-monthly post on some of my new favorite Dazey outfits! 

These looks are paired with some of my favorite bags by @marloe_handmade that we carry on our website HERE. We will be releasing a collaborative design with them soon and am SO excited! 

Dazey Ladies Unite!

Last weekend I was invited to do an impromptu photo shoot outside the now insta-famous Museum of Ice Cream! It was seriously so fun just having a laid back, unplanned afternoon with such a sweet group of ladies! Here at Dazey we are always aiming to be a brand that is inclusive to all women, regardless of ethnicity, age, sexual orientation etc. and this spontaneous shoot is a great representation of our mission! I'm usually the one to coordinate shoots, so this off the cuff mini session was a breathe of fresh air and something different from the norm. Plus, who doesn't love a bubble gum pink backdrop!?

I definitely want to start doing group shoots more often, the energy just really comes through in the photos. There's something so special about getting people together to create art! And how amazing does dazey look on all of them!? They are simply stunning. 

Special thanks to Julia Offenberger for putting this together. Scroll down to see the whole girl gang in action!



I have had so much fun wearing the new Dazey tees and dressing up like I'm on vacation! They have such a tropical feel and I love their contrast to the city. I throw on the Tropical Goddess Tee with a straw hat and I'm instantly transported to a getaway destination. This was the feel I was going for with this shoot. You can capture that summertime vacation feel amidst the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles. Not far from my apartment there are some super quirky motels and buildings with such a fun 60s/70s vibe. A perfect backdrop for the tiki-inspired Summer of Self Love Collection! 

This is Claudia, a British born, LA based, stylist who occasionally dabbles in modeling! We met through one of my closest childhood friends. She has killer style and is adorable, I had to use her for a Dazey shoot :)