Took a two week break from shooting to design the new collection and was so happy to get back to it! It feels so good to be outside snapping magical moments. Shot this in one of my favorite easy local locations Barnsdell Park. I know I keep saying it but LA is so GREEN right now, it makes for the coolest photos, what a time to be alive haha!! Photography is basically a social activity where you get to hang out with new people while simultaneously making art together, I love it. This cute thing is Paris Verra (yes her real name!!), she's a young model & actress. Check out the shots below!

Also featuring girl-boss goodies from @im_with_the_band_headbands & @jay.nicole.jewelry. 

 Met up with Char downtown to shoot on some rooftops! Was very excited when she reached out to shoot while she was in town. She's a super spunky gal from Canada with hair that is to die for. We had a blast, she is such a cool girl with a unique take on life. Here's some photos and a few wise words from Charmaine :)

"The idea of unity is much different for me. To collaborate, to cooperate, is the fun, joy and love of being and doing things together. Whatever that may be." - Char

Very excited to have a guest post by Shiloh from A Distant Mentality! She is a forensic psychologist and travel blogger, how cool is that? Shiloh went all around town researching the very best coffee shops in LA to work from. She reached out about doing an article and we came up with this idea! Its perfect because she's a huge coffee lover and Dazey was born from coffee shop hopping :) Check it out below:

http://adistantmentality.blogspot.com/

IG: @adistantmentality

I am a Gemini. Although I think the emerald is beautiful, I consider the coffee bean my birthstone.

My caffeine obsession likely started in undergrad when I took a part-time job as a barista. Coffee fueled me through college and it helped, that as an employee, I was able to take home a free pound of coffee every single week! Shortly after college, I started my career as a first responder and coffee became an essential part of each shift. I mean, how else do you stay alert all night? Now as a busy psychologist, coffee is a beautiful part of my morning ritual, putting me in my happy place of feeling relaxed yet stimulated.

All of these personal moments with coffee usually took place in my home, car, or office but last year when I started my travel blog, A Distant Mentality, I needed that "other" space in which to work.

Lots of us find ourselves here. On those days where hanging out in yoga pants with your cat crawling all over your laptop just won't do. You need to get some serious work done on that almost-due-assignment or put some finishing touches on those creative projects that will hopefully launch you into the Big Time. You need a place that is relaxed, yet laptop friendly and with stimulants at an arms reach. The coffee shop workspace is a first step for many entrepreneurs when they barely have the funds for that second Americano, much less, office space rent.

Here are LA's best speciality coffee shops that promise to fill your motivation needs right alongside your mug.

Verve Coffee Roasters

833 S. Spring St. 

This magic spot has super high ceilings and cleverly designed seating to maximize the floor plan. The impressive entrance is made up of floor to ceiling windows so you get good light and great views of the amazing living green walls that cover the front patio. There are a few common tables areas, one in the middle of the coffeeshop (complete with outlets) and one that wraps around the coffee bar, but then there are cute little nooks that make small meetings feel intimate. The staff is great and I had the best dirty chai of my life here.  

Wifi: Yes

Outlets: Many

What to get: Dirty Chai 

Alchemist Coffee Project

698 S. Vermont Ave.

This ideal workspace is tucked into an unassuming strip mall at Vermont and 7th. It is lively with people working and chatting, but with soft music and moody tones. If you want to hunker down and get a little lost in your work, this is a good space to find a cozy corner while sipping coffee and eating a colorful macaron.   

Wifi: Yes

Outlets: Lots!

What to get: Spanish Latte

Bru Coffee Bar

1866 N. Vermont Ave. 

Bru Coffee Bar looks tiny from the street in the bustling heart of Los Feliz, but opens up into a great place to work. All kinds of folks can be found pounding on their keyboards at the large community table and there are several two-person tables, plus a spacious loft that would be more ideal for a quick business meeting. If sunshine is what you crave, there is a small front patio which is perfect for people-watching. The baristas are super friendly and the musical playlist is easy on the ears for working.  

Wifi: Yes

Outlets: Many

What to get: Meyer Lemon danish, matcha latte

Dinosaur Coffee

3443 W. Sunset Blvd. 

I love Dinosaur Coffee for its overhead natural light. It makes the shop feel huge and they certainly know how to make the best use of the space. The coffee bar is situated in the middle of the room with bar seating all around, as well as at the front windows. You can get fresh made sandwiches or a variety of majorly delicious pastries. Dinosaur is defiantly the trendiest of all the shops on this list, but it does make for a good workspace. Lots of parking in the back is a plus. 

Wifi: No, but I got on the McDonald's wifi with no problem

Outlets: Some

What to get: Drip coffee in a signature "Fuck It" mug 

Civil Coffee

5629 N. Figueroa St. 

Civil Coffee is another nice airy space with great natural light (and equally marvelous light fixtures for asthetics). It is simple and sleek, with just enough charm to make it a comfy place to work diligently. They have used the space nicely, by dedicating the area along the large front windows to bar-height desk space that faces Figueroa Street. The music is soft and the rest of the space is filled with large tables and a couch in the back.  On weekends, you may find young families noshing on some comfort food such as cinnamon toast or PB+J. Plenty of creative and savory toasts are also constructed here and they offer a special menu of caffeinated drinks named after local landmarks and streets.    

Wifi: No

Outlets: Some

What to get: The Figueroa

Copa Vida

70 S. Raymond Ave. 

Copa Vida is a lively little spot in the heart of Old Town Pasadena that makes for a good workspace or meeting place.  The large main room can be a bit bustling, but it has nice lighting and offers some communal spaces and individual tables. A back room is more quiet and dark and you will often find laptop warriors hard at work. In my opinion, the baristas here are top notch; I usually go with a cappuccino and whatever the daily kombucha offering is. They also have an avocado toast that is made with the freshest crusty bread and weighs as much as your arm. 

Wifi:

Outlets: Some

What to get: Cappuccino, daily kombucha, baked eggs

I met Kailee of I'm With The Band Headbands a few months into Dazey. I spotted one of her bands on instagram and HAD to shoot them with the tees! We met up at a coffee shop so I could pull some pieces and ended up talking for hours. She's such a sweet soul and amazing lady! We have become good friends and help each others business out all the time. That's what female entrepreneurship is all about :)

A collab seemed necessary. We have been working on these babies for MONTHS and production was super tricky for these speciality prints. But it was worth it and they are finally out! Hand drawn with love by yours truly @danidazey and printed on Kailee's gorgeous velvet turbans. You can shop the collab pieces HERE.

Of of course in natural Dazey Lady fashion we had to feature the BABE behind the bands Kailee. She is a super girl boss who get's ish done. Creep her Dazey Lady words of wisdom below and our little magical shoot featuring all her bands along with our collab pieces!

www.im-with-the-band.com #BABESINBANDS

Huge thanks to Victoria lady boss of Wallflower SF for hanging during the shoot, styling, and snapping some BTS instax/duo photos :)

1) Dani - Tell us about your company! How did it start? How long have you been doing it?

Kailee - My company, I'm With The Band is a headwear company that creates amongst other things, headbands! It started with a vision to combine all the things I love (music, fashion, health and wellbeing) into one and make it something rad and tangible. My IWTB journey started 3 years ago.

2) Dani - What inspires you and gets you excited!?

Kailee - I get super inspired and excited by the music, culture, fashion and attitude of the 60s and 70s. I also get inspiration from all sorts of things like hand painted tiles, architecture, color, texture, other cultures and a little nature reset always helps!

3) Dani - What are some of the biggest challenges you have faced?

Kailee - As a small business you wear a lot of hats, so it can be a bit tricky to manage my time super well. Aside from achieving brand recognition, I'd say my biggest challenge is production and all the ins and outs of managing it whilst maintaining a product I'm super proud of and thrilled with.

4) What’s your #1 piece of advice you’d give to a girl trying to start a business?

Aim to do something you love and are passionate about and start anywhere. If you're passionate and believe in what you're doing it will keep you going and inspired through all the trials and tribulations of starting and running your own business. It's never going to be the perfect time to do anything, it just doesn't exist. It always sort of re inspires me to know that you can literally start anywhere... you can start in the middle, beginning or end, but just start and put one foot in front of the other and before you know it, you'll be somewhere you've never been and you're on your way!

5) Dani -Where do you see your company going the next few years?

Kailee - World domination? Just kidding... I see I'm With The Band growing into a lifestyle brand of sorts, with more and meaningful offerings that inspire people and more collaborations with authentic and aligned brands. My goals for the company are ever evolving but one thing I know for certain is that I want to grow my business into something that nurtures the human spirit, helps people and gives back to things I believe in.

6) Dani - What does being a Dazey Lady mean to you?

Kailee - Well first of all, it's a real honor! It means strength, independence and unapologetically reaching for the stars. Believing in yourself through all the peaks and valleys of owning and running your own business. Knowing there's a group of badass babes that have your back when the the struggles of entrepreneurship aren't always all daisies is such a gift... so grateful for my fellow lady bosses! Most of all, it means doing what I love, spreading love, light, positivity and good vibes, following my heart and working daily to grow it into all I know it can be.

SPREAD THE LADY BOSS LOVE!!

Xx- Kailee & Dani

You can shop the collab pieces HERE

THE NAME GAME 

Oh the daunting task of naming your business. People can get hung up on this for months, and it often causes delays in launching. I don't know if it's going to make or break your business, but it is so scary thinking this name can potentially always be attached to you.

Everyone approaches naming their business or brand differently. I find it helpful to hear how other people came up with theirs. Below we have stories on how 8 Dazey Ladies came up with their brand names, including ours!

If you have a fun story on how you named your business please leave it in the comments below, we would LOVE to hear!

Xx- Dani Dazey

Dani of Dazey LA art apaprel

I wanted a simple name that evoked a feeling more than specifically mean something. After a week of back and forth with my sister, she just said the name ‘Dazey’ and it stuck. It had that California ’70s vibe that the clothing line is inspired by. As a made-up word, it didn’t carry any preconceived meaning—it could define itself. Important things to consider as well: if the trademark is open, and if domain names and social media handles are available. If you’re having a hard time coming up with a name, just use a placeholder you like. Don’t let that stop you from getting your company going. People will forgive you if you change it early on.

Kelly of Electric West fashion label

For me, picking a name, went from being an easy task, to a daunting chore of intense over thinking. I got so hung up on the permanency and importance of a brand name, that i ended up grasping for something that i thought would appeal to the masses, instead of what really reflected me. I finally had to step back and think… what was the story I was trying to tell and how did i want it to make people feel? Most importantly, how did it encompass me? I’m an avid traveler and love being on the road. Dusty desert towns and dive bars are kinda "my thing". Whenever i can i’m heading out to Joshua Tree or driving up to the mountains to go camping. I really just wanted to create a line of t-shirts that would encapsulate my travels throughout the West Coast and Southwest. The name Electric West, just kinda clicked. At this point, the name has become more than just a brand to people. It’s a story of travel and wanderlust (with a touch of vintage Americana). It’s cool to see how the name Electric West translates to each person and resonates with them in their own travels. 

Heather of The Westside Collective boutique and consulting

I came up with the name The Westside Collective after I had already started my company Westside Consulting.  I lived on the Westside of LA and thought this was fitting for the consulting company. When I started the boutique I wanted the companies to be related, hence using Westside again.  Also my plan was to do pop up event on the Westside which we have been doing for the last year.  Collective came because I wanted to bring in a range of different designers and artisans and for us to collectively do events for the community.The name has been confused by marijuana lovers as a dispensary which I had never thought of! Regarding the logo, I wanted it to be clean but have some meaning.  The W is formed from 2 upside down tipis (since I have my dog tipi company Growler Goods).  I have the logo on my Tahoe and people tell me all the time they've heard of me or seen my logo so I'm happy that it's working!  

Dominique of Stone and Spirit jewelry 

I just recently rebranded my company and had to go through the daunting task of choosing a new name for it. I think the best way to think of a name is to have a good old fashioned brainstorming session, and enlist someone to help you bounce ideas around. I had another jewelry maker friend help me, and we started off by listing off random words that were related to my business. (My company is jewelry that is mostly crystal and gemstone focused) I tried out names of crystals that I like and use often, and went from there. Opal, angel aura, spirit quartz, druzy, etc. Then tried to tie those in. I even tried out puns, my wonderful boyfriend suggested I name my company "Opal Winfrey", which had me dying of laughter. Don't let it be a stressful process and don't take yourself too seriously when you're just brainstorming! Finding who you are selling to and narrowing it down can really help you focus on a good name. I eventually thought of Sun & Stone, as a play on sunstone. But a quick google search dashed my dreams, since it was already taken! Sad day. But after that I decided I really liked the & in the name, as well as the word stone. My final business name landed on "Stone & Spirit". Both because, one of my favorite crystals to work with are called spirit quartz, and I felt it would really relate to the market I had cornered (the hippie/gypsy/free spirit type who feel energy and healing properties from their crystals). To sum up my business naming advice: 1. Know your market and think of what they would respond positively to 2. Think not only about the product you are selling, but also the emotions it may invoke 3. And finally to just have fun with it! 

Blogger Nikia of Mad Maven Style

I always get so excited when people ask me how I named my blog. It all started with a passion for style and a book called "The Tipping Point" by Malcolm Gladwell. In this book, he kept defining a Maven as being someone who is an expert or connoisseur, a fashion maven if you will. These mavens were always first to know about the coolest trends and the first to set these trends wild for everyone to know about. I loved the word maven so much, that it stuck, I began referring to myself as a maven. The mad part came from the madness behind my styling, like it was an art or a special technique, which it is. And style was what sealed the deal with what I wanted people to know my blog was about. Not fashion, but style. Now days I go by The Mad Maven usually when people address me or write about me, but my blog will always remain Mad Maven Style.

Kailee of I'm With The Band headbands

The name of my company was really important to me. I wanted it to be playful and lighthearted and fully embody what I do and what I love. It also needed to make perfect sense, evoke emotion and a sense of belonging. Last, but certainly not least, I wanted it to tie in my rock and roll roots and undying love for music. When I tell people the name of my company is I'm With The Band and I make headbands they invariably giggle, as it clicks for them. It's awesome to get such a positive response and put a smile on someone's face just by telling them the name of my brand.

Debbie of brows. eyebrow salon

The name "brows." came about out of simplicity. We wanted a name that took the mystique out of the process. We wanted it to appear easy, almost so easy that it left little to the imagination as to what we do. However in saying that, there was a lot of thought in how we would convey the name. We chose a small "b" and a (.) dot at the end to make it a full statement. The small "b" was important because it signified a demure response to our approach. Our designer, Sam Eaton came up with our amazing logo and last year made a case for adding a few detail changes, and he was right. It's perfect for us and our product line. We researched many names for our (flagship) spot, all the while keeping in mind that we wanted a name that was easy to franchise. We noticed that most brow artists were interested in incorporating their names into the mix. There were plenty of places with the word "brow" in the name, mostly with the name of the brow artist. Again we wanted the diminutive "b" to step back - almost like a whisper. "brows." is a collaborative effort, and one where we focus on the client. That is very important to us. It's not about the ego of the artist, but rather focusing on the client. brows is a half-hour individual experience where clients can get a simple clean-up, a re-shaped eyebrow, an eyebrow growth program, or an editorial eyebrow. brows. speaks eyebrows, 6 days a week. It's what we've studied and what we are passionate about.

 Wardrobe stylist Maureen of The LA Look

The•LA•Look was created out of divine intervention. The end of 2009 found me out of my very prominent, high-profile buying position in a well-known Los Angeles store ; into starting a freelance buying office at the beginning of the crash of retail. I needed a strong concept. I had confidence going into my business that I would and could provide for a multitude of stores the knowledge and dare I say talent that I’d acquired in my previous position. I would offer them a different and dedicated eye in the marketplace. I would offer them collections and ideas they might not otherwise be privy to.  I would offer a dialed in perspective they might not otherwise have access to. I would know and obtain the celebrity styles and latest trends coming out of the west coast. I would offer to their store, to any store, anywhere, an LA touch. So, by defining my business I created my name. I was offering these clients quite literally, The LA Look.  And, the domain was available :) Now, as my business has developed and evolved, the name continues to define almost instantaneously who my business is.  And as I grow in to consulting and take on more marketing, and adamantly persue my biggest passion, styling; and as Los Angeles continues to grow into a fashion-centric definer of style - I am happy to help define what is The•LA•Look

 I've said it before and I'll say it again, LA is a vastly different landscape with all this rain! The terrain is so lush it looks like a tropical oasis in the hills. The perfect backdrop for this collaboration shoot with Brazilian Beauty Julia. A model and hardcore surfer babe who just moved to LA to pursue her dreams! 

Was also so excited to have an amazing Lady Boss & stylist Maureen of The LA Look help dress up the Dazey shoot! There's really such a different feeling and impact that comes with putting a lot of thought and effort into the outfits. They are all planned to pair perfectly with the shirts, pull together the looks, and match the mood and location.

This was a special shoot we spent a lot of time planning and putting extra love into! Hope it shows :) Enjoy!

Model- @juliamunizbr

Stylist- @thelalook

Photographer- @danidazey

Quick design with Dani

Hey all, Dani Dazey here! I'm always sharing how I create Dazey's designs on the insta story and now I'm brining them to the Zine in fun & new ways. I decided to create a time lapse of me illustrating a design for Dazey. A lot of time and love goes into each design and I am so excited to share how they are made. My goal is for everyone to feel so involved in the design process it's almost like they are apart of it too!

I have added an audio tutorial along with the video to give you an idea of my thoughts and design process so be sure your sound is on too. For those who are curious I work in adobe Illustrator and photoshop. I also draw using a Waccom Intous medium sized drawing tablet to give me designs that true hand drawn feel.

The "Local Female Powerhouse" tee should be released in the next few months along with the rest of the "March On" collection inspired by the incredible Women's March that took place January 21st. I used to always get in trouble posting designs before release when I worked at corporate companies, even to the extreme of getting fired for it. But when you run your own business you can do whatever you want! I love being overly transparent with Dazey. It's all about sharing and helping fellow female here :)

Xx- Dani Dazey

When I first moved to LA just 4 years ago the arts district was vastly different. It is growing like crazy as new condos, shops, and restaurants are popping up left and right. There's even some petitions out to change the name since artists can't afford to live there anymore! Gentrification is always bitter sweet. Sadly original occupants are forced out, but the neighborhoods do become more safe and quite lively. What I like about the arts district is all the old industrial architecture and old walls mixed with greenery. Since the arts dist is much less busy than downtown proper it makes it a photographers paradise. Plus the cool cars and motorcycles scattered around made great props HA!

I hope you enjoy the photos below captured with my favorite Lady Quigley! We always trade each other Dazey photos for shooting her other blog looks :)

 SHOP THE TOPS HERE

THE FAMOUS DAZEY FLAY LAY

I've always loved flat lays, but they are often overused and look the same. They are a great way to show product details, so I knew From the beginning I needed to make Dazey's lays special. I began to arrange flowers around the tees for photos and people loved the posts! Now it's something I try to do every few weeks to keep things fresh and cohesive in my Instagram feed. It may seem like a simple thing to do, but there is a method to the arrangement and taking of the photos! Follow along below to see how I do it :)

SHOP THE TOPS HERE

SETP 1) FIND THE FLOWERS

Doing flat lays like this can be costly, so I go to the wholesale flower district in Downtown Los Angeles. This is where the florists get all their flowers and crazy low prices!

WHAT TO CHOOSE?

I like to find a green of some sort to add volume and color to the background. There are some examples above of some awesome green leaves perfect for accenting your florals. I went with a green with small white flowers throughout.

Then your going to need your main flower, I chose to use this bright yellow because it matches my logo and will really stand out! Sometimes I add a second color that matches like a red or pink, but this time I decided succulents would add a nice touch! 

STEP 2) PLACE BACKGROUND GREENS

Find an area with lots of natural light to take the photo. Pick a simple or natural background like wood or plain white paper. First off lay down whatever it is your shooting nice and straight. You'll be surprised at how many wrinkles the camera can pick up. If you can't get it totally perfect that is ok, I'll show you a quick photoshop trick to edit out lines at the end.

Then start to place the greens. I like to do a half or full circle to really frame the tee. Otherwise it looks a little awkward just on the sides. Layer the pieces on top of each other and make it as lush as possible, no naked areas! Make sure it is as even as possible on both sides.

STEP 3) ADD MAIN FLOWER

Now you add the main flower. I usually start with a 2 bunches on each side. I place them in the middle and top of the crest. I made them nice and even again.

Keep them grouped if they are and cut off the bottom of the stems where it's sparse. Then you tuck the bottom stems inside the background green so they don't show! The bottom photo shows what it should look like after this step is done.

STEP 4) FILL IT IN

At this point there are still parts missing the main flower. I go in and cut the entire stem off of the flower and place them face up throughout. This way you can see the flower really nicely and put it wherever it's missing color. I also cover up some of the ugly stems still showing with the little flowers.

I also added my accent succulents. I staggered them for a more asymmetric natural look. You don't have to place the flowers as even as the last two steps either. This is where you go in making it fun and different! Add as many as you have, the more epic the arrangement the better!

STEP 5) TAKING THE PHOTO

Now here comes the fun part! Time to take the photo. I always stand on a chair or directly above the flat lay to get an areal angle. You can very easily take this on your phone, in fact I prefer to over my SLR camera since it's easier to see the screen. I like to center the image as much as possible using the grid feature.

Take a ton, you never know which ones are going to be blurry or off center. Check them in-between and see how the arrangement is looking, I often shift things around while I shoot. I also try and get a few angles after I get the main shot so I have a few options to post.

STEP 6) EDIT OUT WRINKLES

I use the pattern stamp tool on Adobe photoshop to edit out the wrinkles. You can see a screen shot below and arrow pointing to the tool. What this tool does is select and area when you click alt over it and then will move that area over to where ever you click next. I go back and forth from picking up area with "alt" and then putting them over the wrinkles. 

Another trick is to use paint brush and paint dropper a color and on a low opacity and just brush over the wrinkles. Make sure to be subtle with this trick because it can look fake really fast. Adding a grain at the end will also help it look more natural. 

FIN! 

And there you have it, how to make a Dazey flatlay! I know it might seem a little self explaintory, but hope this was helpful in some way. If you do any flay lays inspired by this tutorial please use the hashtag #dazeyflatlay. We would love to check it out :)

Also you can see some more flat lay fun by checking #dazeyflatlay