Street Style: Meet Dani Sauter, Blonde in the District
You may recognize Dani. Maybe you’ve seen her walking to grab coffee in Old Town…or tagged in an Instagram post or featured in a local magazine spread. This is very likely because she has a face, a vibe and a presence you will never forget. She’s Blonde in the District. And if you haven’t met her yet, take the time. She is someone whose authenticity and energy will inspire you hours after you’ve spoken.
Dani Sauter, @blonde_inthedistrict
Self-styled: Dress and earrings from Wild Gardenia Boutique, Gucci shoes
Hair: Salon deZEN, styled by Maria Elizabeth, color by Heather Jordan
Shoot location: Prince and Columbus Streets
A self-described influencer, Dani has found a following and success through her blog which celebrates nine years this week. She said it began as a way to connect with other women, to show that style isn’t something to be intimidated by, but something to use as a tool to make you feel confident. “I was at a job that didn’t make me feel good about myself, and I began to use style as a means of expression. I found I could instill confidence in myself– even though I wasn’t confident about what was waiting for me at work.”
Thankfully she left that job to look for something better, and started the blog during that transitional period. “This coincided with the body positivity movement and it spoke to me, having been curvy my entire life.” She didn’t expect to connect with so many and thought, “maybe I’ll reach a handful of people and say ‘hey if I’m doing this, you can do this too, wear something bright and colorful and overall it will help you get through life.’”
She is incredibly grateful that her message has resonated. “There have been countless occasions throughout my influencer career when I’ve received a message, ‘you influenced me to try this trend…or try this brand with inclusive sizing and it changed my life.’ That is the most meaningful thing for me. I want people to feel their value and the right to express themselves and to dress how they want.”
Always on the move, Dani works full-time as a government IT contractor and owns the UPS store on S. West Street in Old Town with her husband. So when does she fit ‘influencing’ in? “I’ll work in the early mornings, do a photo shoot before work starts, attend events in the evenings… and my weekends are pretty full. I’m aware that I’m always ON, even when I’m walking to the coffee shop, people will approach me and say ‘hey, I follow you on Instagram.’”
She credits her photographer Arielle Lewis and manager Alexandra Boos for helping her influencer status move to the next level. “It’s so important to have someone in your corner when you’re a creator or influencer. People don’t understand how ‘influencing’ works. I just want to create and produce amazing content, but it’s a business at the end of the day and they both help with that.”
Her highlights to date: being on the Drew Barrymore Show in 2021, season 2. “I was part of the Drew’s News segment which was really cool…and in 2019, I was chosen as a Washingtonian Style Setter which introduced me to the world of modeling.”
Nominated by Salon deZEN for Street Style, Dani credits Heather Jordan for her amazing color, which she’s been doing since 2019. “I also met Maria (Elizabeth) by going to the salon, and she is just an amazing small business owner; what she has created is so special and so inclusive. They always make me feel welcome, and that is magical.”
What’s Dani looking forward to next? “Really celebrating my blog’s anniversary and taking the time to reflect. We get so caught up in our next move, I want to look back and remind myself how things started and how I’ve evolved, and take that content creation with me into 2024. Social media can be a great thing, but the environment is so different than when I started ten years ago, and you’re always wondering, ‘am I still relevant?’” You are Dani, you most definitely are.
Check out Dani’s Street Style:
ABOUT DANI
Hometown: Richmond, VA
What would surprise people about you? I was a synchronized swimmer as a kid!
Favorite book or movie: Favorite book is The Great Gatsby, favorite movie is Clueless.
Guilty Pleasure: Vintage shopping
Latest binge-watch: Ugly Betty
Bucket list travel destination: Gotokuji Temple, the Birthplace of Maneki-neko ‘Lucky Cat’ in Tokyo.
STYLE
Define your style in three words or less: Maximalist, feminine, playful
The go-to piece in your wardrobe: It depends on my mood and the season, but for fall, my go-to is a bold statement jacket.
Favorite trend: ‘Humble ribbon’ oversized hair bows (a la SJP!)
Beauty product you can’t live without: Dior Lip Glow Oil in Berry
Boots, sneakers, or sandals? All have a time and place. But, if I had to just choose one it would be boots because they have the best versatility for a range of looks.
WELLNESS
Go-to way to de-stress: Zoning out to music on a walk. Right now I’m counting down the minutes to the release of ‘1989 (Taylor’s Version)’ – I know I’ll have a long walk around Old Town to de-stress on this day!
Most fun way to stay active: Walking antique & vintage malls. I’ve been to some that have taken me 3+ hours to walk through!
Wellness goal: To be more present and in the moment.
Want to try: Aerial yoga
Proudest wellness achievement: Most recently, conquering the weighted jump ropes at MADabolic Old Town
HOME
Favorite room in your home: My closet
Antiques, modern, or a mix? A mix, but mostly antiques/vintage
Last item bought for your home: A vintage cobalt blue porcelain cat statue
Favorite way to entertain: I truly wish I had more space to entertain more often. I have dreams of hosting a yearly crazy over-the-top New Year’s Eve party when I have the space to do so!
Clutter-free or well-lived in? Well-lived in but organized
Next planned purchase: A high fidelity vinyl record player
ALEXANDRIA
What do you love about Alexandria Stylebook? I love that it celebrates the local community. It is so interesting to learn about all the amazing individuals that live and/or work in Old Town. I will say, never have I ever felt a sense of community as I’ve felt living in Old Town – we are so lucky to have this supportive network, and Alexandria Stylebook is one of the reasons!
Favorite spot in Alexandria: Torpedo Factory
Your go-to shop: Wild Gardenia Boutique for size-inclusive, vibrant, and bold pieces and Vintage Mirage for fabulous vintage and statement jewelry. Some of my favorite pieces in my closet are from both of these shops!
Best food spot: There are so many amazing restaurants it's so hard to name just one, but I’m really vibing with Josephine at the moment, and Chadwicks as a whole is always a staple for my husband and I.
Favorite local organization: Alexandria Welfare League of Alexandria. As an animal lover, I deeply respect the work and commitment they provide to support animals.
Annual Alexandria event you most look forward to: The Alexandria Scottish Christmas Walk Parade and Holiday Boat Parade of Lights because it kicks off the holiday season!
