Introduce yourself!
R: What ever you do, Own It. That is my mantra, my style, my piece of advice, and my motivation; all in one.
My name is Rene Daniella. I am half English/ half American and have lived in both places so I can’t quite put a finger on the one I am “from”. I am definitely a city girl. With London, New York, and my current home, Paris, all in my address book, it’s easy to understand why. I thrift, I use music to solve everything, and I have massive wild honey caramel curls.
What is your style philosophy?
R: Golden rule: Style over labels. If you like how it looks, then Own It! Dress for you, and if you please them too than that’s a nice little bonus. Personally, my inspiration often comes from my body type. I have curves. They have needs. Unfortunately big baggy boyfriend tops and those cute old-fashioned flapper dresses don’t meet them. So I take anything, and I mean anything, and cinch it with a belt. Voila!
How would you describe your sense of style?
R: I love statement pieces. I always stay well stocked with the basics, including tanks, tights, and belts, so I can pair them with those one off finds you fall madly and deeply in love with in your favourite shops. I often like to dress with some kind of theme in mind, whether its 90’s hip hop, Parisian chic, Egyptian goddess, classic or bohemian and so on, a good theme absolutely keeps fashion fun.
What is your process of deciding what to wear in the morning?
R: Mood check. I see how I feel, or even how I would like to feel. Then proceed. I keep certain pieces that I am particularly in lust with hanging up on my walls in hopes I will be inspired to incorporate them. My bedroom walls stay busy, some what like a living vision board for fashion.
What are the three favorite things in your closet?
R: It’s hard to pick individually as I have a pretty stocked closet but the things that usually melt my little heart are playsuits, high waist skirts and waist belts. I am a belt fanatic. I am obsessed with new belts. If you gave me a potato sack I would put a waist belt on and rock it.
What are some of your favorite shops/websites for clothes, shoes and accessories?
R: I am not a huge online shopper as I like to be able to see myself in the clothing and try things on. It’s half the battle but half the fun too. If I do go online, I check out ASOS.com and similar sites. Occasionally I have a little gander through Urban Outfitters online SALES (never full price, hmph). But primarily, I am a vintage shop girl and am proud of it. There are so many clothes that have a lot of life left in them and need a good home! No but really I just love unique signature pieces and if you have a good eye and you know what flatters your body type, you can be creative and really OWN your wardrobe.
Also, even though they may not be your typical accessories, I think lipsticks and well polished nails will upgrade any outfit almost instantly and they are so simple to add! I love to go to Sephora for their lipsticks and lip stains. Reds, deep purples, and bold pinks are my go- to colours.
How long have you been natural?
R: I have had one relaxer and one “texturizer” in my life. The first relaxer was to make my hair a bit more manageable as a kid and then the texturizer was just for a style change. I cut the it out about 6 and a half years ago and have been letting my curls live ever since.
How and why did you transition into natural hair?
R: Well just before I got my last texturizer, I would wear my hair massive as it had some pretty good length to it. It was lovely. Once I got the texturizer I immediately missed my volume and realized I had to have it back. My curls absolutely have had a massive influence on my personality. With hair that draws such attention, you learn to use it as a platform and that has always been something I am grateful for.
What is your signature hairstyle?
R: Volume is my signature. As long as I keep my hair moisturized, then a wash and go works perfect. I apply fairly light products, do the finger fluff technique and use a wide tooth comb on my roots to keep it as big as possible. I will not blend into a crowd. Fact.
Describe your styling regimen over the course of the month.
R: I wash every 7 to 10 days. I moisturize using different products depending on the look I am going for, the weather, the state of my hair. Some days my curls need more TLC than others. I try to vary my hairstyles. I do love the puffy bun or scarf up do’s because you know what, sometimes my hair just isn’t acting right and needs a moment to its self haha. I also do the occasional twist out which I am a huge fan of. It always delivers bouncy, well-defined curls!
Is there a blog/webpage where we can find you?
R: Absolutely! I just recently started a blog and you can check it out at OwnByFemme.com I mostly talk about fashion, travel, curls, and life. You can also find me on Instagram @OwnByFemme and Twitter @OwnByFemme
Just as cute as a doll!
Pretty love your style
Love the hair!
wow! she’s so pretty! I choose style over label too.
great hair, great style. You must put a lot of time thinking about what to wear in the morning, since you go with themes, you don’t throw on what seems reasonable like a lot of us.You must have an exciting wardrobe with all those themes! and i’m sure you really read into fashion.
awesome read.
themanecaptain.blogspot.ca
She is lovely and quite chic! Great hair color too!!
Gorgeous hair and style
She is so beautiful and her hair is amazing.
Marry me Daniella. 🙂
Her hair is everything.
Wow. You’re goergous, your beauty get me speechless. I really love your style !
LUV, Luv, Luv your style!
I luv asos. Ur hair is kaa-ute!
Love your style and hair! Major crush on it!
Gooorgeous hair. And gosh, that coat in the second picture is to die for! Where can I find something like that?
Whao teh bglh icons always get it right! You are gorgeous Daniella! Love d the pictures, the interview, clothes and hair!
Adorable! I think I’ve seen you on curlynikki.com.
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Hi! I’m Danielle Rene and I love your feature!
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I was sitting here glaring (read: admiring) your pics, trying to hate (read: loving the COLOR off the photos) and I couldn’t even do it. You and your hair are absolutely exquisite! Beautiful, woman! 🙂
*slow clap building to thunderous applause*
her curls make me despise my 4c kinks. 4c hair is so much harder to deal with man. its a love hate relationship.
wow!! How sad!!!
🙁
what? 4c hair is harder to deal with.
BEAUTIFUL!!!!
I love this girl! Great feature.
Now this a bad chick !
I absolutely love her! Found her on IG a while ago and have been following her ever since. Fabulous!
Love her hair and style!
cute as a button and fabulous !
I love the hair and fashion sense!
[…] discovered René Daniella because she was recently featured as a Style Icon on one of my favourite natural hair websites, Black Girl With Long Hair. But seriously, not only is […]
Her hair, style, and blog are truly beautiful! I would love for my hair to be that big and soooo appreciate her feature!!!
MY FAVE! love love love her style and personality!
You are definitely OWNING IT!
I would love to know what you use to keep your hair moisturized.
You are beautiful. Your sense of style is absolutely everything!
Your hair and style are simply fab!!
um, she’s gorgeous and her body is on point! i want my body like that yo 🙂
Wooooow, she is so gorgeous! And I love her style!!
She is physically perfect…Proof of the existence of God
Perfect hair, perfect body, perfect face . . . Just all around gorgeous!
I took a class with her. I remember I was always just staring at her hair. She is so gorgeous!