- Q&A
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What's In My Bag
With Dani Stahl
A true New York fashion veteran, Dani Stahl has spent nearly two decades shaping the industry through her roles at Vogue, Elle, and as Style Director at Nylon. Known for her architectural eye and passion for accessories, Dani continues to inspire with her distinctive vision and playful approach to design.
What do you always find in your bag?
I’ll always have my phone, my handwritten schedule, my endless amount of supplements, Macrene Actives, and U Beauty lipgloss. There’s always water, too—plus what feels like 80 million hair ties. And snacks for my kids. Always snacks. A fruit roll, a cheddar bunny—snacks, snacks, snacks.
I’m an obsessive nail picker so I’ll always have a nail file-–preferably a fresh one because they’re much sharper. And I’ll usually have a pair of Jennifer Fisher hoops or some extra earrings tucked away.
Fun fact: I don’t take elevators. Ever. So I always keep socks in my bag—if I need to walk up stairs, I’ll slip off my heels and put on socks instead.
What is your favorite Misela bag for the days in New York City?
My favorite has to be Misela’s Nora Anatolia in XL. It fits everything I need to power through a full day in New York.
What are your go-to bars and cafes in the city?
I’m a big coffee drinker. Most days, I pop into Bluestone—there’s one right downstairs from my apartment. If I’m meeting someone, it’s usually at Sant Ambroeus. And honestly, I have a full-on Starbucks addiction.
What’s your signature scent?
I have two perfumes that I’ve worn since high school. CK One and Calyx. They’re very different, one’s fruity and the other is fresh. So I’m fruity and fresh.
What’s on your wishlist right now?
World peace. Good health for my family, and really, for everyone. I wished for the Nora Anatolia bag from Misela—and then I got it. So now it’s world peace, everything from the Celine collection, and my beloved Nora Anatolia.
What’s your inspiration?
I’m inspired by so many different things in the world. I’m inspired by creative people—I’m an art school kid, magazine editor, so anyone creating stuff or breaking the boundaries always really speaks to me.
I admire confidence and strength in people, qualities I’m always trying to ground myself in.
And anyone who can create peace in the world.
You’re dressed for the night, where are you going? And if you could invite anyone, who would it be?
The Polo Bar, for sure. With my Silver Victoria Misela Bag.
I’d invite Sienna Miller, Deepak Chopra, and Celine’s designer, Michael Rider—he’s coming. And of course, I’d want my friends Stacey, Nicky, and Charlotte Groeneveld to join.
What’s one book that you think everyone has to read?
A friend of mine, Nicole Graev, just wrote a brilliant compilation of stories, called “Mothers and Other Fictional Characters”.
Another book I often reference, though I’ve never actually read it, is “Let Them”, which is definitely on my list. This summer, I did get through Sarah Hoover’s new book, “The Mother Load”, which I loved.
I’m also always clipping recommendations from Zibby Owens’ list. The truth is, I have a towering stack of books with the best intentions to get through them. But between life and my Instagram obsession, reading time is scarce.
Who are your favorite accounts to follow on Instagram right now?
Fun fact: I’ve actually maxed out the number of people you can follow on Instagram—7,504. Apparently that’s the cap.
I’ve made my Instagram into my own news feed. I follow all the outlets, every gallery, museum, and photographer, plus all things fashion, accessories, home, and kids. I’m also really into the health, longevity, and wellness space—so yes, I follow every Dave Asprey in existence.
Who’s your favorite style icon?
Well, when you follow 7,504 people, that’s a tough question! Honestly, it depends on my mood. I can’t pick just one. Style is about capturing a moment, and my inspiration shifts constantly.
What’s your most treasured item in your wardrobe?
My engagement ring—which I’m wearing right now. If the house were on fire, I’d grab my daughters’ daddy ‘glammy’ and my ring. My husband also has a really cool sports collection, and I’d do my best to save that for him, too.
Would you call this apartment your home-base?
Yes, absolutely—this is my home-home. I was born and raised in the city. My parents live just a few blocks away, and I grew up right around here. My daughters even go to the same school I went to, which feels very grounding.
If you had a favorite hour of the day, what would that be?
It’s funny, because it has changed. I used to be such a night owl, but now I love the mornings—the early hours when I have that space to myself. I have a whole set of little rituals I love to do then.
That said, this daylight savings change is going to throw me off. It’s hard when the mornings are suddenly dark. But we’ll stay positive—especially because Deepak is coming to the Polo Bar (lol).
What is your favorite Misela bag for the nights in New York City?
The silver Victoria bag, I love the croco material and the large handle, i’ve already put it on Instagram.
