Our True Beauty series features the most influential and stylish women in Texas.  We take a peek inside their closets, their minds, and their hearts to find out what makes them truly passionate.  Today’s post features Sonia Daniels who is a philanthropist, mother of two darling girls, and wife of former NBA player and San Antonio Spur Antonio Daniels.  We first met through my work in PR, but have since become friends and participated in bible studies together.  Sonia was kind enough to let us into her temporary home, which is just a stop over until their new home, which is currently under construction, is completed.  Read on and get ready for some serious style envy!


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Haute in Texas: Hi Sonia! Thanks for letting us come visit today.  So, how would you describe your style?

Sonia Daniels: I would describe it as comfortable, number one, but chic.  I don’t like to do every single trend that comes out, but I’ll maybe get one piece or so and kind of incorporate into my every day basics.  I really like skinny distressed jeans, right now I’m wearing bell bottoms, and I really like the new jeans that have come out that are more stretchy.  Those are my favorite!

HIT: How would you say your style has evolved over the years?

SD: Ok {laughs}, well, it’s definitely evolved.  Before, even though it was uncomfortable, I would still wear it if it looked awesome.  If it was high designer brands I loved wearing stuff like that to games.  And now, having the girls, it’s all about comfort, really.  I’ll still wear shoes that hurt my feet every now and again, but as soon as I’m in the car I take them off.  But now, my every day style is very sporty.  I’m always at the gym, and I’m running around a lot.  So I’m in Lululemon, and Asics or Nike tennis shoes.  If I’m going out for lunch with friends I like jeans, a nice blouse and maybe some wedges.  And a cool bag.

HIT: So the bag and the shoes are where you like to have some fun?

SD: Yeah, the clothes it’s about comfort.  The shoes, if they’re uncomfortable but they’re super smoking hot, those will come out only when it’s necessary and only for the amount of time allotted. {laughs}
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HIT: What would you say are your favorite things in your closet right now?

SD: My favorite things are my Chanel bags, because I can dress them up, dress them down.  Fun bags for right now, for this summer, is anything with fringe.  Cross over body bags are really easy, and you can throw a couple things in there and head out.  I love my Valentino rockstuds, but I have a timeframe on those.  I wore my nude ones for my daughter’s birthday party and by the end of the day I thought I was never going to be able to wear shoes again.

HIT: If you could only wear one designer for the rest of your life, who would you wear?

SD: For bags, definitely Chanel.  My shoes, there was a point where I was all YSL and Gucci, but now it would be Louboutins or Nike tennis shoes.  And the stretchy J Brand jeans.
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HIT: Why is style important to you?

SD: Well, style, non-verbally, that’s the first impression people get of you.  So if you have nice shoes and they’re not scuffed up, that will say a lot about you.  I think it’s just a statement of how you take care of yourself or what you like.  You can be over-trendy, I think, you see some people who have just way too much going on.  I say pick something that’s going to be your staple.  So whether it’s your shoes and you love shoes, just rock an awesome pair and you don’t have to spend a lot on everything else.  Don’t go broke on things you don’t need, I think it’s just important to have a nice shoe and a great bag.
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HIT: What does “true beauty” mean to you?

SD: True beauty to me is the kindness you show to others.  When you’re by yourself or no one’s watching, it’s how you treat others.  You could be dressed to the “t” and just be a horrible person when you open your mouth.  I think true beauty definitely comes from within, how you acknowledge people, how you smile, how you look them in the eye.  It doesn’t matter who someone is, you show the same respect to everybody.  And accepting who you are, I know personally it’s a struggle for me, too.  But you know, we’re all getting older, so grow older gracefully.  Our bodies are changing all the time, especially after having children.  So stuff that used to fit you when you were a teenager, don’t be discouraged when your hips are a little wider and maybe your jeans don’t fit you anymore.  Just embrace the next size up and just look awesome.

HIT: What would you say are your passions?

SD:  I’m very passionate about my family, just doing things with them.  I’m very passionate about my faith in God, and giving back to the community.  I feel like our purpose is to serve others just like Jesus did.  You know, he came to serve and not to be served.  So any time I can volunteer and get out in the community I love to do it.  My husband and I like to do boot camps, and this is where a lot of our passion comes from is being fit and healthy.  Especially living in San Antonio, where we’re looked down as a fat city.  If we can make a difference and help people with their lifestyle by showing them what to eat and helping them work out.  Just to see people exercising and trying, it’s so awesome.  That just brings joy to me.
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HIT: Alright, last question, an Haute in Texas tradition: pancakes or waffles?

SD: Pancakes.  And if we have to be specific, sweet potato pancakes.


For more information about all the Daniels Family is doing in the community, check out their Foundation website here.  And if you’re looking at her closet and trying to keep from drooling, you can actually SHOP some of her items via her Poshmark account, which can be found here.  Enjoy, and thank you Sonia for sharing your love of fashion and faith with me.  You are an inspiration!

XO,

A