the summer popsicle shirtdress

why hellooooo there. 

it's been a long time y'all. sorry for the MIA but my BFF got married (whoo hoo!), my laptop fan died, and then life happened. ya know?! recently, my friend Nicole @nicolesometimes introduced me to the world of Anthropologie dresses. i knew if i bought one dress, i would buy another... and let's just say i will be a more frequent visitor to their website, despite the cries from my wallet. what? i can't hear you!!?! i can't help it. Anthropologie just gets me. 

a shirtdress is an essential in every wardrobe. this one is no exception, and come on. it has POPSICLES on it. hello perfect summer dress. i mean how can you resist? when it came out a long time ago, i really wanted it but couldn't justify the price tag, then i saw Nicole wear it and was like that's it. URGH. these blogger friends are so expensive (love you!)!! i've worn this dress a few times without washing it (#noshame) and always get a DOZEN compliments on it! 

i'll be traveling to Boston, MA / New Market, NH this weekend to see my blogger babe ANNIE @thelovelygirl.co and mastermind behind the @stylecollective_ group of gals. being apart of @stylecollective_ has allowed me to make amazing friendships with gals. as someone who doesn't have many GFs, thanks to Annie, i have tons all over the world!! Annie has become such a friend to me over our random DMs and instagram comments. i am SO excited to meet her in person (shriek!). it's going to be an #epicweekend full of #S&S = #shenanigans & #seafood!

for my blogger gals, click on READ MORE for some takeaways from the rewardStyle #RSSchoolNight i attended last week wearing this same dress lol!

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dress | Anthropologie paleta shirtdress -- similar but in linen (and on sale!) / similar with eyelet detail / similar with high low cut
bag | GiGi New York saint germain clutch in tan -- similar but fold over 
sunglasses | Celine tilda sunglasses in dark tortoise
shoes | Sam Edelman gigi sandal in saddle -- similar / similar in gladiator lace up
earrings | Kendra Scott sophee textured drop earrings in gold
necklace | BaubleBar ice scallop pendant (old) -- similar 
rings | BaubleBar tri bar ring (sold out) / BaubleBar ice chevron midi ring / Gorjana blakey ring cuff/ Etsy stacking & midi rings
watch | Michael Kors darci watch in gold
nails | essie nail polish in watermelon
lips | Tom Ford lip color in casablanca

rock the (popsicle) shirtdress,
JD

for my blogger/insta babes, here are some rewardStyle #RSSchoolNight takeaways:

  • mission statement: have one.
  • best time to send a newsletter is thur @10AM
  • mobile-friendly newletter should include: skimmable, feature exclusive content, include promo codes/sale info, share recent fav blog posts and inspo behind them, a shopping wish list, direct subscribers back to your site, highlight others/interviews, link your social pages, consistent format & style
  • have pop-ups on your site at least 60 seconds in so it doesn't look like spam
  • have social share buttons
  • use editorial calendars to improve your content strategy
  • instagram performance apps: piqora, sprout social, iconosquare, simply measured, LIKEtoKNOW.it analytics, social report (all-in-one)
  • organization & reminder tools: evernote, wunderlist, trello, remember the milk
  • productivity tools: toggl, stayfocused, adobe color cc
  • note major holidays/sales
  • social optimization (different for everyone): post two LTKit posts a day, collab with others, encourage conversation and feedback, engage indiv with your followers, be PERSONAL!
  • photo apps: AfterFocus, adobe photoshop express, faded, VSCO, a color story, snapseed
  • social media tools: buffer (schedule social media content), sprout social (offers analytical oversight)
  • goal setting apps: nozbe, goals on track, lifetick
  • what to include in your media kit: stats (social following, page visits, unique viewers per month, and conversion rate), demographic outreach, flexible rates (social channels + site), partnerships/collabs, press clippings & testimonials, verticals you cover, an a write up of what makes you unique (speak your brand), imagery representative of your brand, keep it simple & sweet
  • instagram LTKit captions: BE PERSONAL! ("speak" in your own voice), talk about sizing, add price $, link other options at different price points, styling tips

daniel wellington watches

a watch for every occasion.

besides my monogram necklace, a watch is one of my favorite accessories to wear. while i am mainly a chain link watch kinda gal, i've been wanting to add a leather strap one to my options to switch it up! enter Daniel Wellington. 

a few things i love about Daniel Wellington:

  • genuine leather strap -- can be interchanged! = more options depending on what you are wearing. a good how-to video here
  • minimal & sleek design -- only three to choose from: classy (Swarovski crystals vs. numbers), classic, and dapper (personally my fave due to the roman numerals and blue dials, insert all heart eyes emoji)
  • options on metal -- either silver or rose gold
  • options on size -- two for each design (one large and one small)
  • thin face = lightweight
  • a great timeless (#literally) gift idea -- you can get you and your man/boo/crush/guy figure in your life one that matches yours! = matchy matchy status
  • two year warranty on manufacturing defects (crystals, movement, case)

see my Daniel Wellington dapper watch styled in my latest outfit post with this summery leaf print halter dress. i can't wait to change out the straps to black for a more casual-formal wear (is that even a thing?). i seriously can't stop wearing this watch. #obsessed.

what's better than a watch? a watch with a DISCOUNT! yea yea! 
until 7/30 use code "JANNADOAN" on danielwellington.com for 15% off your entire purchase! #JUST.DO.IT.

Daniel Wellington dapper st mawes 34mm rose gold // also pictured is the sheffield (black interchangeable strap)

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watch c/o | Daniel Wellington dapper st mawes 34mm rose gold (use code "JANNADOAN" to receive 15% off!, good until 7/30)
rings | BaubleBar ice chevron midi ring / Gorjana blakey ring cuff/ Etsy stacking & midi rings ' Gorjana blakely cuff ring in gold
nails | essie gel couture in pre snow jitters (new from essie and no light needed!)

rock the DW,
JD

A post done in collaboration with Daniel Wellington.

the leaf print halter dress

hot summer days.

hope y'all are having a great summer! mine's been really awesome so far, despite the heat which really slows down photo taking. this palm/leaf print has been so hot this summer, so i had to get my hands on this dress Ann Taylor amalfi halter dress! #naturally. it's first leaf print dress and i can't beLEAF it!!! #nopunintended i will see myself wearing this one a ton because these very reasons 1) one of my favorite colors is NAVY, 2) breathable fabric for this TX heat wave!, 3) pockets, 4) could be worn to work with a cardigan, and 5) effortless high neck halter style -- my favorite type of cut. 

on a side note i have been in the market for a saddle bag. as much as i have lusted over the Chloe marcie, i found this Tory Burch mini saddle bag to be the cutest mini saddle bag! (anything mini... sucks me in). i especially adore the color and simplicity. while it doesn't really win on functionality because it is a tad bit small... for the price (on sale!) i'm definitely a happy camper!

psst... the epic Nordstrom Anniversary sale begins for cardholders this Wednesday, 7/13 -- details and dates here. also preview the women's and men's catalog. what item(s) do you have your eyes set on?!

currently on my playlist: gorgeous by X Ambassadors 

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dress | Ann Taylor amalfi halter dress -- similar with sleeves
shoes | Forever 21 faux leather wedges in camel -- similar but more strappy / similar and avail in three colors!
bag | Tory Burch mini saddle bag in camello (sold out in this color but on sale) -- avail in black and a beautiful olive green! / similar in black and on sale! / similar and avail in three colors
sunglasses | Celine tilda sunglasses in dark tortoise
earrings | Kendra Scott tessa stud earrings in clear 
watch c/o | Daniel Wellington 34mm st mawes dapper watch in rose gold (use code "JANNADOAN" to receive 15% off danielwellington.com ends 7/30)
rings | BaubleBar tri bar ring (sold out) / BaubleBar ice chevron midi ring / Gorjana blakey ring cuff / Etsy stacking & midi rings
lips | MAC amplified creme lipstick in brick-o-la
nails | essie gel couture in pre snow jitters (new from essie and no light needed!)

rock the leaf print,
JD

azazie dresses

it's wedding season y'all.

one of the things about being a bridesmaid is looking for a DRESS. that is a whole ordeal within itself, because you are having to agree with a few other girls, then there is price, designs, fits, lengths, and colors. low and behold, i wish i knew about AZAZIE // @iheartazazie way before time. i mean this brand is god-send from the wedding world. trust me, save yourself the time (=money) and headache! the dress i am wearing is the Carissa in dark navy, it comes in 57 COLORS. you read that right, 57!! i choose this custom fit gown because i don't have many formal maxi dresses and i adored the pleated top, ESPECIALLY the subtle ruched one shoulder detail, i loved fanning it out in these photos! 

some things about why i love AZAZIE:

  • price -- so reasonable, all under $150 USD
  • variety of styles -- i had the hardest time picking ONE!, these designs can be worn for NUMEROUS events! #YAS
  • QUALITY -- the chiffon material was so perfect, it also arrives in a pretty duster bag for protection and can be used for years
  • variety of colors! -- if you are unsure you can even order swatches
  • CUSTOM TAILORED FIT at no extra charge!! heck yes! this was perfect for me due to my weirdly shaped body and #shortgirlproblems
  • offers a "try before you buy" program
  • also sell bridal gowns and mother of the bride dresses

my other AZAZIE dress picks include the following:

currently reading: the rosie project by Graeme Simsion

currently on my playlist: unsteady by X Ambassadors (give it a few seconds the song really builds)

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dress c/o | Azazie carissa bridesmaid dress in dark navy
shoes | Stuart Weitzman nudistsong in adobe patent (comes in different widths too!) -- similar / similar
bag | Kate Landry pyramid metal hardframe clutch (old) -- similar / similar
earrings | BaubleBar bronte drops in clear (old) -- similar / similar / love the shape on these
bracelet | Kendra Scott candice cuff in gold via @rocksbox use code "jannadoanxoxo" to receive one month for free! -- similar
ring | Kendra Scott martiza cocktail ring in ivory pearl (old) -- loving this one / similar
lips | MAC amplified creme lipstick in brick-o-la
nails | Sephora formula x nail polish in delightful

A post done in collaboration with AZAZIE.

travel diary -- iceland

Howdy jannadoan.com followers!

First off, my name is Yen (@cremebroolay), Janna’s sister.

I’ve recently returned from a trip to Europe and Janna asked if I could write a short blurb about it on her blog. I said I would love to, since everyone needs to know about the beauty of a place called ICELAND!

Hello Reykjavik, Iceland!

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In its spring and summer, Iceland is a beautiful country with an abundance of green pastures and picturesque mountains. It is not a frozen arctic tundra -- which would be Greenland. I know. Confusing. The Vikings are so smart.  

Viking ship model

When visiting Iceland, the Blue Lagoon needs to be on the list of things to do/visit.

Yes, it's a touristy place, but I mean, just look and imagine... the water is a warm 98*F. The crisp spring air blows your baby hairs into your face. Your husband drops his GoPro into the murky water that is visually impenetrable 3 inches below its surface...

And there are so many waterfalls to chase. Totally my kind of thing.

Skogafoss

Seljalandsfoss
You can go behind this waterfall to take pictures, but it is SPLASH ZONE city. My clothes & phone were soaking wet.

Gulfoss

þingvellir 

geothermal pool at Geysir

Notes on Iceland:

  • English is widely spoken within Reykjavik. The farther you are away from the city's center, the more difficult it may be to communicate -- unless you're at a tourist attraction.
  • Warm-ish to hot water smells like sulfurrr. Even in the shower. Even at blue lagoon. Frigid, cold, water does not and is perfectly safe to drink. Icelanders know this and don't buy bottled water, but they sell it for wary tourists.
  • Lamb is supposedly the best in Iceland because of how they are raised and what they feed on, but I don't eat lamb and can't attest to that.

Now, SKYR, I ate a ton of. It's a skim-milk cheese that's high in protein but has the texture of yogurt. Think: really smooth and good tasting Greek yogurt. (Siggi's, sold here in the states, is not the same)

drykkur = drink

If you've ever considered travelling to Iceland, I urge you to go. Icelandair even as a deal where you can stopover in Iceland for up to 7 days, before making your way to a number of other European destinations, at no additional cost!

Iceland is a gorgeous country that's fun to explore and a great place to unplug. Seriously, my cell reception was spotty at best. 

Signing off,
YD @cremebroolay

the floral maxi dress

another floral dress makes its way to my closet.

howdy y'all! currently sitting at a Starbucks trying out #thepinkdrink = strawberry acai refresher with coconut milk instead of water. it's interesting. you should try it. it has been raining NON-STOP in texas for weeks which has really forced me to take a blogging break. but i ain't complaining. i ate a lot, slept a lot, and finally read that book i told you about -- me before you by Jojo Moves. when i mean read i started and finished it in one day. it's been so long since i've come across a book that i couldn't put down. have you read it? #cryfest it's so sad but that's exactly what made it SO GOOD. i don't think i can see the movie without a towel. 

about this post -- i don't own many maxi dresses or floral print = #purchasejustified. my life is about #shortgirlproblems (5' 2", i get asked this a lot) so that has always deterred me from buying maxi dresses. i always have to get them hemmed and ain't nobody got time for that. so thank goodness for @BananaRepublic petite sizes. the fit and length on this dress was perfect for me, not to mention that is also has pockets which is rare for this kind of material. lastly, i finally purchased my first straw/rattan bag!! when i saw my blogger babes Jen // @mrsjenfrick and Jenna // @bostonchicparty sport them, i knew i had to have one too! it's very tiny but fits your essentials. 

lastly, i mentioned being featured in the Banana Republic #YourLifeStyled campaign in my last post. my blogging bestie, Ela // @Wunderbliss sent me a snapchat of one of my photos on a BR storefront in Vancouver!!! i am still so shocked and on a mission to find a storefront with either of my photos on them because i have nothing else to do. LOL, and i have hit up the only two BRs in Austin. LOL. 

currently on my playlist: gravity by Sara Bareilles

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how to style a sheath dress

crushin' on blush.

last week was a crazy week for me. somehow... i was 1) featured on the @chicwish instagram!! (good to know that twirling practice paid off), and 2) featured on BananaRepublic.com on their new #YourLifeSyled campaign! special thanks to my blogger babes Lilly, @daily_craving and Soo, @browneyedtoast for recognizing me and letting me know! but can someone pinch me because life is UNREAL! what an honor it is to be featured amongst so much talent. #lifeslittlevictories.

lately, i've been wearing a lot of dresses to work, helllooooo #dayjob! dresses are such a polished look, they make you appear like you took the time to get ready. but you really didn't. you rolled out of bed, slipped it on and walked out the door. haha. ok, in all seriousness, i'm talking about a few ways to add a little more style to that sheath dress, in a work appropriate way:

1. silk scarf -- i love silk scarves and the ultimate brand in scarves is Hermes, of course. but i ain't got a money tree so mine is from H&M, i've had it for the longest time and never wore it. it's not often that you see someone wear a silk scarf so when you do people will be doing a #doubletake on ya. it's a very prim and proper look that not that many people go for but one i have come to personally love. the square shape makes it perfect for a simple drape over the neck (as seen here) but you you can tie it multiple ways and as seen on @extrapetite. you can also add it to a blazer look with pencil skirt. or tie it to your handbag/fedora!

2. fitted/cropped jacket -- these are great esp when offices are cold. like a blazer, this jacket will instantly up your outfit but in a more classic and refined way. 

3. brooch -- add it to your fitted/cropped jacket OR your actual dress. always a great elegant statement piece. 

4. statement studs or necklace -- a statement stud earring is a good alternative to your regular pearl/diamond/CZ ones. life is all about choices right? love the ones i am wearing from my @rocksbox, i did not part ways with it! use code "jannadoanxoxo" to receive your first month for #free!

currently on my playlist: can't stop the feeling by JT 
basically... i cannot stop listening to this song! such #feelgoodhappyVIBES! 

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always goofing off. :P

dress | Ann Taylor sleeveless piped sheath dress in rosebud blush / similar in mint / similar in tweed! / similar
jacket | Forever 21 (old) -- similar / similar in a sweater style
brooch | Vintage find -- similar in silver (see it styled here) / similar
shoes | Manolo Blahnik BB pump in nude patent -- similar
bag | Celine micro luggage tote in navy -- pretty good dupe
scarf | H&M square silk scarf (old) -- love this one / magnolia print with pops of yellow / pastel colored / black & white with palm trees
sunglasses | Celine tilda sunglasses in dark tortoise
earrings | Kendra Scott aston stud earrings in ivory pearl via @rocksbox use code "jannadoanxoxo" to get one month for free!
necklace | etsy monogram necklace in dearest daddy initials (1.25" and 20" chain) -- similar by BaubleBar / similar in acrylic
bracelet | Nordstrom BP love knot cuff (sold out) -- similar by kate spade / similar 
rings | gorjana candice CZ band in gold via @rocksbox use code "jannadoanxoxo" to one month for free! / etsy twisted and etched ring
lips | Tom Ford lip color in casablanca
nails | essie nail polish in topless & barefoot (fave nude!)

rock the sheath dress however you choose,
JD