the leopard print skirt

feelin' a little leopard print. 

if you're thinking leopard print isn't for you... i hope you change your mind! i use to feel the same way! i was like animal print? no thank you. i also think the love for leopard print comes with age as well. but as with anything, start small. for me, it was a scarf. then a pair of pointed toe pumps... then, i went out on a limb with this skirt. when it came in i was sure i wasn't going to be able to wear it and almost returned it. but my curiosity got the best of me and i decided to see if i could style it despite my thoughts. thank goodness, because i LOVE IT! it is a unique piece due to pattern (i'm so picky when it comes to animal print!), material, and the tie waist adds such a feminine touch to this classic piece. 

i even had more fun styling it two ways: casually and dressy as seen below. for a casual look throw on a denim jacket (i also couldn't resist trying the brooch + denim jacket combo) and some slip ons (did i mention a great travel shoe too?!!). for a dressy look ditch the jacket and go for a pair of pointed toe pumps! 

tips on how to wear leopard print:

  • wear in small doses -- don't pair leopard print with more leopard print. less is more. 
  • goes the BEST with solid black. 
  • keep the jewelry and lipstick minimal. 
  • sleek hair vs. big wavy curls.

what are your favorite ways to wear leopard print? 

side note: ACL festivities kicked off with a Simon Mall event at the Domain, check out some pictures here complete with a floral AND donut wall! i had a blast being re-united with some of my blogger gals and made some new friends. some of the players (linked their beautiful insta feeds): @byhilaryrose / @polkadotsandgintx / @jessecoulter / @heykailymae / @atasteofkoko / @jesskatt123 / @nvrwolipstick / @sarah_thebella / @littlebittyinthecity. ALSO, i attended ACL on Saturday for the first time ever! whatttt?!? who am i?! now i can officially call myself a true Austinite! ha, overall, an experience and maybe i'll go again next year depending on the line up. 

currently on my playlist: this girl by Kungs vs. Cookin' on 3 Burners 

casual

dressy

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skirt | J.Crew tie waist skirt in leopard print -- same version now avail at Nordstrom / similar 
top | ASOS New Look roll neck top in black -- similar but ribbed / similar but cold shoulder / similar from H&M
jacket | Old Navy denim jacket -- love this one from J.Crew
brooch | Banana Republic artison balloon brooch -- similar in the eiffel tower!
casual shoes | Forever21 slip ons in black (old) -- similar but perforated / similar but quilted / similar from Target
dressy shoes | Jimmy Choo abel patent pump in black -- similar by Ivanka Trump / similar / similar
bag | CHANEL 2.55 classic double flap bag in black lambskin -- similar / similar / similar
sunglasses | Celine caty sunglasses in black -- similar
earrings | Forever21 faux pearl ear jackets
rings | Gorjana candice CZ ring in gold / Etsy stacking & midi rings / BaubleBar gemini pearl ring
lips | MAC amplified creme lipstick in brick-o-la
nails | Sephora formula x nail polish in taken by storm (limited edition collection in collaboration with Atlantic Pacific)

rock the leopard print,
JD

the striped dress & olive handbag

down to my favorite last three months of the year!

i am so thrilled to report that the temperature has dropped here in Austin, TX. finally!!! not only is this time of the year my favorite, it also means more (pleasant) shoots without all the sweat! i am a fall girl at heart and the thought of it makes me so happy -- PSL, hot cocoa, peppermint, scarves, boots, decor, lights, casseroles, pecan pie, sweaters/jackets, thanksgiving, christmas, searching for the perfect gift, and FAMILY! ah, it's always the simple things in life. 

the it color handbag for fall: OLIVE. when this olive handbag came out for fall, i didn't wait long to get it. good thing, because this color is already sold out! my first olive handbag. and of course, it's a Henri Bendel. it is the perfect mini bag (with a removable crossbody strap) that isn't too small, as most are. olive is a pretty versatile color and can be worn with: white, blush, black, anything striped, and any neutrals, but i welcome suggestions as i'm a newbie. this is a great alternative from my B&W/boring colors. i choose to pair it with this striped dress (hello pockets & midi length) and threw in a little pattern play into the mix with some... leopard print. i use to dislike leopard print but as i've aged i've become more drawn to it in small doses. wait until you see my next outfit post! until then, thanks for stopping by! 

side note: going to Austin City Limits (ACL) music festival this Saturday as a #firsttimer! totally not my type of thing, but i have to experience it. hope i survive the madness. 

currently on my playlist: hold my hand by Jess Glyne

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dress | J.Crew cap sleeve dress in shirting stripe -- similar / similar / similar
shoes | Sole Society jenn d'orsay pumps in dark camel multi (old) -- similar / similar / similar
bag | Henri Bendel uptown mini satchel in dark green (color sold out but available in many others including pink!) -- similar / similar / similar but studded & a crossbody 
sunglasses | Celine caty sunglasses in black -- similar
earrings | Kendra Scott elle drop earrings in slate
necklace | SLATE helios necklace in gold via rocksbox use code "jannadoanxoxo" to receive one month for free! / BaubleBar crystal mason ring in gold / Gorjana candice CZ ring in gold / Etsy stacking & midi rings
rings | Kendra Scott daisy ring in slate (via Color Bar)
watch | Michael Kors darci watch in gold
lips | MAC amplified creme lipstick in brick-o-la
nails | essie cashmere matte in wrap me up (old collection) -- similar 

rock the olive handbag,
JD

what's in my bag

here we go, a what's in my bag post. #WIMB just switchin' things up on JDC because honestly, i get tired of plastering my face on here all the time!! plus my friend, Anxhela // @luxbubs tagged me so why not? check out her feed for some beauty product eye candy! 

first about this bag. lately, my go to bag has been the Henri Bendel west 57th carry all satchel in light beige (color sold out) -- avail in dark grey, tan, brown / black / black lizard. you can see it styled here in my latest outfit post, for reference i am only 5'2" short. the price, size (9.5"H x 14.5"W x 5.5"D), and functionality are all on point and make it the perfect everyday work bag. it can hold a laptop, portfolio, and any documents needed for meetings.

other details of the bag: remove-able cross body strap for hands-free, three pocket compartments and one zippered one inside, both sides of the bag are zippered so you can put more things in there if you want but it can make it look clunky if you're stuffing it with too much -- i don't use them. the bag is made of durable saffiano leather, the top handles fold down, the bag features a non-exposed magnetic closure, gold feet, and also lined with satin. i was drawn to this bag due to the lizard texture and the color. it's been a while since i had a white/light beige bag so i thought i would give it another go. pleased to report no stains or color transfer yet! now that it is fall, i'll be busting out with another HB. black. of course. so predictable! check out Henri Bendel for a variety of sizes and colors in handbags.

side note: i saw the Bridget Jones's Baby movie this past weekend. i laughed like a crazy lady the entire time, just what i needed. y'all, it HILARIOUS and light-hearted. i was pleasantly surprised and plotting how i'm going to see it again! haha! 

currently on my playlist: if i ain't got you by Alicia Keys 

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01. snacks

i like to snacky snack so i always have something i can munch on JUST IN CASE. you never know and hangry is not a good look. these Justin's banana chips & peanut butter are delicious -- with pretzels and almond butter. and any kind of protein/energy bars are good to have on hand -- faves are Oh Yea! birthday cake and KIND bars. 

02. electronics

i've raved about these Symphonized noise cancelling earphones for $26 (goodbye crappy Apple ones) -- newer version has volume controls / newer with heavy bass option, save your hearing and time unraveling a tangly mess because the cord is made of nylon. also comes in so many colors and three sizes of custom ear tips. my BFF, the mophie powerstation is actually an older model and much heavier than the new one. must upgrade soon. but this has come to the rescue too many times!

03. lip care

one of my FAVE lip balms right now is the Glossier balm dot com. so moisturizing and my morning lip balm. i also love Jack Black intense therapy lip balm SPF25 (great deal for a set, one for each bag. yes, please!) for the day because it has SPF25. lips need SPF too. for a subtle lip tint, i use the Dior Addict lipglow in coral -- similar by Glossier. oh, and lipstick/lip color is always a good idea to have on hand. Tom Ford lipcolor in casablanca and MAC lipstick in brick-o-la are my most used and help bring out my natural color. 

04. health & beauty products

floss. yes. i carry floss. a better hygienic option than hair. ahem ahem. i know we've all done it. but i carry the one you usually get from the dentist goodie bag. tylenol/advil because i am always to the rescue to save people from headaches! 

05. wallet

this Louis Vuitton epi leather business card holder in red -- similar by Kate Spade / similar by Michael Kors, is actually my sisters hand me down!! i know she is amazing. i get compliments on the red thing all the time. it holds the essentials and that is really all you need. #lessismore

06. sunnies

i can't resist a good pair of cat eye sunglasses. pictured is the Celine caty sunglasses. others in heavy rotation in include the Karen Walker number one -- similar, and Celine tilda. 

07. nerdy supplies

moleskin is the best for jotting down those ideas that come to you at the most random times. this one is my top pick because of the hardcover and placeholder. pens... i'm so picky when it comes to my pens, and my all time favorite pen is (insert drum roll)... the Sanford uni-ball signo micro 207 pen. there just isn't a replacement. okay... maybe a mont blanc. 

08. misc

not pictured, but i also usually carry some Dr. Scholl's dreamwalk ball of foot gel cushion inserts. these are life savers and help relieve all the pressure from the balls of your feel due to heels. i also have them for in the full strip. #hugefan #savethefeet. i also have a deodorant removing sponge which has come in handy on a few occasions! LASTLY and most importantly, my trusty refillable water bottle is always with me at all times. it is the only way i can keep myself hydrated, which i can't stress enough. so many fun options to pick from: klean canteen with interchangeable tops including a cafe one / S'well / Target's sip by S'well -- one with donuts!! / bkr (glass bottle with silicone sleeve).

now i know why my bag is so heavy,
JD

the crochet dress

love is the answer -- john lennon (ain't that the truth)

another day, another black dress. but this one is crochet. sooo..... #justified. when it came out the options were black and white. now that i've finally gotten around to photographing it, the black is sold out! #storyofmylife. although crochet is mainly associated with spring/summer, i figured it being black would make a good transition piece. one of my friends, Shell // @acourageousbeauty posted hers in white! ah, i love it when i'm twinning with one of my blogger babes. Shell opted for bright shoes and a FUN bag, which was so genius! on the other hand, i went with a monochrome look with a white bag ...boring. Shell totally knocked it out of the park!

lastly, Henri Bendel, where have you been my whole life? i've known of the brand but never shopped there until i started talking to Michele // @classicandgray (now my dear friend, but my wallet thinks differently). i really love all their handbags, so many color choices and the price is easy on the eyes (until you buy a few too many...)! the carryall is my first HB bag, and it is the perfect spring/summer work bag (prob should change it out soon...!). so many compartments and big enough to fit a laptop, documents etc.. it also has a crossbody strap (YES!) but more on this bag later. i'm planning on a what's in my bag post comin' up. i think people like these posts? who knows? i'm going with it. stay tuned, have a good week & as always, thanks for stopping by! 

currently on my playlist: everything's right by Matt Wertz

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twinning with the one and only Shell // @acourageousbeauty

amp this black dress up with some fun colored heels like Shell! 

dress | Chicwish splendid crochet dress in black (sold out) -- avail in white / similar but maxi / similar (have it and love it) / similar but strappy 
shoes | J.Crew laila wedges in black suede (sold out) -- avail in blush suede and leopard / similar / similar by F21 / similar by Steve Madden (avail in five colors)
bag | Henri Bendel west 57th lizard block carryall satchel in light beige (sold out) -- similar in black lizard / similar (avail in three colors)
earrings | Kendra Scott addie earrings in rose gold
sunglasses | Karen Walker number one sunglasses in smoke -- similar 
watch | Michael Kors monogram watch in rose gold (old) -- similar in my fave design / similar
rings | BaubleBar tri bar ring / BaubleBar ice chevron midi ring (sold out) -- similar / The Songbird Collection bejeweled leaf ring in rose gold / Gorjana candice CZ ring / Etsy stacking & midi rings
lips | Tom Ford lip color in casablanca

rock the crochet,
JD

the long sleeve off the shoulder top

finally posting one off the shoulder (OTS) top the entire summer. whoop whoop!

on a "semi-cool" morning we bust out the long sleeve OTS. yessss, i've been waiting to wear this for quite some time and once these tassel earrings came in, it was game on. these tassel earrings are in one of the most versatile colors and they are lightweight (for tassel earrings)!! #hellofattyearlobes. tassel earrings are all the rage, i'm afraid i'm hopping on this bandwagon a little late (what's new?!) but regardless, they come in many designs/colors and add a fun dangly element to any outfit. 

i was on the fence about this OTS when it arrived due to the long curved hem and the long sleeve detail. in the end i decided that this top is actually versatile for these reasons: 1) don't tie the sleeves for a more flared/bell sleeve look, 2) shorten and tie the sleeves at your elbows -- as seen in the #hairflip pic ...which by the way hair flippin' is hard work. by that i mean ab work because i spent the entire time laughing at myself... hysterically (and that is why there is only one photo LOL), and 3) wear it tucked in with a skirt. i also linked plenty of options for some long sleeve OTS tops that are wallet friendly -- the only way to go on trendy pieces!

currently on my playlist: no scrubs by TLC (yep, totally throwin' it back again!)

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the must have romper

how is it already september?! 

while a lot of fashion bloggers are "holding onto summer" i'm over here like "let me go summer!!!" i cannot wait for the cool temps but unfortunately, fall does not really hit texas until the end of october and as much as i would like to provide you with fall outfit inspo i just cannot picture myself draping a scarf around my neck or let alone wear a jacket in this heat. #justcantdoit #crazytalk SORRY! 

in the meantime, i bring you my favorite romper i've worn to pieces #literally, because it ripped in a small area and i had to sew it back. the best thing about this romper is that you don't have to wear a strapless. can i get a #HALLELUJAH?! it also has pockets and the v is not too deep. winning all around until... it rips. 

lastly, i'm talking about my east coast trip to visit Annie // @annie_spano and also supporting my blogger babe Mindy // @threadsnbreads jewelry line, thesongbirdcollection.com // here i am wearing two of her bracelets. use code "jannadoan" for 20% off your purchase! i'm eyeing these lightweight tassel earrings. more after the jump! xoxo

currently on my playlist: survivor by Destiny's Child -- takin' it back old school (turn it up!)

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romper | Target Mossimo romper (on sale and avail in three colors) -- similar with ruffles / similar but striped / similar with polka dots / similar with long sleeves
shoes | Target dv ella espadrilles in black (sold out) -- similar / similar / similar
bag c/o | Clare Vivier flat clutch in camel with royal blue, white and red stripes -- similar / similar
sunglasses | Ray Ban original aviator 58mm RB3025 in black -- similar for $12!
necklace | BaubleBar acrylic block monogram necklace in tortoise shell
earrings | Kendra Scott addie earrings in rose gold
watch | Michael Kors darci watch in gold
bracelet c/o | The Songbird Collection it bracelet in gold / The Songbird Collection small double triangle bracelet in gold -- use code "jannadoan" or 20% off
rings | Kendra Scott skylen ring in turqouise (sold out) -- similar but larger / 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

#eastcoastadventures

this trip to visit Annie @annie_spano was EPIC. i had only talked to Annie via DM, our hilarious comments, and text but i have never met her in person. it was definitely out of character for me to buy a plane ticket to visit someone i have never met but i think it's all about pushing boundaries and your own comfort zone! i'm so glad i did. Annie is the mastermind behind @stylecollective_ and joining this group of blogger babes has been life changing for ME. it has allowed me to make friendships (which i am lacking!) that will last even when blogging becomes a pastime. we chatted, ate, stayed up so late, laughed, worked out, got our hair and nails did, saw the sights, OH and Annie & Mike helped me mark something off my bucket list -- i've always wanted to see a lighthouse! BAM. so many memories made and cherished. i miss them both and cannot wait to see them again one day... IN TEXAS! #foreverfriends

getting that hair did at drybar // Trinity Church // inside Copley Plaza
blogger brunch at Stephanie's on Newbury // Ogunquit Beach //  Portsmouth, NH
dinner at ROW 34 // sweatin' a storm at barre & soul // Marginal Way lighthouse

xoxo,
JD

jdc turns two

follow what you love and it will take you where you want to go.

it's been so crazy lately that i forgot to celebrate my TWO year BLOGIVERSARY (totally a thang)! honestly, i can't believe i've kept this up for this long. that in itself is a huge victory. let's not talk about all the projects i've started and didn't finish.... ahem, that skirt i've meaning to sew for four years now...

the truth is, jannadoan.com (jdc) started at a low point in my life. i was unhappy and in a rut (mid-life crisis anyone?). this place became my little slice of the blogosphere where i could unleash my hobby/creativity and passion. it also filled what once felt like a void in my life. of course this meant overcoming the fact that i needed to come out of my shell. truly, i'm an introvert and being in front of the camera or going to social events is not at the top of my list of things to do! but i've come to have fun with it and learned so many things about myself along the way. talk about pushin' boundaries. i'm freakin' proud of myself. 

for this milestone i wanted to share some of my favorite posts from the past year and a few reflections/ramblings. thank you so much for following along this journey!

year two in nine squares (all CLICKABLE):

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01. join a blogging community

this has been the biggest game changer for me. when i joined @stylecollective_ last november, i had no idea what to expect, i mean i certainly didn't think i'd become such great friends with the founder, Annie / @thelovelygirl and FLY OUT TO VISIT HER for an #epicweekend! (more on this trip coming soon) for one who doesn't have very many friends, @stylecollective_ has allowed me to connect with gals who always lift me up when i feel down, who cheer me on when i feel like quitting, who inpsire and empower me. for that, i am so grateful. i've found my tribe. xoxo

02. if it's not a hell yes, it's a (hell) no

this year i started doing collaborations with brands! wah hoo! what a milestone! as collaborations come in, my thought on this has become, if it's not a hell yes, it is a (hell) no. always stay true to your brand and what fits for you and your blog. trust your intuition. some of my favorite collaborations this year were with @tatcha / @danielwellington / @azazie. also, never underestimate the power of JUST ASKING. the least they can say is no. 

03. smile, even if you don't want to

even though i am smiling in all my photos, it does not mean my life is perfect. photos are taken at a fraction of a second and can never depict #reallife. i've learned that there are things, people, set backs, or just plain life events that will bring you down. but sometimes you just gotta pull yourself together, push forward, and fake it til you make it. na mean? one of the best pieces of advice i could give in this area is, act the way you want to feel. 

04. always stay true to yourself

life is too short to be someone else, BE YOU. your unique self. ain't nobody in the world like you, so BE YOU! in your writing, thoughts, interactions, comments to others, be personal, be passionate about what you do or put out. let it have MEANING and purpose. what does all this stem from? PASSION. and what's so great about passion is that you are already ten steps ahead of the game than anyone else going into it. great things always begin with passion. always be kind. be humble. and lastly, never let material things consume you because they can never replace the "things" that really matter in life. 

05. try not to compare yourself to others

i know we all do this. it's just human nature. but... comparison is a thief of ALL JOY. try not to get caught up in the numbers or stats etc... in fact, celebrate others, rejoice in their success and let them be an inspiration to you! comparing yourself to others can take you down a dark path that is opposite of 04. which brings me to the quote at the beginning of my post, "follow what you love and it will take you where you want to go." just like life, blogging is about the journey and never the destination.

#cantstopwontstop,
JD