celebrating 33 years

howdy, 33!

this post is a tad late because i was too busy celebrating and stuffing my face last week. from dinners, lunches, brunch, snacks, sweet treats (LOTS), gifts, flowers, messages, etc... i have some pretty dang good people in my life. but really though, glad i took these photos before eating for 10 people... not joking. my thoughts (or more like ramblings) on turning 33 after the jump! 

THIS DRESS. i've always wanted a sparkly dress and this was a good first one because it is not full-on-sparkle. ALSO, it has a very pretty textured design to it which actually adds to the flattering fit. it is a little on the tighter side than what i normally wear, but what the heck, i'm 33. might as well; and hey nothing spanx can't fix! i love the long sleeve one shoulder and the fact that it is a midi that really hits at the right length (i'm 5'2" short). it makes the PERFECT NYE dress! this shoot was again one for the books, i mean look at that AUSTIN view -- looking good #ATX! oh, and my photographer, brandon, almost fell in the pool on this cold day, LOL. lastly, check out my instagram for a chance to WIN THIS DRESS! the giveways i've been running have been so fun, it feels so good to give something away for the holidays so i hope you'll join in! see ya next week, xx.

currently on my playlist: meant to be by Bebe Rexha ft. Georgia Line

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BUT hold up... wait a minute.. 33?! come on.. forealzzz? where the hell did three decades + three years go?!?! you know what's funny is when you ask and answer the question of where you see yourself in five years and then when you find yourself there, life looks completely different than you imagined five years ago. well, that's been my. whole. life. basically. it has never turned out as planned. like. nothing. (insert nervous laughter). so the best plan is to not have one; solid advice, i know. at least for life. everything that went "wrong" led me right here -- i have to say, it's a pretty good spot. i thought i'd be married -- maybe? have children -- possibly? am i anywhere near that? um...... no. my life is completely different from all my friends i grew up with; they have all seemed to move on with the typical life progression. there is no denying that our lives have become un-relatable and vice versa. no ones fault. but i guess my journey is just different and i can't help but to believe that there is beauty in that. or at least.. that's what i'm sticking to!

my friend sent this to me ages ago (thanks GF you know who you are), i frequently refer to it when i need some perspective: 

It takes six million grains of pollen to seed one peony, and salmon need a lifetime of swimming to find their way home, so we mustn't be alarmed or discouraged when it takes us years to find love or years to understand our calling in life.
Everything in nature is given some form of resilience by which it can rehearse finding its way, so that, when it does, it is practiced and ready to seize its moment. This includes us.
When things don't work out - when loves unexpectedly end or careers stop unfolding - it can be painful and sad, but refusing this larger picture keeps us from finding our resilience. Then, sadness can turn into discouragement, and pain can spoil into despair.
As the many grains of pollen birth the one flower and the many eggs spawned birth the one fish, each person we love and each dream we try to give life to brings us closer to the mystery of being alive. So, we must try as many times as necessary until our many loves become the one love, until our many dreams become the one dream, until heart and path feel the same. // the book of awakening

i have to remind myself this all the time, but i think it's really important to focus on the "things" that i have in my life and the things that are going right versus the things that i don't have or aren't going "right." sometimes you gotta put blinders on and not pay attention to anyone around you but yourself and the path ahead that is meant for you. one foot in front of the other, one day at a time. some days it can be hard, but other days it can be so gratifying. there is something to be said about going on a path completely alone, without any co-dependency, and no one to turn to at the end of the day except yourself. it sounds a little sad, but by golly, it makes you one hell of a strong person i tell ya. so cheers to the road less traveled, cheers to the little victories, & cheers to 33 -- i plan on crushin' it. xx 

dress c/o | Maggy London zipporah midi (TTS, wearing a size 2) 
shoes | Jimmy Choo abel pumps in black patent (old design) -- current design // similar 1 // similar 2
bag | DVF lytton clutch in black quilted leather (old) -- similar and $68 // similar 
earrings c/o | BaubleBar eve hoop earrings in white -- similar but with sequins // another great holiday option
sunglasses | Le Specs air heart 51mm sunglasses in black & gold -- similar but more cat eye // similar but more rectangular (love these)
bracelet | Vita Fede mini titan crystal bracelet in gold -- similar
lips | Christian Louboutin velvet matte lip color in rouge 001M (FAVE RED) -- similar in a matte liquid
rings | Gorjana amara ring set // Amanda Deer c/o CZ solitaire ring // Amanda Deer c/o CZ accents midi ring

#cantstopwontstop,
JD

photo credit: Brandon Hill
a post done in collaboration with Maggy London. 
dress provided by Maggy London, all opinions are my own.
special thanks to the Westin Austin Downtown for the backdrop!. 

an austin blogger holiday

cue the christmas music! (or play it below).

happy holidays!

i know it feels a tad early to be thinking of holiday stuff. but not really! this month is going to FLY by, so i thought it would be best to share this holiday shoot that i was so graciously invited to be apart of. these gals have become good friends to me and i am pretty blessed to have cultivated so many good friendships over the past year. #grateful. 

last year, i went with the classic holiday red. this year, i decided on the next christmas color... GREEN, but more of a hunter green! it's not a color i wear often but gosh, i think i should, especially hunter green. i picked out a lace off the shoulder dress with a classy length. it's actually a one-piece dress and the bottom is a little fuller than i thought it would be but it ended up looking very pretty! i'd say the only thing this dress is missing is pockets. the ivory earrings went perfectly with the gold clutch & dark nails. altogether i say this was a huge win, ESP since my dress arrived the day before (gotta love that ASOS 2-day shipping)! also, this gold clutch gets so much wear, it's def a staple for the holidays and any occasion (you can even see me wearing it in last year's photos)!

side ramblings: it's december.. which means... it's #BIRTHDAYMONTH! (insert happy dance). 

currently on my playlist: it's beginning to look a lot like christmas by Michael Buble

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the gangs all here!! (all clickables)

(ok, minus Hilary // @byhilaryrose and Michelle // @stylebeacon)
click on the photos for some insta-style-inspo!

the suede skirt & sock booties

documenting my first pair of sock booties.

after some wear i have decided that sock booties are the perfect WORK bootie! something a little dressier than your average flat bootie and the chunky/block heel makes it a comfy pick for an 8 to 5 workday. while the shaft on these aren’t as tall as normal sock booties it works for me because i’m 5’2” short and anything taller would make me look shorter (if that makes sense).i love making workwear a little more trendy, so when i saw this suede skirt, i had to snag it for obvious reasons -- the length is so work appropriate. and hey doesn't hurt that it's in a beautiful olive color too! 

also, fitted mock turtlenecks are my staple in the fall/winter because they go with ALL skirts & are SO EASY PEASY. they’re so good i have probably four plain black ones! it's a pretty solid base layering piece and goes underneath sheath dresses too! speaking of work, i've been wearing this pebbled leather satchel as a work bag, it's a little different from my other structured work bags because it's made of slouchy pebbled leather and although the handles don't fall down, there's plenty of space & pockets. i've grown to love the pebbled leather slouchy-ness. 

side ramblings: it feels good to be back. i haven't shot much at all but now that it's getting cooler, IT IS ON. my holiday photos will be up on Monday, be sure to stop by! xx 

currently on my playlist: just give me a reason by P!nk ft. Nate Ruess

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the one shoulder sweater & felt hat

#thehatswewear

HOWDY. confession: i accumulated more hats than i ever need in 2017 (jk, i might get the Dahlia ASAP, haha!). but i can't help it, i've become such a fan of a good wide brim hat. not sure why or how that is, maybe it's because my beautiful friend Jen // @mrsjenfrick is always rockin them. so of course, we had to partner with @gigipip to bring you our fall outfits styled with @gigipip! the love for @gigipip is insane i already own three -- the Faye (boater hat), the Jill (floppy straw hat), and now the Scottie (felt wide brim). the Scottie is beautiful amirite?! it's adjustable, the leather band is removable, and the best part is that the wide brim is STIFF! it ain't goin' anywhere y'all! not only that but the price points are so good for the quality. 

Jen // mrsjenfrick.com styled her Scottie with a beautiful black coat (gift from her husband, hello #husbandgoals), boyfriend jeans, and some cognac booties check out her entire outfit details on her blog at mrsjenfrick.com. Jen lives in Kansas so i'm pretty envious of all the fall foliage they get up there! we get nothing like that in Texas. everything just dies and turns brown, #nojoke. i choose to go casual style as well, with a cream one shoulder sweater (I LOVE THIS SWEATER! also comes in other colors), skinny jeans and some riding boots! this was a fun shoot so picture heavy post coming at cha! other ways to wear this outfit: a cute bralette would look great underneath the sweater or even some over the knee boots. 

also, for this collaboration Jen & i answered some interview questions about all the hats we wear, more after the jump! it was a fun one and rarely do i answer interview questions so hope it's a good read & that you got to know a little more about me. PS -- stay tuned for a GIGIPIP giveaway! 

side ramblings: i cannot believe thanksgiving is THIS WEEK! the insanity. i can't wait to wear stretchy pants and stuff my face. yearly tradition at the Doan household is turkey & ham with all the fixins and PHO. i make sure that everyone leaves feeling thankful & unbutton-your-jeans-kind-of-full. there's so much i'm thankful for this year. but as my yearly saying goes, i'm thankful for the small things in life which are actually the big things. enjoy your thanksgiving and thanks for stopping by! xx

currently on my playlist: better than i use to be by Mat Kearney & AFSheeN

the beautiful @mrsjenfrick rockin' the Scottie

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01. what are the roles or hats you lead in your life?

i, janna doan, find myself alternating hats between a blogger, homeowner, aunt, friend, sister, daughter, foodie, and program manager. 

02. which hat do you find most rewarding?

ah, the homeowner hat. as much as i love blogging, i have to say... becoming a SINGLE homeowner has been the most rewarding. the house search was a long process, mainly a beatdown! but as they say, the perfect one will come along. and it sure did. it's my dream home and finally... something to call my own. #tearsofjoy #adulting

03. what hats do you find are most challenging and what do you do to embrace them?

as the homeowner hat is the most rewarding, by default it means it is the most challenging! from mowing my own lawn/yardwork, to cleaning vents, to fixing various things, to painting, etc... wow. i've learned so much along the way and by golly, there is so much pride in ownership over here!! however, a lot of times i have to be patient with myself and honest in the fact that i cannot do everything myself. i need help. and thank goodness i have my dad who's my right hand man. i'm learning so many things from the absolute greatest. 

04. what hats are least known about you?

the program manager hat. my day job consists of managing healthcare quality improvement programs, looking at healthcare data, making it more accessible for public reporting. it's pretty nerdy stuff but i spend a lot of time in Excel and various data programs. one of my strengths has got to be attention to detail (surprise!)! #nerdalert yep, that's the day job! 

05. who or what inspires you?

there is SO much inspiration everywhere, literally around every corner, and every time i get sucked into the world of instagram or pinterest i am amazed by all the talent out there and yet there is so much unseen! i am also so blessed to have so many insta/blogger friends that inspire me to try new things and step out of my comfort zone. after all, what's fashion if it ain't fun?!

don't forget to check out Jen's post here!: mrsjenfrick.com

top | Treasure & Bond one shoulder ribbed sweater in beige oatmeal (runs large, wearing size XS) -- very similar // similar with ruffles // similar but velvet!
denim | Hudson nico mid-rise skinny jeans in abbey wash (old) -- similar in the bright eyes wash// similar in high rise by Wit & Wisdom $65
hat c/o | GIGI PIP scottie (should be in stock soon!) -- similar // similar
shoes | Frye melissa button boot in cognac (old design) -- newer design // similar for $150
bag | Celine micro luggage tote in navy -- similar
earrings | Kendra Scott kirstie stud earrings in ivory pearl -- similar
watch | Michael Kors darci watch in gold
rings | Gorjana amara ring set // Gorjana mini stackable ring set // Etsy stacking & midi rings // Gorjana candice CZ ring // Amanda Deer c/o solitaire ring // Amanda Deer c/o midi ring with CZ accents

rock all da felt hats,
JD

photo credit: Brandon Hill
a post done in collaboration with GIGI PIP. 
hat provided by GIGI PIP, all opinions are my own. 

holiday ready with Banana Republic

before you freak out, it's faux fur. 

today on the blog, i'm gonna get you holiday ready (without being TOO holiday-ish if that makes sense!!) with @BananaRepublic! is it too early? NEVER! this is my favorite time of the year when everyone comes together, there's more gratitude in the air, lots of stuffing of faces happening, finding that perfect gift, wrapping paper (don't get me started on wrapping paper) and.... FASHION! i love all the layering, prints, and textures. fall fashion is HIGH on my list, also especially since you can wear all black and it's suddenly acceptable. 

holiday style two ways -- with a faux fur collar cardigan and a bow tie sweater. the cardigan (comes in three colors, i'm wearing oatmeal) is really warm.. trust me, i was sweating major bullets shooting it in the TX heat not to mention the lighting was such a struggle! super soft and the best part is the removable faux fur collar so you can wear it more casually. sometimes it's all about them options isn't it? i've come to love small doses of fur and this one is no exception. i'd also try to belt this cardigan too. the sweater comes in 11 colors and it has the daintiest bow cuff! hello like little bunny ears! i digress, of course i paired this one with an old striped skirt, pearls, and my gift bow earrings. and yes, those red lips are a must every holiday season!! 

side ramblings: first things first, the sephora sale.. what did you buy?! @TATCHA is also having their friends & family! -- no such thing as too much tatcha, and at 20% off and tax free to texas, it's like a no brainer. i highly recommend: the essence, luminious mask, brightening serum, misting spray. good until 11/16. also, i've thought about starting a youtube channel, mainly focusing on skincare routines and reviews of things?! just a thought lingering in the back of my mind (for the past year...)! i just need to do it. spent sunday brunching on the farm hosted by @astateofkoko and shot some christmas photos with some Austin blogger babes, can't wait to share!! thanks for stopping by & see ya next week! xx

currently on my playlist: sorry not sorry by Demi Lovato

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LOOK 1 // faux fur collar cardigan

cardigan c/o | Banana Republic merino blend boyfriend cardigan with removable faux fur collar in oatmeal
top | H&M loose crop top (way old) -- similar with bow detail!
denim | Hudson nico mid-rise skinny jeans in black -- similar // similar but distressed 
shoes | Jimmy Choo abel pumps in black patent (old design) -- current design // similar // similar and custom
bag | Louis Vuitton medium neverfull in monogram canvas
earrings c/o | BaubleBar magnolia hoop earrings -- similar and on sale // similar
necklace | etsy monogram necklace in dearest daddy initials (1.25" and 20" chain) -- similar by BaubleBar // similar in acrylic
sunglasses | Karen Walker number one sunglasses in black
rings | Gorjana c/o shimmer stacking ring set // Gorjana amara ring set // Gorjana mini stackable ring set // Etsy stacking & midi rings // Gorjana candice CZ ring // BaubleBar ice chevron midi ring -- similar // BaubleBar tri bar ring (old) -- similar // Cassandra Collections c/o mini ring
lips | MAC amplified creme lipstick in brick-o-la

LOOK 2 // bow cuff sweater

top c/o | Banana Republic bow-cuff crew in black -- similar in a ruffle cuff and styled here
skirt | Topshop striped midi skirt (old) -- similar by chicwish
shoes | Jimmy Choo abel pumps in black patent (old design) -- current design // similar // similar and custom
bag | ZARA velvet minaudiere in black (old) -- similar in crushed velvet
earrings | etsy gift bow stud earrings in gold (yes, you need them)
necklace | Forever 21 pearl bib necklace (way old) -- similar
rings | Gorjana c/o shimmer stacking ring set // Gorjana amara ring set // Gorjana mini stackable ring set // Etsy stacking & midi rings // Gorjana candice CZ ring // BaubleBar ice chevron midi ring -- similar // BaubleBar tri bar ring (old) -- similar // Cassandra Collections c/o mini ring
lips | Christian Louboutin velvet matte lip color in rouge 001M (FAVE RED) -- similar in a matte liquid

photo credit: Steven Gunter
a post done in collaboration with Banana Republic. 
tops provided by Banana Republic, all opinions are my own. 

jdc turns three

better late than never. 

i had the hardest time writing this post which is probably why it has been in draft mode since early October. it's crazy to believe that jannadoan dot com (JDC) is now THREE (two months later). year three has taken me to "places" i never imagined. i have no clue what year four will look like but with zero expectations, i am sure i'll be pleasantly surprised. in year three i signed & negotiated some of my first contracts, worked with some HUGE brands, and received more features on websites and social platforms than i ever dreamt. other highlights of year three include the austin blogger holiday themed shoots: christmas // galentine's day // easter picnic. New York Fashion Week parts 1 // 2 // 3, AND Austin Fashion Week, and of course i can't forget all the numerous PR events sprinkled throughout each month! 

i'm really grateful for these opportunities and sometimes it's just good to sit back and reflect. i needed this. with the house and everything else going on with my life, i took a long break from a lack of inspiration/motivation, struggled to write this post, and even for a split second i thought about quitting altogether. then of course, i was slapped in the face (figuratively) with, "you have come too far to quit." yes, i have actually. the truth is, JDC is quite an expense. from the entire outfit, to the photography, right down to the mechanics of having a website. not including TIME. that's a huge expense as well. when the thought of quitting wandered into my mind i thought about what i would be doing if i wasn't blogging... hmm. watching TV? well, i would be sleeping more that's for sure. but when i weigh the friendships i've made (from all over) and the experiences i've gained, those are more than enough for me to say it is so worth it. without JDC, i would be the most boring person, no social life, i wouldn't be out there pushing my boundaries and challenging myself, and i wouldn't have the drive or motivation it takes to run a business. this is my happy place. this is meant to be. 

anyways, long story short, i'm sharing a few random things i learned in year three. more after the jump. and while reviewing my year two post, a lot of it remains the same! but in summary, always stay true to yourself, your personal voice and never lose sight of what is important to you. all that goes a really long way. 

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01. JDC is a business.

this was the year i stopped calling my blog a hobby. it is not a hobby, it's a side business. this was a huge change of mindset for me. while i am not diminishing that all great things start out as hobbies fueled by passion, i'm simply stating that i've started to care less of what people would think of me ('oh brother, another photo of herself?!' YES, i really do get tired of posting photos of myself believe it or not!!) and more about how i'm going to grow this business while staying true to myself/my brand. 

02. quality >> quantity

growing up, my dad would always say to me, "if you're going to do it, do it right or don't do it at all." (he was a tough man and for good reason). i instill this in my everyday life, work, and here. it's not about striving for perfection (though you can if you want) or pleasing others it's more about creating something that is a direct reflection of you -- your value & standards. if something isn't quite right, redo it. if something is off, fix it. go that extra mile, put in that extra time and always make it right. 

03. instagram = staged life.

while i am a huge advocate for instagram, it is pretty much always staged so you should never be fooled by the squares. just because i'm smiling in all my photos does not mean that my life is perfect. often times, i do my hair or even nails sometimes just for photos and have no where to go afterwards! let's not mention the 7AM summertime shoots when i look like a crazy person all dressed in a holiday outfit in the August heat... just know that any great photo comes with styling and details that are well thought out. 

04. i have no idea what i'm doing.

this is what i tell a lot of people who want to pick my brain... blogging is a journey. it's different for everyone. there isn't one formula that says do x,y,z = and boom FAMOUS. it doesn't work that way, DUH! the truth is, even after three years, i'm still trying to figure out my way. and yet, i have so much to learn!! everyone's goals and intentions are always different. for me, i will never want to blog full-time. shocking, i know. but for me this will always be my side hustle. it's not that i'm limiting my dreams, but i'm realistic in what i want and very in tune with my happiness. 

05. never underestimate the power of a question.

this is HUGE. often times the biggest thing holding us back is our self. mainly our fear. fear of what someone else will think, fear or rejection, fear of the truth, fear of not being good enough, etc... a lot of times we're hesitant to ask because we're afraid of the answer. but in hindsight, that's all such bullsh*t. punch fear in the face. just sayin'. you won't believe how far the power of a question has gotten me and all the doors it has opened. you never know until you ASK. period. oh, and believe in yourself, because if you don't no one else will. 

dress | ZARA bell sleeve shift dress in yellow (old) -- similar but more fitted and on sale for $48 // similar // similar and avail in three colors
shoes | ZARA vinyl d'orsay heels in white (old) -- similar with studs
bag | ZARA mini crossbody bag in white (old) -- similar 
earrings | Kendra Scott joelle earrings in turquoise (old) -- similar in a KS classic style // similar but smaller & lighter
sunglasses | Celine tilda sunglasses in dark tortoise -- similar and love these!
necklace | etsy monogram necklace in dearest daddy initials (1.25" and 20" chain) -- similar by BaubleBar // similar in acrylic
bracelet | BaubleBar gold mary links bracelet -- similar but pave
watch | Michael Kors darci watch in gold

cheers to year four adventures, 
JD

photo credit: Brandon Hill

 

styling a camel cardigan

camel + black. 

something about this color combo that always looks so good -- on everyone. today, i'm partnering with @bananarepublic in styling this camel cardigan two ways (some of my favorite types of posts): work style and a night out. this cardigan has a lil oomph because of the chevron stitching! for some work inspo i paired it with some black ankle pants (i know i'm actually wearing pants... it's very strange huh?!). i'm usually more of a scuba-material (thicker, less form fitting) fan when it comes to work pants but i was surprised at how much i loved this bi-stretch material. not too tight or too loose and it's a mid-rise for the over-thirty-crowd. the cardi goes over quite a few work tops even long sleeve blouses or a long sleeve button down for the colder months. for a night out i went with my trusty go-to plain cami and black jeans. a complete monochrome look with a pop of camel. with this outfit i choose to dress it up with some @kendrascott jewelry from the fall 2017 line, also love this fun cuff! the y-necklace goes perfectly with the v-neck cami and a statement ring to top it off. 

side ramblings: homeownership as a single woman has been very interesting. oh the things i've learned or had to do. i find myself at @homedepot almost every other day (ok, maybe every other week), my hands have become some major working hands but i'm so determined to make it on my own. suddenly, having to buy decor and "essentials" is EXPENSIVE. like... how is a mirror $600? is it a magic mirror, does it make you look skinnier, tell you you're the fairest of them all?! i think i've lost count on how many times i've asked myself rhetorically, "how much is this?!" in disbelief. adulting is expensive, and you didn't just hear that here. i'll have to do a post on all the things i've learned thus far one day. i think it'll be a fun addition to ze blog. lastly, it's ACL weekend one!! last year i attended for the first time and i really don't know how people go for three days. one/half day is PLENTY for me. see ya next week!

currently on my playlist: feel it still by Portugal. The Man

work wear.

a night out. (steven suggested i hop on the rail.. lol, i'm glad he did!)

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LOOK 1 // work wear

top | Ann Taylor sleeveless button down in cream (so old) -- similar w a high neck // a long sleeve option w bow // similar
cardigan c/o | Banana Republic italian supersoft cheveron stitch cardigan in camel (also comes in grey)
pants | Banana Republic bi-stretch avery pants in black -- similar in lightweight wool 
necklace | Anthropologie monogram pendant necklace 
earrings | Kendra Scott tima stud earrings in gold (favorite work earrings) -- similar // another good work stud option
bag | Henri Bendel uptown satchel in black (old design) -- similar 1 // similar 2
shoes | Jimmy Choo abel pumps in black patent (old design) -- current design // similar // similar and custom
sunglasses | Karen Walker number one sunglasses in black
rings | Gorjana c/o shimmer stacking ring set // Gorjana amara ring set // Gorjana mini stackable ring set // Etsy stacking & midi rings // Gorjana candice CZ ring // BaubleBar ice chevron midi ring -- similar // BaubleBar tri bar ring (old) -- similar // Cassandra Collections c/o mini ring

LOOK 2 // a night out

top | H&M cami in black (way old) -- similar from LOFT // similar from BR
cardigan c/o | Banana Republic italian supersoft cheveron stitch cardigan in camel (also comes in grey)
denim | Hudson nico mid-rise skinny jeans in black -- similar // similar but distressed 
shoes | Madden Girl bella block heel sandal in black -- similar from Target $30 // similar from Target with a shorter heel $28
ring c/o | Kendra Scott blithe cocktail ring in black granite (new fall line) 
necklace c/o | Kendra Scott lucielle y necklace in crystal ivory illusion (new fall line)

rock the camel + black,
JD

photo credit: Steven Gunter
a post done in collaboration with Banana Republic. 
cardigan provided by Banana Republic, all opinions are my own.