the taupe knit dress two ways

June 6, 2022

hey y’all! it’s me.

i love transitional pieces. when i saw this knit dress during the @shopbop sale a while back, i picked it up thinking it’ll be a fun piece that can be worn casually and easily dressed up as well. the criss-cross halter style was also another selling point since i didn’t have anything quite like it in my closet. the fabric (knit) is light enough to wear all year-round and though i find it a smidge long, it passes as a maxi without having to get it hemmed on my 5’2” short self. to style it casually, i took a white button down (classic staple) and tied it into a knot over the dress and added a tote bag, and flat sandals (white sneaks will also do!). i dressed it up with some strappy black heels and croc-effect shoulder bag. ta-da. simple as that. the taupe color makes it that easy!

side ramblings: while i didn’t anticipate on taking a month off of socials, it. was. so. great. i spent that time ORGANIZING like crazy! and it felt so good to get some things done that have been on the never-ending home list. but y’all. i organized all the under-the-sink-black-holes and the refrigerator. now everything is what i like to call an “organized mess.” often times i just open the fridge, pantry, or under the sink and just stare at how everything has its own place (clearly i need a life). there are some cool organizing gadgets out there i learned about so i may do a post on it!

currently on my playlist: about damn time by Lizzo (fitting for the timeliness, or not, of this post)

***styled casually:*** layered with a white button down tied into a front knot, flat sandals, and tote bag!

***styled for evening:*** with strappy heels & a croc-effect shoulder bag for more texture!

dress | line and dot dre knit dress in taupe (currently on sale! wearing size S) — same dress sold by Zappos // similar by Banana Republic but open back (more dressy)
top | GAP boyfriend button down (old) — similar // similar but gauze
shoes | Shein cut out sandals (old) — similar and $40 // similar // similar with padded footbed // similar by Sam Edelman
earrings | Mejuri charlotte bold hoops in gold vermeil
bag | MANGO semi circle croc effect bag in black (old) — similar
watch | Michele 29 mm deco diamond watch in gold and silver
rings | gorjana diamond row ring in 14K gold // gorjana diamond stacking ring in 14K gold

until next time,
JD

photo credit: @wanderlustanita

how to wear a suit

April 25, 2022

THE power suit.

i love a good suit. something about it turns heads, if worn right. a lot can go wrong for a woman when it comes to suiting. and in this post i’m going to go over the no-no’s when it comes to suiting up for the 9-5 like a #bossbabe. in a nutshell, here are some general guidelines to follow when shopping, styling, and wearing a suit. these are my opinions and mine only! remember fashion is all about making it yours and expressing YOU. click the read more for my elaboration but here are my top 4 NO-NOs:

in summary, thou shall not wear a suit like a man. this means the following:

cut: do not wear anything baggy or oversized
color: do not pick solid colors of black, navy, gray, or brown (unless this is the look you’re going for)
top: do not layer the top with a crisp white button down
shoes: do not wear flats

noteable sales: i have been on a spring cleaning and organizing mode — gosh it feels so SATISFYING #old. these baskets from Target are currently 30% off until 04/30, have been helpful! not only do they not break the bank, they look good, and are functional. i love this three compartment one that uses wire enforcement so it’s really sturdy! Target bedding is also 20% off until 04/29 and i did purchase this as a duvet refresh with the black edge and a chunky oversized throw for the edge of the bed — normally i don’t like these chunky looking items but it adds really fun texture to bedding! Target is my go-to for affordable bedding..

side ramblings: i feel like a sign of age is becoming more emotional and sentimental. last week i said goodbye to my first luxury vehicle i purchased a couple years ago with my father who went through the grueling car-buying process with me and taught me how to negotiate a car. i won’t lie. there were some tears. 😊 last friday i finally checked out @tikitatsu_ya and it was a FULL SENSORY experience (food, lights, sounds, staff, decor). like i was about to buckle up and go for a ride. lol, it’s worth checking out at least one time!

currently on my playlist: jerro by Demons ft. Sophia Bell

here, i’ve style it with a crop top. but of course this top doesn’t work in most work environments but some depending on how fashion-forward the company vibe is. my greatest advice in workwear is, “if you have to ask, you probably shouldn’t wear it.” 😁

top c/o | J.Crew puffl sleeve organic cotton cropped top in white (also avail in blue and prints!, wearing size S)
jacket c/o | J.Crew parke blazer in stretch linen in gentle sea (wearing size 0)
pants c/o | J.Crew kate straight leg pant in stretch linen in gentle sea (wearing size 2 and it doesn’t need hemming either for a 5’2” shorty)
earrings | Mejuri charlotte bold hoops in gold vermeil
shoes | Ann Taylor azra pumps in snakeskin (old) — similar in suede // similar in leather // similar by Sarah Flint (use code: SARAHFLINT-BAJANNAD for $50 off your first pair)

tips on how to wear a power suit like a #bossbabe

01 | cut

the cut can make of break your look. so pick places that offer custom tailoring. on the other hand, knowing a good tailor is also a good idea! i get all my suits from @AnnTaylor and @J.Crew because these places not only offer suiting, but they a range of sizing such as petites and tall. for someone like me, a petite cut is crucial. tailoring can get expensive so i try to purchase something that will come fitted as is. as much as you can, you’re going to want something with a more fitted/tailored fit vs. baggy. it just looks more professional and streamlined. i like the combo of a one or two button blazer with straight or skinny pants. wide leg pants can work as well. once you get into more loose fitting blazers, it makes the look more casual for me and i opt for jeans for those vs. matching suit pants. here are my suit picks at the moment:

J.Crew kate straight leg pant in stretch linen in gentle sea with matching jacket (pictured above)
J.Crew wide-leg eco cupro pant in zinna floral with matching jacket (i recently discovered this cupro fabric and i’m in love. it’s so luxe, almost like a suede-satin feel to it!)
Ann Taylor high rise ankle pant in bi-strech in soft violet with matching jacket (really fun one wo the traditional lapels!)
Ann Taylor straight pant in cross weave in dusty willow green with matching jacket

02 | color

the right color is so essential. for the love of the fashion gods, please do not pick the following colors: black, navy, gray, or brown. solid colors resemble suits men would wear and that is not the look i am going for. we’re women and should represent ourselves differently! pick FUN colors, prints, or play with texture! unsure? start with a neutral-ish blush. my first real suit from @theory was a step into what an adult-woman should be wearing and i think blush is a good starting point. from there, i’ve purchased lavender, and tan gingham suits.

03 | layering

now to get down to the actual styling! keep this power suit feminine with layering the suit with a camisole (even better if it has a little lace that adds feminine details), anything silk, anything v-neck, anything that occurs and strikes you as feminine. just do me a favor, please do not wear a white crisp button down. here, i’ve styled it with a crop top which can work in some fashion-forward work environments, but not much else. it goes very nicely with the high rise pants = minimal skin showing. use your discretion! remember, if you have to ask, you probably shouldn’t wear it to work.

04 | shoes

elevate the power suit. literally. with heels! anytime you add heels to an outfit, it gives it an instant polished look, which is what we’re going for here! wearing flats doesn’t typically give the suit the “elevation” that it really needs to take it to the next level #punintended. men wear suits with flat shoes so we’re going to take it and make it our own by adding pumps/heels. personally, i love a good pointed toe pump — it goes with all leg-type pants (skinny, straight, wide). here are some great styles i recommend: suede d’orsay // leather // similar by Sarah Flint (use code: SARAHFLINT-BAJANNAD for $50 off your first pair)

rock the female power suit & fully embody it!,
JD

JD x J.Crew spring 2022

April 4, 2022

#springvibes in full swing

besides all the pollen in the air. there’s something else. there has to be. lately i’ve been feeling inspired by spring fashion and have been on a legit spree. i can’t help it. loving all the colors, florals, crop tops, wide leg pants etc… ontop of that, the weather in #ATX has been perfect (almost a little too warm actually) but i’m enjoying every moment of it before it gets unbearable. #happy

YOU’RE INVITED!

the Janna Doan x J.Crew Spring Styling Event is coming up real soon!!

when? // sunday, 04/10/2022

time? // from 2-5PM

where? // J.Crew at the Domain // 11501 Century Oaks Terrace Suite 137 (across from Starbucks)

what? // come say howdy!, shop the spring collection, get styled!

light treats // tate’s cookies & san pellegrino

RSVP below! 😊

RSVP here!

my J.Crew pictures came back and for once in over 2+ years i have some professional photos!!! GAH i’m so excited to share them with you — it feels good to get back out there again. here, i’m featuring two items from the J.Crew Spring 2022 collection. the J.Crew puff sleeve cropped top was an unexpected like. it has spring written all over it and comes in a couple of prints too. #styletip: pair it with high waisted straight or skinny jeans, wide leg pants, and skirts. i love the sweetheart neckline (drawn to them lately) with the front pleat detail, and the puff sleeve. you can also pull the sides down and wear it off-the-shoulder for a flirty look too! = versatile. also, it’s so perfect with those purple flowers overhead isn’t it? in terms of sizing i’m wearing a S which is typical in crop tops.

the second is the J.Crew linen daydream dress featuring a puff sleeve and side slit. it’s lined so no need to worry about it being see-thru. i also like how it’s linen that you can wash. i found the fit to have a little more than normal material in the hip area so i sized down to an XS. it flows so nicely and despite reviews, i like the side slit. i paired it with a straw bag and flat sandals. on top of being a great vacay dress, it is also great dress for brunch with the girls as well!

here are my other J.Crew #picks from the Spring 2022 line that you need in your closet STAT:

J.Crew sedona basket bag — what’s too many basket bags? asking for a friend…
J.Crew wide leg eco cupro pant in palest peach — this is such a fun print!! the eco cupro is a very luxe fabric too, so i’ll be eyeing this when it goes on sale. also has a matching blazer.
J.Crew button down cotton poplin dress in white floral — i tried the regular size on in store and recommend the petite sizing if you’re shorter than 5’2” like me. i love the neckline and print!
J.Crew kate straight leg pant in gentle sea — also has a matching blazer.
J.Crew eco cupro slip dress in pale mocha — this probably isn’t part of the Spring 2022 collection, but i purchased this today since i’ve been eyeing it for months and it’s finally 30% off. like i said, the cupro fabric is very luxe feeling. almost like a suede silk!

side ramblings: i can’t believe this event @JCrew is happening NEXT WEEKEND!! so crazy. i can’t wait and hope to see you there! stop by to say howdy, get styled by me, or shop the spring collection! #lifeisgood #grateful

noteable sale: the @sephora sale for VIBers begin 04/05-04/11 so get your carts ready! i know mine is… overflowing. but at least with new things i want to try? here’s a peek of what’s in my cart right now 😁 what’s in yours? per savvymama Doan, this is the best time to stock up on favorites or try something new. and she ain’t wrong.

currently on my playlist: summer feelings by Lennon Stella ft. Charlie Puth

wearing the sleeves down as an off the shoulder style! #versatile

top c/o | J.Crew puff sleeve organic cotton cropped top in white
dress | J.Crew linen daydream dress in french blue (sized down to XS)
denim | AGOLDE riley high rise straight jeans in shatter (obsessed with these!!) — same ones from Revolve // diff wash and on sale for $131
shoes | Keds ace sneakers in white leather — also eyeing the Superga
watch | Michele 29 mm deco diamond watch in gold and silver
bag | Nordstrom straw circle bag (old) — similar from Lulu’s for $38 /// similar with round top handles // tote style from Target for $40

happy spring shopping!,

photo credit: lil blogger sis @simplyyvan

the Michael Stars LBD two ways

March 7, 2022

never too many LBDs.

i discovered @MichaelStars a couple of years during SXSW (perfect timing since SXSW is right around the corner!). the event was at an exclusive mansion and i was gifted the treasure notch neck top. it is probably the SOFTEST long sleeve shirt i own and i have wornnn that thing. i’m shocked i haven’t added more of their pieces to my wardrobe — i’ll work on that!

here, i styled one of their best selling pieces, the christina ribbed midi dress two different ways. i will say that these were shot during 40F degree weather, the day that i learned what graupel was (nothing surprises you by now, i assume). i love this dress and was influenced by my fashionable friend, Tammy @herfashionedlife. i dont normally wear fitted dresses, but this one has ruching in the midsection that makes it so flattering. i am also a fan of the side slit. ribbed texture probably isn’t my number one pick, but with black, you can’t really tell. don’t get me wrong, ribbed is fun because it adds texture but it’s a more “casual texture” for me (own opinion). however, this is something i can dress up because the ribbing is done very nicely and because of the overall style of this piece. here i dressed it up with some knee high boots (finally got to wear these babies!). i styled it casually with a denim jacket and white sneakers (also goes great with flat sandals). ribbed pieces offer stretch, so i sized down to an XS. staying true to MS, it’s just as soft as my first piece. shoot, i may even get the sleeveless version sometime!

side ramblings: this week is going to be a crazy week. not sure if i mentioned it before but i ordered a car in the fall and it’s finally ready for pick up. gasp, i know. it feels a little risky… you know purchasing something huge that i don’t really need, esp during this time. i feel nervous, yet excited at the same time. usually that means you’re doing life right, right?!? well, either way…. it’s happening! i’m all about working hard to making things happen; and i hope you are too. 👊 #cantstopwontstop

currently on my playlist: fire on my mind by Cannons

look #1: dressy with knee high boots (pictured) or strappy heels! if it looks like i’m freezing. it’s because I AM. **#allforthegram** 🤣

look #2: casual with a denim jacket and whites sneakers (pictured). also goes well with flat sandals.

dress | Michael Stars christina ribbed midi dress in black (sized down to an XS) — same from Evereve // same from Nordstrom // same from REVOLVE // similar but square neck // similar but sleeveless
jacket | Old Navy jean jacket (so old) — similar // similar but darker // love the Madwell one
boots | MANGO high heel boots in black (old) — similar 1 // similar 2
sneaks | Keds ace leather sneakers in white — also love the Superga’s
bag | Louis Vuitton neverfull medium MM tote in monogram
sunglasses | Ray Ban original aviator 58mm RB3025 in black — similar for $13
watch | Michele 29 mm deco diamond watch in gold and silver

rock all the Michael Stars!,
JD

photo credit: @wanderlustanita

brand spotlight: Quince

February 28, 2022

another series hits JDC!

i’m hitting 2022 off right with a couple of new series and this is one of them. as a content creator, i feel as though there are so many brands out there left to be discovered! so one thing i wanted to do this year was to find and support those brands. i’m really excited about this because it’ll allow me to branch out — which i need. i tend to gravitate towards the same brands; and well, i want some change and to support other companies out there while giving them recognition!

i stumbled upon Quince in a google search as i was looking for some solid gold hoops. i’m so glad i found them because my gosh, the prices are SO AFFORDABLE!!! i think i’ve been living under a rock. like how have i gone on for so long without knowing about Quince?!?! my first purchase from Quince consisted of three items (silk skirt featured in this post, 14K gold hoops, and a cashmere tee) and they did not disappoint. while i would love a ton of stuff from Quince, if i could narrow it down to three things currently in my cart just waiting to check out one day!: cashmere joggers + the matching cashmere cardigan, and the 14K gold pave slim signet (this same ring at Mejuri retails for $385). why you should purchase from Quince after the jump!

here i styled their satin skirt i purchased two ways since i couldn’t decide. i always love the satin bias skirts with an oversized mock neck for fall but as we approach spring i also love it with a square neck tank! which one is your fave? the champagne color is absolutely beautiful and it moves to perfection too.

currently on my playlist: dancing feet by Kygo ft. DNCE

styled for spring with a square neck tank. goes great with slip on sandals or white sneaks for casual style or dress it up with nude heels.

ethical company — they pay their employees fairly, practice sustainability, use factories who care about reducing damage to the environment = YESSS!!!
luxury items at AFFORADABLE PRICES — how could this be? i read up on the business model and they basically cut out all the “middlemen” it’s a direct purchase from the factory that you’re making. in traditional retail, it goes from the factory to agents, warehouses, brands, stores then it goes to you. that’s a lot of “middlemen” and each one gets a cut which means a higher price tag. interesting isn’t it?
transparent pricing — what i like about each item is it breaks down the cost BUT it also compares it to other brands that have a similar item. check out this 100% leather jacket for $150, you can see in the chart that All Saints has a similar one for $500! not only that… it gives you a comparison of the features it has compared to its competitors. i LOVE THIS!
amazing basics to building a capsule wardrobe — looking though all the clothing items i feel that they are all items that belong in a capsule wardrobe. it’s crazy!!!
washable silk — i love silk but when it’s not washable… like WUT?! they have a whole line dedicated to washable silk, so awesome!! because let’s just be honest, if you can’t wash it… HOW THE HECK WILL IT BE CLEAN?!?! also, i wash everything regardless of what the label says. haha but the reassurance is good because i have ruined a couple items 😁
365-day return policy — i mean. a YEAR to decide! the only other company i know that does this is IKEA!

other observations //

the only downside to Quince is the sizing availability. there are no petites, tall, curvy, or plus. but it’s probably hard to keep so many costs down and have all sorts of different sizing available. hopefully down the line it’s something they expand to.

styled for fall with a cozy mock neck sweater. goes great with white sneaker for casual style or dress it up with heels.

sweater | Express cozy mock neck sweater in white (old) — similar by Quince
tank | Abercrombie & Fitch double-layered seamless squareneck tank in white (old) — similar
skirt | Quince washable silk skirt in champagne (wearing size XS)

i can’t speak for Quince enough. it’s starting to sound like i work for them LOL but it’s just real love for a new brand i just discovered. i think they deserve the spotlight and i’m just mad that i didn’t know about them sooner!

rock ALL THE QUINCE!,
JD

the j.crew lady coat

February 24, 2022

there’s no coat quite like the lady coat.

i’ve been meaning to put this post together for a while now and what better time to write a post about a coat than the end of february, amirite?! 😁 the good news is, at this point the coat is on sale. the bad news is you may have to wait until later this year to wear it. haha, but my savvy mom always taught me to buy it on sale and wear it next year. you know mom’s aren’t wrong! in a few words, the J.Crew lady coat is a classic coat. almost iconic i would even say. it has a very distinct look, structure, and you can tell who’s actually wearing one because nothing really comes close to it imo. it’s a coat that every woman should have in their coat closet. why? more after the jump!

side ramblings: there may be something in the air, because i am on a rampage to re/decorate and organize. this past weekend i spent time organizing the pantry (lemme tell you there are things in there i didn’t even know about!! as an avid snacker my pantry was getting out of control!!). the end result is more of an “organized mess” but gosh, it was so fulfilling. not to mention, i feel like a legit adult now. and you know i’m going to share my pantry organizing journey with you! (just hold in your excitement please).

currently on my playlist: times like this by Mat Kearney (beautiful lyrics)

it will always be timeless — which means it will never go out of style
instantly elevates any outfit — whether you’re wearing sweatpants, a dress, jeans.. doesn’t matter. put this coat on and you’re G2G.
color options — are endless. each year they come out with new colors and i do have plans to add a fun vibrant one at some point down the line.
i’d wager to say this coat will last forever — even though i’ve only had the coat for a little over a year, the look and feel of this coat is high quality. and it should be for the price. it’s an investment piece and that’s what we’re all about here on JDC.
lined in 3M thinsulate — what is this? “3M™ Thinsulate™ Insulation (Type C) is warm yet lightweight, powerful yet thin. it helps trap body heat, while allowing moisture to escape!” ah, now that is cool. and it’s something they use from a legit company. so there’s that. not to mention, the interior is satin = luxe.
function + fashion — this jacket will keep you warm AND it looks so sophisticated at the same time. so there’s no sacrificing anything! (now that’s a win in fashion if you ask me)

other observations //

size UP — this coat runs small IMO. i’d say i’m pretty true to a 2P but sized up to a 4P. here i’m wearing it with a ribbed long sleeve sweater that isn’t super super thick. but the coat is a tight fit with it. it is not meant for chunky/oversized sweaters.
the bottom has the slightest flare — or so this is something i noticed. i think it gives it a more feminine cut than something straight.

jeans | Abercrombie & Fitch high rise skinny jeans in medium wash (old) — similar in a black wash // similar
coat | J.Crew classic lady coat in nantucket fog (size UP, wearing size 4P) — J.Crew Factory version (love the gold buttons!)
bag | Gucci marmont small matelasse sh o ulder bag in dusty pink leather — smaller version
sunglasses | Celine marta sunglasses in brown — similar // similar for $15
shoes | Manolo Blahnik BB pump in nude patent — similar by Ann Taylor // similar by Sam Edelman

until next time,
JD

photo credit: @herfashionedlife

how to wear hot pink pants

January 24, 2022

well, howdy 2022!

my word this year is COLORFUL. for so many reasons. color isn’t something i wear much of or gravitate towards. i love neutrals. because neutrals are easy to wear and my love for black is infinite. color on the other hand is… different. it takes some thinking to combine color combinations that complement one another without being loud or clashing. this year, i want to embrace and add more color into my wardrobe whether it’s mixing colors with neutrals or mixing them together and wearing them boldly. i’m pretty excited about it! like a little re-invention of JDC. it’ll be a challenge for sure. but i’m okay not-playing-it-safe this year. plus, there’s something about color that just makes people happy. and we can all use more of that in our lives, i know i can!

yes, you saw it right. i, janna doan am wearing hot pink LOL. here, i’m going to showcase the color combinations that i think go with these hot pink pants (you’ll surely turn some heads). for this post i choose to pair it with work appropriate tops. these pants are one my favorite fits: high-waisted, slim ankle fit — i own them in three or four colors. they run slightly small so size up! more after the jump!

side ramblings: before the world was taken over by the depressing omicron, i celebrated my 37th birthday with all the shenanigans. it was the best. i really am blessed to live this life. i re-visited @redash and can’t figure out why i keep forgetting about that place?! speaking of FOOD, guess what?! by now i’ve written a two food-related posts as a contributor for @thesavvylife.co! check them out here: 1. Cavatelli Cravings and 2. Matcha Madness 😊 more coming soon!

currently on my playlist: easy on me by Adele

combo 1 with pastel — feels like a watermelon to me! haha. but nonetheless, i do like the colors together. maybe if the mint was a little more pastel (but hey this is all i had!). this is a brighter mint so it’s a pretty bold look. i’ve been loving mint lately and here’s another cute blouse in mint i’ll need one day! combo 2 with a dark color — navy!, ah i consider it a neutral but i goes so well with the hot pink for some contrast. combo 3 with patterns — similar to combo 2, i really like the prints to break up the color and this striped button down did the job! the bright blue complements the hot pink perfectly. combo 4 with a bold color — wear it boldly with RED! i think this might be my favorite combo. the pearl button detail adds a touch of elegance too. combo 5 with good ol’ black — when all else fails, good ol’ black has got your back!

combo 5: and if all fails, there is always trusty ol’ black!

combo 1 //

top | J.Crew cashmere classic-fit crewneck sweater in wintermint (wearing size small, such a great capsule top since the style goes with everything!) — similar for $50! (just discovered this brand and love the ethical pricing)