the sweater body contour set

January 16, 2023

#setlife

another day. another set! surprisingly, i was in-store at @Express making a return (the only thing that will get me to a mall these days) and spotted this two-piece set. i loved how it felt and was shocked that it was part of the body contour line (which i have tried a piece and felt like it was just. too. tight. for my taste). i loved how the sweater material felt and how forgiving it was. the skirt was also so classy in length (a maxi on my 5’2” self) and the shoulder pad bodysuit added the right amount of drama to balance out the long skirt on my short self. this could even pass as formal attire if you ask me, which is exactly how i styled it — strappy heels, hard frame box clutch, and a pearl barrette for good measure. but again, what’s great about this formal set is that you can also wear them separately.

#styletip: to wear these separately, i’d style the shoulder pad bodysuit with a pair of straight leather pants or even black skinny jeans with a skinny belt. for the skirt, i’d style it with a cowl neck cami.

side ramblings: this one is going to be about food & skincare. i got into the food scene quite a bit this past week by finally marking off @este, @daydreamercafe (note: no public wi-fi which is a huge bummer because the space is BEAUTIFUL), @luckylabatx, @insomniacookies (the salted caramel was amazing!), and re-visited an old favorite, @barletts (grilled artichokes + prime rib is my go-to. every. time.). i’ve been using the @SolaWave red light wand that’s been all over my IG and it’s way to soon to see if it’s doing anything but i will say, it feels really good — the warmth and the slight vibration of the device. it’s at a really good price point for everything it claims to do. for now, the conductor serum i’m using is also the SolaWave renew serum (blue tansy, hyaluronic acid, aloe vera). i also received the glycolic renewal cleanser from one of my favorite skincare brands, @Skinceuticals! i’ve used this a couple time and it’s very gentle, even on my sensitive skin. so far, so good! venturing more into the skincare device world, i’m eyeing the new GLOfacial by @beautybio (use code: 231BB20 for 20% off) — basically a hydra facial at home that sucks out all the blackheads and junk in your pores into a water chamber that you can actually see! i think it’s pretty satisfying in a gross way. they’re known for their at-home GLOPro microneedling devices which i see the science behind and will probably be my next purchase after the GLOfacial.

currently on my playlist: flowers by Miley Cyrus

top | Express body contour v-neck padded shoulder sweater bodysuit in black (wearing size S)— also another great top option with a cut out in the back
skirt | Express super high waisted body contour midi sweater skirt in black (wearing size XS)
shoes | TOPSHOP strippy heeled sandals in black (old) — love these!
bag | DVF lytton clutch in quilted black leather (old) — similar // love this one
hair barrette | H&M pearl barrette (old) — similar
earrings | Mejuri charlotte bold hoops in gold vermeil — also available as huggies!!
rings | gorjana diamond row ring in 14K gold // gorjana diamond stacking ring in 14K gold
watch | Michele 29 mm deco diamond watch in gold and silver

rock all the sets!,
JD

photo credit: @janeyunphoto

january beauty

January 25, 2016

it's been a while since i've done one of these collages! rounded up some new and old products for this month. more details after the jump!

01 | TATCHA luminous overnight memory serum concentrate -- the latest addition to the luminous collection, this is a hydrating gel-like serum that uses red algae for more luminous skin. the deep hydration eye firming serum is also new to this line with a unique ceramic applicator to reduce puffiness and fine lines. i have been using both of these for the past few days and loving it! review coming soon.
02 | Hourglass ambient strobe lighting powder -- Hourglass makes some amazing powders, like my beloved blush in luminous flush. strobing is all the rage right now, and here we have four colors: iridescent, incandescent, euphoric, and brilliant. these powders use micro-fine pearls to create #thatglo. amazing swatches and comparisons by Sabrina @thebeautylookbook. her picks are euphoric and brilliant.
03 | surratt beauty artistique blush in rougeur -- i've heard some good things about this brand and i think the first item i would try is a blush. i only have three blushes (gasp!) and this would be such a unique one to own! described as "classic rouge."
04 | OPI avoplex cuticle oil (to go) -- during the wintertime, my cuticles get really dry. i've done nothing about it and probably should starting with this. also comes in a full size version.
05 | CHANEL sunkiss ribbon blush (spring 2016, L.A. sunrise collection, limited edition) -- an interlaced ribbon design with all blush colors, great for those who can't decide!! pink, beige, coral, orange, magenta! it is so stunning to look at. swatches on Christine @temptalia.
06 | Sephora formula X Aimee Song collection in nude for you -- when @songofstyle collaborates with any brand, you check it out. she's such an inspo to so many women, but here is her formula X #colorcurators release in three shades: a girls best friend (pink), mintfluencer (mint), and nude for you (nude). from what i've seen, the nude seems to be a universal flattering shade.
07 | INM out the door top coat -- introduced to me by my BFF who is a nail polish guru. WOW this thing drys so fast and stays so shiny for days!! love her and this introduction! a must have!! also sold at Sally Beauty supply.
08 | invisibobble hair ties -- i discovered this at last my hair cut with my amazing stylist @cystalvainatx. yep, it looks like a telephone cord. it's not really invisible. but it's supposed to put uneven pressure around the circumference of your ponytail meaning no hair marks/kinks. this also means no tugging/pulled hair and the most important part is no hair breakage or split ends. works well for everyday use, but it doesn't have a super strong hold so i use two for work outs one to put my hair in a ponytail and then the second to secure it into a bun. comes in a variety of colors!

fall basics part three

November 2, 2015

this is the last of my fall basic series. see part one and part two. hope you have enjoyed these posts as much as i have putting them together, if so hit the like button! plenty of links and details after the jump!

01 | WINDOWPANE BUTTON DOWN -- button downs are my favorite thing to wear. they are SO effortless and if you don't have to iron them, the BETTER!! because ain't nobody got time for that!!! something about the windowpane print that i can't get enough of, loving this Old Navy boyfriend windowpane flannel shirt. Old Navy also has a ton of plaid shirts right now that i can't wait to snag!
02 | BLACK SKINNY JEANS -- every time i wear my Hudson nico mid-rise skinny jeans in black, i think, "dang, these make me look slim." it's also a good break from regular blue denim jeans! see them styled here with the black cape & gingham twill button down. i also like the Forever21 ripped black skinny jeans.
03 | FAUX FUR VEST -- faux fur everythannggg; stoles, UGGs, and... this Topshop leah faux fur vest looks very pretty in person. i've seen it at Nordstrom, great quality and i've tried it on but somehow i can't convince myself that i can rock the fur... just yet. :P another option from Forever21.
04 | LEATHER GLOVES -- leather gloves are on thing, but leather touchscreen gloves? YES, please! these ASOS leather gloves with small bow detail and touchscreen are so cute, not to mention functional! i have last years version of these and love them! they really keep the cold wind out vs. the $1 knitted ones at Target. !! #wellduh another option are these ones with some minimal leopard detail on the cuff.
05 | TAILORED JACKET -- as much as i love the collared jacket look, i am very into the tailored longline jackets. they can seem masculine, but they are so steamlined in terms of look. this is a new one, Banana Republic double breasted coat in pink. a faux fur stole will look pretty good with this beauty!
06 | DARK LIPS -- fall is all about dark lipsticks (with an "s"!!). i only own the MAC amplified creme in dark side (see it on me here, gee, such an old post!!) but this limited edition one from Yves Saint Laurent rouge pur couture in black red (only available to VIB Rouge members) is looking pretty good right now. i like how it is a dark red, vs. MAC dark side is more of a dark purple. could this be a justified purchase?! #thepoweroflipstick

october beauty

October 26, 2015

sharing some new beauty items on my radar. more details after the jump!

01 | Wayne Goss brush 02 -- Wayne Goss, highly respected in the make-up industry, came out with his own set of brushes that sold out upon it's release earlier this year, they always get great reviews so i've been meaning to try one. 02 caught my eye as a highlighter brush to use with my beloved Kevyn Aucoin celestial powder in candelight. these are handcrafted in Japan (so you know it's good quality just like Hakuhodo). i'm also eyeing The Eye Set. #nopunintended #deskslapper
02 | Diorshow iconic overcurl mascara set -- whenever i go see my aesthetician, we talk about a lot of beauty products! she mentioned she had tried this recently and loves it! i read some reviews and i like how it seems to hold curl pretty well. while i am not one to spend this much on mascara, i'd be curious to try it. i like how this comes with a free mini eyeshadow palette!
03 | CHANEL le top coat lame rouge noir (vamp attitude holiday collection, limited edition) -- this holiday collection is beautiful and inspired by their vamp nail polish (which, btw, if you don't have this color you need it in your life). IMO, the stand out is this top coat with gold specks in it. um, hellooo holidays. see a review and swatches of all the polishes from this collection on @temptalia. great, now the joues contraste blush 12 coups de minuit is looking good too!
04 | Tom Ford nail lacquer in black out (noir holiday collection, limited edition) -- just when i thought it was crazy to spend $27 USD on a CHANEL nail polish... TF takes the cake at $35 USD (I'm not ready to talk Christian Louboutin yet!). i have read that these polishes are well worth the money in terms of longevity and color pay off. from the photos this looks like a gray/black/blue with shimmer. i look forward to the release of every Tom Ford collection, he's that good. see swatches and a review on @beautygypsy.
05 | Tom Ford matte lip color in first time -- this is apart of this regular matte line of lipsticks, which are amazing and NON-DRYING (oxymoron for matte right?!). this is apart of the noir 2015 holiday collection, and a re-promote that has been re-packaged for $3 USD more than the regular packaging. this is a beautiful peachy-pink not too nude color and has vertical lines going up and down the tube. basically, it's sexy packaging at its finest. see this color on @beautyprofessor (also one of her fav lip colors!).
06 | too cool for school egg cream sheet mask -- korean beauty products are all the rage right now @sephora. this is a cloth face mask, and at a pretty good price too (at least cheaper than the SK-II facial treatment essence masks!). it is described as, "a milky, serum-enriched microfiber sheet mask infused with egg white and egg yolk extract to instantly hydrate for a bright and radiant complexion." i've read that users love the way their skin feels so soft afterwards.
07 | Glossier boy brow -- i discovered this brand through instagram (ahem, enabler @damselflavored) starting with their lip product balm dotcom. their newest product is the boy brow. it is supposed to, "thicken, fill in, and groom your brows into place." now that's an all in one product! it is a creamy formula and not supposed to make your brows feel "crunchy." (note: no beauty product should ever feel crunchy). comes in blond, brown, and black. love the slogan for this product, "brush your teeth, brush your brows, and then maybe brush your hair." #hilar #browgame use code "TAMIRASBROWS" @tamirajarrel for a free balm dotcom and shipping! trust me, you want anything she uses for her brows!
08 | Kevyn Aucoin gossamer loose powder in diaphanous -- apparently, this is an old product that was discontinued and made it's way back. they seem to be similar in function to the Hourglass ambient lighting powders (which are amazing) but in loose powder form. comes in two colors, diaphanous (for light skin tones) and radiant diaphanous (warmer skin tones).

fall basics part two

October 19, 2015

part two of my fall basics series, some great picks and alternatives for all items! details after the jump!

01 | FAUX LEATHER JACKET -- i have a similar style in black from last year, but this Forever21 faux leather moto jacket in grey is looking like a good option. hmm......
02 | ANKLE BOOTIES -- as much as i love booties, the low heel bootie is the most comfortable, here is a good pair of black suede slip ons from Sole Society mars elastic gore bootie. similar to the Vince Camuto corter bootie (but with a zipper).

03 | TURTLENECK/SWEATER DRESS -- this is going to look good with OTK boots or ankle booties! this is the Banana Republic turtleneck micro-stripe sleeveless dress in gray. similar ASOS Glamorous ribbed long sleeve in gray. this ASOS petite swing dress with long sleeves is also a great loose-fitting option! (because we are all about options!)
04 | FAUX FUR STOLE -- stiles are classy and can be used to dress up any neckline, especially jackets! this one from Nordstrom BP faux fur stole in tan has an opening where you can criss cross the ends. another option from Sole Society faux fur stole in brown (doesn't criss cross).
05 | CAPE -- there's something you should know about me. i love capes. i don't know why. they are sometimes difficult to wear and people either like or hate them because you can easily "get lost" in them. but there are ways you can wear them, like with a belt to help. i really like this fall color palette from ASOS River Island blocked sleeveless cape. here is another option in a single camel color ASOS New Look fringe poncho.
06 | FLOPPY HAT -- Topshop floppy felt hat in black the Nordstrom floppy wool hat is also very cute and available in a variety of colors. also love $$ on the Old Navy felt floppy hat, see @stylemissmolly rock it in her recent post!

fall basics part one

October 12, 2015

gear up for fall!

fall is around the corner and i wanted to do a two part series on some fall wardrobe basics. click the "READ MORE" for details!

01 | PUFFER VEST -- the J.Crew quilted puffer vest is always a bestseller each year! puffer vests are very versatile and can be worn with long sleeve shirts, and button downs. easily paired with riding boots (see 05 below) for an effortless casual look. see it styled here on JDC with a navy gingham button down (my most pined outfit!). another great option is the Gap primalloft chevron puffer vest with detachable faux fur hoodie.
02 | DARK NAIL POLISH -- the Essie fall 2015 nail polish collection in frock and roll is such a beautiful fall color. on the website it is described as a "shimmering expresso color" however, in really looks like a black, expresso, and dark purple with shimmer? kind of hard to describe, it's very unique. either way, this is the stand out color from their fall 2015 collection. i can't wait to use it!
03 | RAIN BOOTS -- everytime i wear my Hunter huntress rain boots (extended calf and shorter shaft than the Hunter original tall rain boots), i get comments like, "wow, you're prepared for some rain." "those are some boots you got there." etc... it's pretty funny (harharhar), but these are SOO helpful when it's pouring rain or maybe even snow? (don't take my word on the snow part because i do live in TX...) you'll be the only one with dry feet! see them styled here on JDC with a gingham top & puffer vest, and with a striped dress.
04 | PLAID SCARF -- if you read blogs, you will know of the Zara plaid scarf craze last year. unfortunately, i did not get my hands on one. but this Sole Society wool plaid scarf in tan looks veryyy similar! if you don't have one. you need one. see a plaid blanket scarf styled here on JDC with a top bun.
05 | RIDING BOOTS -- these Frye melissa button boots are my fav! love that they come in extended calf sizes as well in cognac. you can feel the craftsmanship when you touch/wear these boots. they are not cheap and really an investment. i see myself wearing mine for years to come. the Sam Edelman penny boot is also another great option available in varying widths and currently on sale!
06 | SUEDE BOOTIES -- booties are the best. i have a pair of Old Navy ones i wear to death and they are starting to fall apart #shouldveboughtabackup but the Sole Society lyriq heeled ankle bootie in khaki (BTW, really hot color this season) is lookin' good and also comes in navy. i like the straight cut top and the strap detail. a low heel alternative is the Sam Edelman petty ankle bootie.

current lemmings -- september lips & accessories

September 21, 2015

01 | Yves Saint Laurent rouge pur couture kiss & love collector's edition in le neu (limited edition) -- these have the cutest lip imprints on the side of the lipstick, it's seriously sooo cute and a complete marketing ploy that i am falling for. but i did try this on, for a non-nude lip person it actually looked good! it also has a very fruity scent to it, the sales rep mentioned that the scent was due to the mango ingredient in it. the collection consists of four colors total ranging from: red, red-orange, fuchsia, and nude. however, Sephora has their own limited edition in a black-red color which also looks very interesting and perfect for fall.

02 | Sephora Collection cream lip stain in 03 strawberry kissed -- i've seen a few youtube videos of Alix of @icovetthee and she is obsessed with these lip stains from Sephora. although the formulation is creamy, it seems to dry to a beautiful finish. strawberry kissed is described as a matte bright pinky red. Alix has also wears the color 01 always red (matte bold classic red) and that looks stunning on her as well!
03 | Christian Louboutin Beaute velvet matte lip color in louboutin rouge -- yes, i know this is $90 and that is an insane amount to spend on a lipstick. since it's release on 09/01, i have been seeing tons pictures on instagram, and wow... this color is beautiful. the rouge is like a blue-based red which is very flattering for my skintone. it comes in three different finishes: sheer voile, silky satin, and velvet matte. i've really come to like matte lipsticks and i am curious about this one. another color i'd also get (if i had a money tree) is bengali in the silky satin finish. see the rouge swatches in all three finishes on @thebeautylookbook and a youtube video of different colors and finishes by @raeview.
04 | BaubleBar pearl pin up drop earrings -- really liking these new earrings from BaubleBar. i am a huge pearl girl and love how they mixed a classic pearl into a fringe-y edgy earring. ok, i confess these are in my shopping cart right now. love the way @esther_bbswat be rockin' them!
05 | Daniel Wellington dapper st. mawes leather strap watch 38mm -- when the first wave of DW watches came surfacing on instagram, i liked the minimal design, but didn't think it was a stand out watch. however, this new design got me like WHOA. if you read this blog, you know i am obsessed with roman numerals and blue dials. this watch is perfect for me and would be a change from my normal metal chainlink watches. this has been added to my wish list... someday one day DW you'll be mine! the best thing is that these are uni-sex, so you and your man/sister/BFF can get a pair and be all matchy matchy!
06 | Forever21 frayed two stripe scarf in charcoal/grey -- officially, yes it is technically fall. but not here in TEXAS. it is still hot as heck. but when it gets a tad bit cool (probably won't be until the end of October, boo.) i will be rocking this. love the fact that it is almost a square shape, so perfect for those days you want that handkerchief scarf look.
07 | Stuart Weitzman nudistsong ankle strap sandal in sapphire suede -- the original nudist strap sandals are extremely minimal and classy. the only downside for me was the height (4 1/2"), i actually ordered and returned them once because they were so high, i have no idea how women walk in them without toppling over. not. for. me. however, i'm really glad to see the nudistsong in a shorter length, 3 3/4" and available in a variety of pretty colors, and widths.
08 | Topshop noodle mid-sandals in black suede -- i LOVE block heel anything, mainly because of comfort, they make wearing heels less painful not to mention my feet are completely untrained. this block heel is 2.5" and i love the minimal sandal strap design. a great casual alternative to ankle strap stilettos.