the taupe knit dress two ways

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!

READ MORE

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

the Michael Stars LBD two ways

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 🤣

READ MORE

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

the perfect red date night dress

hellooo christmas week!

i’ve been saving this post because red = christmas && being my first @reformation piece makes it extra special. i hesitate when it comes to @reformation because i love the fact that it’s an ethical brand, but the prices are veryyy expensive. i also don’t like that most of their things aren’t lined (so you will read reviews about it “feeling cheap” for the price on Nordstrom). (big) BUT the styles are AMAZING and #droolworthy. i never thought i’d describe clothing that way but here i am. #protip: buy this stuff on sale, regardless if you have something to wear it to or NOT. it’ll eventually come up, and if it doesn’t, by golly, even based on sale price you’ll FIND something to wear it to!! i guarantee it. oh heyyy, pizza/coffee outing. :D it’s all about #DOINGYOUBOO. when i show people the purchase i’m debating, they’ll say… “where would you wear that to?.” me = 🤔. one friend told me, “figuring out where to wear it to should never be a problem.” me = 😁. thanks @tristan.dav aka reformation friend/queen!! she’s 100% right. on a shopping spree i went. here’s what’s coming my way: lores top // butterfly midi dress // vollare dress // riesling dress // fay jumpsuit // zoe side slit midi skirt // graciella dress // nectarine dress… whoops. #protip: if it’s not available on the website, check Nordstrom as they price match and sale items AREN’T final sale!.

this red dress is the perfect red. apparently it complements my skintone perfectly because i received SO. MANY. COMPLIMENTS on it. the subtle sexy side slit made it extra appropriate for date night and honestly any occasion. it’s a guaranteed compliment-receiving dress. in fact, all reformation pieces i’ve worn or shown, i have received DOZENS of compliments. they are pieces i’ll keep forever so i have NO REGRETS.

side ramblings: my girls @thehonestshruth // @shelbysorrell // @onechelsofanadventure hosted an epic holiday party at @thecatheralatx (beautiful coworking/event space!), it was twice the size this year! it was the biggest white elephant gift exchange i’ve done #goodtimes and new friends made so i’m feeling hella grateful. i can’t believe it’s already christmas! i’m off for this entire week so it shall be a good, relaxing one. hope y’all enjoy this holiday season as it always zooms on by. as much as it’s a happy/festive time, it’s also a sad time for a lot of people. we miss the people we lost, we have memories creep into our mind, and we also feel very lonely. i feel you. know that is IS OKAY to feel this way. my tips to get through this are: meditate & breathe, practice gratitude, indulge in some self care, lower your expectations, reach out to friends, help someone in need. sometimes i feel like when you put a smile on someone else face, it automatically reflects back to you. :) xx

currently on my playlist: ocean eyes by Billie Eilish

currently reading: dear girls by Ali Wong

READ MORE

the tie neck blouse & white denim jeans

hello december, howdy #birthdaymonth!

i will warn you that this post will be picture heavy if you click on the read more button. why? oh, because i’m in an empty fountain having a ball! thanks to my photographer, Steven who also helped me get into it. :D i digress. let’s have a small chat about these white denim jeans sent to me from Everlane, shall we? let’s just say they made me give away my other white denim jeans. the fit, the not having to worry if my jeans are see-thru are out the window with these. on top of that, they are a 10.5” rise so a little below my belly button for the #over30club. y’all know i’m a fan of all things @everlane and this ENTIRE OUTFIT is no exception. i know they worked hard to make some non-see thru white denim, so kudos to Everlane! this is my second silk top from @everlane. and lemme tell you, i have wanted this top for a while #meloveyoulongtime. i am so happy my rep sent it to me!! it’s more of a boxy fit and short so easy to do a half tuck in front (as shown here). i love the mock neck #duh and after the jump you can see how i tied/styled the sashes different ways!

side ramblings: WHOO HOOO!! here we go, last month of 2019, i can’t even believe it. not sure where time or 2019 went… the JD x @phlur sip + shop holiday party is happening this weekend already!! click here to RSVP for Saturday, 12/07/2019 from 3-5PM & come by and say HOWDY! thanksgiving was a complete BLAST. spent quality time with family, ate a ton, shopped, did a couple of @meganroup’s // @thesculptsociety cardio dance work out videos with my cousins and made sure to capture some of those shenanigans (under IG highlights “misc”) #goodtimes. december also kicks off… #birthdaymonth and so this and next week are filled with festivities and extra #treatmyself activities in prep for the big 3-5. :)

currently listening to: don’t start now by Dua Lipa

READ MORE

style 1: tie the sashes into a bow in the back

style 2: untied, bring both sashes in front on one side

style 3: untied, bring both sashes in front, one on each side

the tie neck blouse & white denim jeans -- jannadoan.com

top c/o | Everlane the clean silk neck tie blouse in ochre (wearing size 2)
denim c/o | Everlane the high rise skinny jean in bone (wearing size 25 ankle, 10.5” rise so a little below my belly button) — similar but a little higher at 11” rise // some fun kick crops
jacket c/o | Ann Taylor textured tweed moto jacket in winter white (old) — newer design // similar in herringbone // similar by LOFT
bag | MANGO stirrup snake effect bag in coffee — similar // similar but a baguette style
shoes | ZARA — similar by Vince Camuto // similar by SCHUTZ
earrings c/o | Kendra Scott colette hoop earrings in gold (winter 2019 collection, light as a feather!!, been wearing them non-stop!) — similar but in a fun design // more dainty with some sparkle!
sunglasses | Celine tilda sunglasses in dark tortoise (old) — a more updated version // amazon knock off for $15
rings | Gorjana amara ring set
bracelet | Vita Fede mini titan crystal bracelet in gold
watch | Michael Kors darci watch in gold


photo credit: Steven Gunter

the leather skirt & fuzzy sweater

fall texture play.

this was probably one of the most creative shoots with Steven. i played with texture — leather & a fuzzy sweater while Steven played on light and lines. and our first time shooting indoors!! co-creating is the best. it was a complete blast stepping out of my comfort zone in terms of the leather skirt and these moody photos! i was a little skeptical about faux leather, but really love the a-line fit on this skirt, super conservative length, and especially how the panels are sewn together too! machine washable is a plus. regardless, any leather clothing makes quite a statement and here i chose a more classic style with a tucked in fuzzy sweater (3/4 length sleeves are sooo my jam) for some fall texture play.

side ramblings: this past weekend was amazing weather and probably the last of it as we enter fall/winter in full swing. but who knows with that TX weather?! if you didn’t already know i’m big into photography and was able to snap some photos for my friend Meg // @theautumngirl_ and her baby boy, see the plaid photos on her feed! i FINALLY made it out to @tilliescamplucy which was something i’ve been meaning to mark off my list for a while now! it’s quite a drive but so beautiful & peaceful out there :) and the food/staff/service was amazing! have you heard of @thesculptsociety by Megan Roup? i am super intrigued and while i’m a big pilates/barre fan i think i’m gonna give this one a go to mix it up!

currently on my playlist: carry on by Kygo & Rita Ora

READ MORE

the bow front top

all the vacay vibes. (sans vacay, insert sad face)

i LOVE discovering new brands! one of the brands i stumbled across recently is called MANGO. it's very similar to ZARA (except no tax to TX and free ship & returns on MANGO!). during memorial day they had a huge sale and i took the opportunity to order a few items, i would say things are pretty true to size. i can't get enough of. this. top. it's slightly cropped so perfect for all my high rise midi skirts, it has texture to it, and LOVE the bow front. also, it's white and you know how i am all about them white tops come summer! i styled it with an old eyelet skirt, threw in a straw bag, hat AND these seashell earrings... suddenly, i felt like i should be on vacay (but a shopping strip will do). or at least book one (i am so overdue). 

lastly, a word/mini review about these Tory Burch Miller sandals. are they worth it? NO. the story is i've wanted a pair my whole life but could not get myself to spend that much on a pair of FLIP FLOPS! i purchased them recently (only with a coupon). this was actually my first time wearing them. pros: comfortable, a dressy option for flat sandals when your feet need a break so you don't have to sacrifice style and comfort, comes in many colors. cons: very expensive, scuffs real fast (yes, i already scuffed the top of them in this photoshoot #badluck). would i get them again? probably not. i certainty would not pay regular price, thank goodness i didn't. but maybe the patent leather is more durable??! who knows? people tell me they LOVE them. maybe i'm missing something... better option?! #igotCHU. THESE are way more durable, comes in many colors, and a fraction of the price. i wear mine non-stop and wore my first pair into the GROUND. :D

side ramblings: i was fortunate to be able to preview the first @theory_ store in Austin @domainnorthside! i've always been a fan of their classic style and was able to learn more about the company on a one-on-one which i always find way more appealing than groups! #introverted. also, i checked out @suerteatx and it was AMAZING! pricey, but good. my fave dish there was the green chorizo tlayuda (basically the most expensive tostada i've eaten). and FINALLY Austin gets some bubble tea competition with @gongchatea!! whooot.. i could use a brown sugar milk tea right about now. #bubbleteaaddict PS -- have an amazing 4th! xx

currently on my playlist: so far away by Martin Garrix & David Guetta

READ MORE

top | MANGO bow knit top in off white (on sale for $25) -- similar but cami style 
skirt | J.Crew eyelet peplum skirt in navy (old) -- similar but shorter // similar but white // similar in black
bag | Urban Outfitters circle straw crossbody bag -- similar from Dillards // similar but bucket bag style // similar but rectangular
shoes | Tory Burch miller thong sandals in leather vintage vachetta -- same from Nordstrom
sunglasses | Celine marta sunglasses in havana -- newer design // similar by Le Specs
earrings c/o | BaubleBar milos drop earrings in gold
necklace | Anthropologie monogram pendant necklace -- similar 
rings | Gorjana amara ring set // Amanda Deer c/o CZ solitaire ring // Amanda Deer c/o CZ accents midi ring
watch c/o | Daniel Wellington classic petite melrose 32mm in rose gold and white
hat | GIGI PIP faye boater hat -- similar and $39 // similar and packable!

rock all the bow/twist front tops!,
JD

photo credit: Todd White