the female pantsuit

the pantsuit gone female style.

in previewing and being fitted for the @theory__ fall collection, i wanted something different. something special to remember that moment by (because uhh, i’ve never been fitted for anything!! i feel so bougie even saying that word lol #lucky). in the end i choose to go with a pantsuit from the Theory good wool collection. the Good Wool Collection is made in Italy and of extra fine merino with ZERO itchy-ness. obviously you can only expect the best from Theory and this suit lives up to my expectations. i feel like pantsuits aren’t really worn these days because it comes across very masculine. to avoid this i went with color vs. black. while the blazer is a long line blazer i love how it fits and the exact length that it drops on my short 5’2” self. the pants are supposed to be cropped but of course fit like normal pants because i’m so dang short. no alterations were needed here (ain’t nobody got time for that)! there’s something so powerful about rockin’ a male suit. i took this janna-style with a satin cami with lace trim (a neck tie blouse will also do) and added three layered necklaces to make this even more chic and classy. lastly, always top off any pantsuit with a pair of pumps to elevate the entire look.

side ramblings: we’re basically in the last month of 2018, CAN YOU BELIEVE IT?! i can’t wait to write a little reflections post on this year. i have already taken advantage with having my @kingofchristmas tree up (actually since October but who cares?!). it’s the best time of the year as there is so much to be thankful for and so much to look forward to. i’m EXCITED β€” lights, xmas music, hot cocoa, family gatherings… oh my and how can i forget #BIRTHDAYMONTH! you know i’m all about treating yourself right, especially as you get older. i’m already in present wrapping mode and almost done christmas shopping so we should drink to that. AH! one of my friends i met on IG asked me to be her bridesmaid @wanderlustanita! ive only known Anita for two years now and can’t believe she even asked me, what an honor! it reminded me of the friendships i’ve made along this journey and so thankful for these gals who keep me sane. and on another note, the last few weeks have been a whirlwind and so many great things happening in my life right now, i’m all about those pinch me moments! until next time xx.

currently on my playlist: on and on by Mat Kearney (on oldie but goodie in my books)

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top | H&M satin & lace camisole top in natural white β€” similar
pants c/o | Theory good wool classic slim crop pant in petal pink (wearing size 2)
blazer c/o | Theory good wool long blazer in petal pink (wearing size 2)
earrings | Kendra Scott aston statement earrings in ivory mother of pearl (old) -- similar but smaller // similar
necklaces | Amanda Deer satellite choker in gold // Amanda Deer c/o fine jewelry double horn necklace // Erica Weiner letter press necklace
sunglasses | DIFF ruby 54mm polarized sunglasses in black & grey
shoes | Ann Taylor mila suede pumps in paver grey (sold out) -- similar
bag | Celine micro luggage tote in navy -- similar
rings | Gorjana amara ring set // Amanda Deer c/o CZ solitaire ring // Amanda Deer c/o CZ accents midi ring
bracelet | GUESS twisted metal cuff in silver β€” similar and a set of three
watch | Michael Kors darci watch in gold

rock all the pantsuits,
JD

photo credit: lil blogger sis @simplyyvan
a post done in collaboration with Theory.
pantsuit provided by Theory, all opinions are my own.

the theory silk combo midi dress

the mixed media midi = MMM

oh you know, just 7:30AM and i’m hanging out on rooftops with @madelineharperphoto for these pictures. just another day in life of JD. haha. we had to much fun this morning though. after struggling to find a background for this dress and walking with the ever so patient Madeline to find another spot, i looked up and randomly said, hmm let’s check out the rooftop! DINGx3! best idea ever. funny how it always works out right?! as a result i’m spamming you with photos of myself because we had a blast shooting this one! #sorrynotsorry

one way to have fun with fashion is to play with texture. if you’re not sure how the easiest way is to purchase a one piece (dress, or jumpsuit/romper) that is made of two different materials. honestly, i’ve always been skeptical of these. i think it was seeing cheap jersey material mixed with chiffon/polyester and i was like NOPE. but here, it is done so right it’s almost wrong. when i was shopping at @theory__ this dress didn’t really catch my eye, but it was the sales associate who was wearing it that made me want to try it on! advertising at its finest y’all. glad i did because i am OBSESSED. the length (even on short 5’2” me), the slit, the silk (again, don’t get me started on the Theory silk) you can see how it flows in the photos #effortlessly. the top part is a ribbed material and it hugs perfectly. anyways, i took the opportunity to shoot some leg action #angelinajoliewannabe.

side ramblings: this past week was a long one but noteables include: a low-key girls night in (#GNI?), a haircut by my gal @elizabeth.jane.hair, AND the @theory__ fitting for their fall collection focusing on cashmere and wool. i’ve never been to a fitting before (cue in all the excitement i tried to contain all week long, i still can’t believe this is my life). IT WAS SO MUCH FUN and of course i had the hardest time deciding on something. if you saw my stories i picked something way different than my usual style! can’t wait to share. lastly, FALL is here officially. but not really, it’s SLIGHTLY dropped in temperature but come on i wanna bring out all my outerwear ASAP, put out all my pumpkins (by that i mean all 8 of them… they’re out already who am i kidding?! haha), put up my Christmas tree (i know, i’m getting crazy but it’s my first Christmas tree in my own home!!). ah, FALL, I LOVE THEE.

currently on my playlist: alone by Halsey ft. Big Sean & Steffon Don

currently reading: Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman

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_Janna011.jpg

how i normally show up to shoots. in COMFY shoes. see how it even goes well with sneaks?!

dress c/o | Theory silk combo mixed media dress in black β€” similar but long sleeve and a shorter length // not related but LOVE this
jacket | BLANKNYC life changer moto jacket in black β€” similar // similar but hooded // similar but suede // currently love this one
shoes | Madden Girl bella block heel sandal in black β€” same shoe at DSW // similar at Target for $30 // similar but shorter heel
bag | DVF lytton clutch in black quilted leather (old) β€” similar // such a good Bottega dupe for $35 // not similar but a cool marble one
earrings | Kendra Scott mandy statement earrings in rose gold (old) β€” similar and available in tons of colors! // similar but metal
sunglasses | Karen Walker number one sunglasses in black β€” love these for $55
rings | Gorjana amara ring set // Amanda Deer c/o CZ solitaire ring // Amanda Deer c/o CZ accents midi ring

cheers to mixed media,
JD

photo credit: Madeline Harper
a post done in collaboration with 
Theory.
dress provided by Theory, all opinions are my own.

the boyfriend jeans & white tee

boyfriend jeans, casual style.

for the most part, my posts with boyfriend jeans have been a tad dressy. lets go down JDC memory lane: 2016 with pumps & a trench coat (it was SO COLD i could barely feel my hands!) // 2017 in a v-neck cami & strappy stilettos // 2018 in a square neck cami & suede pumps. i thought i’d go casual style with a simple v-neck tshirt. gimme a v-neck white tshirt and i’m pretty much set. when i’m not taking embarrassing blog photos, you’ll find in in a men’s JOCKEY white v-neck tshirt. i probably have 30 easy. it’s my go-to with Nike tempo shorts. #lifetip: always say yes to stretchy waistbands. unfortunately, not all of us are @fashion_jackson-beautiful so we can’t always rock tshirts like her. she is #casualstylegoals. but when i do go out-out in a tshirt it’s gonna be slightly more fitted and a woman’s tee. haha.

i’ve been on an @everlane kick lately and while i do partner with the brand, i purchased this tshirt to test out; i love it! while the white is a little sheer, it was moisture wicking during this shoot where i was sweating like nuts (hair was not having that humidity either). the v-neck isn’t too low, perfect for layering necklaces. i loved it so much i placed another order for more! including the different styles i linked below. for $15 you can’t go wrong. and you can never have enough tshirts in your closet because they go with EVERYTHING. skirts, pants, jeans, not to mention they make a good base layering piece to any outfit. top if off with a cardigan, jacket, or blazer during the fall/winter. (or summer if you’re crazy like me. haha).

lastly, a blurb on @keds!! i wore these back in middle school! where my #teamkeds people at?! while the Keds champion canvas sneaker in navy is my BFF, i splurged a little on a leather pair from the Kate Spade collaboration with Keds. the hardware is GOLD y’all, the laces are ribbon-like = so extra. anyways, they make a great casual sneaker that go with dresses, shorts, skirts, and jeans. they are also the best travel shoe when you don’t want to give up too much fashion over function.

side ramblings: it sucked watching New York Fashion Week #NYFW all the way from Texas. i really missed out this year but the adult life had more pressing things that needed to be taken care of. gotta love #adulting. next year, i’m treating myself to that trip. the @thefomofactory opened in ATX and i was able to preview it the night before it opened! a pretty cool seven-room-instagram-able outing to check out, collage pict after the jump! also, my dear friend, @amandadeer #nopunintended launched her capsule collection of fine jewelry recently that consists of solid 14K and real diamondssss y’all. i dropped by to see them in person and they’re amazing pieces, i have my eyes set on the horn necklace and the solitaire. i love supporting her, such a sweet soul! lastly, @baublebar is having their friends & family sale, 25% off everything!! my top 3 picks: slim bow drops // mezzo 18K gold huggie hoop earrings // mariette fringe drop earrings.

currently on my playlist: dance to this by Troye Sivan ft. Ariana Grande

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top | Everlane cotton v-neck in white (wearing size small) β€” similar but over-sized // similar but a crew neck // similar but long sleeve with a v-back
blazer | H&M single button jersey blazer in navy (old) β€” similar // love this one with ruched sleeves
denim | GAP mid-rise relaxed boyfriend jeans in medium indigo -- similar // love these
kicks | Keds x Kate Spade champion leather sneakers in rose dew pink (they run a little big, i usually wear a size 6 in the canvas but went down to a 5.5 in these) β€” the OG in canvas // just bought these all white leather!
bag | Celine micro luggage tote in navy -- similar
earrings | Kendra Scott sky earrings in white pearl (old) -- larger version // similar
necklaces | Amanda Deer satellite choker in gold // Anthropologie monogram pendant necklace 
rings | Gorjana amara ring set // Amanda Deer c/o CZ solitaire ring // Amanda Deer c/o CZ accents midi ring
watch | Michael Kors darci watch in gold

rock all the white tees,
JD

photo credit: Madeline Harper


@thefomofactory

dates I 09/14/18 - 10/21/18
admission | $23, $15 for 12 years old and under, and FREE for children 3 and under
tips | wear light colors, i suggest white. wear pants esp if you want to get into the beach ball pit. if you’re claustrophobic, i’d think twice about going

straight up nostalgic FUN. all the bright colors made for some happy photos and a happy me. CHEESIN so hard. PC: @wanderlustanita

the square neck sweater tank

FULLY embracing color with this post! (it's a different one isn't it?!)

lately i've been seeing a lot of square necklines or maybe it's just me noticing this and coming to the party late! but i'm really diggin' the look. it's a good alternative from the round, v, and high necks. so while i was looking for a dress (like i need more), or a jumpsuit (ditto), i came across this really bright yellow tank and said YES! it also didn't help that the back is a criss cross & it was #onsale. so i bought it in black too... naturally. this is what happens when i find something i like. such a good staple for summer despite it being a sweater tank. lastly, this outfit was a good opportunity to bust out with these flower earrings from @cassandracollections, i love her jewelry and the fact that she's a local designer. #supportlocal plus, she is such a doll and i love her sense of style!

side ramblings: FINALLY started to edit my video. yes, i know you should definitely give me your best eye roll right now... but hopefully you can cut me some slack because i'm teaching myself how to use adobe premiere. talk about venturing into the unknown. but yep, i'm crazy. i'm all about learning new things and sometimes teaching yourself and diving right in is the best way to do it! fingers crossed that it will be live next week, hope see you then! xx

currently on my playlist: lost in your light by Dua Lipa ft. Miguel

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top | LOFT criss cross sweater tank in yellow (also avail in black and in plus sizing) -- similar but high neck // similar with a button front detail
denimZARA mid rise skinny jeans in white (old) -- similar and on sale // similar but distressed // similar by topshop
bag | J.Crew mini bucket bag in natural vachetta (old) -- similar // similar by Cuyana
shoes | Target Merona marcella low block heel ankle strap sandals in tan (old) -- similar // similar but suede
sunglasses | Celine marta sunglasses in havana -- newer design // similar by Le Specs
necklaceAnthropologie monogram pendant necklace 
earrings c/o | Cassandra Collections flower earrings
rings Gorjana amara ring set // Amanda Deer c/o CZ solitaire ring // Amanda Deer c/o CZ accents midi ring
bracelet c/oKendra Scott tiana pinch bracelet set in gold

rock all the square necklines!,
JD

photo credit: Todd White
Β 

the floral cut out dress

another IT summer dress!

it's been a full day of yard work and i'm exhausted but it feels so good to wind down with a glass of wine to put this one together #inmyelement. we're about dresses here on JDC. last year one of my favorite summer purchases was this striped cut out dress. so of course when the floral design came out this year, this one somehow made its way to my closet. still unsure how but i ain't mad about it. :D jokes aside, it's on the pricey side. but i'm one of those people.. if i like it that much, i'm gonna buy it. and in multiple colors or prints. this dress, no exception. it has pockets, and most cutouts require you to wear some sort of sticky bra or petals, this one does not! whoo hoo! 

side ramblings: I MET MAT KEARNEY! i had a night last week that blew my mind away. my lil blogger sis, @simplyyvan (AKA: concert queen) bought me a VIP ticket for my december bday to meet Mat K! she's the sweetest, ain't she? anyways, got to roll VIP with her and with standing room only at Stubb's, we took advantage of getting there early and were upfront and CENTER! normally i'm not a crowd person so i always hang in the back. BUT WOW, what an experience!!! now i'm all about being upfront with the crowd despite being packed in like sardines. but i danced the night away in my tiny lil space and left with the best feeling. it's a night i'll never forget. i actually don't have many photos or video to show because i spent all of it just soaking it in! as much as i love capturing moments, sometimes it's just better be to be fully present and enjoy the momentMat K is my favorite artist for so many reasons. he can sing, he can write, awesome music & beats, but his music got me through some rough times. his lyrics have so much meaning/depth and extremely relatable no matter what you're going through in life. i mean how cool is that to touch the lives of people in that way?! too bad i can't sing and i can't play an instrument to save my life. (hence the fashion blog). 

i also attended Austin Fashion Week #AFW this past weekend! i always love being in the midst of fashion especially with others who are wayyyyy more fashionable than myself. photos and a recap to come next week. thanks for stopping by, y'all have a good one now. xx

currently on my playlist: face to face by Mat Kearney 

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5'2" short y'all.

because most of the time i don't know what to do. LOL. 

this was steven's idea... :D

dress | Bardot ibiza cut out midi dress in floral (currently 25% off!) -- same style in checkered print // similar from Express // similar from Express but shorter // similar but striped and with sleeves by Madewell // similar from F21 // similar in lemon print from ASOS 
jacket | Old Navy denim jacket
shoes | Target Merona marcella low block heel ankle strap sandals in tan (old) -- similar // similar but suede
bagUrban Outfitters circle straw crossbody bag (fits iphone8+) -- similar with handles but smaller // similar // love this basket tote
sunglasses | Celine marta sunglasses in havana -- newer design // similar by Le Specs
earrings c/o | BaubleBar mini granita tassel earrings in ivory -- original longer version
necklaceAnthropologie monogram pendant necklace 
ringsKendra Scott theodore open ring in white pearl via Color Bar -- similar // Gorjana amara ring set // Amanda Deer c/o CZ solitaire ring // Amanda Deer c/o CZ accents midi ring
watch | Michael Kors darci watch in gold
bracelet | Nordstrom BP love knot cuff (old) -- similar by Stella & Dot

rock all the cutouts,
JD

photo credit: Steven Gunter


@matkearney x CRAZYTALK tour @stubbsaustin // 04.05.18

meet & greet with Mat K // THAT CLOSE
selfie with Mat K // featured on his INSTA

LIFE IS SO GOOD because i'm cheesin' SO HARD!

dating tips & galentine's day in loungewear

happy galentine's day!

so listen, i don't know if you know, it's valentine's week. if you've gone to target, you know. everything is red and pink and heart shaped. it's the hallmark day of all holidays. YIPPEEEE! now, if you're single, this is what you do --> you go buy yourself loungewear -- because NOTHING says 'i love myself' like some soft joggers and a loose thermal top. #seriously. feel free to add a disco ball sippy cup for good measure too. jokes aside, you get what i'm sayin'. treat yourself to something because you deserve it! if you find yourself waving the single-awareness flag, wave it proudly and refer to this quote below.

life is always about the JOURNEY and never the destination.

and your journey could a lot bumpier than others, maybe you even get stuck in some muddy patches along the way, but that's life. you gotta trust the process -- that it will lead you to where you need to be in the end. live consciously in this moment, laugh at the confusion, and embrace it because at any moment, it will change. know that you have never missed out on anything that is meant for you, and that the next best thing is just around the corner. you see, there is so much that happens to us that we have very little/no control over. the only thing we have control over is our self -- our emotions & reactions. knowing and understanding this will give you so much peace in any life situation. i promise. not sure where i wanted to go with all that. but i hope you took something away?! i spend a lot of time writing for google, but most of the time i'm writing for myself #selfentertained and to reinforce positivity. we can always use that right?! 

besides #selflove it's also about the little things in life too. like how all that valentine's day candy will be on sale at target, so you'll know where to find me come February 15th. :D xx ok, i'm out. see ya next week.

side ramblings: this past week was filled with some fun events! i was able to check out @sonestabeecaveatx at the hill country galleria, their @meridian98lounge has a great view and don't get me started on the bacon wrapped dates... the night ended with a small tour of some shops at the galleria. my favorites were @milkandhoneyspa and @manaculture! the weekend was the grand opening of @theartofshoesaustin in the cutest house were i was able to meet the owner and participate in a DIY shoe accessory workshop. overall, a fun week of socializing!

PS--i had so much FUN writing the last part of this post and hope you'll read the rest!

>>MY DATING TIPS/TIDBITS CLICK the READ MORE button!

currently on my playlist: bad at love by Halsey

that time my lil blogger sis @simplyyvan asked me to be apart of her @urbanoutfitters photoshoot!

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why am i single? well, it's because i haven't met my EQUAL, i wouldn't let anyone into my life unless they were AWESOME. the single journey for me has been quite interesting. a recent article came out describing Austin men as the WORST when it comes to dating (so glad i bought a house here!). i've learned SO MUCH along the way. i mean geezus to be able to talk to a complete stranger takes major skill. deciphering text messages, picking up on when you're about to ghosted or breadcrumb-ed or whatever the new term is should be resume skills at this point. the internet, social media, online dating, and having access to people 24/7 have made us a REALLY. SAD. BUNCH. who lack human decency. the standard is set SO LOW. how low? i mean i'm shocked when someone actually messages me back! here are my tips/tidbits whether you're a man or woman when it comes to dating (because let's face it, i'm better with bullet points):

  • trust your intuition/gut, it's usually 99% correct (head > heart)
  • when someone shows you who they really are, believe them
  • actions > words 
  • consistency is KEY
  • vulnerability is strength and in the right hands this is the best gift you can give someone
  • exemplify human decency = treat others the way you want to be treated (golden rule, duh, sad i even have to type it)
  • be direct & use raw/honest communication
  • HAVE FUN! expect nothing but be prepared to be pleasantly surprised
  • silence actually speaks volumes. no answer is an answer. SOOOO ironic isn't it? 
  • when it comes to online dating, you probably have one shot to win someone over so bring your A game = best version of you, this shouldn't be hard for you! 
  • ghosting? breadcrumbing? zombies? = ain't nobody got time for that
  • when you start blaming yourself, STOP IMMEDIATELY because...
  • it's really hard to mess up the right thing (if there is anything you take away, THIS IS IT!)
  • when it's right, it should feel easy
  • good things TAKE TIME
  • stop making excuses for other people
  • stop thinking about what you feel and remember what you deserve
  • a good man will never keep you waiting by the phone no matter how busy they are. think about how much time it takes to send a text. literally NO TIME. and trust me, if you haven't heard from him, i'm 120% sure his fingers haven't fallen off
  • if he likes you, he will squeeze out any ounce of time to see you, even if it's just 15 minutes to see your face! TRUST ME 
  • never underestimate the power of SPACE. space allows someone to miss you, to yearn for you. THIS IS WHAT YOU WANT
  • until you're exclusive, date like men = HAVE OPTIONS because 95% of men will fall off the face of the earth (and bc they're doing the same thing to you)
  • texting less actually creates more excitement when you meet in person
  • men respond to distance. not words. so stop trying to explain yourself!
  • what you chase runs away. never chase ANYONE
  • know that not everyone is going to like you (even though you're a bad ass) and you're not going to like everyone. attraction is not a choice
  • master EMPATHY
  • don't let some bad experiences harden your heart
  • rejection teaches you what's not meant for you
  • don't let dating or a man be everything in your life. do things you love, hang out with people who make you feel good. for me, it's about working out, blogging, hanging out with my GFs and family, going to events, photography, making a list of next eateries to hit up, working on my house. your life and happiness come first
  • at the end of the day, it's about being genuine in every interaction. be compassionate. be the change you want to see in the world. seems futile but i believe that change starts with YOU
  • have the strength to walk away (with dignity) and the patience to wait for what you deserve. AND this is why you should work on your backside, so that you LOOK GOOD WALKING AWAY. just sayin'
happiness is letting go of what you assume your life is supposed to be like right now and sincerely appreciating it for everything that it is. at the end of this day, before you close your eyes, smile and be at peace with where you’ve been and grateful for what you have. LIFE IS GOOD.
— marc & angel

the twist back sweater

couldn't let a winter season go by without OTKs (over the knee boots).

sometimes you come across a pretty good shein.com find, even if it's at 2AM. #score. i'm always on the fence about this online store because 75% of the time the stuff doesn't work for me and the fact that it takes FOREVER to ship. when it arrives you're like "oh yea.. i did order that." i know, #FWP. but everything i ordered was a keeper -- stay tuned! while i love mock neck, loose, and more practical sweaters, i am always drawn to the slouchy ones that you can pull off as a one shoulder. sometimes a lil skin never hurt anyone!! the front seems like a normal sweater but the back actually has a twist/knotted detail #sexyback. the good thing is that you can still wear a normal bra with this so def a bonus in my books. also works for a casual valentine's/galentine's outing!

side ramblings: it's hard to believe that it's FEB. YIKEs. i took a good break from all social media and blogging. it's funny because i actually had people messaging me asking if i was okay because i wasn't posting lol. and by "break" i mean three weeks, which is quite a bit for me -- going to bed at a decent hour, actually GETTING SLEEP. it's kinda crazy how when go from being sleep deprived 24/7 to actually getting sleep... you are even more tired. #cantwin. i'm also excited that the event world is picking up this week, it's been so dead lately but i'm looking forward to getting back on "the scene" with my girls! oh and #SXSW is just around the corner!!! hope y'all have a great week ahead and thanks so much for stopping by!

currently on my playlist: there for you by Troye Sivan ft. Martin Garrix

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top | Shein twist detail infinity sweater in burgundy (avail in 5 colors) -- available with a pearl embellishment // similar by LOFT // similar by ASTR // similar by Topshop
denim | Hudson Jeans nico mid-rise skinny jean in abbey wash (old) -- similar // love these by Citizens of Humanity // similar and $64
bag c/oHenri Bendel noho satchel in black pebbled leather -- same but more structured // similar and love this style because the handles fold down 
shoes | Unisa saranaa over the knee boot in black suede (old) -- current style // similar from Target! // love the low heel more
sunglassesCeline caty sunglasses in black -- similar
earrings c/o | Amanda Deer fan ear jackets in gold
necklace | Amanda Deer satellite choker in gold // Anthropologie monogram pendant necklace 
ringsGorjana amara ring set // Amanda Deer c/o CZ solitaire ring // Amanda Deer c/o CZ accents midi ring

rock all the sexy sweaters,
JD

photo credit: Steven Gunter