the bow blouse & midi skirt

when in doubt, put a bow on it. (a big grey one)

i've worn this skirt earlier this year with a cream top and pearls. this time i decided to pair it with a grey long sleeve blouse with a HUGE bow on the side. this top also looks great with all types of skirts and skinny jeans (plus blazer) as well. it was actually quite cold this day so the faux fur stole came in handy for a few shots, i usually think stoles look better styled on jackets vs. wearing it plain, but it turned out alright here. might i add, this is a perfect holiday look with some red lipstick!

currently on my playlist: Let it go -- James Bay

added a faux fur stole for fun! plus it was freezing! 

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top | chicwish kiss me bow top in grey (sold out) -- also available in mustard and pink
skirt | H&M textured midi skirt in black (old) -- similar in satin RED!  / similar in burgundy / similar in black striped mesh
stole | ASOS faux fur stole in cream (old) -- similar from Sole Society / similar / similar in black
shoes | Jimmy Choos abel pump in black patent -- similar by Ivanka Trump
bag | DVF lytton clutch in black quilted leather (old) -- similar in gold and on sale / in emerald / in black
sunglasses | Prada round oversized sunglasses in black (love the simple sides on these over the baroque design)
earrings | ASOS big faux pearl and stone swing earrings (old) -- similar 
rings | BaubleBar arrow wrap ring / BaubleBar pave eternity ring in gold / BaubleBar gemini pearl ring / BaubleBar ice chevron midi ring (sold out) -- similar / Etsy stacking & midi rings
lips | Tom Ford lip color in casablanca

rock the bow, faux fur stole and all,
JD

the black cape coat & gingham twill

happy thursday y'all!

last week i attended the 16th Annual Texas Conference for Women, i have been going for the past three years because it's paid for by my company and it's always a great experience! @RobinRoberts was an amazing keynote, i love her ENERGY, it's contagious! listened to lifestyle blogger @CamilleStyles talk about personal branding, and i met @ATasteOfKoko an Austin food blogger! i always leave feeling completely EMPOWERED. so many take-aways but here are mine in a few bullet points because who has time to read everything i write anyways?! (except my mom!)

  • innovation = growth.
  • courage grows with usage.
  • sometimes you have to say NO. because when you say yes to everything you are actually saying no to a lot of other things. 
  • "when fear knocks... let FAITH open the door."
  • everybody's got something. 

the sun was NOT cooperating for this shoot (i mean come on sun! lol) so we had to keep moving a lot. the original outfit i planned to wear was with a blazer but i grabbed my cape as a last minute thought. i eyed this cape for a long time and never bought it because of the price, but i was in Vegas... it was my 30th birthday, so whatevs! i did get it altered because it was too long. i love capes, they are so CLASSY. throw it over any skinny jean outfit, or dress for instant elegant-ness (that probably isn't a real word). i felt so glam that morning and can't wait to wear it again! 

the three C's: cape, coffee, CHANEL. 

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top | Gap boyfriend twill gingham shirt (sold out, but i love the softness of the twill! it's more of a dressy gingham material) -- similar in navy
outerwear | ZARA buttoned cape coat in black (old) --  similar from Nordstrom in camel! / similar but belted
denim | Hudson nico mid-rise skinny jeans in black (size down!)
shoes | Jimmy Choos abel pump in black patent -- similar by Ivanka Trump
bag | CHANEL 2.55 classic double flap bag in black lambskin -- dupe from Nordstrom BP. / dupe from F21
sunglasses | Prada round oversized sunglasses in black (love the simple sides on these over the baroque design)
earrings | Kendra Scott alex earrings in black
bracelet | BaubleBar elephant link bracelet (sold out) -- similar
watch | Michael Kors darci watch in gold (favorite MK watch that is lightweight and has a flat face)  -- also loving the new one with a blue face!
rings | BaubleBar mason pave ring in gold / BaubleBar pave eternity ring in gold / Etsy midi & stacking rings
lips | MAC amplifed creme lipstick in brick-o-la
nail polish | essie nail polish in frock 'n roll (fall 2015 collection, it's a unique color and only ONE coat is needed!) 

rock the cape,
JD