an overdue post

didn’t see you coming, 2020.

i can’t believe i’ve let this space of mine go silent for NINE months. so much of the world has changed. i read my last post from 2019 and couldn’t help but to chuckle. 2020 sure threw us a curve ball, didn’t it? who would’ve thunk. there’s a lot to cover and i’m choking back tears trying to find my way back to this familiar space to grab onto a sense of normalcy. i think we’re all suffering in our own way; trying to deal/process. like most, i’ve had a difficult time coping. i’ve lost family, seen the losses of others, and as an empath… it’s overwhelming. i’ve lost almost all contact with friends and spent a lot of time in solitude. i felt like i had nothing of relevance to share or say. i felt if i tried to connect more, the more i would feel disconnected. does that even make sense? however, the silence is deafening and it’s time to break it. i’m pushing myself to do this because i’m pretty sure i need it; for my mental health. without any planned content, i’m not sure how far i’ll make it. so we’ll see. all i can say is my tripod is about to get some major love. more after the jump.

these photos shot almost a year ago and i never had the chance to post them! rarely will i ever take any direct sunlight photos or post anything this vulnerable. but hey, they’re so epic, so why not? vulnerability (or is it too much skin?!) is something i’m not the best at and these photos remind me that this powerful woman inside me exists that is able to shift into so many different gears when pushed out of her boundaries & comfort zone. (though good lighting and a great photographer always helps! thanks to @gunter.photo 😉). i’m also shocked that this dress is still in stock but i guess i’ve got a knack for picking staples! PSS — it’s difficult to shoot in direct sunlight without being blinded or squinting!! kudos to real models out there!

currently on my playlist: back in my body by Maggie Rogers

READ MORE

here are some random things i’ve been up to!:

new job //

i was extremely fortunate to start a new job considering the job market. i’ve waited for an opportunity like this for so long and now it’s finally here! #pinchme. it has been challenging. i never thought i’d be in the finance field, but i got this.

audible //

my guy friends have always urged me to get this. i finally did and it’s such a good investment!! i highly recommend it. it allows me to speed through books that would normally take me twice as long to read. read? ain’t nobody got time for that.

sleep & tv //

i never watched tv. mainly because i had so many other things to do, people to see, things to eat, places to go, and side-hustle work to do. well… none of that is happening so i ventured down the dark hole of netflix and hulu. some notable shows: Brooklyn 99, Kim’s Convenience, The Umbrella Academy. oh and sleep. i’m actually getting normal sleep 7-8 hours vs. my usual 5-6. feels nice, but being the work-a-holic i am, these two activities won’t last past the pandemic. 🤣

calligraphy //

i’ve always loved calligraphy and started doing it again since my cousins were getting into it. so far we’ve had a few virtual calligraphy facetime calls! by no means am i a pro but i love lettering :) i’ve been using the tombow fudenosuke brush pens and they work great!

cold brew & nespresso //

i started making cold brew at home with @rumblejar! this one is cool because it comes with a cotton bag that serves as an additional filter. cold brew is my go-to during the scorching TX summers. it is easy to make and saves so much money! i also said farewell to my kerig and HELLOOOO to @nespresso (vertuo line). apparently, i was drinking bad coffee at home my whole life. so there’s that.

home decor & improvement //

spending too much time at home led me to start/finish some decor projects around the house. you’ll see some of these posted in my current lemmings section! i’m on a kick to add some bold black into my decor color palette. not sure how it’s gonna turn out but i’m going for it!

BTW, sitting like this will cramp your hip flexors. :D

dress | Reformation sigmund dress in black (wearing size 4 for size reference)
bag | DVF lytton clutch in black quilted leather (old) — not similar but loving the dumpling bags
earrings c/o | Kendra Scott jack gold hoops in white crystal
shoes | topshop strippy heeled sandals in black (old) — love these t-strap ones!
sunglasses | Karen Walker number one sunglasses in black — love these for $55

it feels so good to write this.
sending you love & light,
JD

photo credit: Steven Gunter

the maggy london sinclair work dress

see you later, 2019.

finishing 2019 out in my strong suit — #workwear! @maggylondon is always adding the perfect pieces to my work wardrobe; #luckygal right here. you know i’m a huge fan of all bows, the Jackie dress is one of my classic Maggy London pieces (throwing it back to 2017). however, the Maggy London Sinclair Midi is a more updated/similar version with sleeves and a fun contrasting piping detail that doesn’t make it your average #LBDworkdress. if you look closely the sleeves actually have a slight puff to them which elevates this just a touch more in a fun & elegant way. of course, i choose to style this dress with black patent pumps & a black work bag, because more black is always a good idea in my books. i read somewhere that, “you can never be under- or over-dressed in black.” WORD.

side ramblings: here we are, the last post of 2019. this year went by with a blink of an eye and tbh, i’m not sad about it. this is the time i sit and reflect on the last twelve months. 2019 was a real crappy year. generally speaking, when something grows, it hurts. it’s painful. think about a baby who is teething. imagine that a whole tooth that has to grow and pierce through gums?! OUCH. multiply that by xx. however, the end result is being able to eat/chew. as a foodie, that is essential. 2019 was just like that for me (it’s a great analogy, i know). my friend Anita // @wanderlustanita shared with me the cycle of years that we go though (note: a cycle is not necessarily years/12-months). she agreed that this was my year of growth and according to the cycles, the next “year” is the “year” of mastery for me. (insert huge grin). i mean, line it up with a new decade, AND it’s also the year of the rat in the chinese zodiac… #HELLYES.

currently on my playlist: got to give it up by Marvin Gaye

READ MORE

dress c/o | Maggy London sinclair midi in black (wearing size 2 petite) — regular sizing // similar and available in five colors // similar in the Jackie design (i have it and love it!) // similar but colorblocked
shoes | Jimmy Choo abel pumps in black patent (old design) — current design // similar // similar by Ann Taylor
bag | Henri Bendel uptown satchel in black (old & they are out of business) — not the same but this would make a great work bag!! (use code “JANNADOAN” at checkout on senreve.com and receive $50 off, on any $300 minimum purchase)
earrings c/o | Kendra Scott jack gold hoop earrings in white crystal — similar but more everyday hoops // similar with a filigree design // larger hoop style
sunglasses | Karen Walker number one sunglasses in black — love these for $55
rings | | Gorjana amara ring set
watch | Michael Kors darci watch in gold

cheers to 2020 y’all,
JD

photo credit: Steven Gunter
a paid partnership by Maggy London.
dress provided by Maggy London, all opinions are my own.

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 eyelash sweater & satin skirt

cream + olive

okay, let’s get real. i haven’t shopped at Abercrombie & Fitch since… college. which was (way) more than a decade ago. lately, i’ve been seeing a lot of bloggers wear it so i had to see what’s up for myself. during black friday they had a 50% sitewide deal so i jumped on that train. GOSH, i wasn’t disappointed. in fact, i actually ended up keeping most things which i wasn’t expecting. everything fit really well, it wasn’t super branded as it used to be and they have petite sizing!!! finally a satin skirt i didn’t have to go get hemmed!! ain’t nobody got time for that. this entire outfit is from there and it’s super affordable during a promo. while i actually love these satin skirts with sneaks, i amped it up with some nude pumps and love how it turned out! and let’s give it up for the cream + olive combo shall we?! (insert silent applause :D).

side ramblings: my birthday… WAS EPIC AS HELL. the past four days were everything and more. i spent it with people i care about and was pleasantly surprised at how much i enjoyed myself. 35 is a milestone and deep down to the core of myself… i have such a great feeling about this one. first, it was on friday the 13th during the energies of the last full moon of 2019. second, it’s on the cusp of a new decade!! i went all out. i kicked things off with some #birthdaynails at @embellish_nails then a facial & massage at my go-to spa @hiatusspa. my blogger gals joined me for a delish dinner at @eatnorthitalia followed by porron shenanigans at @kalimotxoatx. my family and i ate at @salttraderscc & did an escape room @mazeroomsaustin. we manged to escape with four mins to spare!! we’ve done all the rooms there and the shed was their newest addition, we were actually chained to the walls :D haha. i dropped by to support my girl Jane // @atasteofkoko on her new book launch! i had another bday lunch at @loroaustin with my old childhood friends. the weather was beautiful. i mean gosh, life at 35 is SO DANG GOOD. i feel it in my (old) bones. (or is it arthritis. haha). listen 2020, i’m coming for ya. #cantstopwontstop

currently on my playlist: someone new by Hozier

READ MORE

top | Abercrombie eyelash v-neck sweater in off white (wearing size XS) — similar but a cardigan style
skirt | Abercrombie satin midi skirt in green (wearing size XS petite) — similar but subtle leopard print jacquard fabric // similar at Nordstrom
shoes | Manolo Blahnik BB pump in nude patent — similar by Ann Taylor // similar by Sam Edelman
bag c/o | Red Dress Boutique carry my love handbag in beige — similar in a chevron quilt
earrings c/o | Kendra Scott colette hoop earrings in gold (winter 2019 collection, light as a feather!!, been wearing them non-stop!) — similar but sparkly for the holidays // similar but in a fun design // more dainty with some sparkle!
sunglasses | Celine marta sunglasses in havana (my fave sunnies!) — similar for $25 // similar by QUAY for $55 // love these for $99
rings | Gorjana amara ring set
watch | Michael Kors darci watch in gold

rock all the Abercrombie no matter how old you are!,
JD

photo credit: Steven Gunter

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 navy sheath dress

for the love of navy.

it feels so good to be working with brands again! my OG brand i love working with, @maggylondon sent me a few dresses — two work dresses and one holiday dress i can’t wait to share but they are all GEMS. this is the Jay Sheath dress and of course i gravitate towards it because its navy. but the elbow length sleeves and the subtle yet classy detail of the pleats along with the highER-neck are A+++. for sizing reference i’m wearing a 0, so sized down in this one. i’m 5’2” and fluctuate from 115-120 lbs. it’s a really nice fitted dress (not too tight or loose) to add to my work wardrobe and especially on a day when i want some sleeve coverage that isn’t necessarily a long sleeve. here i paired it with nude pumps, but for a pop of color i’d even go with white or fuchsia or leopard print. it’s one of those dresses you can put on and feel completely put together (even when that may not be the case haha).

side ramblings: GUESS WHAT?! i’m hosting a holiday party with @phlur!! phlur is a clean-based fragrance in ATX and i’ve tried all their fragrances, my fave is Ameline. click here to RSVP for Saturday, 12/07/2019 from 3-5PM & come by and say HOWDY! as an introvert, you must know i’m nervous yet excited at the same time! on another note, life has been insane lately. i landed a gig that i’ve waited months and months for!! when the time is right, i’ll get to sharing :D on another note, i’ve been photographing people more and gosh it has been so fun. i’ve always been a creative behind the camera and it’s something i really enjoy doing! can’t wait to share some shots from yesterday’s shoot with @herfashionedlife. i hope you enjoy your thanksgiving & quality time with family (i know i will!). not sure if i’ll do a black friday sale round-up but we shall see! if not, see you next week as we enter… #birthdaymonth!!!

currently on my playlist: higher love by Kygo & Whitney Houston

READ MORE

dress c/o | Maggy London jay sheath dress in navy (wearing size 0, use code “SHIPFREEJD” for free overnight shipping until 12/04) — similar but colorblocked! // similar but short puff sleeve & tie neck detail // similar but v-neck
bag | Louis Vuitton medium neverfull in monogram canvas
shoes | Manolo Blahnik BB pump in nude patent — similar by Ann Taylor // similar by Sam Edelman
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
a post sponsored by Maggy London.
dress provided by Maggy London, all opinions are my own.

the belted wide leg pants

another wide leg pant… but BELTED STYLE!

yes, i love me some cropped wide leg pants. that collection has grown. no doubt. but these are belted! why yes, that is a justification. i actually don’t have grey pants and these come in handy when almost all my clothing is black. black is usually the first option i will buy in anything. enter some grey wide leg pants to help break up all my black clothing, weeeeee! these have structure to them so they make the cut #punintended for a dressy wide leg cropped pant for work. the skinny belt also elevates this look. i also like the vertical pockets and how these have a slight texture to them! they’re so good that i bought them in black… so disregard what i wrote earlier. haha

here i styled it with a basic knit short sleeve sweater (work wear essential) and chose to dress it up even more with a detachable embellished collar. you can’t see the collar much in photos but this bib is a great addition you can add to any crewneck to dress things up a bit! i linked quite a few options below for ya!

side ramblings: last week i stopped by @amandadeer and purchased this coin necklace i had been eyeing. i’ve been wearing non-stop. like i need more necklaces… but this one had a unique front toggle clasp (second justification for this one post). it makes a great layering piece! i also stepped into @maggielouiseconfections and this is BAD NEWS. i’m telling you. as someone who doesn’t loveee chocolate, her chocolates are pretty AND they taste so good!! i may have walked out with a box of four. gulp. lastly, @kendrascott generously sent me some classic pieces from the winter 2019 collection i am LOVING. i can’t stop wearing the colette hoops in gold (LIGHT. as a feather) and the walker statement necklace. (both of these will never go out of style!). i also love the matching bracelet too. and how fun are these? lastly, i’m hosting a holiday event next month, details on the IG this week! xx

currently on my playlist: cut your teeth by Kyla La Grange (Kygo remix)

READ MORE

i’ll never forget this attempt at these elevator photos! haha, seriously good times despite how serious i look here :D

top | ZARA basic short sleeved sweater in black (i love these for work!) — similar by Ann Taylor // similar but affordable cashmere by Everlane
pants | Ann Taylor the belted wide leg marina pants in black multi crosshatch (more dark grey) — same in black // same in herringbone // similar in warm flannel // love the tuxedo style // more casual style by Everlane
bag | Henri Bendel noho satchl in black pebbled leather (old & they are out of business) — not the same but this would make a great work bag!! (use code “JANNADOAN” at checkout on senreve.com and receive $50 off, on any $300 minimum purchase)
shoes | Jimmy Choo abel pumps in black patent (old design) — current design // similar
collar | Forever 21 embellished bib (old) — very similar// similar // similar with bow detail // similar with pearls
sunglasses | Celine lola 46mm sunglasses in black — available on Amazon too // love these for $55 // great $25 option
rings | Gorjana amara ring set
watch c/o | Daniel Wellington classic black cornwall 40mm

rock all the wide leg pants (i support it!),
JD

photo credit: Steven Gunter