how to wear a pleated skirt casual style

yes, i know it's another pleated skirt. 

something about pleats and midis. i can't help myself. here on JDC i have styled all pleated skirts in a dressy way. so... to justify this purchase i needed to style it casually. haha. self challenge accepted. you need five things (you probably already own all these!):

  1. bright colored pleated skirt -- great spring/summer piece
  2. v-neck white tee -- this one is very soft and not too low or too see through
  3. flat sandals -- i have worn these so much.. they have seen better days
  4. denim jacket -- great layering addition. i really should buy another one...
  5. fun straw tote -- new to my closet and i am obsessed. it was quite the "investment" but i have wanted one for over a year now and decided to splurge!

side happenings: so. much. happening. first, so humbled to featured on the Rank & Style blogger spotlight! Rank & Style features Top 10 lists for beauty and fashion, those are always fun and easy reads. as a lipstick addict, i completely agree on their Top 10 Lipsticks Worth Splurging On. second, it has always been a dream of mine to attend New York Fashion Week #NYFW so tickets have finally been bought. it is so official now! i cannot for all the shenanigans and to meet all my insta-gals! Austin Fashion Week #AFW is also creeping up pretty soon and i can't wait to share my experience on that. life is pretty crazy right now (in a good way). #someonepinchme. i will also be attending a derby next weekend!!! my very FIRST! can't wait. lastly, the Sprinkles cupcake of the month is a lemon meringue and it is bomb. 

currently on my playlist: something just like this by The Chainsmokers & Coldplay

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top | Madewell whisper cotton v-neck pocket tee in white (avail in eight colors!)
jacket Old Navy denim jacket -- similar but darker wash 
skirt | ASOS pleated midi skirt in lilac (goes in and out of stock) -- really love this bright colorblocked one! // available in blush
shoesSam Edelman gigi sandal in saddle leather -- similar from Target
bag | Jade Tribe 3 pom basket tote -- similar from Etsy and $30 // same but in bold poms
sunglassesCeline tilda sunglasses in dark tortoise -- similar but more cateye (great brand, really fits well!)
earrings | Kendra Scott sky earrings in white pearl (old) -- larger version // similar
necklaceAnthropologie monogram pendant necklace -- similar 
watchMichael Kors darci watch in gold (on sale!) -- avail in rose gold
rings Gorjana c/o shimmer stacking ring set // Gorjana amara ring set // Gorjana mini stackable ring set // Etsy stacking & midi rings // Gorjana candice CZ ring // BaubleBar ice chevron midi ring (sold out) -- similar // BaubleBar tri bar ring (old) -- similar 
lipsMAC amplified creme lipstick in brick-o-la

rock the pleated skirt, casually!,
JD

photo credit: Brandon Hill

current lemmings -- summer stripes & wedges

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01 | Topshop high neck wrap crop top/bralet in white -- i really like the crop top in the high neck style. this has a subtle yet sexy crisscross in the front. also available in black. 
02 | Topshop scallop hem mini skirt in stripe -- love scalloped everythanggg! this is going to be a hot skirt this summer. also comes in white, black, and petite sizes.
03 | Halogen rena crisscross strap sandal in tan/leopard cognac -- the chunky low heel sandal is definitely in this summer. this is a great color and has a little leo action. also comes in an all black. 
04 | J.Crew small jewelry tray in ivory metallic gold -- an adorable tray to store all your dainty (or not!) jewelry. it would make a great addition to any vanity. 
05 | Andre Assous anie espadrilles wedge in black fabric -- loving the closed toe wedges that are buckle free! 
06 | MANSUR GAVRIEL crossbody in cammello -- a birdie told me MG just came out with a crossbody. i was like WHAT?! here it is, and already sold out in all colors online. isn't it just the cutest thing?! comes in so many colors. the red is also so gorgeous! hope it comes back in stock soon!
07 | Madewell striped knit dress -- i've been looking for a striped dress in a shift style with 3/4 sleeves. it's like this dress was meant for me! 

rock the summer stripes,
JD

distressed shorts & eyelet top

shorts weather. i love thee.

while i love my J.Crew chino shorts, it's good to have some denim ones. but gee, maybe it's just me but i can never seem to find a pair that fits right or that i like!! so... you can imagine my excitement when i saw these at H&M... and for less than $20!! they also come in three different denim washes! (the light wash might or might not be in my shopping cart right now...) not to mention there is a good amount of distressing, and i do love the button fly for a change, sometimes i feel like the button fly makes denim shorts look a lot better. maybe it's just me and my weirdness with denim shorts. 

these espadrilles were a STEAL. mainly because they look like the CHANEL ones at a fraction of the price from good ol' Target. unfortunately, they are sold out already but i linked something similar below. 

lastly, we attempt the messy wave-y look and borrow mama bear's handbag for this one. she-so-stylish. 

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top | Madewell eyelet top (old, see it styled here on my very FIRST post on JDC!) -- current version / similar
shorts | H&M high waisted distressed denim shorts in dark denim blue 
kicks | Target Mossimo dianne espadrilles (sold out in cream) -- similar in white & navy / similar by Tory Burch
bag | Louis Vuitton pouchette metis in damier canvas (borrowed from mama bear)
sunglasses | Ray-Ban RB3025 (62mm) original aviator in black/green (polarized)
necklaces | etsy custom monogram necklace in dearest daddy's initials / Nadri initial monogram necklace (old) -- similar by kate spade
earrings | BaubleBar caesar ear crawlers (sold out and waitlisted)
bracelet | Vita Fede mini titan crystal bracelet in gold -- similar from BaubleBar
rings | Kendra Scott skylen ring in turquoise (sold out)

rock the distressed everythanggg,
JD

stripes & rain boots

on a gloomy and cool day i jumped at the opportunity to wear my rain boots. or as my sister calls them, WELLIES! 

i love my Hunter rain boots. they are an investment. or at least that is what i keep telling myself. yes, it is a little crazy to spend that much on a pair of rubber shoes... but i really do believe in quality over quantity. Hunter rain boots are made of premium rubber. they feel durable, are comfortable to walk in, and easy to drive with since they are not made of "hard rubber" like others i have tried. these will last forever. Hunter is known for the 'Original' rain boot (16" shaft, 15" calf circumference), but they also make the 'Huntress' rain boot which has a shorter shaft (14"), and an extended calf (16.5" circumference). this is perfect for me since i am short (5'2") and have large calves. for sizing, these run large! if you are in between sizes, size down. i am usually a 5.5 and i bought a 5 which gives me plenty of room even with thick socks. 

they will keep your feet dry and happy?! they come in a variety of colors, patterns, and finishes (matte & glossy)? are these enough reasons why you should purchase them?! the answer is... YES!

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dress | Madewell (old) -- similar / sleeveless
coat | Banana Republic trench -- similar
wallet | kate spade stacy southport avenue wallet in black (old) -- similar
wellies | Hunter huntress rain boots in matte black
necklace | Kendra Scott ginger statement necklace in black -- on sale in emerald and pyrite
rings | Baublebar crystal mason ring in gold (sold out), etsy/H&M stacking rings

eyelet & navy keds

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photo cred: SS

top | Madewell eyelet (old) -- similar
denim | Hudson nico super skinny mid-rise jeans in abbey wash
kicks | Keds champion canvas sneaker in navy
bag | Coach station crossbody in british tan (vintage)
watch | Michael Kors darci in gold
sunglasses | Coach casey in dark tortoise (old) -- similar
necklace | j.crew factory brass plated crystal in clear (sold out) 
earrings | Kendra Scott carmela studs (color bar) 
bracelets | handmade by jannadoan
rings | etsy stacking/midi rings

rock the keds,

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