the j.crew lady coat

there’s no coat quite like the lady coat.

i’ve been meaning to put this post together for a while now and what better time to write a post about a coat than the end of february, amirite?! 😁 the good news is, at this point the coat is on sale. the bad news is you may have to wait until later this year to wear it. haha, but my savvy mom always taught me to buy it on sale and wear it next year. you know mom’s aren’t wrong! in a few words, the J.Crew lady coat is a classic coat. almost iconic i would even say. it has a very distinct look, structure, and you can tell who’s actually wearing one because nothing really comes close to it imo. it’s a coat that every woman should have in their coat closet. why? more after the jump!

side ramblings: there may be something in the air, because i am on a rampage to re/decorate and organize. this past weekend i spent time organizing the pantry (lemme tell you there are things in there i didn’t even know about!! as an avid snacker my pantry was getting out of control!!). the end result is more of an β€œorganized mess” but gosh, it was so fulfilling. not to mention, i feel like a legit adult now. and you know i’m going to share my pantry organizing journey with you! (just hold in your excitement please).

currently on my playlist: times like this by Mat Kearney (beautiful lyrics)

READ MORE

why you should invest in a J.Crew lady coat //

  1. it will always be timeless β€” which means it will never go out of style

  2. instantly elevates any outfit β€” whether you’re wearing sweatpants, a dress, jeans.. doesn’t matter. put this coat on and you’re G2G.

  3. color options β€” are endless. each year they come out with new colors and i do have plans to add a fun vibrant one at some point down the line.

  4. i’d wager to say this coat will last forever β€” even though i’ve only had the coat for a little over a year, the look and feel of this coat is high quality. and it should be for the price. it’s an investment piece and that’s what we’re all about here on JDC.

  5. lined in 3M thinsulate β€” what is this? β€œ3Mβ„’ Thinsulateβ„’ Insulation (Type C) is warm yet lightweight, powerful yet thin. it helps trap body heat, while allowing moisture to escape!” ah, now that is cool. and it’s something they use from a legit company. so there’s that. not to mention, the interior is satin = luxe.

  6. function + fashion β€” this jacket will keep you warm AND it looks so sophisticated at the same time. so there’s no sacrificing anything! (now that’s a win in fashion if you ask me)

other observations //

  1. size UP β€” this coat runs small IMO. i’d say i’m pretty true to a 2P but sized up to a 4P. here i’m wearing it with a ribbed long sleeve sweater that isn’t super super thick. but the coat is a tight fit with it. it is not meant for chunky/oversized sweaters.

  2. the bottom has the slightest flare β€” or so this is something i noticed. i think it gives it a more feminine cut than something straight.

jeans | Abercrombie & Fitch high rise skinny jeans in medium wash (old) β€” similar in a black wash // similar
coat | J.Crew classic lady coat in nantucket fog (size UP, wearing size 4P) β€” J.Crew Factory version (love the gold buttons!)
bag | Gucci marmont small matelasse shoulder bag in dusty pink leather β€” smaller version
sunglasses | Celine marta sunglasses in brown β€” similar // similar for $15
shoes | Manolo Blahnik BB pump in nude patent β€” similar by Ann Taylor // similar by Sam Edelman

until next time,
JD

photo credit: @herfashionedlife

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) β€” similar but a cardigan style
skirt | Abercrombie satin midi skirt in green (wearing size XS petite) β€” similar but subtle leopard print jacquard fabric // similar at Nordstrom
shoes | Manolo Blahnik BB pump in nude patent β€” similar by Ann Taylor // similar by Sam Edelman
bag c/o | Red Dress Boutique carry my love handbag in beige β€” 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!) β€” 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!) β€” 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 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 β€” 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 β€œSHIPFREEJD” for free overnight shipping until 12/04) β€” 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 β€” 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!) β€” similar but in a fun design // more dainty with some sparkle!
sunglasses | Celine tilda sunglasses in dark tortoise (old) β€” 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 neck tie blouse gone casual style

the neck tie blouse gone #casualstyle

i am a fan of classic pieces. the ones that stay in style forever. one of them is the neck tie blouse. it’s a great work staple that pairs well with pencil skirts and pants. however, i choose to take it casual style here with other classic pieces such as the skinny jean, a neutral-ish blazer and a pair of nude patent pumps. i loved the addition of the cognac skinny belt that polished it even more and tied in the bag. this neck tie blouse also comes in petite which is a great option when it comes to long sleeves so that the length will hit you just right! PS β€” these photos are hot off the press! we shot them on Saturday and i haven’t done photos since March and i will say, it feels good to be back. until next time, xx.

side ramblings: HELLO @glossier! they’re poppin up in ATX and it’s a great way to see all the products in person at 2000 South Congress Ave until 12/08! i may go back and pick up the milky oil but i am a huge fan of the balmdotcom. what a remarkable 3-day weekend! it kicked off with a complimentary blow out and make up application at @janetstpaulstudio. UM. do you know the last time i put makeup on my face (concealer, foundation, bronzer etc..)? my sister’s wedding FIVE years ago lol! it was such a treat, the staff was so friendly. and you know when you go to places where you put a robe on it’s gonna be #badandbougie. we also took it into a girls day out complete with manis and lunch @snhatx β€” hello crab butter roll!! my foodie PIC and i checked out @intelligentisacoffee in ATX and while i’ve been before, i had the opportunity to try the ATX special this time β€” the roadrunner (sparkling cold coffee, grapefruit, soda, and agave). sounds pretty interesting huh? i really enjoyed it. think of a refreshing-type-cold-coffee. i learned so much about coffee and have a newfound respect for this coffee shop! lastly, weekends are usually complete with brunch so enter @swedishhillaustin, i highly recommend the deconstructed bagel & lox!

currently on my playlist: alaska by Maggie Rogers

always a sucker for a great B&W photo!

READ MORE

top | Ann Taylor petite bow neck blouse in winter white (wearing size 2P) β€” similar by Banana Republic // similar but a mock neck combo
blazer c/o | Theory good wool long blazer in petal pink (wearing size 2, i actually tried on the crimson melange recently and it’s a perfect red!!)
jeans | Hudson nico mid-rise skinny jeans in abbey wash (old) β€” similar for $68 // similar but high rise
shoes | Manolo Blahnik BB pump in nude patent β€” similar by Ann Taylor // similar by Sam Edelman
bag | Senreve mini maestra in chestnut (use code β€œJANNADOAN” at checkout on senreve.com and receive a complimentary bracelet pouch, $125 value, on any $300 minimum purchase!) β€” midi size // largest size
belt | H&M narrow belt in brownβ€” similar but double o style
sunglasses | Celine marta sunglasses in havana (my fave sunnies!) β€” similar for $25 // similar by QUAY for $55 // love these for $99
rings | Gorjana amara ring set // Amanda Deer c/o CZ solitaire ring // Amanda Deer c/o CZ accents midi ring

rock the neck tie blouse casual style!,
JD

photo credit: Steven Gunter

the everlane kick crop jeans

the white + mint edit.

helloooo to all the pastels for spring (trying to wear more color) and all the WHITE! white is my go-to color during the spring/summer months. i’ve had these kick crop jeans for a while and the best thing is the raw hem. no fancy hemming needed, you just CUT (preferably with fabric scissors) to your desired length and BOOM done. these are supposed to have a slight flare at the bottom but because i’m so short 5’2”, a bit of the flared detail was chopped off. nothing that bothers me at all. these jeans are stretchy, they’re 98% cotton, 2% elastane so i sized down to a 25 (usually a 26). also, being over 30, i gravitate towards high waisted jeans. these are a 11” rise so they hit right at my naval and not see through. i LOVE them and found they look best with heels but i’ll still wear them with sandals, mules, and even sneakers. once you cut them, they’re final sale FYI. lastly, we don’t need to get into how much i love @everlane (it all started with their shoes then tees). now i’ve branched out into their denim and also have the authentic stretch high rise skinny jeans with a pair of cheeky jeans on the way, #everlaneaddict! for $68-$78 denim, you can’t go wrong AND it’s from an ethical clothing brand that is transparent about their pricing. also, just FYI, they do happy returns which had me mind-blown.

side ramblings: first and foremost, thank you @maggylondon for featuring me in their #InternationalWomensDay celebration! you can check out the feature here, i had fun writing this piece and it was such an honor/#hellyes moment to be included. i shared it with my mama who loved it, β€œi’m very proud of you little one.” WOW, it was a fun filled weekend with #SXSW festivities and my nephew’s first birthday! the #SXSW festivities can quickly get overwhelming but Saturday was jam packed a drop into the @goop pop-up which will be here until 4/28, here’s a listing of their events (mostly waitlisted but hopeuflly they will add more), @amandadeer (unrelated but how can i not support Amanda?!), @westelm @west_elm_austin x @renttherunway (haven’t actually used this service yet, but i imagine it would be great for someone who has events coming up or just wants to try something new!), the innovation mansion via @thecurrentglobal with @ctilburymakeup & @michaelstarsinc. also, here’s a listing of bumble events!

READ MORE

top | Socialite lace trim camisole top in blue cloud but really it’s mint (sized down and wearing size XS, also available in five other colors) β€” similar but with a square neck line // similar but older style for $20 // similar but scalloped details for $20
cardigan | LOFT duster sweater in empire porcelain (available in petite and wearing size S petite. be careful when you wash this because it’s not very thick material) β€” similar
denim | Everlane the kick crop jeans in bone (i sized down due to the stretch, usually wear a 26 but ordered a 25 in these. also available in four other colors) β€” just ordered the cheeky jean!
shoes | Manolo Blahnik BB pump in nude patent β€” similar by Ann Taylor // similar by Sam Edelman
bag | J.Crew mini bucket bag in natural vachetta (old) β€” similar by J.Crew Factory and on sale! // similar but snakeskin print // the OG by Mansur Gavriel // similar for $70 // similar by Cuyana
earrings c/o | Kendra Scott didi gold statement earrings in peach pearl from the Spring 2019 collection β€” similar
necklace | ASOS Orelia coin necklace in gold (love the quality of this necklace) β€” similar // similar and love the chain detail on this one // similar but layered
sunglasses | Celine marta sunglasses in havana β€” newer design
bracelet c/o | Kendra Scott mavis gold cuff bracelet in peach pearl from the Spring 2019 collection
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

photo credit: Todd White

the coatigan & senreve mini maestra

coatigan = a hybrid between a coat and a cardigan. yes, you heard me right.

diving right into the coatigan. yes, you do need one. here is why: this is a great option in the wardrobe when you’re looking for that layered piece… but a cardigan isn’t quite gonna cut it/too thin or fitted, and a coat is too much coverage. in comes the (insert drumroll)… COATIGAN. and it works perfectly when you need to go somewhere and don’t want the hassle of taking a coat on and off. the coatigan gives you enough coverage to wear it as a full outfit no matter where or what you’re doing (unless you live in Antarctica). i purchased this a while ago and SHOCKED that it is still in stock. but it runs REALLY large. i’m wearing an XS (never happens) in this photo and could even go down to an XXS. even on a really short 5’2” person like myself it falls at a good length. however, it is made of merino and that shrinks a little (live & learn). technically, you’re not supposed to wash it. but you know me, i wash everything. here, i styled it with a classic boyfriend white button down with the cuffs folded over the coatigan. i would even wear it over camis, v-neck tshirts, and as an athleisure layer over leggings. speaking of which, this makes a great travel companion!

the BAG was a birthday gift to myself. and you’ve heard me talk about @senreve on here before. it’s a great bag for under 1K. i’ve talked about the versatility of their bags and have shown you how to wear it below! let me count the ways. i love this little thing and have gotten numerous compliments on it. it’s a great everyday cognac bag that will go with everything. the inside is lined with the most beautiful pastel blue and the compartments inside are well thought out (not surprised coming from Senreve). the mini is a good size for a petite figure 5’2” person. while they offer it in many colors & finishes, i wanted something everyday and something i didn’t have to β€œbaby.” the chestnut was a perfect color and the pebbled leather was the best option for me since it’s scratch resistant!

side happenings: it’s been a JAM packed weekend & week ahead as we gear up for Valentine’s Day. not sure why it’s such a huge holiday, but for me it’s all about them sweet treats and treatin’ yourself right! as an independent woman, i never wait for ANYONE to bring or buy me ANYTHING. and NOR SHOULD YOU. #selfmade and that’s why i’m leaving y’all with the jam below to rock out to. i’m out y’all. && wish me luck on Friday’s fashion show! until next time xx

currently on my playlist: independent woman by Destiny’s Child

READ MORE

worn as a crossbody

worn as a top handle

worn as a backpack!

top | Gap shrunken boyfriend shirt in white denim (ancient) β€” latest version and $25 // similar by J.Crew Factory // love this striped one
coatigan
| J.Crew juliette collarless sweater blazer in heather khaki (wearing size XS) β€” similar but blazer style
denim | Hudson nico super skinny mid-rise jeans in abbey wash (old) β€” similar by Everlane and $65 // similar and $64 // similar but high rise
bag | Senreve mini maestra in chestnut β€” larger version
shoes | Manolo Blahnik BB pump in nude patent β€” similar by Ann Taylor // similar by Sam Edelman
sunglasses | Celine marta sunglasses in havana (prob my fave sunnies!) β€” newer design // love these for $99
earrings | Kendra Scott sky earrings in white pearl (old) β€” larger version // similar
necklace | 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
bracelet | Vita Fede mini titan crystal bracelet in gold

rock the coatigan,
JD

photo credit: Steven Gunter

blush & burgundy

hello 2 0 1 8 !

ah here we are, first post of the new year so you know i had to go with a pleated midi skirt. :D in case you're new around here, i own probably eight pleated midi skirts. no joke. i LOVE them and they're actually my best selling item; so chic, so feminine -- SO ME. here's a throwback to my most hit page last year: the lace crop top & blush pleated midi skirt (actually.. it's pretty funny how i shot this current post at the same location...). let's talk about this color combo, blush (pulls more towards the nude side) + burgundy? #digginit. never thought to mix the two together, but love the two contrasting colors together and that little bell sleeve of the sweater really brings it all together. 

side ramblings: 2018 is gonna be hard to top since 2017 was such a good year for me, i mean... i bought a freaking house #adultstatus!! i finally marked New York Fashion Week #NYFW off my bucket list. more importantly, as a person, i started to say no to more things i should have said no to in the past because i didn't want to be mean. on the flip side i also said HELL YES to things that i would normally be afraid to do. i started to carefully evaluate how my time was spent -- what i was doing and who i was spending it with. i started to draw boundaries when they were overstepped. i started to tolerate less BS. more than ever, i started to do so much for MYSELF -- if i wanted to go see or do something, i wouldn't wait around for anyone's schedule to align to go with me, i'd go alone, i'd eat alone. i've come to embrace the entity that is ME. cheers to 2018. the best is yet to come. 

currently on my playlist: new rules by Dua Lipa

READ MORE

top | Banana Republic merino wide sleeve boat neck in burgundy (TTS, goes in and out of stock) -- similar // similar by LOFT
skirt | ZARA accordion pleated midi skirt in blush (old) -- similar // similar with a slit // similar but velvet and $23 // similar but maxi length
bag | Louis Vuitton pouchette metis in damier canvas -- similar by Rebecca Minkoff
shoes | Manolo Blahnik BB pump in nude patent -- similar by Sam Edelman // similar by Ann Taylor
ringsGorjana amara ring set // Amanda Deer c/o CZ solitaire ring // Amanda Deer c/o CZ accents midi ring

rock the pleated skirt,
JD

photo credit: Brandon Hill


#2017bestnine