the striped dress & olive handbag

down to my favorite last three months of the year!

i am so thrilled to report that the temperature has dropped here in Austin, TX. finally!!! not only is this time of the year my favorite, it also means more (pleasant) shoots without all the sweat! i am a fall girl at heart and the thought of it makes me so happy -- PSL, hot cocoa, peppermint, scarves, boots, decor, lights, casseroles, pecan pie, sweaters/jackets, thanksgiving, christmas, searching for the perfect gift, and FAMILY! ah, it's always the simple things in life. 

the it color handbag for fall: OLIVE. when this olive handbag came out for fall, i didn't wait long to get it. good thing, because this color is already sold out! my first olive handbag. and of course, it's a Henri Bendel. it is the perfect mini bag (with a removable crossbody strap) that isn't too small, as most are. olive is a pretty versatile color and can be worn with: white, blush, black, anything striped, and any neutrals, but i welcome suggestions as i'm a newbie. this is a great alternative from my B&W/boring colors. i choose to pair it with this striped dress (hello pockets & midi length) and threw in a little pattern play into the mix with some... leopard print. i use to dislike leopard print but as i've aged i've become more drawn to it in small doses. wait until you see my next outfit post! until then, thanks for stopping by! 

side note: going to Austin City Limits (ACL) music festival this Saturday as a #firsttimer! totally not my type of thing, but i have to experience it. hope i survive the madness. 

currently on my playlist: hold my hand by Jess Glyne

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dress | J.Crew cap sleeve dress in shirting stripe -- similar / similar / similar
shoes | Sole Society jenn d'orsay pumps in dark camel multi (old) -- similar / similar / similar
bag | Henri Bendel uptown mini satchel in dark green (color sold out but available in many others including pink!) -- similarsimilar / similar but studded & a crossbody 
sunglasses | Celine caty sunglasses in black -- similar
earrings | Kendra Scott elle drop earrings in slate
necklace | SLATE helios necklace in gold via rocksbox use code "jannadoanxoxo" to receive one month for free! / BaubleBar crystal mason ring in gold / Gorjana candice CZ ring in gold / Etsy stacking & midi rings
rings | Kendra Scott daisy ring in slate (via Color Bar)
watchMichael Kors darci watch in gold
lipsMAC amplified creme lipstick in brick-o-la
nails | essie cashmere matte in wrap me up (old collection) -- similar 

rock the olive handbag,
JD

azazie dresses

it's wedding season y'all.

one of the things about being a bridesmaid is looking for a DRESS. that is a whole ordeal within itself, because you are having to agree with a few other girls, then there is price, designs, fits, lengths, and colors. low and behold, i wish i knew about AZAZIE // @iheartazazie way before time. i mean this brand is god-send from the wedding world. trust me, save yourself the time (=money) and headache! the dress i am wearing is the Carissa in dark navy, it comes in 57 COLORS. you read that right, 57!! i choose this custom fit gown because i don't have many formal maxi dresses and i adored the pleated top, ESPECIALLY the subtle ruched one shoulder detail, i loved fanning it out in these photos! 

some things about why i love AZAZIE:

  • price -- so reasonable, all under $150 USD
  • variety of styles -- i had the hardest time picking ONE!, these designs can be worn for NUMEROUS events! #YAS
  • QUALITY -- the chiffon material was so perfect, it also arrives in a pretty duster bag for protection and can be used for years
  • variety of colors! -- if you are unsure you can even order swatches
  • CUSTOM TAILORED FIT at no extra charge!! heck yes! this was perfect for me due to my weirdly shaped body and #shortgirlproblems
  • offers a "try before you buy" program
  • also sell bridal gowns and mother of the bride dresses

my other AZAZIE dress picks include the following:

currently reading: the rosie project by Graeme Simsion

currently on my playlist: unsteady by X Ambassadors (give it a few seconds the song really builds)

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dress c/o | Azazie carissa bridesmaid dress in dark navy
shoesStuart Weitzman nudistsong in adobe patent (comes in different widths too!) -- similar / similar
bag | Kate Landry pyramid metal hardframe clutch (old) -- similar / similar
earrings | BaubleBar bronte drops in clear (old) -- similar / similar / love the shape on these
bracelet | Kendra Scott candice cuff in gold via @rocksbox use code "jannadoanxoxo" to receive one month for free! -- similar
ring | Kendra Scott martiza cocktail ring in ivory pearl (old) -- loving this one / similar
lipsMAC amplified creme lipstick in brick-o-la
nails | Sephora formula x nail polish in delightful

A post done in collaboration with AZAZIE.

how to style a sheath dress

crushin' on blush.

last week was a crazy week for me. somehow... i was 1) featured on the @chicwish instagram!! (good to know that twirling practice paid off), and 2) featured on BananaRepublic.com on their new #YourLifeSyled campaign! special thanks to my blogger babes Lilly, @daily_craving and Soo, @browneyedtoast for recognizing me and letting me know! but can someone pinch me because life is UNREAL! what an honor it is to be featured amongst so much talent. #lifeslittlevictories.

lately, i've been wearing a lot of dresses to work, helllooooo #dayjob! dresses are such a polished look, they make you appear like you took the time to get ready. but you really didn't. you rolled out of bed, slipped it on and walked out the door. haha. ok, in all seriousness, i'm talking about a few ways to add a little more style to that sheath dress, in a work appropriate way:

1. silk scarf -- i love silk scarves and the ultimate brand in scarves is Hermes, of course. but i ain't got a money tree so mine is from H&M, i've had it for the longest time and never wore it. it's not often that you see someone wear a silk scarf so when you do people will be doing a #doubletake on ya. it's a very prim and proper look that not that many people go for but one i have come to personally love. the square shape makes it perfect for a simple drape over the neck (as seen here) but you you can tie it multiple ways and as seen on @extrapetite. you can also add it to a blazer look with pencil skirt. or tie it to your handbag/fedora!

2. fitted/cropped jacket -- these are great esp when offices are cold. like a blazer, this jacket will instantly up your outfit but in a more classic and refined way. 

3. brooch -- add it to your fitted/cropped jacket OR your actual dress. always a great elegant statement piece. 

4. statement studs or necklace -- a statement stud earring is a good alternative to your regular pearl/diamond/CZ ones. life is all about choices right? love the ones i am wearing from my @rocksbox, i did not part ways with it! use code "jannadoanxoxo" to receive your first month for #free!

currently on my playlist: can't stop the feeling by JT 
basically... i cannot stop listening to this song! such #feelgoodhappyVIBES

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always goofing off. :P

dress | Ann Taylor sleeveless piped sheath dress in rosebud blush / similar in mint / similar in tweed! / similar
jacket | Forever 21 (old) -- similar / similar in a sweater style
brooch | Vintage find -- similar in silver (see it styled here) / similar
shoesManolo Blahnik BB pump in nude patent -- similar
bagCeline micro luggage tote in navy -- pretty good dupe
scarf | H&M square silk scarf (old) -- love this one / magnolia print with pops of yellow / pastel colored / black & white with palm trees
sunglasses | Celine tilda sunglasses in dark tortoise
earrings | Kendra Scott aston stud earrings in ivory pearl via @rocksbox use code "jannadoanxoxo" to get one month for free!
necklace | etsy monogram necklace in dearest daddy initials (1.25" and 20" chain) -- similar by BaubleBar / similar in acrylic
bracelet | Nordstrom BP love knot cuff (sold out) -- similar by kate spade / similar 
rings | gorjana candice CZ band in gold via @rocksbox use code "jannadoanxoxo" to one month for free! / etsy twisted and etched ring
lipsTom Ford lip color in casablanca
nailsessie nail polish in topless & barefoot (fave nude!)

rock the sheath dress however you choose,
JD

day to night in a pleated hem top

this pleated hem top is one of my favorite recent purchases for a few reasons -- 1) LOOSE!, 2) pleated peplum-ish hem, 3) white-ish, and 4) not too low cut. darn, i should've tried to twirl in it. #missedopportunity haha. here are FIVE simple ways on how i transitioned this outfit from day to night, easy peasy! 

  1. take off that blazer -- show some skin, yea yea!
  2. tote/handbag to a snazzy clutch -- i choose this spring/summery beaded clutch, but any clutch works.
  3. flats to heels -- it's all about comfy flats during the day, these do not disappoint. heels elevate (#literally) any look and these MB are my favorite nude heels. so worth the investment. 
  4. watch to statement cuff -- love this minimal understated design on this cuff. OR change out your necklace/earrings to a statement piece, whatever works for your outfit!
  5. lip balm to lipstick -- i went with my favorite 'my lips but better' lipstick but a bold lip is always a great choice for a night out, #bebold!

also, here i am wearing my ENTIRE Rocksbox that arrived! for those who don't know what Rocksbox is, it is a jewelry subscription box that is curated by your own stylist based on a initial survey you take when signing up. the cool thing is you can leave feedback about each box so it becomes even more tailored to your taste! you also get to purchase the pieces you want to keep at a discount... ok, confession. i ended up buying the turquoise necklace and the ring... lol. use code "jannadoanxoxo" to receive one month free!

currently on my playlist: thinking out loud x i know i'm not the only one mash-up by Sam Tsui & Casey Breves (talk about talent)

DAY.

NIGHT.

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top | Banana Republic pleated hem layered tank in cocoon (also available in light blue and navy)
blazer | H&M fitted jacket in powder pink
denim | Hudson nico mid-rise skinny jeans in abbey wash -- similar
shoes | Sam Edelman bev flats in blush & black leather (such a steal and a great CHANEL dupe, and so comfy -- the best part is i will never have to woryy about scuffing them!) / Manolo Blahnik BB pump in nude patent -- similar
bags | Louis Vuitton MM neverfull tote in monogram canvas / Charming Charlie daniella beaded satin clutch (also has a chain to wear as a crossbody; can't find it online but purchased it recently in-store) -- similar
earrings | BaubleBar ear jackets (old) -- similar
necklaces | BaubleBar acrylic block monogram necklace in tortoise shell / House of Harlow 1960 ascension pendant necklace in turquoise via Rocksbox (use code "jannadoanxoxo" to get one month free)
bracelet | SLATE barred cuff in gold via Rocksbox (use code "jannadoanxoxo" to get one month free)
rings | Gorjana candice shimmer ring in gold via Rocksbox (use code "jannadoanxoxo" to get one month free) / BaubleBar tri bar ring (sold out) / BaubleBar diana midi ring / BaubleBar ice chevron midi ring / Etsy stacking & midi rings
sunglasses | ASOS Toyshades ida cat eye sunglasses (a good Celine dupe)
lips | Dior lip reviver lip glow in sheer pink coral / MAC amplified creme lipstick in brick-o-la
nails | Smith & Cult nail polish in doe my dear

rock that day to night transition,
JD

denim x chambray

i've wanted to do denim x denim/chambray look for a while, so took advantage of the wacky TX weather for this shoot. the main thing when wearing this combo is to opt for either a lighter or darker wash from your jeans. after that add some fun to your outfit with either prints or pops of color. i took this opportunity to pull out my leopard print heels and layered some jewelry! i've been loving my rocksbox subscription and rocked two pieces from my first box below. review coming soon, but get your first month for FREE using code "jannadoanxoxo"

other mention-ables about this outfit:

  • it's all about the half-tuck.
  • i can now join the pompom crew; yea yea!
  • this tote (bday gift) is so AWESOME! it's reversible, magnetic closure, comes with a pouch, laptop bag, and detatchable crossbody strap!!! seriously, the coolest thing lately.
  • these sunglasses are heavy in rotation from my ditto.com subscription. it's like, "netflix for your face." rent-able designer sunglasses. so genius. i am purchasing them to keep! do you have any recs on what i should rent next? use code "JANNADOANXOXO" to receive your first month for free!

side note: can't wait to see this movie -- how to be single #hilar

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top | Gap chambray boyfriend shirt (old) -- similar / sleeveless
denim | Hudson mid-rise nico skinny jeans in world's apart (old) -- similar
shoes | Sole Society jenn d'orsay pump in dark camel multi (old but avail in so many other colors!) -- similar with an ankle strap / similar by Ivanka Trump
bag | Free People slouchy vegan reversible tote in green and black / pom pom keychain in gray
sunglasses | Karen Walker number one in black
earrings | BaubleBar juniper ear jackets
watch | Michael Kors monogram watch in rose gold (old) -- similar
necklace | BaubleBar ice flourish pendant necklace / SLATE layered white chain necklace from rocksbox (get one month for FREE using code "jannadoanxoxo")
rings |  BaubleBar arrow wrap ring / BaubleBar diana midi ring / BaubleBar ice chevron midi ring / BaubleBar tri bar ring / Etsy stacking & midi rings / Wanderlust + Co loop ring in rose gold from rocksbox (get one month for FREE using code "jannadoanxoxo")
lipstick | MAC amplified creme lipstick in brick-o-la
nails | Sephora formula x in nude for you (Aimee Song collection)

rock the denim x denim,
JD

the cobalt blue midi skirt & black lace

happy early valentine's day! <3

this is my take on a non-traditional valentine's day look. instead of red/pink i went with cobalt + black lace. instead of romantic curls, i went with straight sleek hair (well, as straight as my natural hair gets without brushing it. LOL, i don't own or brush my hair). but i did go with fun splashes of hot pink with my nails and lips! despite the lighting struggle, i loved how it turned out. y'all know how much i love midi skirts, this is just another fantastic one with pockets to add to my wardrobe. and my lip bracelet from BaubleBar?! i mean how could i pass up the opportunity to wear that cute thing?

my other picks for a v-day look:

currently on my playlist: love yourself by Justin Bieber
because it's all about that #selflove <3

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top | LOFT lace mock neck top in black (sold out) -- similar / similar / similar with long sleeves / similar
skirt | SheIn flared midi skirt in blue (there is no stretch with this material, runs small, size up)
shoesLuLu's elsi single strap heels in black suede -- similar by Steve Madden stecy
bag | CHANEL 2.55 classic double flap bag in black lambskin -- similar by Tory Burchdupe from F21 / cute quilted clutch / in tweed
sunglassesPrada round oversized sunglasses in black (love the simple sides on these over the baroque design)
earringsKendra Scott tessa studs in clear crystal (love these studs, i also have them in iridescent drusy which is a neutral sparkly gemstone!)
watchMichael 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!
bracelet | BaubleBar lippy bracelet -- similar
rings | Wanderlust + Co loop ring in rose gold from rocksbox (get one month for FREE using code "jannadoanxoxo") / Kendra Scott cora cocktail ring in cobalt / Etsy stacking & midi rings
lips | Christian Louboutin velvet matte lip color in bengali 100M (a great matte hot pink) 
nails | essie nail polish in watermelon

rock the vday look,
JD