the sweater body contour set

#setlife

another day. another set! surprisingly, i was in-store at @Express making a return (the only thing that will get me to a mall these days) and spotted this two-piece set. i loved how it felt and was shocked that it was part of the body contour line (which i have tried a piece and felt like it was just. too. tight. for my taste). i loved how the sweater material felt and how forgiving it was. the skirt was also so classy in length (a maxi on my 5’2” self) and the shoulder pad bodysuit added the right amount of drama to balance out the long skirt on my short self. this could even pass as formal attire if you ask me, which is exactly how i styled it — strappy heels, hard frame box clutch, and a pearl barrette for good measure. but again, what’s great about this formal set is that you can also wear them separately.

#styletip: to wear these separately, i’d style the shoulder pad bodysuit with a pair of straight leather pants or even black skinny jeans with a skinny belt. for the skirt, i’d style it with a cowl neck cami.

side ramblings: this one is going to be about food & skincare. i got into the food scene quite a bit this past week by finally marking off @este, @daydreamercafe (note: no public wi-fi which is a huge bummer because the space is BEAUTIFUL), @luckylabatx, @insomniacookies (the salted caramel was amazing!), and re-visited an old favorite, @barletts (grilled artichokes + prime rib is my go-to. every. time.). i’ve been using the @SolaWave red light wand that’s been all over my IG and it’s way to soon to see if it’s doing anything but i will say, it feels really good — the warmth and the slight vibration of the device. it’s at a really good price point for everything it claims to do. for now, the conductor serum i’m using is also the SolaWave renew serum (blue tansy, hyaluronic acid, aloe vera). i also received the glycolic renewal cleanser from one of my favorite skincare brands, @Skinceuticals! i’ve used this a couple time and it’s very gentle, even on my sensitive skin. so far, so good! venturing more into the skincare device world, i’m eyeing the new GLOfacial by @beautybio (use code: 231BB20 for 20% off) — basically a hydra facial at home that sucks out all the blackheads and junk in your pores into a water chamber that you can actually see! i think it’s pretty satisfying in a gross way. they’re known for their at-home GLOPro microneedling devices which i see the science behind and will probably be my next purchase after the GLOfacial.

currently on my playlist: flowers by Miley Cyrus

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top | Express body contour v-neck padded shoulder sweater bodysuit in black (wearing size S)— also another great top option with a cut out in the back
skirt | Express super high waisted body contour midi sweater skirt in black (wearing size XS)
shoes | TOPSHOP strippy heeled sandals in black (old) — love these!
bag | DVF lytton clutch in quilted black leather (old) — similar // love this one
hair barrette | H&M pearl barrette (old) — similar
earrings | Mejuri charlotte bold hoops in gold vermeil — also available as huggies!!
rings | gorjana diamond row ring in 14K gold // gorjana diamond stacking ring in 14K gold
watch | Michele 29 mm deco diamond watch in gold and silver

rock all the sets!,
JD

photo credit: @janeyunphoto

brand spotlight: Quince

another series hits JDC!

i’m hitting 2022 off right with a couple of new series and this is one of them. as a content creator, i feel as though there are so many brands out there left to be discovered! so one thing i wanted to do this year was to find and support those brands. i’m really excited about this because it’ll allow me to branch out — which i need. i tend to gravitate towards the same brands; and well, i want some change and to support other companies out there while giving them recognition!

i stumbled upon Quince in a google search as i was looking for some solid gold hoops. i’m so glad i found them because my gosh, the prices are SO AFFORDABLE!!! i think i’ve been living under a rock. like how have i gone on for so long without knowing about Quince?!?! my first purchase from Quince consisted of three items (silk skirt featured in this post, 14K gold hoops, and a cashmere tee) and they did not disappoint. while i would love a ton of stuff from Quince, if i could narrow it down to three things currently in my cart just waiting to check out one day!: cashmere joggers + the matching cashmere cardigan, and the 14K gold pave slim signet (this same ring at Mejuri retails for $385). why you should purchase from Quince after the jump!

here i styled their satin skirt i purchased two ways since i couldn’t decide. i always love the satin bias skirts with an oversized mock neck for fall but as we approach spring i also love it with a square neck tank! which one is your fave? the champagne color is absolutely beautiful and it moves to perfection too.

currently on my playlist: dancing feet by Kygo ft. DNCE

styled for spring with a square neck tank. goes great with slip on sandals or white sneaks for casual style or dress it up with nude heels.

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reasons why you should purchase from Quince //

  1. ethical company — they pay their employees fairly, practice sustainability, use factories who care about reducing damage to the environment = YESSS!!!

  2. luxury items at AFFORADABLE PRICES — how could this be? i read up on the business model and they basically cut out all the “middlemen” it’s a direct purchase from the factory that you’re making. in traditional retail, it goes from the factory to agents, warehouses, brands, stores then it goes to you. that’s a lot of “middlemen” and each one gets a cut which means a higher price tag. interesting isn’t it?

  3. transparent pricing — what i like about each item is it breaks down the cost BUT it also compares it to other brands that have a similar item. check out this 100% leather jacket for $150, you can see in the chart that All Saints has a similar one for $500! not only that… it gives you a comparison of the features it has compared to its competitors. i LOVE THIS!

  4. amazing basics to building a capsule wardrobe — looking though all the clothing items i feel that they are all items that belong in a capsule wardrobe. it’s crazy!!!

  5. washable silk — i love silk but when it’s not washable… like WUT?! they have a whole line dedicated to washable silk, so awesome!! because let’s just be honest, if you can’t wash it… HOW THE HECK WILL IT BE CLEAN?!?! also, i wash everything regardless of what the label says. haha but the reassurance is good because i have ruined a couple items 😁

  6. 365-day return policy — i mean. a YEAR to decide! the only other company i know that does this is IKEA!

other observations //

  1. the only downside to Quince is the sizing availability. there are no petites, tall, curvy, or plus. but it’s probably hard to keep so many costs down and have all sorts of different sizing available. hopefully down the line it’s something they expand to.

styled for fall with a cozy mock neck sweater. goes great with white sneaker for casual style or dress it up with heels.

sweater | Express cozy mock neck sweater in white (old) — similar by Quince
tank | Abercrombie & Fitch double-layered seamless squareneck tank in white (old) — similar
skirt | Quince washable silk skirt in champagne (wearing size XS)

i can’t speak for Quince enough. it’s starting to sound like i work for them LOL but it’s just real love for a new brand i just discovered. i think they deserve the spotlight and i’m just mad that i didn’t know about them sooner!

rock ALL THE QUINCE!,
JD

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

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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 leather skirt & fuzzy sweater

fall texture play.

this was probably one of the most creative shoots with Steven. i played with texture — leather & a fuzzy sweater while Steven played on light and lines. and our first time shooting indoors!! co-creating is the best. it was a complete blast stepping out of my comfort zone in terms of the leather skirt and these moody photos! i was a little skeptical about faux leather, but really love the a-line fit on this skirt, super conservative length, and especially how the panels are sewn together too! machine washable is a plus. regardless, any leather clothing makes quite a statement and here i chose a more classic style with a tucked in fuzzy sweater (3/4 length sleeves are sooo my jam) for some fall texture play.

side ramblings: this past weekend was amazing weather and probably the last of it as we enter fall/winter in full swing. but who knows with that TX weather?! if you didn’t already know i’m big into photography and was able to snap some photos for my friend Meg // @theautumngirl_ and her baby boy, see the plaid photos on her feed! i FINALLY made it out to @tilliescamplucy which was something i’ve been meaning to mark off my list for a while now! it’s quite a drive but so beautiful & peaceful out there :) and the food/staff/service was amazing! have you heard of @thesculptsociety by Megan Roup? i am super intrigued and while i’m a big pilates/barre fan i think i’m gonna give this one a go to mix it up!

currently on my playlist: carry on by Kygo & Rita Ora

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the sleeveless mock neck sweater

fall, where you be?!

the sleeveless mock neck sweater. for when it’s really fall but it’s 90F+ out… i digress, mock necks are super effortless and they go with all skirts (which i have a ton of). i actually have this top in two colors because that’s what i do when i love something — it’s a normal thing, RIGHT?! i’ve also paired it with the marina wide leg pants as well. the material isn’t super thick so it’s a good transitional piece. here i paired it with a full seamed skirt in the prettiest light blue, a super cool toned one. light blue doesn’t look that great on my skintone but this one is perfect! i really like these full seamed skirts because of the fit and i also sized down in this for a high-waisted fit, aka: over 30-fit.

side happenings: WHOA. what a FUN weekend! it felt so good to be “on the scene” again seeing familiar faces i’ve missed. the @hotelzazaaustin grand opening party was over the top crazy. (in a good way). haha, it’s been a long time since i’ve gone to an event like that!! it’s a beautiful space, in a totally swanky zaza-style. my GF Nicole // @loveofallthethings hosted her first event at @paddywaxcandlebar and you already know i’m a huge fan! i’ve taken one of my BFFs for her bday and it’s a great gift idea/quality/experience-type gift. this time i went with a spicy xmas scent w/a wood wick for a little crackle crackle it’s going to be so FRIGGIN festive at casa JD (sarcasm). i don’t have a fireplace so this will be it :D. BTW, if you haven’t had the butter toffee pretzels at Trader Joe’s, you better run and get some… before i buy em all out. :D

currently on my playlist: senorita by Shawn Mendes & Camila Cabello

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gotta love the outtakes @pearlsnap_photography sends me :D

the summer leopard print midi skirt

summertime leopard.

when you find the BEST lighting everything else is effortless. it’s all about the lighting!

there is no lie. i’m a total skirt gal. i will admit that my skirt collection is a little insane. i own more skirts than i do pants & jeans combined! haha, and let’s not even get into how many pleated midi skirts i have #gulp. usually i associate animal print with more of a fall trend but when i came across this skirt it was summertime appropriate being blush and the leopard print is actually very subtle. into the basket it went. lately i’ve taken a liking to the pull on bias midi style, this one is a zipper closure but remains timeless. the material is a little thin and you can see the liner through it but doesn’t bother me. i styled it here with my fave tee for an everyday casual wear. the skirt is TTS, and actually high waisted so great parings for crop tops as well.

lastly, the utility jacket is probably my most worn jacket. great for when i (might) need a light layer and have no time to think about what i’m grabbing when i walk out the door. the best part is the pockets and so it’s my must have when i travel (and my movie jacket, haha, you have one don’t you!?). style tip: try a cognac waist belt on top of the jacket! what do ya think? with jacket or without?

#nsale: the. @nordstrom. sale gets its own little section. i wasn’t super impressed this year and everything sold out REAL FAST. currently only open to cardholders until 07/18 and everyone else on 07/19-08/04. everything goes back to regular price on 08/05. i’m sure they will restock but here are my slim-picking-picks with TOP 5 to make it easy: RAILS collins military jacket // FRAME le high waist skinny jeans // Caslon camo utility jacket // TOPSHOP funnel neck top // BP lace trim cami

side ramblings: thanks for all the well-wishes! last week was pretty low-key and i ended up having to decline a few events. taking it easy on food when really all i wanna eat is… like. everything. shamu-appetite is on pause for now. i finally watched To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before and for being a teen novel it was actually way too cute and i unexpectedly enjoyed it more than Always Be My Maybe! Lara J actually reminds me of myself in some ways :D lastly, @senreve is offering a pretty BIG gift with purchase worth mentioning: a complimentary Senreve bracelet pouch (valued at $145) if you spend over $500 and a complimentary Senreve envelope clutch (valued at $245) if you spend over $1,100. you can read more & see how i’ve styled my favorite bag from them — the mini maestra here. definitely a great time to pick up a bag if you were debating it & you should do a happy dance in your seat because i’m giving you my referral link to receive $50 off your purchase (and i get $50 so we all are winning) #shamelessadvertising

currently on my playlist: electricity by Dua Lipa & Silk City ft. Diplo & Mark Ronson

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top | Everlane cotton v-neck in white (wearing size small) — similar but over-sized (size down on this one) // similar but a crew neck
jacket | H&M utility jacket (ancient) — similar by Madewell // similar by Gap // love this camo one from the #nsale
skirt | Lucy Paris katia leopard print midi skirt in blush (wearing size small) — similar // similar by Leith // similar but a bias midi fit
shoes | Shein cut out slides in cognac (old) — love these metallic ones! // similar by Steve Madden // similar by Target // similar Hermes dupe // similar but a crossband
bag | J.Crew mini bucket bag in natural vachetta (old) — similar by J.Crew Factory and on sale! // similar but perforated // the OG by Mansur Gavriel // similar for $70 // similar by Cuyana
earrings | Kendra Scott emmett matte statement earrings in white — similar in metal // similar but mixed
necklace | Anthropologie monogram pendant necklace
sunglasses | Celine marta sunglasses in havana (my fave sunnies!) — newer design // love these for $99
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

rock all the skirts,
JD

photo credit: Steven Gunter

the ribbed tube skirt

what up january?!

trying something new here on JDC. while this isn’t my favorite look, i’m glad i tried it out. that is what fashion is all about sometimes! and ya girl is out of content so this is gonna have to do for now lol. i’ve been wanting to try a skirted look with the top layered over the skirt and belted as seen here. the mistake with this outfit is the skirt — it’s a tad too long on my short 5’2” self and i’ve pulled it pretty high up on my torso here too, lol. but the idea is to take a tunic sweater, layer it over your skirt (preferably something a little fitted) and belt it. #soclassy. oh hello gucci belt. y’all know how i feel about logos but this belt is an exception. i use it a ton and mainly as a waist belt to cinch things in and polish any outfit. a belt is such a good accessory!

side ramblings: these have been getting long lately so gonna keep it simple this week! i was able to meet @erincondren this past weekend and i LOVE her spirit and energy, she’s all about gratitude. i feel pretty thankful to be apart of their #ECSQUAD considering how i’m a pretty small influencer #pinchme. lemme tell you, Erin Condren knows how to throw a party! i walked away with a sugar rush thanks to @fancyfluffaustin // @sprinklessupcakes // @maggielouiseconfections and a ton of nerdy goodies including a personalized cover with my logo to their life planner, pens, markers, stickers, a bullet journal!! i’ve talked about wanting to start a #bulletjournal before because i love looking at them but now i’m just gonna do it!

currently on my playlist: sunflower by Post Malone & Swae Lee

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top | LOFT mock neck sweater in black (old) — similar 1 // similar 2 // v-neck style // cowl neck style
skirt | ZARA ribbed tube skirt in gray (sold out) — similar 1 // similar 2
shoes c/o | Everlane boss boots in black pebbled leather (wearing size 5.5 for reference) — similar // similar and also my other fave pointed toe bootie
jacket c/o | Ann Taylor velvet moto jacket in black — similar
bag c/o | Everlane foldover pouch in black — same with a crossbody strap
belt | Gucci leather skinny belt in black -- good knock off for $14
sunglasses | Karen Walker number one sunglasses in black — love these for $55
rings | Gorjana amara ring set // Amanda Deer c/o CZ solitaire ring // Amanda Deer c/o CZ accents midi ring

photo credit: Madeline Harper