the eyelet wrap dress

eyelet + ruffles.

while i’m such a fall/winter gal at heart, i love all the spring texture and prints. from floral to gingham print. to seersucker and eyelet. i try not to buy more eyelet (especially in white since the #LWD collection is growing fast) but each time spring creeps around, i can’t help it. i love the texture of eyelet and it’s great for those casual spring/summer days, a brunch, a picnic, a day date to a local winery. throw on some flat cognac sandals for comfort and you got yourself chic in 5 mins. bonus points if you add a boater hat and a straw bag! this dress has a pretty good wrap to it so you won’t have to worry about flashing anyone on a windy day, and it also helps that it’s a midi length as well. but two gripes about this dress: the top a tad big, but that’s my usual problem with wrap dresses, even when sizing down it’s still a little big AND wish it had pockets. but the ruffle detail and no-skimping on the bow/sash material makes up for it.

side ramblings: FINALLY! the @sprinklescupcakes lemon meringue cupcake is hereeee!! come to mama!! well, until 4/28. it’s my fave seasonal one so you should def give it a try! also, a real quick word on the @kendrascott Give Confidence jewelry trade in program that runs until 4/30: bring in any gently worn Kendra Scott jewelry to a KS store, and in partnership with Dress for Success, KS will donate this piece to a woman who deserves a little extra sparkle! in return, you will receive $15 off any purchase. just a good way to find a home for pieces you aren’t currently wearing. LASTLY, the @sephora spring bonus sale starts on 4/26 for ROUGE members and 5/2 for everyone else (20% off for ROUGE, 15% off for VIB, and 10% off for insiders). GET YO CARTS READY. haha. mine is because i’m a skincare nerd and one of my money saving tips is to never buy skincare or beauty products at regular price. wait til a sale and stock/try new things! sharing my list soon. until next time, xx.

currently on my playlist: sideways by Citzen Cope

READ MORE

the bow front top

all the vacay vibes. (sans vacay, insert sad face)

i LOVE discovering new brands! one of the brands i stumbled across recently is called MANGO. it's very similar to ZARA (except no tax to TX and free ship & returns on MANGO!). during memorial day they had a huge sale and i took the opportunity to order a few items, i would say things are pretty true to size. i can't get enough of. this. top. it's slightly cropped so perfect for all my high rise midi skirts, it has texture to it, and LOVE the bow front. also, it's white and you know how i am all about them white tops come summer! i styled it with an old eyelet skirt, threw in a straw bag, hat AND these seashell earrings... suddenly, i felt like i should be on vacay (but a shopping strip will do). or at least book one (i am so overdue). 

lastly, a word/mini review about these Tory Burch Miller sandals. are they worth it? NO. the story is i've wanted a pair my whole life but could not get myself to spend that much on a pair of FLIP FLOPS! i purchased them recently (only with a coupon). this was actually my first time wearing them. pros: comfortable, a dressy option for flat sandals when your feet need a break so you don't have to sacrifice style and comfort, comes in many colors. cons: very expensive, scuffs real fast (yes, i already scuffed the top of them in this photoshoot #badluck). would i get them again? probably not. i certainty would not pay regular price, thank goodness i didn't. but maybe the patent leather is more durable??! who knows? people tell me they LOVE them. maybe i'm missing something... better option?! #igotCHU. THESE are way more durable, comes in many colors, and a fraction of the price. i wear mine non-stop and wore my first pair into the GROUND. :D

side ramblings: i was fortunate to be able to preview the first @theory_ store in Austin @domainnorthside! i've always been a fan of their classic style and was able to learn more about the company on a one-on-one which i always find way more appealing than groups! #introverted. also, i checked out @suerteatx and it was AMAZING! pricey, but good. my fave dish there was the green chorizo tlayuda (basically the most expensive tostada i've eaten). and FINALLY Austin gets some bubble tea competition with @gongchatea!! whooot.. i could use a brown sugar milk tea right about now. #bubbleteaaddict PS -- have an amazing 4th! xx

currently on my playlist: so far away by Martin Garrix & David Guetta

READ MORE

top | MANGO bow knit top in off white (on sale for $25) -- similar but cami style 
skirt | J.Crew eyelet peplum skirt in navy (old) -- similar but shorter // similar but white // similar in black
bag | Urban Outfitters circle straw crossbody bag -- similar from Dillards // similar but bucket bag style // similar but rectangular
shoes | Tory Burch miller thong sandals in leather vintage vachetta -- same from Nordstrom
sunglasses | Celine marta sunglasses in havana -- newer design // similar by Le Specs
earrings c/o | BaubleBar milos drop earrings in gold
necklace | Anthropologie monogram pendant necklace -- similar 
rings | Gorjana amara ring set // Amanda Deer c/o CZ solitaire ring // Amanda Deer c/o CZ accents midi ring
watch c/o | Daniel Wellington classic petite melrose 32mm in rose gold and white
hat | GIGI PIP faye boater hat -- similar and $39 // similar and packable!

rock all the bow/twist front tops!,
JD

photo credit: Todd White

the striped one shoulder romper

STRIPES. FOR. LIFE. 

hey y'all! it's been a hot minute. well, maybe more than a minute, but let's acknowledge the fact that is it HOT. REALLY HOT. which means less photos for me. don't be fooled i was sweating like a crazy person for these photos!! also, i've been MIA and focusing on other parts of my life, we all need that sometimes, ya know? 

i'm back with a striped one shoulder ruffle romper, WITH POCKETS. this one piece is SO. ME. the stripes, the ruffle, and the one shoulder. all the yasss-es please. it was sent to me from @shopmorninglavender, and if you haven't heard of them they have the cutest summer clothes at very decent prices (hellooooo tax-free shipping to texas too!!). the only thing about this romper is that it runs small, i sized up to a medium here and love the quality of how is it lined inside. and it's not your typical blue striped, it's actually black/very dark grey striped. because i'm actually starting to think i have way too many blue striped pieces. is there such thing?

side ramblings: YOU GUYS, i got my couch and dining table!! it is insane how these two pieces can make a place start to feel like home. between you and i, or whoever actually reads this, i might have shed a tear of happiness when i put the lamps in my master bedroom. something about feeling grateful for where i am in my life. also, i know... it is about time considering i've been living here for almost a year!! which....I CAN BARELY BELIEVE IT!! also, i CANNOT wait to go see Oceans 8!! have y'all seen it?! 

currently on my playlist: whatever it takes by Imagine Dragons

READ MORE

navy & lilac

the navy & lilac edit.

this combo was UNEXPECTED. originally i was looking to pair these lilac earrings with something white. but somehow i couldn't find anything! (i know it's insane). anyways, i had a light bulb moment when my eyes stared at this dress i had randomly bought earlier this month. ding ding ding. love how it always works out (well, for the most part haha). i am now a HUGE lilac/lavender fan and really diggin' how it just POPS with navy. i highly suggest you give this color combo a try!

when i graciously received some pieces from the @KendraScott summer 2018 collection, i squealed and flipped through the lookbook oohh-ed and ahh-ed through each page. again, the photography is so on point. and i'm such a sucker for well thought out details and styling. did y'all know i LOVE photography?! #nerd. but something caught my eye. this quote below. more on this after the jump. xx

“if we don’t take a risk and try something entirely new, who knows what we might miss? when we live boldly, we live fully.”
— Kendra Scott

currently on my playlist: paris in the rain by Lauv

READ MORE

this inspired me and i thought it would be fun to expand on this and write about what this means to me aside from fashion. because y'all already know i'm all about staying true to your style but also stepping out of your comfort zone and trying something completely different — make it yours and rock it! but in relation to bigger things, aka: life, i think it's about three things: 

  • wandering into the unknown.
  • doing things that scare you.
  • putting yourself in uncomfortable situations. 

when you think about it, the biggest achievements in life required some major hardships and really tough moments of uncertainty and doubt. aka thoughts like this: what am i doing? or WTF am i doing?! yea, i have no idea what i'm doing. this is scary. i'm putting myself out there and i have a lot on the line. but what matters most is THAT YOU ARE DOING IT. sometimes you gotta jump in situations where you don't know all the answers but the key thing is: you figure them out along the way. sometimes this means making mistakes. BUT (big but) learning from them. you don't have to have the answer to every question or know every step of the way. sometimes i think this is where we shine our brightest. when we don't know, we have to work harder to figure it out, to learn new things, to adapt/evolve. only then will our achievement have the greatest “value.” wouldn't you agree? 

my sister always says, "if you aren't doing something that scares you, you ain't doing it right." she’s spot on. the blog is this for me. it’s actually scary being out here on the internet because i’m actually a private person. oh. the. irony. i have no idea who is visiting or reading jcjancjaixjsbcn i mean who reads this?! #justatest haha! i think this also means making a conscious effort to put yourself in uncomfortable situations. why? because life it short, and i believe that moments where you push yourself to do scary things out of your comfort zone are you actually LIVING LIFE!! if you've ever put yourself in situations like this, i'm pretty sure you have looked back with a big grin on your face 'YEP, that was scary and really uncomfortable, but i did it anyway!!' that's what i'm talking about! #cantstopwontstop

anyways, i hope this post inspired you to take a few seconds to stop and wonder what you do/are doing to live fully. and if you are not or drawing a blank... remember, it's all about them baby steps. xx

dress | J.Crew Factory eyelet shirt dress in navy (also avail in green, runs large so size down, i'm wearing an XS) -- similar // similar and love this one in lilac // similar with a peplum hem
bag | Urban Outfitters circle straw crossbody bag (fits iphone8+) -- similar with handles but smaller // similar // love this basket tote
shoes | Forever 21 wedges (way old) -- similar // similar and on sale foe $25
sunglasses | Celine marta sunglasses in havana -- newer design // similar by Le Specs
earrings c/o | Kendra Scott cristina rose gold statement earrings in lilac of mother pearl -- similar style but smaller // love this 3-in-1 design // not similar but LOVE this edgy gold piece
necklace c/o | Kendra Scott ethan rose gold necklace in lilac mother of pearl
rings | Gorjana amara ring set // Amanda Deer c/o CZ solitaire ring // Amanda Deer c/o CZ accents midi ring

live boldly. live fully. (oh, and wear navy & lilac will ya?!),
JD

photo credit: lil blogger sis @simplyyvan

the floral cut out dress

another IT summer dress!

it's been a full day of yard work and i'm exhausted but it feels so good to wind down with a glass of wine to put this one together #inmyelement. we're about dresses here on JDC. last year one of my favorite summer purchases was this striped cut out dress. so of course when the floral design came out this year, this one somehow made its way to my closet. still unsure how but i ain't mad about it. :D jokes aside, it's on the pricey side. but i'm one of those people.. if i like it that much, i'm gonna buy it. and in multiple colors or prints. this dress, no exception. it has pockets, and most cutouts require you to wear some sort of sticky bra or petals, this one does not! whoo hoo! 

side ramblings: I MET MAT KEARNEY! i had a night last week that blew my mind away. my lil blogger sis, @simplyyvan (AKA: concert queen) bought me a VIP ticket for my december bday to meet Mat K! she's the sweetest, ain't she? anyways, got to roll VIP with her and with standing room only at Stubb's, we took advantage of getting there early and were upfront and CENTER! normally i'm not a crowd person so i always hang in the back. BUT WOW, what an experience!!! now i'm all about being upfront with the crowd despite being packed in like sardines. but i danced the night away in my tiny lil space and left with the best feeling. it's a night i'll never forget. i actually don't have many photos or video to show because i spent all of it just soaking it in! as much as i love capturing moments, sometimes it's just better be to be fully present and enjoy the moment. Mat K is my favorite artist for so many reasons. he can sing, he can write, awesome music & beats, but his music got me through some rough times. his lyrics have so much meaning/depth and extremely relatable no matter what you're going through in life. i mean how cool is that to touch the lives of people in that way?! too bad i can't sing and i can't play an instrument to save my life. (hence the fashion blog). 

i also attended Austin Fashion Week #AFW this past weekend! i always love being in the midst of fashion especially with others who are wayyyyy more fashionable than myself. photos and a recap to come next week. thanks for stopping by, y'all have a good one now. xx

currently on my playlist: face to face by Mat Kearney 

READ MORE

5'2" short y'all.

because most of the time i don't know what to do. LOL. 

this was steven's idea... :D

dress | Bardot ibiza cut out midi dress in floral (currently 25% off!) -- same style in checkered print // similar from Express // similar from Express but shorter // similar but striped and with sleeves by Madewell // similar from F21 // similar in lemon print from ASOS 
jacket | Old Navy denim jacket
shoes | Target Merona marcella low block heel ankle strap sandals in tan (old) -- similar // similar but suede
bag | Urban Outfitters circle straw crossbody bag (fits iphone8+) -- similar with handles but smaller // similar // love this basket tote
sunglasses | Celine marta sunglasses in havana -- newer design // similar by Le Specs
earrings c/o | BaubleBar mini granita tassel earrings in ivory -- original longer version
necklace | Anthropologie monogram pendant necklace 
rings | Kendra Scott theodore open ring in white pearl via Color Bar -- similar // 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 | Nordstrom BP love knot cuff (old) -- similar by Stella & Dot

rock all the cutouts,
JD

photo credit: Steven Gunter

@matkearney x CRAZYTALK tour @stubbsaustin // 04.05.18

meet & greet with Mat K // THAT CLOSE
selfie with Mat K // featured on his INSTA

LIFE IS SO GOOD because i'm cheesin' SO HARD!

the ruffle wrap dress

the one dress you need this summer!

HOWDY! long time, i know. life has been nuts lately (in a great way). diving right into this outfit; the wrap dress is something i rarely wear because it's usually a v-neck and too low for my taste anddd the wrap isn't a functional one in the wind. i'd rather wear a fake wrap dress. what's a fake wrap dress? one where the inner layer is actually sewn to the side so there's no worry about flashing people when it gets windy. this gem is a round neck + ruffles + fake wrap = made for me. not to mention it's in a burnt orange color #hookem! it's a tad on the shorter side for me #leggy. anyways, it's a popular style this summer and i highly encourage you to try it! while i love my comfy flatform espadrilles here, casual sneakers work as well! 

side ramblings: it's a small world. a few weeks ago, i was returning something at the mall and the sweetest gal came up to me and asked if i was a fashion blogger, janna doan?! it was one of those pinch-me moments. never i a million years would i have thought!! i felt so humbled and really glad she came up to say hi because most of the time in public i am on a mission. such a doll, she will never know the magnitude of what it meant to me. #grateful and came at the perfect time when i needed that extra motivation. last week i attended the @KendraScott candle launch party. yup, you hear me right, Kendra Scott Candles! these candles make a great addition to her home collection. hard to choose but my favorite so far is the amethyst, i also like the malachite which has a little spicy kick! there are four scents total in two sizes, large retails for $65 and the small votive for $25.

y'all ever tried @allbirds? i was so lucky to go to their pop-in event at @NordstromDomainNorthside and went home with the allbirds tree runners in kauri stone for the texas weather. i'd probably get the wool runners if i lived in a colder climate. can't wait to try them out but initially they are super lightweight and COMFY = happy feet. i also love how sustainable & green the company is! check em out while they're still at Nordstrom here (click on About Pop-In). they also let me pick out the black & gold RECYCLED laces AND i went home with a custom box with my name and hashtag all over it #SOextra. i don't see myself running in them, more of a to-and-from shoe! but give em a try! they have a 30-day return policy even after you wear them, no questions asked. lastly, the weekend was spent being a tourist in my own city with @theelaedition, MISS YOU GF! 

currently on my playlist: memorized by Mat Kearney (yes, still on repeat)

READ MORE

dress | ASTR THE LABEL ruffle linen blend wrap dress in coral cedar (wearing size small, note: linen does shrink) -- similar and $55 // similar and love the olive color // similar but cami style // similar with eyelet detail // similar with a v-neck // similar
shoes | Sole Society audrina platform espadrille in cognac (avail in three other colors & very comfy) -- similar by Halogen (also in a pink suede) // similar from Target // similar in a slip on style 
bag | Urban Outfitters circle straw crossbody bag (fits iphone8+) -- similar with handles but smaller // similar // love this basket tote
earrings | Kendra Scott elle drop earrings in white pearl
sunglasses | Celine marta sunglasses in havana -- newer design // similar by Le Specs
necklace | BaubleBar acrylic block monogram necklace in tortoise shell -- similar in gold 
rings | Kendra Scott theodore open ring in white pearl via Color Bar -- similar // 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 | Nordstrom BP love knot cuff (old) -- similar by Stella & Dot

rock all the ruffle wrap dresses,
JD

photo credit: Steven Gunter

weekend recap in squares // @theelaedition x ATX

dating tips & galentine's day in loungewear

happy galentine's day!

so listen, i don't know if you know, it's valentine's week. if you've gone to target, you know. everything is red and pink and heart shaped. it's the hallmark day of all holidays. YIPPEEEE! now, if you're single, this is what you do --> you go buy yourself loungewear -- because NOTHING says 'i love myself' like some soft joggers and a loose thermal top. #seriously. feel free to add a disco ball sippy cup for good measure too. jokes aside, you get what i'm sayin'. treat yourself to something because you deserve it! if you find yourself waving the single-awareness flag, wave it proudly and refer to this quote below.

“life is always about the JOURNEY and never the destination.”

and your journey could a lot bumpier than others, maybe you even get stuck in some muddy patches along the way, but that's life. you gotta trust the process -- that it will lead you to where you need to be in the end. live consciously in this moment, laugh at the confusion, and embrace it because at any moment, it will change. know that you have never missed out on anything that is meant for you, and that the next best thing is just around the corner. you see, there is so much that happens to us that we have very little/no control over. the only thing we have control over is our self -- our emotions & reactions. knowing and understanding this will give you so much peace in any life situation. i promise. not sure where i wanted to go with all that. but i hope you took something away?! i spend a lot of time writing for google, but most of the time i'm writing for myself #selfentertained and to reinforce positivity. we can always use that right?! 

besides #selflove it's also about the little things in life too. like how all that valentine's day candy will be on sale at target, so you'll know where to find me come February 15th. :D xx ok, i'm out. see ya next week.

side ramblings: this past week was filled with some fun events! i was able to check out @sonestabeecaveatx at the hill country galleria, their @meridian98lounge has a great view and don't get me started on the bacon wrapped dates... the night ended with a small tour of some shops at the galleria. my favorites were @milkandhoneyspa and @manaculture! the weekend was the grand opening of @theartofshoesaustin in the cutest house were i was able to meet the owner and participate in a DIY shoe accessory workshop. overall, a fun week of socializing!

PS--i had so much FUN writing the last part of this post and hope you'll read the rest!

>>MY DATING TIPS/TIDBITS CLICK the READ MORE button!

currently on my playlist: bad at love by Halsey

that time my lil blogger sis @simplyyvan asked me to be apart of her @urbanoutfitters photoshoot!

READ MORE

why am i single? well, it's because i haven't met my EQUAL, i wouldn't let anyone into my life unless they were AWESOME. the single journey for me has been quite interesting. a recent article came out describing Austin men as the WORST when it comes to dating (so glad i bought a house here!). i've learned SO MUCH along the way. i mean geezus to be able to talk to a complete stranger takes major skill. deciphering text messages, picking up on when you're about to ghosted or breadcrumb-ed or whatever the new term is should be resume skills at this point. the internet, social media, online dating, and having access to people 24/7 have made us a REALLY. SAD. BUNCH. who lack human decency. the standard is set SO LOW. how low? i mean i'm shocked when someone actually messages me back! here are my tips/tidbits whether you're a man or woman when it comes to dating (because let's face it, i'm better with bullet points):

  • trust your intuition/gut, it's usually 99% correct (head > heart)
  • when someone shows you who they really are, believe them
  • actions > words 
  • consistency is KEY
  • vulnerability is strength and in the right hands this is the best gift you can give someone
  • exemplify human decency = treat others the way you want to be treated (golden rule, duh, sad i even have to type it)
  • be direct & use raw/honest communication
  • HAVE FUN! expect nothing but be prepared to be pleasantly surprised
  • silence actually speaks volumes. no answer is an answer. SOOOO ironic isn't it? 
  • when it comes to online dating, you probably have one shot to win someone over so bring your A game = best version of you, this shouldn't be hard for you! 
  • ghosting? breadcrumbing? zombies? = ain't nobody got time for that
  • when you start blaming yourself, STOP IMMEDIATELY because...
  • it's really hard to mess up the right thing (if there is anything you take away, THIS IS IT!)
  • when it's right, it should feel easy
  • good things TAKE TIME
  • stop making excuses for other people
  • stop thinking about what you feel and remember what you deserve
  • a good man will never keep you waiting by the phone no matter how busy they are. think about how much time it takes to send a text. literally NO TIME. and trust me, if you haven't heard from him, i'm 120% sure his fingers haven't fallen off
  • if he likes you, he will squeeze out any ounce of time to see you, even if it's just 15 minutes to see your face! TRUST ME 
  • never underestimate the power of SPACE. space allows someone to miss you, to yearn for you. THIS IS WHAT YOU WANT
  • until you're exclusive, date like men = HAVE OPTIONS because 95% of men will fall off the face of the earth (and bc they're doing the same thing to you)
  • texting less actually creates more excitement when you meet in person
  • men respond to distance. not words. so stop trying to explain yourself!
  • what you chase runs away. never chase ANYONE
  • know that not everyone is going to like you (even though you're a bad ass) and you're not going to like everyone. attraction is not a choice
  • master EMPATHY
  • don't let some bad experiences harden your heart
  • rejection teaches you what's not meant for you
  • don't let dating or a man be everything in your life. do things you love, hang out with people who make you feel good. for me, it's about working out, blogging, hanging out with my GFs and family, going to events, photography, making a list of next eateries to hit up, working on my house. your life and happiness come first
  • at the end of the day, it's about being genuine in every interaction. be compassionate. be the change you want to see in the world. seems futile but i believe that change starts with YOU
  • have the strength to walk away (with dignity) and the patience to wait for what you deserve. AND this is why you should work on your backside, so that you LOOK GOOD WALKING AWAY. just sayin'
“happiness is letting go of what you assume your life is supposed to be like right now and sincerely appreciating it for everything that it is. at the end of this day, before you close your eyes, smile and be at peace with where you’ve been and grateful for what you have. LIFE IS GOOD.”
— marc & angel