the perfect red date night dress

hellooo christmas week!

i’ve been saving this post because red = christmas && being my first @reformation piece makes it extra special. i hesitate when it comes to @reformation because i love the fact that it’s an ethical brand, but the prices are veryyy expensive. i also don’t like that most of their things aren’t lined (so you will read reviews about it “feeling cheap” for the price on Nordstrom). (big) BUT the styles are AMAZING and #droolworthy. i never thought i’d describe clothing that way but here i am. #protip: buy this stuff on sale, regardless if you have something to wear it to or NOT. it’ll eventually come up, and if it doesn’t, by golly, even based on sale price you’ll FIND something to wear it to!! i guarantee it. oh heyyy, pizza/coffee outing. :D it’s all about #DOINGYOUBOO. when i show people the purchase i’m debating, they’ll say… “where would you wear that to?.” me = 🤔. one friend told me, “figuring out where to wear it to should never be a problem.” me = 😁. thanks @tristan.dav aka reformation friend/queen!! she’s 100% right. on a shopping spree i went. here’s what’s coming my way: lores top // butterfly midi dress // vollare dress // riesling dress // fay jumpsuit // zoe side slit midi skirt // graciella dress // nectarine dress… whoops. #protip: if it’s not available on the website, check Nordstrom as they price match and sale items AREN’T final sale!.

this red dress is the perfect red. apparently it complements my skintone perfectly because i received SO. MANY. COMPLIMENTS on it. the subtle sexy side slit made it extra appropriate for date night and honestly any occasion. it’s a guaranteed compliment-receiving dress. in fact, all reformation pieces i’ve worn or shown, i have received DOZENS of compliments. they are pieces i’ll keep forever so i have NO REGRETS.

side ramblings: my girls @thehonestshruth // @shelbysorrell // @onechelsofanadventure hosted an epic holiday party at @thecatheralatx (beautiful coworking/event space!), it was twice the size this year! it was the biggest white elephant gift exchange i’ve done #goodtimes and new friends made so i’m feeling hella grateful. i can’t believe it’s already christmas! i’m off for this entire week so it shall be a good, relaxing one. hope y’all enjoy this holiday season as it always zooms on by. as much as it’s a happy/festive time, it’s also a sad time for a lot of people. we miss the people we lost, we have memories creep into our mind, and we also feel very lonely. i feel you. know that is IS OKAY to feel this way. my tips to get through this are: meditate & breathe, practice gratitude, indulge in some self care, lower your expectations, reach out to friends, help someone in need. sometimes i feel like when you put a smile on someone else face, it automatically reflects back to you. :) xx

currently on my playlist: ocean eyes by Billie Eilish

currently reading: dear girls by Ali Wong

READ MORE

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 — 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 “SHIPFREEJD” for free overnight shipping until 12/04) — 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 — 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!) — similar but in a fun design // more dainty with some sparkle!
sunglasses | Celine tilda sunglasses in dark tortoise (old) — 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 burgundy & grey edit

burgundy & grey.

burgundy/wine is such a beautiful color every winter/fall season and i think it looks amazing on everyone! here, Ann Taylor sent me this seamed ponte flare dress (great work dress) that also comes in black and petite sizing. if you read this blog, you know i love ponte material, it’s a much thicker and heavyweight material compared to jersey (that clings onto all your body rolls). this one is super flattering and in an A-line fit, i’d say the only thing it’s missing is POCKETS. y’all know how i feel about dresses with pockets! normally, i would pair this color with black as seen in a 2015 post featuring a burgundy pleated skirt & crop top (gosh i look so YOUNG!). however, it just happened to be that my Ann Taylor grey suede pumps were set out so ding ding ding! on top of that, Senreve sent me their crossbody in a saffiano textured leather (= durable) and you can see how they both match SO PERFECTLY?! along with the background for these photos?! love it when it all works out!! so here it is, i encourage you to mix these two colors together!

a last note on this crossbody bag, Senreve is a new up and coming handbag brand that i stumbled upon on IG. and after checking out their bags and how versatile they are i knew i needed one. so here’s what i did... i emailed them, pitched myself knowing i was never going to hear back from them because i am a pretty small influencer. but in business i have learned to always ask and the worst that can happen is that you get no answer or a no. so here’s to the 1% of the time when i actually get a response from a company that sees my value over my numbers! honestly, i feel humbled to be able to work with Senreve and one of those #pinchme moments. i digress, this crossbody can actually be worn with a metal crossbody chain, a leather crossbody chain, the compartments can be removed so you can customize it with the amount of pouches!! that is what i love about Senreve. their mini maestra bag is one of their bestsellers and again, i love how sleek yet versatile it is — you can wear it as a backpack, a crossbody, and a top handle! usually items that have that much versatility do not look as sleek or streamlined so major props to Senreve — where fashion meets function for the working woman.

currently on my playlist: shallow by Bradley Cooper & Lady Gaga (anyone seen A Star is Born?! it’s been on my list!)

READ MORE

dress c/o | Ann Taylor seamed ponte flare dress in rosy plum (wearing size 2 regular, i recommend sizing down) — similar with a peplum hem
shoes | Ann Taylor mila suede pumps in paver grey (sold out) -- similar // similar
bag c/o | Senreve crossbody in mimosa storm (comes in so many colors!)
necklace c/o | Ann Taylor crystal necklace in gold — matching earrings // love this pearl one
rings | Gorjana amara ring set // Amanda Deer c/o CZ solitaire ring // Amanda Deer c/o CZ accents midi ring
bracelet | Vita Fede mini titan crystal bracelet in gold
watch | Michael Kors darci watch in gold

rock the burgundy & grey combo,
JD

photo credit: Katie J Photography
a post done in collaboration with Ann Taylor.
dress & necklace provided by Ann Taylor, all opinions are my own.

holiday ready with Ann Taylor

for the love of tweed.

gearing up for the holidays with @AnnTaylor today! but let’s start this post off with a little gratitude, shall we? i have wanted to work with Ann Taylor for as long as i’ve been blogging. i’ve tried to knock on this door for so long it feels like. BUT life works in mysterious ways sometimes. i always live by the notion that if it’s not a hell yes, it’s a hell no. it’s kinda an extreme way to live life actually but i’ve come to learn that the best decisions both in business and in life where i applied this thought process yielded the best results that i was most proud of. when Ann Taylor reached out to me to host the re-grand opening of the @anntaylor_arboretummarket in my own city… it was an immediate #HELLYES. even though i knew i was going out of my comfort zone — but hey, it’s all about pushing boundaries amirite?! in the end, it was a fantastic event and an experience i will never forget. i feel so grateful to be able to get to do something like this and know that this is just the beginning. i don’t do this enough but i gotta give myself credit for the hard work i’ve put into this business. anyways, a sappy start but THANK YOU for following along this journey, it’s because you of that i get to do these things so i cannot thank you enough!

i digress. let’s talk tweed. i LOVE tweed. it’s one of those fabrics that scream FALL and uber CLASSY. right up there with brooches and pearls (and you know i love me some brooches. yep, i’m an old lady!). what’s great about tweed is the fabric also adds texture to any outfit. here i’m wearing a one piece dress, but when you pair a tweed skirt or jacket with a blouse or sweater the tweed always becomes the “centerpiece” (if you will). what i love about this dress is the metallic-ness of the tweed in a blue, magenta, and gold color. it’s actually a very unique tweed piece that is going right into my closet for a holiday party! you cannot complete a holiday outfit with some BLING/SPARKLE so i went with a crystal statement necklace and even a pearl statement necklace will work too! here i’m wearing my usual size 2 in the dress, but i think their sizes have gotten larger and i could easily size down and wear a 0 (never happens). in these photos i actually have it binder clipped in the back to make it look more fitted. i didn’t have time to get it altered… so when it came time for the event… at the 13th hour i found a glittery waist belt in my closet to cinch it and voila! love how it always works out! but do size down in all their pieces. i can’t wait to share the rest of the dresses that were sent to me including the: speckled ponte flounce sheath dress and the seamed ponte flare dress (super effortless). i also walked away with more Ann Taylor goodies from the re-grand opening and can’t wait to style them (after i go to costco and buy more hangers.. haha not kidding though LOL #fashionbloggerproblems).

side ramblings: LIFE is CRAZY. in such a good way. i was talking to a friend of mine about daily happenings in my life and my friend turned to me and said, “there are peaks and valleys of life and girl, you’re standing on a mountain top!” i blurted out laughing and nodded my head in agreement. anyways, i just needed to take a moment to document how grateful i feel and how i’m overwhelmed with happiness & joy. quite frankly, i deserve it. and with Thanksgiving around the corner, the timing couldn’t be better. hope y’all enjoy your Thanksgiving with family and friends and i’ll see y’all next time! xx

currently on my playlist: fallin’ all in you by Shawn Mendes

READ MORE

dress c/o | Ann Taylor tweed sheath dress in blue multi (recommend sizing down, i’m wearing size 2 and it’s a little large, i had to binder clip it for photos. for the event i belted it with a glitter waist belt!) — similar jacket and skirt set //
shoes | Jimmy Choo abel pumps in black patent (the shoes didn’t arrive in time for the photo, but Ann Taylor sent me the leanna bow pumps in black suede that i wore to the event, also comes in red and gold! i love the mid-bow detail, so holiday!) — similar and debated the myra suede bow pumps // marley quilted bow pumps // lorretta pealized suede pumps
jacket | Banana Republic — similar // not similar but LOVE this one // also love this one
bag | DVF lytton clutch in black quilted leather (old) — similar and a good Bottega dupe // similar and in a fun shape
sunglasses | Celine caty sunglases in black (old) — similar by DIFF eyewear // similar by QUAY
necklace c/o | Ann Taylor crystal necklace in gold — matching earrings // love this pearl one
earrings | Kendra Scott aston statement earrings in ivory mother of pearl (old) -- similar but smaller // similar
rings | Gorjana amara ring set // Amanda Deer c/o CZ solitaire ring // Amanda Deer c/o CZ accents midi ring
bracelet | Vita Fede mini titan crystal bracelet in gold
watch | Michael Kors darci watch in gold

#cantstopwontstop,
JD

photo credit: Katie J Photography
a post done in collaboration with Ann Taylor.
dress & necklace provided by Ann Taylor, all opinions are my own.

@anntaylor_arboreutummarket re-grand opening on 11/17/18

special thanks to @polkadotsandgin // @wanderlustanita // @tristan.dav // @atatsteofkoko // @hanonet (not pictured) // Sonceria W. who took time out of their day to drop in, shop, and say hi! i appreciate your support so much!!!

the polka dot cami

jumping on the polka dot express.

back at it with @Everlane today featuring a print that has been hot this season -- polka dots! i own a few @Everlane items but this my first clothing item and there is no surprise that the quality of this piece shines as much as their shoes and leather goods. if you're not familiar with @Everlane, they are an ethical clothing brand that provides the most transparency in their products including the product pricing break down. i also received the day heel in cognac suede and for shoes made in italy for $150? that's a real steal y'all. them italians know how to make shoes. i've worn them around the house to test them and yep, they are very comfortable. can't wait to style them soon! @Everlane is a great stop for anyone looking for basics. this square neck cami is a smidge of a step up from their usual basics. it's more of a boxier cami. even the details/material of the delicate rolled straps of this cannot be overlooked. they are not adjustable but even for a shorty like me, no adjusting was needed which is my usual concern with camis. also, it is lined so you don't have to worry about it being too sheer. i choose to style it with boyfriend jeans and come grey suede pumps. skinny jeans with a cardi and sneaks/flats totally work too!

finally SIGNS that fall is almost here with the launch of the @KendraScott fall 2018 collection! you can see all the jewel tones with neutrals mixed into the collection with textures such feathers & beaded tassels which gets me excited for fall. now only if the cooler weather could get here soon that would be GREATTT!! i was graciously (#pinchme) sent the russel rose gold hoop earrings in maroon jade (featured here) and the bethany y necklace in ivory pearl. the hoop earrings are fun and EXTREMELY lightweight which is a HUGE PLUS! they look like they would be heavy but nope, for someone with fatty earlobes, i approve this statement piece. other noteworthy items from the collection include: astoria earrings (unique shape and dusted glass gem) // lenni statement earrings in ivory feathers (not for everyone but wow look at them on the model!!) // diane statement earrings in beaded brown tigers eye (always love this shape and pretty unique how the beads sit) //  jagger pendant necklace (a good dainty layering piece).

side ramblings: did y'all see the @allbirds flip flop launch; the sugar zeffers (actually made from sugar cane)! i have a pair of the @allbirds mesh tree runners in kauri stone which have been a really great, lightweight to-and-from shoe. now the flip flops are also comfy and cushion-y. they sold out the week it was launched! available in four colors, i went with basic GRAY. it's like a little step up from a beach flip flop which i love! lastly, if you've read this far you should check out the trailer for Crazy Rich Asians! 

currently on my playlist: eastside by Benny Blanco, Khalid, and Halsey

READ MORE

top c/o | Everlane polka dot cami in white/black dot (wearing size 2, available in two other color combos) -- similar but solid // similar 
jacket | BLANKNYC life changer moto jacket in black -- similar with removable hoodie // similar // classier version
denim | GAP mid-rise relaxed boyfriend jeans in medium indigo -- love these
bag | CHANEL 2.55 classic double flap bag in black lambskin
shoes | Ann Taylor mila suede pumps in paver grey (sold out) -- similar
earrings c/o | Kendra Scott russel rose gold hoop earrings in maroon jade
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
bracelet | Vita Fede mini titan crystal bracelet in gold
watch | Michael Kors darci watch in gold

rock all the polka dots,
JD

photo credit: lil blogger sis @simplyyvan

celebrating 33 years

howdy, 33!

this post is a tad late because i was too busy celebrating and stuffing my face last week. from dinners, lunches, brunch, snacks, sweet treats (LOTS), gifts, flowers, messages, etc... i have some pretty dang good people in my life. but really though, glad i took these photos before eating for 10 people... not joking. my thoughts (or more like ramblings) on turning 33 after the jump! 

THIS DRESS. i've always wanted a sparkly dress and this was a good first one because it is not full-on-sparkle. ALSO, it has a very pretty textured design to it which actually adds to the flattering fit. it is a little on the tighter side than what i normally wear, but what the heck, i'm 33. might as well; and hey nothing spanx can't fix! i love the long sleeve one shoulder and the fact that it is a midi that really hits at the right length (i'm 5'2" short). it makes the PERFECT NYE dress! this shoot was again one for the books, i mean look at that AUSTIN view -- looking good #ATX! oh, and my photographer, brandon, almost fell in the pool on this cold day, LOL. lastly, check out my instagram for a chance to WIN THIS DRESS! the giveways i've been running have been so fun, it feels so good to give something away for the holidays so i hope you'll join in! see ya next week, xx.

currently on my playlist: meant to be by Bebe Rexha ft. Georgia Line

READ MORE

BUT hold up... wait a minute.. 33?! come on.. forealzzz? where the hell did three decades + three years go?!?! you know what's funny is when you ask and answer the question of where you see yourself in five years and then when you find yourself there, life looks completely different than you imagined five years ago. well, that's been my. whole. life. basically. it has never turned out as planned. like. nothing. (insert nervous laughter). so the best plan is to not have one; solid advice, i know. at least for life. everything that went "wrong" led me right here -- i have to say, it's a pretty good spot. i thought i'd be married -- maybe? have children -- possibly? am i anywhere near that? um...... no. my life is completely different from all my friends i grew up with; they have all seemed to move on with the typical life progression. there is no denying that our lives have become un-relatable and vice versa. no ones fault. but i guess my journey is just different and i can't help but to believe that there is beauty in that. or at least.. that's what i'm sticking to!

my friend sent this to me ages ago (thanks GF you know who you are), i frequently refer to it when i need some perspective: 

It takes six million grains of pollen to seed one peony, and salmon need a lifetime of swimming to find their way home, so we mustn't be alarmed or discouraged when it takes us years to find love or years to understand our calling in life.
Everything in nature is given some form of resilience by which it can rehearse finding its way, so that, when it does, it is practiced and ready to seize its moment. This includes us.
When things don't work out - when loves unexpectedly end or careers stop unfolding - it can be painful and sad, but refusing this larger picture keeps us from finding our resilience. Then, sadness can turn into discouragement, and pain can spoil into despair.
As the many grains of pollen birth the one flower and the many eggs spawned birth the one fish, each person we love and each dream we try to give life to brings us closer to the mystery of being alive. So, we must try as many times as necessary until our many loves become the one love, until our many dreams become the one dream, until heart and path feel the same. // the book of awakening

i have to remind myself this all the time, but i think it's really important to focus on the "things" that i have in my life and the things that are going right versus the things that i don't have or aren't going "right." sometimes you gotta put blinders on and not pay attention to anyone around you but yourself and the path ahead that is meant for you. one foot in front of the other, one day at a time. some days it can be hard, but other days it can be so gratifying. there is something to be said about going on a path completely alone, without any co-dependency, and no one to turn to at the end of the day except yourself. it sounds a little sad, but by golly, it makes you one hell of a strong person i tell ya. so cheers to the road less traveled, cheers to the little victories, & cheers to 33 -- i plan on crushin' it. xx 

dress c/o | Maggy London zipporah midi (TTS, wearing a size 2) 
shoes | Jimmy Choo abel pumps in black patent (old design) -- current design // similar 1 // similar 2
bag | DVF lytton clutch in black quilted leather (old) -- similar and $68 // similar 
earrings c/o | BaubleBar eve hoop earrings in white -- similar but with sequins // another great holiday option
sunglasses | Le Specs air heart 51mm sunglasses in black & gold -- similar but more cat eye // similar but more rectangular (love these)
bracelet | Vita Fede mini titan crystal bracelet in gold -- similar
lips | Christian Louboutin velvet matte lip color in rouge 001M (FAVE RED) -- similar in a matte liquid
rings | Gorjana amara ring set // Amanda Deer c/o CZ solitaire ring // Amanda Deer c/o CZ accents midi ring

#cantstopwontstop,
JD

photo credit: Brandon Hill
a post done in collaboration with Maggy London. 
dress provided by Maggy London, all opinions are my own.
special thanks to the Westin Austin Downtown for the backdrop!. 

the striped short bell sleeve dress

workwear with a little bit of flare.

sometimes it's hard to incorporate trendy fashion into workwear. but when it's subtle and it works... i go for it! this one is a pretty good example of a regular shift dress with a short bell sleeve flare to it #nopunintended. ha. while bell sleeves have been "in" for the past year, the long bell sleeve isn't really that practical for work, i can only imagine typing with them, that would drive me nuts. anyways, this was a good option! yes, sorry it is sold out but i've linked some similar options below. #bloggerproblems

these block heels are definitely one of my favorite ones i own. while they are a tad high for my taste but the strap across the toes is pretty soft -- i have debated other colors. not sure if i've mentioned this -- but i feel like Ann Taylor makes some pretty comfortable quality shoes for the price? they do. debating these pretty lace up ones in blush! 

side ramblings: last week, the @kendrascott fall 2017 collection released that is inspired by Kendra's travels to Italy -- the lookbook for this collection is stunning and yet again i make mental notes about how old i'm getting and how i need to get out there one day! i digress. see all the pieces here. i cannot wait to style the lucielle y necklace & the blithe cocktail ring! other stand out pieces from the collection: the iris statement bracelet & the daria statement earrings. my blogger babe, Ela @theelaedition makes a comeback to the blogging world! she opens up about what bloggers struggle with, including some thoughts that have crossed my mind. Kimberly, @littlebittyinthecity talks about rejection which i can absolutely relate to, we all can. lastly, i saw Girl's Trip this past weekend... HILARIOUS!! i couldn't stop laughing!! #muchneeded. 

currently on my playlist: i got you by Bebe Rexha

READ MORE

dress | LOFT striped short bell sleeve dress (sold out) -- similar from Banana Republic // similar from Target // similar but embroidered
shoes | Ann Taylor leda block heel sandal in navy suede -- similar from Target // similar but lower heel // similar but lace up
bag | Louis Vuitton medium neverfull in monogram canvas
sunglasses | Karen Walker number one sunglasses in black
earrings | Kendra Scott tima stud earrings in gold (favorite work earrings) -- similar // another good work stud option
necklace | Kendra Scott ginger statement necklace in black (old) -- similar
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 -- similar // BaubleBar tri bar ring (old) -- similar // Cassandra Collections c/o mini ring
watch | Michael Kors darci watch in gold
bracelet | Vita Fede mini titan crystal bracelet in gold -- similar

rock the short bell sleeve,
JD

photo credit: Brandon Hill