the scalloped skirt & neck tie blouse

January 29, 2015

i love scallops (clothing and food)! #nopunintended

i have a problem. every time i see a scalloped piece of clothing, i get very excited (obviously it doesn't take much). this scalloped skirt and neck tie blouse are great pieces for work but also comfortable enough to take you into date night. after work, add some colorful statement earrings/rings and a playful chained crossbody bag and you will be G2G (good to go).

some tips for a date night look:

keep it simple, wear something comfortable (aka: not tight, revealing, low cut, or short)!!
all you need is a little blush
emphasize eyes with eyeliner -- cateye or the feline flick (if you don't know, just google it). no need for eyeshadow either. (eyeshadow? what? how do you put that on?!).
crossbody handbag = fuss-free
save the bold lip for another day
loose wavy curls always make a fun flirtatious look

skirt | LOFT scalloped skirt in black (old) -- similar
top | LOFT 3/4 sleeve neck tie blouse (old) -- similar and loving the colorblocking
shoes | Sam Edelman okala pumps in black suede
clutch | Tory Burch adjustable clutch w/removable chain (old) -- similar
bracelet | Vita Fede mini titan crystal bracelet in gold
earrings | Kendra Scott delilah geometric drop earrings in cobalt (old collection) -- similar from the classic collection
ring | Kendra Scott cora cocktail ring in cobalt (old collection) -- can't really find anything similar in terms of shape since this was a pretty unique piece, but in terms of color, the Kendra Scott daisy ring in colbalt is gorgeous!
lips | MAC lipstick in brick-o-la
hair | attempted by JD

lululemon coral & petal camo print

January 19, 2015

howdy! i thought i would switch it up and do an athletic wear post. because let's face it, if i could wear this all day everyday, i WOULD.

i love me some lululemon. yes, it is an insane amount to pay for clothes that you are going to sweat in... (insert long pause). but hey, think of it as motivation. if you're going to spend that much on athletic wear you BETTER put them to use. again, we're all about quality over quantity here at JDC (jannadoan.com)! let's just call it #athleticweargame

pictured above are some lululemon items that i wear constantly:

top | lululemon stuff your bra (seasonal, hopefully it will be back this summer) / lululemon 105 f singlet
pants | lululemon speed tights in petal camo with reflective prints on the sides (sold out in this print)
jacket | lululemon define jacket in black
shoes | Mizuno wave inspire 9 (old version) -- newest model is the wave inspire 11
sunglasses | Ray-Ban RB3025 (55mm) original aviator in gold/green
earrings | BaubleBar triangle ear cuff from the play by ear set (gifted from the bestie!)
necklace | hanger pendant necklace (gifted from the bestie!)
rings | etsy stacking rings / gorgana mae shimmer midi ring in gold and the vesta cuff ring in gold

details on the lululemon items above:

lululemon stuff your bra -- this one of the most comfortable sports bras from lulu, in my opinion. it even has openings in front where you can put your chapstick etc.. i never use this function but its nice for those who run and need a chapstick pick me up. i only have two of these and wished i had picked up more when they were available. hopefully they make a come back again later this year.
lululemon 105 f singlet -- great tank for the days when you want to wear a longer, loose fitting top. the material is very lightweight and comes in almost any color you can think of.
lululemon speed tights -- these are my go to tights in the winter, they are warm yet moisture wicking. i really like the side pockets, including the zippered pocket on the waistband in the back.
lululemon define jacket -- this jacket was discontinued from lululemon for some time. it made a come back this year and this was my first time getting to try it. i like the thumbholes, the cuffins (think of built in mitts!), and the zippered side pockets. great jacket for the to-and-from. it can also be worn casually as well (double duty!).

rock the lulu,
JD

the blanket scarf & top bun

January 8, 2015

finally getting back into the swing of things. and first things first. i did a top bun. WHAT?! this took a few tries. the result was much hair loss.. and hairspray out the wazoo. seriously. if you noticed, i never do my hair because 1) you guessed it. i ain't got time for that, 2) i'm clueless when it comes to curling hair, and 3) my hair is so thick, it makes it even harder to style. don't get me wrong, i'm not complaining, my parents have blessed me with such good genes! i've tried doing a sock bun before and my sister and i laughed so hard afterwards because it looked like there was a tire sitting on top of my head! no joke. so i found this thing here in the Walmart isle, one lady must have noticed me contemplating because she immediately came to my rescue and told me how much she loved hers. SOLD. they sell these everywhere, Forever21, H&M.. it works great and I recommend it for people with thick hair.

ok, onto the next item. this blanket scarf is everything! it was freezing cold when we shot these and the only thing that was warm was my neck, thanks to this blanket scarf. the thing about the blanket scarf is that it is huge. it adds some major fluff to your neck and shoulders (hence the warmness) so i believe it looks best with an updo (nothing fancy) -- high pony tail or top bun. blanket scarves are also great for traveling because of how many times you can wrap it around, and because it can also be used as a blanket. seriously. i love the neutral tones of this one in particular.

top | LOFT marled sweater in dusty grey
denim | Hudson nico super skinny mid-rise jeans in abbey wash
scarf | ASOS oversized scarf in big check (currently sold out) -- similar 1 / similar 2
shoes | Frye melissa button boot in cognac
bag | Celine micro luggage tote in navy
earrings | BaubleBar pearl 360 studs in ivory
rings | BaubleBar gemini pearl ring / BaubleBar ice lateral midi ring in gold / etsy stacking rings

black tulle & sequin sweater

January 1, 2015

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2014--it has been real. in one word i can only describe it as rewarding. it was a year filled with challenges that resulted in so much growth for me in terms of health, strength, mentality, and just overall well being. the launch of this blog was a high point, as it was something i had wanted to do for years. i work tirelessly on this site in hopes that someone out there is inspired? slightly entertained by my jibber jabber? or perhaps takes my words of strength to heart? whatever it is that brings you here, thank you. the journey continues so stick around!

2015--this is our year for the taking. so show it who's boss! (that's YOU).

#stronger
#cantstopwontstop,
JD

i have been lemming a tulle (pronounced as "tool") skirt, it's so... what's the word... whimsical! and... PERFECT for a new year's outfit.

skirt | Space 46 the wendy 25" tulle skirt in black -- runs small, measure yourself and check the size chart before purchasing.
top | LOFT sequin stripe sweater in whisper white
shoes | LuLu's elsi single strap heels in black suede
bag | DVF lytton clutch in black quilted leather (sold out) -- similar
necklace | Etsy wreath collar necklace in gray -- similar from BaubleBar in opal
earrings | ASOS big faux pearl and stone swing earrings (sold out) -- similar
rings | BaubleBar mason crystal ring in gold / BaubleBar ice lateral midi ring in gold / Etsy stacking rings
watch | Michael Kors darci in gold
lips | MAC lipstick in brick-o-la (favorite MAC lipstick)

flannel gingham & quilted vest

December 18, 2014

don't underestimate the flannel shirt. this thing will keep you pretty warm. even if you're chopping down a tree... or just trying to model it. !

top | J.Crew Factory classic button down flannel shirt in cape gingham
vest | lululemon athletica fluff off vest (last season) -- similar
pants | lululemon athletica wunder under pants in black
wellies | Hunter huntress rain boots in matte black
watch | Skagen grenen watch in titanium (men's)
rings | BaubleBar ice lateral midi ring in gold / etsy stacking rings

rock the flannel,
JD

the black peplum skirt & crop top

December 11, 2014

crop top got nothin' on me.

as my bio states, "when it comes to fashion, i believe in staying true to your style, but also stepping out of your comfort zone and trying something completely different! make it yours and rock it!" here is a great example... the crop top is something i wouldn't normally wear because it's out of my comfort zone. but, i quickly learned there is nothing to fear. i've seen it styled many ways, but i discovered what works for me as you will discover what works for you. here are a few tips and tricks to rock the crop top:

1. the key is to keep it classy and pair the crop top with a high waisted bottom. no need to have your entire mid-drift showing! i personally think the crop top looks best with a midi skirt, whether it be fitted or a fit and flare. but, don't limit yourself! try some high waisted shorts and pants. oh, and add a blazer? yes, now we're talking.
2. pick a crop top that is fitted, not tight like a sausage casing!
3. go for a high neck crop top versus a v-neck/scoop neck. since you are already showing some skin on your waist there is no need to be more revealing. unless.. that is the look you are trying to achieve.
4. add some bright lips and wear it all with confidence. yea yea!

true confession... i love this skirt but it has sat in my closet for about a year now because A) i couldn't find the perfect top to wear it with, B) i had no idea where i would wear it because it is... quite a statement. but now... the frequent saying is... it's #fortheblog (insert emoji monkey covering eyes)

top | H&M high neck crop top (sold out) -- similar / similar and textured
skirt | ASOS scuba pencil skirt with peplum hem in black (only avail in tall now) -- similar and color blocked fun!
bag | Tory Burch adjustable clutch w/removable chain (old) -- similar
shoes | LuLu's elsi single strap heels in black suede (i highly recommend some padded/gel inserts for the balls of the feet with these!)
earrings | Kendra Scott tima stud earrings in gold (currently out of stock)
bracelet | Kendra Scott ailee link bracelet in abalone shell (sold out) / etsy stacking and midi rings
rings | Kendra Scott isha stacking rings (set of three) in abalone shell multi
lips | NARS semi-matte lipstick in funny face (favorite fuchsia)

rock the crop top,
JD

the textured circle skirt & cobalt blue scarf

December 4, 2014

the circle skirt gives off fun vibes. and really, i just want to twirl in it. i chose to pair this pleated circle skirt with a long loose fitting sweater. i added a cobalt blue scarf for a splash of color and a pair of blue statement earrings to tie the whole look together. outfits that are mainly black or gray can always be brightened with some color using accessories such as scarves, necklaces, earrings, and tights! or... (insert drum roll) lipstick!

also, i can't for the life of me understand why hair is always so perfect when one leaves the salon? i mean, am i the only one who feels that way?! what the heck do they do to your hair that makes it PERFECT? it's like you don't want to wash the magical-ness out? and feel that you should do something/anything that day instead of go home and lounge?! the freshly styled haircut needs to be seen ladies. so... i encourage you to get haircuts in the morning and flaunt the hair. yep. i said it. here i chopped off some hair and made sure to take some bloggin' pictures afterwards! now, if you ask me, that's some strategic planning. yea yea!!

top | H&M fine knit sweater in light gray melange
skirt | H&M textured-weave skirt in black
tights | Merona premium opaque tights in black -- probably the warmest tights i have! and available in so many colors.
shoes | DV by Dolce Vita thora bootie in black suede (old) -- similar / similar
scarf | Express (old) -- similar
bag | Tory Burch city satchel in black (old) -- similar
earrings | BaubleBar crystal bronte drops in blue
rings | Kendra Scott daisy ring in slate (color bar), etsy stacking/midi rings