the off shoulder sweater wrap

January 21, 2016

something is off about this off shoulder! haha.

this is probably the most unique piece in my wardrobe. when i saw @ruthieridley wear this top, i was intrigued, so in my cart it went (...with a few other items...) when it arrived i spent a good 10 minutes trying to figure out how to wear it. thank goodness the website had pictures on how to put it on! it's like an off shoulder wrap/crop sweater/shawl hybrid etc.. you could probably wrap it around as a scarf even. i have nothing like it, it's a very sexy yet classy piece, but oh man, it's was a little impractical to wear. LOL. but honestly, i think it's because i didn't wear it with something high-waisted. it's also a one size fits all (which, come on... how does that work?!) so i spent a lot of time adjusting it. either way i liked the unique-ness of this piece to buy it in black as well. here are some things about wearing this top that i had to document based on certain situations i found myself in. basically, i spent a good deal of the day laughing at myself:

wear a bandeau underneath.
arms are either at your waist or inside pockets. they will never be above because you will be flashing your side to everyone.
driving could be an issue, so drive with an underhand grip. forget u-turns. LOL. ok fine, minor exaggeration.
no high five-ing anybody! unless you want to flash them. apparently, i am a high fiver.
forget hair fixing. (in public at least).

with that said, i highly i suggest pairing this with a high-waisted skirt or pant. (i will try this with the black one for another look). that did not happen here (hence, some midriff, sorry!). it was a cold day so i opted for some... wide leg DRESS PANTS!! add in chic brooch (finally the opportunity to wear this beauty!! i have a thing for brooches!) and you got yourself a classy outfit you can't really do much in. LOL. nonetheless, this was a fun shoot for the books!

oh, might i add; i did not do my own hair. (obviously). that's why blow outs are perfect for gals like me who are #hairchallenged. the best thing about blow outs is that you ain't got to wash your hair for a few days! yea yea! #hellothirtys

currently on my playlist: Ain't nobody (loves me better) by Felix Jaehn

top | SheIn off shoulder knit sweater in grey (also comes in black)
pants | LOFT tie waist trousers in black (excellent material, one of my fave place for dress pants)
shoes | Jimmy Choo abel pump in black patent -- similar by Ivanka Trump
bag | clare vivier basketweave foldover clutch in black -- similar / awesome studded one!
earrings | ASOS big faux pearl and stone swing earrings (old) -- similar / similar in marble!
brooch | BaubleBar crystal donati brooch -- similar / similar with a pearl / gold swan!
rings | Kendra Scott daisy ring in slate / BaubleBar tri bar ring (sold out) -- avail in midi / BaubleBar ice chevron midi ring (on sale!) / BaubleBar diana midi ring / BaubleBar arrow wrap ring (on sale!) / Etsy stacking & midi rings
lips | MAC amplifed creme lipstick in brick-o-la
nails | essie nail polish in frock 'n roll (fall 2015 collection, it's a unique color and only ONE coat is needed!)

what are some unique pieces you own?
JD

the turtleneck tunic

January 7, 2016

first post of 2016!!!

i hope your year is off to an AMAZING start! i'm slowin' it down with a simple relaxed look. winter is my favorite season, i'm all about layering, scarves, boots, drinking hot coffee!, and SWEATERS!! what's better than a sweater? ...a loose/relaxed fitted sweater with side s(p)lits. it allows you to wear longer length sweaters (yes please!) without it fitting all weird around the thighs/glutes!! i love the side s(p)lit sweaters. i also think it adds a different element to your typical winter sweater. i decided to dress this outfit up with big statement earrings, a classic bag, and some pointed toe heels. this look would also be great with some OTK boots!

currently on my playlist: For a better day -- Avicci

top | LOFT relaxed turtleneck tunic in black (available in 5 colors, size down) -- similar / round neck / v-neck and on sale / love this sleeveless one
denim | Hudson nico mid-rise skinny jeans in abbey wash
shoes | Jimmy Choo abel pump in black patent -- similar by Ivanka Trump
bag | CHANEL 2.55 classic double flap bag in black lambskin -- dupe from F21 / cute quilted clutch / in tweed
sunglasses | Dolce & Gabanna (0 DG 4216) cat eye sunglasses in black with printed roses
earrings | Kendra Scott danielle earrings in black pearl
rings | BaubleBar tri bar ring (sold out) -- avail in midi / BaubleBar arrow wrap ring (on sale!) / BaubleBar diana midi ring / Etsy stacking & midi rings
lips | MAC amplifed creme lipstick in brick-o-la
nails | Sephora Formula X nail polish in gray matter (only ONE coat needed; gifted from BFF!)

loose sweaters for the win!,
JD

the off-shoulder bodycon dress

December 28, 2015

if you're not doing something that scares you everyday, you're not doing it right.

#word. this is the tightest dress i own. yikes.!! if you follow this blog, you already know that i rarely/never wear tight clothes. however, i just can't get enough of all the off-shoulder looks so i bought this dress knowing it was going to be out of my comfort zone. the thought was also, 'this would be a fun, flirty, won't-totally-freeze NYE outfit without all the sequins/feathers/fringe etc...' (ok, confession -- it's because i don't own anything sequin/feather/fringe... LOL. i'm so afraid the sequins are going to fall off by the hundreds knowing my luck). bodycons can be worn in a classy/elegant way. you just need to opt for longer lengths. i kept it simple with nude heels to help elongate my short legs since the dress falls at an awkward length on my 5' 2" shorty-self. the rest of the look is pretty simple since i felt the dress already made quite the statement. and finally, my Chanel boy WOC debuts. she's a beauty.

currently on my playlist: Do it -- Tuxedo
talk about a feel good song! heard it at barre class (been trying it out lately, it's awesome) and it makes me so happy killin' it at the barre to this jam. #cantstopwontstop

the off-shoulder bodycon dress -- jannadoan.com

dress | Forever21 off shoulder bodycon dress in black -- similar but shorter / similar and striped / love this one in white! / similar with lace (and on sale)
shoes | Manolo Blahnik BB pump in nude patent -- similar and on sale / similar / similar and studded
bag | CHANEL boy wallet on chain in red caviar leather -- similar and on sale / similar / similar in mini size
stole | ASOS faux fur stole in cream (old) -- similar from Sole Society / similar from Ann Taylor
earrings | Kendra Scott quincy delicate earrings in crackle crystal (old collection) -- similar / similar in stud form
bracelet | BaubleBar network grid cuff (on sale) -- similar / similar / similar
rings | BaubleBar ice chevron midi ring (on sale!) / BaubleBar arrow wrap ring (on sale) / BaubleBar crystal mason ring in gold / BaubleBar diana midi ring in gold / Etsy stacking & midi rings
lips | MAC amplifed creme lipstick in brick-o-la

rock the off shoulder bodycon dress,
JD

the red skirt & pearls

December 21, 2015

my favorite time of the year and only a few more days til Christmas!

first things first, thank YOU so much for all the birthday wishes! i can't wait to see what 31 has in store for me; the best is yet to come! #cantstopwontstop

here we go with a holiday look that consists of a red flared skirt (with pockets!), and a cream high neck top embellished with pearls. as you can tell, i love anything with pockets and all high neck tops! to finish this look off, i went with nude heels and RED lips. #alwaysgobold so a little about this Christian Louboutin lipstick... i somehow managed to snag one during the Sephora VIB sale for 20% off (because i would never pay regular price), what a ridiculous amount to pay for some lipstick, but i will say it does live up to its hype -- the prettiest matte blue-red for my very pale skin!

currently on my playlist: Way we go down -- Kaleo i heard about this band through a little birdie and i can't stop listening to them! i thought this song was my favorite but i honestly can't decide between that and All the pretty girls. #sotalented i need to see them live!

hope you are getting all that wrapping done (because i haven't even started!!) .... drink hot cocoa, watch movies, lounge by the fireplace, spend time with loved ones, sleep in, play board games, eat, be merry, laugh, ...and pilates (had to sneak that one in)! happy holidays from my family to yours! xoxo, JD

Texas Capitol against the beautiful red granite facade!

top | H&M high neck top embellished with pearls in cream (old) -- similar and on sale / similar in black / similar
skirt | Banana Republic full pleated skirt in red (sold out) -- similar in satin / similar / similar / similar and pleated
shoes | Manolo Blahnik BB pump in nude patent -- similar and on sale / similar / similar and studded
bag | Kate Landry pyramid metal hardframe clutch (old) -- similar / similar / similar
earrings | Kendra Scott carmen earrings customized from the color bar
bracelet | Etsy pave link bracelet -- similar from BaubleBar / similar with tortoise links
rings | BaubleBar ice chevron midi ring / BaubleBar pearl crown ring / BaubleBar pave eternity ring / BaubleBar diana midi ring / Etsy stacking & midi rings
lips | Christian Louboutin velvet matte lip color in rouge louboutin 001M (sold out and re-stocked in March 2016) -- similar by Tom Ford in ruby rush but a true red

the champagne lace dress

December 10, 2015

#birthdaymonth (shenanigans)

no birthday is complete without a birthday dress!!! i purchased this champagne/cream shift dress with lace detail for my 31st this weekend. what i like most about this dress is the ease of fit, POCKETS!, the length, but most importantly... the subtle lace detail! i also love how the lace is contrasted with black. instead of going with a neutral color palette, i opted for black accessories -- shoes, earrings, bag, and necklace to bring out the pretty black lace trim! it was a windy and cold day to be wearing this... and i was so determined to get a balloon shot in.. wind + balloons do not mix... just FYI. oh, and ever try to drive with balloons in your car? that ain't fun. lol.

random laughs (because laughter is the CURE to everythanggg!): my photographer shared this instagram husband YouTube clip with me. have you seen it?!! if not, oh man... you're in for a treat. it is HILAR!! i was rolling through this entire video and might have re-watched it a few more times for laughs!! LOL. "a human selfie stick." "higher, higher." #deskslapper. LOL.

currently on my playlist: Hold me up -- Conrad Sewell
i love how Conrad describes the inspiration behind this song, "It’s about the people in your life who’ve been there for you when times weren’t so good, when you’re in that lonely hour and nothing seems to be going your way. I thought that was a message that everyone could learn from." #cheerstothat

the champagne lace dress -- jannadoan.com

wind + balloons = tangled mess & awkward picture.

dress | J.Crew edged lace cap sleeve dress in vintage champagne
shoes | Sam Edelman okala pumps in black suede -- similar / similar
bag | Tory Burch adjustable clutch w/removable chain (old) -- similar / similar but larger
sunglasses | Prada round oversized sunglasses in black (love the simple sides on these over the baroque design)
earrings | Kendra Scott alex earrings in black
necklace | Kendra Scott ginger statement necklace in black (old) -- similar
bracelet | BaubleBar pinnacle cuff in gold
rings | BaubleBar tri bar ring (sold out) -- similar / BaubleBar ice chevron midi ring (sold out) -- similar / Etsy stacking & midi rings
lips | MAC amplifed creme lipstick in brick-o-la

cheers to 31!
JD

the bow blouse & midi skirt

November 23, 2015

when in doubt, put a bow on it. (a big grey one)

i've worn this skirt earlier this year with a cream top and pearls. this time i decided to pair it with a grey long sleeve blouse with a HUGE bow on the side. this top also looks great with all types of skirts and skinny jeans (plus blazer) as well. it was actually quite cold this day so the faux fur stole came in handy for a few shots, i usually think stoles look better styled on jackets vs. wearing it plain, but it turned out alright here. might i add, this is a perfect holiday look with some red lipstick!

currently on my playlist: Let it go -- James Bay

the bow blouse & midi skirt -- jannadoan.com

added a faux fur stole for fun! plus it was freezing!

top | chicwish kiss me bow top in grey (sold out) -- also available in mustard and pink
skirt | H&M textured midi skirt in black (old) -- similar in satin RED! / similar in burgundy / similar in black striped mesh
stole | ASOS faux fur stole in cream (old) -- similar from Sole Society / similar / similar in black
shoes | Jimmy Choos abel pump in black patent -- similar by Ivanka Trump
bag | DVF lytton clutch in black quilted leather (old) -- similar in gold and on sale / in emerald / in black
sunglasses | Prada round oversized sunglasses in black (love the simple sides on these over the baroque design)
earrings | ASOS big faux pearl and stone swing earrings (old) -- similar
rings | BaubleBar arrow wrap ring / BaubleBar pave eternity ring in gold / BaubleBar gemini pearl ring / BaubleBar ice chevron midi ring (sold out) -- similar / Etsy stacking & midi rings
lips | Tom Ford lip color in casablanca

rock the bow, faux fur stole and all,
JD

the burgundy pleated skirt & crop top

November 12, 2015

burgundy everything please.

i don't think i can stop wearing this color right now! call it what you want, oxblood, burgundy, wine. it's all good, we get it. in my last post i paired it with grey. in this post we go with my favorite color, BLACK (if it were actually a real color). this pleated skirt is very flattering (not to mention it comes in so many colors) and again, y'all know how much i love midi skirts. i would also pair this with a fitted long sleeve turtleneck and perhaps some black booties, but it was pretty hot that day so i went with a black high neck crop top. you can't lose with the midi + crop top. TRUST ME. the platforms add a fun, playful vibe and somehow the mini bag just blended in with this color palette and look.

this was one of the most memorable shoots for me because a riot started to form in front of the courthouse (my fav place to shoot), the lighting was horrible because it was daylight savings and i didn't account for time correctly. oh, and i fell on my butt in front of the security camera (probably flashed it in the process)!! my photographer thought i was going to bust out crying but i ended up laughing for the rest of the shoot. yea, it happens to all of us. okay, maybe just me. i lost my balance with these platform heel thing-ma-jigs. plus, i think i mentioned before, my feet are untrained to heels. the only downside to these platforms is that the surface area of the base is actually smaller than the shoe itself which makes it a little unstable (i've linked other options after the jump). #mypainisyourgain. thank goodness i didn't twist my ankle!

currently on my playlist: lay it all on me -- Rudimental ft. Ed Sheeran. hope y'all are having an awesome week and thanks for reading!