the sleeveless coat

it's april?! what?!!!!! 

there is something about this sleeveless coat/trench/duster trend that i cannot get enough of. i can't be the only one. like what? sleeveless coat? such an oxymoron. it's definitely more trendy than functional. keep in mind, this thing isn't supposed to keep you super warm which means it is perfect for spring! throw it on any outfit (dresses, skinny jeans) and BOOM. instant AWESOME-NESS. when i saw this on my blogger babe, Maria @MiaMiaMine (in case you were wondering, she rocks everythannggg) i quickly made my purchase! it also just came out in navy. so i'd hop to it because it will sell out.

this Kendra Scott phara necklace has always been a unique piece in my jewelry collection because of the many ways that you can wear it. it's a long strand with two tassels on the end. here i choose to wear it almost as a choker and... i totally made this up last minute. lol. of all the pictures i've seen of this necklace i haven't seen it worn this way. maybe it was a bad choice. who knows?! 

BTW--i was doing some walking/action shots, and uh. my heel got stuck RIGHT in between the cracks of that brick looking walkway!! what are chances?! yep, my left foot went flying out.. and then there i was with my left foot bare on the cement laughing like a crazy lady for the next five minutes. #hilar!!! seriously one for the books! there is nothing like good freakin' laugh. ok, but honestly, it kind of hurt. LOL. #blogginginjury

currently on my playlist: rather be by Clean Bandit ft. Jess Glynne

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top | ASOS v hem shell top -- similar but more fitted / similar with sleeves
coat | ASOS New Look belted sleeveless coat in gray -- also avail in navy
denim | Hudson shine mid-rise skinny jeans in obsidian -- similar
shoes | Manolo Blahnik BB pump in nude patent -- similar
bag | Celine micro luggage tote in navy -- pretty good dupe
sunglasses | Karen Walker number one sunglasses in black via ditto.com use code "JANNADOANXOXO" to get one month for free -- good dupe in many colors for $8
earrings | Kendra Scott sky earrings in white pearl
necklace | Kendra Scott phara necklace in gold
watch | Michael Kors darci watch in gold -- check out this one with a MINT face!
bracelet | Vita Fede mini titan crystal bracelet in gold
rings | Vita Fede double cubo ring in gold / Gorjana candice shimmer ring in gold via rocksbox.com, use code "jannadoanxoxo" to get one month for free / BaubleBar arrow wrap ring / BaubleBar ice chevron midi ring / Etsy stacking & midi rings
lips | Tom Ford lip color in casablanca

rock the sleeveless coat,
JD

day to night in a pleated hem top

this pleated hem top is one of my favorite recent purchases for a few reasons -- 1) LOOSE!, 2) pleated peplum-ish hem, 3) white-ish, and 4) not too low cut. darn, i should've tried to twirl in it. #missedopportunity haha. here are FIVE simple ways on how i transitioned this outfit from day to night, easy peasy! 

  1. take off that blazer -- show some skin, yea yea!
  2. tote/handbag to a snazzy clutch -- i choose this spring/summery beaded clutch, but any clutch works.
  3. flats to heels -- it's all about comfy flats during the day, these do not disappoint. heels elevate (#literally) any look and these MB are my favorite nude heels. so worth the investment. 
  4. watch to statement cuff -- love this minimal understated design on this cuff. OR change out your necklace/earrings to a statement piece, whatever works for your outfit!
  5. lip balm to lipstick -- i went with my favorite 'my lips but better' lipstick but a bold lip is always a great choice for a night out, #bebold!

also, here i am wearing my ENTIRE Rocksbox that arrived! for those who don't know what Rocksbox is, it is a jewelry subscription box that is curated by your own stylist based on a initial survey you take when signing up. the cool thing is you can leave feedback about each box so it becomes even more tailored to your taste! you also get to purchase the pieces you want to keep at a discount... ok, confession. i ended up buying the turquoise necklace and the ring... lol. use code "jannadoanxoxo" to receive one month free!

currently on my playlist: thinking out loud x i know i'm not the only one mash-up by Sam Tsui & Casey Breves (talk about talent)

DAY.

NIGHT.

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top | Banana Republic pleated hem layered tank in cocoon (also available in light blue and navy)
blazer | H&M fitted jacket in powder pink
denim | Hudson nico mid-rise skinny jeans in abbey wash -- similar
shoes | Sam Edelman bev flats in blush & black leather (such a steal and a great CHANEL dupe, and so comfy -- the best part is i will never have to woryy about scuffing them!) / Manolo Blahnik BB pump in nude patent -- similar
bags | Louis Vuitton MM neverfull tote in monogram canvas / Charming Charlie daniella beaded satin clutch (also has a chain to wear as a crossbody; can't find it online but purchased it recently in-store) -- similar
earrings | BaubleBar ear jackets (old) -- similar
necklaces | BaubleBar acrylic block monogram necklace in tortoise shell / House of Harlow 1960 ascension pendant necklace in turquoise via Rocksbox (use code "jannadoanxoxo" to get one month free)
bracelet | SLATE barred cuff in gold via Rocksbox (use code "jannadoanxoxo" to get one month free)
rings | Gorjana candice shimmer ring in gold via Rocksbox (use code "jannadoanxoxo" to get one month free) / BaubleBar tri bar ring (sold out) / BaubleBar diana midi ring / BaubleBar ice chevron midi ring / Etsy stacking & midi rings
sunglasses | ASOS Toyshades ida cat eye sunglasses (a good Celine dupe)
lips | Dior lip reviver lip glow in sheer pink coral / MAC amplified creme lipstick in brick-o-la
nails | Smith & Cult nail polish in doe my dear

rock that day to night transition,
JD

the spring trench & boyfriend jeans

if there ever comes a day when we can't be together, keep me in your heart and i'll stay there forever. --Winnie the Pooh

a huge thank you for all your comments and sympathy on the loss of my 16 yr old doxie; Xi. it means so much to me. <3. these pictures were taken a few weeks back. last week was really tough i honestly didn't feel like posting anything, so this is much delayed. i needed time to grieve and still am but i know i have to find the courage to smile and laugh again. my friend sent me an article about the purpose of a dog's life from a 6yr old, when asked why dogs have shorter lives than humans, the 6yr old responded, "People are born so that they can learn how to live a good life -- like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right? Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don't have to stay as long." kids... they say the darnest things. but i felt he put things in perspective for me. everyone who has passed away in my life has suffered some sort of pain and the only thing that consoles me is that they are resting comfortably and peacefully, this goes for Xi as well. i miss him so much. 

i have been on the fence about the boyfriend jean trend the past few years. these are old, but i struggled to find a pair that fit me without making me look like i was swimming in them, then there was different washes and levels of distress to add into the mix. style tip: the key is to look for boyfriend jeans that look nothing like your boyfriend's jeans. #howisthatforadvice? go for a straight fit or more fitted distressed jeans or even petite sizes so they aren't too baggy in the thigh area. 

i went with a light wash -- somehow light washes are always great for casual looks which i think the whole boyfriend jean vibe gives off. in addition these aren't really distressed. in fact, by the end of this shoot, the hole ended up growing like 2x. LOL. this top is actually cropped, so i spent a lot of time pulling it down. another styling tip to wearing BF jeans: opt for heels! seriously. this kind of look needs something very feminine to elevate it and no better way than a pair of heels! also, as we transition into spring, of course i had to bust out the trench -- such a great piece, even when it is not raining! 

currently on my playlist: piece by piece by Kelly Clarkson -- what a heartfelt performance and song. 
currently reading: me before you by Jojo Moyes

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what i spend most of my time doing during these shoots... laughing at myself.

top | H&M striped crop top (old) -- similar / similar 
denim | Gap 1969 boyfriend jeans (old)  -- similar / really LOVE these
jacket | Banana Republic classic trench in khaki (old; wearing an XS petite, don't ask me how i even got myself to fit in this) -- similar / similar with a ruffle hem
bag | Celine micro luggage tote in navy -- pretty good dupe
shoes | Manolo Blahnik BB pump in nude patent -- similar
earrings | Kendra Scott sky earrings in white pearl
necklace | BaubleBar gold ra bib necklace
watch | Michael Kors darci watch in gold -- check out this one with a MINT face!
bracelet | BaubleBar pearl taylor cuff -- great deal in a set
rings | Vita Fede ultra mini double cubo crystal ring in gold / BaubleBar arrow wrap ring / BaubleBar diana midi ring / BaubleBar ice chevron midi ring / Etsy stacking & midi rings
sunglasses | Coach casey sunglasses in dark turquoise -- similar 
lipstick | MAC amplified creme lipstick in brick-o-la
nails | essie nail polish in topless & barefoot (finally, i found a nude polish!! all nudes are not created equally)
 

rock the BF jeans & trench,
JD
  

denim x chambray

i've wanted to do denim x denim/chambray look for a while, so took advantage of the wacky TX weather for this shoot. the main thing when wearing this combo is to opt for either a lighter or darker wash from your jeans. after that add some fun to your outfit with either prints or pops of color. i took this opportunity to pull out my leopard print heels and layered some jewelry! i've been loving my rocksbox subscription and rocked two pieces from my first box below. review coming soon, but get your first month for FREE using code "jannadoanxoxo"

other mention-ables about this outfit:

  • it's all about the half-tuck.
  • i can now join the pompom crew; yea yea!
  • this tote (bday gift) is so AWESOME! it's reversible, magnetic closure, comes with a pouch, laptop bag, and detatchable crossbody strap!!! seriously, the coolest thing lately.
  • these sunglasses are heavy in rotation from my ditto.com subscription. it's like, "netflix for your face." rent-able designer sunglasses. so genius. i am purchasing them to keep! do you have any recs on what i should rent next? use code "JANNADOANXOXO" to receive your first month for free!

side note: can't wait to see this movie -- how to be single #hilar

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top | Gap chambray boyfriend shirt (old) -- similar / sleeveless
denim | Hudson mid-rise nico skinny jeans in world's apart (old) -- similar
shoes | Sole Society jenn d'orsay pump in dark camel multi (old but avail in so many other colors!) -- similar with an ankle strap / similar by Ivanka Trump
bag | Free People slouchy vegan reversible tote in green and black / pom pom keychain in gray
sunglasses | Karen Walker number one in black
earrings | BaubleBar juniper ear jackets
watch | Michael Kors monogram watch in rose gold (old) -- similar
necklace | BaubleBar ice flourish pendant necklace / SLATE layered white chain necklace from rocksbox (get one month for FREE using code "jannadoanxoxo")
rings |  BaubleBar arrow wrap ring / BaubleBar diana midi ring / BaubleBar ice chevron midi ring / BaubleBar tri bar ring / Etsy stacking & midi rings / Wanderlust + Co loop ring in rose gold from rocksbox (get one month for FREE using code "jannadoanxoxo")
lipstick | MAC amplified creme lipstick in brick-o-la
nails | Sephora formula x in nude for you (Aimee Song collection)

rock the denim x denim,
JD

the cropped sweater & OTK boots

my first pair of OTKs. eeeppp. (not to be confused with office tool kit).

i finally got around to purchasing my first pair of over the knee (OTK) boots. i've avoided these because i have very large calves (but the suede offers stretch) and i'm pretty short (5' 2"), so i felt like these would make me look even shorter. what excuses! Stuart Weitzman is a huge influencer in terms of OTK boots, but i ain't got a money tree, so these Unisa OTKs were such a good dupe of the SW highland boot (retails for $798 USD)! these are a little high for me and there isn't much arch support but i definitely don't plan on wearing them long distances. i'll be purchasing some flat OTKs for a more comfy alternative. any suggestions?! 

i can't wait to try these OTKs with a skirt or a dress but it was cold, so i went with LAYERS for this shoot. this itchy cropped sweater never gets worn, so i solved that problem by layering it with a button down. the best part is that this is a NON-IRON button down (yes, please!). let me tell you how i am not a fan of ironing so thank goodness Banana Republic has a great line of non-iron shirts for people like me. honestly, i've never ironed so much in my life!! #bloggerlife #thestruggleisreal

i'm also trying out a new way to shop my posts visually. let me know your thoughts!

currently on my playlist: me, myself, and i by G-Eazy & Bebe Raexha
y'all, i am totally loving this song right now!! i often think that during the hardest times in our lives, we usually find ourselves alone. that's why it's so important to count on yourself to pull through #nomatterwhat #memyselfandi

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sweater | Banana Republic cropped cowl neck sweater (old) -- similar / similar
button down | Banana Republic non-iron windowpane shirt (old) -- similar in white / similar in black with polka dots / similar from Ann Taylor
jacket | Forever21 textured faux leather moto jacket 
denim | Hudson nico mid-rise skinny jeans in abbey (favorite wash and cut)
shoes | Unisa saranaa over the knee boot in black suede -- similar from Target!
bag | Celine micro luggage tote in navy -- good dupe 
sunglasses | Prada round oversized sunglasses in black -- good dupe
earrings | Kendra Scott alex earrings in black
rings | BaubleBar arrow wrap ring / BaubleBar diana midi ring / BaubleBar ice chevron midi ring / Kendra Scott martiza cocktail ring in ivory pearl (old) / Etsy stacking & midi rings
lips | Tom Ford lip color in casablanca
nails | essie nail polish in frock 'n roll

rock the OTK boots and day two of a blow out,
JD

vday roundup

valentine's/GALentine's countdown!

in case you are running out of inspo, i rounded up some of my favorite posts from these fab ladies, whom i admire and support. hope you enjoy!

xoxo,
JD

Taylor | www.stopdropandvogue.com

Taylor knows fashion. she follows a lot of designers and writes about it. her whimsical vday shoot is my favorite, featuring balloons, flowers, a huge mirror i wish i had, a lipstick printed flowy dress complete with red cutout booties! she knocked it right out of the park.  

Julianna | www.blushandcamo.com

Julianna always dishes the BEST styling tips! her vday look features a tulle skirt which is one of my favorite things to shoot. such a fun, feminine, flirty piece, and love how she pairs it with a blue lace crop top. absolutely stunning!

Laura | www.styledadventures.com

fashion is all about versatility, so i love how Laura styled this ($30) dress two ways: dressy and casual with a few simple changes. what a flawless transition. in her next valentine's look she is covered in kisses! (literally!!) 

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Kristen | www.suburbanreno.com

i love how Kristen takes the pegged NYE sequin dress into vday (wait til you see the back of it!!) and how she paired it with some chunky heels too! forget red or pink when you are covered in GOLD sequins. she also did another vday post with some sequin pants (use her code "XOSUBURBAN" for 10% off these goodies!). i call her the #sequinqueen. do not try to outdo her.

Jessica | www.fashionablyfitjess.com

Jess is one of my favorite down to earth gals who has the best sense of humor. her posts always have me rolling or slapping my desk. her valentines look is right up my alley, a pleated skirt, blouse, and some mid heel ankle straps. i am in love with her pink handbag with the cutest bow on it!! check out her cute casual vday look.

Jenna | www.visionsofvogue.com

the off shoulder look never gets old, Jenna is rocking this #LBD like nobody's business, and you need to check out her red lace up pumps. Jenna is extremely talented in piecing all her looks together, so be warned when you go to her website and start clicking on things!! i want to raid her closet.

Ela | www.wunderbliss.com

Ela goes for a non-traditional vday look -- a flirty white tulle skirt, burgundy velvet heels (totally unexpected and... swoon) and understated accessories. like me, she knows less is more. and i could never do this but she is totally pulling off those retro white shades too. love Ela, she is one of the best!

Lauren | www.fashionoverfatigue.com

Lauren is also a Texas blogger!! (high five) here she rocks the off should crop top with a floral printed midi skirt that will take you right into spring. blogger minds think alike because i have the same exact top, let's hope i can look just as good as she does! 

Mei | www.blameitonmei.com 

like me, Mei is a skirt fanatic. here she takes the pantone color of the year, rose quartz/pink, pairs it with a matching clutch and tops it off with gold accessories, including those red soled heels! total #shoeenvy

Amanda | www.amandabrezovsky.com

Amanda's vday post is all about a cozy night in with dinner, wine, and sweet treats! now this is up my alley. check out that wine bottle taper holder! her rose printed skirt is perfect for this occasion and needs to make its way to my closet!!

Bailey | www.hotdresshotmess.com

Bailey shows us how to achieve her makeup look in a few simple steps using drugstore makeup. if i could only apply liquid liner like her and by golly, her #browgame is so strong! 

Kait | www.makeminemaroon.com

Kait takes a black lace dress and adds her favorite color maroon to her vday outfit with some pumps and some vampy lips! she's always got the cutest shots and such a smile! also see her other vday post in a Shabby Apple maxi dress. 

Rita | www.styleroundtheclock.com

Rita posted like two instagrams before she revealed her entire look! she is such a natural beauty, i like how she went with a casual look and topped it off with a chunky scarf but still looks so chic.

Ciera | www.worldwidestylista.com

Ciera really worked the vday posts, she gives us ideas of things to do for three types of dates: 1) night in, 2) casual, and 3) romantic. then she created a look for EACH of these. #workitgirl. check out all three looks here. note to self: need a NAMASTAY in bed sweatshirt. 

Lauren | www.stylelixir.com

Lauren shares her vday picks for the gals and guys. basically if you have a man you need to get him that mug #7!!! so hilarious! still can't get over it. LOL. 

www.fitfabfull.com

no vday is complete without DESSERT. wait, this is everyday in my life actually! fit.fab.full always has drool-worthy desserts, honestly, i don't know how she stays so fit sharing these recipes! in her post, she shares a whip cream cheese frosting and chocolate ganache that will go over any cake! (even if it is from a box). 

Michele | www.classicandgray.com

there is no doubt, Michele knows her stuff, and... i think she likes pink. i'm not sure but that is my guess. i hope her boyfriend read her post. lol.

Krista | www.hundredblog.com

Krista posted a MAJOR GUIDE to vday. she covers the day in general, and gives tips on clothes, hair, and makeup. this is her look from last year in this white Phillip Lim dress. this babe has got your back this vday for sure. plus, her writing cracks me up.

 

Anna | www.pepperandlife.com

another his & her gift guide, but Anna's featured a lot of things i haven't seen before, such as that VitaMan, Beard Envy, and loving that manly looking Polaroid Snap (ladies, this is a double gift because YOU CAN USE THIS TOO! win win!! haha!!).

Shell | www.acourageousbeauty.com

Shell put together a unique post where she pieced together outfits for HIM & HER! too cool. and such a great idea, esp if you like to help your man dress up a bit! 

the cobalt blue midi skirt & black lace

happy early valentine's day! <3

this is my take on a non-traditional valentine's day look. instead of red/pink i went with cobalt + black lace. instead of romantic curls, i went with straight sleek hair (well, as straight as my natural hair gets without brushing it. LOL, i don't own or brush my hair). but i did go with fun splashes of hot pink with my nails and lips! despite the lighting struggle, i loved how it turned out. y'all know how much i love midi skirts, this is just another fantastic one with pockets to add to my wardrobe. and my lip bracelet from BaubleBar?! i mean how could i pass up the opportunity to wear that cute thing?

my other picks for a v-day look:

currently on my playlist: love yourself by Justin Bieber
because it's all about that #selflove <3

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top | LOFT lace mock neck top in black (sold out) -- similar / similar / similar with long sleeves / similar
skirt | SheIn flared midi skirt in blue (there is no stretch with this material, runs small, size up)
shoes | LuLu's elsi single strap heels in black suede -- similar by Steve Madden stecy
bag | CHANEL 2.55 classic double flap bag in black lambskin -- similar by Tory Burch / dupe from F21 / cute quilted clutch / in tweed
sunglasses | Prada round oversized sunglasses in black (love the simple sides on these over the baroque design)
earrings | Kendra Scott tessa studs in clear crystal (love these studs, i also have them in iridescent drusy which is a neutral sparkly gemstone!)
watch | Michael Kors darci watch in gold (favorite MK watch that is lightweight and has a flat face)  -- also loving the new one with a blue face!
bracelet | BaubleBar lippy bracelet -- similar
rings | Wanderlust + Co loop ring in rose gold from rocksbox (get one month for FREE using code "jannadoanxoxo") / Kendra Scott cora cocktail ring in cobalt / Etsy stacking & midi rings
lips | Christian Louboutin velvet matte lip color in bengali 100M (a great matte hot pink) 
nails | essie nail polish in watermelon

rock the vday look,
JD