the striped ruffle one shoulder top

ruffles + stripes = win.

i cannot help myself when it comes to stripes or ruffles OR peplum, gingham, scalloped hems.. but i digress. i eyed this top when it came out and was a tad skeptical because of the double layer of ruffles, i thought i was going to be a busy top with the stripes too. THEN, my blogger friend, @byhilaryrose posted it to her instastory and the rest was history. she has impeccable taste, it looked amazing on her and not the overwhelming at all. 

since then the top has come in several colors, solids, and different price points. the one i'm wearing is $24 and fits true to size, the sleeves are a bit long so i folded them up. i wasn't sure how to style it and then one day i had that AH HA moment, WHITE JEANS! duh! finally i busted those babies out and wondered why i didn't do so earlier. in case you didn't know, it wasn't until last year that white jeans became a thing for me (late on the bandwagon, i know).

lastly, these tassel earrings are LIFE! most tassel earrings are beaded which means they are heavy, they are so pretty but i can't wear them for too long due to my fatty ear lobes!! these are so light i can wear them for hours and forget i am even wearing them. they also come in many colors so good luck choosing one!!

side happenings: some Austin bloggers and i got together for a picnic/Easter photoshoot! it was a really windy, but when does the wind ever cooperate?! #eatinghair. thanks for those who followed along my @maggylondon instagram takeover, it was AWESOME and i am so grateful! but this is not the end, many more things coming to JDC that i cannot wait to share. one of them being a DERBY! whaaa!!!

currently on my playlist: something just like this by The Chainsmokers & Coldplay

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top | Shein one shoulder ruffle top in blue stripes -- avail in pink // really love the cut on this one! // similar in a dress version // similar with a peplum hem
denim | ZARA mid rise skinny jeans in white (old) -- similar but ripped // similar
shoes | Target Merona marcella low block heel ankle strap sandals in tan (avail in three colors and such a staple, the perfect height too!!) // same but with a higher heel
bagGiGi New York saint germain clutch in tan (with custom monogram) -- similar but colorblock / similar but foldover
sunglasses Le Specs savanna 51mm sunglasses in tortoise (really like the fit on this brand) -- similar
earrings | Vanessa Mooney astrid tassel earrings in gold (avail in seven colors, extremely LIGHTWEIGHT!) // similar by BaubleBar but beaded
necklace | Anthropologie monogram pendant -- similar
watchMichael Kors darci watch in gold (on sale!) -- avail in rose gold
ringsGorjana 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 (sold out) -- similar // BaubleBar tri bar ring (old) -- similar 
lipsMAC amplified creme lipstick in brick-o-la

rock the ruffles,
JD

all is great with this top until you choose to shoot it on a windy day and the ruffle keeps slapping you in the face :D 

photo credit: Brandon Hill

wedding guest dresses with Maggy London

wedding season is upon us!

ah yes, it's that time of the year when we're all scrambling to find that wedding guest dress and determining which to wear to what, seeing what we can borrow from our friends, and who will be at what wedding so you can possibly re-wear something. anyone with me?! 

when this dress arrived from Maggy London, i immediately knew i wanted to do a post on wedding guest dresses. this Maggy London betty dress is a perfect wedding guest dress for a few reasons: it is not too casual or too dressy, below the knee length, the jacquard print makes it a great dress for some sort of event (does not have to be a wedding), fit and flare bottom (forgiving after a good meal), not to mention.... it has POCKETS. it's the little things y'all. i linked some options for guest of the wedding dresses after the jump and in shop the post, all under $150. 

some things to keep in mind when picking a dress to wear to a wedding (merely my own opinions):

  • YES... even though it is 2017 and the fact that i'm old school... DO NOT wear white (or any shade of white including cream, off-white, etc...) to a wedding! please for the love everyone. 
  • keep it classy. you can never go wrong with a conservative, classy outfit -- nothing too revealing, too low cut, too short, too tight like a sausage casing etc... 
  • if you have to ask someone "is this okay to wear to a wedding?" -- it probably isn't, so don't.
  • depending on the type of venue, like a beach/destination wedding you can totally get away with a flowy summer dress with some sandals. but otherwise, that isn't appropriate to wear to a formal wedding venue.
  • when all else fails, wear a black dress. you can never go wrong with the #LBD. jazz it up with some earrings, a statement necklace, or some lipstick. see my lastest post on the LBD (both wedding appropriate).
  • not feeling a dress? JUMPSUIT it! bust out that wide leg jumpsuit you never really get to wear and rock it. or... wear a MAXI dress!
  • never wear jeans. ever. or hats, shorts, flip flops... 
  • anything too sexy, too glitzy/sequin-y.

lastly, if you would like to follow along i'll be taking over the @MaggyLondon instagram for the next three days!! i am beyond thrilled for this opportunity!! #powerofpossibilities

currently on my playlist: call on me by Starley

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dress c/o | Maggy London betty fit & flare -- Maggy London sophi (so beautiful, see it on my blogger babe @stylebeacon) // Maggy London georgia flare // Maggy London illusion dress
shoesManolo Blahnik BB pump in nude patent -- similar // similar 
bag | J.Crew Factory rattan clutch in natural pale gold (old) -- similar // similar but more dressy (on my wishlist!) // similar but more dressy for $69
earrings | Kendra Scott cade stud earrings in rose gold -- buy earrings and the necklace in a set for $100 
necklace | Kendra Scott chelsea pendant necklace in rose gold -- buy the necklace and the earrings in a set for $100
sunglasses | Le Specs savanna 51mm sunglasses in tortoise (love this brand!, it fits so well!) -- similar and on sale! // similar but reflective
ringsGorjana 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 (sold out) -- similar // BaubleBar tri bar ring (old) -- similar 
lipsMAC amplified creme lipstick in brick-o-la
nailsessie gel couture in pre snow jitters

rock the wedding guest dress -- BE MY GUEST! (ok, sorry. i'm still in the Beauty & the Beast mode),
JD

photo credit: Brandon Hill
a post done in collaboration with Maggy London. 
dresses provided by Maggy London, all opinions are my own. 

day to night in a LBD with Maggy London

warning: lots of pictures ahead.

as you may know, black is my FAVORITE color to wear. shall i count the reasons of why i love black?!: it goes with all colors... including MORE BLACK!, it makes you look slimming, it goes with my skin tone & hair, it is freaking classic. 

for this post, i teamed up with Maggy London to bring you the LBD one for the day (work wear, professional attire) and one for night (an evening out, date night) with tips on how to rock each. if you aren't familiar with Maggy London, they specialize in my favorite clothing item... DRESSES! their dresses range from casual, work wear, to dressy. there is something for everyone and not to mention they offer petite and curve sizing! #hooray! 

side happenings: i saw beauty & the beast! gah, it was so good!! they did such an amazing job making it match the animation! i think i'm still recovering from the go-go of SXSW but it was such an experience!! i cannot wait until next year. as always, thanks so much for stopping by. xoxo. 

currently on my playlist: you are the best thing by Ray LaMontagne

DAY

NIGHT

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DAY

keeping it professional with a full coverage dress (not low cut, below the knee length) with the daintiest contrasting bow detail. close toed pumps, a classic black work bag (tied scarf to add some classy-ness), studded earrings, and a 'my lips but better' lip color completed this workwear look. i also tried to channel my innter Jackie O with these oversized round sunglasses!

NIGHT

everyone LOVES this dress. i actually saw it on my gorgeous friend Michelle // @stylebeacon and had to have it! this makes a great event/date night dress because of the lace (front AND back), the cold shoulder detail, and the tighter fit (gulp!). honestly, this dress doesn't need much to make you stand out but i did add some red lips (you can't go wrong), a pair of strappy stiletto heels, and a minaudiere to polish it off. 

DAY

dress c/o | Maggy London the petite jackie midi in black (wearing a 4P for size reference) -- also available in regular sizing // avail in a curve midi // avail in navy // in red
shoes | Jimmy Choo abel pumps in black patent (old design) -- current design // similar // similar and custom!
bag | Henri Bendel uptown satchel in black with a twilly -- similar in a mini version 
earrings | Kendra Scott aston stud earrings in ivory
sunglasses | Prada round oversized sunglasses in black grey gradient -- similar by F21
watch | Michael Kors darci watch in gold (on sale!) -- avail in rose gold
bracelet | BaubleBar pearl taylor cuff (old) -- another great work option looks like David Yurman!
lipsMAC amplified creme lipstick in brick-o-la

NIGHT

dress c/oMaggy London eileen cold shoulder midi in black (wearing a 2R for size reference)
shoesLuLu's elsi single strap heels in black suede -- similar // similar with a stacked heel at Target
bag | DVF lytton clutch in black quilted leather (old) -- similar // similar but round & velvet
earrings | Kendra Scott quincy delicate earrings in crackle crystal (old) -- similar
sunglassesCeline caty sunglasses in black -- similar in tortoise
watchMichael Kors darci watch in gold (on sale!) -- avail in rose gold
braceletVita Fede mini titan crystal bracelet in gold -- similar by Vince Camuto and on salefor $25!
ringsGorjana 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 (sold out) -- similar // BaubleBar tri bar ring (old) -- similar 
lipsChristian Louboutin velvet matte lip color in rouge 001M -- similar in a matte liquid

rock the LBD,
JD

photo credit: Brandon Hill
a post done in collaboration with Maggy London. 
dresses provided by Maggy London, all opinions are my own. 

the ruffled one shoulder top

#alltherufflesplease

some people think the one shoulder top is so played out. i happen to LOVE one-shoulder-anything! it's much like the off shoulder but a less exposed top, maybe a good way to ease into the off shoulder top if you're not much into it. i love the ruffle on this one and have received many compliments on this easy spring top. the shoes -- they were very popular last summer, but this summer they released different style and this perforated suede version caught my eye. the blush suede goes with EVERYTHING! also, they give me some MEGA height, which is kinda fun sometimes when you're only 5'2" LOL. they are also very comfortable and easy to walk in, huge plus. i just know i'm going to be wearing them non-stop. the bag -- yes, it was an absolute #treatyourself moment, i wanted a Gucci bag for a while now, and the new designs had me at chevron. quilted. leather

weekend recap: wow. if you follow me on instagram, sorry for spamming you with my instastories!! lol but this year i was able to participate in some SXSW in a #nobadge kind of way. my friend @simplyyvan was able to get us into a few socials which was superrrr cool despite the rain. #norainonthisparade. we checked out the new @soulcycle downtown, got our auras read by @moodbymoss -- which by the way, my photo showing my aura took five tries.. lol, because of the film malfunctioning. of course!! dropped by the @lionsgatemovies lounge the @liketoknow.it wall on Rainey street, the @spredfast social -- my fave. they had everything. from donut milkshakes, open bar, beauty bar, manis, massages, check out the slo-mo clip we made. then we hopped over to the Radisson hotel to chill with @wearetfq (i missed them last year!). dropped into the @nytimes lounge with an interactive music wall and the last stop of the night was a @neimanmarcus x @gibsonguitar fashion show. sunday i tried to get into @createcultivate, wow, what a mess of an event. i did not get in so caught up on much needed sleep and... festivities continue this week! 

currently on my playlist: i got you by Bebe Rexha

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top | ASOS one shoulder top in white -- also avail in navy // similar with an eyelet hem // long sleeve ruffled and striped (i have this and love it! outfit post coming soon!
jeans | Hudson nico mid-rise skinny jeans in bohemian wash (old) -- similar // love these with the undone hem // similar
shoes | Marc Fisher annie perforated espadrille platform wedge in blush suede -- similar in the Annie style // similar and only $60!
bag | Gucci marmont matelasse shoulder bag in nude -- smaller version
sunglassesLe Specs savanna 51mm sunglasses in tortoise (really like the fit on this brand) -- similar
earrings | Baublebar ombre pinata tassel drops in neon coral -- same but smaller and lighter version // similar version at Target by Sugarfix 
necklaceAnthropologie monogram pendant -- similar
watchMichael Kors darci watch in gold -- avail in rose gold 
braceletVita Fede mini titan crystal bracelet in gold -- similar by Vince Camuto and on salefor $25!
ringsGorjana 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 (sold out) -- similar // BaubleBar tri bar ring (old) -- similar 
lipsMAC amplified creme lipstick in brick-o-la

rock the one shoulder, 
JD

photo credit: Brandon Hill.


SXSW collage recap:

the blush drop waist dress

helloooo march!

well... this dress is pretty old (last summer)! as a blogger i sometimes feel pressured to only post things that i can link or that are in stock. ideally, that is good business practice. but honestly, it's just not #reallife when you have a day job. in the past i have not shot outfits because an item would go out of stock etc... enter new mentality: SCREW IT! i wanna post things that i like! regardless if i can make a sale out of it or if it's not in stock i always find similar items. it's all about fun to me!

onto the outfit: this dress is a loose fitting one, so sign me up for anything loosey-goosey. it's blush, it also has pockets, but what i like most is the drop waist and the high low hem. i don't have many of these! i paired it with this grey moto jacket to give it some oomph as sometimes loose fitting dresses need a little something, whether it be a belt, jacket, statement necklace etc! this is also my fave bag from Kelly Wynne's spring collection i am swooning over! it is the perfect size and shape and the print/texture/color will go with anything and everything. 

weekend recap: holy moly, if you followed my instastories, this weekend was nuts. FRIDAY -- @kelliesbakingco had a re-opening, they put my instagrams on a cookie! how cool is that?! SATURDAY -- went to support my pilates studio @toddpilates at a wellness event. SUNDAY --had brunch @stgenevieveatx, i recommend the make your own mimosas and the english toffee french toast (fresh bananas, hazelnuts, and a NUTELLA whip cream). it was amazing. finished sunday with a blogger event at @cotone_atx a clothing and beauty bar at the domain! 

lastly, if you made it this far in reading my post you should pat yourself on the back. SXSW is creeping up pretty quickly and i cannot wait to attend some festivities, network, eat, and hang out with some friends! 

 currently on my playlist: shape of you by Ed Sheeran (because lets be honest, this song is on repeat and it ain't going anywhere) ✌️

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dress | Anthropologie camellia drop waist dress (last summer) -- similar and a fraction of the price // similar but not drop waist (might need the black version!) // similar with a high neck // similar with a v-neck
jacket | Forever 21 faux leather moto jacket in grey (old) -- similar in suede and looks good on everyone! // similar // similar
shoes Stuart Weitzman nudistsong in adobe patent (comes in different widths too!) -- similar // chunky heel version
bag | Kelly Wynne mingle mingle mini in vintage pearl
sunglassesCeline tilda sunglasses in dark tortoise -- similar but more cateye (great brand, really fits well!)
earringsKendra Scott sky earrings in white pearl
necklaceetsy monogram necklace in dearest daddy initials (1.25" and 20" chain) -- similar by BaubleBar / similar in acrylic
ringsGorjana 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 (sold out) -- similar 
lipsMAC amplified creme lipstick in brick-o-la
nailsessie gel couture in pre snow jitters 

rock the drop waist,
JD

photo credit: Brandon Hill.

how to wear culottes

culottes: (noun) how to pronounce it here: women's knee-length trousers, cut with very full legs to resemble a skirt.

i've been saying this word wrong for a while, so now that i have it down, let's post about it and share how to wear these thangs! it's either a love or hate. i happen to love them!  through trial and error, here are my four things i look out for when picking culottes:

  • go for the high waisted fit, it is just way more flattering and not to mention classy. 
  • flowy material vs. cotton. if it looks like a skirt, even better. that's the point -- for them to look like a skirt but they are actually wide leg cropped pants. how's that for mind games?!
  • length: you also don't want to go with a pair that is too long or too short, you're going to want them to hit mid shin. 
  • lastly, since they are basically cropped pants give it an extra feminine touch with a sexy pair of heels or pumps! 

but... be adventurous -- try a monochrome look, play with prints & textures, try dressing them down in a street-style kind of way!

top style tips: spring/summer: pair with a dressy cami, sleeveless crop top, lace top, off the shoulder, lightweight silk blouse. winter/fall: long sleeve crop top, turtleneck, layer a cami with a tissue turtleneck, chunky/off the shoulder sweater. still not sure how to wear em? go with a culotte jumpsuit -- cold shoulder and a long sleeve lace one (perfect one-piece to take the headache away of how to style culottes).

i have so many exciting things happening right now that i cannot wait to share with you. i feel humbled where this blogging journey has taken me! stay tuned and as always, thank you for stopping by! xoxo.

currently on my playlist: i feel it coming by The Weeknd & Daft Punk

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top | ZARA off the shoulder sweater in black (avail in four colors) -- similar // similar with lace trim // similar and a convertible cowl neck // similar but striped
pants | Ann Taylor high waisted culottes in camel (sold out) -- similar with a tie waist // really fun striped ones!
shoesLuLu's elsi single strap heels in black suede -- similar // similar with a stacked heel at Target
sunglasses | Le Specs air heart 51mm sunglasses in black & gold (love the fit of this brand!)
bag | Louis Vuitton pouchette metis in damier canvas (borrowed from mama bear)
watch c/o | Klasse14 42mm volare rose gold watch with mesh band (use code "jannadoan" for 12% off)
earrings | BaubleBar pinata tassel drops in ROSE GOLD! -- similar but mini version // similar from the Sugarfix line at Target
ringsGorjana 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 (sold out) -- similar
lipsMAC amplified creme lipstick in brick-o-la
nailsSmith & Cult polish in kundalini hustle

rock the culottes,
JD

athleisure in a convertible tunic

athleisure: (noun) casual, comfortable clothing designed to be suitable both for exercise and everyday wear.

the best part of my weekends besides catching up on sleep and coffee shops is #ATHLEISURE. ah, i love thee. as much as i like to dress up, i also REALLY like to live in athletic clothes. over the years athleisure has become a huge and more acceptable trend. i ain't gonna complain. sometimes, it is all about the comfort. but it doesn't mean you can't make athletic clothes a lil fashionable while running errands or going out to eat. add a nice bag, casual kicks, snazzy tights, edgy earrings and BOOM. 

this tunic was given to me as a gift (thanks BFF!) and it is the SOFTEST thing ever. i loved the versatility of the top, the fact that you can wear it as a cowl neck and an off shoulder. in addition, it is long enough to wear with tights! it also comes in six colors and petite sizing. for size reference, i am wearing a small and only 5'2".

lastly, the tights. oohhhh the tights. now i'm afraid to count how many workout tights i actually own, but i don't feel too bad because i work out quite a bit. my work out tights are the usual boring black, but these.. oh these have the leather panels to make you feel like an extra cool chick. AND they come in a high waisted fit which i am all for #suckseverythingin! now the only downside is the panels can leave lines on your shins, but i mean they are tights.. 

lastly, lastly, these shoes are the bomb. they are actually men's shoes. they were very popular last year and sold on ebay for a very high premium. good thing they are re-released in this popular oreo color. i don't know what it is but every time i wear them i get a TON of compliments on a pair of sneakers?!? lol. go figure but they are VERY lightweight. 

currently on my playlist: i dont wanna live forever by ZAYN & Taylor Swift

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top | Gibson convertible neckline cozy fleece tunic in heather burgundy (avail in five colors and petite sizing!, for size reference, i am wearing a small and only 5'2") -- similar knotted top in same material // similar peplum top in same material
pants | alo high waist moto leggings in black (avail in six colors!! for size reference, i usually wear a 6 in lululemon pants, i purchased a small in these) -- same version but regular rise
bag | Rebecca Minkoff quilted love crossbody bag in burgundy (old) -- similar in blush and a gunmetal hardware!! // similar but smaller // avail in velvet // similar for $48
kicks | Nike flyknit unisex racers in oreo -- same shoe but more color options
earrings | Baublebar firecracker ear jackets -- diggin' these // similar from the Target Sugarfix line for $13
sunglassesRay Ban original aviator 58mm RB3025 in black -- pretty cool mirrored ones for $12
ringsGorjana 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 (sold out) -- similar
lipsMAC amplified creme lipstick in brick-o-la
nailsessie gel couture in pre snow jitters (best white-ish nail polish!)

rock the athleisure,
JD

photo credit: Brandon Hill.