the white lace midi dress

another little white dress...

this is the second white dress in my wardrobe. the first was the LuLu's lead a charmed life midi dress. i'm guessing i have a thing for white dresses at LuLu's! then, i realized why i didn't have any white dresses until recently. it's because a white dress is usually only worn to 1) all white party, 2) your own bachelorette/engagement party... that's all i could think of. but decided to add 3) take pictures #fortheblog. LOL! nonetheless, this one is beautiful and sold out in a few hours upon it's release. it has been re-stocked since, but sizes are limited (also runs large, see my comments below). although the white + nude + gold combo will never fail, i decided to add a touch of color with my cobalt blue Kendra Scott delilah earrings and the Kendra Scott cora ring. this set is one of my favorites from Kendra Scott. 

this LuLu's pinnacle of prestige lace midi dress reminds me of the Self Portrait azalea lace dress (love their style!) but at 1/5th of the price! it's also not your typical 'lace,' it's a lace cut out with a nude slip underneath. this dress also comes with white detachable spaghetti straps. what i like most about this dress is where the slip stops to the bottom of the dress. it's see through. and i mean that in a good-classy-kinda way. the only problem i had with this dress was that it had no form to it, i had to use dressing tape for the top... in hindsight, the detachable straps would've helped here. dressing tape is amazing for those stubborn clothing items! the ones i use are by Fashion Tape Shapes and you can buy them at Ulta apparently. this pack is great because it has different shapes for different areas too! i've used them before, and trust me when i say it works, the dress/top isn't going anywhere!  

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dress | LuLu's pinnacle of prestige ivory lace midi dress / same dress sold on morninglavender.com the chole white & taupe lace midi dress (love their clothes!) note: this dress runs big, i'm wearing an XS from LuLu's
shoes | Manolo Blahnik 90mm BB pump in nude patent
bag | Louis Vuitton sofia coppola clutch (borrowed from SS)
earrings | Kendra Scott delilah geometric drop earrings in cobalt (old collection) -- similar from the classic collection
cuff | BaubleBar network cuff
rings | etsy stacking & midi rings / Kendra Scott cora cocktail ring in cobalt (old collection) / BaubleBar diana midi ring
lips | MAC lipstick in brick-o-la

rock the white lace midi dress,
JD

JDC turns one & 5 things i've learned about blogging

wow. today, JDC (jannadoan.COM) turns ONE! how crazy is that?! what a year it has been of blogging. THANK YOU so much for reading and following along. i truly appreciate every comment, every like, and all feedback. although i've learned so much, i STILL have a ton to learn, and i find that extremely exciting!! so much to look forward to, i can't wait! i wanted to quickly share some of the things i've learned along the way: 

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01 | just start

for a long time, i talked about how i wanted to blog. what stopped me was actually very silly. "well, everyone and their mom has a blog, plus who's gonna want to read my blog?" truth is, it wasn't until i actually did it (with a little push) that i didn't care about those nuances or little voices inside my head. one step in the right direction is the best step you will ever take.  

02 | quality over quantity

i stand by this in every aspect of my life. quality over quantity, always. nothing is ever half-a**ed here. every post, every picture, everything you see has been thought about in great detail and for many hours. you should hear about the talk i had about picking the FONT. if it is not on par with my taste, i will scratch it, redo it or think of how i am going to make it better. this is hard when time is limited as i work full-time. but everything i put on here is a direct reflection of my values and beliefs.  

03 | blogging is hard work

when i first started JDC, i didn't think that blogging was going to take up such HUGE CHUNK of my time. i figured... shoot some pictures, upload, write a little text, publish, then voila... done! NOPE.. my gosh.. i was so so wrong about that. i work on this site everyday. i'm constantly thinking of the next thing. i give major props to those who blog. it is hard work. no doubt. i can't remember the last time i went to bed at 9pm! 

04 | always keep in mind why you started

blogging has it's ups and downs. there are some days when i want to give up and think that this isn't for me. or days when i come home from a failed photo session with a huge weight of defeat on my shoulders. it's tough not to be hard on myself, because i am. always trying to push myself. but then, i have to constantly remind myself why i started this blog, and that is because of my passion for fashion (#norhymeintended). as an outlet to fuel my creativeness and share it with you! in the end, it's all about having fun. 

05 | be inspired and be an inspiration

the fashion blogging world is HUGE! i am amazed by all the talent out there and truly inspired by all of it. it motivates me to become better... it makes me ask myself, "wow, how do i get there?" everyone has their own style and everyone brings something different to the table. that is what makes this so unique! i love it. my goal here is to inspire you. in whatever way that may be -- to try a new trend in fashion, to step out of your comfort zone, to take care of your skin, or to be confident and strut your stuff like no other etc!!

#cantstopwontstop,
JD

the jumpsuit

jumped outta my comfort zone into a jumpsuit... ! 

happy thursday! for this shoot i pulled out my first jumpsuit... (eep!) what's fashion (or anything for that matter) if you don't step out of your comfort zone every now and then? let's just start off by saying... these things are not the most flattering to wear due to the top and bottom being all in one piece. not to mention the inseam, thigh and hip area. that's probably why i don't see many women wear them. regardless, i've come to the conclusion that all you need to rock a jumpsuit is one thing... CONFIDENCE (that and a good tailor!). a woman who wears a jumpsuit is usually FIERCELY struttin' her stuff like no one else. advice: don't ever mess with a woman in a jumpsuit. ever. okay, but seriously, i encourage you to try it! i liked this one due to the simplicity, pleats, pockets, price, it also came with a belt but that didn't do anything for me... so i cut the belt loops off and did without it all together. nonetheless, this won't be my last jumpsuit.

ok, let's talk about this lipstick shall we? and the answer is no, you can never have too many! this was the first lipstick made by TATCHA, so... that was the justification for purchase. it was a limited edition edition lipstick in the color Kyoto Red, TATCHA only made so many for the debut earlier this spring, but apparently, it was so popular that there is now a waitlist! looks like more is to come, so sign yourself up here. this is an elegant red for every skintone and described as "...featherweight formula combines brilliant pigments with silk and botanical extracts for a uniquely long-wearing matte finish, with a deeply hydrating texture." on me, this is the most beautiful bright red-orange. let me add, the packaging on this lipstick is EXQUISITE. it's a hefty black lacquer packaging that surpasses Tom Ford's lipstick packaging! this is one of the reasons why i love TATCHA -- their packaging game is on point.  

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jumpsuit | Forever21 chiffon pleated jumpsuit (sold out) -- similar with lace!
shoes | LuLu's elsi single strap heels in black suede
bag | CHANEL 2.55 classic double flap bag in black lambskin
sunglasses | Express sunglasses (old and a dupe of the Tom Ford islay sunglasses) -- more round 
earrings | Kendra Scott tima studs in gold
necklace | BaubleBar showgirl fringe crystal strand in clear
rings | etsy stacking rings
bracelet | BaubleBar athena grid cuff
lips | TATCHA silk lipstick in kyoto red

rock the jumpsuit,
JD

summer sunscreens

picked out some sunscreen goodness for your beautiful face!

keep in mind, the sun has two different types of harmful rays: UVA and UVB. UVA causes wrinkles, premature aging, and spots. UVB causes burns. soo.. to cover yourself from both rays, you'll want to get a broad spectrum sunscreen regardless if you are covering your face or body! remember, the sun is very damaging to skin so protect it and wear sunscreen everyday!

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01 | MDSolarSciences mineral creme broad spectrum SPF 50 UVA-UVB sunscreen -- $30 USD/1.7 oz. this is the one i've used for quite some time now! one tube will last me a little over a year. it is a little tinted but not noticeable when applied. i love the silky, long lasting, matte finish and primer all in one. described as, "mineral-based SPF 50 broad spectrum sunscreen specifically formulated for acne and rosacea-prone skin." formulated without: Parabens, Sulfates, Phthalates. 
02 | Hourglass mineral primer SPF 15 -- $52 USD/1.0 oz. before MDSolarSciences and i met, this was what i used. and although it didn't work for me, it still is a beauty cult favorite as it was one of the first primers with SPF on the market. also comes in a cute little travel size bottle. this is a,  "mineral-based, water-resistant primer that neutralizes the skin, minimizes shine, and creates a smooth, uniform canvas for flawless makeup application." formulated without: Parabens, Sulfates, Phthalates. 
03 | Supergoop! skin soothing mineral sunscreen broad spectrum SPF 40 --  $28 USD/2.4 oz. Supergoop! specializes in sun products and this is one of their newest. described as, "mineral sunscreen for sensitive skin that features soothing olive polyphenols." formulated without: Parabens, Sulfates, Phthalates. 
04 | TATCHA pore perfecting sunscreen broad spectrum SPF 35 -- $68 USD/2.0 oz. the latest from TATCHA. described as non-greasy, lightweight, and a primer. i broke down and purchased the travel size recently and can't wait for it to come in! TATCHA is also tax-free to Texas.
05 | Anthony Logistics facial moisturizer broad spectrum sunscreen SPF 30 -- $33 USD/3.0 oz. got a man that doesn't moisturize? get him this. the extra bonus is that it has SPF in it. described as a,  "quick-absorbing, non-greasy formula that moisturizes and nourishes skin while protecting against sun damage with broad spectrum." formulated without: Parabens, Phthalates. purchase this tax free off beauty.com.
06 | COOLA mineral face SPF 30 matte finish -- $36 USD/1.7 oz. COOLA also specializes in sunscreen, they even make one for your pets!!! this one is also water resistant for up for 40 minutes. might be good for a beach/pool day. formulated without: Parabens, Sulfates, Phthalates. 
07 | Jack Black double-duty facial moisturizer broad spectrum SPF 20 -- $17.50 USD/1.5 oz, $28 USD/3.3 oz. again, another moisturizer and SPF for the guys. what i like about Jack Black is that is also comes in a travel size tube, not to mention that their lip balms are amazing! formulated without:  Parabens, Sulfates, Phthalates. purchase this tax-free off beauty.com.
08 | First Aid Beauty ultra repair pure mineral sunscreen moisturizer broad spectrum SPF 40 -- $30 USD/2.0 oz. a great option for those who want a moisturizer and sunscreen all in one. described as, "complexion protector that combines the hydrating and nourishing power of Ultra Repair with high level UVA and UVB protection." formulated without: Parabens, Sulfates, Phthalates.

rock the sunscreen errrrdayyy,
JD

asymmetric & neutral

because sometimes, an asymmetric look adds a little flair.

howdy JDC reader! if you follow me on instagram you know i've been posting pictures (maybe one too many...) of this Rebecca Minkoff bag i scored from the epic Nordstrom anniversary sale last month. this bag was so worth it and a complete steal at $100 off from it's regular price of $295. it is still available at regular price now, which... really isn't bad. the port/burgundy color is beautiful, the gold chain complements it perfectly, but what sold me on this bag was two things 1) the chevron leather and 2) the versatility of this bag because you can unhook the chain straps from the D-rings and wear it as a crossbody or a shoulder bag. major points there. stay tuned, i'll do a post on ways to wear the bag and maybe a full review?!

this is actually my first asymmetric top. (wow). so i waited a while to jump on this bandwagon but loving it. also available in black. this outfit was literally put together at the 13th hour. i loved the way it turned out, the cream asymmetrical top, distressed jeans, burgundy bag, and nude pumps. i was all ready to go out. except it was only 7:30am.... #fail

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top | H&M asymmetric top in natural white (and on sale for $15!)
denim | Hudson nico mid-rise distressed skinny jeans in worlds apart (old) -- similar
shoes | Manolo Blahnik 90mm BB pump in nude patent
bag | Rebecca Minkoff chevron quilted love crossbody bag in port
earrings | Kendra Scott carmela studs (customized at the color bar) 
necklace | etsy custom monogram necklace in dearest daddy's initials
bracelet | Vita Fede mini titan crystal bracelet in gold -- similar from BaubleBar with arrows
rings | etsy stacking & midi rings / Kendra Scott ella ring in platinum drusy / BaubleBar tri bar ring 
lips | MAC lipstick in brick-o-la (favorite MAC lipstick)

current lemmings -- summer stripes & wedges

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01 | Topshop high neck wrap crop top/bralet in white -- i really like the crop top in the high neck style. this has a subtle yet sexy crisscross in the front. also available in black. 
02 | Topshop scallop hem mini skirt in stripe -- love scalloped everythanggg! this is going to be a hot skirt this summer. also comes in white, black, and petite sizes.
03 | Halogen rena crisscross strap sandal in tan/leopard cognac -- the chunky low heel sandal is definitely in this summer. this is a great color and has a little leo action. also comes in an all black. 
04 | J.Crew small jewelry tray in ivory metallic gold -- an adorable tray to store all your dainty (or not!) jewelry. it would make a great addition to any vanity. 
05 | Andre Assous anie espadrilles wedge in black fabric -- loving the closed toe wedges that are buckle free! 
06 | MANSUR GAVRIEL crossbody in cammello -- a birdie told me MG just came out with a crossbody. i was like WHAT?! here it is, and already sold out in all colors online. isn't it just the cutest thing?! comes in so many colors. the red is also so gorgeous! hope it comes back in stock soon!
07 | Madewell striped knit dress -- i've been looking for a striped dress in a shift style with 3/4 sleeves. it's like this dress was meant for me! 

rock the summer stripes,
JD

AM skincare routine

start the morning off with a fresh, beautiful face. 

i didn't realize how many products i use in the morning until i gathered the items for this product photo. LOL. nonetheless, this all takes less than FIVE minutes. i'd say that's a pretty good investment to make for your skin every morning. the steps are: exfoliate, tone, moisturize, and protect. pretty simple! so let's get to it!

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01 | exfoliate

CURE natural aqua gel -- this was introduced to me by mama bear, who by the way, has the MOST FABULOUS skin. i've also seen the beautiful @BubzBeauty mention it one of her videos as well.  you use this on a dry face, rub into your skin and the gel removes all the dead skin cells and starts flaking off your face. it's actually weird. but i can't live without this. not to mention, it's a very gentle exfoliator.

02 | cleanse

dermalogica special cleansing gel -- for a long time i was using foam cleaners and realized it was drying out my skin big time. so i switched to a gel cleanser. this has been my favorite by far, gentle, non-drying, and fragrance-fee. 

03 | tone

SK-II facial treatment clear lotion and SK-II facial treatment essence -- can't rave about this duo anymore. CATE BLANCHETT. do i need to say more?!?! my review here. 

04 | moisturize

Caudalie S.O.S. vinosource S.O.S. thirst quenching serum -- this is a light serum, smells divine, and my HG (holy grail) moisturizer. i've used it for so many years. it's good to use alone in the summer, but on days where i need the extra boost, i will top it off with the TATCHA moisture rich silk cream which is a has almost a whipped like consistency. (pictured is a travel size which comes in the TATCHA ritual discovery kit which is a great deal to try a few of their amazing products). it is important to note: moisturize YOUR NECK! this step is often missed or forgotten. your neck is the first thing that will usually start wrinkling. don't let it happen to you. 

Skinceuticals AOX+ eye gel -- eye treatments are pricey but when you think about it, you use the tiniest amount of this product. it should last you pretty close to a year. i love using this eye gel in the morning as it is really light and brightens the under eyes. it claims to help with puffiness, under eye bags,  combat fatigue, and fight the signs of aging. honestly, i can't say i've seen huge results but it's important to note that there is no miracle eye treatment. results on this type of product cannot be seen until years down the line, it's all about prevention and consistency. 

05 | protect

MDSolarSciences mineral creme broad spectrum SPF 50 UVA-UVB sunscreen -- it is hard for me to find a product that is a primer, has SPF, and is matte. (i mean is that too much to ask for?!) finally we met and it's been great ever since. i can't stress wearing SPF.  it is SOOOOOO important. i never tan. (the main reason why i am so.. as my sister says, "alabaster"). the sun is really damaging and it will age you exponentially. and you may not see it now, but you will down the line, and EARLY. so protect yourself! people think that you don't need to apply sunscreen if you're just driving to and from work. but that time in the sun really adds up. TATCHA just came out with a sunscreen that i can't wait to try soon that meets all my requirements, TATCHA silken pore perfecting sunscreen broad spectrum SPF 35!  

in summary,

  • let a product absorb into your skin before putting the next on
  • moisturize your neck down to your clavicles 
  • use an eye treatment
  • wear SPF
  • be consistent

the time for a good skincare routine is NOW,
JD