the cropped sweater & OTK boots

February 11, 2016

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?!

the cropped sweater & OTK boots -- jannadoan.com

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

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

February 8, 2016

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!!)

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

February 1, 2016

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:

ASOS off shoulder top with ruffle sleeves in pink (would look perfect with some skinny jeans and heels)
ASOS pleated midi skirt in nude (would go great with a black crop top or lace top) -- see it styled in burgundy
Ann Taylor floral lace sheath dress in red
Forever21 front slip maxi dress in red

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

the cobalt blue midi skirt & black lace -- jannadoan.com

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

DermStore BeautyFIX subscription box

January 28, 2016

go ahead, be beautiful! (this is what your BeautyFIX box will be sayin' to ya.)

obviously, the clutch and rings are not included. lol.

one of my gfs introduced me to DermStore (so thanking her!). as a skincare enthusiast/fanatic/obsessor i have nothing but love for this online mecca for all things related to beauty. they carry 500+ brands in some of the most finest dermatology, hair-ology? and cosmetics. to name a few that i love: Anastasia, Clarisonic, Dermalogica, Kevyn Aucoin, Koh Gen Do, MDSolarSciences, SK-II, Skinceuticals.

recently, they started a subscription box called BeautyFIX! and come on, who doesn't want a "beauty fix" every month?!? #literally. arriving at your doorstep will be a pretty good size box that ranges from full to deluxe travel sizes curated by skin experts. they are brands that DermStore carries, so it is going to be pretty freakin' good. subscriptions also make great gifts (even for yourself! haha!) that literally keeps giving all year long!! take a look at the eight items in the...

January BeautyFIX box:

Danielle Creations chrome mini mirror -- omg, the cutest little travel size double sided mirror that has 4x magnification! perfect for when you travel with your squad and they be hoggin' the bathroom mirror. retails for $14.99 USD.
Peter Thomas Roth acne-clear invisible dots (12 clear dots) -- adhesive patches to be used as a spot treatment for acne and blemishes. contains salicylic acid, tea tree oil, hyaluronic acid (for hydration). 72 clear dots for $32 USD.
June Jacobs papaya purifying enzyme masque (15 mL/0.5 fl. oz.) -- a cream-based mask that smells divine! like i'm sipping on a coconut on a tropical island (oh, wait i'm sitting at my desk. sigh). it has papaya which has exfoliant properties. gosh this full size baby retails for a whopping $60! (4 fl. oz.)
Arcona magic white ice (10 mL/0.33 oz.) -- this AM/PM gel serum moisturizer is supposed to leave skin feeling fresh and glowy. has a very distinct perfume-y smell. 1.17 oz. retails for $42 USD.
Medicell Labs hydrating calming facial mist (30 mL/1 fl. oz., full size) -- misting your face. yep, it's a thing. i bring mists with me when i travel (this is a perfect travel size) and it's great for when you are in places where the air is dry (aka: airplane). contains botanical ingredients to hydrate and refresh. smells like the spa without going to the spa. retails for $13.95 USD #mistyoself
DS Laboratories revita hair stimulating shampoo (100 mL/3.4 oz.) -- this revolutionary shampoo contains ingredients (even caffeine!) to maintain scalp vitality, prevent hair loss, and promote fuller looking hair. 6 oz. retails for $29.99 USD.
Tarina Tarantino pearl glow luminizing primer in pearl (1 fl. oz, full size) -- this is a lightweight illuminating primer that adds that dewy glow to your skin. it reminds me of Burberry's fresh glow. more liquid-y so shake it up before using it. retails for $32 USD.
Karuna age-defying hand mask (1 hand mask = 2 hands, hope this makes sense) -- forget those face masks! hands need love too, esp considering how much we use them. this is a creamy oil-infused cloth-based mask for both your hands! it's supposed to reduce signs of aging, retain moisture, and revitalize dry skin. the glove even has a secure strap for a custom fit! leave on for 20 mins and you got some glowing hands. 4 hand masks retail for $32 USD. they also make face masks and you can try the entire line here.

the deets:

6+ products (from full to deluxe travel sizes) per box
$100+ worth or products per box!!!
$12.50 first box for a limited time only!! (new subscribers only) and auto-renews at $24.95 USD per box each month. sign up HERE or click on any BeautyFIX anywhere on this post
cancel anytime
basically a great way to be introduced to and try new brands
can't commit to a subscription but see a box you like? purchase it for that month for $34.95 USD, free shipping

so what are you waiting for? get your BeautyFIX on!,
JD

A post done in collaboration with DermStore.

january beauty

January 25, 2016

it's been a while since i've done one of these collages! rounded up some new and old products for this month. more details after the jump!

01 | TATCHA luminous overnight memory serum concentrate -- the latest addition to the luminous collection, this is a hydrating gel-like serum that uses red algae for more luminous skin. the deep hydration eye firming serum is also new to this line with a unique ceramic applicator to reduce puffiness and fine lines. i have been using both of these for the past few days and loving it! review coming soon.
02 | Hourglass ambient strobe lighting powder -- Hourglass makes some amazing powders, like my beloved blush in luminous flush. strobing is all the rage right now, and here we have four colors: iridescent, incandescent, euphoric, and brilliant. these powders use micro-fine pearls to create #thatglo. amazing swatches and comparisons by Sabrina @thebeautylookbook. her picks are euphoric and brilliant.
03 | surratt beauty artistique blush in rougeur -- i've heard some good things about this brand and i think the first item i would try is a blush. i only have three blushes (gasp!) and this would be such a unique one to own! described as "classic rouge."
04 | OPI avoplex cuticle oil (to go) -- during the wintertime, my cuticles get really dry. i've done nothing about it and probably should starting with this. also comes in a full size version.
05 | CHANEL sunkiss ribbon blush (spring 2016, L.A. sunrise collection, limited edition) -- an interlaced ribbon design with all blush colors, great for those who can't decide!! pink, beige, coral, orange, magenta! it is so stunning to look at. swatches on Christine @temptalia.
06 | Sephora formula X Aimee Song collection in nude for you -- when @songofstyle collaborates with any brand, you check it out. she's such an inspo to so many women, but here is her formula X #colorcurators release in three shades: a girls best friend (pink), mintfluencer (mint), and nude for you (nude). from what i've seen, the nude seems to be a universal flattering shade.
07 | INM out the door top coat -- introduced to me by my BFF who is a nail polish guru. WOW this thing drys so fast and stays so shiny for days!! love her and this introduction! a must have!! also sold at Sally Beauty supply.
08 | invisibobble hair ties -- i discovered this at last my hair cut with my amazing stylist @cystalvainatx. yep, it looks like a telephone cord. it's not really invisible. but it's supposed to put uneven pressure around the circumference of your ponytail meaning no hair marks/kinks. this also means no tugging/pulled hair and the most important part is no hair breakage or split ends. works well for everyday use, but it doesn't have a super strong hold so i use two for work outs one to put my hair in a ponytail and then the second to secure it into a bun. comes in a variety of colors!

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

warby parker -- concentric collection

January 12, 2016

be a spectacle in some spectacles!!! (yes, i said it. #deskslapper)

i'm sure many of you have heard of Warby Parker. they make eyeglasses and sunglasses (also in prescription) at an AFFORDABLE price not to mention, they have a wide variety of extremely stylish frames for the budget friendly guy/gal! no matter what your style is, there is something for EVERYONE at WP. fashionable eye wear at a fraction of the price? yes, please! here are a few things i personally like about the brand and philosophy at Warby Parker:

for every pair of eyeglasses sold, a pair is distributed to someone in need. their main partner: VisionSpring
frames start at $95 USD
home-try on program (5 pairs, 5 days, free trial) -- pick 5 frames, they will ship them for you for free, you have 5 days to decide which pair(s) then return them (return shipping is also free!) to purchase your pair online with your prescription. this is great for people like me who want second opinions! also, be sure to use the #WarbyHomeTryOn to get comments/social media feedback!
one year guarantee no-scratched lenses
polycarbonate lenses (impact resistant)
durable material & screws
100% UV protection
anti-scratch & anti-reflective coating included
free shipping & returns

honestly, it doesn't get better than that.

warby parker spring 2016 concentric collection -- jannadoan.com

today, the spring 2016 concentric collection launches that is inspired by... the CIRCUS! this eyeglass collection consists of bright happy-colored frames in all sizes and shapes! i love the fact that they are different from your typical black/brown frames. the Haskell is definitely a stand out from the collection, this is a clear frame (becoming very popular) with a colored inner ring (available in three colors), they look great on both men and women as you can tell from the images below. my personal favorite is the Laurel, a peacock green frame; i can see this going with all outfit colors! the Preston is a red colored frame, and... any sassy lady/#girlboss needs some red colored glasses, goes so well with the #LBD.

a few product images from the concentric collection below, more details, and videos on tips/guidelines to finding the right frames for your face after the jump!