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

create & cultivate x laurel & wolf SXSW pop-up

#empower.

this past weekend was spent with some INSPIRING individuals! so glad that Create & Cultivate (online platform or female entrepreneurs that aim to inspire and enlighten) partnered with Laurel & Wolf (online interior design company with such a cool concept) and came to Austin, TX (my city!!) for a SXSW pop-up at PRIZE.

Saturday's festivities was free to the public and consisted of four sessions below. i've listed my takeaways in bullet point format for a quick and easy read. hope you enjoy! 

1. the medium is the message: why PR & partnerships are crucial to your business strategy

Gabby Etrog Cohen @SoulCycle // Bianca Caampued @SmallGirlsPR // Silvie Snow-Thomas @ElleCommunications // Courtney Roberts @TheGivingKeys // Samara Finn @MarinaMaherCommunications // Julie Hays Geer @Laurel&Wolf

  • understand the WHY? -- why are you doing this? 
  • what is your story? -- be able to tell it in an organic way.
  • it's all about the PERSONAL VOICE. 
  • obsess over your core values.
  • DO YOU. 
  • would they care? would they share?
  • ask what you can GIVE vs. what you can GET.
  • be nice. be FEARLESS. and never underestimate the power of a smile.
  • life is all about follow-up.
  • all press is not good press.
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2. bridging the gap: creating meaningful content while growing a community

Caitlin Coble @Airbnb // Farryn Weiner @Sweetgreen // Caroline McCarthy @TrueX // Michelle Sadlier @HunterBoots // Ariana Schioldager @Create&Cultivate

  • gaps are opportunities.
  • focus on your brand content; be relentless about it.
  • find relationships to build.
  • evolve but stay true to your core values.
  • creepy backfires! (haha, this was awesome).
  • the best thing about being creative is that there is no right or wrong.

3. how to launch your business, create community & stay relevant in the modern marketplace

Jen Rubio @Away // Sarah Kunst @Proday // Leura Fine @Laurel&Wolf // Jaclyn Johnson @Create&Cultivate

  • there is no such thing as the right time. 
  • FAVORS; do lots of them because there is something called... karma!
  • no one cares as much as you do. 
  • as you evolve, be comfortable letting go and taking off all the hats you use to wear. 
  • the goal is to have a big goal... but then almost forget it!
  • when making big decisions ask yourself -- what's the worse that can happen? usually not much!

4. staying true to your brand: creating a voice that stands out

Kevin Lu @Frametasy // Jeanine Donofrio @Love&Lemons // Matt Crump @MattCrump // Ashley Rose @Sugar&Cloth // Maja Kermath @Kor180 // Lily Berg @DigitalBrandArchitects

  • BE AUTHENTIC.
  • if someone doesn't like you, like them. if someone doesn't talk to you, talk to them.
  • be interested vs. interesting. 
  • stay consistent.
  • feature other brands -- it's not all about you.
  • always stay true to yourself; no matter what. 
  • find what other people aren't doing. 

the Create & Cultivate blog is also a GREAT resource for some amazing posts. below are two released from the SXSW pop-up:

#CampLaurelAndWolf continued with floral crown making with the very talented @MargotBlair who was so sweet and patient. i am loving all her work!! she also has a monthly flowers & cocktails course which i am dying to take. i am a sucker for anything that involves fresh blooms. 

i attended this event with Nicole, an Austin blogger who reached out to me a few months ago (so glad she did!) check out her newly launched site: @NicoleSometimes -- i love her addiction to COLOR! here, we met Monica who drove up from San Antonio and just started blogging too, check out her site: @StyledByMonicaPuga. i don't want to spoil it but they were dressed so fab and will be posting their SXSW outfits soon. i might have already bought the shoes Nicole was wearing... and i've asked Monica where she got her bag... so... perhaps this blogging friends thing is going to get expensive!

saving the best for last, but Maja @kor180 read us THE #manifesto that sits on a wall in her pilates + cycling studio (y'all know how much i LOVE pilates!) that resonates with me so much i had to share it. i encourage you to read it out loud since it has so much power to it!

today i choose to show up fully.
to care for myself as i do for others.
to speak my truth so you know the real me.
i'm not broken, i don't need fixing. i am enough.
bravery is in high demand i choose to be fearless.
i choose to work as hard as i can today which is different than yesterday & different than tomorrow.
i commit to this interval one breath at a time.
i stay focused on the small things because how i do small things is how i do all things. 
i choose me. i choose here. i choose right now. 
i've got this.

ah, i couldn't think of a better ending,
JD

tips on how to get that beauty sleep on

sleep. it's good for the mind, body, and soul. (and for everyone around you!)

this week is National Sleep Awareness Week, and i was approached by Crane & Canopy to do a post with tips on how i get my beauty sleep! Crane & Canopy is a San Francisco based company specializing in some high quality online bedding. they have been featured in the NY Times, InStyle, Real Simple, Today Show etc.. i adore their color palette scheme, simplicity, and gosh, the pintuck duvet sets are so pretty!

image by Crane & Canopy

image by Crane & Canopy

beauty sleep. it's a real thing. trust me. getting enough sleep helps boost your mood, energy, you are more likely to be calm than rushing all over the place, less irritable, you are going to age a lot slower, and most importantly, you are going to look better which automatically means you are going to FEEL BETTER. and we are all about that, aren't we? it's a win win. 

here are some tips to get that beauty sleep on from least to most obvious:

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1. foam roll

most of us who work full-time probably sit all day. there are plenty of articles on how sitting for long periods of time can kill you. great infographic on this topic and an article from TIME. thank goodness i have a sit-stand desk (at home and work); and if you don't have one you NEED to GET ONE!! if you don't, you need to take frequent breaks to stretch (here is a great PDF to print out for reference on stretching, esp pg. 1 & 2), or walk it out-walk it out. (cue the song please). tip: check with your HR department to see if you can get an ergonomic assessment, most companies offer this service these days. sitting all day causes us to have a lot of tension in our bodies that lead to exhaustion, tightness, and achy-ness. relieve that tension by foam rolling lightly before bedtime; nothing rigorous. my girl Krista @hundredblog did a great post on this recently. i highly recommend the Trigger Point foam roller (also an Austin-based company!), it is very durable and has different indentations for levels of intensity. 

more on the sit-stand movement: Ergotron is the best in business at sit-stand workstations, i have this one at work. i also have the IKEA sit-stand desk at home in the BEKANT series. 

2. neck/body wraps

these things are amazing! like the next best thing to getting a real massage. this tip goes hand in hand with foam rolling but the warm compress really helps soothe tired achy muscles and helps you relax into a spa-like mindset! i have this one by Bucky and it is great because i can use it hot or cold, and the shape allows me to use it on my forearms/wrist (which are overworked and very tight) and there are even some that can be infused with lavender. 

3. have a routine

routines are GREAT. esp for bedtime! you know when you say i gotta get ready for bed, what is it that you do? for me it's flossing, brushing my teeth but it is also means... getting my night time skin regimen on!! i always look forward to that. having a routine just mentally gets your mind ready for bed. 

4. get those calm vibes on

don't do anything that energizes you before bed. like don't exercise or listen to heart pumping music, don't think about your to-do lists. just be in your calm happy place! my sister's contribution to this tip is: don't get into a heated argument! lol. but that is great advice because i never recommend going to bed angry or upset! life is too short for that.  

5. invest in a bed

this is extremely important and a huge investment. but you only get one body, so treat it right! needless to say, my life is not complete without a Tempur-Pedic mattress -- molds to your body without losing its shape = no pressure on joints. get one and your body will thank you! trust me, ask anyone who owns one and they will only have good things to say about it. the Tempur-pedic pillows are also amazing (good alternative in terms of price)! #notbasic

6. it's all about thread count

TC ladies! TC. it makes all the difference, and once you start buying higher thread count sheets, you won't be able to go down in TC again. i know, it's a #FWP (firstworldproblem). a great medium is 400 TC, here are some cute sets from Crane & Canopy: all white is always my fave / dove grey / scalloped! / hello blush ruffles / and the 300 TC printed grey cloud because it's fun to mix prints with solids! tip: it's best to pick high tread counts for the winter and lower TC for the summer. see a video on what TC is. remember to #treatyourself! 

7. your body is your boss

listen to your body. it will tell you when you are depriving it of sleep. you can feel it. and when you do, you should listen and honor it by catching those zzz's. here's a good example we can all relate to: when you're laying in bed with your phone and you are on the point of exhaustion but you continue to scroll through your feed, ignoring what your body is trying to tell you, then your phone drops and hits your face? that's your body's way of saying HELLO, i needed to smack you with your phone to tell you how tired i am; hope this gets your attention! uh huh. i know you know what i'm talking about. some days you just have to call it quits, be a grandma, and go to bed at 9pm! #noshame

image courtesy of google

8. do not eat a full meal

i don't know why people say that is the best way to sleep because it is not for me. food just ends up sitting there and it's so uncomfortable. sure, light snacks are okay (hello scoop of ice cream!) but nothing too heavy!

9. feng shui

create a space that is inviting you to sleep. i know it sounds a little weird, but maybe dimmer lights in the bedroom, painted walls in calming colors, the way your room is arranged can make a world of difference, and how clean/organized it is! tip: one thing to note is not having a TV in your bedroom will help.  

10. cut devices before bedtime

further elaborating on #7. i am bad at this one. but i do know it is really important not to be on our phones, or anything electronic that is going to stimulate the mind even more. so try to #cutitout out at least one hour before bedtime!

image by Crane & Canopy

also remember that life is about moderation. same applies to sleep. it is important to get at least 6-8 hours of sleep a night if you can. i know i struggle with this. but any more OR less and you are going to be constantly groggy and tired.

and lastly, if you have ever struggled with folding a fitted sheet perfectly (ME!!), Crane & Canopy has you covered with this video!!!

remember, it is the small changes we make that have the greatest impact. 

what do you do to get a good nights sleep?,
JD

A post done in collaboration with Crane & Canopy.

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
  

tatcha luminous collection review

my philosophy is skin first -- always. in my photos i do not wear any form of foundation because i am LAZY. let's just start with that. instead of taking time to put foundation on my face every morning, i put all my effort into taking care of my skin so i can put this step off for as long as i can. as much as good skin is about genes, healthy eating, and drinking plenty of water it's also about investing in good skincare products that work for YOU. 

there is no secret that TATCHA is one of my favorite LUXURY skincare brands. with that said, it is not for everyone due to the price tag. i am a firm believer in quality over quantity. you know that saying, "you get what you pay for?" well, when it comes to TATCHA, you get that and more. every product is heavily researched and packaged to extreme perfection. not only does my skin love TATCHA, i love the customer service and philosophy that TATCHA stands behind. TATCHA is a partner for the Room to Read program which provides a day of school for one girl for every full-sized product that is purchased. not to mention the founder, Victoria Tsai (who has such beautiful skin, i mean... have you seen it?!), has studied geisha rituals to skincare and traveled all around the world to curate ingredients that make up TATCHA. 

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while i am already an avid user of the TATCHA radiant deep brightening serum, i had the pleasure to test a few of the latest additions to the TATCHA luminous collection with regular usage for the past month +. the main ingredient to this collection is red algae which is known for its moisture-retaining properties. this is great because i think the number one thing that skin always lacks is... MOISTURE. 

luminous overnight memory serum concentrate

what it is: "A unique, hydrating gel-like serum concentrate to visibly replenish and diminish the look of fine lines, revealing a youthful glow in one use."

what it does: "This ultra-concentrated formula of hydrating Okinawa Red Algae and 7 other rich botanical extracts including ginseng, squalane, wild thyme, and sweet marjoram visibly improves skin clarity, texture, and tone for overall renewed radiance overnight. Formulated with Tatcha's proprietary, anti-aging HADASEITM-3 Bioactive Complex." 

my thoughts: 

  • lightweight, non-greasy, absorbs easily
  • very faint clean scent that doesn't linger, nothing to deter someone who is a scent-a-phobe
  • consistency is like... jello! when you dip your spoon into it, the product will mold back into looking brand new the next time you use it! 
  • glass jar with a dainty gold spoon applicator so you don't have to dip your hands into the pot
  • spoon is secured into place with the ribbon on the lid
  • brighter complexion in the AM
  • great for sensitive skin
  • current usage: PM after my SK-II routine (what a combo!)

luminous deep hydration firming eye serum

what it is: "This weightless serum of Okinawa Red Algae, Honeysuckle Leaf and Caffeine offers instantly-visible firming, reduced puffiness, and plumping hydration to diminish fine lines."

what it does: "A cooling ceramic applicator and fine dust of 23-karat gold brighten and diminish shadows under the eyes without adding shimmer."

my thoughts:

  • lightweight, non-greasy, absorbs easily
  • unscented
  • plastic tube with unique cooling ceramic applicator = no need to use fingers!!
  • applies so smoothly = dispense small droplets of product outlining the under eye then use the applicator to evenly smooth it into the skin = no tugging of the delicate under eye
  • brighter undereyes (hello 23K gold!), refreshed look, slightly decreased puffiness
  • great for sensitive skin
  • current usage: AM & PM

other TATCHA mention-ables:

have you tried any TATCHA products? what are your thoughts or any recommendations? comment below! 

A post done in collaboration with TATCHA.
Products provided by TATCHA, all opinions are my own. 

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