the must have romper

how is it already september?! 

while a lot of fashion bloggers are "holding onto summer" i'm over here like "let me go summer!!!" i cannot wait for the cool temps but unfortunately, fall does not really hit texas until the end of october and as much as i would like to provide you with fall outfit inspo i just cannot picture myself draping a scarf around my neck or let alone wear a jacket in this heat. #justcantdoit #crazytalk SORRY! 

in the meantime, i bring you my favorite romper i've worn to pieces #literally, because it ripped in a small area and i had to sew it back. the best thing about this romper is that you don't have to wear a strapless. can i get a #HALLELUJAH?! it also has pockets and the v is not too deep. winning all around until... it rips. 

lastly, i'm talking about my east coast trip to visit Annie // @annie_spano and also supporting my blogger babe Mindy // @threadsnbreads jewelry line, thesongbirdcollection.com // here i am wearing two of her bracelets. use code "jannadoan" for 20% off your purchase! i'm eyeing these lightweight tassel earrings. more after the jump! xoxo

currently on my playlist: survivor by Destiny's Child -- takin' it back old school (turn it up!)

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romper | Target Mossimo romper (on sale and avail in three colors) -- similar with ruffles / similar but striped / similar with polka dots / similar with long sleeves
shoes | Target dv ella espadrilles in black (sold out) -- similar / similar / similar
bag c/o | Clare Vivier flat clutch in camel with royal blue, white and red stripes -- similar / similar
sunglasses | Ray Ban original aviator 58mm RB3025 in black -- similar for $12!
necklace | BaubleBar acrylic block monogram necklace in tortoise shell
earrings | Kendra Scott addie earrings in rose gold
watch | Michael Kors darci watch in gold
bracelet c/o | The Songbird Collection it bracelet in gold / The Songbird Collection small double triangle bracelet in gold -- use code "jannadoan" or 20% off
rings | Kendra Scott skylen ring in turqouise (sold out) -- similar but larger / BaubleBar tri bar ring (sold out) / BaubleBar ice chevron midi ring / Gorjana blakey ring cuff/ Etsy stacking & midi rings
lips | MAC amplified creme lipstick in brick-o-la

#eastcoastadventures

this trip to visit Annie @annie_spano was EPIC. i had only talked to Annie via DM, our hilarious comments, and text but i have never met her in person. it was definitely out of character for me to buy a plane ticket to visit someone i have never met but i think it's all about pushing boundaries and your own comfort zone! i'm so glad i did. Annie is the mastermind behind @stylecollective_ and joining this group of blogger babes has been life changing for ME. it has allowed me to make friendships (which i am lacking!) that will last even when blogging becomes a pastime. we chatted, ate, stayed up so late, laughed, worked out, got our hair and nails did, saw the sights, OH and Annie & Mike helped me mark something off my bucket list -- i've always wanted to see a lighthouse! BAM. so many memories made and cherished. i miss them both and cannot wait to see them again one day... IN TEXAS! #foreverfriends

getting that hair did at drybar // Trinity Church // inside Copley Plaza
blogger brunch at Stephanie's on Newbury // Ogunquit Beach //  Portsmouth, NH
dinner at ROW 34 // sweatin' a storm at barre & soul // Marginal Way lighthouse

xoxo,
JD

jdc turns two

follow what you love and it will take you where you want to go.

it's been so crazy lately that i forgot to celebrate my TWO year BLOGIVERSARY (totally a thang)! honestly, i can't believe i've kept this up for this long. that in itself is a huge victory. let's not talk about all the projects i've started and didn't finish.... ahem, that skirt i've meaning to sew for four years now...

the truth is, jannadoan.com (jdc) started at a low point in my life. i was unhappy and in a rut (mid-life crisis anyone?). this place became my little slice of the blogosphere where i could unleash my hobby/creativity and passion. it also filled what once felt like a void in my life. of course this meant overcoming the fact that i needed to come out of my shell. truly, i'm an introvert and being in front of the camera or going to social events is not at the top of my list of things to do! but i've come to have fun with it and learned so many things about myself along the way. talk about pushin' boundaries. i'm freakin' proud of myself. 

for this milestone i wanted to share some of my favorite posts from the past year and a few reflections/ramblings. thank you so much for following along this journey!

year two in nine squares (all CLICKABLE):

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01. join a blogging community

this has been the biggest game changer for me. when i joined @stylecollective_ last november, i had no idea what to expect, i mean i certainly didn't think i'd become such great friends with the founder, Annie / @thelovelygirl and FLY OUT TO VISIT HER for an #epicweekend! (more on this trip coming soon) for one who doesn't have very many friends, @stylecollective_ has allowed me to connect with gals who always lift me up when i feel down, who cheer me on when i feel like quitting, who inpsire and empower me. for that, i am so grateful. i've found my tribe. xoxo

02. if it's not a hell yes, it's a (hell) no

this year i started doing collaborations with brands! wah hoo! what a milestone! as collaborations come in, my thought on this has become, if it's not a hell yes, it is a (hell) no. always stay true to your brand and what fits for you and your blog. trust your intuition. some of my favorite collaborations this year were with @tatcha / @danielwellington / @azazie. also, never underestimate the power of JUST ASKING. the least they can say is no. 

03. smile, even if you don't want to

even though i am smiling in all my photos, it does not mean my life is perfect. photos are taken at a fraction of a second and can never depict #reallife. i've learned that there are things, people, set backs, or just plain life events that will bring you down. but sometimes you just gotta pull yourself together, push forward, and fake it til you make it. na mean? one of the best pieces of advice i could give in this area is, act the way you want to feel. 

04. always stay true to yourself

life is too short to be someone else, BE YOU. your unique self. ain't nobody in the world like you, so BE YOU! in your writing, thoughts, interactions, comments to others, be personal, be passionate about what you do or put out. let it have MEANING and purpose. what does all this stem from? PASSION. and what's so great about passion is that you are already ten steps ahead of the game than anyone else going into it. great things always begin with passion. always be kind. be humble. and lastly, never let material things consume you because they can never replace the "things" that really matter in life. 

05. try not to compare yourself to others

i know we all do this. it's just human nature. but... comparison is a thief of ALL JOY. try not to get caught up in the numbers or stats etc... in fact, celebrate others, rejoice in their success and let them be an inspiration to you! comparing yourself to others can take you down a dark path that is opposite of 04. which brings me to the quote at the beginning of my post, "follow what you love and it will take you where you want to go." just like life, blogging is about the journey and never the destination.

#cantstopwontstop,
JD

the summer popsicle shirtdress

why hellooooo there. 

it's been a long time y'all. sorry for the MIA but my BFF got married (whoo hoo!), my laptop fan died, and then life happened. ya know?! recently, my friend Nicole @nicolesometimes introduced me to the world of Anthropologie dresses. i knew if i bought one dress, i would buy another... and let's just say i will be a more frequent visitor to their website, despite the cries from my wallet. what? i can't hear you!!?! i can't help it. Anthropologie just gets me. 

a shirtdress is an essential in every wardrobe. this one is no exception, and come on. it has POPSICLES on it. hello perfect summer dress. i mean how can you resist? when it came out a long time ago, i really wanted it but couldn't justify the price tag, then i saw Nicole wear it and was like that's it. URGH. these blogger friends are so expensive (love you!)!! i've worn this dress a few times without washing it (#noshame) and always get a DOZEN compliments on it! 

i'll be traveling to Boston, MA / New Market, NH this weekend to see my blogger babe ANNIE @thelovelygirl.co and mastermind behind the @stylecollective_ group of gals. being apart of @stylecollective_ has allowed me to make amazing friendships with gals. as someone who doesn't have many GFs, thanks to Annie, i have tons all over the world!! Annie has become such a friend to me over our random DMs and instagram comments. i am SO excited to meet her in person (shriek!). it's going to be an #epicweekend full of #S&S = #shenanigans & #seafood!

for my blogger gals, click on READ MORE for some takeaways from the rewardStyle #RSSchoolNight i attended last week wearing this same dress lol!

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dress | Anthropologie paleta shirtdress -- similar but in linen (and on sale!) / similar with eyelet detail / similar with high low cut
bag | GiGi New York saint germain clutch in tan -- similar but fold over 
sunglasses | Celine tilda sunglasses in dark tortoise
shoes | Sam Edelman gigi sandal in saddle -- similar / similar in gladiator lace up
earrings | Kendra Scott sophee textured drop earrings in gold
necklace | BaubleBar ice scallop pendant (old) -- similar 
rings | BaubleBar tri bar ring (sold out) / BaubleBar ice chevron midi ring / Gorjana blakey ring cuff/ Etsy stacking & midi rings
watch | Michael Kors darci watch in gold
nails | essie nail polish in watermelon
lips | Tom Ford lip color in casablanca

rock the (popsicle) shirtdress,
JD

for my blogger/insta babes, here are some rewardStyle #RSSchoolNight takeaways:

  • mission statement: have one.
  • best time to send a newsletter is thur @10AM
  • mobile-friendly newletter should include: skimmable, feature exclusive content, include promo codes/sale info, share recent fav blog posts and inspo behind them, a shopping wish list, direct subscribers back to your site, highlight others/interviews, link your social pages, consistent format & style
  • have pop-ups on your site at least 60 seconds in so it doesn't look like spam
  • have social share buttons
  • use editorial calendars to improve your content strategy
  • instagram performance apps: piqora, sprout social, iconosquare, simply measured, LIKEtoKNOW.it analytics, social report (all-in-one)
  • organization & reminder tools: evernote, wunderlist, trello, remember the milk
  • productivity tools: toggl, stayfocused, adobe color cc
  • note major holidays/sales
  • social optimization (different for everyone): post two LTKit posts a day, collab with others, encourage conversation and feedback, engage indiv with your followers, be PERSONAL!
  • photo apps: AfterFocus, adobe photoshop express, faded, VSCO, a color story, snapseed
  • social media tools: buffer (schedule social media content), sprout social (offers analytical oversight)
  • goal setting apps: nozbe, goals on track, lifetick
  • what to include in your media kit: stats (social following, page visits, unique viewers per month, and conversion rate), demographic outreach, flexible rates (social channels + site), partnerships/collabs, press clippings & testimonials, verticals you cover, an a write up of what makes you unique (speak your brand), imagery representative of your brand, keep it simple & sweet
  • instagram LTKit captions: BE PERSONAL! ("speak" in your own voice), talk about sizing, add price $, link other options at different price points, styling tips

daniel wellington watches

a watch for every occasion.

besides my monogram necklace, a watch is one of my favorite accessories to wear. while i am mainly a chain link watch kinda gal, i've been wanting to add a leather strap one to my options to switch it up! enter Daniel Wellington. 

a few things i love about Daniel Wellington:

  • genuine leather strap -- can be interchanged! = more options depending on what you are wearing. a good how-to video here
  • minimal & sleek design -- only three to choose from: classy (Swarovski crystals vs. numbers), classic, and dapper (personally my fave due to the roman numerals and blue dials, insert all heart eyes emoji)
  • options on metal -- either silver or rose gold
  • options on size -- two for each design (one large and one small)
  • thin face = lightweight
  • a great timeless (#literally) gift idea -- you can get you and your man/boo/crush/guy figure in your life one that matches yours! = matchy matchy status
  • two year warranty on manufacturing defects (crystals, movement, case)

see my Daniel Wellington dapper watch styled in my latest outfit post with this summery leaf print halter dress. i can't wait to change out the straps to black for a more casual-formal wear (is that even a thing?). i seriously can't stop wearing this watch. #obsessed.

what's better than a watch? a watch with a DISCOUNT! yea yea! 
until 7/30 use code "JANNADOAN" on danielwellington.com for 15% off your entire purchase! #JUST.DO.IT.

Daniel Wellington dapper st mawes 34mm rose gold // also pictured is the sheffield (black interchangeable strap)

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watch c/o | Daniel Wellington dapper st mawes 34mm rose gold (use code "JANNADOAN" to receive 15% off!, good until 7/30)
rings | BaubleBar ice chevron midi ring / Gorjana blakey ring cuff/ Etsy stacking & midi rings ' Gorjana blakely cuff ring in gold
nails | essie gel couture in pre snow jitters (new from essie and no light needed!)

rock the DW,
JD

A post done in collaboration with Daniel Wellington.

the leaf print halter dress

hot summer days.

hope y'all are having a great summer! mine's been really awesome so far, despite the heat which really slows down photo taking. this palm/leaf print has been so hot this summer, so i had to get my hands on this dress Ann Taylor amalfi halter dress! #naturally. it's first leaf print dress and i can't beLEAF it!!! #nopunintended i will see myself wearing this one a ton because these very reasons 1) one of my favorite colors is NAVY, 2) breathable fabric for this TX heat wave!, 3) pockets, 4) could be worn to work with a cardigan, and 5) effortless high neck halter style -- my favorite type of cut. 

on a side note i have been in the market for a saddle bag. as much as i have lusted over the Chloe marcie, i found this Tory Burch mini saddle bag to be the cutest mini saddle bag! (anything mini... sucks me in). i especially adore the color and simplicity. while it doesn't really win on functionality because it is a tad bit small... for the price (on sale!) i'm definitely a happy camper!

psst... the epic Nordstrom Anniversary sale begins for cardholders this Wednesday, 7/13 -- details and dates here. also preview the women's and men's catalog. what item(s) do you have your eyes set on?!

currently on my playlist: gorgeous by X Ambassadors 

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dress | Ann Taylor amalfi halter dress -- similar with sleeves
shoes | Forever 21 faux leather wedges in camel -- similar but more strappy / similar and avail in three colors!
bag | Tory Burch mini saddle bag in camello (sold out in this color but on sale) -- avail in black and a beautiful olive green! / similar in black and on sale! / similar and avail in three colors
sunglasses | Celine tilda sunglasses in dark tortoise
earrings | Kendra Scott tessa stud earrings in clear 
watch c/o | Daniel Wellington 34mm st mawes dapper watch in rose gold (use code "JANNADOAN" to receive 15% off danielwellington.com ends 7/30)
rings | BaubleBar tri bar ring (sold out) / BaubleBar ice chevron midi ring / Gorjana blakey ring cuff / Etsy stacking & midi rings
lips | MAC amplified creme lipstick in brick-o-la
nails | essie gel couture in pre snow jitters (new from essie and no light needed!)

rock the leaf print,
JD

azazie dresses

it's wedding season y'all.

one of the things about being a bridesmaid is looking for a DRESS. that is a whole ordeal within itself, because you are having to agree with a few other girls, then there is price, designs, fits, lengths, and colors. low and behold, i wish i knew about AZAZIE // @iheartazazie way before time. i mean this brand is god-send from the wedding world. trust me, save yourself the time (=money) and headache! the dress i am wearing is the Carissa in dark navy, it comes in 57 COLORS. you read that right, 57!! i choose this custom fit gown because i don't have many formal maxi dresses and i adored the pleated top, ESPECIALLY the subtle ruched one shoulder detail, i loved fanning it out in these photos! 

some things about why i love AZAZIE:

  • price -- so reasonable, all under $150 USD
  • variety of styles -- i had the hardest time picking ONE!, these designs can be worn for NUMEROUS events! #YAS
  • QUALITY -- the chiffon material was so perfect, it also arrives in a pretty duster bag for protection and can be used for years
  • variety of colors! -- if you are unsure you can even order swatches
  • CUSTOM TAILORED FIT at no extra charge!! heck yes! this was perfect for me due to my weirdly shaped body and #shortgirlproblems
  • offers a "try before you buy" program
  • also sell bridal gowns and mother of the bride dresses

my other AZAZIE dress picks include the following:

currently reading: the rosie project by Graeme Simsion

currently on my playlist: unsteady by X Ambassadors (give it a few seconds the song really builds)

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dress c/o | Azazie carissa bridesmaid dress in dark navy
shoes | Stuart Weitzman nudistsong in adobe patent (comes in different widths too!) -- similar / similar
bag | Kate Landry pyramid metal hardframe clutch (old) -- similar / similar
earrings | BaubleBar bronte drops in clear (old) -- similar / similar / love the shape on these
bracelet | Kendra Scott candice cuff in gold via @rocksbox use code "jannadoanxoxo" to receive one month for free! -- similar
ring | Kendra Scott martiza cocktail ring in ivory pearl (old) -- loving this one / similar
lips | MAC amplified creme lipstick in brick-o-la
nails | Sephora formula x nail polish in delightful

A post done in collaboration with AZAZIE.

travel diary -- iceland

Howdy jannadoan.com followers!

First off, my name is Yen (@cremebroolay), Janna’s sister.

I’ve recently returned from a trip to Europe and Janna asked if I could write a short blurb about it on her blog. I said I would love to, since everyone needs to know about the beauty of a place called ICELAND!

Hello Reykjavik, Iceland!

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In its spring and summer, Iceland is a beautiful country with an abundance of green pastures and picturesque mountains. It is not a frozen arctic tundra -- which would be Greenland. I know. Confusing. The Vikings are so smart.  

Viking ship model

When visiting Iceland, the Blue Lagoon needs to be on the list of things to do/visit.

Yes, it's a touristy place, but I mean, just look and imagine... the water is a warm 98*F. The crisp spring air blows your baby hairs into your face. Your husband drops his GoPro into the murky water that is visually impenetrable 3 inches below its surface...

And there are so many waterfalls to chase. Totally my kind of thing.

Skogafoss

Seljalandsfoss
You can go behind this waterfall to take pictures, but it is SPLASH ZONE city. My clothes & phone were soaking wet.

Gulfoss

þingvellir 

geothermal pool at Geysir

Notes on Iceland:

  • English is widely spoken within Reykjavik. The farther you are away from the city's center, the more difficult it may be to communicate -- unless you're at a tourist attraction.
  • Warm-ish to hot water smells like sulfurrr. Even in the shower. Even at blue lagoon. Frigid, cold, water does not and is perfectly safe to drink. Icelanders know this and don't buy bottled water, but they sell it for wary tourists.
  • Lamb is supposedly the best in Iceland because of how they are raised and what they feed on, but I don't eat lamb and can't attest to that.

Now, SKYR, I ate a ton of. It's a skim-milk cheese that's high in protein but has the texture of yogurt. Think: really smooth and good tasting Greek yogurt. (Siggi's, sold here in the states, is not the same)

drykkur = drink

If you've ever considered travelling to Iceland, I urge you to go. Icelandair even as a deal where you can stopover in Iceland for up to 7 days, before making your way to a number of other European destinations, at no additional cost!

Iceland is a gorgeous country that's fun to explore and a great place to unplug. Seriously, my cell reception was spotty at best. 

Signing off,
YD @cremebroolay