austin fashion week in maggy london

peplum hem sucker. right hurr.

while looking for something to wear for Austin Fashion Week #AFW, i came across this beauty! being in the midst of fashion, i had to look somewhat presentable and went a little more formal with this white dress (perfect opportunity to wear white in my opinion). all i can say is, i LOVE the floral texture on this dress! and the peplum hem adds just a touch more glam than just a regular fitted white dress. ALSO, as wedding season is among us, this is a great rehearsal dinner dress! classy, sleek, and not revealing at all. #familyfunctionapproved

i'm pretty much standard when it comes to wearing white = nude shoes & gold bag. you CAN'T go wrong. check out any of my previous posts and you'll see i'm rocking the same color scheme with any white dress. #habit or just old??! proof/throwing it back: lace white dress // the little white dress 

side ramblings: last week i attended Austin Fashion Week #AFW, my favorite designers included: @shopmilesdavid & @lindenmayercouture -- timeless/classy sleek designs that are right up my alley! also i spent this past Sunday at the @crafthermarket (like an etsy in real life) with PIC @wanderlustanita supporting our really talented gal, @kathyphantastic (really though, check out her skills!). lastly, the @sezane pop-up is here at @nordstromdomainnorthside! beautiful french inspired silk-wear, i'd love to take it all home with me. ok, but really... lastly, the @sprinklescupcakes LEMON MERINGUE cupcake comes out tomorrow!!! MY FAVORITE. you know where i'll be. xx

currently on my playlist: kings & queens by Mat Kearney

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dress c/o | Maggy London carter flounce dress (TTS, wearing size 2) -- their classic LBD version with a peplum-ish hem 
bag | Kate Landry pyramid metal hardframe clutch (old) -- similar and $59 // similar and a bottega dupe for $39
sunglasses | Celine marta sunglasses in havana -- newer design // similar by Le Specs
shoes | Stuart Weitzman nudistsong in adobe patent (comes in different widths too!) -- similar and $60 // similar but a chunky heel
earrings | Kendra Scott Diane earrings in blush pearl (borrowed from lil blogger sis @simplyyvan)-- also avail in hammered gold
rings | Gorjana amara ring set // Amanda Deer c/o CZ solitaire ring // Amanda Deer c/o CZ accents midi ring
bracelet c/o | Kendra Scott tiana pinch bracelet set in gold

rock all the peplum,
JD

photo credit: Steven Gunter
a post done in collaboration with Maggy London. 
dress provided by Maggy London, all opinions are my own. 

the floral cut out dress

another IT summer dress!

it's been a full day of yard work and i'm exhausted but it feels so good to wind down with a glass of wine to put this one together #inmyelement. we're about dresses here on JDC. last year one of my favorite summer purchases was this striped cut out dress. so of course when the floral design came out this year, this one somehow made its way to my closet. still unsure how but i ain't mad about it. :D jokes aside, it's on the pricey side. but i'm one of those people.. if i like it that much, i'm gonna buy it. and in multiple colors or prints. this dress, no exception. it has pockets, and most cutouts require you to wear some sort of sticky bra or petals, this one does not! whoo hoo! 

side ramblings: I MET MAT KEARNEY! i had a night last week that blew my mind away. my lil blogger sis, @simplyyvan (AKA: concert queen) bought me a VIP ticket for my december bday to meet Mat K! she's the sweetest, ain't she? anyways, got to roll VIP with her and with standing room only at Stubb's, we took advantage of getting there early and were upfront and CENTER! normally i'm not a crowd person so i always hang in the back. BUT WOW, what an experience!!! now i'm all about being upfront with the crowd despite being packed in like sardines. but i danced the night away in my tiny lil space and left with the best feeling. it's a night i'll never forget. i actually don't have many photos or video to show because i spent all of it just soaking it in! as much as i love capturing moments, sometimes it's just better be to be fully present and enjoy the moment. Mat K is my favorite artist for so many reasons. he can sing, he can write, awesome music & beats, but his music got me through some rough times. his lyrics have so much meaning/depth and extremely relatable no matter what you're going through in life. i mean how cool is that to touch the lives of people in that way?! too bad i can't sing and i can't play an instrument to save my life. (hence the fashion blog). 

i also attended Austin Fashion Week #AFW this past weekend! i always love being in the midst of fashion especially with others who are wayyyyy more fashionable than myself. photos and a recap to come next week. thanks for stopping by, y'all have a good one now. xx

currently on my playlist: face to face by Mat Kearney 

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5'2" short y'all.

because most of the time i don't know what to do. LOL. 

this was steven's idea... :D

dress | Bardot ibiza cut out midi dress in floral (currently 25% off!) -- same style in checkered print // similar from Express // similar from Express but shorter // similar but striped and with sleeves by Madewell // similar from F21 // similar in lemon print from ASOS 
jacket | Old Navy denim jacket
shoes | Target Merona marcella low block heel ankle strap sandals in tan (old) -- similar // similar but suede
bag | Urban Outfitters circle straw crossbody bag (fits iphone8+) -- similar with handles but smaller // similar // love this basket tote
sunglasses | Celine marta sunglasses in havana -- newer design // similar by Le Specs
earrings c/o | BaubleBar mini granita tassel earrings in ivory -- original longer version
necklace | Anthropologie monogram pendant necklace 
rings | Kendra Scott theodore open ring in white pearl via Color Bar -- similar // Gorjana amara ring set // Amanda Deer c/o CZ solitaire ring // Amanda Deer c/o CZ accents midi ring
watch | Michael Kors darci watch in gold
bracelet | Nordstrom BP love knot cuff (old) -- similar by Stella & Dot

rock all the cutouts,
JD

photo credit: Steven Gunter

@matkearney x CRAZYTALK tour @stubbsaustin // 04.05.18

meet & greet with Mat K // THAT CLOSE
selfie with Mat K // featured on his INSTA

LIFE IS SO GOOD because i'm cheesin' SO HARD!

the ruffle wrap dress

the one dress you need this summer!

HOWDY! long time, i know. life has been nuts lately (in a great way). diving right into this outfit; the wrap dress is something i rarely wear because it's usually a v-neck and too low for my taste anddd the wrap isn't a functional one in the wind. i'd rather wear a fake wrap dress. what's a fake wrap dress? one where the inner layer is actually sewn to the side so there's no worry about flashing people when it gets windy. this gem is a round neck + ruffles + fake wrap = made for me. not to mention it's in a burnt orange color #hookem! it's a tad on the shorter side for me #leggy. anyways, it's a popular style this summer and i highly encourage you to try it! while i love my comfy flatform espadrilles here, casual sneakers work as well! 

side ramblings: it's a small world. a few weeks ago, i was returning something at the mall and the sweetest gal came up to me and asked if i was a fashion blogger, janna doan?! it was one of those pinch-me moments. never i a million years would i have thought!! i felt so humbled and really glad she came up to say hi because most of the time in public i am on a mission. such a doll, she will never know the magnitude of what it meant to me. #grateful and came at the perfect time when i needed that extra motivation. last week i attended the @KendraScott candle launch party. yup, you hear me right, Kendra Scott Candles! these candles make a great addition to her home collection. hard to choose but my favorite so far is the amethyst, i also like the malachite which has a little spicy kick! there are four scents total in two sizes, large retails for $65 and the small votive for $25.

y'all ever tried @allbirds? i was so lucky to go to their pop-in event at @NordstromDomainNorthside and went home with the allbirds tree runners in kauri stone for the texas weather. i'd probably get the wool runners if i lived in a colder climate. can't wait to try them out but initially they are super lightweight and COMFY = happy feet. i also love how sustainable & green the company is! check em out while they're still at Nordstrom here (click on About Pop-In). they also let me pick out the black & gold RECYCLED laces AND i went home with a custom box with my name and hashtag all over it #SOextra. i don't see myself running in them, more of a to-and-from shoe! but give em a try! they have a 30-day return policy even after you wear them, no questions asked. lastly, the weekend was spent being a tourist in my own city with @theelaedition, MISS YOU GF! 

currently on my playlist: memorized by Mat Kearney (yes, still on repeat)

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dress | ASTR THE LABEL ruffle linen blend wrap dress in coral cedar (wearing size small, note: linen does shrink) -- similar and $55 // similar and love the olive color // similar but cami style // similar with eyelet detail // similar with a v-neck // similar
shoes | Sole Society audrina platform espadrille in cognac (avail in three other colors & very comfy) -- similar by Halogen (also in a pink suede) // similar from Target // similar in a slip on style 
bag | Urban Outfitters circle straw crossbody bag (fits iphone8+) -- similar with handles but smaller // similar // love this basket tote
earrings | Kendra Scott elle drop earrings in white pearl
sunglasses | Celine marta sunglasses in havana -- newer design // similar by Le Specs
necklace | BaubleBar acrylic block monogram necklace in tortoise shell -- similar in gold 
rings | Kendra Scott theodore open ring in white pearl via Color Bar -- similar // Gorjana amara ring set // Amanda Deer c/o CZ solitaire ring // Amanda Deer c/o CZ accents midi ring
watch | Michael Kors darci watch in gold
bracelet | Nordstrom BP love knot cuff (old) -- similar by Stella & Dot

rock all the ruffle wrap dresses,
JD

photo credit: Steven Gunter

weekend recap in squares // @theelaedition x ATX

the wide leg pants & crop top

spring vibes comin' at cha. 

i know, five posts in a row and i'm wearing pants. what is going on?! for this post, i dug out some old items in my closet and came across these high-waisted wide leg pants i haven't even worn (happens quite a bit). actually, they're supposed to be cropped but i'm short so they're almost high-waters on me. but of course... that ain't stoppin' me. the only way to combat that is some strappy stilettos (not practical, obvi). the thought process is always high-waisted = opportunity to wear a crop top. i will never get tired of that combo. writing this post i realize that i'm wearing high-waters and mixing all the metals with the latest from the @KendraScott spring 2018 collection. yep, i'm totally breaking all the rules and don't even care! you know my motto, "make it yours and rock it!"

side ramblings: #SXSW kicks off this coming weekend and i am so excited to partake in some festivities! house update: i finished the guestroom, WHAT UP?! haha so therefore, this past weekend was super relaxing and well deserved. i watched Coco -- not sure if you've seen it but when i saw the trailer i had zero interest. due to the high reviews, i had to see it and dang, it was pretty good. i always love that feeling of being pleasantly surprised. i also watch Gifted -- another really great movie. anyways, two noteables you should definitely see! lastly, the @baublebar sale kicks off today with 25% off everything (promo code: FF25, good until 3/7 with very few exclusions) so you should #treatyourself. if you need help, i highly recommend a monogram necklace. it's the one thing i wear everyday and it's sentimental to me since i got them in my dearest daddy initials. or some fun earrings to kick off the spring season: mini granita tassel earrings & ora hoop earrings. i'm going to pick up one piece from the fine jewelry line: dancer threaders or the stretta jackets. hmm, #lifedecisions

currently on my playlist: say something by Justin Timberlake ft. Chris Stapleton (not so much diggin' JTs new stuff but this song is growing on me FAST)

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top | Topshop high neck crop top in white (old) -- similar // similar but more casual and with sleeves
pants | Ann Taylor wide leg pants in navy (old) -- current style (and available in white!) // really diggin these in black denim
bag | Celine micro luggage tote in navy -- similar
shoes | Stuart Weitzman nudistsong in adobe patent (comes in different widths too) -- similar // chunky heel version
sunglasses | Le Specs savanna 51mm sunglasses in tortoise
earrings c/o | Kendra Scott betty stud earrings in navy dusted glass -- similar style // love these
necklace c/o | Kendra Scott nettie statement necklace in silver
bracelet c/o | Kendra Scott tiana pinch bracelet set in gold
rings | Gorjana amara ring set // Amanda Deer c/o CZ solitaire ring // Amanda Deer c/o CZ accents midi ring

rock the wide leg pants,
JD

photo credit: lil blogger sis @simplyyvan

athleisure in my favorite workout pants

athleisure all day evrrrdayyy.

let's face it, we all LOVE athleisure (even men). sometimes it's all about comfort for the to-and-from, ya know?! athleisure is a common term these days, even my brother-in-law knows what it is! living in a city that is considered pretty fit, it's no surprise that this is what you'll find me in on the weekends. actually, if i could just wear this every day i'd be one happy gal! #littlethingsinlife. here's the only thing you need to know about this post: these pants are my FAVE. the compression, the high-rise (insert all the yasssss), the not-so thick, not too thin material, buttery soft (i didn't think i'd ever describe a pair of pants this way), moisture wicking, super soft, the only thing missing is some side pockets, but they just came out with a new pair with pockets and you know i'm gonna get me one! trust me, i won't steer you wrong. 

side ramblings: i wasn't sure of what kind of response i would receive (if any), from my last post on dating tips/tidbits, but WOW. i was blown away from all the comments, texts, messages, and shout outs. thank you so much, it means more than you know. sitting behind a screen writing posts on fashion sometimes i wonder if i'm making that much of an impact when it comes to inspiring women to dress and feel their best to exude all that confidence, but when i can write something that is immediately relate-able and resonates with others, i feel like i've hit gold. because in the end that's all we really want right? just to make a tiny difference in this big world. see y'all. xx

currently on my playlist: sweet dreams by Andra & Mara

laughing at myself & looking the other way because people were laughing at me. what's new?!

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when steven makes you climb some rusted stairs and sit on it... :D

top | Shein space dye flounce tee with peplum hem light in apricot (avail in four colors, wearing size small) -- similar but striped
vest | lululemon fluff off vest (old) -- similar
bottoms | Athleta salutation 7/8 tight in black (wearing size xs regular, fits as a full length tight on a 5'2" person without hemming) -- same but a full length tight // same but capri length // same with pockets (need these!) // same with mesh details
shoes | Nike flyknit unisex racers in oreo (wearing men's) -- similar in women's
bag | Louis Vuitton pouchette metis in damier canvas -- similar by Rebecca Minkoff
sunglasses | Celine caty sunglasses in black -- similar
earrings c/o | BaubleBar mini criselda ball drop earrings in pink (currently on sale for $22) -- same but full-size
necklace | etsy monogram necklace in dearest daddy initials (1.25" and 20" chain) -- similar by BaubleBar // similar in acrylic
rings | Gorjana amara ring set // Amanda Deer c/o CZ solitaire ring // Amanda Deer c/o CZ accents midi ring

rock all the athleisure,
JD

photo credit: Steven Gunter

dating tips & galentine's day in loungewear

happy galentine's day!

so listen, i don't know if you know, it's valentine's week. if you've gone to target, you know. everything is red and pink and heart shaped. it's the hallmark day of all holidays. YIPPEEEE! now, if you're single, this is what you do --> you go buy yourself loungewear -- because NOTHING says 'i love myself' like some soft joggers and a loose thermal top. #seriously. feel free to add a disco ball sippy cup for good measure too. jokes aside, you get what i'm sayin'. treat yourself to something because you deserve it! if you find yourself waving the single-awareness flag, wave it proudly and refer to this quote below.

“life is always about the JOURNEY and never the destination.”

and your journey could a lot bumpier than others, maybe you even get stuck in some muddy patches along the way, but that's life. you gotta trust the process -- that it will lead you to where you need to be in the end. live consciously in this moment, laugh at the confusion, and embrace it because at any moment, it will change. know that you have never missed out on anything that is meant for you, and that the next best thing is just around the corner. you see, there is so much that happens to us that we have very little/no control over. the only thing we have control over is our self -- our emotions & reactions. knowing and understanding this will give you so much peace in any life situation. i promise. not sure where i wanted to go with all that. but i hope you took something away?! i spend a lot of time writing for google, but most of the time i'm writing for myself #selfentertained and to reinforce positivity. we can always use that right?! 

besides #selflove it's also about the little things in life too. like how all that valentine's day candy will be on sale at target, so you'll know where to find me come February 15th. :D xx ok, i'm out. see ya next week.

side ramblings: this past week was filled with some fun events! i was able to check out @sonestabeecaveatx at the hill country galleria, their @meridian98lounge has a great view and don't get me started on the bacon wrapped dates... the night ended with a small tour of some shops at the galleria. my favorites were @milkandhoneyspa and @manaculture! the weekend was the grand opening of @theartofshoesaustin in the cutest house were i was able to meet the owner and participate in a DIY shoe accessory workshop. overall, a fun week of socializing!

PS--i had so much FUN writing the last part of this post and hope you'll read the rest!

>>MY DATING TIPS/TIDBITS CLICK the READ MORE button!

currently on my playlist: bad at love by Halsey

that time my lil blogger sis @simplyyvan asked me to be apart of her @urbanoutfitters photoshoot!

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why am i single? well, it's because i haven't met my EQUAL, i wouldn't let anyone into my life unless they were AWESOME. the single journey for me has been quite interesting. a recent article came out describing Austin men as the WORST when it comes to dating (so glad i bought a house here!). i've learned SO MUCH along the way. i mean geezus to be able to talk to a complete stranger takes major skill. deciphering text messages, picking up on when you're about to ghosted or breadcrumb-ed or whatever the new term is should be resume skills at this point. the internet, social media, online dating, and having access to people 24/7 have made us a REALLY. SAD. BUNCH. who lack human decency. the standard is set SO LOW. how low? i mean i'm shocked when someone actually messages me back! here are my tips/tidbits whether you're a man or woman when it comes to dating (because let's face it, i'm better with bullet points):

  • trust your intuition/gut, it's usually 99% correct (head > heart)
  • when someone shows you who they really are, believe them
  • actions > words 
  • consistency is KEY
  • vulnerability is strength and in the right hands this is the best gift you can give someone
  • exemplify human decency = treat others the way you want to be treated (golden rule, duh, sad i even have to type it)
  • be direct & use raw/honest communication
  • HAVE FUN! expect nothing but be prepared to be pleasantly surprised
  • silence actually speaks volumes. no answer is an answer. SOOOO ironic isn't it? 
  • when it comes to online dating, you probably have one shot to win someone over so bring your A game = best version of you, this shouldn't be hard for you! 
  • ghosting? breadcrumbing? zombies? = ain't nobody got time for that
  • when you start blaming yourself, STOP IMMEDIATELY because...
  • it's really hard to mess up the right thing (if there is anything you take away, THIS IS IT!)
  • when it's right, it should feel easy
  • good things TAKE TIME
  • stop making excuses for other people
  • stop thinking about what you feel and remember what you deserve
  • a good man will never keep you waiting by the phone no matter how busy they are. think about how much time it takes to send a text. literally NO TIME. and trust me, if you haven't heard from him, i'm 120% sure his fingers haven't fallen off
  • if he likes you, he will squeeze out any ounce of time to see you, even if it's just 15 minutes to see your face! TRUST ME 
  • never underestimate the power of SPACE. space allows someone to miss you, to yearn for you. THIS IS WHAT YOU WANT
  • until you're exclusive, date like men = HAVE OPTIONS because 95% of men will fall off the face of the earth (and bc they're doing the same thing to you)
  • texting less actually creates more excitement when you meet in person
  • men respond to distance. not words. so stop trying to explain yourself!
  • what you chase runs away. never chase ANYONE
  • know that not everyone is going to like you (even though you're a bad ass) and you're not going to like everyone. attraction is not a choice
  • master EMPATHY
  • don't let some bad experiences harden your heart
  • rejection teaches you what's not meant for you
  • don't let dating or a man be everything in your life. do things you love, hang out with people who make you feel good. for me, it's about working out, blogging, hanging out with my GFs and family, going to events, photography, making a list of next eateries to hit up, working on my house. your life and happiness come first
  • at the end of the day, it's about being genuine in every interaction. be compassionate. be the change you want to see in the world. seems futile but i believe that change starts with YOU
  • have the strength to walk away (with dignity) and the patience to wait for what you deserve. AND this is why you should work on your backside, so that you LOOK GOOD WALKING AWAY. just sayin'
“happiness is letting go of what you assume your life is supposed to be like right now and sincerely appreciating it for everything that it is. at the end of this day, before you close your eyes, smile and be at peace with where you’ve been and grateful for what you have. LIFE IS GOOD.”
— marc & angel

the twist back sweater

couldn't let a winter season go by without OTKs (over the knee boots).

sometimes you come across a pretty good shein.com find, even if it's at 2AM. #score. i'm always on the fence about this online store because 75% of the time the stuff doesn't work for me and the fact that it takes FOREVER to ship. when it arrives you're like "oh yea.. i did order that." i know, #FWP. but everything i ordered was a keeper -- stay tuned! while i love mock neck, loose, and more practical sweaters, i am always drawn to the slouchy ones that you can pull off as a one shoulder. sometimes a lil skin never hurt anyone!! the front seems like a normal sweater but the back actually has a twist/knotted detail #sexyback. the good thing is that you can still wear a normal bra with this so def a bonus in my books. also works for a casual valentine's/galentine's outing!

side ramblings: it's hard to believe that it's FEB. YIKEs. i took a good break from all social media and blogging. it's funny because i actually had people messaging me asking if i was okay because i wasn't posting lol. and by "break" i mean three weeks, which is quite a bit for me -- going to bed at a decent hour, actually GETTING SLEEP. it's kinda crazy how when go from being sleep deprived 24/7 to actually getting sleep... you are even more tired. #cantwin. i'm also excited that the event world is picking up this week, it's been so dead lately but i'm looking forward to getting back on "the scene" with my girls! oh and #SXSW is just around the corner!!! hope y'all have a great week ahead and thanks so much for stopping by!

currently on my playlist: there for you by Troye Sivan ft. Martin Garrix

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top | Shein twist detail infinity sweater in burgundy (avail in 5 colors) -- available with a pearl embellishment // similar by LOFT // similar by ASTR // similar by Topshop
denim | Hudson Jeans nico mid-rise skinny jean in abbey wash (old) -- similar // love these by Citizens of Humanity // similar and $64
bag c/o | Henri Bendel noho satchel in black pebbled leather -- same but more structured // similar and love this style because the handles fold down 
shoes | Unisa saranaa over the knee boot in black suede (old) -- current style // similar from Target! // love the low heel more
sunglasses | Celine caty sunglasses in black -- similar
earrings c/o | Amanda Deer fan ear jackets in gold
necklace | Amanda Deer satellite choker in gold // Anthropologie monogram pendant necklace 
rings | Gorjana amara ring set // Amanda Deer c/o CZ solitaire ring // Amanda Deer c/o CZ accents midi ring

rock all the sexy sweaters,
JD

photo credit: Steven Gunter