the knit midi dress

#lbd fit and flare style.

there's not much going on with this knit midi dress. it's actually pretty plain and needed a little something. so i went with a skinny belt! i'm not a huge fan of logos but this Gucci belt is an exception. it's actually not something i would buy for myself but i knew that this belt would go great as a waist belt. so double duty was the justification for the ridiculous price tag. i was able to get extra holes punched to make it a waist belt and have worn it with a simple black dress to work as well. it serves well and here is no exception. while this dress is old, it is actually some hefty knit material (not the unflattering jersey-type that clings to your body) and it has pockets (always a win). i would probably even style it with sneaks and a denim jacket. also, i'm mixing tan & black here. i know, such a rebel. but the tan is almost a light light tan/beige so on the feet, it makes me look taller #styletip. 

these earrings are from @suzannadai who is also an Austin-based jeweler! #represent. i was introduced to the brand by my photographer @toddwhite only to realize that they they sell Suzanna Dai at Anthropologie! i love her fun earrings! it was difficult to pick one pair but i went with metallic double tiered hoop in rose gold metallic. i was afraid that they would be to heavy AND THEY ARE NOT! that said i should have gotten the triple tier ones instead for a more balanced look, but still, no regrets. i've spent a lot of time looking at ALL her earrings so here are my other picks (you'll notice i'm a fan of the silk wrapped earrings, they are done to perfection): feather tassel earrings in grey // sardegna hoop earrings in turquoise // metallic mallorca hoops in rose gold. PSSTT: use code JANNA20 for 20% off, good until 8/6.

side ramblings: life is full of ebbs & flows isn't it? without experiencing some of the lows we would never appreciate the highs. life has been so good to me lately in ways i can't image or explain. the last few months i've had several pinch me moments that made anything that i was dwelling over minuscule. i LIVE for these moments. nothing like a little gratitude to put things into perspective, am i right?! i spent some time in LA last week exploring another opportunity that knocked on my door; all from blogging!!! i am always in awe of where this journey has taken me and i feel pretty dang GRATEFUL. thank y'all for the support always. cheers to the #roadlesstraveled & #powerofpossibilities xx

currently on my playlist: pray for me by The Weeknd & Kendrick Lamar

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dress | Leith stretch knit midi dress in black (old) -- similar and on sale for $20 // similar but bodycon fit // similar but square neck // similar but v-neck // similar with cute ruffle detail
belt | Gucci leather skinny belt in black -- good knock off for $14
bag c/o | Everlane the foldover pouch in black (available in two other colors) -- similar but crossbody!
earrings c/o | Suzanna Dai metallic double tiered hoop in rose gold (use code JANNA20 for 20% off, good until 8/6) -- similar but triple tiered
necklace | Anthropologie monogram pendant necklace -- similar 
shoes | Treasure & Bond sannibel platform wedge sandal in tan leather
sunglasses | ASOS PrettyLittleThing square sunglasses in black (sold out) -- similar
rings | Gorjana amara ring set // Amanda Deer c/o CZ solitaire ring // Amanda Deer c/o CZ accents midi ring
bracelet | Nordstrom BP knotted cuff (old) -- similar by Stella & Dot
watch | Michael Kors darci watch in gold

rock all the LBDs,
JD

photo credit: Todd White

the pom pom maxi

summertime pom pom fun in Maggy London!

thanks to @MaggyLondon i was able to add this first square neck line pom pom maxi to my closet! (try saying that 5x fast). first, i don't own many maxi dresses because when you're 5'2" maxi dresses that don't require alterations are hard to come by. thank goodness @MaggyLondon offers petite sizing! i picked this maxi dress because i don't own anything like it AND because it's not your average summer dress. although striped, it's a black and cream stripe with fun gray pom poms vs. your typical summery bright colors/prints. in addition, the straps fit perfectly and no alterations were needed (wearing a size 2 petite for reference). #styletip: now the SASH really brings it together. if you're short you want to pick maxi dresses that have a cinched waist so that you don't look like you're wearing a paperbag. (i can't rock that look at least). it's not a complete maxi length on me which i really like so you can still see your shoes/sandals of choice. lastly, this is a great, lightweight maxi for any summery occasion whether it be a baby/bridal shower, a brunch outing, or you know.. just to take pictures in a 7AM and forget to bring the mosquito repellent spray... #me! haha. plus, Austin is such a casual city this dress is gonna get so much wear with any woven bag & flat sandals for comfort!  

side ramblings: last week was BUSY but full of good food & friends. i can't imagine how i would balance everything out if i had kids!! finally, Austin gets another bubble tea shop @shareteaaustin! my girl @kathyphantastic painted the mural on their wall, so basically i know a celebrity!! also i attended the #ATXBloggerMixer at @erincondren which made me pause to think, man, i wish i was a pro at bullet journal-ing... or something..! #nerd

currently on my playlist: breathe by Jax Jones ft. Ina Wroldsen

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sometimes you gotta laugh & smile even when you're being eaten alive by mosquitos! escaped with 9 bites :D

dress c/o | Maggy London danni maxi in black & cream (wearing size 2 petite) -- similar // similar in gingham
bag | ZARA woven bag in natural -- similar for $21 // similar but circular // similar
earrings c/o | BaubleBar capella drop earrings in white (also available in four other colors) -- similar and love these 
necklace | Anthropologie monogram pendant necklace -- similar 
shoes | Shein cut out slides in cognac (old) -- similar by Steve Madden // similar for $17
sunglasses | Celine marta sunglasses in havana (old) -- newer design // similar by Le Specs
hat | GIGI PIP faye boater hat -- similar and $39 // similar for $11
rings | Gorjana amara ring set // Amanda Deer c/o CZ solitaire ring // Amanda Deer c/o CZ accents midi ring
bracelet | Nordstrom BP knotted cuff (old) -- similar by Stella & Dot
watch | Michael Kors darci watch in gold

rock all the pom poms,
JD

photo credit: Todd White
a post sponsored by Maggy London. 
dress provided by Maggy London, all opinions are my own. 

the nordstrom anniversary sale 2018

#nsale2018

i am shocked that it's already time for the @Nordstrom anniversary sale! it means this year is RACING BY which is pretty dang crazy if you ask me. i digress.. this sale is all the rage (so bad that the site was down the first day for hours lol!) and what i love about it is the concept. you get to buy FALL items on sale NOW. after a certain date, everything goes back to regular price. and i should add it does seem wrong to be browsing and buying sweaters when its 100F in Texas... but i did see quite a bit of stuff i wouldn't consider fall. either way, what kinda woman doesn't love a good sale/shopping spree? gotta treat yourself sometimes ya know?! my rules for this sale never really change, so if you're new around here i've listed some of them below: 

  • you aren't really saving that much, maybe 25-30% off, so don't go nuts 
  • technically, you don't really NEED anything so be conscious of what you're buying. i.e., how many times are you going to wear it? perhaps go for more basic pieces
  • if you're unsure, buy now and ask questions later. this sale is huge so everything goes FAST
  • regret not doing the above? no worries, Nordstrom is really good at restocking during this sale so keep checking back if you really have to have it!

who | Nordstrom
what | major discounts off fall items and always FREE shipping & returns
when | 07/12/18 - 07/19/18 (early access for Nordstrom cardholders); 07/20/18 - 08/05/18 (for everyone else)
where | shop.nordstrom.com or in-store

this year, i focused on work wear. mainly dresses (surprise!) which seemed to work out because i feel that those items are the strength of the sale; and the jumpsuit selection! i was not too impressed with much else and felt a lot of repeat items from the previous year. below are my picks and i included items i bought myself & items i would buy if i had a sugar daddy. haha. who even reads this?! 

my picks after the jump!

currently on my playlist: ocean by Martin Garrix & Khalid

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dresses //

jumpsuits //

tops & bottoms //

outerwear, accessories, shoes, lingerie // 

things i personally bought for myself (who knows what i'll end up keeping!):

  • Eliza J fringe hem A-line dress in blush -- great for work, might even be a little too dressy but esp love the high neck, length & fun fringy hem. a tad on the pricey side so not sure if it's gonna be a keeper
  • Tahari tie front crepe dress in black -- also comes in other colors and petite sizing. love the tie details and elbow length sleeve. this is my first piece from Tahari and i've always been a fan of their styles
  • ASTR the Label belted jumpsuit in navy -- i don't have a navy one and this looked casual and fun!

happy #nsale shopping y'all!,
JD

the lilac edit

in Gal Meets Glam x Nordstrom.

embracing a form of the pantone color of 2018! i'm really late on this bandwagon as i'm not much of a color person. but lilac/lavender... i'm FEELIN' these days! a few words about the Gal Meets Glam x Nordstrom collection.. UM, i love every piece (mainly all dresses which is right up my alley!). back in the hey day Julia Engel was one of the first fashion bloggers i started following because of her classic style -- extremely feminine and ultra girly. she stays very true to her brand so you'll never see her rock anything trendy or remotely street style. i was excited for her new collection with Nordstrom. BUT my wallet... not so much. yikes. prices are pretty steep. however, i felt the quality of the dress was very good, but worth it.. hmm. maybe if i had a money tree?! i would definitely snag if it was on sale so i could feel less bad about it. the collection consists of more dressy pieces but the later styles seem to have casual selections. that said, i would probably dress this piece down with a button down (haha, #nopunintended) chambray shirt tied in the front and some flat sandals. i couldn't resist the color of this dress, along with the texture, dainty buttons, v-back, and the bow details on the sides. it is low for my taste though and found myself hiking this dress up constantly #annoying. but the color is just so pretty! 

lastly, the BIGGEST sale of the year that people go nuts about is kicking off this week -- the Nordstrom Anniversary sale. hope i'll have enough time to get a post up on all my picks! stay tuned xx. 

currently on my playlist: scared to be lonely by Martin Garrix & Dua Lipa

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dress | Nordstrom x Gal Meets Glam hilary dot clip chiffon midi dress in lilac (wearing size 2) -- similar but smocked // similar but lace // similar but bustier style // similar but off the shoulder
shoes | Target Merona marcella low block heel ankle strap sandals in tan (old) -- similar // similar but suede
bag | J.Crew Factory rattan clutch in natural pale gold (really old) -- similar but a semicircle // similar but larger // more dressy with the CUTEST pineapple top 
earrings | Kendra Scott tessa studs in clear (available in druzy)
necklace | Anthropologie monogram pendant necklace -- similar 
sunglasses | Celine marta sunglasses in havana (prob my fave sunnies!) -- newer design // similar by Le Specs
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 all the lilac,
JD

photo credit: Todd White

the bow front top

all the vacay vibes. (sans vacay, insert sad face)

i LOVE discovering new brands! one of the brands i stumbled across recently is called MANGO. it's very similar to ZARA (except no tax to TX and free ship & returns on MANGO!). during memorial day they had a huge sale and i took the opportunity to order a few items, i would say things are pretty true to size. i can't get enough of. this. top. it's slightly cropped so perfect for all my high rise midi skirts, it has texture to it, and LOVE the bow front. also, it's white and you know how i am all about them white tops come summer! i styled it with an old eyelet skirt, threw in a straw bag, hat AND these seashell earrings... suddenly, i felt like i should be on vacay (but a shopping strip will do). or at least book one (i am so overdue). 

lastly, a word/mini review about these Tory Burch Miller sandals. are they worth it? NO. the story is i've wanted a pair my whole life but could not get myself to spend that much on a pair of FLIP FLOPS! i purchased them recently (only with a coupon). this was actually my first time wearing them. pros: comfortable, a dressy option for flat sandals when your feet need a break so you don't have to sacrifice style and comfort, comes in many colors. cons: very expensive, scuffs real fast (yes, i already scuffed the top of them in this photoshoot #badluck). would i get them again? probably not. i certainty would not pay regular price, thank goodness i didn't. but maybe the patent leather is more durable??! who knows? people tell me they LOVE them. maybe i'm missing something... better option?! #igotCHU. THESE are way more durable, comes in many colors, and a fraction of the price. i wear mine non-stop and wore my first pair into the GROUND. :D

side ramblings: i was fortunate to be able to preview the first @theory_ store in Austin @domainnorthside! i've always been a fan of their classic style and was able to learn more about the company on a one-on-one which i always find way more appealing than groups! #introverted. also, i checked out @suerteatx and it was AMAZING! pricey, but good. my fave dish there was the green chorizo tlayuda (basically the most expensive tostada i've eaten). and FINALLY Austin gets some bubble tea competition with @gongchatea!! whooot.. i could use a brown sugar milk tea right about now. #bubbleteaaddict PS -- have an amazing 4th! xx

currently on my playlist: so far away by Martin Garrix & David Guetta

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top | MANGO bow knit top in off white (on sale for $25) -- similar but cami style 
skirt | J.Crew eyelet peplum skirt in navy (old) -- similar but shorter // similar but white // similar in black
bag | Urban Outfitters circle straw crossbody bag -- similar from Dillards // similar but bucket bag style // similar but rectangular
shoes | Tory Burch miller thong sandals in leather vintage vachetta -- same from Nordstrom
sunglasses | Celine marta sunglasses in havana -- newer design // similar by Le Specs
earrings c/o | BaubleBar milos drop earrings in gold
necklace | Anthropologie monogram pendant necklace -- similar 
rings | Gorjana amara ring set // Amanda Deer c/o CZ solitaire ring // Amanda Deer c/o CZ accents midi ring
watch c/o | Daniel Wellington classic petite melrose 32mm in rose gold and white
hat | GIGI PIP faye boater hat -- similar and $39 // similar and packable!

rock all the bow/twist front tops!,
JD

photo credit: Todd White

the striped one shoulder romper

STRIPES. FOR. LIFE. 

hey y'all! it's been a hot minute. well, maybe more than a minute, but let's acknowledge the fact that is it HOT. REALLY HOT. which means less photos for me. don't be fooled i was sweating like a crazy person for these photos!! also, i've been MIA and focusing on other parts of my life, we all need that sometimes, ya know? 

i'm back with a striped one shoulder ruffle romper, WITH POCKETS. this one piece is SO. ME. the stripes, the ruffle, and the one shoulder. all the yasss-es please. it was sent to me from @shopmorninglavender, and if you haven't heard of them they have the cutest summer clothes at very decent prices (hellooooo tax-free shipping to texas too!!). the only thing about this romper is that it runs small, i sized up to a medium here and love the quality of how is it lined inside. and it's not your typical blue striped, it's actually black/very dark grey striped. because i'm actually starting to think i have way too many blue striped pieces. is there such thing?

side ramblings: YOU GUYS, i got my couch and dining table!! it is insane how these two pieces can make a place start to feel like home. between you and i, or whoever actually reads this, i might have shed a tear of happiness when i put the lamps in my master bedroom. something about feeling grateful for where i am in my life. also, i know... it is about time considering i've been living here for almost a year!! which....I CAN BARELY BELIEVE IT!! also, i CANNOT wait to go see Oceans 8!! have y'all seen it?! 

currently on my playlist: whatever it takes by Imagine Dragons

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how to wear cropped wide leg pants

move over skinny ankle pants. 

first and foremost, thank YOU so much for all the comments and messages on my first YOUTUBE video (see previous post). those late nights figuring out how to edit that video really paid off. just know that these things keep me going so THANK YOU! onto how to wear cropped wide leg pants.. not easy (but i GOT CHU) especially when you are 5'2" short like me. for a while it was all about the skinny ankle pants. well, move over skinny pant. there's a new pant in town. i've styled them a little more dressy here and thinking of styling them more casual style with the same pair but in white. here are 5 tips on how to style them:

  1. go for a thicker & stiffer material vs. thin & flowy -- so you can actually see the whole wide leg-ness of the pant if that makes any sense! also, i feel like the thicker material gives a more flattering fit
  2. if you're short go with petite sizing -- Ann Taylor, LOFT, and Banana Republic cater really well to petite sizing
  3. elevate this #literally with some sleek strappy heels, more practical ones like the low block heels shown here
  4. for tops, the cami is my go-to here with a front tuck, crop tops also work if the pants are high waisted enough. i can also see this with a loose button down shirt with the ends tied in the front!
  5. take it 9-5 by adding a blazer or a long cardigan

side ramblings: wow. the past two weeks have been filled with events & good times with my gals! pictures from the #LTKcitytour at Mattie's after the jump. i also checked out local Austin-based @elevecosmetics which is a non-toxic, all-natural, vegan beauty brand. i picked up a liquid lipstick in lady bird lake (LOVE the name!) and this lip treatment my friends rave about, the lip luv. i attended a Nordstrom dinner at @jeffreysjosephine house that featured a custom menu that included items from their EATS MORE pop-in, can't wait to check out the pop-in in real life, here is a list of Nordstrom locations with the EATS MORE pop-in. pretty cool bento boxes! my foodie friend @wanderlustanita invited me to the @academiaaustin tasting -- always a good time with #atxfoodbloggers. ontop of events, WHOA i ate a ton. shout out to @loroaustin (for Austinities it's Uchi x Franklin BBQ) for an amazing meal, maybe it's just me but it's been a while since i've gone to a new place and had a meal i can't stop thinking about?! lastly, summertime is here and i tried @thebakedbear, i'm a sucker for funfetti and birthday cake anything! see y'all next week xx

currently on my playlist: slide by Calvin Harris ft. Frank Ocean

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style it 9-5 by puting on a blazer to make it work appropriate

top | J.Crew Factory scalloped cami top in cream/marine salt (wearing size 2 for reference) -- similar by topshop // similar with button detail // similar with lace trim // similar 
pants | Ann Taylor wide leg marina pants in black (avail in four colors, wearing size 2 petite for reference) -- similar // similar with sash detail
bag | Henri Bendel uptown satchel in black (old) -- similar 1 // similar 2 // love this one 
scarf | Henri Bendel twilly in navy (old) -- newer style
shoes | Target Merona marcella low block heel ankle strap sandals in black suede with a gold heel (old) -- newer style // similar but leather
earrings | BaubleBar dancer drop earrings in 18K gold plated -- similar with pearl detail // similar but hoop style
necklace | Anthropologie monogram pendant necklace 
sunglasses | Sonix avalon 57mm retro sunglasses in black -- similar but more cateye // not similar but intrigued by these
rings | Gorjana amara ring set // Amanda Deer c/o CZ solitaire ring // Amanda Deer c/o CZ accents midi ring
bracelet | Nordstrom BP knotted cuff (old) -- similar by Stella & Dot
watch | Michael Kors darci watch in gold

rock all the cropped wide leg pants, 
JD

photo credit: Todd White

05/16/18 -- pictures via jayd jackson from the @liketoknow.it #LTKcitytour @mattiesaustin

#LTKcitytour with my gorgeous friends: @thetrendytomboy // me // @theautumngirl_ // @heykailymae

finally met @hauteandhumid (pink dress)

loved meeting @taylermalott (gingham dress)

05/24/18 -- @nordstrom EATS MORE pop-in dinner at @jeffreysjosephine