the tuxedo dress

one dress. two ways.

last year i took a poll on my IG regarding the tuxedo dress. everyone voted a hard NO. well, you know me… i had to try it for myself. i’ve always been drawn to it due to the very powerful statement it makes. it isn’t for the faint of heart but have no fear i got chu! here’s a couple of reasons why you should wear this tuxedo dress: A) you can wear it casually!, B) you’ll look better than your man, C) you will surely turn heads or have people doing double-takes on ya, D) you don’t have to wear a strapless bra (and i say that is a huge win). when i saw that @MaggyLondon came out with the Toni tuxedo dress, my gal immediately sent me one (she’s such a doll)! as we were chatting she told me that it actually goes on as a coat almost so #lightbulb i figured i would style it two ways (plus, these are my favorite kinds of creative posts)!

first, of course, i chose to wear the tuxedo dress as itself. GAH, what a statement and tons of compliments strolling on south congress haha. for the second look i went casual style as a statement layering piece or even a COAT to get you to-and-from. we always want versatile items like this in our closet, it makes the price per wear even betta! for casual style i went with my new @everlane cheeky jeans (they are AMAZING y’all) in a high waisted, straight fit (skinny jeans also work), light wash paired with a lace satin cami (half tuck) to balance this look out. as you can see, it drapes and flows very nicely. for shoes, no matter which way you wear it, you want to avoid anything clunky/chunky, go for a streamlined strappy stiletto heel instead or even a pointed toe pump. warning: you will be photo bombed if you hit the read more button. but it was a fun one!

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dress c/o | Maggy London toni tuxedo dress in white (also available in black, runs a little large, i sized down to a 0)
denim | Everlane cheeky jeans in sky blue (has stretch so i sized down to a 25 ankle so perfect for my short gals = no hemming needed) — similar but 90s style
cami | H&M satin & lace camisole top in natural white — similar // love this one
bag c/o | Brahmin pipp topsail in navy — similar in croc // love this style!
shoes | Stuart Weitzman nudistsong in adobe patent (comes in different widths too) — similar by Sam Edelman $100 // similar by Steve Madden $80 // more strappy at Target $30
earrings c/o | BaubleBar celestial drops in gold
sunglasses | Celine marta sunglasses in havana (old) — newer design
rings | 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 | GUESS twisted metal cuff in silver — similar and a set of three

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

the snakeskin print wrap dress

snakeskin print first timer.

entering new territory with snakeskin print! it’s as if @AnnTaylor knew i was venturing into more animal print because they sent me their snakeskin print wrap dress BEFORE their capsule collection launched on 03/13/2019! i know, who am i to even get first dibs?! life is crazy y’all. sometimes i just don’t know how to put in words how awesome it is. i digress. snakeskin print was my last print to try because it’s a little intimidating to me. as with all animal print, the print has to be perfect, this comes down to the actual print itself (duh) AND color. so that’s why it’s tough to find the perfect animal print in anything for me (and because i’m picky)! Ann Taylor did a fabulous job with the capsule collection because the print is SO SUBTLE and the neutral colors have all my girlfriends screaming YAS! the wrap dress is perfect (not too short or long, isn’t too low). now it’s not a true wrap dress which i LOVE, it zips in the back and has an outside sash you can tie into a bow if that makes sense. i love how it flows and chose to style it casually with some white sneakers, a white bag, and layered with a denim jacket. overall, i’d say a huge win on all accounts. you can also wear it dressy with some heels; i would probably go white or grey! caution, lots of photos after the jump because this was a FUN shoot!

side ramblings: i think i’m still recovering from #SXSW. something about being out for hours is tiring on my 34 year old body haha. but nonetheless, it was a complete BLAST. it’s always crazy and last minute but sometimes rolling with it is the way to go! it was so much fun seeing everyone in the midst of the craze, networking, and making new friends. weekend two consisted of a facial & skincare consult by @AnneedeMamiel at the @goop pop-up and it was AMAZING. she has a 3-YR wait-list so i felt really lucky to even be in her presence while she evaluated my skin and i left with a full treatment plan! followed by meeting the gals at @brahmin at the @goop pop-up and Rachael Ray with her curated line @wearmoxiemade, checked out the @wrangler’s icons release (some of my friends were models in their campaign!!). supported my gals at the @KendraScott influencer panel and met @everydaypursuits // Ashley Torres! whew!! see you next year #SXSW!

nailed it after 20 tries and stopping traffic all while laughing hysterically. life is GOOD. haha

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shlepping around all the outfits and looking for spots to shoot (with coffee of course). typical weekend of JD. haha

dress c/o | Ann Taylor snakeskin print wrap dress (wearing size 00, yup it actually fit! Ann Taylor and LOFT sizing is running large these days so i take a 0 or XS there, however if it was a more fitted dress i probably wouldn’t fit the 00, hope this helps someone!) — love this pleated skirt (of course) // and this mock top // yes to these slip on mules // similar // similar by Reformation
bag | Henri Bendel warren street chain shoulder bag in white (old and they shut their doors earlier this year #sad) — similar 1 // similar 2
shoes | Keds ace leather sneakers in white — same but with rose gold detail // same but with glitter detail // similar // similar // similar and love the platform on these // similar by Cole Haan and on sale for $90
jacket | Old Navy denim jacket (old) — newer version // newer version but darker wash // similar but oversized // similar but oversized and distressed
earrings | Kendra Scott emmett matte statement earrings in white — similar in metal // similar but mixed
rings | 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 | GUESS twisted metal cuff in silver — similar and a set of three

rock all the snakeskin print,
JD

photo credit: Steven Gunter
dress provided by Ann Taylor, all opinions are my own.

#SWSW2019

the everlane kick crop jeans

the white + mint edit.

helloooo to all the pastels for spring (trying to wear more color) and all the WHITE! white is my go-to color during the spring/summer months. i’ve had these kick crop jeans for a while and the best thing is the raw hem. no fancy hemming needed, you just CUT (preferably with fabric scissors) to your desired length and BOOM done. these are supposed to have a slight flare at the bottom but because i’m so short 5’2”, a bit of the flared detail was chopped off. nothing that bothers me at all. these jeans are stretchy, they’re 98% cotton, 2% elastane so i sized down to a 25 (usually a 26). also, being over 30, i gravitate towards high waisted jeans. these are a 11” rise so they hit right at my naval and not see through. i LOVE them and found they look best with heels but i’ll still wear them with sandals, mules, and even sneakers. once you cut them, they’re final sale FYI. lastly, we don’t need to get into how much i love @everlane (it all started with their shoes then tees). now i’ve branched out into their denim and also have the authentic stretch high rise skinny jeans with a pair of cheeky jeans on the way, #everlaneaddict! for $68-$78 denim, you can’t go wrong AND it’s from an ethical clothing brand that is transparent about their pricing. also, just FYI, they do happy returns which had me mind-blown.

side ramblings: first and foremost, thank you @maggylondon for featuring me in their #InternationalWomensDay celebration! you can check out the feature here, i had fun writing this piece and it was such an honor/#hellyes moment to be included. i shared it with my mama who loved it, “i’m very proud of you little one.” WOW, it was a fun filled weekend with #SXSW festivities and my nephew’s first birthday! the #SXSW festivities can quickly get overwhelming but Saturday was jam packed a drop into the @goop pop-up which will be here until 4/28, here’s a listing of their events (mostly waitlisted but hopeuflly they will add more), @amandadeer (unrelated but how can i not support Amanda?!), @westelm @west_elm_austin x @renttherunway (haven’t actually used this service yet, but i imagine it would be great for someone who has events coming up or just wants to try something new!), the innovation mansion via @thecurrentglobal with @ctilburymakeup & @michaelstarsinc. also, here’s a listing of bumble events!

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top | Socialite lace trim camisole top in blue cloud but really it’s mint (sized down and wearing size XS, also available in five other colors) — similar but with a square neck line // similar but older style for $20 // similar but scalloped details for $20
cardigan | LOFT duster sweater in empire porcelain (available in petite and wearing size S petite. be careful when you wash this because it’s not very thick material) — similar
denim | Everlane the kick crop jeans in bone (i sized down due to the stretch, usually wear a 26 but ordered a 25 in these. also available in four other colors) — just ordered the cheeky jean!
shoes | Manolo Blahnik BB pump in nude patent — similar by Ann Taylor // similar by Sam Edelman
bag | J.Crew mini bucket bag in natural vachetta (old) — similar by J.Crew Factory and on sale! // similar but snakeskin print // the OG by Mansur Gavriel // similar for $70 // similar by Cuyana
earrings c/o | Kendra Scott didi gold statement earrings in peach pearl from the Spring 2019 collection — similar
necklace | ASOS Orelia coin necklace in gold (love the quality of this necklace) — similar // similar and love the chain detail on this one // similar but layered
sunglasses | Celine marta sunglasses in havana — newer design
bracelet c/o | Kendra Scott mavis gold cuff bracelet in peach pearl from the Spring 2019 collection
rings | 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

photo credit: Todd White

the silk scarf & sheath dress

#workwear

is my specialty. when i dress for work i go for classic pieces such as the sheath dress. why? the length is always on point of hitting below the knee (my preferred length), it’s fitted but not too tight like a bandage dress or too loose like the bottom of an A-line or shift dress. i have quite a few ranging from sleeveless, short sleeve, 3/4 sleeve. it’s a TIMELESS piece and therefore my go-to work dress. what i love about sheath dresses is that they make you look super classy but you probably rolled out of bed, didn’t brush your hair (ahem), and put on a dress that makes you look so put together. all the yesss-ess. lastly, sheath dresses can stand on its own but they make the perfect canvas to add a dash of your own flair just like the Lois midi sent to me via @MaggyLondon. simple tips on how to jazz up your sheath dress after the jump. i always gravitate towards a silk scarf because hellooo #classy. everyone always turns heads when i wear these because you don’t see many women wearing them these days. how do you style a sheath dress?

side happenings: Y’ALL it’s already #SXSW!!! i can’t believe it!! i have some festivities i’ll be attending this year but everything always happens so. last. minute. either way, i can’t wait to participate in the frenzy! this past week i was able to attend the The Kindness Campaign // @tkckindness open house and still so amazed by what the organization does! i went to bed with such a great feeling knowing that there are people doing good & making a difference in the world. you’ve heard me talk about them a lot and on social. meeting the founder, @AndraLiemandt, was such a pleasure. just talking to her i can see how passionate she is about what they do and that makes me want to contribute & help more. ideas are brewing so stay tuned! xx

currently on my playlist: girl on fire by Alicia Keys (takin’ it back old school)

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simple ways to add some flair to a sheath dress:

  • belt — a waist belt to be exact that will further accentuate your waistline, love my Gucci one // good dupe

  • brooch — great option because they come in so many shapes/sizes and designs! it can also be a very personalized piece and a great way to show off any hobby you have etc.. i like thrifted ones but here’s a good one from Macy’s and Banana Republic! also found a pretty good CHANEL dupe

  • silk scarf — my go-to! these are versatile because you can also tie them onto handbags or even your wrist as a bracelet. but when wearing them around the neck there are so many ways to tie them (just google or youtube!). here are my current favorite ones from H&M

  • statement necklace — when in doubt, add a little bling! here’s a good one from J.Crew Factory

  • cropped jacket — also serves as a great layering piece for the chilly office environment! been eyeing this one at H&M

  • collared button up — if it’s a sleeveless sheath dress and it’s chilly, wear a button down underneath, work that layering game! i love doing this in winter, love the ones at Banana Republic

dress c/o | Maggy London lois midi in oyster (also available in two other colors, wearing size 2 for reference, my true size but this runs a little large so i would size down) — similar but longer sleeves // similar with ruching // similar but sleeveless // NOT similar but love the statement of a tuxedo dress
scarf  | LOFT summer scarf (ancient) — similar but in a chain or leopard print style (great length to wear draped on both sides 90” x 90”. and yes, i do have them haha) // love this one from Ann Taylor // great B&W option from Ann Taylor (the Ann Taylor sizes are better tied around your neck vs. draped on both sides, 25” x 25”)
shoes | Stuart Weitzman nudistsong in adobe patent (comes in different widths too) — similar by Sam Edelman $100 // similar by Steve Madden $80 // more strappy at Target $30
bag | Celine micro luggage tote in navy — good dupe
earrings | Kendra Scott kirstie stud earrings in ivory pearl
rings | 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 in gold (ancient) — similar by Kate Spade // similar by LC $10

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

the zebra print skirt

oh hello zebra print.

animal print is SO IN right now especially in the midi skirt style. which you know it means i’m ALL IN. y’all, the midi is MY JAM!! while i’m not a huge animal print lover, i’m really drawn to all the new midi satin/flowy styles coming out — slightly fitted a top with a small flare at the bottom. now i’m mainly a pleated midi fan, but i am loving these new types of skirts because they’re less dressier = more plain which isn’t a bad thing at all! these types of skirts can be worn both casually and dressy. i thought i’d venture out from my go-to animal print (leopard print) to zebra print. no regrets! unfortunately this skirt isn’t lined and it is a pull on style but they weren’t a deal breaker. here are a few quick tips on wearing these midi flowy skirts:

  • casual style: with a tee, button down knotted in the front, or a slouchy sweater and white sneakers

  • dressy style: off the shoulder top/one shoulder and chunky heels; i can even see a bodysuit too

  • always tuck or front tuck the top into these skirts to really show off that waistline and polish your look

  • go for a high waisted skirt to accentuate that waistline and it goes with the classy style of the skirt

  • drape with a moto jacket or denim jacket

and yes, there are sales associates in the store laughing at me. haha, a day in life of JD. seriously, the things i do for the GRAM. it’s nuts. not to mention all the embarrassing stories that have happened :D but i’ve learned that the best way to overcome all that is to LAUGH! i used to be more self conscious about taking photos in public but now i don’t care as much. over the years i’ve gained the confidence to “work the camera” and lemme tell you it ain’t easy. it’s no biggie with people walking, people laughing and whistling, cars driving by, people honking haha. #goodtimes but seriously, props to real models.

currently on my playlist: save room by John Legend (taking it back old school to one of my faves by JL)

i look cold. oh, it’s because i AM, it was 40F!!!

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austin fashion week in jarlo

Austin Fashion Week #AFW in Jarlo.

finally. the opportunity to wear this beauty (insert happy dance)! Jarlo London is a brand you want to wear when you want to stand out (not a known US brand) and be extra (in a super classy way). basically, it’s red carpet material. these types of dresses do not need any kind of jewelry — if you have to wear any, keep it very minimal with a pair of studs, that’s all that is needed because the dress stands out on its own. i wanted a Jarlo dress for quite some time now and waited for a sale on top of a sale to purchase one; not even knowing when i would get to wear it. sometimes i do this just in case something pops up so that i’m not scrambling to find something to wear because we all know how that never works out! Jarlo embodies lace overlays, ruffles, the classy bardot necklines… it has my name written all over it and there isn’t one design i don’t want in my closet. it was so appropriate for #AFW (recap of Thursday night after the jump) and the dress received tons of compliments; even from men. how can it not?! the dress is extremely well made, i’d almost say it's hefty in a good way. it features a built in bra (i feel all dresses should!!), you get what you pay for and even at regular price it’s a solid choice.

side ramblings: the @nordstromatx x @fashionx.co x @tkckindness fashion show to kick off #AFW was a huge success! it was so fun to hang out with some peers who i consider big timers and doing huge things. what an honor. my parents came out that night and they kept telling their friends about it. especially my dad, haha can you imagine a man showing all his male friends the clip of his (34-YR OLD) daughter walking in a fashion show? seriously. the cutest thing ever. my dad is obviously proud of me because let me tell you, the man is not impressed by much. unless you’re a Tesla. haha. gearing up for another busy week, i have some pretty exciting things coming up so i’ll see ya next time xx.

currently on my playlist: without me by Halsey

why yes, it’s 8AM and i’m decked out in a formal dress.

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i love how it says ONE WAY. haha

@nordstromatx x @fashionx.co x @tkckindness
#shopforgood Fashion Show — Friday, 02/15/2019

shop the DAY look:

top | Rebecca Taylor silk ruffle top in cream
pants | Topshop kelo cigarette trousers in dark green
bag | Tory Burch mcgraw slouchy leather satchel in devon sand
earrings | Lana Jewelry large upside down hoop earrings in gold
necklace | Lana Jewelry y-necklace in gold

shop the NIGHT look:

dress | Eliza J ruffle sheath dress in light blue
bag | Kurt Geiger mini kensington leather shoulder bag in fuchsia combo
earrings | Kendra Scott didi earrings in mother ivory of pearl

Austin Fashion Week #AFW 2019 — Thursday, 02/21/2019
Bernina Fashion Fund Showcase

images professionally taken and provided by @fashionx.co

Anmarie Designs

Anmarie Designs

Reap What I Sew (favorite of the night)

Reap What I Sew

Reap What I Sew

@theresaphamdesigns

the coatigan & senreve mini maestra

coatigan = a hybrid between a coat and a cardigan. yes, you heard me right.

diving right into the coatigan. yes, you do need one. here is why: this is a great option in the wardrobe when you’re looking for that layered piece… but a cardigan isn’t quite gonna cut it/too thin or fitted, and a coat is too much coverage. in comes the (insert drumroll)… COATIGAN. and it works perfectly when you need to go somewhere and don’t want the hassle of taking a coat on and off. the coatigan gives you enough coverage to wear it as a full outfit no matter where or what you’re doing (unless you live in Antarctica). i purchased this a while ago and SHOCKED that it is still in stock. but it runs REALLY large. i’m wearing an XS (never happens) in this photo and could even go down to an XXS. even on a really short 5’2” person like myself it falls at a good length. however, it is made of merino and that shrinks a little (live & learn). technically, you’re not supposed to wash it. but you know me, i wash everything. here, i styled it with a classic boyfriend white button down with the cuffs folded over the coatigan. i would even wear it over camis, v-neck tshirts, and as an athleisure layer over leggings. speaking of which, this makes a great travel companion!

the BAG was a birthday gift to myself. and you’ve heard me talk about @senreve on here before. it’s a great bag for under 1K. i’ve talked about the versatility of their bags and have shown you how to wear it below! let me count the ways. i love this little thing and have gotten numerous compliments on it. it’s a great everyday cognac bag that will go with everything. the inside is lined with the most beautiful pastel blue and the compartments inside are well thought out (not surprised coming from Senreve). the mini is a good size for a petite figure 5’2” person. while they offer it in many colors & finishes, i wanted something everyday and something i didn’t have to “baby.” the chestnut was a perfect color and the pebbled leather was the best option for me since it’s scratch resistant!

side happenings: it’s been a JAM packed weekend & week ahead as we gear up for Valentine’s Day. not sure why it’s such a huge holiday, but for me it’s all about them sweet treats and treatin’ yourself right! as an independent woman, i never wait for ANYONE to bring or buy me ANYTHING. and NOR SHOULD YOU. #selfmade and that’s why i’m leaving y’all with the jam below to rock out to. i’m out y’all. && wish me luck on Friday’s fashion show! until next time xx

currently on my playlist: independent woman by Destiny’s Child

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worn as a crossbody

worn as a top handle

worn as a backpack!

top | Gap shrunken boyfriend shirt in white denim (ancient) — latest version and $25 // similar by J.Crew Factory // love this striped one
coatigan | J.Crew juliette collarless sweater blazer in heather khaki (wearing size XS) — similar but blazer style
denim | Hudson nico super skinny mid-rise jeans in abbey wash (old) — similar by Everlane and $65 // similar and $64 // similar but high rise
bag | Senreve mini maestra in chestnut — larger version
shoes | Manolo Blahnik BB pump in nude patent — similar by Ann Taylor // similar by Sam Edelman
sunglasses | Celine marta sunglasses in havana (prob my fave sunnies!) — newer design // love these for $99
earrings | Kendra Scott sky earrings in white pearl (old) — larger version // similar
necklace | Anthropologie monogram pendant necklace 
rings | 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 | Vita Fede mini titan crystal bracelet in gold

rock the coatigan,
JD

photo credit: Steven Gunter