the eyelet wrap dress

eyelet + ruffles.

while i’m such a fall/winter gal at heart, i love all the spring texture and prints. from floral to gingham print. to seersucker and eyelet. i try not to buy more eyelet (especially in white since the #LWD collection is growing fast) but each time spring creeps around, i can’t help it. i love the texture of eyelet and it’s great for those casual spring/summer days, a brunch, a picnic, a day date to a local winery. throw on some flat cognac sandals for comfort and you got yourself chic in 5 mins. bonus points if you add a boater hat and a straw bag! this dress has a pretty good wrap to it so you won’t have to worry about flashing anyone on a windy day, and it also helps that it’s a midi length as well. but two gripes about this dress: the top a tad big, but that’s my usual problem with wrap dresses, even when sizing down it’s still a little big AND wish it had pockets. but the ruffle detail and no-skimping on the bow/sash material makes up for it.

side ramblings: FINALLY! the @sprinklescupcakes lemon meringue cupcake is hereeee!! come to mama!! well, until 4/28. it’s my fave seasonal one so you should def give it a try! also, a real quick word on the @kendrascott Give Confidence jewelry trade in program that runs until 4/30: bring in any gently worn Kendra Scott jewelry to a KS store, and in partnership with Dress for Success, KS will donate this piece to a woman who deserves a little extra sparkle! in return, you will receive $15 off any purchase. just a good way to find a home for pieces you aren’t currently wearing. LASTLY, the @sephora spring bonus sale starts on 4/26 for ROUGE members and 5/2 for everyone else (20% off for ROUGE, 15% off for VIB, and 10% off for insiders). GET YO CARTS READY. haha. mine is because i’m a skincare nerd and one of my money saving tips is to never buy skincare or beauty products at regular price. wait til a sale and stock/try new things! sharing my list soon. until next time, xx.

currently on my playlist: sideways by Citzen Cope

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the smocked two piece set

the two piece life.

don’t get me wrong, i love a good one piece. but i ALSO love a good two piece. oh why you say? because it takes the thinking out of matching a top and bottom when you wear the two together, and you can also wear them as separates! that’s #winning in my opinion. smocked details have been all the rage lately and it’s an intimidating textured fabric. oh why you say? because it really HUGS you. everywhere. this is actually one that’s out of my comfort zone because rarely will you see me wearing anything this fitted OR short. BUT this two piece is actually covering a lot in fashion β€” it’s two pieces, smocked, 3/4 ruched sleeves (that I actually took down to wear as an off the shoulder, see sixth picture), and the skirt has a tiered ruffle hem too. i love ALL the above. it was a windy as heck day (just my luck) so on top of being uncomfortable, Steven mentioned that i have some pretty good stoic faces. he always encourages me to do different things and tries to bring the β€œmodel” out in me haha. either way, as you can tell, it was a blast. with people laughing at me as well. of course. lastly, you do need the bag. it sold out pretty quickly but back with a rainbow tassel now that is also removable. i say it’s a good Clare V alice dupe for WAY cheaper.

side ramblings: let’s see… it’s been a while. but oh ya girl was offered a side β€œmodeling” gig for some local Austin brands!! say whaaaa?! haha. i know, i’m pretty dang lucky though. honestly, the easiest money i’ve made and it was so chill and fun (that’s all that matters). i thought to myself, β€œdang janna, you get to do a lot of pretty cool things.” life is good. OH, i chopped my hair with my gal @elizabeth.jane.hair. by chopped i mean 3” which is the equivalent to feeling like 6” on a person who has #longhairprobs. diggin’ the new do tho! also, i tried a hot stone massage!! i was always intimidated by them, but the stones don’t actually sit on you (as the photos always depict), the masseuse uses it while they’re massaging you. needless to say i’ll be getting this add-on every time i go to @massagesway! use code β€œJANNA20” to receive 20% off. and ask for my guy James!! he da man. lastly, the @rachelparcell x @nordstrom collection launched last week! while the collection features more dressy pieces i managed to pick up a casual ruffle dress that sold out within a few hours. will show y’all soon! xx

currently listening to: sucker by Jonas Brothers

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two piece c/o | Red Dress Boutique sea to sky two piece set in light blue striped β€” similar but red orange! // similar but red // similar but strapless // similar and not as tight
shoes | Treasure & Bond sannibel platform wedge sandal in tan leather β€” similar by Target for $35 // similar and love these by Sam Edelman // similar but lower
bag | Nordstrom joni circular raffia tote β€” similar by L’Space // similar // similar for $40
earrings c/o | BaubleBar mini pinata tassel earrings in white (old, are these even still IN? idk but i’m wearing them anyways! haha) β€” newer style
necklaces | Amanda Deer satellite choker in gold // Anthropologie monogram pendant necklace 
sunglasses | Celine marta sunglasses in havana (my fave sunnies!) β€” newer design // love these for $99
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   

rock all the two-pieces,
JD

photo credit: Steven Gunter

the white wide leg cropped pants

hellooo my go-to spring pant!

last year i did a post on how to wear cropped wide leg pants. yes. these are the same exact ones in white... when it’s that good you buy all colors amirite?! every time i wear these out i always get questions on where they’re from. this year, i ended up picking up the khaki color as well. (khaki is a color i never actually wear because it doesn't seem to complement my skin tone but we’re slowly becoming friends). if you have #shortgirlproblems your go-to cropped pants will be in petite sizing and stores such as Ann Taylor do a great job at catering to petites! i wear these in a 2P and they fit perfectly and i prefer slanted or vertical pockets over horizontal. don’t ask. just because. they aren’t super high waisted up the belly button but they do the job. it’s also a nice break from all the skinny/fitted pants! and i will add, work appropriate pants too (probably not in the white color… though that’s debatable) with either a stacked heel, pointed toe pumps, and even flat sandals for casual Fridays. here i chose to pair it with an off the shoulder long sleeve (not safe for work #NSFW). i love the navy and white combo and the stripes add a little something. (i’d also even pair these white pants with GINGHAM!!) it’s also a steal for $11. you can see it styled here (solid) with a midi skirt. also, the white sneakers streamline this casual yet comfortable look. until next time y’all!

side happenings: wanted to share some new releases/random things.. maybe this should be a separate blog post?!

currently on my playlist: talk by Khalid

@pearlsnap_photography is actually laying on the ground for this shot LOL.

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top | Shein cross wrap off the shoulder striped tee in navy with white stripes (available in three other combos) β€” similar but solid // similar and love this design // similar but a one shoulder bodysuit
pants | Ann Taylor marina wide leg pants in winter white (wearing size 2P for reference, i’m 5’2”, also available in three other colors) β€” similar by Everlane but way more wide legged // similar by Everlane but straight
bag c/o | Red Dress Boutique carry my love handbag in beige (pretty good CHANEL dupe for $49) β€” similar
shoes | Keds ace leather sneakers in white β€” 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
earrings | Kendra Scott sky earrings in white pearl (old) β€” larger version // similar
necklaces | Anthropologie monogram pendant necklace // Amanda Deer satellite choker in gold 
sunglasses | Celine marta sunglasses in havana (prob my fave sunnies!) β€” newer design // love these for $99
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   

rock all the wide leg pants,
JD

photo credit: Steven Gunter

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) β€” similar but 90s style
cami | H&M satin & lace camisole top in natural white β€” similar // love this one
bag c/o | Brahmin pipp topsail in navy β€” similar in croc // love this style!
shoes | Stuart Weitzman nudistsong in adobe patent (comes in different widths too) β€” 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) β€” 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 β€” 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!) β€” 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) β€” similar 1 // similar 2
shoes | Keds ace leather sneakers in white β€” 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) β€” newer version // newer version but darker wash // similar but oversized // similar but oversized and distressed
earrings | Kendra Scott emmett matte statement earrings in white β€” 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 β€” 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, β€œi’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) β€” 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) β€” 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) β€” just ordered the cheeky jean!
shoes | Manolo Blahnik BB pump in nude patent β€” similar by Ann Taylor // similar by Sam Edelman
bag | J.Crew mini bucket bag in natural vachetta (old) β€” 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 β€” similar
necklace | ASOS Orelia coin necklace in gold (love the quality of this necklace) β€” similar // similar and love the chain detail on this one // similar but layered
sunglasses | Celine marta sunglasses in havana β€” 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 β€” a waist belt to be exact that will further accentuate your waistline, love my Gucci one // good dupe

  • brooch β€” 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 β€” 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 β€” when in doubt, add a little bling! here’s a good one from J.Crew Factory

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

  • collared button up β€” 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) β€” 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) β€” 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) β€” similar by Sam Edelman $100 // similar by Steve Madden $80 // more strappy at Target $30
bag | Celine micro luggage tote in navy β€” 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 Β 
watch | Michael Kors darci watch in gold   
bracelet | Nordstrom BP love knot cuff in gold (ancient) β€” 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