the best petite maxi dresses

hellooo july!

well, i totally skipped may… and june… on JDC… i was reminded by a few people about how my last post was in april, whoops.. so here we go! getting back in the swing of things and talking about one of my favorite places to buy maxi dresses for #shortgirlproblems. go to the tailor? ain’t nobody got time for that. enter @bananarepublic! they are my go-to for maxi dresses because they offer a great selection of petite maxi dresses! i picked this one due to the faux wrap and the ruffles (of course, you know ya girl is ruffle obsessed). it also a features a flattering high-low hem which i am totally a fan of. kinda gives some leg action, more movement in the dress, and by golly how about some ventilation in this TX heat? oh nelly. it’s gonna be a long hot summer and ya girl is not looking forward to it!! #grumypants

side happenings: REAL TALK after the jump but let’s see… here is what most people would be interested in — Vegas was a whirlwind. let’s just leave it at that. ;) i met with the team at @phlur and was amazed by the company and the people. i can’t wait to show you what we’ve collaborated on! i’ve sampled all their fragrances and my fave is Ameline, it is DIVINE! PS — they’re ATX-based so they are automatically get extra points on brand-coolness. @thecandlebar.co opened at the @domainnorthside and they invited me in to experience their candle pouring class. y’all, i was a kid in a candy store. haha, i can’t wait to gift this experience to my gals! @kendrascott sent me way too many goodies from their summer 2019 collection but these are my fave. saving the best for last — but @tatcha sent me the biggest PR package i’ve received in a long time. it reminded me of what a true partnership should feel like and how lucky i am go get to work with a company that realizes my value. #grateful

currently on my playlist: ME! by Taylor Swift ft. Brandon Urie

gotta love that @pearlsnap_photography direction :D

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LIFE UPDATE: i’ve been absent for so many reasons. but mainly because i was beginning to feel that the time i was pouring into IG trying to grow my business was not going anywhere. instead of getting ahead i was actually falling more and more behind. don’t get me wrong, i love supporting all my boss babes… but something about spending hours and hours everyday scrolling, liking, commenting was adding up to almost two hours a day based on my IG insights. that’s about 14 hours a week… UM… that was eye opening. DO YOU KNOW WHAT I CAN DO WITH 14 HOURS?!! oh, let me tell you: watch re-runs of my favorite old show (The Office) & laughed hysterically; watch a ton of movies; i saw Always be my Maybe haha, soooo cheesy; watch Ellen Degeneres & Ali Wong’s stand up comedies (thanks bro for the Netflix haha); read a book (The Untethered Soul: the journey beyond yourself by Michael A. Singer) a must read; re-arrange my office; crossed some things off the never-ending-home-to-do-list aka: daddy-can-you-help-me list haha jk; cleaned & conditioned my hardwood floors (ps my dad literally told me, “sometimes you just gotta get on your knees and put some elbow grease into it haha, gotta love the man); went to Vegas; worked a ton; quality time with friends & fam; oh, and how can i forget… SLEEP (which was really the most important thing i needed). it was all glorious but it feels good to write this post and be back & find my own rhythm again. plus, i have a backlog of old photos at this point (yikes) and i have a few brands i can’t wait to work with again.

lastly, my grandpa has been ill for quite some time now and was recently hospitalized for an infection. he’s suffers from dementia and it always breaks my heart to see him. can you imagine a life where you don’t even remember who you are or who anyone else is? i think he’s taking a turn for the worse and it’s so sad to see. speaking of health issues (less severe), i also went through some major abdominal pain. think, sharp, stabbing-like pain (luckily i haven’t actually been stabbed before but you get me). yea, it sucks. but could be worse. trust me, a CT scan isn’t really high on my to-do list but that’s life right?! on the flip side, perhaps my body isn’t digesting #punintended stress well as it used to so it’s coming out in the form of knife stabbing-like pain?! IDK. oh well, still trying to figure out the cause but one thing is for certain — i gotta take it easy.

so here’s to all the ebbs & flows and finding more balance in this crazy life.

and… if you’ve read this far you should give yourself a pat on the back or treat yourself to a scoop of ice cream for being a caring person to read the endless ramblings of my life. :D

behind every good photo shoot is a kid running around with his mom chasing after him :D

dress | Banana Republic floral ruffle wrap maxi dress in navy blue (also available in soft blue & of course the petite is sold out at this point) — love this pleated red one & colorblocked
bag | J.Crew Factory rattan clutch in natural pale gold (really old) — similar at J.Crew
shoes | Sam Edelman gigi sandal in saddle leather — similar from Target for $16
earrings | Kendra Scott sky earrings in white pearl (old) — larger version // similar
sunglasses | Celine marta sunglasses in havana (my fave sunnies!) — newer design // love these for $99
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

thanks for stopping by!,
JD

photo credit: Steven Gunter

everyday essentials with everlane

taking it back to everyday basics.

lemme tell you (if you already don’t know): i’m a HUGE @everlane fan. i am very lucky to partner with the brand and i genuinely love their clothes, shoes, jeans that i buy a ton of it! last xmas i bought all my GFs my fave everlane tee. and guess what? they make a line for MEN too! just GREAT basics for everyday practical wear. and what’s even better is it’s an ethical clothing brand that uses ethical factories AND their pricing is transparent! at the bottom of each product they break down the pricing for you from materials to labor to product transport. it’s crazy awesome. and as a consumer, you’re more educated and more likely to purchase IMO.

anyways, let’s talk about da pantaloons. yep, i’m stepping up my pant game this year for sure. while i have the wide leg cropped pants i wanted to give the straight leg cropped pants a try and my girl hooked me up, LOVE EM. they are high rise, up to my belly button which makes it easy on the food baby. they come in multiple colors and lengths — i would size down on these since they stretch and the ankle length is perfect for the #shortgirlproblems. i chose to pair it with a gingham button down tied into a fun knot in front. but a tee or cami half tucked in front works too! i’m also wearing the square day tote (new) which is super buttery and a great size for everyday use and keeps its form/shape. i especially like the saddle color. it also has one side compartment but otherwise open like all totes. more on Everlane after the jump for those who want to read about what to try, i got CHU!

side ramblings: check out ya girl working one of her side hustles!! haha, i love it, my friend actually found me and sent it to me, SO crazy COOL! last week i was able to get a @drbarbarsturm facial at @goop! (bye goop, ATX loved ya!). holy heck, i walked away with the hyaluronic serum, one of her best selling products. it’s gobs of money (trust me my heart is still doing palpitations) but i wanted to see the hype for myself. it’s the most i’ve ever spent on one skincare product. but hey, i’m all for paying more on a quality product, especially if it works. i’m hoping i’ll stretch this one out close to year. more skincare talk but the @sephora sale is in full force for rouge members. shamelessly i am one but kept it low key this year due to all the recent goop skincare purchases. i limited myself to the beloved Tatcha pure one step camellia cleansing oil // Caudalie SOS vinosouce thirst quenching serum (HG) // trying out the Drunk Elephant TLC sukari babyfacial // trying out the BIOSSANCE pro-biotic gel moisturizer. well, at least i think that’s low key. eep. it’s clear i spend too much money on skincare. but i’d rather do that than makeup. so it’s justified. :D

currently on my playlist: rise up by Andra Day

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if you’re unsure of where to start with @everlane, go with the cotton v-neck. i admittedly own this one in multiple colors. then i’d try their denim for $68-78 you can’t go wrong. i’ve personally bought the cheeky straight jean styled here // the authentic stretch high rise skinny // and the kick crop jeans styled here. they’re all perfect fits with the ankle length (no hemming needed because ain’t nobody got time for that). they just released the summer jean today and you can be sure it’s sitting in my cart haha! the shoes are amazing quality that are MADE IN ITALY! lemme tell you, italians know how to make shoes. i own the boss boots // the day heel // the v-slingback // the wedge (NEW and obsessed). lastly, Everlane does HAPPY RETURNS, which totally makes me happy. instead of returning stuff via mail and waiting for a refund you just find a happy return center and they process and package your return for you. it’s the little things y’all. okay this is lastly lastly but Everlane is constantly has new releases which is so great but not so great on the wallet. haha and yes, it sounds like i work for them but i don’t. :D

here are some personal things i’m eyeing at Everlane in case they strike your fancy too:

“owning” the direct sunlight per Steven

obligatory TEXAS bluebonnet photo!

this is the stuff Steven encourages me try haha. we believe this belongs in a GUESS ad haha

top | GAP fitted boyfriend gingham shirt in orange (really old) — similar
pants c/o | Everlane the straight leg crop in bone (size down) — similar but the wide leg crop
bag c/o | Everlane the square day tote in saddle (color currently sold out but available in two others) — the market day tote (larger) // the day magazine tote (love the shape of this one)
shoes c/o | Ann Taylor liv leather block heel sandals in light sienna tan (size up 1/2 size, very comfortable)
sunglasses | Celine marta sunglasses in havana (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

photo credit: Steven Gunter

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 — 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 “model” 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 “modeling” 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, “dang 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 “JANNA20” 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 — 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 — similar by Target for $35 // similar and love these by Sam Edelman // similar but lower
bag | Nordstrom joni circular raffia tote — 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) — newer style
necklaces | Amanda Deer satellite choker in gold // Anthropologie monogram pendant necklace 
sunglasses | Celine marta sunglasses in havana (my fave sunnies!) — 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) — 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) — 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) — similar
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
earrings | Kendra Scott sky earrings in white pearl (old) — larger version // similar
necklaces | Anthropologie monogram pendant necklace // Amanda Deer satellite choker in gold 
sunglasses | Celine marta sunglasses in havana (prob my fave sunnies!) — 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) — 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