how to style the sezane will jacket

the jacket for all seasons

luckily, my partnership with Sézane continues I decided to go with the Sézane will jacket #gifted that i’ve been eyeing for a while now and it comes in so many colors to choose from! i wasn’t sure how it would look on me due to length. turns out, i had nothing to worry about 🙂 it reminds me of a utility jacket but more sleek and structured. BTW, the utility jacket is my go-to travel jacket. i take it on every. single. trip. with me because honestly, it goes with EVERYTHING and it has functional pockets. i was hoping the will jacket would do the same in a more elevated way and it did not disappoint. the pockets are very deep and i love how the material keeps its structure since it is denim-like.

here, i decided to style it a couple of different ways. it’s all about versatility #amirite! i’ve always wanted to belt something like this and i love how it turned out. you can layer it (even over a dress which i have always wanted to try), belt it, and wear it as a top itself like a button down. you can dress it up and you can dress it down. check out all four looks after the jump!

side ramblings: 2024. it’s been a slowwww start here full of self-care. i’ve been enjoying spending time at home working on my paint-by-numbers, upgrading the home office, reading, playing mah jong, watching Modern Family with my parents, going down reddit thread rabbit holes about mechanical keyboards (new hobby) and trader joes (of course). it’s been a grand time!

invites + on the radar //

  • with this timely post, Sézane’s Austin pop-up opens on Friday, 03/08 at 1011 S. Congress Avenue Suite 130 (between Everlane and All Birds at Music Lane)! i was able to preview the store this past weekend and it is gorgeous. makes me miss Paris! i hope it becomes a permanent boutique in Austin🤞 hours of operation: Open Monday to Saturday: 10 am to 7 pm and Sundays: 11 am to 6 pm. stop by and check them out! it’s also a great way to try on their sizes if you are unsure and feel all their luxe fabrics and textiles!

  • i was invited into The Guest House // @welcometgh earlier this week and i gotta say, it was an AMAZING experience 💯 i loved all. the. dishes., the service, and the ambiance was 110% swanky. i’ll be returning soon! dishes ordered: complimentary brioche (OMG LAYERED GOODNESS), steak tartare, traditional caviar service, parmesean truffle crusted filet, miso mushrooms, the garden dessert (a must), and the tres leches x tiramisu dessert! they will be opening the take away section soon (and i hope they have that brioche available!) and the little outdoor wine garden! so happy to see this space filled on 2nd street!

other notable eats lately //

currently on my playlist: headlights home by Mat Kearney

currently reading: hook, line, and sinker by Tessa Bailey

LOOK 1 - layered over a t-shirt or layered over a t-shirt and belted

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LOOK 1: belted

LOOK 1: layered openly over a graphic t-shirt

LOOK 2. as a top itself. for good measure, just three buttons only + an ever so slight pop in the collar

LOOK 3. over athleisure

LOOK 4. over a dress & belted

jacket c/o | Sézane will jacket in khaki (sized down to a XS)
dress | Old Navy eyelet midi dress (very old) — similar but a maxi with classy cut outs!
denim c/o | Everlane kick crop jeans in white (very old) — similar by Madewell // similar by J.Crew Factory // loving these wide leg ones!
top | J.Crew Factory le weekend t-shirt (so old) — similar Paris one! // this striped one would go so perfectly too!
belt | Ann Taylor waist belt (old) — similar and love the one by Sezane
leggings | Athleta salutation stash 7/8 tight in black — similar on Amazon for $29
sports top | Amazon high neck sports bra crop top in white

until next time,
JD

the hoodie sweater dress

hello, spring!

SPRING HAS SPRUNG! whooo here we are.. hopefully on the other side of TX winter storms… but now worrying about hurricane season. it’s always something! i’m a little late on this post but i thought it would be fun to style a hoodie dress! i've always like the look of a hoodie under a blazer combo so when i saw this sweater dress i thought it’d be fun to style it under a coat for a dressy outing but ALSO, it can be styled casually like sporty spice!

to style this sweater hoodie dress casually, pair it with some white sneakers and a belt bag to make it fun. this one adds additional texture with the sherpa! for hair, i’d put it up in a high ponytail and aviator sunglasses. to style it for a night out, trade out the sneakers for some knee high suede boots (again, more texture adds dimension!) and layer it under a jacket with hoodie out! also trade out the belt bag for something more elevated like a leather bag.

i have always wanted photos infront of “Austin” and lucky me, @janeyunphoto agreed and made it happen (she’s great!) despite all the construction going around there with the Blanton Museum.

option 1 // casual style/sporty spice with white sneaks & sherpa belt bag for added texture!

side ramblings: UM, so much. first, i think the universe nudged me pretty hard to stop talking about launching my styling business and to actually do it. the time is now, right?! thanks universe! haha. i turned in a couple of “deliverables” over to my first two clients and it’s been a process. coming up with tools and workflow processes (while over-thinking it all, the INFJ in me). nonetheless, i found myself looking forward to it — i’ve missed it. second, home improvement projects have commenced (i’m telling you, it’s something to do with spring that makes you want to get back to work!). team daddy & i changed out the dining room light and in the process of replacing hallway and bedroom lights to recessed lighting! lastly, some #hellyes collaborations opened up with

  • @Sézane — french clothing brand, i LOVE everything and choosing an item made me miss paris so much! i picked out the Asianne dress! it’s a pretty blue floral dress and looking forward to styling it two ways. i’m all about the versatility!

  • @DavinesNorthAmerica — hair product company known for sustainability. they sent me one of the biggest PR packages i’ve received in a while!! here are a couple of hair care products they sent me to try (the whole box smells so divine!):

currently on my playlist: all for nothing (i’m so in love) by Lauv

currently reading: the unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren! i also finished black cake by Charmaine Wilkerson since the last blog post and it was so good. reminded me of real hardships our parents faced back then. in my 30’s i have an even greater appreciation for what my parents went through. it’s funny i planned on documenting their life story and this book was yet another gentle nudge by the universe to DO IT!

option 2 // date night. styled under a coat (hoodie out), knee high suede boots and a leather bag (so much textured goodness!!)

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option 1 // sporty spice

dress | Amazon ribbed and hooded sweater dress in light brown (wearing size S)
bag | lululemon everywhere belt bag in light ivory — great amazon dupe for $23 // non-sherpa amazon dupe for $15
shoes | Keds ace sneakers in white leather — also eyeing the Veja // target ones with a little platform for $35!

option 2 // date night

dress | Amazon ribbed and hooded sweater dress in light brown (wearing size S)
bag | Red Dress Boutique polished and poised bag in black — similar on amazon in a more classic leather pattern
shoes | Sam Edelman uma knee high boot in black suede (i also loved them so much i got them in the bootie version) — similar in the Ursula on Zappos // similar in the Ursula on Sam Edelman

thanks for stopping by!,
JD


photo credit: @janeyunphoto

the amazon lounge sets

all. about. the. #loungesets

lately, i’ve been on am amazon streak! esp with athletic and loungewear sets. this post is dedicated to THREE comfy sets with shorts (ALL WITH POCKETS! yes, in caps because. IYKYK) that are good for lounging in at home or running errands around town. shorts are usually a safer bet for me than sets with pants since, well… #shortgirlproblems at 5’2”. i was shocked how much i loved these sets. the great news is that they range differences in warmth coverage, so great for the whacky Texas weather! in this post i’m sharing three lounge sets i purchased from Amazon and love. all sets will transition you from winter to spring and summer because got chu! 🙌 see set 2 & 3 after the jump.

side ramblings: this year i want to commit to more reading. yep, like actual books. i used to be a huge bookworm and over the years i’ve gotten so caught up in media and all.things.electronic. it’s part of the job but i just finished my first book of the year, Every Summer After by Carley Fortune. it was a cute book, 7/10 rating for me. it makes me wonder what it would be like to fall in love at such a young age and with someone you grew up with who really really knows you. i miss getting lost in a book, being drawn in my interesting characters and/or storylines. anyways, i’m hoping to reach a goal of 12 books in 2023 & linking my next read below!

currently reading: book lovers by Emily Henry (about to finish this one already!!)

currently on my playlist: best part by Daniel Ceasar ft. H.E.R.

set 1 // FLEECE lined so perfect for colder temps and i am loving the half zips right now. out of the three sets here this has the most warmth/coverage

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set 2 // waffle knit material but light enough for spring with long sleeves

set 3 // also a waffle knit material but cropped tank for summer

amazon sweater dress round up

welcome to #sweaterdress season!

amazon fashion… can be tricky. for me, it’s mainly been returns and.. well, returns. let’s just say i’ve had better luck with athletic finds and…. sweater dresses! as we enter sweater season in TX, one of the things i like about sweater dresses is that they offer some warmth vs regular poly dresses. and for the most part, they’re soft. here are a couple i found on amazon that are good quality, soft, fit well, and easy on the wallet. a downside of sweater dresses is that they are often on the fitted side. but nothing some shapewear can’t fix — i’m always reminded of the Spanx scene in The Heat with Sandra Bullock and Melissa McCartney 🤣

side ramblings: my gosh i have missed events! a couple of weeks ago i attended @hotelgranducaaustin’s long table dinner as a plus one with my PIC @wanderlustanita. it was so beautiful, from the weather to the views and tablescape. i had a GRAND time, #punintended. i also checked out @neighborhoodsushi — OMG yes, and you cannot lost wih 25% the food menu from 4:30-6PM. you heard me right, the whole food menu. most places just offer a couple of items at a discount on HH. so yep, head on over there soon, reservations highly recommended. leaving y’all with a couple to-do’s/eats in ATX next weekend: 1) check out @fiercewhiskers (also need to mention it’s asian-owned! & the most interesting yet beautiful location. you must also check out the @char.atx food trailer there — they do some mean yakitoris, #protip: ask the chef for omakase!), 2) start your xmas shopping by supporting local vendors at @bluegenieartbazaar!, 3) check out the robotic serving thing-a-mag-jig at an all you can eat korean BBQ place @KBBQAUSTIN, 4) ghost kitchen @prepatx (Taste of Home Handmade Dumplings were amazing esp the pork, shrimp & chive dumplings! and they also have Brooklyn Sandwich Shop there too, the sweet heat buttermilk fried chicken sandwich hit the spot!)

#blackfriday: alright alright alright. here we go with some black friday sales. i think i’ll continue to update this section as the week goes on or separate this out into a different post depending on time this week. but so far here are some good ones on my list:

  • Abercrombie & Fitch — 30% off everything

  • Ann Taylor — 50% off everything with code: FRIDAY50

  • BIOSSANCE — 30% off everything with code: EXTRA30, #protip: you can use it on gift sets which makes it a deal on top of a DEALLL. at this point, i use almost the whole line it feels like :D

  • Dermstore — 30% off select brands including R+CO!

  • eleve* — 25% off everything, the Lip Luv is my fave hydrating lip product!

  • Everlane — up to 40% off select styles

  • Frankie Jean* — 40% off all hats with code: JANNA40 (good until Black Friday)

  • GIR (silicone kitchen tools/utensils/reusable straws) — 30% off everything

  • H&M — 30% off everything

  • gorjana — $25 off $150 or $50 off $250 or $100 off $450

  • Phlur — 50% off fragrances & bodycare with code: HOLIDAY50, Ameline is my everyday go-to!

  • Puracy — up to 60% off, i really like their hand sanitizer and the refillable foam & gel hand soap

  • SpaceNK — up to 25% off select brands. you should def pick up some Drunk Elephant or De Mamiel (huge fan of the elixir). #protip: there’s no tax!!

*shop local / shop small businesses!

currently on my playlist: shivers by Ed Sheeran

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sweater dress 1 cliff notes: love the color and side slits on this one (both sides). it also has a v-back as well! while it comes with a sash i also liked it styled with skinny waist belt. neutral snakeskin print pumps to tie this classy dress together.

sweater dress 2 cliff notes: the button detail is super fun on this one, and you can button and unbutton as many as you want so that means you can also wear it as a cardigan as well = double duty! this is a more casual dress option and i love it with the neutral snakeskin print booties. i’d even wear it with knee high boots too or sneakers!

sweater dress 3 cliff notes: simple mock neck sweater dress. dress it up with a neutral print like snakeskin and layer it with a black moto jacket. absolutely yes, mix black and brown!! to style it more casually i’d wear pair it with sneakers!

sweater dress 1 //

dress | Amazon Cutiefox v neck wrap sweater dress in khaki (wearing size S)
shoes | Ann Taylor azra pumps in snakeskin (old) — similar in suede
belt | Gucci leather skinny belt in black — good dupe for $14

sweater dress 2 //

dress | Amazon Aigeman v neck button down cardigan sweater dress in black (wearing size S)
shoes | Ann Taylor north snake print leather block heel boot (old) — current similar style in croc // similar by Lulu’s for $38

sweater dress 3 //

dress | Amazon Capuffy mock neck sweater dress in coffee (wearing size XS)
shoes | Ann Taylor north snake print leather block heel boot (old) — current similar style in croc // similar by Lulu’s for $38
jacket | Blank NYC life changer moto jacket (old) — current updated style // similar by A&F

happy amazon fashion shopping!,
JD

amazon athletic finds

amazon clothing?!?

ok ok, hear me out. personally, i haven’t been a huge fan of amazon clothing. it’s always a bust for me. it’s either too cheap-y feeling, see thru (fashion faux pas), oddly sized/fit, doesn’t look like the product online, etc… you name it. basically i gave up looking for amazon clothing. but recently some of my trusted blogger friends have been posting some CUTE athletic sets/clothing from amazon.. so you know i had questions. i purchased these leggings from seeing them on my friend @courtneerogers (she has great style!) and decided to try. they are SO GOOD. all reviews say butter-y soft. i also put forth my butter-y soft review. they are high-waisted for my #over30 crew and while not super compressive, i don’t mind since i don’t plan on actually working out in them. for $26 i decided on some fun colors like this light blue one, mainly to wear around town or running errands, or stuffing my face (like we were here). somehow i matched the wall outside of @thesaltydonut on soco. like i planned this outfit, but i so. did. not. i love it when it all works out, don’t you?!

these are a 7/8 length so perfect for my #shortgirlprobs. the great thing about purchasing on amazon is… AMAZON PRIME. (amazon prime, i love thee). i mean you can get the pieces within two days!!!! and the returns are SO.EASY. if all retailers could be this way that would be wonderful. needless to say, this purchase “made” me spiral down an amazon clothing hole. (someone help plz). knocking on wood, but i’ve been on a streak y’all 🤣 i ventured down sweater dress alley and golly found some good ones for fall (you see, i needed the inspiration, who knew i’d find it (literally) on amazon!). an amazon sweater dress round up post is coming soon but i’m linking a couple of amazon athletic finds after the jump!

currently on my playlist: cold heart by Elton John & Dua Lipa

couldn’t ask for a better snap via @wanderlustanita

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top | Athleta conscious crop in navy (wearing size XS)
jacket | Old Navy stretchtech loose cropped jacket in wish bone (wearing size XS) — similar but a cropped rain jacket with hoodie!
leggings | Amazon HeyNuts high waisted 7/8 leggings in denim blue II (wearing size S, i’m usually a 4 or 6 in lululemon) — full length (would be too long for my 5’2” self) // capris
shoes | Keds x Kate Spade champion leather sneakers in rose dew pink (old) — similar // original canvas champions #teamkeds // also love the ace
necklace c/o | Amanda Deer fine jewelry in double mini horn necklace — similar
sunglasses | Ray Ban original aviator 58mm RB3025 in black — similar for $13

other amazon athletic purchases/finds:

sports bras/tops | Amazon HeyNuts longline sports bra // Amazon Lykoxa longline full coverage sports bra in white (size small) // Amazon SIGNEALA longline sports bra (wish it was a smidge longer but it has a cute cross detail in back)
shorts | Amazon HeyNuts high waisted biker shorts 6” (size small) // Amazon BMJL high waisted running shorts (also has a zipper)
sets | Amazon QQQ seamless 2-piece high waist biker and sports bra set in dark green (size small) // love this Amazon YVYVLOLO ribbed u-sports bra neckline one!

happy amazon athletic hunting!,
JD

photo credit: @wanderlustanita