floral on floral

can it be fall already?!

well, it's almost september but we're still in the triple digits in TX, #halp. fall fashion is in full swing on every retail site and it's really dreadful to look at sweaters right now... there is no secret that fall fashion is my JAM, can't wait. but until then i'll settle for this floral print strapless dress (with pockets!). this is actually my second RED dress. it's a tad nuts actually. i never wear red dresses because i find them to be too dressy. the floral print toned down the red and i'm a sucker for all tie-front-anything! 

side ramblings: shout out to my friend Jane // @atasteofkoko who launched her retail shop shop.atasteofkoko.com, of course she celebrated by putting together the #museumofdonuts this past weekend full of instagram-able moments! #donutgetmestarted. so young and such a freaking BOSS i love it! the @sephora appreciation sale is going on right now and the BEST time to stock up on some favorites or try something new! i'm all about saving money so RARELY do i ever buy any skincare products at regular price. #protip: always wait for a sale/coupon code and stock up on items you love because every little bit counts! here are some new skincare products i'm looking to try for the first time: Drunken Elephant virgin marula luxury facial oil and the BIOSSANCE squalane + phyto-retinol serum (curious about this plant-based retinol, i've never used retinol before but this would be a good start since it seems to be WAY less harsh). things i'm re-stocking on are: SK-II facial treatment lotion (used in conjunction with my HG SK-II facial treatment essence), and my fave dry shampoo Bumble & Bumble dry spun (not labeled as a dry shampoo but does the exact job as one without an overpowering smell!). 

currently on my playlist: moving on by Mat Kearney

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the pom pom maxi

summertime pom pom fun in Maggy London!

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

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

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

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

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

rock all the pom poms,
JD

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

the lilac edit

in Gal Meets Glam x Nordstrom.

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

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

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

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

rock all the lilac,
JD

photo credit: Todd White

the bow front top

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

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

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

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

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

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

rock all the bow/twist front tops!,
JD

photo credit: Todd White

the striped one shoulder romper

STRIPES. FOR. LIFE. 

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

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

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

currently on my playlist: whatever it takes by Imagine Dragons

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the floral cut out dress

another IT summer dress!

it's been a full day of yard work and i'm exhausted but it feels so good to wind down with a glass of wine to put this one together #inmyelement. we're about dresses here on JDC. last year one of my favorite summer purchases was this striped cut out dress. so of course when the floral design came out this year, this one somehow made its way to my closet. still unsure how but i ain't mad about it. :D jokes aside, it's on the pricey side. but i'm one of those people.. if i like it that much, i'm gonna buy it. and in multiple colors or prints. this dress, no exception. it has pockets, and most cutouts require you to wear some sort of sticky bra or petals, this one does not! whoo hoo! 

side ramblings: I MET MAT KEARNEY! i had a night last week that blew my mind away. my lil blogger sis, @simplyyvan (AKA: concert queen) bought me a VIP ticket for my december bday to meet Mat K! she's the sweetest, ain't she? anyways, got to roll VIP with her and with standing room only at Stubb's, we took advantage of getting there early and were upfront and CENTER! normally i'm not a crowd person so i always hang in the back. BUT WOW, what an experience!!! now i'm all about being upfront with the crowd despite being packed in like sardines. but i danced the night away in my tiny lil space and left with the best feeling. it's a night i'll never forget. i actually don't have many photos or video to show because i spent all of it just soaking it in! as much as i love capturing moments, sometimes it's just better be to be fully present and enjoy the moment. Mat K is my favorite artist for so many reasons. he can sing, he can write, awesome music & beats, but his music got me through some rough times. his lyrics have so much meaning/depth and extremely relatable no matter what you're going through in life. i mean how cool is that to touch the lives of people in that way?! too bad i can't sing and i can't play an instrument to save my life. (hence the fashion blog). 

i also attended Austin Fashion Week #AFW this past weekend! i always love being in the midst of fashion especially with others who are wayyyyy more fashionable than myself. photos and a recap to come next week. thanks for stopping by, y'all have a good one now. xx

currently on my playlist: face to face by Mat Kearney 

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5'2" short y'all.

because most of the time i don't know what to do. LOL. 

this was steven's idea... :D

dress | Bardot ibiza cut out midi dress in floral (currently 25% off!) -- same style in checkered print // similar from Express // similar from Express but shorter // similar but striped and with sleeves by Madewell // similar from F21 // similar in lemon print from ASOS 
jacket | Old Navy denim jacket
shoes | Target Merona marcella low block heel ankle strap sandals in tan (old) -- similar // similar but suede
bag | Urban Outfitters circle straw crossbody bag (fits iphone8+) -- similar with handles but smaller // similar // love this basket tote
sunglasses | Celine marta sunglasses in havana -- newer design // similar by Le Specs
earrings c/o | BaubleBar mini granita tassel earrings in ivory -- original longer version
necklace | Anthropologie monogram pendant necklace 
rings | Kendra Scott theodore open ring in white pearl via Color Bar -- similar // 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 (old) -- similar by Stella & Dot

rock all the cutouts,
JD

photo credit: Steven Gunter

@matkearney x CRAZYTALK tour @stubbsaustin // 04.05.18

meet & greet with Mat K // THAT CLOSE
selfie with Mat K // featured on his INSTA

LIFE IS SO GOOD because i'm cheesin' SO HARD!

dating tips & galentine's day in loungewear

happy galentine's day!

so listen, i don't know if you know, it's valentine's week. if you've gone to target, you know. everything is red and pink and heart shaped. it's the hallmark day of all holidays. YIPPEEEE! now, if you're single, this is what you do --> you go buy yourself loungewear -- because NOTHING says 'i love myself' like some soft joggers and a loose thermal top. #seriously. feel free to add a disco ball sippy cup for good measure too. jokes aside, you get what i'm sayin'. treat yourself to something because you deserve it! if you find yourself waving the single-awareness flag, wave it proudly and refer to this quote below.

“life is always about the JOURNEY and never the destination.”

and your journey could a lot bumpier than others, maybe you even get stuck in some muddy patches along the way, but that's life. you gotta trust the process -- that it will lead you to where you need to be in the end. live consciously in this moment, laugh at the confusion, and embrace it because at any moment, it will change. know that you have never missed out on anything that is meant for you, and that the next best thing is just around the corner. you see, there is so much that happens to us that we have very little/no control over. the only thing we have control over is our self -- our emotions & reactions. knowing and understanding this will give you so much peace in any life situation. i promise. not sure where i wanted to go with all that. but i hope you took something away?! i spend a lot of time writing for google, but most of the time i'm writing for myself #selfentertained and to reinforce positivity. we can always use that right?! 

besides #selflove it's also about the little things in life too. like how all that valentine's day candy will be on sale at target, so you'll know where to find me come February 15th. :D xx ok, i'm out. see ya next week.

side ramblings: this past week was filled with some fun events! i was able to check out @sonestabeecaveatx at the hill country galleria, their @meridian98lounge has a great view and don't get me started on the bacon wrapped dates... the night ended with a small tour of some shops at the galleria. my favorites were @milkandhoneyspa and @manaculture! the weekend was the grand opening of @theartofshoesaustin in the cutest house were i was able to meet the owner and participate in a DIY shoe accessory workshop. overall, a fun week of socializing!

PS--i had so much FUN writing the last part of this post and hope you'll read the rest!

>>MY DATING TIPS/TIDBITS CLICK the READ MORE button!

currently on my playlist: bad at love by Halsey

that time my lil blogger sis @simplyyvan asked me to be apart of her @urbanoutfitters photoshoot!

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why am i single? well, it's because i haven't met my EQUAL, i wouldn't let anyone into my life unless they were AWESOME. the single journey for me has been quite interesting. a recent article came out describing Austin men as the WORST when it comes to dating (so glad i bought a house here!). i've learned SO MUCH along the way. i mean geezus to be able to talk to a complete stranger takes major skill. deciphering text messages, picking up on when you're about to ghosted or breadcrumb-ed or whatever the new term is should be resume skills at this point. the internet, social media, online dating, and having access to people 24/7 have made us a REALLY. SAD. BUNCH. who lack human decency. the standard is set SO LOW. how low? i mean i'm shocked when someone actually messages me back! here are my tips/tidbits whether you're a man or woman when it comes to dating (because let's face it, i'm better with bullet points):

  • trust your intuition/gut, it's usually 99% correct (head > heart)
  • when someone shows you who they really are, believe them
  • actions > words 
  • consistency is KEY
  • vulnerability is strength and in the right hands this is the best gift you can give someone
  • exemplify human decency = treat others the way you want to be treated (golden rule, duh, sad i even have to type it)
  • be direct & use raw/honest communication
  • HAVE FUN! expect nothing but be prepared to be pleasantly surprised
  • silence actually speaks volumes. no answer is an answer. SOOOO ironic isn't it? 
  • when it comes to online dating, you probably have one shot to win someone over so bring your A game = best version of you, this shouldn't be hard for you! 
  • ghosting? breadcrumbing? zombies? = ain't nobody got time for that
  • when you start blaming yourself, STOP IMMEDIATELY because...
  • it's really hard to mess up the right thing (if there is anything you take away, THIS IS IT!)
  • when it's right, it should feel easy
  • good things TAKE TIME
  • stop making excuses for other people
  • stop thinking about what you feel and remember what you deserve
  • a good man will never keep you waiting by the phone no matter how busy they are. think about how much time it takes to send a text. literally NO TIME. and trust me, if you haven't heard from him, i'm 120% sure his fingers haven't fallen off
  • if he likes you, he will squeeze out any ounce of time to see you, even if it's just 15 minutes to see your face! TRUST ME 
  • never underestimate the power of SPACE. space allows someone to miss you, to yearn for you. THIS IS WHAT YOU WANT
  • until you're exclusive, date like men = HAVE OPTIONS because 95% of men will fall off the face of the earth (and bc they're doing the same thing to you)
  • texting less actually creates more excitement when you meet in person
  • men respond to distance. not words. so stop trying to explain yourself!
  • what you chase runs away. never chase ANYONE
  • know that not everyone is going to like you (even though you're a bad ass) and you're not going to like everyone. attraction is not a choice
  • master EMPATHY
  • don't let some bad experiences harden your heart
  • rejection teaches you what's not meant for you
  • don't let dating or a man be everything in your life. do things you love, hang out with people who make you feel good. for me, it's about working out, blogging, hanging out with my GFs and family, going to events, photography, making a list of next eateries to hit up, working on my house. your life and happiness come first
  • at the end of the day, it's about being genuine in every interaction. be compassionate. be the change you want to see in the world. seems futile but i believe that change starts with YOU
  • have the strength to walk away (with dignity) and the patience to wait for what you deserve. AND this is why you should work on your backside, so that you LOOK GOOD WALKING AWAY. just sayin'
“happiness is letting go of what you assume your life is supposed to be like right now and sincerely appreciating it for everything that it is. at the end of this day, before you close your eyes, smile and be at peace with where you’ve been and grateful for what you have. LIFE IS GOOD.”
— marc & angel