timeless dresses by camilyn beth

feelin' extra fancy in these exquisite dresses! translates to: #pictureheavypost

a few years ago i stumbled upon @CamilynBeth through fashion blogger, @extrapetite! i fell in love with their classic designs and style. so... you can imagine how grateful i feel to be given the opportunity to work with them today! Camilyn Beth dresses are made of high quality material, the styles are timeless and will therefore be in my closet for years to come. and... they are made in the USA!

the first dress is my fave -- the Felicity. i am automatically drawn to all clothing items with a peplum hem #obsessed?, the color on this one is so vibrant and fun, and the sash is removable #littledetails! i think this dress makes a good office look (surely to turn heads) i even paired it with a navy blazer. the fuchsia goes so well with the navy and i can't seem to decide if i love it more with or without the sash!

the second dress is a strapless dress -- the Rosalina. the silk overlay with the ruffle hem makes this dress extra fancy and the back features a little dainty bow tie. perfect for brides-to-be or a night out. it goes perfectly with my first blush bag from Rebecca Minkoff -- i LOVE the LOVE crossbody #nopunintended. this dress would also look good with a sleeveless duster or draped with a trenchcoat. i recently wore this to a polo match derby event with a floppy hat and received so many compliments! #fitslikeaglove (in a good way).

side happenings: this weekend was the first relaxing weekend i literally bummed around and it FELT SO GOOD! i am off to Dallas this week for a little getaway and CANNOT wait! also, a long overdue Austin Fashion Week post will be live this week!  

currently on my playlist: there's nothing holdin' me back by Shawn Mendes

the Felicity

the Rosalina

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that sash!

blazer style

feelin' like i need a tropical vacay right about now!

dress #1 c/o | Camilyn Beth felicity dress in fuchsia (true to size, wearing a 2) -- also avail in periwinkle and in royal
dress #2 c/o | Camilyn Beth rosalina dress in ivory (runs a little large, wearing a 0) -- also avail in navy and in fuchsia
shoes | Ann Taylor leda block heels in navy (old) -- same style in taupe & black // similar from Target
shoes #2 | ZARA vinyl d'orsay heels in white (old) -- similar 
bag #1 | Celine micro luggage tote in navy -- similar dupe for $28
bag #2 c/o | Rebecca Minkoff chevron quilted small love crossbody in blush -- avail in white, light blue, and black, tons of options and sizes on RebeccaMinkoff.com
earrings #1 | Kendra Scott aston statement earrings in ivory (old) -- similar 
earrings #2BaubleBar peony drops (sold out on BB) -- avail on bloomingdales! // similar
watch | Michael Kors darci watch in gold
bracelet | Nordstrom BP love knot cuff (old) -- similar by Kate Spade // similar off Etsy
ringsGorjana c/o shimmer stacking ring set // Gorjana amara ring set // Gorjana mini stackable ring set // Etsy stacking & midi rings // Gorjana candice CZ ring // BaubleBar ice chevron midi ring -- similar // BaubleBar tri bar ring (old) -- similar // Cassandra Collections c/o mini ring
lips MAC amplified creme lipstick in brick-o-la

rock the Camilyn Beth,
JD

photo credit: Brandon Hill
a post done in collaboration with Camilyn Beth
dresses provided by Camilyn Beth, bag provided by Rebecca Minkoff, all opinions are my own. 

day to night in a LBD with Maggy London

warning: lots of pictures ahead.

as you may know, black is my FAVORITE color to wear. shall i count the reasons of why i love black?!: it goes with all colors... including MORE BLACK!, it makes you look slimming, it goes with my skin tone & hair, it is freaking classic. 

for this post, i teamed up with Maggy London to bring you the LBD one for the day (work wear, professional attire) and one for night (an evening out, date night) with tips on how to rock each. if you aren't familiar with Maggy London, they specialize in my favorite clothing item... DRESSES! their dresses range from casual, work wear, to dressy. there is something for everyone and not to mention they offer petite and curve sizing! #hooray! 

side happenings: i saw beauty & the beast! gah, it was so good!! they did such an amazing job making it match the animation! i think i'm still recovering from the go-go of SXSW but it was such an experience!! i cannot wait until next year. as always, thanks so much for stopping by. xoxo. 

currently on my playlist: you are the best thing by Ray LaMontagne

DAY

NIGHT

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DAY

keeping it professional with a full coverage dress (not low cut, below the knee length) with the daintiest contrasting bow detail. close toed pumps, a classic black work bag (tied scarf to add some classy-ness), studded earrings, and a 'my lips but better' lip color completed this workwear look. i also tried to channel my innter Jackie O with these oversized round sunglasses!

NIGHT

everyone LOVES this dress. i actually saw it on my gorgeous friend Michelle // @stylebeacon and had to have it! this makes a great event/date night dress because of the lace (front AND back), the cold shoulder detail, and the tighter fit (gulp!). honestly, this dress doesn't need much to make you stand out but i did add some red lips (you can't go wrong), a pair of strappy stiletto heels, and a minaudiere to polish it off. 

DAY

dress c/o | Maggy London the petite jackie midi in black (wearing a 4P for size reference) -- also available in regular sizing // avail in a curve midi // avail in navy // in red
shoes | Jimmy Choo abel pumps in black patent (old design) -- current design // similar // similar and custom!
bag | Henri Bendel uptown satchel in black with a twilly -- similar in a mini version 
earrings | Kendra Scott aston stud earrings in ivory
sunglasses | Prada round oversized sunglasses in black grey gradient -- similar by F21
watch | Michael Kors darci watch in gold (on sale!) -- avail in rose gold
bracelet | BaubleBar pearl taylor cuff (old) -- another great work option looks like David Yurman!
lipsMAC amplified creme lipstick in brick-o-la

NIGHT

dress c/oMaggy London eileen cold shoulder midi in black (wearing a 2R for size reference)
shoesLuLu's elsi single strap heels in black suede -- similar // similar with a stacked heel at Target
bag | DVF lytton clutch in black quilted leather (old) -- similar // similar but round & velvet
earrings | Kendra Scott quincy delicate earrings in crackle crystal (old) -- similar
sunglassesCeline caty sunglasses in black -- similar in tortoise
watchMichael Kors darci watch in gold (on sale!) -- avail in rose gold
braceletVita Fede mini titan crystal bracelet in gold -- similar by Vince Camuto and on salefor $25!
ringsGorjana c/o shimmer stacking ring set // Gorjana amara ring set // Gorjana mini stackable ring set // Etsy stacking & midi rings // Gorjana candice CZ ring // BaubleBar ice chevron midi ring (sold out) -- similar // BaubleBar tri bar ring (old) -- similar 
lipsChristian Louboutin velvet matte lip color in rouge 001M -- similar in a matte liquid

rock the LBD,
JD

photo credit: Brandon Hill
a post done in collaboration with Maggy London. 
dresses provided by Maggy London, all opinions are my own. 

the blush drop waist dress

helloooo march!

well... this dress is pretty old (last summer)! as a blogger i sometimes feel pressured to only post things that i can link or that are in stock. ideally, that is good business practice. but honestly, it's just not #reallife when you have a day job. in the past i have not shot outfits because an item would go out of stock etc... enter new mentality: SCREW IT! i wanna post things that i like! regardless if i can make a sale out of it or if it's not in stock i always find similar items. it's all about fun to me!

onto the outfit: this dress is a loose fitting one, so sign me up for anything loosey-goosey. it's blush, it also has pockets, but what i like most is the drop waist and the high low hem. i don't have many of these! i paired it with this grey moto jacket to give it some oomph as sometimes loose fitting dresses need a little something, whether it be a belt, jacket, statement necklace etc! this is also my fave bag from Kelly Wynne's spring collection i am swooning over! it is the perfect size and shape and the print/texture/color will go with anything and everything. 

weekend recap: holy moly, if you followed my instastories, this weekend was nuts. FRIDAY -- @kelliesbakingco had a re-opening, they put my instagrams on a cookie! how cool is that?! SATURDAY -- went to support my pilates studio @toddpilates at a wellness event. SUNDAY --had brunch @stgenevieveatx, i recommend the make your own mimosas and the english toffee french toast (fresh bananas, hazelnuts, and a NUTELLA whip cream). it was amazing. finished sunday with a blogger event at @cotone_atx a clothing and beauty bar at the domain! 

lastly, if you made it this far in reading my post you should pat yourself on the back. SXSW is creeping up pretty quickly and i cannot wait to attend some festivities, network, eat, and hang out with some friends! 

Β currently on my playlist: shape of you by Ed Sheeran (because lets be honest, this song is on repeat and it ain't going anywhere) ✌️

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dress | Anthropologie camellia drop waist dress (last summer) -- similar and a fraction of the price // similar but not drop waist (might need the black version!) // similar with a high neck // similar with a v-neck
jacket | Forever 21 faux leather moto jacket in grey (old) -- similar in suede and looks good on everyone! // similar // similar
shoes Stuart Weitzman nudistsong in adobe patent (comes in different widths too!) -- similar // chunky heel version
bag | Kelly Wynne mingle mingle mini in vintage pearl
sunglassesCeline tilda sunglasses in dark tortoise -- similar but more cateye (great brand, really fits well!)
earringsKendra Scott sky earrings in white pearl
necklaceetsy monogram necklace in dearest daddy initials (1.25" and 20" chain) -- similar by BaubleBar / similar in acrylic
ringsGorjana c/o shimmer stacking ring set // Gorjana amara ring set // Gorjana mini stackable ring set // Etsy stacking & midi rings // Gorjana candice CZ ring // BaubleBar ice chevron midi ring (sold out) -- similar 
lipsMAC amplified creme lipstick in brick-o-la
nailsessie gel couture in pre snow jitters 

rock the drop waist,
JD

photo credit: Brandon Hill.

the green satin pleated midi skirt & velvet

green vibes.

did you see the 2017 pantone color of the year? it's greenery. hrmm.. not sure how i feel about it because i actually don't own much green. but it's warming up to me. i think this satin midi pleated skirt is a good start! i'm not even a fan of satin but this one is so beautiful, not your typical satin you normally picture, less sheen, and more vibrant. i styled it with a long sleeve crop top (i know, total surprise right?!) for colder temps, i love the delicate lace hem detail on this one. the velvet clutch was icing on cake, all the texture from the satin and the sweater-like crop top just went so well together. love it when that happens! 

finally!!! i got a haircut this weekend! thank goodness, it's been a year since my last real haircut. i usually trim it myself every few months (somehow people think this is crazy?). in the end, i decided not to dye my hair. i just can't commit to the maintenance, i mean i don't even OWN A BRUSH! (lol, who even reads this?). i haven't dyed my hair my entire 32 years of living, so... i'm just going to rock the grey hair for now. it's basically a natural highlight when you think about it. just sayin'.

thanks for stopping by, have a good week now! xoxo.

currently on my playlist: say you won't let go by James Arthur

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top | ZARA long sleeve crop top with lace detail in black (sold out) -- really love this one with the ribbon wrap detail // similar but a high neck // similar with twist front and on sale // similar with a built in choker
skirt | ASOS Miss Selfridge satin crepe pleated midi skirt in green -- similar in chiffon blush // black // yellow // lilac  (i own this one in four colors, which means you should get one or two)
shoesJimmy Choo abel patent pump in black -- similar by Ivanka Trump // similar // similar
bag | ZARA velvet minaudere in black (sold out so quickly) -- similar // similar but oval // similar
sunglassesCeline caty sunglasses in black -- similar
earringsKendra Scott tessa studs in sold with iridescent druzy
watch c/oDaniel Wellington classic black cornwall 40mm watch (this is the newest DW watch with a black face with ROSE GOLD details, a great statement piece for fall. use code "DOAN" for 15% off your purchase, good until 02/28/17)
ringsGorjana c/o shimmer stacking ring set // Gorjana amara ring set // Gorjana mini stackable ring set // Etsy stacking & midi rings // Gorjana candice CZ ring // BaubleBar ice chevron midi ring (sold out) -- similar
lipsMAC amplified creme lipstick in brick-o-la
nailsessie gel couture in pre snow jitters

rock the green,
JD

photo credit: Katie J Photography.

the mock neck & coach saddle bag

2017 just started and this post is one for the books!

i am beyond thrilled to be working with @Coach for this post! celebrating their 25th anniversary with the newest saddle bag 23 in dark denim. this color was my top choice due to the unique-ness,  it's a dark/bright blue (if that makes sense) and the antique brass hardware complements it so well. Coach is one of those brands that remains a classic in terms of bags, i mean who remembers the "C" logo back in the day?! i've worn this saddle bag multiple times and it is such a great size bag, not too large, and not too small. it fits all the essentials and more. it's going to make a good travel companion, now i just need to book a ticket somewhere! 

i didn't own a bag this color so decided to style it with some neutrals (you can't go wrong with neutrals) and threw on this leather jacket i've had for a few months. i purchased it based on the color and the draped front, which gives it a more feminine twist vs. a moto leather jacket (i can't seem to pull those off). i added some pumps and a pair of ROSE GOLD tassel earrings for good measure and voila, find me at the Domain Northside snapping pictures with a professional photographer at high noon with tons of foot traffic. i had moments/thoughts of... 'what the heck am i doing, i feel completely uncomfortable. -- yep, you're totally doing this right JD.' yes, i do talk to myself. πŸ˜‚

lastly, for those who are blogging, interested in blogging, or just need some inspiration, my @stylecollective_ blogging community released 45 expert tips from its founding members. i am so thankful to be included and among these ladies. each piece of advice is spot on. what a privilege to be apart of this group. it's a good read, i promise. 

currently on my playlist: shape of you by Ed Sheeran

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top | Banana Republic italian cashmere blend mock neck pull over in cream -- similar // similar in a tunic style
jacket | Trouve draped front leather jacket in brown saddle -- similar and on sale for $60! // similar // similar in blush // similar in suede
denim | Hudson nico mid rise distressed skinny jeans in worlds apart (old) -- similar // similar but not distressed
shoesManolo Blahnik BB pump in nude patent -- similar // similar 
bag c/o | Coach saddle bag 23 in dark denim
sunglassesCeline tilda sunglasses in dark tortoise -- similar but more cateye on sale for $42 (just bought these and love them)
earrings | BaubleBar pinata tassel earrings in ROSE GOLD!! -- similar but mini tassels // really love these at the moment!
watch c/o | Daniel Wellington 34mm st mawes dapper watch in rose gold (use code "DOAN" for 15% off your purchase)
rings | Gorjana c/o shimmer stacking ring set // Gorjana amara ring set // Etsy stacking & midi rings // Gorjana candice CZ ring // BaubleBar ice chevron midi ring (sold out) -- similar
lipsMAC amplified creme lipstick in brick-o-la
nails | essie gel couture in pre snow jitters

photo credit: Katie J Photography.
a post done in collaboration with Coach.
handbag provided by Coach, all opinions are my own. 

the mesh pencil dress

helloooooo 2017!

2016 really flew by, it's been good but i'm soooo ready for 2017 -- i have a feeling it's going to be a great! actually, i'm going to make it #PHENOMENAL and i hope you do too! what a year it has been for this blog, it's taken me to "places" i never thought i would be in and connected me to people i never thought i would meet. every step along the way has been a bit unfamiliar, but that is when i know i'm on the right path. 

hilarious story about this mesh dress. um, the lining isn't sewn all the way down on the inside. more than halfway through these photos, my photographer was like "why is it see through from your thighs down? is it supposed to be like that?" ha!! uh. no. #wardrobemishap so i laughed at myself hysterically for a good five minutes, pulled the inside slip all the way down and continued on. just another one to add to the list of "blogging incidents" along with the one where i fell backwards and landed on my butt, or the one where my stiletto got stuck in a crack and i went flying out of my shoe. 

lastly, it's been since high school that i've worn some hoop earrings. i really like the way the hoops face on these (if that makes sense) and the subtle amount of sparkle that make them classy statement earrings sure to earn compliments! 

currently on my playlist: the fighter by Keith Urban ft. Carrie Underwood

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dress | ASOS Warehouse premium mesh pencil dress in neutral (runs small so size up) -- similar in lace with sleeves // similar with peplum hem
shoesStuart Weitzman nudistsong in adobe patent (comes in different widths too!) -- similar / similar 
bag | ASOS New Look round clutch in gold (sold out) -- similar by Kelly Wynne // similar but rectangular 
earrings | BaubleBar dianne hoops 
sunglasses | Prada 52mm cat eye sunglasses in black with gold via ditto.com (use code JANNADOANXOXO to receive your first month free!) 
bracelet | Vita Fede mini titan crystal bracelet in gold -- similar by Vince Camuto and only $58!
rings | Gorjana amara ring set // Etsy stacking & midi rings // Gorjana candice CZ ring // BaubleBar ice chevron midi ring (sold out) -- similar
lips | Christian Louboutin velvet matte lip color in rouge louboutin 001M -- similar lip stain by Sephora in 01 always red
nailsessie gel couture in pre snow jitters

cheers to 2017,
JD

a very austin blogger holiday

32, ready or not here i come!

today is a special day for two reasons 1) i turn 32! and... 2) i get to share one of my favorite shoots to date with you!! warning: if you click that READ MORE button, there will be lots of pictures and holiday inspo (including links to all outfits) from some AMAZING & GORGEOUS AUSTIN bloggers that i feel so humbled to know and only met within the last few months. everyone is impeccably dressed and i am so thrilled that they asked me to join in on a holiday photo shoot! #youcansitwithus #friendship #texasforever

it's been quite a year and if wrote about 32 things i've learned, you probably wouldn't get to the end of it. in short, it's all about celebrating the little milestones/victories in life and knowing that the next one is just around the corner. i feel extremely blessed, this blog has brought me so much joy and connected me with many friends who encourage and inspire me. i feel like i'm just getting started and that the best is yet to come! #cheers!

special thanks to @howdybrandon for capturing these moments and sticking it out with nine ladies (plus champagne). it was pretty cold for us southern gals, but despite the weather not cooperating, it was a blast! i laughed my whole way through with these beautiful ladies! #goodtimes

currently on my playlist (and everyone else's!): all i want for christmas is you by Mariah

cheers from AUSTIN! 

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ladies in red. @heykailymae // @thetrendytomboy // JD // @stylebeacon

mad for plaid. @theautumngirl_ // @byhilaryrose

metallic sequin goodness. @kaleymargaret // @its.me.haylee // @daniaustin

Kaily // heykailymae.com

dress | Express lace mock neck sheath dress in red
shoes (similar) | Sole Society tiia in black  
clutch (similar) | Kayu velvet clutch in black

 Meg // theautumngirl.com

top (similar) | J.Crew plaid popover shirt 
skirt | Express leather pencil skirt in black
booties | Vince Camuto felina bootie in black leather

Hilary // byhilaryrose.com

top | Old Navy classic flannel shirt in red tartan
skirt | ASOS tulle prom skirt in navy
clutch | Rebecca Minkoff leo clutch in anthracite
shoes | BCBG Generation tamerra in red suede

Dani // thedaniaustin.com

jumpsuit (similar) | Nasty Gal glamorous cameron satin jumpsuit
shoes | Sam Edelman synthia sandal in black suede
bag | DVF 440 envelope clutch in shimmer sand

Kaley // myclosetlife.com

dress (similar) | similar 1 // similar 2 // similar 3 // similar 4
shoes (similar) | similar 1 // similar 2
earrings (similar) | similar 1 // similar 2

dress | MSK halter pleated maxi dress (old) -- similar with gold accents // similar in metallic // similar with a v-neck // similar // similar // similar with sleeves
shoes | Stuart Weitzman nudistsong in adobe patent (comes in different widths too!) -- similar / similar 
bag | Kate Landry pyramid metal hardframe clutch (old) -- similar // similar // similar from Target 
earringsKendra Scott quincy delicate earrings in crackle crystal (old) -- similar
bracelet | Etsy pave link bracelet -- similar from BaubleBar
rings c/o | Gorjana shimmer stacking ring set in gold
lipsMAC amplified creme lipstick in brick-o-la
nailsessie gel couture in pre snow jitters

happy holidays from AUSTIN, TX, 
JD