how to wear a pleated skirt casual style

yes, i know it's another pleated skirt. 

something about pleats and midis. i can't help myself. here on JDC i have styled all pleated skirts in a dressy way. so... to justify this purchase i needed to style it casually. haha. self challenge accepted. you need five things (you probably already own all these!):

  1. bright colored pleated skirt -- great spring/summer piece
  2. v-neck white tee -- this one is very soft and not too low or too see through
  3. flat sandals -- i have worn these so much.. they have seen better days
  4. denim jacket -- great layering addition. i really should buy another one...
  5. fun straw tote -- new to my closet and i am obsessed. it was quite the "investment" but i have wanted one for over a year now and decided to splurge!

side happenings: so. much. happening. first, so humbled to featured on the Rank & Style blogger spotlight! Rank & Style features Top 10 lists for beauty and fashion, those are always fun and easy reads. as a lipstick addict, i completely agree on their Top 10 Lipsticks Worth Splurging On. second, it has always been a dream of mine to attend New York Fashion Week #NYFW so tickets have finally been bought. it is so official now! i cannot for all the shenanigans and to meet all my insta-gals! Austin Fashion Week #AFW is also creeping up pretty soon and i can't wait to share my experience on that. life is pretty crazy right now (in a good way). #someonepinchme. i will also be attending a derby next weekend!!! my very FIRST! can't wait. lastly, the Sprinkles cupcake of the month is a lemon meringue and it is bomb. 

currently on my playlist: something just like this by The Chainsmokers & Coldplay

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top | Madewell whisper cotton v-neck pocket tee in white (avail in eight colors!)
jacket | Old Navy denim jacket -- similar but darker wash 
skirt | ASOS pleated midi skirt in lilac (goes in and out of stock) -- really love this bright colorblocked one! // available in blush
shoes | Sam Edelman gigi sandal in saddle leather -- similar from Target
bag | Jade Tribe 3 pom basket tote -- similar from Etsy and $30 // same but in bold poms
sunglasses | Celine tilda sunglasses in dark tortoise -- similar but more cateye (great brand, really fits well!)
earrings | Kendra Scott sky earrings in white pearl (old) -- larger version // similar
necklace | Anthropologie monogram pendant necklace -- similar 
watch | Michael Kors darci watch in gold (on sale!) -- avail in rose gold
rings | Gorjana 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 
lips | MAC amplified creme lipstick in brick-o-la

rock the pleated skirt, casually!,
JD

photo credit: Brandon Hill

the pleated hem shirtdress

#workstyle.

it's been more than a year that i've worn pants to work. it's like i've gone on a pant strike?! i basically live in dresses and skirts, they are just too easy. there is no secret about my love for all things pleated. so when this dress came out with a pleated hem and in a navy print, i said #yesplease #addtocart. of course now that i have photographed it, it is sold out. #storyofmylife. for the most part, i try to buy clothes that i can wear to work because that is where i spend a huge chunk of my time. while this is a half shirtdress (the buttons only go halfway down) i was mainly drawn to the pleated hem, it just adds a lil something to it!

lastly, the accessories -- the bow pumps i have in two colors, these are considered one of their bestsellers! these dangly gold earrings go with just about everything, and lastly the "J" necklace was a bit much for me at first, i felt it was a little too large and loud (opposite of me) but i've come to love it. every time i wear it i get a ton of compliments!

side happenings: for valentine's day i took myself out to eat dessert pizza @canerossoaustin, i've waited so long for this place to make its way to Austin. their dessert pizza is a mascarpone cheese + nutella or cookie butter + optional ginger snap crumbs. #sinful. it is on the list of one of the best things i've ever eaten. i promise i woudn't steer you wrong. 

hope you have fun things planned this weekend -- thanks again for stopping by!

currently on my playlist: mercy by Shawn Mendes

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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)
shoes | Jimmy 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
sunglasses | Celine caty sunglasses in black -- similar
earrings | Kendra Scott tessa studs in sold with iridescent druzy
watch c/o | Daniel 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)
rings | Gorjana 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
lips | MAC amplified creme lipstick in brick-o-la
nails | essie gel couture in pre snow jitters

rock the green,
JD

photo credit: Katie J Photography.

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 
earrings | Kendra 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
lips | MAC amplified creme lipstick in brick-o-la
nails | essie gel couture in pre snow jitters

happy holidays from AUSTIN, TX, 
JD

the navy pleated skirt

cheers to a outfit that doesn't have black!

if you looked at my closet you would think i work as a make up artist of something. black is my GO-TO -- #alwaysthereforyou #neverfails. next in line to black is.... (insert drum roll).. NAVY! wah hoo. the love for navy has been so real the past few years. it goes with... basically everything. for this post i thought i would style it with a coral top and loved how it turned out! i would also try pairing this navy skirt with burgundy or green! what is your favorite way to wear navy?

let's talk about the pleated skirt -- you need it. in all colors. trust me. i probably have five now and the yellow and satin green one i linked below are looking pretty good right now. they go with all blouses and great for work because of the midi-length. i have never met a midi skirt i didn't like not to mention one with pleats! here are two posts i've done with a pleated skirt: burgundy // blush. 

this bucket bag i saw on @nicolesometimes and had to get it. by the time i saw it on Nicole, it was already sold out in stores so i paid a little premium for it on eBay, #soworthit. it's a mini bucket bag and perfect for petite/short frames. it looks very similar to a Mansur Gavriel (which i have purchased in the past and returned), but in my opinion, this one is way better and a 1/5 of the price.

i hope you have fun things planned this week. i have a few events i'm really looking forward to and a jam packed trip to DALLAS! as always, thanks so much for stopping by!

currently on my playlist: don't wanna know by Maroon 5 

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top | Ann Taylor cap sleeve camp shirt in winter white (sold out) -- similar // similar with high neck // similar 
skirt | Topshop chiffon pleated skirt in navy (ON SALE!) -- similar in yellow // similar and my all time fave in blush, black, lilac, satin teal, satin wine (i have it in three colors...) // similar in satin green!! (NEED)
shoes | Ann Taylor leda block heel sandals in navy (sold out) -- similar // similar in burgundy velvet // similar // similar with lower heel and avail in MANY colors! 
bag | J.Crew mini bucket bag in natural vachetta (sold out) -- similar from Old Navy // similar // similar but suede // similar with chainlink // similar
sunglasses | Celine tilda sunglasses in dark tortoise
earrings | Kendra Scott addie earrings in rose gold
necklace | Anthropologie monogram pendant necklace -- similar with initials 
watch | Michael Kors darci watch in gold
bracelet | BaubleBar gold mary links bracelet -- similar but pave
rings | The Songbird Collection bejeweled leaf ring in rose gold / Gorjana candice CZ ring / Etsy stacking & midi rings
lips | MAC amplified creme lipstick in brick-o-la

rock the navy,
JD

the lace crop top & blush pleated skirt

blush tones. 

one of the pantone colors of the year is rose quartz, aka: blush (second is serenity; aka: light blue). i wanted to do a romantic look with this pleated skirt and lace combo... but boy did i pick the wrong day to shoot. a windy day = not very romantic. i spent a good portion of this shoot doing three things 1) holding my hair since i was getting hair-slapped by the wind; 2) pulling down my skirt that was blowing like crazy; 3) laughing at myself (as always)!

i do have a legitimate question though: what is too many midi skirts?! i think i may have a few too many. but i ain't stopping. that's fo sho! midi skirts are my JAM. especially this pleated one. i have it in burgundy (see previous blog post here) and black. and now blush. perhaps i need another spring colored one... to even it out?! haha. 

i wear the midi skirt and crop top combo probably too often #sorrynotsorry. but i particularly love this lace crop top because of the eyelash detail on the bottom and on the sleeves. and while i don't really wear lace, i am starting to LOVE it! and finally, the Stuart Weitzman Nudistsong sandals make an appearance. i've searched high and low for a pair of strappy nude sandals (i feel like they are such a staple piece to any wardrobe) and while there are many dupes, there isn't a pair quite like these -- minimal design, perfect nude shade, sleek, and super sexy. the original Stuart Weitzman Nudist sandals are 4.5" high, so when these babies came out (Nudistsong is 3.75") i couldn't resist. any heel more than 4" i stay away from. i've tried before and almost fell on my face. i honestly don't know how other women do it. 

currently on my playlist: living for love by Madonna

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top | Forever 21 textured lace crop top in white -- similar with sleeves 
skirt | ASOS pleated midi skirt in nude (size down for a higher waisted fit) -- also avail in other spring colors such as lilac and green
shoes | Stuart Weitzman nudistsong in adobe patent (comes in different widths too!) -- similar / similar
bag | Kate Landry pyramid metal hardframe clutch (old) -- similar / similar in the cutest seashell shape!
earrings | Kendra Scott carmella studs (customized at The Color Bar; old design and replaced with carmen)
bracelet | BaubleBar pinnacle cuff in gold (sold out) -- similar / love this one
rings | BaubleBar mason ring in gold / BaubleBar diana midi ring / BaubleBar ice chevron midi ring / Etsy stacking & midi rings
lips | MAC amplified creme lipstick in brick-o-la

rock the lace crop top,
JD

day to night in a pleated hem top

this pleated hem top is one of my favorite recent purchases for a few reasons -- 1) LOOSE!, 2) pleated peplum-ish hem, 3) white-ish, and 4) not too low cut. darn, i should've tried to twirl in it. #missedopportunity haha. here are FIVE simple ways on how i transitioned this outfit from day to night, easy peasy! 

  1. take off that blazer -- show some skin, yea yea!
  2. tote/handbag to a snazzy clutch -- i choose this spring/summery beaded clutch, but any clutch works.
  3. flats to heels -- it's all about comfy flats during the day, these do not disappoint. heels elevate (#literally) any look and these MB are my favorite nude heels. so worth the investment. 
  4. watch to statement cuff -- love this minimal understated design on this cuff. OR change out your necklace/earrings to a statement piece, whatever works for your outfit!
  5. lip balm to lipstick -- i went with my favorite 'my lips but better' lipstick but a bold lip is always a great choice for a night out, #bebold!

also, here i am wearing my ENTIRE Rocksbox that arrived! for those who don't know what Rocksbox is, it is a jewelry subscription box that is curated by your own stylist based on a initial survey you take when signing up. the cool thing is you can leave feedback about each box so it becomes even more tailored to your taste! you also get to purchase the pieces you want to keep at a discount... ok, confession. i ended up buying the turquoise necklace and the ring... lol. use code "jannadoanxoxo" to receive one month free!

currently on my playlist: thinking out loud x i know i'm not the only one mash-up by Sam Tsui & Casey Breves (talk about talent)

DAY.

NIGHT.

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top | Banana Republic pleated hem layered tank in cocoon (also available in light blue and navy)
blazer | H&M fitted jacket in powder pink
denim | Hudson nico mid-rise skinny jeans in abbey wash -- similar
shoes | Sam Edelman bev flats in blush & black leather (such a steal and a great CHANEL dupe, and so comfy -- the best part is i will never have to woryy about scuffing them!) / Manolo Blahnik BB pump in nude patent -- similar
bags | Louis Vuitton MM neverfull tote in monogram canvas / Charming Charlie daniella beaded satin clutch (also has a chain to wear as a crossbody; can't find it online but purchased it recently in-store) -- similar
earrings | BaubleBar ear jackets (old) -- similar
necklaces | BaubleBar acrylic block monogram necklace in tortoise shell / House of Harlow 1960 ascension pendant necklace in turquoise via Rocksbox (use code "jannadoanxoxo" to get one month free)
bracelet | SLATE barred cuff in gold via Rocksbox (use code "jannadoanxoxo" to get one month free)
rings | Gorjana candice shimmer ring in gold via Rocksbox (use code "jannadoanxoxo" to get one month free) / BaubleBar tri bar ring (sold out) / BaubleBar diana midi ring / BaubleBar ice chevron midi ring / Etsy stacking & midi rings
sunglasses | ASOS Toyshades ida cat eye sunglasses (a good Celine dupe)
lips | Dior lip reviver lip glow in sheer pink coral / MAC amplified creme lipstick in brick-o-la
nails | Smith & Cult nail polish in doe my dear

rock that day to night transition,
JD