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 summer popsicle shirtdress

why hellooooo there. 

it's been a long time y'all. sorry for the MIA but my BFF got married (whoo hoo!), my laptop fan died, and then life happened. ya know?! recently, my friend Nicole @nicolesometimes introduced me to the world of Anthropologie dresses. i knew if i bought one dress, i would buy another... and let's just say i will be a more frequent visitor to their website, despite the cries from my wallet. what? i can't hear you!!?! i can't help it. Anthropologie just gets me. 

a shirtdress is an essential in every wardrobe. this one is no exception, and come on. it has POPSICLES on it. hello perfect summer dress. i mean how can you resist? when it came out a long time ago, i really wanted it but couldn't justify the price tag, then i saw Nicole wear it and was like that's it. URGH. these blogger friends are so expensive (love you!)!! i've worn this dress a few times without washing it (#noshame) and always get a DOZEN compliments on it! 

i'll be traveling to Boston, MA / New Market, NH this weekend to see my blogger babe ANNIE @thelovelygirl.co and mastermind behind the @stylecollective_ group of gals. being apart of @stylecollective_ has allowed me to make amazing friendships with gals. as someone who doesn't have many GFs, thanks to Annie, i have tons all over the world!! Annie has become such a friend to me over our random DMs and instagram comments. i am SO excited to meet her in person (shriek!). it's going to be an #epicweekend full of #S&S = #shenanigans & #seafood!

for my blogger gals, click on READ MORE for some takeaways from the rewardStyle #RSSchoolNight i attended last week wearing this same dress lol!

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dress | Anthropologie paleta shirtdress -- similar but in linen (and on sale!) / similar with eyelet detail / similar with high low cut
bag | GiGi New York saint germain clutch in tan -- similar but fold over 
sunglasses | Celine tilda sunglasses in dark tortoise
shoes | Sam Edelman gigi sandal in saddle -- similar / similar in gladiator lace up
earrings | Kendra Scott sophee textured drop earrings in gold
necklace | BaubleBar ice scallop pendant (old) -- similar 
ringsBaubleBar tri bar ring (sold out) / BaubleBar ice chevron midi ring / Gorjana blakey ring cuffEtsy stacking & midi rings
watchMichael Kors darci watch in gold
nails | essie nail polish in watermelon
lipsTom Ford lip color in casablanca

rock the (popsicle) shirtdress,
JD


for my blogger/insta babes, here are some rewardStyle #RSSchoolNight takeaways:

  • mission statement: have one.
  • best time to send a newsletter is thur @10AM
  • mobile-friendly newletter should include: skimmable, feature exclusive content, include promo codes/sale info, share recent fav blog posts and inspo behind them, a shopping wish list, direct subscribers back to your site, highlight others/interviews, link your social pages, consistent format & style
  • have pop-ups on your site at least 60 seconds in so it doesn't look like spam
  • have social share buttons
  • use editorial calendars to improve your content strategy
  • instagram performance apps: piqora, sprout social, iconosquare, simply measured, LIKEtoKNOW.it analytics, social report (all-in-one)
  • organization & reminder tools: evernote, wunderlist, trello, remember the milk
  • productivity tools: toggl, stayfocused, adobe color cc
  • note major holidays/sales
  • social optimization (different for everyone): post two LTKit posts a day, collab with others, encourage conversation and feedback, engage indiv with your followers, be PERSONAL!
  • photo apps: AfterFocus, adobe photoshop express, faded, VSCO, a color story, snapseed
  • social media tools: buffer (schedule social media content), sprout social (offers analytical oversight)
  • goal setting apps: nozbe, goals on track, lifetick
  • what to include in your media kit: stats (social following, page visits, unique viewers per month, and conversion rate), demographic outreach, flexible rates (social channels + site), partnerships/collabs, press clippings & testimonials, verticals you cover, an a write up of what makes you unique (speak your brand), imagery representative of your brand, keep it simple & sweet
  • instagram LTKit captions: BE PERSONAL! ("speak" in your own voice), talk about sizing, add price $, link other options at different price points, styling tips