the Express three-piece set

January 9, 2023

the set. for the. season.

move over two-piece set. today, we’re coming in hot with a three-piece set! i love sets, they make the task of getting dressed effortless — not having to think about matching at top and bottom (maybe that’s why i love dresses). but i mainly have two-piece sets and was looking for a three-piece. giddy with my fashion senses, i’m happy to say, yep, i found it. the set for this season! and there’s a couple things i wished it had, like petite sizing. but i loved it so much i had to make it work (which is unusual for me). you can tell the duster is very long. nothing i could do about that but it actually just adds more drama/movement to the outfit (the kind you want). and the skirt is also long, i tried to fix that by ruching it even more in the mid-section which makes it look even more flattering.

first, this set is SO SOFT (and not ultra body-hugging). i could sleep in it. it’s light enough for warmer months but also thin enough to layer with a thick coat in the colder months. you can also wear the tops, duster and skirt separately. while i styled it here for work, i actually bought another matching off the shoulder sweater top that’ll be great for a night out! you can also style this with pointed toe pumps, but i opted for these new knee high suede boots i’m lovin’!

side ramblings: we are approaching lunar new year (LNY) pretty quickly. year of the rabbit — read more about it here. this year is extra special since it falls exactly on my mom’s birthday (she’s extra excited)! besides all the LNY traditions, i love seeing beauty brands package things for LNY — in red. so naturally, i’m a sucker for it. i repeat. there is nothing special about it, it’s just packaged with red details. here are a couple i’ve seen: BIOSSANCE vitamin c rose oil, Charlotte Tilbury matte revolution lipstick in red-orange, SK-II facial treatment essence (heard they’re launching a year of the rabbit packaging soon!). on a local note, my friends, @thepapercraftpantry & @shopkathyphantastic are also throwing a lunar new year festival on 01/22 — details here. come out and #supportlocal if you can! lastly, i’ve also been on this puzzle-frenzy. during the holidays we did a couple (500 pieces: Austin, Kauai, Waikiki, 1000 pieces: Italy Cinque Terre). and i’ve continued on alone. right now i’m going through a mini-wooden puzzle series. as you can tell, i love @dowdlefolkart puzzles! the details are so fun to look at 🤓 #protip: they sell them at costco each fall for about $12!

currently on my playlist: daydream by Lily Meola

would it even be a blog photo if i didn’t drape a coat?! 😆

top | Express ultra soft mock neck sleeveless sweater tank in grey (wearing size S)
skirt | Express high waisted ruched side midi sweater skirt in grey (wearing size S, could’ve sized down to XS)
duster | Express ultra soft balloon sleeve duster cardigan in grey (wearing size XS)
bag | Senreve maestra in pebbled noir (my work bag) — also avail in mini (great everyday size) & midi sizes
shoes | Sam Edelman uma knee high boots in black suede (these actually fit my wide calves!) — similar
earrings | Mejuri charlotte bold hoops in gold vermeil — also available as huggies!!
sunglasses | Karen Walker number one sunglasses in black/smoke mono - available in tortoise
watch | Michele 29 mm deco diamond watch in gold and silver

cheers to all.the.sets.,
JD

photo credit: @janeyunphoto

how to wear a suit

April 25, 2022

THE power suit.

i love a good suit. something about it turns heads, if worn right. a lot can go wrong for a woman when it comes to suiting. and in this post i’m going to go over the no-no’s when it comes to suiting up for the 9-5 like a #bossbabe. in a nutshell, here are some general guidelines to follow when shopping, styling, and wearing a suit. these are my opinions and mine only! remember fashion is all about making it yours and expressing YOU. click the read more for my elaboration but here are my top 4 NO-NOs:

in summary, thou shall not wear a suit like a man. this means the following:

cut: do not wear anything baggy or oversized
color: do not pick solid colors of black, navy, gray, or brown (unless this is the look you’re going for)
top: do not layer the top with a crisp white button down
shoes: do not wear flats

noteable sales: i have been on a spring cleaning and organizing mode — gosh it feels so SATISFYING #old. these baskets from Target are currently 30% off until 04/30, have been helpful! not only do they not break the bank, they look good, and are functional. i love this three compartment one that uses wire enforcement so it’s really sturdy! Target bedding is also 20% off until 04/29 and i did purchase this as a duvet refresh with the black edge and a chunky oversized throw for the edge of the bed — normally i don’t like these chunky looking items but it adds really fun texture to bedding! Target is my go-to for affordable bedding..

side ramblings: i feel like a sign of age is becoming more emotional and sentimental. last week i said goodbye to my first luxury vehicle i purchased a couple years ago with my father who went through the grueling car-buying process with me and taught me how to negotiate a car. i won’t lie. there were some tears. 😊 last friday i finally checked out @tikitatsu_ya and it was a FULL SENSORY experience (food, lights, sounds, staff, decor). like i was about to buckle up and go for a ride. lol, it’s worth checking out at least one time!

currently on my playlist: jerro by Demons ft. Sophia Bell

here, i’ve style it with a crop top. but of course this top doesn’t work in most work environments but some depending on how fashion-forward the company vibe is. my greatest advice in workwear is, “if you have to ask, you probably shouldn’t wear it.” 😁

top c/o | J.Crew puffl sleeve organic cotton cropped top in white (also avail in blue and prints!, wearing size S)
jacket c/o | J.Crew parke blazer in stretch linen in gentle sea (wearing size 0)
pants c/o | J.Crew kate straight leg pant in stretch linen in gentle sea (wearing size 2 and it doesn’t need hemming either for a 5’2” shorty)
earrings | Mejuri charlotte bold hoops in gold vermeil
shoes | Ann Taylor azra pumps in snakeskin (old) — similar in suede // similar in leather // similar by Sarah Flint (use code: SARAHFLINT-BAJANNAD for $50 off your first pair)

tips on how to wear a power suit like a #bossbabe

01 | cut

the cut can make of break your look. so pick places that offer custom tailoring. on the other hand, knowing a good tailor is also a good idea! i get all my suits from @AnnTaylor and @J.Crew because these places not only offer suiting, but they a range of sizing such as petites and tall. for someone like me, a petite cut is crucial. tailoring can get expensive so i try to purchase something that will come fitted as is. as much as you can, you’re going to want something with a more fitted/tailored fit vs. baggy. it just looks more professional and streamlined. i like the combo of a one or two button blazer with straight or skinny pants. wide leg pants can work as well. once you get into more loose fitting blazers, it makes the look more casual for me and i opt for jeans for those vs. matching suit pants. here are my suit picks at the moment:

J.Crew kate straight leg pant in stretch linen in gentle sea with matching jacket (pictured above)
J.Crew wide-leg eco cupro pant in zinna floral with matching jacket (i recently discovered this cupro fabric and i’m in love. it’s so luxe, almost like a suede-satin feel to it!)
Ann Taylor high rise ankle pant in bi-strech in soft violet with matching jacket (really fun one wo the traditional lapels!)
Ann Taylor straight pant in cross weave in dusty willow green with matching jacket

02 | color

the right color is so essential. for the love of the fashion gods, please do not pick the following colors: black, navy, gray, or brown. solid colors resemble suits men would wear and that is not the look i am going for. we’re women and should represent ourselves differently! pick FUN colors, prints, or play with texture! unsure? start with a neutral-ish blush. my first real suit from @theory was a step into what an adult-woman should be wearing and i think blush is a good starting point. from there, i’ve purchased lavender, and tan gingham suits.

03 | layering

now to get down to the actual styling! keep this power suit feminine with layering the suit with a camisole (even better if it has a little lace that adds feminine details), anything silk, anything v-neck, anything that occurs and strikes you as feminine. just do me a favor, please do not wear a white crisp button down. here, i’ve styled it with a crop top which can work in some fashion-forward work environments, but not much else. it goes very nicely with the high rise pants = minimal skin showing. use your discretion! remember, if you have to ask, you probably shouldn’t wear it to work.

04 | shoes

elevate the power suit. literally. with heels! anytime you add heels to an outfit, it gives it an instant polished look, which is what we’re going for here! wearing flats doesn’t typically give the suit the “elevation” that it really needs to take it to the next level #punintended. men wear suits with flat shoes so we’re going to take it and make it our own by adding pumps/heels. personally, i love a good pointed toe pump — it goes with all leg-type pants (skinny, straight, wide). here are some great styles i recommend: suede d’orsay // leather // similar by Sarah Flint (use code: SARAHFLINT-BAJANNAD for $50 off your first pair)

rock the female power suit & fully embody it!,
JD

how to wear hot pink pants

January 24, 2022

well, howdy 2022!

my word this year is COLORFUL. for so many reasons. color isn’t something i wear much of or gravitate towards. i love neutrals. because neutrals are easy to wear and my love for black is infinite. color on the other hand is… different. it takes some thinking to combine color combinations that complement one another without being loud or clashing. this year, i want to embrace and add more color into my wardrobe whether it’s mixing colors with neutrals or mixing them together and wearing them boldly. i’m pretty excited about it! like a little re-invention of JDC. it’ll be a challenge for sure. but i’m okay not-playing-it-safe this year. plus, there’s something about color that just makes people happy. and we can all use more of that in our lives, i know i can!

yes, you saw it right. i, janna doan am wearing hot pink LOL. here, i’m going to showcase the color combinations that i think go with these hot pink pants (you’ll surely turn some heads). for this post i choose to pair it with work appropriate tops. these pants are one my favorite fits: high-waisted, slim ankle fit — i own them in three or four colors. they run slightly small so size up! more after the jump!

side ramblings: before the world was taken over by the depressing omicron, i celebrated my 37th birthday with all the shenanigans. it was the best. i really am blessed to live this life. i re-visited @redash and can’t figure out why i keep forgetting about that place?! speaking of FOOD, guess what?! by now i’ve written a two food-related posts as a contributor for @thesavvylife.co! check them out here: 1. Cavatelli Cravings and 2. Matcha Madness 😊 more coming soon!

currently on my playlist: easy on me by Adele

combo 1 with pastel — feels like a watermelon to me! haha. but nonetheless, i do like the colors together. maybe if the mint was a little more pastel (but hey this is all i had!). this is a brighter mint so it’s a pretty bold look. i’ve been loving mint lately and here’s another cute blouse in mint i’ll need one day! combo 2 with a dark color — navy!, ah i consider it a neutral but i goes so well with the hot pink for some contrast. combo 3 with patterns — similar to combo 2, i really like the prints to break up the color and this striped button down did the job! the bright blue complements the hot pink perfectly. combo 4 with a bold color — wear it boldly with RED! i think this might be my favorite combo. the pearl button detail adds a touch of elegance too. combo 5 with good ol’ black — when all else fails, good ol’ black has got your back!

combo 5: and if all fails, there is always trusty ol’ black!

combo 1 //

top | J.Crew cashmere classic-fit crewneck sweater in wintermint (wearing size small, such a great capsule top since the style goes with everything!) — similar for $50! (just discovered this brand and love the ethical pricing)

combo 2 //

top | J.Crew ruffle sleeveless top in navy polka dot (ancient) — similar on Amazon

combo 3 //

top | J.Crew striped button down (ancient) — similar // similar from J.Crew Factory

combo 4 //

top c/o | Sezane gaspard jumper in red (runs large, wearing size XS and could’ve done down to XXS)

combo 5 //

top | Express jewel embellished faux button puff sleeve sweater in black

everything else //

pants | Ann Taylor high waist ankle pant in razzle dazzle
earrings | Mejuri pave diamond bold hoops in 14K solid gold — similar from Quince and $99!
necklaces | gorjana wilder necklace in gold // gorjana venice mini necklace in gold with extender
rings | gorjana diamond row ring in 14K solid gold // gorjana diamonds stacking ring in 14K solid gold // GLDN twist aire ring in 14K solid gold
watch | Michele 29mm deco diamond watch in gold/silver

hope y’all enjoyed this bright post!,
JD

monochrome

October 26, 2020

monochrome for the win.

as much as i love outfits that coordinate with different color schemes, i am a big fan of monochrome. it’s like a subtle fashion statement that takes no time to put together because you’re literally just following one color. or it’s also fun to do various hues of the same shade! here i went went with two styles — workwear in the prettiest hunter green & casual style in all white (absolutely yes, please wear all-white after labor day!). while there’s still uncertainly of us returning to work, i still love looking and purchasing workwear, if anything, these two make some good WFH tops! no worries, we won’t judge on the bottoms or lack of haha.

side ramblings: lemme tell you how taking photos with a tripod is going… it’s interesting! LOL. again, it’s one of those things that looks easy, but dang, it ain’t. it’s actually VERY time consuming and not to mention it looks QUITE SILLY && even more un-natural than someone taking your photos. but i’m gonna keep at it! the @sephora beauty event kicks off later this week and i can’t wait!! why yes, i do have my cart prepped and ready to go 😁 it’s the best time to stock up on your fave skincare brands or try something new! lastly, @senreve launched the Alunna and she’s a beauty isn’t she?!

currently on my playlist: grand canyon by Mat Kearney

workwear //

top | Ann Taylor ribbed mock neck sweater shell in boxwood green (color is sold out but available in black) — similar
pants | Ann Taylor the high waist ankle pant in boxwood green (size up, wearing a 4P)
earrings c/o | Kendra Scott colette hoop earrings in gold (sold out) — similar // similar with some sparkle!

casual style //

top | Ann Taylor puff sleeve top in winter white — similar but long sleeves // similar but a sweater
denim c/o | Everlane the high rise skinny jean in bone (wearing size 25 ankle, 10.5” rise so a little below my belly button) — similar but a little higher at 11” rise // some fun kick crops

rock all the monochrome,
JD

the maggy london sinclair work dress

December 30, 2019

see you later, 2019.

finishing 2019 out in my strong suit — #workwear! @maggylondon is always adding the perfect pieces to my work wardrobe; #luckygal right here. you know i’m a huge fan of all bows, the Jackie dress is one of my classic Maggy London pieces (throwing it back to 2017). however, the Maggy London Sinclair Midi is a more updated/similar version with sleeves and a fun contrasting piping detail that doesn’t make it your average #LBDworkdress. if you look closely the sleeves actually have a slight puff to them which elevates this just a touch more in a fun & elegant way. of course, i choose to style this dress with black patent pumps & a black work bag, because more black is always a good idea in my books. i read somewhere that, “you can never be under- or over-dressed in black.” WORD.

side ramblings: here we are, the last post of 2019. this year went by with a blink of an eye and tbh, i’m not sad about it. this is the time i sit and reflect on the last twelve months. 2019 was a real crappy year. generally speaking, when something grows, it hurts. it’s painful. think about a baby who is teething. imagine that a whole tooth that has to grow and pierce through gums?! OUCH. multiply that by xx. however, the end result is being able to eat/chew. as a foodie, that is essential. 2019 was just like that for me (it’s a great analogy, i know). my friend Anita // @wanderlustanita shared with me the cycle of years that we go though (note: a cycle is not necessarily years/12-months). she agreed that this was my year of growth and according to the cycles, the next “year” is the “year” of mastery for me. (insert huge grin). i mean, line it up with a new decade, AND it’s also the year of the rat in the chinese zodiac… #HELLYES.

currently on my playlist: got to give it up by Marvin Gaye

the maggy london sinclair work dress -- jannadoan.com

dress c/o | Maggy London sinclair midi in black (wearing size 2 petite) — regular sizing // similar and available in five colors // similar in the Jackie design (i have it and love it!) // similar but colorblocked
shoes | Jimmy Choo abel pumps in black patent (old design) — current design // similar // similar by Ann Taylor
bag | Henri Bendel uptown satchel in black (old & they are out of business) — not the same but this would make a great work bag!! (use code “JANNADOAN” at checkout on senreve.com and receive $50 off, on any $300 minimum purchase)
earrings c/o | Kendra Scott jack gold hoop earrings in white crystal — similar but more everyday hoops // similar with a filigree design // larger hoop style
sunglasses | Karen Walker number one sunglasses in black — love these for $55
rings | | Gorjana amara ring set
watch | Michael Kors darci watch in gold

cheers to 2020 y’all,
JD

photo credit: Steven Gunter
a paid partnership by Maggy London.
dress provided by Maggy London, all opinions are my own.

the navy sheath dress

November 25, 2019

for the love of navy.

it feels so good to be working with brands again! my OG brand i love working with, @maggylondon sent me a few dresses — two work dresses and one holiday dress i can’t wait to share but they are all GEMS. this is the Jay Sheath dress and of course i gravitate towards it because its navy. but the elbow length sleeves and the subtle yet classy detail of the pleats along with the highER-neck are A+++. for sizing reference i’m wearing a 0, so sized down in this one. i’m 5’2” and fluctuate from 115-120 lbs. it’s a really nice fitted dress (not too tight or loose) to add to my work wardrobe and especially on a day when i want some sleeve coverage that isn’t necessarily a long sleeve. here i paired it with nude pumps, but for a pop of color i’d even go with white or fuchsia or leopard print. it’s one of those dresses you can put on and feel completely put together (even when that may not be the case haha).

side ramblings: GUESS WHAT?! i’m hosting a holiday party with @phlur!! phlur is a clean-based fragrance in ATX and i’ve tried all their fragrances, my fave is Ameline. click here to RSVP for Saturday, 12/07/2019 from 3-5PM & come by and say HOWDY! as an introvert, you must know i’m nervous yet excited at the same time! on another note, life has been insane lately. i landed a gig that i’ve waited months and months for!! when the time is right, i’ll get to sharing :D on another note, i’ve been photographing people more and gosh it has been so fun. i’ve always been a creative behind the camera and it’s something i really enjoy doing! can’t wait to share some shots from yesterday’s shoot with @herfashionedlife. i hope you enjoy your thanksgiving & quality time with family (i know i will!). not sure if i’ll do a black friday sale round-up but we shall see! if not, see you next week as we enter… #birthdaymonth!!!

currently on my playlist: higher love by Kygo & Whitney Houston

dress c/o | Maggy London jay sheath dress in navy (wearing size 0, use code “SHIPFREEJD” for free overnight shipping until 12/04) — similar but colorblocked! // similar but short puff sleeve & tie neck detail // similar but v-neck
bag | Louis Vuitton medium neverfull in monogram canvas
shoes | Manolo Blahnik BB pump in nude patent — similar by Ann Taylor // similar by Sam Edelman
earrings c/o | Kendra Scott colette hoop earrings in gold (winter 2019 collection, light as a feather!!, been wearing them non-stop!) — similar but in a fun design // more dainty with some sparkle!
sunglasses | Celine tilda sunglasses in dark tortoise (old) — a more updated version // amazon knock off for $15
rings | Gorjana amara ring set
bracelet | Vita Fede mini titan crystal bracelet in gold
watch | Michael Kors darci watch in gold

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

the belted wide leg pants

November 18, 2019

another wide leg pant… but BELTED STYLE!

yes, i love me some cropped wide leg pants. that collection has grown. no doubt. but these are belted! why yes, that is a justification. i actually don’t have grey pants and these come in handy when almost all my clothing is black. black is usually the first option i will buy in anything. enter some grey wide leg pants to help break up all my black clothing, weeeeee! these have structure to them so they make the cut #punintended for a dressy wide leg cropped pant for work. the skinny belt also elevates this look. i also like the vertical pockets and how these have a slight texture to them! they’re so good that i bought them in black… so disregard what i wrote earlier. haha

here i styled it with a basic knit short sleeve sweater (work wear essential) and chose to dress it up even more with a detachable embellished collar. you can’t see the collar much in photos but this bib is a great addition you can add to any crewneck to dress things up a bit! i linked quite a few options below for ya!

side ramblings: last week i stopped by @amandadeer and purchased this coin necklace i had been eyeing. i’ve been wearing non-stop. like i need more necklaces… but this one had a unique front toggle clasp (second justification for this one post). it makes a great layering piece! i also stepped into @maggielouiseconfections and this is BAD NEWS. i’m telling you. as someone who doesn’t loveee chocolate, her chocolates are pretty AND they taste so good!! i may have walked out with a box of four. gulp. lastly, @kendrascott generously sent me some classic pieces from the winter 2019 collection i am LOVING. i can’t stop wearing the colette hoops in gold (LIGHT. as a feather) and the walker statement necklace. (both of these will never go out of style!). i also love the matching bracelet too. and how fun are these? lastly, i’m hosting a holiday event next month, details on the IG this week! xx

currently on my playlist: cut your teeth by Kyla La Grange (Kygo remix)