an overdue post

didn’t see you coming, 2020.

i can’t believe i’ve let this space of mine go silent for NINE months. so much of the world has changed. i read my last post from 2019 and couldn’t help but to chuckle. 2020 sure threw us a curve ball, didn’t it? who would’ve thunk. there’s a lot to cover and i’m choking back tears trying to find my way back to this familiar space to grab onto a sense of normalcy. i think we’re all suffering in our own way; trying to deal/process. like most, i’ve had a difficult time coping. i’ve lost family, seen the losses of others, and as an empath… it’s overwhelming. i’ve lost almost all contact with friends and spent a lot of time in solitude. i felt like i had nothing of relevance to share or say. i felt if i tried to connect more, the more i would feel disconnected. does that even make sense? however, the silence is deafening and it’s time to break it. i’m pushing myself to do this because i’m pretty sure i need it; for my mental health. without any planned content, i’m not sure how far i’ll make it. so we’ll see. all i can say is my tripod is about to get some major love. more after the jump.

these photos shot almost a year ago and i never had the chance to post them! rarely will i ever take any direct sunlight photos or post anything this vulnerable. but hey, they’re so epic, so why not? vulnerability (or is it too much skin?!) is something i’m not the best at and these photos remind me that this powerful woman inside me exists that is able to shift into so many different gears when pushed out of her boundaries & comfort zone. (though good lighting and a great photographer always helps! thanks to @gunter.photo 😉). i’m also shocked that this dress is still in stock but i guess i’ve got a knack for picking staples! PSS — it’s difficult to shoot in direct sunlight without being blinded or squinting!! kudos to real models out there!

currently on my playlist: back in my body by Maggie Rogers

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here are some random things i’ve been up to!:

new job //

i was extremely fortunate to start a new job considering the job market. i’ve waited for an opportunity like this for so long and now it’s finally here! #pinchme. it has been challenging. i never thought i’d be in the finance field, but i got this.

audible //

my guy friends have always urged me to get this. i finally did and it’s such a good investment!! i highly recommend it. it allows me to speed through books that would normally take me twice as long to read. read? ain’t nobody got time for that.

sleep & tv //

i never watched tv. mainly because i had so many other things to do, people to see, things to eat, places to go, and side-hustle work to do. well… none of that is happening so i ventured down the dark hole of netflix and hulu. some notable shows: Brooklyn 99, Kim’s Convenience, The Umbrella Academy. oh and sleep. i’m actually getting normal sleep 7-8 hours vs. my usual 5-6. feels nice, but being the work-a-holic i am, these two activities won’t last past the pandemic. 🤣

calligraphy //

i’ve always loved calligraphy and started doing it again since my cousins were getting into it. so far we’ve had a few virtual calligraphy facetime calls! by no means am i a pro but i love lettering :) i’ve been using the tombow fudenosuke brush pens and they work great!

cold brew & nespresso //

i started making cold brew at home with @rumblejar! this one is cool because it comes with a cotton bag that serves as an additional filter. cold brew is my go-to during the scorching TX summers. it is easy to make and saves so much money! i also said farewell to my kerig and HELLOOOO to @nespresso (vertuo line). apparently, i was drinking bad coffee at home my whole life. so there’s that.

home decor & improvement //

spending too much time at home led me to start/finish some decor projects around the house. you’ll see some of these posted in my current lemmings section! i’m on a kick to add some bold black into my decor color palette. not sure how it’s gonna turn out but i’m going for it!

BTW, sitting like this will cramp your hip flexors. :D

dress | Reformation sigmund dress in black (wearing size 4 for size reference)
bag | DVF lytton clutch in black quilted leather (old) — not similar but loving the dumpling bags
earrings c/o | Kendra Scott jack gold hoops in white crystal
shoes | topshop strippy heeled sandals in black (old) — love these t-strap ones!
sunglasses | Karen Walker number one sunglasses in black — love these for $55

it feels so good to write this.
sending you love & light,
JD

photo credit: Steven Gunter

the perfect red date night dress

hellooo christmas week!

i’ve been saving this post because red = christmas && being my first @reformation piece makes it extra special. i hesitate when it comes to @reformation because i love the fact that it’s an ethical brand, but the prices are veryyy expensive. i also don’t like that most of their things aren’t lined (so you will read reviews about it “feeling cheap” for the price on Nordstrom). (big) BUT the styles are AMAZING and #droolworthy. i never thought i’d describe clothing that way but here i am. #protip: buy this stuff on sale, regardless if you have something to wear it to or NOT. it’ll eventually come up, and if it doesn’t, by golly, even based on sale price you’ll FIND something to wear it to!! i guarantee it. oh heyyy, pizza/coffee outing. :D it’s all about #DOINGYOUBOO. when i show people the purchase i’m debating, they’ll say… “where would you wear that to?.” me = 🤔. one friend told me, “figuring out where to wear it to should never be a problem.” me = 😁. thanks @tristan.dav aka reformation friend/queen!! she’s 100% right. on a shopping spree i went. here’s what’s coming my way: lores top // butterfly midi dress // vollare dress // riesling dress // fay jumpsuit // zoe side slit midi skirt // graciella dress // nectarine dress… whoops. #protip: if it’s not available on the website, check Nordstrom as they price match and sale items AREN’T final sale!.

this red dress is the perfect red. apparently it complements my skintone perfectly because i received SO. MANY. COMPLIMENTS on it. the subtle sexy side slit made it extra appropriate for date night and honestly any occasion. it’s a guaranteed compliment-receiving dress. in fact, all reformation pieces i’ve worn or shown, i have received DOZENS of compliments. they are pieces i’ll keep forever so i have NO REGRETS.

side ramblings: my girls @thehonestshruth // @shelbysorrell // @onechelsofanadventure hosted an epic holiday party at @thecatheralatx (beautiful coworking/event space!), it was twice the size this year! it was the biggest white elephant gift exchange i’ve done #goodtimes and new friends made so i’m feeling hella grateful. i can’t believe it’s already christmas! i’m off for this entire week so it shall be a good, relaxing one. hope y’all enjoy this holiday season as it always zooms on by. as much as it’s a happy/festive time, it’s also a sad time for a lot of people. we miss the people we lost, we have memories creep into our mind, and we also feel very lonely. i feel you. know that is IS OKAY to feel this way. my tips to get through this are: meditate & breathe, practice gratitude, indulge in some self care, lower your expectations, reach out to friends, help someone in need. sometimes i feel like when you put a smile on someone else face, it automatically reflects back to you. :) xx

currently on my playlist: ocean eyes by Billie Eilish

currently reading: dear girls by Ali Wong

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the wide leg pants & crop top

spring vibes comin' at cha. 

i know, five posts in a row and i'm wearing pants. what is going on?! for this post, i dug out some old items in my closet and came across these high-waisted wide leg pants i haven't even worn (happens quite a bit). actually, they're supposed to be cropped but i'm short so they're almost high-waters on me. but of course... that ain't stoppin' me. the only way to combat that is some strappy stilettos (not practical, obvi). the thought process is always high-waisted = opportunity to wear a crop top. i will never get tired of that combo. writing this post i realize that i'm wearing high-waters and mixing all the metals with the latest from the @KendraScott spring 2018 collection. yep, i'm totally breaking all the rules and don't even care! you know my motto, "make it yours and rock it!"

side ramblings: #SXSW kicks off this coming weekend and i am so excited to partake in some festivities! house update: i finished the guestroom, WHAT UP?! haha so therefore, this past weekend was super relaxing and well deserved. i watched Coco -- not sure if you've seen it but when i saw the trailer i had zero interest. due to the high reviews, i had to see it and dang, it was pretty good. i always love that feeling of being pleasantly surprised. i also watch Gifted -- another really great movie. anyways, two noteables you should definitely see! lastly, the @baublebar sale kicks off today with 25% off everything (promo code: FF25, good until 3/7 with very few exclusions) so you should #treatyourself. if you need help, i highly recommend a monogram necklace. it's the one thing i wear everyday and it's sentimental to me since i got them in my dearest daddy initials. or some fun earrings to kick off the spring season: mini granita tassel earrings & ora hoop earrings. i'm going to pick up one piece from the fine jewelry line: dancer threaders or the stretta jackets. hmm, #lifedecisions

currently on my playlist: say something by Justin Timberlake ft. Chris Stapleton (not so much diggin' JTs new stuff but this song is growing on me FAST)

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top | Topshop high neck crop top in white (old) -- similar // similar but more casual and with sleeves
pants | Ann Taylor wide leg pants in navy (old) -- current style (and available in white!) // really diggin these in black denim
bag | Celine micro luggage tote in navy -- similar
shoesStuart Weitzman nudistsong in adobe patent (comes in different widths too) -- similar // chunky heel version
sunglassesLe Specs savanna 51mm sunglasses in tortoise
earrings c/o | Kendra Scott betty stud earrings in navy dusted glass -- similar style // love these
necklace c/o | Kendra Scott nettie statement necklace in silver
bracelet c/o | Kendra Scott tiana pinch bracelet set in gold
ringsGorjana amara ring set // Amanda Deer c/o CZ solitaire ring // Amanda Deer c/o CZ accents midi ring

rock the wide leg pants,
JD

photo credit: lil blogger sis @simplyyvan

holiday ready with Banana Republic

before you freak out, it's faux fur. 

today on the blog, i'm gonna get you holiday ready (without being TOO holiday-ish if that makes sense!!) with @BananaRepublic! is it too early? NEVER! this is my favorite time of the year when everyone comes together, there's more gratitude in the air, lots of stuffing of faces happening, finding that perfect gift, wrapping paper (don't get me started on wrapping paper) and.... FASHION! i love all the layering, prints, and textures. fall fashion is HIGH on my list, also especially since you can wear all black and it's suddenly acceptable. 

holiday style two ways -- with a faux fur collar cardigan and a bow tie sweater. the cardigan (comes in three colors, i'm wearing oatmeal) is really warm.. trust me, i was sweating major bullets shooting it in the TX heat not to mention the lighting was such a struggle! super soft and the best part is the removable faux fur collar so you can wear it more casually. sometimes it's all about them options isn't it? i've come to love small doses of fur and this one is no exception. i'd also try to belt this cardigan too. the sweater comes in 11 colors and it has the daintiest bow cuff! hello like little bunny ears! i digress, of course i paired this one with an old striped skirt, pearls, and my gift bow earrings. and yes, those red lips are a must every holiday season!! 

side ramblings: first things first, the sephora sale.. what did you buy?! @TATCHA is also having their friends & family! -- no such thing as too much tatcha, and at 20% off and tax free to texas, it's like a no brainer. i highly recommend: the essence, luminious mask, brightening serum, misting spray. good until 11/16. also, i've thought about starting a youtube channel, mainly focusing on skincare routines and reviews of things?! just a thought lingering in the back of my mind (for the past year...)! i just need to do it. spent sunday brunching on the farm hosted by @astateofkoko and shot some christmas photos with some Austin blogger babes, can't wait to share!! thanks for stopping by & see ya next week! xx

currently on my playlist: sorry not sorry by Demi Lovato

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LOOK 1 // faux fur collar cardigan

cardigan c/o | Banana Republic merino blend boyfriend cardigan with removable faux fur collar in oatmeal
top | H&M loose crop top (way old) -- similar with bow detail!
denimHudson nico mid-rise skinny jeans in black -- similar // similar but distressed 
shoes | Jimmy Choo abel pumps in black patent (old design) -- current design // similar // similar and custom
bag | Louis Vuitton medium neverfull in monogram canvas
earrings c/o | BaubleBar magnolia hoop earrings -- similar and on sale // similar
necklaceetsy monogram necklace in dearest daddy initials (1.25" and 20" chain) -- similar by BaubleBar // similar in acrylic
sunglassesKaren Walker number one sunglasses in black
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
lipsMAC amplified creme lipstick in brick-o-la

LOOK 2 // bow cuff sweater

top c/o | Banana Republic bow-cuff crew in black -- similar in a ruffle cuff and styled here
skirt | Topshop striped midi skirt (old) -- similar by chicwish
shoes | Jimmy Choo abel pumps in black patent (old design) -- current design // similar // similar and custom
bag | ZARA velvet minaudiere in black (old) -- similar in crushed velvet
earrings | etsy gift bow stud earrings in gold (yes, you need them)
necklace | Forever 21 pearl bib necklace (way old) -- similar
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
lipsChristian Louboutin velvet matte lip color in rouge 001M (FAVE RED) -- similar in a matte liquid

photo credit: Steven Gunter
a post done in collaboration with Banana Republic
tops provided by Banana Republic, all opinions are my own. 

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 tealsatin 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
sunglassesCeline tilda sunglasses in dark tortoise
earrings | Kendra Scott addie earrings in rose gold
necklace | Anthropologie monogram pendant necklace -- similar with initials 
watchMichael Kors darci watch in gold
bracelet | BaubleBar gold mary links bracelet -- similar but pave
ringsThe Songbird Collection bejeweled leaf ring in rose gold / Gorjana candice CZ ring / Etsy stacking & midi rings
lipsMAC amplified creme lipstick in brick-o-la

rock the navy,
JD

fall basics part three

this is the last of my fall basic series. see part one and part two. hope you have enjoyed these posts as much as i have putting them together, if so hit the like button! plenty of links and details after the jump!

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01 | WINDOWPANE BUTTON DOWN -- button downs are my favorite thing to wear. they are SO effortless and if you don't have to iron them, the BETTER!! because ain't nobody got time for that!!! something about the windowpane print that i can't get enough of, loving this Old Navy boyfriend windowpane flannel shirt. Old Navy also has a ton of plaid shirts right now that i can't wait to snag! 
02 | BLACK SKINNY JEANS -- every time i wear my Hudson nico mid-rise skinny jeans in black, i think, "dang, these make me look slim." it's also a good break from regular blue denim jeans! see them styled here with the black cape & gingham twill button down. i also like the Forever21 ripped black skinny jeans
03 | FAUX FUR VEST -- faux fur everythannggg; stoles, UGGs, and... this Topshop leah faux fur vest looks very pretty in person. i've seen it at Nordstrom, great quality and i've tried it on but somehow i can't convince myself that i can rock the fur... just yet. :P another option from Forever21.
04 | LEATHER GLOVES -- leather gloves are on thing, but leather touchscreen gloves? YES, please! these ASOS leather gloves with small bow detail and touchscreen are so cute, not to mention functional! i have last years version of these and love them! they really keep the cold wind out vs. the $1 knitted ones at Target. !! #wellduh another option are these ones with some minimal leopard detail on the cuff.  
05 | TAILORED JACKET -- as much as i love the collared jacket look, i am very into the tailored longline jackets. they can seem masculine, but they are so steamlined in terms of look. this is a new one, Banana Republic double breasted coat in pink. a faux fur stole will look pretty good with this beauty!
06 | DARK LIPS -- fall is all about dark lipsticks (with an "s"!!). i only own the MAC amplified creme in dark side (see it on me here, gee, such an old post!!) but this limited edition one from Yves Saint Laurent rouge pur couture in black red (only available to VIB Rouge members) is looking pretty good right now. i like how it is a dark red, vs. MAC dark side is more of a dark purple. could this be a justified purchase?! #thepoweroflipstick

fall basics part two

part two of my fall basics series, some great picks and alternatives for all items! details after the jump!

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01 | FAUX LEATHER JACKET -- i have a similar style in black from last year, but this Forever21 faux leather moto jacket in grey is looking like a good option. hmm......
02 | ANKLE BOOTIES -- as much as i love booties, the low heel bootie is the most comfortable, here is a good pair of black suede slip ons from Sole Society mars elastic gore bootie. similar to the Vince Camuto corter bootie (but with a zipper).

03 | TURTLENECK/SWEATER DRESS -- this is going to look good with OTK boots or ankle booties! this is the Banana Republic turtleneck micro-stripe sleeveless dress in gray. similar ASOS Glamorous ribbed long sleeve in gray. this ASOS petite swing dress with long sleeves is also a great loose-fitting option! (because we are all about options!)
04 | FAUX FUR STOLE -- stiles are classy and can be used to dress up any neckline, especially jackets! this one from Nordstrom BP faux fur stole in tan has an opening where you can criss cross the ends. another option from Sole Society faux fur stole in brown (doesn't criss cross).
05 | CAPE -- there's something you should know about me. i love capes. i don't know why. they are sometimes difficult to wear and people either like or hate them because you can easily "get lost" in them. but there are ways you can wear them, like with a belt to help. i really like this fall color palette from ASOS River Island blocked sleeveless cape. here is another option in a single camel color ASOS New Look fringe poncho
06 | FLOPPY HAT -- Topshop floppy felt hat in black the Nordstrom floppy wool hat is also very cute and available in a variety of colors. also love $$ on the Old Navy felt floppy hat, see @stylemissmolly rock it in her recent post!