the neck tie blouse gone casual style

the neck tie blouse gone #casualstyle

i am a fan of classic pieces. the ones that stay in style forever. one of them is the neck tie blouse. itโ€™s a great work staple that pairs well with pencil skirts and pants. however, i choose to take it casual style here with other classic pieces such as the skinny jean, a neutral-ish blazer and a pair of nude patent pumps. i loved the addition of the cognac skinny belt that polished it even more and tied in the bag. this neck tie blouse also comes in petite which is a great option when it comes to long sleeves so that the length will hit you just right! PS โ€” these photos are hot off the press! we shot them on Saturday and i havenโ€™t done photos since March and i will say, it feels good to be back. until next time, xx.

side ramblings: HELLO @glossier! theyโ€™re poppin up in ATX and itโ€™s a great way to see all the products in person at 2000 South Congress Ave until 12/08! i may go back and pick up the milky oil but i am a huge fan of the balmdotcom. what a remarkable 3-day weekend! it kicked off with a complimentary blow out and make up application at @janetstpaulstudio. UM. do you know the last time i put makeup on my face (concealer, foundation, bronzer etc..)? my sisterโ€™s wedding FIVE years ago lol! it was such a treat, the staff was so friendly. and you know when you go to places where you put a robe on itโ€™s gonna be #badandbougie. we also took it into a girls day out complete with manis and lunch @snhatx โ€” hello crab butter roll!! my foodie PIC and i checked out @intelligentisacoffee in ATX and while iโ€™ve been before, i had the opportunity to try the ATX special this time โ€” the roadrunner (sparkling cold coffee, grapefruit, soda, and agave). sounds pretty interesting huh? i really enjoyed it. think of a refreshing-type-cold-coffee. i learned so much about coffee and have a newfound respect for this coffee shop! lastly, weekends are usually complete with brunch so enter @swedishhillaustin, i highly recommend the deconstructed bagel & lox!

currently on my playlist: alaska by Maggie Rogers

always a sucker for a great B&W photo!

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top | Ann Taylor petite bow neck blouse in winter white (wearing size 2P) โ€” similar by Banana Republic // similar but a mock neck combo
blazer c/o | Theory good wool long blazer in petal pink (wearing size 2, i actually tried on the crimson melange recently and itโ€™s a perfect red!!)
jeans | Hudson nico mid-rise skinny jeans in abbey wash (old) โ€” similar for $68 // similar but high rise
shoes | Manolo Blahnik BB pump in nude patent โ€” similar by Ann Taylor // similar by Sam Edelman
bag | Senreve mini maestra in chestnut (use code โ€œJANNADOANโ€ at checkout on senreve.com and receive a complimentary bracelet pouch, $125 value, on any $300 minimum purchase!) โ€” midi size // largest size
belt | H&M narrow belt in brownโ€” similar but double o style
sunglasses | Celine marta sunglasses in havana (my fave sunnies!) โ€” similar for $25 // similar by QUAY for $55 // love these for $99
rings | Gorjana amara ring set // Amanda Deer c/o CZ solitaire ring // Amanda Deer c/o CZ accents midi ring

rock the neck tie blouse casual style!,
JD

photo credit: Steven Gunter

the white denim dress

saying goodbye to summer fashion!

i couldnโ€™t be happier to enter the season of fashion i love most, FALL! i think this might be my first denim dress. iโ€™ve wanted one for a while but had the hardest time finding a style i liked. this one was very different and like an apron style. itโ€™s an โ€œopenโ€ dress and you literally wrap it on you and button it from the inside and outside if that makes sense. iโ€™ve been a fan of the square neckline so this fit the bill! and the denim is actually hefty and not thin so A+ in my books. and.. yโ€™all. it. has. pockets! itโ€™s great for any kind of brunch or day-date outing. style it casually with an everyday tote and some casual style heels. PSโ€”these are actually SUPA comfy and really light!

side happenings: @everlane is having pop-ins at @nordstrom!! at the bottom is a list of stores who will have the pop-in in-store. gah, yโ€™all know my love for everlane is real (deep). pop-ins are great if youโ€™re not sure on sizing or want to feel/see the items in person. need recs?! I GOT CHU!!! for the womenโ€™s picks i included items i actually own and have worn myself that will be featured at Nordstrom. i also included some menโ€™s picks too :)
women | the day heel pump // the wide leg crop pants // the authentic stretch high rise skinny jeans // the cashmere turtleneck sweater dress (donโ€™t own this one but may have to one day!)
men | the uniform bomber jacket // the waffle knit long sleeve henley // the modern flannel shirt

PSโ€”itโ€™s the fall 2019 @bloomingdales friends & family sale!! i always try to purchase anything off bloomingdales because itโ€™s tax-free to TX!

@bloomingdales friends & family sale โ€” fall 2019

who | bloomingdales
what | 25% off almost all regular and sale price purchases for women, men, kids, and home, items eligible are labeled 25% off. exclusions listed on bloomingdales.com. and FREE shipping for everyone! in addition, loyalists (their FREE reward program, so don't forget to join!) receive free shipping, no minimum, everyday! &&& TAX-FREE TO TEXAS!! #winning
when | 10/04/19 - 10/14/19 (online), 10/07/19 - 10/14/19 (in-stores)
where | bloomingdales.com or in store
use promo code at checkout | none needed!
own purchases | Marc Fisher yale chelsea booties in brown suede (i have these in black leather and they are DA BEST.)

currently on my playlist: pitfalls by sistek

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dress | J.Crew button front trench dress in stretch white denim โ€” same but in blue denim // similar for $30 // similar but more fitted // similar with ruffles // similar but mini // similar with a fun asymmetrical button detail $59
shoes | Dolce Vita roman heeled sandal in caramel leather (available in four other colors) โ€” similar // similar for $25
bag c/o | Everlane the day square tote in cognac (beautiful leather & holds shape quite nicely) โ€” similar but in the CUTEST mini size // similar but taller // similar but larger
earrings c/o | BaubleBar capella drop earrings in white โ€” similar and not as statement-y
necklace | Anthropologie monogram pendant necklace
sunglasses | Celine marta sunglasses in havana (my fave sunnies!) โ€” newer design // similar by QUAY for $55 // love these for $99
rings | Gorjana amara ring set // Amanda Deer c/o CZ solitaire ring // Amanda Deer c/o CZ accents midi ring
watch c/o | Daniel Wellington classic petite melrose 32mm in rose gold and white

rock all the denim dresses & white (even after labor day),
JD

photo credit: Steven Gunter

the sleeveless mock neck sweater

fall, where you be?!

the sleeveless mock neck sweater. for when itโ€™s really fall but itโ€™s 90F+ outโ€ฆ i digress, mock necks are super effortless and they go with all skirts (which i have a ton of). i actually have this top in two colors because thatโ€™s what i do when i love something โ€” itโ€™s a normal thing, RIGHT?! iโ€™ve also paired it with the marina wide leg pants as well. the material isnโ€™t super thick so itโ€™s a good transitional piece. here i paired it with a full seamed skirt in the prettiest light blue, a super cool toned one. light blue doesnโ€™t look that great on my skintone but this one is perfect! i really like these full seamed skirts because of the fit and i also sized down in this for a high-waisted fit, aka: over 30-fit.

side happenings: WHOA. what a FUN weekend! it felt so good to be โ€œon the sceneโ€ again seeing familiar faces iโ€™ve missed. the @hotelzazaaustin grand opening party was over the top crazy. (in a good way). haha, itโ€™s been a long time since iโ€™ve gone to an event like that!! itโ€™s a beautiful space, in a totally swanky zaza-style. my GF Nicole // @loveofallthethings hosted her first event at @paddywaxcandlebar and you already know iโ€™m a huge fan! iโ€™ve taken one of my BFFs for her bday and itโ€™s a great gift idea/quality/experience-type gift. this time i went with a spicy xmas scent w/a wood wick for a little crackle crackle itโ€™s going to be so FRIGGIN festive at casa JD (sarcasm). i donโ€™t have a fireplace so this will be it :D. BTW, if you havenโ€™t had the butter toffee pretzels at Trader Joeโ€™s, you better run and get someโ€ฆ before i buy em all out. :D

currently on my playlist: senorita by Shawn Mendes & Camila Cabello

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gotta love the outtakes @pearlsnap_photography sends me :D

top | Ann Taylor mock neck sweater shell in winter whiteโ€” similar but tunic style // love this one with 3/4 sleeves
skirt | Ann Taylor seamed full skirt in cool peri (sold out) โ€” similar but tweed // similar in a magenta color // similar but jacquard // similar with a sash
shoes | Chase & Chloe jelena strappy sandal in white patent (bought at a local boutique) โ€” similar // similar by topshop
bag c/o | Brahmin pipp topsail in navy โ€” similar in croc // love this style! // similar for $60
sunglasses | Celine marta sunglasses in havana (my fave sunnies!) โ€” newer design // similar by QUAY for $55 // love these for $99
rings | Gorjana amara ring set // Amanda Deer c/o CZ solitaire ring // Amanda Deer c/o CZ accents midi ring
watch | Daniel Wellington classic petite melrose 32mm in rose gold and white

photo credit: Steven Gunter

the floral wrap dress & retro accents

oh hi, hello.

i canโ€™t tell you how many times i opened this post up to try and put something together but the only thing staring at me was the blinking cursor. like a good relationship (or ponytail), you just canโ€™t force it. ya know? life was heavy. with the great loss of grandpa Doan and hearing about the loss of others all in the same month wasโ€ฆ devastating. i cried for my loss and all losses. i spent a lot of time alone and days where i didnโ€™t leave the house. before leaving to San Fran for my cousins wedding, i had this significant dream. in this short-dream i remember looking up at the sky and there she wasโ€ฆ grandma Doan, smiling down at me, GRINNING with pure happiness. she didnโ€™t say anything to me, she just smiled. then i woke up. i remember feeling comforted, relief, and what divine timing this dream had come to me at the right time when i needed it most. i donโ€™t really remember my dreams and nor have i dreamt about grandma Doan since she passed away 13 years ago.

getting back from SF, i fell pretty ill into the flu of sorts (turned into bronchitis now) which felt like a set back. i was so ready to get back to my โ€œnormalโ€ life again. but of course, the universe had different plans. needless to say, the last few months were full of introspection, deep thought, and healing which led to more personal growth and a shift in perspective. iโ€™m still trying to find my rhythm again, but i do miss my slice of the internet, so hence, here i am. thank you so much for sticking around. xx

while the fashion & retail world are all into fall fashionโ€ฆ i just canโ€™t (yet). itโ€™s still wayyy too hot here in TX. plus, i have a backlog of photos so it all works out :D of course this dress is sold out but what i loved most about styling this floral wrap dress was the retro accents โ€” the clear acrylic bag & strappy strappy heels and all white for that 80s vibe.

currently on my playlist: by your side cover by Mat Kearney

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dress | Ann Taylor floral belted wrap dress โ€” similar and on sale for $36 // similar but sleeveless // floral print with smocked details
bag | Forever 21 vinyl faux leather trim tote in white โ€” the real deal by STAUD
shoes | Chase & Chloe jelena strappy sandal in white patent (bought at a local boutique) โ€” similar // similar by topshop
necklace | Anthropologie monogram pendant necklace
sunglasses | Celine marta sunglasses in havana (my fave sunnies!) โ€” newer design // similar by QUAY for $55 // love these for $99
rings | Gorjana amara ring set // Amanda Deer c/o CZ solitaire ring // Amanda Deer c/o CZ accents midi ring
watch c/o | Daniel Wellington classic petite melrose 32mm in rose gold and white

photo credit: Steven Gunter

the white linen dress & sponsored content

summer linen.

there are a ton of summer fabrics, but linen is such a classic! itโ€™s great for when you wanna change up all the gingham & eyelet textures. itโ€™s also such a cooling fabric and rarely will you find a piece that is 100% linen like this one from @theory___! most pieces are are linen-cotton blend, so it felt super luxe to be wearing this. of course we had to find the best fairy-tale like background for it too! isnโ€™t this place a gem? the v is actually low for my taste but the cap-sleeve design and slight A-line fit make it a #classy piece. and timeless i might add.

the downside to linen is that it wrinkles veryyy easy. think easy and x it by 10. this dress, worth the iron though. and while it does have a liner, itโ€™s not enough which is usually the case with white linen pieces, you have to wear a slip. itโ€™s an elegant piece and doensโ€™t need much jewelry. i didnโ€™t even wear my typical โ€œJโ€ necklace and my photographer thought something was wrong. :D

currently listening to: find u again by Mark Ronson ft. Camila Cabello

side ramblings: great things are on the horizon but i canโ€™t share just YET. xx

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letโ€™s clear the air on sponsored #SP material here on JDC (jannadoan.COM): isnโ€™t it everyoneโ€™s goal to make money doing something they love?! duh. then why is it that influencers/bloggers get wrath for sponsored content? in general bloggers get crap all over the board. yes, there are people who ruin it for others but at the heart of the blogging community there are still genuine bloggers out there. by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) we are to disclose when something is sponsored, paid, or gifted etcโ€ฆ automatically people think, yea he/she just got paid for that so i wouldnโ€™t trust him/her. hereโ€™s what i gotta say (you guessed it, bullet point format):

  • use your intuition about a blogger/influencer. if you think itโ€™s fakeโ€ฆ guess what? itโ€™s probably FAKE! i know, iโ€™m a rocket scientist. when you look at something really randomly posted and you raise one eyebrow like โ€œwhat is thisโ€ฆโ€ thatโ€™s your intuition โ€œspeaking.โ€ listen to it. but hey letโ€™s cut someee slack on all the toilet paper & tampon ads, maybe this is their full-time job? the bills donโ€™t pay themselves (or so i hear).

  • because iโ€™m old, i donโ€™t do anything i donโ€™t want to do. even if itโ€™s paid. that may have not been the case when i was first getting started five years agoโ€ฆ but my greys have made me wiser. if i donโ€™t like something i donโ€™t post it. and i say NO to a lot of (really good) opportunities when it doesnโ€™t align. aka: is not a #hellyes.

  • JDC is NOT my sole source of income. cause yaโ€™llโ€ฆ i WOULD BE BROKE AF. lol. blogging costs a LOT of money. every post i put out, i actually lose money. and i rarely make any sales based off commission via my links. iโ€™m not a pushy enough saleswoman. just doesnโ€™t seem authentic to me. since this is not my sole income, i donโ€™t need sponsorships to keep this alive. instead, i just work an insane amount of hours at my other job(s). HAHA it all makes sense, i know.

  • there are still influencers/bloggers out there who carry themselves with integrity. the last time i looked up integrity in the dictionary my name was right next to it. :D xx

yes, my castle is right behind that wall.

dress c/o | Theory pure linen deep v easy midi dress in white โ€” similar from J.Crew with pleats // not similar but love this one // shirtdress style // not similar but striped! // i have this in yellow!
shoes | Target Merona marcella low block heel ankle strap sandals in tan (old) โ€” newer style // similar but higher heel // the original by Steve Madden
bag | J.Crew Factory rattan clutch in natural pale gold (really old) โ€” similar at J.Crew
earrings | Kendra Scott diane statement earrings in gold โ€” smaller design in the didi // similar but in matte colors // smaller design in the didi with pearl
sunglasses | Celine marta sunglasses in havana (my fave sunnies!) โ€” newer design // love these for $99
rings | Gorjana amara ring set // Amanda Deer c/o CZ solitaire ring // Amanda Deer c/o CZ accents midi ring

rock all the linen,
JD

photo credit: Steven Gunter
a post done in collaboration with Theory.
dress provided via the last of my Theory gifted giftcard funds, (paid $100+ out of pocket for this baby!)
all opinions are my own.

the summer leopard print midi skirt

summertime leopard.

when you find the BEST lighting everything else is effortless. itโ€™s all about the lighting!

there is no lie. iโ€™m a total skirt gal. i will admit that my skirt collection is a little insane. i own more skirts than i do pants & jeans combined! haha, and letโ€™s not even get into how many pleated midi skirts i have #gulp. usually i associate animal print with more of a fall trend but when i came across this skirt it was summertime appropriate being blush and the leopard print is actually very subtle. into the basket it went. lately iโ€™ve taken a liking to the pull on bias midi style, this one is a zipper closure but remains timeless. the material is a little thin and you can see the liner through it but doesnโ€™t bother me. i styled it here with my fave tee for an everyday casual wear. the skirt is TTS, and actually high waisted so great parings for crop tops as well.

lastly, the utility jacket is probably my most worn jacket. great for when i (might) need a light layer and have no time to think about what iโ€™m grabbing when i walk out the door. the best part is the pockets and so itโ€™s my must have when i travel (and my movie jacket, haha, you have one donโ€™t you!?). style tip: try a cognac waist belt on top of the jacket! what do ya think? with jacket or without?

#nsale: the. @nordstrom. sale gets its own little section. i wasnโ€™t super impressed this year and everything sold out REAL FAST. currently only open to cardholders until 07/18 and everyone else on 07/19-08/04. everything goes back to regular price on 08/05. iโ€™m sure they will restock but here are my slim-picking-picks with TOP 5 to make it easy: RAILS collins military jacket // FRAME le high waist skinny jeans // Caslon camo utility jacket // TOPSHOP funnel neck top // BP lace trim cami

side ramblings: thanks for all the well-wishes! last week was pretty low-key and i ended up having to decline a few events. taking it easy on food when really all i wanna eat isโ€ฆ like. everything. shamu-appetite is on pause for now. i finally watched To All The Boys Iโ€™ve Loved Before and for being a teen novel it was actually way too cute and i unexpectedly enjoyed it more than Always Be My Maybe! Lara J actually reminds me of myself in some ways :D lastly, @senreve is offering a pretty BIG gift with purchase worth mentioning: a complimentary Senreve bracelet pouch (valued at $145) if you spend over $500 and a complimentary Senreve envelope clutch (valued at $245) if you spend over $1,100. you can read more & see how iโ€™ve styled my favorite bag from them โ€” the mini maestra here. definitely a great time to pick up a bag if you were debating it & you should do a happy dance in your seat because iโ€™m giving you my referral link to receive $50 off your purchase (and i get $50 so we all are winning) #shamelessadvertising

currently on my playlist: electricity by Dua Lipa & Silk City ft. Diplo & Mark Ronson

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top | Everlane cotton v-neck in white (wearing size small) โ€” similar but over-sized (size down on this one) // similar but a crew neck
jacket | H&M utility jacket (ancient) โ€” similar by Madewell // similar by Gap // love this camo one from the #nsale
skirt | Lucy Paris katia leopard print midi skirt in blush (wearing size small) โ€” similar // similar by Leith // similar but a bias midi fit
shoes | Shein cut out slides in cognac (old) โ€” love these metallic ones! // similar by Steve Madden // similar by Target // similar Hermes dupe // similar but a crossband
bag | J.Crew mini bucket bag in natural vachetta (old) โ€” similar by J.Crew Factory and on sale! // similar but perforated // the OG by Mansur Gavriel // similar for $70 // similar by Cuyana
earrings | Kendra Scott emmett matte statement earrings in white โ€” similar in metal // similar but mixed
necklace | Anthropologie monogram pendant necklace
sunglasses | Celine marta sunglasses in havana (my fave sunnies!) โ€” newer design // love these for $99
rings | Gorjana amara ring set // Amanda Deer c/o CZ solitaire ring // Amanda Deer c/o CZ accents midi ring
watch | Michael Kors darci watch in gold

rock all the skirts,
JD

photo credit: Steven Gunter

the best petite maxi dresses

hellooo july!

well, i totally skipped mayโ€ฆ and juneโ€ฆ on JDCโ€ฆ i was reminded by a few people about how my last post was in april, whoops.. so here we go! getting back in the swing of things and talking about one of my favorite places to buy maxi dresses for #shortgirlproblems. go to the tailor? ainโ€™t nobody got time for that. enter @bananarepublic! they are my go-to for maxi dresses because they offer a great selection of petite maxi dresses! i picked this one due to the faux wrap and the ruffles (of course, you know ya girl is ruffle obsessed). it also a features a flattering high-low hem which i am totally a fan of. kinda gives some leg action, more movement in the dress, and by golly how about some ventilation in this TX heat? oh nelly. itโ€™s gonna be a long hot summer and ya girl is not looking forward to it!! #grumypants

side happenings: REAL TALK after the jump but letโ€™s seeโ€ฆ here is what most people would be interested in โ€” Vegas was a whirlwind. letโ€™s just leave it at that. ;) i met with the team at @phlur and was amazed by the company and the people. i canโ€™t wait to show you what weโ€™ve collaborated on! iโ€™ve sampled all their fragrances and my fave is Ameline, it is DIVINE! PS โ€” theyโ€™re ATX-based so they are automatically get extra points on brand-coolness. @thecandlebar.co opened at the @domainnorthside and they invited me in to experience their candle pouring class. yโ€™all, i was a kid in a candy store. haha, i canโ€™t wait to gift this experience to my gals! @kendrascott sent me way too many goodies from their summer 2019 collection but these are my fave. saving the best for last โ€” but @tatcha sent me the biggest PR package iโ€™ve received in a long time. it reminded me of what a true partnership should feel like and how lucky i am go get to work with a company that realizes my value. #grateful

currently on my playlist: ME! by Taylor Swift ft. Brandon Urie

gotta love that @pearlsnap_photography direction :D

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LIFE UPDATE: iโ€™ve been absent for so many reasons. but mainly because i was beginning to feel that the time i was pouring into IG trying to grow my business was not going anywhere. instead of getting ahead i was actually falling more and more behind. donโ€™t get me wrong, i love supporting all my boss babesโ€ฆ but something about spending hours and hours everyday scrolling, liking, commenting was adding up to almost two hours a day based on my IG insights. thatโ€™s about 14 hours a weekโ€ฆ UMโ€ฆ that was eye opening. DO YOU KNOW WHAT I CAN DO WITH 14 HOURS?!! oh, let me tell you: watch re-runs of my favorite old show (The Office) & laughed hysterically; watch a ton of movies; i saw Always be my Maybe haha, soooo cheesy; watch Ellen Degeneres & Ali Wongโ€™s stand up comedies (thanks bro for the Netflix haha); read a book (The Untethered Soul: the journey beyond yourself by Michael A. Singer) a must read; re-arrange my office; crossed some things off the never-ending-home-to-do-list aka: daddy-can-you-help-me list haha jk; cleaned & conditioned my hardwood floors (ps my dad literally told me, โ€œsometimes you just gotta get on your knees and put some elbow grease into it haha, gotta love the man); went to Vegas; worked a ton; quality time with friends & fam; oh, and how can i forgetโ€ฆ SLEEP (which was really the most important thing i needed). it was all glorious but it feels good to write this post and be back & find my own rhythm again. plus, i have a backlog of old photos at this point (yikes) and i have a few brands i canโ€™t wait to work with again.

lastly, my grandpa has been ill for quite some time now and was recently hospitalized for an infection. heโ€™s suffers from dementia and it always breaks my heart to see him. can you imagine a life where you donโ€™t even remember who you are or who anyone else is? i think heโ€™s taking a turn for the worse and itโ€™s so sad to see. speaking of health issues (less severe), i also went through some major abdominal pain. think, sharp, stabbing-like pain (luckily i havenโ€™t actually been stabbed before but you get me). yea, it sucks. but could be worse. trust me, a CT scan isnโ€™t really high on my to-do list but thatโ€™s life right?! on the flip side, perhaps my body isnโ€™t digesting #punintended stress well as it used to so itโ€™s coming out in the form of knife stabbing-like pain?! IDK. oh well, still trying to figure out the cause but one thing is for certain โ€” i gotta take it easy.

so hereโ€™s to all the ebbs & flows and finding more balance in this crazy life.

andโ€ฆ if youโ€™ve read this far you should give yourself a pat on the back or treat yourself to a scoop of ice cream for being a caring person to read the endless ramblings of my life. :D

behind every good photo shoot is a kid running around with his mom chasing after him :D

dress | Banana Republic floral ruffle wrap maxi dress in navy blue (also available in soft blue & of course the petite is sold out at this point) โ€” love this pleated red one & colorblocked
bag | J.Crew Factory rattan clutch in natural pale gold (really old) โ€” similar at J.Crew
shoes | Sam Edelman gigi sandal in saddle leather โ€” similar from Target for $16
earrings | Kendra Scott sky earrings in white pearl (old) โ€” larger version // similar
sunglasses | Celine marta sunglasses in havana (my fave sunnies!) โ€” newer design // love these for $99
necklace | Anthropologie monogram pendant necklace
rings | Gorjana amara ring set // Amanda Deer c/o CZ solitaire ring // Amanda Deer c/o CZ accents midi ring
watch | Michael Kors darci watch in gold

thanks for stopping by!,
JD

photo credit: Steven Gunter