athleisure set with a hoodie

the luxe two-piece.

there aren’t may hoodies left in my wardrobe these days but sometimes a hoodie is absolutely necessary. especially when you’re needing to go somewhere real quick and you just. washed. your. hair. it’s probably a mental thing but a hoodie gives some “clean coverage” esp during cedar season when pollen is everywhere and getting pollen in clean hair is just… unthinkable. i was looking for a level-ed up two piece set besides sweats/cuffed joggers and this one fit the bill. it’s made of nylon & spandex so it has a nice luxe feel too it and i like how the pants are a little jazzed up with the seam infront. good travel outfit. whenever traveling is in again.

other little details include: the plastic zippered pockets in the back & one infront = comfy yet able to secure small items and the hoodie has a high-low hem and slits on the side making it a unique enough piece. and it has… THUMBHOLES! haha. i love thumbholes for reasons i can’t explain. (also purchased the coaster luxe sweatshirt in the same transaction with thumbholes, so soft!! reviews says it pills so i’ll see). the drawstring on the hoodie adds a relaxed casual vibe despite it being a luxe set. my only complaint was that the abalone grey color on the website has a slight pink hue to it. IRL it’s actually a muted grey-beige. not the best color for my skintone (it looks like my wall now that i’m looking at the photos LOL) but returns are such a hassle these days so i kept it.

side ramblings: december is already flying by. next week is #birthdayweek! it feels weird since most of my decembers are spent #nomnomnom-ing at all the restaurants with family & friends and treating myself to all the misc things. it’ll be low-key as heck over here but next year i think i’m taking a trip somewhere. my friends are already making me feel so spoiled & loved by sending me my fave @maggielouseconfections chocolates & introduced me to this bougie gadget 😁 goodbye lukewarm coffee!

currently on my playlist: tell my by Groove Theory

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top | Athleta mission hoodie in abalone grey (wearing size XS)
bottom | Athleta venice pintuck pant in abalone grey (wearing size S petite, could’ve gone down to XS petite)

rock all the luxe loungewear!,
JD

the puff sleeve sweater & black friday 2020

the only thing puffy we like are puffy sleeves. oh, and puffy tacos.

here we are, the week of Thanksgiving! crazy to think how this year has flown by but yet also stood still. i’ve been on a kick lately to buy tops. mainly because… WFH situation LOL. i’ve always been a dress kinda gal but feel way too dressed up WFH in it. this casual crewneck was perfect since it has a little puff sleeve detail and you know ya gal is all about the puff sleeve! i sized down to an XS since it’s ribbed (stretches) and maybe could’ve gone S if i wanted it longer. puff sleeves always adds a fun, feminine touch and sometimes dramatic enough to make a statement. i also added a pearl headband my blogger bestie convinced me to try! glad i did. it goes perfectly with the sweater and makes a great casual holiday look and for family photos too! lastly, the denim — i’ve had these for a while and they’re a good option when you’re looking for a hybrid of straight and skinny jeans. and they’re a button fly so i’m down! something about the button fly that always looks better than zippers.

side ramblings: i finished @schittscreek and it was AMAZING. i was on the fence about it but thank goodness my BFF told me to keep watching until the end of season two. i cried, i laughed, and fell in love with all the characters. to me, it was a show about acceptance, growing up, and navigating trying times. so it was perfect for 2020. i wish they’d make more seasons, but gotta quit while you’re ahead! i started watching @thegoodplace since it’s by the same people as @brooklyn99 and it’s interesting so far. looks like #blackfriday is starting early this year?! confused but okay with it 😄 i rounded up some deals & picks after the jump and may update it as the week progresses! xx

currently on my playlist: angel of mine by Monica (throwing back slow jams!)

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2020 black friday sales //

i picked a few retailers to make it less overwhelming and picked items that i would or have purchased myself. get you a glass of wine and start clicking through! happy #blackfriday shopping!

monochrome

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

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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

workout & lounge sets

that two-piece set life. for quarantine.

there is ALWAYS something about a two-piece set. is it the time saving aspect of coordination? or just the fact that it’s matchy matchy and that’s how you feel at the moment? not sure, but i’m a fan of co-cord sets, including athletic wear… as of recently. feel intimidated by the sports bra + tights combo? enter longline sports bras + (ultra) high rise tights. now we’re talking the 30+ yo language. it’s enough coverage both ways to wear in public! as we head into fall, throw on a light jacket and you’re good to go. but enough about looking good in a two-piece. let’s talk about exercise!

more than ever, exercise is crucial! working from home + quarantine life has us even less mobile than before. coupled along with being on lockdown = mental health anchor. moving around will help you release endorphins = feel good hormones. and idk about you, but i need those things! i put together some quick bullet points in keeping active during this time. if you have any, please share as a comment! it’s really a time to get creative with resources to cope. i think that’s what we’re all trying to do.

side ramblings/happenings: the support on my last post was overwhelming in the most amazing way. as i suspected, i’m struggling to reconnect, i’m struggling to write or come up with meaningful content. but i will push through ❤ @everlane opened in ATX last week! gosh, can’t wait to check out the storefront one day. i’m a huge fan of the ethical clothing brand! i also heard @mejuri opened at the domain. may be old news by now. both brands are committed to fair pricing, so i wholeheartedly support them. this week i’m looking forward to trying @PTYD. a gluten-free, vegan, plant-based meal delivery just to switch things up. hope i’ll be full. i’ll receive my @phlur deodorant. it’s their newest product and since i haven’t worn any perfume.. i figured, hey, i’m gonna get me some nice smelling bougie deo for my armpits instead. they deserve it. #realthoughts.

currently on my playlist: know your worth by Khalid

currently re-reading (on audible): the untethered soul by Michael Singer

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tips for keeping active during quarantine:

  • walks around the neighborhood (while giving other walkers space) — this a great way to get some fresh air too! i always encourage my parents to go on “walking dates.” i find that walking helps clear my mind of noise/nonsense. since it’s been really hot out, i’ve been walking around my house. yes, you read that one right. hey, you gotta do what you gotta do. heck, jog in place, walk in place, do squats/lunges, jumping jacks, sit ups, hold planks!

  • snippets of workouts — working out at home is hard because it’s not as motivating as a class. it’s hard to get that continuous 60-minute workout in. so work out in sets. take breaks and do a couple of sets here and there. it’ll add up to a decent workout by the end of the night! i’ve always been a fan of @blogilates, she posts some great clips that you can do in a few minutes!

  • no weights? — get creative and use cans of soup/beans! or like my pilates instructor says, use air resistance!! HAHA, he gets me every time 😂

  • remember to stretch — before diving into work, i usually do some stretches that help with the back & shoulder which are my problem areas being a work-a-holic. here is a good infographic that target a few common areas. if you sit, here are some good ergonomic reminders. and while i was at it, i really liked this work smarter, not harder infographic. yes, i LOVE infographics. 😎

  • dance — dance out your probs. put on some of your fave tunes and go! or if you’re into dance workouts, check out Megan Roup, just youtube search her for free workouts and learn some of the cardio dance moves. they’re a sweaty & fun workout! LOTS OF JUMPING! you are warned.

  • quarantine badminton — i’ve seen people do this on different ends of their driveway. fun fact: i am a HUGE badminton (and ping pong) fan. i need to try this. and i’m sure there are other sports/activities you can do that are socially distanced.

  • stand while working — if you can’t purchase a sit-stand desk, get creative and makeshift one! standing is more active than sitting. sitting causes you to slump/slouch in permanent ways which cause long-term body aches. i know, because i have them. LOL. i’ve seen some pretty cheap-ish ones for laptops and some with more real estate for other workstation needs.

  • lastly, give yourself grace — this is REALLY important. i’m chronically hard on myself but quarantine has made me work on my self-talk. if you don’t get to that full-work out in, if you’re gaining weight from stress eating, if you’re feeling overwhelmed by the isolation; i feel you. it’s okay. it’s a very stressful time. doing what you can with what you have is all that matters. ❤

top | Athleta A-C powervita conscious crop in hibiscus red (old color) — similar but halter style // similar with cute cut outs!
bottom | Athleta ultra high rise elation tight in hibiscus red (old color, had to get these hemmed) — ultra high rise in 7/8 length (no hemming needed if you suffer from #shortgirlprobs // elation 7/8 tight (“regular high rise,” love the spiced cabernet color) // elation capri // LOVE these white ones!
earrings | Kendra Scott jon studs in gold (old) — similar by gorgana // similar in real gold & diamonds // similar by GLDN
rings | GLDN orinoco ring in 14K gold fill // Gorjana amara ring set

loungewear i’m currently eyeing (not pictured):

LOFT Lou & Grey signature softblend sweatshirt & sweatpants — their stuff is the epitome of causal & lounge not to mention #sosoft, i gotta purchase something from this brand one day!
Outdoor Voices cloudknit hoodie & sweatpants & tank — my lil blogger sis bought me the t-shirt for my bday last year and it IS AMAZINGLY soft! it’s called cloudknit. need i say more?

virtual hugs,
JD

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 maggy london sinclair work dress

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

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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 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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