amazon athletic finds

October 11, 2021

amazon clothing?!?

ok ok, hear me out. personally, i haven’t been a huge fan of amazon clothing. it’s always a bust for me. it’s either too cheap-y feeling, see thru (fashion faux pas), oddly sized/fit, doesn’t look like the product online, etc… you name it. basically i gave up looking for amazon clothing. but recently some of my trusted blogger friends have been posting some CUTE athletic sets/clothing from amazon.. so you know i had questions. i purchased these leggings from seeing them on my friend @courtneerogers (she has great style!) and decided to try. they are SO GOOD. all reviews say butter-y soft. i also put forth my butter-y soft review. they are high-waisted for my #over30 crew and while not super compressive, i don’t mind since i don’t plan on actually working out in them. for $26 i decided on some fun colors like this light blue one, mainly to wear around town or running errands, or stuffing my face (like we were here). somehow i matched the wall outside of @thesaltydonut on soco. like i planned this outfit, but i so. did. not. i love it when it all works out, don’t you?!

these are a 7/8 length so perfect for my #shortgirlprobs. the great thing about purchasing on amazon is… AMAZON PRIME. (amazon prime, i love thee). i mean you can get the pieces within two days!!!! and the returns are SO.EASY. if all retailers could be this way that would be wonderful. needless to say, this purchase “made” me spiral down an amazon clothing hole. (someone help plz). knocking on wood, but i’ve been on a streak y’all 🤣 i ventured down sweater dress alley and golly found some good ones for fall (you see, i needed the inspiration, who knew i’d find it (literally) on amazon!). an amazon sweater dress round up post is coming soon but i’m linking a couple of amazon athletic finds after the jump!

currently on my playlist: cold heart by Elton John & Dua Lipa

couldn’t ask for a better snap via @wanderlustanita

top | Athleta conscious crop in navy (wearing size XS)
jacket | Old Navy stretchtech loose cropped jacket in wish bone (wearing size XS) — similar but a cropped rain jacket with hoodie!
leggings | Amazon HeyNuts high waisted 7/8 leggings in denim blue II (wearing size S, i’m usually a 4 or 6 in lululemon) — full length (would be too long for my 5’2” self) // capris
shoes | Keds x Kate Spade champion leather sneakers in rose dew pink (old) — similar // original canvas champions #teamkeds // also love the ace
necklace c/o | Amanda Deer fine jewelry in double mini horn necklace — similar
sunglasses | Ray Ban original aviator 58mm RB3025 in black — similar for $13

other amazon athletic purchases/finds:

sports bras/tops | Amazon HeyNuts longline sports bra // Amazon Lykoxa longline full coverage sports bra in white (size small) // Amazon SIGNEALA longline sports bra (wish it was a smidge longer but it has a cute cross detail in back)
shorts | Amazon HeyNuts high waisted biker shorts 6” (size small) // Amazon BMJL high waisted running shorts (also has a zipper)
sets | Amazon QQQ seamless 2-piece high waist biker and sports bra set in dark green (size small) // love this Amazon YVYVLOLO ribbed u-sports bra neckline one!

happy amazon athletic hunting!,
JD

photo credit: @wanderlustanita

fun & flirty athleisure

September 20, 2021

athleisure. but make it fun & flirty 😉

what the heck is fun & flirty athleisure? lemme tell you. it’s basically workout wear that’s not super-functional. or it’s cute work out attire that you can wear as regular clothing during the summer heat wave in TX but you don’t actually plan on working out in it. makes sense right? haha, that’s fashion for ya! even though it’s almost fall, by golly it is still so hot here in TX. i tend to hibernate during the summer and when i can talk myself into leaving the house, it’s always about wearing the least amount of clothing while still looking like a decently dressed 30+ yo.

this tennis skirt i kept for years! when i moved back to ATX, i thought i’d pick up tennis. so i did what any normal person would do — buy the attire for it! unfortunately (or fortunately for this post) i found out it wasn’t for me. almost twisted my ankle wayyy too many times and decided that my old bones weren’t fit for this. ain’t nobody got time for a twisted ankle. well, i kept the skirt. not sure why… but i’m glad i did. sometimes, when you keep something long enough it comes back in style. it’s true, think of biker shorts, chunky white tennis shoes, flared jeans, etc.. lately, i’ve been seeing a lot of tennis skirts and thought i’m going to style this as a regular outfit with a longline sports bra to cover the mid-drift. it’s age appropriate, fun, flirty.

side ramblings: it’s been a while. i think inspiration is lacking these days and with the face of IG changing, it leaves me a little behind. while video is great, i still love the photo aspect so much more. call me old school that way. but times are changing and i feel like a dino about to be extinct! y’all know me. i tend to do my thing — regardless of trends and what experts say. i just like to do my thing in my own little slice of the internet. but with fall around the corner…. maybe it will change things because i’m a fall gal at heart. the fall -food, -feels, -weather, and -fashion. the photo taken below was reminiscent of old times, when you start doing your IG photo thing (PS it’s very embarrassing if you’re wondering) and a man (in a suit, always in a suit) comes out and says nope. :D haha, (but this guy was actually pretty nice this time)! i do miss those days and hoping to find that inspiration soon! until then, xx.

currently on my playlist: odds by Mat Kearney

@intelligentsia road runner (cold coffee + agave + grapefruit juice + splash of tonic ) in hand so life.is.good.

top | Athleta conscious crop longline sports bra in navy (wearing size XS for reference)
bottom | lululemon high waisted tennis skirt (ancient) — similar 15.5” by Athleta and in 14” // cute one from A&F and in a pleated design
sunglasses | Ray-Ban original 58mm aviator sunglasses in gold/dark green
necklace | Amanda Deer coin toggle necklace (sold out) — similar // similar by gorjana

i also wanted to share some athletic dresses i’ve been into!! again, for show. not for function. Outdoor Voices one shoulder dress // Zella live-in cutout rib tank dress // A&F traveler’s dress (features built in shorts!) // Zella studio lite active raceback dress

until next time,
JD

photo credit: lil cousin tiff

the nordstrom anniversary sale & a life update

July 26, 2021

HOWDY! would i even be an influencer if i didn’t post about the #nsale?

i’m sure you’ve heard of it, or over it by now, but it’s that time of the year for the @nordstrom anniversary sale! every year i browse this sale, i always tell myself i don’t need a single thing. and i don’t. but i always end up purchasing something/a few things. it’s almost inevitable. plus i had a couple of gift cards to spend #excuses. it’s a great time to gear up for fall (which seems crazy to be looking/trying on sweaters right now in this TX heat). but nonetheless, i ended up purchasing a couple of items and sharing them below along with things i’d get if i had a money tree.

these skinny jeans are perfect for work!

side ramblings: where to even begin with #lifelately? let’s start with food. i’m better with food and bullet points to highlight the latest.

EAT

@jjimBBQ: new-ish restaurant that i highly recommend. get the short ribs, seafood pancake, and the jap chae with portabella mushrooms
@gyukaku: japanese BBQ. this is fun food outing since you get to grill your own meats. there are LOTS of options!! the toro beef was my fave!
@uchiko: re-visited an old favorite that is always straight up solid. pro tip: always go for social hour, everyday from 4-6:30PM
@modernmarket: smoked salmon keto bowl goodness.
@phowithus: my go-to pho place down south. i also love the shaken beef and the matcha thai tea!

DRINK

@drinkmayawell: ATX based pre-biotic soda. i enjoyed the pear lime and can’t wait to try other flavors
@intelligentsiacoffee: FINALLY re-opened!!! my fave coffee spot, esp for the re-freshing coffee creations like the roadrunner (cold coffee + agave + grapefruit)
@banditcoffee: satisfies a matcha latte craving. may be the best one i’ve had in ATX

SWEETS

@jenisicream: offering ice cream flights! (so genius) perfect for when you want a little bit of this and a lil bit of that.
@zedsicecream: real fruit ice cream! loved the mango sticky rice one but you can also build your own. waffle cone is a must!

i took the last week off from work and it has been SO. GOOD. i finally saw friends that i haven’t seen in over 1.5 years. it was exactly what my soul needed. there were plenty of trips to the plant store to find replacements haha. there are people who are really good at either plants or succulents. i am neither of those people. but there ain’t no stoppin’ me!

currently on my playlist: something beautiful by Mat Kearney (who, BTW will be in ATX 10/15!)

very awkward angle BTW but i had to show the slit somehow 🤣 i was pleasantly surprised with this purchase! can’t wait to wear it out!!

items i purchased from the @nordstrom aka #nsale:

#nsale tip: if you really want something just keep checking as the sale progresses and returns happen/things get re-stocked. also you can add it to your wishlist and it’ll notify you when it’s back in stock via the app. if you don’t get it during the sale, it’ll go back to regular price, but then it’ll go on sale again. so don’t fret.

MOTHER the looker high waist crop skinny jeans in switch it up” — photo 1; these are great for work since it’s a dark wash (more formal) and there’s not distressing. they are only a 10” front rise so go a little below my belly button. they are stretchy since the composition has elastane and poly but i purchased my normal size (size 26). i styled it with an Express tie strap square neck bodysuit in this photo. they are also cropped so that means they are a normal length on my short 5’2” frame = no hemming WHOOO, ain’t nobody got time for that. esp during COVID.
Zella live in cutout rib tank dress in purple nebula — photo 2; i didn’t really see any of my influencer friends post about this item except my gal @courtneerogers (BTW, she has the best finds!) which means it’s in STOCK. after her review i purchased it in this deep purple/almost black color! i’ve been wanting a cute athletic dress (ahem, one shoulder OV) and this one is very versatile! i love the ribbed material = forgiving and the best part is the side slit where you can control via zipper! style it for DAY: sandals, wedges, or sneaks layered with a denim jacket or tied around the waist. style it for NIGHT: chunky or strappy heels, bring up the slit, and layered with a leather moto jacket. SIZE down, i sized down to an XS here. and it also comes in black!
WAYF clifton cutout rib sweater in vanilla — no photo bc it’s en route!; this one is different for me! but i’ve been drawn to these cutout styles that are layered. it’s a trendy statement piece so i plan on taking it full force with a midi leather skirt 😁 i purchased this in an XS based on the size chart and i believe this brand usually runs big & available in a dress form!

items i’d purchase if i had a money tree (ok, maybe they’re in my cart):

Vince Camuto candialia sandal in bone nappa — reviews don’t look good. but it may work for my wide feet. i love the quilted detail but i honestly have too many square toe shoes.
Brixton joanna straw hat in violet — i’ve seen this on @courtneerogers and it looks great on her! she’s a total hat person but i have too many hats that i don’t get enough/no wear!
True & Co. true body bralettes — in triangle convertible or the lift mesh triangle. i hear the switch to wireless is life changing. but Target sells this brand. i’m not sure what the diff is so i may snag it there just to try.

happy shopping!,
JD

the iconic sezane gaspard jumper

May 3, 2021

oui oui.

here’s to a brand that makes me feel so parisian. it’s a french brand and i am always a fan of their designs. the brand remains very consistent and they’re pieces that will stay timeless. and since there won’t be any travels to paris anytime soon, i’ll take this. it’s hard to believe that one year ago, @sezane had a pop-up in ATX and it was the last event i attended before the world shut down. they graciously gifted me a gift card which i finally spent a year later. 🤣 like everyone else, the pandemic really changed my wardrobe, hence the delay. i knew i wanted this piece because i’ve seen it styled a couple ways and tried to replicate it in this post. the cardigan (french people call it a jumper) features some luxe pearl buttons and can be worn:

as a top by itself,
layered & unbuttoned,
and what’s actually cool is that you can wear it backwards too — hello back details. it’s not common you can flip something around to wear it and it actually looks normal.

the gaspard jumper is pretty lightweight and comes in SO.MANY.COLORS. good luck deciding! of course i picked red & paired it with my fave white wide leg pants. also goes great with (white) skinny jeans. the red + white combo is always #sofresh, so you can’t go wrong. prob not the softest since it is made of mohair and alpaca. another item i picked up with the giftcard is the florence shirt — a white silk button down. SO. CLASSIC.

side ramblings: i finally checked out @beardpapas and it was so good! i loveeee cream puffs. any dessert actually. i tried a little bit of everything but def going back for the honey butter shell + vanilla filling. i’m pretty basic in that sense. kinda like donuts. i like em classic glazed. no toppings. nada. my fam and i also had @sevenspice! i enjoyed this place and will be coming back for the beef tendons with chilantro in chili oil, pan fried rice cake with picked mustard greens, and i wanna try the texas okra! well, apparently this rambling is going to be completely food related. bc y’all know the way to my heart is through my stomach. LOL. i met my quota this week and ATE ON A PATIO for the first time in one year. my my. idk who i am anymore! slowly working on those anxiety issues. it was such a great feeling as food is a huge part of my social life. my foodie PIC @wanderlustania and i checked out @joiatx and i was pleasantly surprised! i’ll be back for dinner fo sho! tip: make patio reservation at a non-peak time to avoid crowds! my friend and i had the patio to ourselves :)

currently on my playlist: love you for a long time by Maggie Rogers

#1 as a top — buttoned up, gotta show off those luxe pearl buttons!

top | H&M lace cami in cream (old) — similar by A&F
sweater c/o | Sezane gaspard jumper in red (runs large, wearing size XS and could’ve done down to XXS)
bottom | Ann Taylor marina wide leg pants in winter white (avail in petite lengths!)
earrings c/o | Kendra Scott colette hoop earrings in gold (old) — similar
necklace | Anthropologie monogram pendant necklace — love this new pendant necklace by Mejuri!
rings | Gorjana amara ring set
watch | Michael Kors darci watch in gold

au revoir!,
JD

my homeownership journey

January 18, 2021

Janna Doan, Homeowner

i’ll just add that to my “credentials” of local model, personal stylist, content creator, influencer etc.. haha. i’ve wanted to write this post for years. but could never get around to it so what better time than a pandemic? i’ve owned a home for three years now (still a newbie but ACK! time flies!) and it’s been quite a journey — a stressful/hard one, yet extremely satisfying at the same time, ya know?! it would be remiss if i didn’t thank my right hand man, my father, who has taught me so much my whole life but the last three years spent countless hours teaching me all the things about owning a home, fixing it & maintaining it. i learned so much more than i wanted to but hey, you know they say knowledge is power. my main satisfaction comes from KNOWING how to do something. as a woman, i find it empowering. from mowing the lawn to replacing toilets. it’s such a good feeling to say, YES. i know how to do that. if you’re thinking of going into homeownership, i highly recommend it, don’t wait for life to unfold the way it’s supposed to. make things happen for yourself and just know that the homeownership journey will be a very difficult one. just be prepared to ask for help and watch tons of how-to YouTube videos. you’ll survive. shoot, i did somehow. so that means you can too 😊

side ramblings: how fitting that the Target x @studiomcgee line launched yesterday!! and oh me. oh my. i am always a fan of her interior design skills. it’s a smidge more farmhouse for my taste but she does a good job in mixing a little farmhouse chic + modern together. i picked up a few things: moss wood plant arrangement, weathered terracotta jugs in small & large sizes. currently eyeing: this decorative basket (for throw blankets), faux olive plant arrangement, short glass vase (i like the look and dimensions of this one), pedestal serving bowl, and these floral napkins. a lot of stuff is already sold out but they usually re-stock! i’m kind of on an itch to re-decorate and change things up a little. i think this happens each time i take down the christmas tree 🤣 and i know i’m not the only one!!!

currently on my playlist: independent woman by Destiny’s Child

but first, outfit deets 😁:

top | Abercrombie & Fitch long sleeve seamless squareneck bodysuit in white (i always love a good square neck!, wearing size S for size reference) — similar but short sleeves // satin cami
denim | GAP mid-rise relaxed boyfriend jeans in medium indigo (old) — similar by Old Navy
earrings | Mejuri charlotte bold hoops in gold vermeil
necklace | Anthropologie monogram pendant necklace
rings | Gorjana amara ring set
watch | Michael Kors darci watch in gold

the search: the search for a home was a longgggg journey. it took me almost two years to find it. but you know… they say that the right house comes along at the right time. it’s true. i looked at a lot of homes. it was exhausting. but after each one, i learned more about what i did and didn’t like. the thing is, there’s never a perfect home unless you build it from the ground up. there’s always going to be something “wrong” but i guess that’s where your must-have list comes into play. make a list of things you must-have in a home. for me, it was pretty simple: new-ish one-story home, 3 bed and 3 bath, one door garage, white kitchen. another thing to think about is location. always pick location over everything else because that is something you CANNOT change. the interior of the house? you can change. think about the things you can and cannot live with/without and prioritize. this house ended up being more than my price range but due to location i went all in. it was risky, but it was the best decision i’ve made. it’s funny how it happened. i jokingly sent the listing to my parents as a “wow wouldn’t this be nice?!” turns out they secretly scoped it out without me! i ended up putting in an offer without even looking at it and the rest is history. funny how it all works out! some other things to think about when buying a home: HOA fees (don’t pay hundreds a month! that is robbery!), and find a realtor who is wiling to give you back some of their commission.

year one: in my first year of homeownership, there were definitely tears. haha. it was hella stressful and feelings of biting off more than i could chew. everything was a DIY. i knew nothing about interior design. money was tight because i had signed my life away to this dwelling and i basically had ZERO furniture, i remember the first year there were echos in the house when i talked because i literally had nothing but a desk and a bed. i never realized how a lawn can grow at such an alarming rate in the summer, not to mention weeds. URGH. don’t get me started on weeds. my BFF was measuring tape. i friggin’ MEASURED everything. it was insane. i was at home depot on the daily it felt like. my father and i built a lot of furniture. i will say one thing, i became an expert at building the IKEA hemnes line. i can tell you with so much confidence that i am the woman for that haha. and hey, if you can build IKEA furniture by yourself and interpret those instructions that are only pictures..… there isn’t a thing in life that you cannot do!!!

year two: the second year, i got smart and finally allowed myself to hire professionals for lawn service & treatments. gosh it was the BIGGEST treat. at this point i realized i had problems of letting go, i had problems asking for help. i felt like i needed to save my money and do everything myself. but the problem was that i was also working multiple jobs (by choice) and it took a breakdown to realize… i just can’t do it all. i can’t. i’m one person and i need help. letting that aspect go was hard for me, and it sounds crazy right? however, i was still frugal. i barely turned on the heater or let the AC go down to a really cool state in the summer. i began to have my parent’s mentality “put on a sweater” haha. funny how we start to gravitate towards their ways as we grow up.

current: the third year was when i finally started to feel settled into here. no more furniture searching or worries about lawn care etc… this was also the year that COVID took our lives in weird directions. i lived a little more and allowed myself heat and AC. 🤣 it feels good to have a rhythm and flow now. to finally have the essentials. but the list never ends does it?! haha. at least now i can finally focus on elements that are nice-to-have but not-really-needed like some upgrades and decor. it’s a good place to be. finally.

random things i learned//

security & staying informed

homeownership apps: Next Door and private community Facebook page you can join (if applicable). though there’s lots of buzz and opinions on there (and people who have a lot of time to post), but there can be good info on what’s going on in the neighborhood. great way to stay informed and share information quickly. EX: used to identify a rattlesnake and to find someone to help me get rid of it!!!! you can also use it to sell/buy/give away home stuff too! also, Home Advisor is great & easy app for getting quotes for house projects/repairs
alarm system = GET IT. this is something you won’t regret. it’s money well spent to protect yourself and your assets. safety is always #1; you can’t put a price tag on it. you def don’t want to be in a spot of being robbed when an alarm system could’ve avoided that whole mess. also note, a permit is required to have a residential alarm system and of course that includes an annual fee! adulting comes with so many price tags they don’t tell you about!
surveillance system = GET IT. lemme tell you, there’s some funky stuff that happens that you don’t see. lol i have the arlo and love it! don’t want a set of cameras?, at least purchase a doorbell one such as the arlo doorbell or the Ring that allows you to talk through it without having to answer the door

documentation/tracking logs/$$$

keep track of all the permanent upgrades that you make to your house (inside and out)! i use Excel and keep track of everything i’ve added to the house. including the date added, dollar amounts, links to the items, contact info, model #s etc… it keeps a running total of the added value you’ve put into your home.
keep track of all your monthly expenses such as gas, utilities, water, internet, mortgage, HOA, security etc… this gives you an idea how much you’re spending a month that are strictly essential home expenses.
sometimes, enrolling in auto-pay or going paperless for your house bills can save you a little money, also pre-paying for services can also get you a little discount — rule of thumb, never hurts to ask!
add re-occurring events to your google calendar such as: changing the air filter (yearly), changing the refrigerator water filter (6 months), spraying the exterior of your house (yearly in spring), change out roach/ant bait for preventative measures (6 months)
extra money? put some of it towards your monthly mortgage payments, every little bit counts and gets you closer to paying off your house!
property taxes… now that’s something that’ll make you wanna cry. find a company that will protest your property taxes for you. they usually take a certain % but it takes one minute to sign up and they DO EVERYTHING FOR YOU. there is ZERO RISK and you only pay if they’re able to lower your property taxes. i use FiveStone. this is a no-brainer
get your homeowner’s and car insurance through the same company. sometimes they’ll give you a discount. also, when it comes to re-newing your policies, ask for a discount!!! i’ve shaved off at least $200 just by asking

exterior & pests

lawn service = GET IT. but first, know how to do it yourself so you have greater appreciation for those who do it for a living. nothing like mowing the lawn at 7AM in the Texas summer heat to make you feel humbled
lawn treatments = GET IT
there’s something weirdly satisfying about pulling a really large weed, roots and all. i can’t explain it. i won’t. yes, i actually went out and spent hours pulling weeds before = wasted time
every spring, spray the exterior of your home to prevent critters from crawling their way in. this is a good one. don’t skimp and do your hand a favor by paying more for the one touch continuous spray!
best ant bait: Terro liquid ant bait. don’t waste your time on the other stuff
best gift to a new homeowner: a bug zapper. because you know, sometimes you need to kill something without splattering its guts. when i see a critter i jump into HIGH-MODE. like there ain’t no time to even scream or be scared. i got this. also, you will see smoke coming from these zaps, it is no joke!
leaf guards for the gutters = a must

interior & misc

legit measuring tape is sharp. it will legit CUT YOU. speaking from experience
cleaning vents… well, now i know why you should hire a professional for that
painting is a lot harder than it seems
painters tape (aka: blue tap) is frigging NIFTY. it sticks and it doesn’t ruin things or walls. in thick and thin sizes
for the cabinets underneath the faucet, line the bottom and a little more of it with plastic so that when it leaks, it doesn’t entirely ruin your wooden cabinets (this is where painters tape is again handy)
when it comes to refrigerator water filters, buy the brand name. unless you like cleaning a huge water leak mess
want to donate something? you can always schedule a pick-up with The Salvation Army
dress up your IKEA furniture with nicer knobs
when it comes to interior design, you cannot go wrong with white. WHITE literally goes with everything. the upkeep isn’t fun. but if you don’t know what you’re doing start with white and add to your color scheme
when shopping for furniture the two things you should invest in: dining table, couch
smoke detector uses a 9V battery
when getting quotes for work done on your home always get three to compare
nothing like getting a little shocked/zapped/electrocuted to make you feel alive, couple of volts never hurt anyone, right?!! clearly it was an accident that won’t ever be happening again. like ever.
light bulb 101: lumens = brightness (measured in K, the higher, the brighter); watts = amt of power required; color (from low to high K) = warm (yellowish, usually for living rooms, bedrooms, dens), bright white (more white, usually for kitchens, office, bathrooms), daylight. LED is usually the way to go bc it saves energy, lasts longer, and doesn’t contain mercury. i also like motion sensor bulbs (automatically turns on when there is motion) for the front door and dawn to dusk sensing bulbs (automatically turns on at dusk, and off at dawn) for the front lights

cheers to having a place to call home,
JD

how to style a cropped cardigan

January 11, 2021

here we go 2021!

for the first post of 2021 i decided on a how-to. it’s been a while since i’ve purchased a cropped top but i have been intrigued by the cropped cardigan lately. if styled right, this type of cropped sweater could really go a long ways, lessening the price per wear and making it a piece to invest in. i’d go with a neutral color so it’s easy to match. crop tops don’t have to be intimidating! if you’re in the #over30 club, opt for high-waisted bottoms! the chenille texture of this cropped cardigan adds a casual and dressy element depending on how it’s styled. here i choose to go with a more elevated/dressy look styled four ways with a pair of pumps: 1. with a bias silk midi skirt, 2. with wide leg pants, 3. with skinny jeans, and 4. over a slip dress. more after the jump!

side ramblings: the year has already started off on a crazy note. i think it’s a sign to begin getting into my pre-COVID routine again. while i’ve enjoyed the rest i think it’s time to start getting into my routine again. starting with waking up at 5AM-ish again (gulp). also, my sis and i are on a houseplant kick. i think it’s to pass time but it’s really interesting learning about all the types of plants out there! hopefully i can start turning these black thumbs into light green ones. either way, i’m enjoying it and could use it to freshen up the space a little!

currently on my playlist: can’t look back by Mat Kearney

#1 - with a satin bias midi skirt which adds a nice texture play with the chenille cardigan! isn’t the caramel just the perfect tone?! they really nailed this one.

in general, cardigans are great layering pieces. something to grab when you need a light layer but don’t need a full blown jacket and they drape nicely over clothing without making you look frumpy or lazy. i’d also wear any of these styles casually by changing out the pumps with a pair of casual white sneakers! or maybe even some block heels or square toe slip on sandals 😊

#2 - with some high-waisted cropped wide leg pants. see how the neutral cropped cardi goes so well with navy too?!

#3 - with skinny jeans. i didn’t think i’d love these skinny jeans as much as i do! i’ve always been hesitant on the exposed button fly but these are so fun and the wash and length are perfect. these are an 11” rise so go past the belly button!!

#4 - over a slip dress. not sure about this color on me but you get it. any slip dress works! and you can button it or leave it open/un-buttoned!

top | Abercrombie & Fitch chenille cropped cardigan in cream (wearing size XS) — similar but waffle knit // similar but eyelash
skirt | Banana Republic heritage washable silk bias-cut skirt in camel (wearing size XS) — similar by Express
pants | Ann Taylor wide leg pants in navy (old) — similar by Everlane
denim | Abercrombie & Fitch high rise skinny jeans in medium wash (got mine in a short length! = no hemming needed; i really like the fit & wash on these. now getting used to the exposed button fly)
dress | Abercrombie & Fitch side slit slip midi dress in copper (wearing size S petite, and could’ve gone down to an XS petite) — similar with a knot detail // similar and on sale for $23 // similar by Reformation (love the side button detail)
shoes | Ann Taylor azra pumps in baked pecan (i LOVE this color!)
earrings | Mejuri charlotte bold hoops in gold vermeil
necklace | Amanda Deer coin toggle necklace in gold(sold out) — similar
rings | Gorjana amara ring set

rock the cropped cardi!,
JD

the sweater jogger set & valuing your time

December 28, 2020

peace out, 2020.

i’ve been wanting to say that for a long time now. oh wait, i have been. this year has been terrible. like everyone else, i’m tired of living in uncertainty and the lack of human interaction is wearing me down. but that’s okay! (insert the i’m fine, i’m fine meme) it’s all gonna be okay. at least that’s what i keep telling myself.

though the year seemed to drag itself, it also flew by. i can’t really explain it. like twilight zone material (GET ME OUT PLS!) but you feel me right?! for me, 2020 was spent in silence, introspection, and deeper sense of appreciation for what it means to LIVE life. as we enter 2021, there is no way but UP right? i mean anything has got to beat this year. 2020 has set the bar so low that whatever you set out to achieve, by golly i hope you better dang achieve it in 2021!! i do know after this year of rest, i’ll be out all day and night making up for lost time and food 🤣 on a more serious note, after some thought, all i really want this upcoming year to be about is putting more of my time towards things that are considered high value uses of time.

Pareto’s 80/20 principle has always intrigued me and my goal is to get better at it. the principle is that 80% of outcomes (or outputs) result from 20% of all causes (or inputs). i listened to The 80/20 Principle by Richard Koch on audible a while ago, and while the book is pretty repetitive and somewhat hard for the average joe-jane to implement in work/real life, it does offer a good list i wrote down and sharing after the jump. remember to use this list a guideline and not something that is absolute (nothing should ever be unless you’re getting steak, to which it should be a ribeye).

last random thoughts: this space for the last couple of months has offered me sanity. an escape from the “new norm” FORCING me to get really creative. that’s the thing about struggle is that it gives you the opportunity to pivot, to reinvent yourself. i used to think the best days of JDC have been lived. but now i’m not so sure (don’t quote me though). i’m actually shocked how much i did all on my own. but of course, thank you for cheering me on! see you in 2021, cheers friends!

currently on my playlist: love is the answer by Aloe Blacc

“cause love is the answer. it’s the answer to the questions in your mind. love is the answer. if you’re looking it’s the answer you gonna find. love is the answer. it’s the only thing that everybody needs. love is the answer. it’s the only thing that makes us truly free.”

— Aloe Blacc

the sweater jogger set & valuing your time -- jannadoan.com

note: “results” are relative to each individual. the idea is to abandon the low value uses of time and and find ways to mold your life/job towards high value uses of time. something to ponder and refer to as we close out 2020 and enter 2021. use the lists a guidelines vs. absolute. remember, it’s all about taking something and making it yours.

a lil blurb about this two piece set. as if i needed another one. but these are actually made from really nice sweater-like-stretchy-material. perfect for when you wanna feel a lil chic but also wanna be comfy.

top | Abercrombie & Fitch crewneck lounge sweater in tan (wearing size XS, could’ve gone S too since it’s slightly a short top) — also avail in a turtleneck
bottom | Abercrombie & Fitch sweater joggers in tan (wearing size S)
necklace | etsy monogram necklace in dearest daddy initials (1.25" and 20" chain)
earrings | Shashi always earrings — also avail on Amazon
mug | Anthropologie monogram mug
breakfast table | CB2 odyssey white tulip dining table in white top/white base
chairs | IKEA TOBIAS chair in clear/chrome plated