travel diary -- italy (venice & milan)

buongiorno!

i spent the earlier part of august in Europe and it was an AMAZING trip. it feels SO GOOD to finally mark it off my [short] bucket list. it’s a place i wanted to see for so long and it fills me with so much happiness and gratitude to be able to finally make that journey over there & experience it with my family. the fashion. the food. the shopping. the architecture. all of it was so beautiful so as you can imagine, coming back to reality was hard. but i’m so ready to document this trip here on JDC!

we spent two weeks in Europe — our destinations were Italy (Venice & Milan, covered here) and France (Lyon & Paris, next post). two weeks was a long time to be away from home. i was really feeling it at 1.5 weeks but the plane ride to get there was so long that the stay had to be worthwhile. we probably went at the worst time as this huge heat wave was hitting all of Europe — and some places don’t have AC. on top of that, this is apparently the time everyone takes holiday in Europe so a lot of places we planned to eat at were closed. there was a lot of improvising and deviating from the itinerary. but isn’t that nice? just close up shop for however long! the Europeans know how to live life! before diving in, i must thank my jetsetter sister & BIL for planning this entire trip! that was a huge task and i’m so glad they took care of all of us! they’ve been before so we were in good hands.

>>> IG REELS for more visual & music: VENICE & MILAN

packing was a challenge because it was a long stay but i didn’t want to check anything in. i picked lightweight fabrics and pieces that would dry quickly. this included linen, cotton, lyocell etc.. for shoes, i packed flip flops (to wear in the hotel/AirBnB #germaphobe) and a pair of KEDS. yep, two pairs of shoes. i picked a lot of casual dresses, some athleisure (note: wearing athleisure makes you really stand out as a tourist in these cities because the locals do not wear that stuff!), shorts, tees, and tanks. NO jeans or pants, nothing tight fitting (bc hello, carbs) && i didn’t even bring any jewelry/flashy either.

currently on my playlist: hold me closer by Elton John & Britney Spears

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top | Quince vintage wash tencel camp shirt in white (wearing size XS)
bottoms | Quince 100% european linen shorts in black (wearing size S, probably could’ve gone w an XS)
shoes | Keds x Kate Spade champion leather sneakers in rose dew pink (old) — original canvas champions #teamkeds // also love the ace

VENICE

famous Rialto Bridge

bell tower outside of Doge's Palace

inside Doge’s Palace

quiet streets of Venice

wall of cured meats at the grocery store!

i didn’t realize Venice was a destination that will one day be underwater so i’m glad i was able to see it. it’s historic!! everything is basically ANCIENT. for the most part, people don’t drive cars, they take water taxis. it’s interesting. imagine how trash works there?! or how one buys furniture or pieces that are too large to walk home with?!?! once we arrived we took a water taxi back to the AirBnB. it was scorching hot out but we basically walked everywhere that our feet would carry us. we hit the ground running with gelato & pasta. and it was like the for days. being a city on water… i felt like the island was moving the whole time i was there. so did my sister and mom. apparently, it’s a real thing that doesn’t go away for a while!

one of the best stories was that i’m pretty sure the AirBnB (ancient) was haunted LOL my brother and i heard some weirddd sounds one night. the other was that when we took the water taxi to the train station to Milan, in the midst of boarding the water taxi in really turbulent water, my brother forgot one luggage on the dock. he didn’t realize it until we got to the train station, and turned back around. to everyone’s shock (and always to thomas’ luck) it was still there! he’s a lucky SOB. you know those people where life just automatically works for them, like always?!?! that’s my brother.

attractions //

  • Doge’s Palace — if you’re a big history person this would be worth it. but it was SO HOT (no AC or ventilation) that we just scanned the whole thing and left quickly. honestly, the outside is worth an IG photo/visit IMO. but the tour, i’d skip.

  • San Marco Plaza & Bell Tower — the plaza is such a beautiful open space in the middle. the bell tower allows you to see some breathtaking views of Venice via elevator.

eateries //

  • Nico gelato — one of the better pistacho gelatos.

  • Lo Squero gelato — small but really GOOD.

  • Nevodi — resys required. this was probably my favorite meal in Venice. the pasta nevodi was PURE BLISS.

  • Rossopomodoro — i think this is a chain but the zuccini pasta dish was so good! also enjoyed the

  • Cantina Do Spade — originally we wanted to go to All’Arco but it was closed for construction. so my BIL found this spot since we really wanted to try the cicchetti (small snacks or side dishes [think tapas?], and mostly served on a slice of bread. i really enjoyed cicchetti and will need to find a fix somewhere…)

favorite meal: pasta nevodi (with prawns and pistachio pesto) + aperol spritz

things i learned //

  • bread + a really good olive oil (am i crazy to say it tastes even better there?!) + a sprinkle of freshly ground pepper & salt is all you really need. the italians really like balsamic vinegar in this dipping mix too!

  • aperol spritz. when in venice, one must sip on an aperol spritz.

  • gondola ride in the canals does not equal a gondola ride in turbulent waters from one island to the next. we tried this to save some money on the water taxi and it was worth it. just grasp on for dear life 🤣

  • grocery stores have a wall dedicated to curated meats!! i was in heaven.

  • there is no tipping! apparently, it’s just an American thing!!!

  • italians like their pasta a smidge before al dente

  • brushetta in the states does not equal brushetta in italy

  • they call it “take away” not “to-go”

  • coffee is meant to be consumed hot. ICED coffee? not really a thing there

MILAN

Golden Triangle (boutique shopping)

CELINE (my fave handbag designer)

in Milan, my baller brother hooked it up at the Park Hyatt. as always, he picks the best hotel with grand service. not only was the service one of the best i’ve received, it was in the perfect location. literally right outside of the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II = hello shopping! Milan was the city that kicked off all the shopping. from designer, to boutiques and department stores. it was endless. it was very different from Venice, like we were finally back at civilization again lol. at this point in the trip, most were tired of pasta and pizza (i know, it is possible) so we ventured out to asian & greek food and there is nothing to note here except the one korean place i have listed below under eateries. needless to say, i really enjoyed Milan despite the lack of photos.

some notable memories was ordering room service with my brother at midnight for a lamb chop (right after he came back from the gym and told me he broke the mirror because he forgot the weights are in KG! hahaha). it was probably one of the best ones i’ve had! the Park Hyatt also offered comp breakfast every morning and it was so nice to sit and enjoy breakfast with everyone. i also got to accompany mama Doan to help her purchase her first designer bag in person. she deserves it! we also went to this vietnamese place for dinner (not good), and we learned that the owners were chinese so there’s that.

attractions //

  • Duomo — pretty sight to see from the outside, but nothing super spectacular in terms of the tour.

  • Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II — luckily this was right on the strip of the Park Hyatt Milan. major shopping center in with designer brands. the atrium is beautiful and a sight to see!

  • Golden Triangle — outdoor shopping area spreading across a couple of streets. here’s where mama doan bought her first designer bag in person!

eateries //

  • PECK — a gourmet grocery store where you will want to buy everything. fresh pastas, olive oil galore, sauces, ready-to-eat food.

  • Caccio gelato — this was my FAVORITE gelato place. my gosh.

  • Zia Esterina Sorbillo — this is a famous fried pizza place. it was piping hot. the dough was super soft but i wasn’t a fan for some reason. too hot to enjoy and the contents were all melted at the bottom making it harder to eat.

  • Hana — yummy korean place we tried. i had the pork belly dish!

Duomo

France coming at cha next!,
JD

it's about time

time & courage.

gosh where to begin?! let’s talk about taking a break from social media for 5 months. IT WAS THE BEST! completely unplugging was amazing — i didn’t worry about content, or what others were doing, i was just FREE to BE. i support the social media detox and may do this every summer when it becomes too hot to do anything. some life events happened such as: my little (not so little) cousin graduated from RICE! my father retired (so proud of him!), AND…. i spent TWO WEEKS in Europe! (finally marked off my bucket list! and blog posts already in the queue about this!).

you can find me in deep thoughts over here on the topics of time and courage. but why you ask? approaching 38, that’s what i’ll blame it on. more after the jump!

currently on my playlist: about damn time by Lizzo

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time // time is a thief! i find myself wanting time to slow down even more so than before. i see my niece and nephew growing up so quickly, my parents aging and it makes me wish that i could stop time & savor all the moments — where did time go? i guess that’s the sad thing about it… is that it waits on no one. it’s the most valuable currency. i feel like most of us live day to day, routine through routine as if each day is given and predictable, that we forget to go about it more intentionally. it makes you question, am i spending my time on the right people and things? am i creating a meaningful life i’m proud of? what if i didn’t have much time left, what would i do differently, how would i change the way i live/love? how would i approach each day? deep thoughts. i know. but makes you wonder. i also watched some time warp movies such as The Lake House and Long Story Short which amplifies these types of thoughts. just something to ponder about life. see what no social media does to ya?! 😄

courage // have you seen 'the call to courage by Brene Brown’? if not, it’s available on Netflix and i highly recommend you watch it. i’ve seen it 2-3x now. each time it’s a tearjerker. it’s funny how we grew up thinking that vulnerability is a sign of weakness. Brene teaches that the irony is that is in order for us to experience love, belonging, and joy, we have to be vulnerable. and to be vulnerable requires you to be brave/courageous. i for one am terrible at vulnerability. but it’s something i’m working on. Brene describes vulnerability as uncertainty, risk, and emotional exposure; all of which are terrifying to me. it wasn’t until my late 30s that courage and vulnerability became more prominent in my life. BUT it makes me wonder what my life would be/look like if my younger self took more chances, put myself out there more, and played it bigger? unfortunately, time is that unrenewable resource, there is no going back. having the self-awareness of your shortcomings is always the first step to make those life changes for the better. Brene also goes into talking about vulnerability in the workplace which i found very interesting. below are my favorite quotes from Brene’s Netflix special:

today, i choose courage over comfort. i can’t make a commitment for tomorrow, but today i’m going to choose to be brave.

vulnerability isn’t about winning or losing. it’s having the courage to show up when u can’t control the outcome.

vulnerability is hard, scary, and feels dangerous. but not as hard, scary, or dangerous as getting to the end of your life and having to ask yourself what if… what if i would’ve shown up? what if i would have said i love you, what if xyz. show up, be seen, answer the call to courage, because you’re worth it. you are worth being brave.

-Brene Brown

dress | J.Crew daydream dress in white linen (perfect for family photos) — similar but short sleeve // similar by Tuckernuck // love this one in blue & white floral print // similar but sleeveless
earrings | Mejuri charlotte bold hoops in gold vermeil
watch | Michele 29 mm deco diamond watch in gold and silver
rings | gorjana diamond row ring in 14K gold // gorjana diamond stacking ring in 14K gold

xx,
JD

photo credit: lil blogger sis @simplyyvan

the taupe knit dress two ways

hey y’all! it’s me.

i love transitional pieces. when i saw this knit dress during the @shopbop sale a while back, i picked it up thinking it’ll be a fun piece that can be worn casually and easily dressed up as well. the criss-cross halter style was also another selling point since i didn’t have anything quite like it in my closet. the fabric (knit) is light enough to wear all year-round and though i find it a smidge long, it passes as a maxi without having to get it hemmed on my 5’2” short self. to style it casually, i took a white button down (classic staple) and tied it into a knot over the dress and added a tote bag, and flat sandals (white sneaks will also do!). i dressed it up with some strappy black heels and croc-effect shoulder bag. ta-da. simple as that. the taupe color makes it that easy!

side ramblings: while i didn’t anticipate on taking a month off of socials, it. was. so. great. i spent that time ORGANIZING like crazy! and it felt so good to get some things done that have been on the never-ending home list. but y’all. i organized all the under-the-sink-black-holes and the refrigerator. now everything is what i like to call an “organized mess.” often times i just open the fridge, pantry, or under the sink and just stare at how everything has its own place (clearly i need a life). there are some cool organizing gadgets out there i learned about so i may do a post on it!

currently on my playlist: about damn time by Lizzo (fitting for the timeliness, or not, of this post)

styled casually: layered with a white button down tied into a front knot, flat sandals, and tote bag!

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styled for evening: with strappy heels & a croc-effect shoulder bag for more texture!

dress | line and dot dre knit dress in taupe (currently on sale! wearing size S) — same dress sold by Zappos // similar by Banana Republic but open back (more dressy)
top | GAP boyfriend button down (old) — similar // similar but gauze
shoes | Shein cut out sandals (old) — similar and $40 // similar // similar with padded footbed // similar by Sam Edelman
earrings | Mejuri charlotte bold hoops in gold vermeil
bag | MANGO semi circle croc effect bag in black (old) — similar
watch | Michele 29 mm deco diamond watch in gold and silver
rings | gorjana diamond row ring in 14K gold // gorjana diamond stacking ring in 14K gold

until next time,
JD

photo credit: @wanderlustanita

how to wear a suit

THE power suit.

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

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

  1. cut: do not wear anything baggy or oversized

  2. color: do not pick solid colors of black, navy, gray, or brown (unless this is the look you’re going for)

  3. top: do not layer the top with a crisp white button down

  4. shoes: do not wear flats

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

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

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

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

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

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

01 | cut

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

02 | color

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

03 | layering

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

04 | shoes

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

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

march favorites

a look back at march faves!

i can’t believe we’re in mid-April already! a quarter of 2022 gone. this is my second post of this new series, see first one here. there are some good gems explained in detail so don’t wait another second on clicking the read more button below!

side ramblings: the JD x @J.Crew Spring Styling Event was a success in my books! if you dropped by, thank you! it’s still crazy that i was given this opportunity. i am so grateful - it’s the little victory i needed to keep going. because sometimes, in this arena, it’s easy to get lost and feel as though your content or words aren’t making a difference, or going as far as you want them to, or it’s getting lost in the algorithm. but it just takes that ONE person to see your worth & what you bring to the table. and that ONE person can change the game for you. sounds a lot like relationships and job interviews too! so keep your head up, keep going, keep working, and keep doing you! on another note, here’s my latest contribution to @thesavvylife.co on onigiri!

noteable sales: not sure if this is going to be a permanent section on the blog, but @abercrombie is having a 25% off sale, use code : AFLTK at checkout until 04/12. if you follow me, i’ve been wearing a lot of their clothes!!! here are some summer tops (& others) to get us ready for that 100F weather 😐 but A&F has really stepped up their game the past couple of years. i find myself browsing their site frequently and they have sizing for petites and tall so far! here are some tops i purchased and/or eyeing:

currently on my playlist: every second by Mina Okabe

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01 | Paddywax candle in palo santo suede

this. smells. so. good!!! i purchased this at Austin Gift Co. (BTW, if you haven’t been here it is a mecca! a great place when you’re looking for a gift for someone. they also feature a lot of local small businesses!). it smells so good that i haven’t burned it. i know it’s crazy but everytime i smell it, it makes me so happy. top notes include: african ginger, lemon zest, bergamont, crushed red pepper; base notes: cedar, sandalwood, dark teakwood. there used to be a @paddywax here but unfortunately it closed during the pandemic. i loved the make your own candle class so much! but at least you can still purchase them online.

also avail on amazon // re-packaged in yin & yang // and blue glass // this one looks interesting by Target

02 | lululemon everywhere belt bag in pale blue

so… i actually have two of these now. only when something is really good do i purchase another in a different color. this bag went viral on tiktok so i had to see the hype. during the holidays i was able to snag the sherpa one and i ended up loving it more than i thought i would. it fits my mini wallet, puracy hand sanitizer, keys, and there’s a back zipper pocket that fits my iPhone 12 perfectly for easy access. i usually wear it as a sling bag but it goes great with athleisure and the hands-free is SO NICE.

03 | Peace Out retinol eye stick

i looked at a photo the other day and the lines are becoming more prominent around the eye area. so i took immediate action with this retinol stick. i use an eye treatment twice a day but this one has retinol to target the eye wrinkles and the application is interesting being a stick. i warm is up on my ring finger and then slide it across my lower eyes, then i’ll rub what on my ring finger into the same area. i use retinol moisturizers but i think there needs to be one that can help those areas closer to the eye. this is just for that! so far no breakouts or irritation!

04 | Natrium the glow getter multi-oil body wash

it’s crazy to think how much oils are in my routine. after testing out the Le Labo mandarin shower oil, i was on the hunt for something more budget friendly. i found this brand that i’ve heard good things about in regards to the cleansing balm, but i noticed they had a shower oil && they sell it at target!!! it’s not as thick of an oil as the Le Labo but it will do. i’m not super crazy about the smell, it smells like peaches? but it dissipates quickly and seems to leave my skin more moisturized. i can see it coming super handy in the winter.

05 c/o | True Botanicals renew nourishing cleanser

i’ve been using this for a couple of weeks as a morning cleanser and like it! True Botanicals has very relaxing smells to their all-natural products and this one is no exception. it’s the perfect relaxing way to start the day IMO. it has a milky consistency that feels very hydrating on the skin. again, i love the amber glass packaging — so luxe on the vanity!

until next time!,
JD

JD x J.Crew spring 2022

#springvibes in full swing

besides all the pollen in the air. there’s something else. there has to be. lately i’ve been feeling inspired by spring fashion and have been on a legit spree. i can’t help it. loving all the colors, florals, crop tops, wide leg pants etc… ontop of that, the weather in #ATX has been perfect (almost a little too warm actually) but i’m enjoying every moment of it before it gets unbearable. #happy

YOU’RE INVITED!

the Janna Doan x J.Crew Spring Styling Event is coming up real soon!!

when? // sunday, 04/10/2022

time? // from 2-5PM

where? // J.Crew at the Domain // 11501 Century Oaks Terrace Suite 137 (across from Starbucks)

what? // come say howdy!, shop the spring collection, get styled!

light treats // tate’s cookies & san pellegrino

RSVP below! 😊

my J.Crew pictures came back and for once in over 2+ years i have some professional photos!!! GAH i’m so excited to share them with you — it feels good to get back out there again. here, i’m featuring two items from the J.Crew Spring 2022 collection. the J.Crew puff sleeve cropped top was an unexpected like. it has spring written all over it and comes in a couple of prints too. #styletip: pair it with high waisted straight or skinny jeans, wide leg pants, and skirts. i love the sweetheart neckline (drawn to them lately) with the front pleat detail, and the puff sleeve. you can also pull the sides down and wear it off-the-shoulder for a flirty look too! = versatile. also, it’s so perfect with those purple flowers overhead isn’t it? in terms of sizing i’m wearing a S which is typical in crop tops.

the second is the J.Crew linen daydream dress featuring a puff sleeve and side slit. it’s lined so no need to worry about it being see-thru. i also like how it’s linen that you can wash. i found the fit to have a little more than normal material in the hip area so i sized down to an XS. it flows so nicely and despite reviews, i like the side slit. i paired it with a straw bag and flat sandals. on top of being a great vacay dress, it is also great dress for brunch with the girls as well!

here are my other J.Crew #picks from the Spring 2022 line that you need in your closet STAT:

  1. J.Crew sedona basket bag — what’s too many basket bags? asking for a friend…

  2. J.Crew wide leg eco cupro pant in palest peach — this is such a fun print!! the eco cupro is a very luxe fabric too, so i’ll be eyeing this when it goes on sale. also has a matching blazer.

  3. J.Crew button down cotton poplin dress in white floral — i tried the regular size on in store and recommend the petite sizing if you’re shorter than 5’2” like me. i love the neckline and print!

  4. J.Crew kate straight leg pant in gentle sea — also has a matching blazer.

  5. J.Crew eco cupro slip dress in pale mocha — this probably isn’t part of the Spring 2022 collection, but i purchased this today since i’ve been eyeing it for months and it’s finally 30% off. like i said, the cupro fabric is very luxe feeling. almost like a suede silk!

side ramblings: i can’t believe this event @JCrew is happening NEXT WEEKEND!! so crazy. i can’t wait and hope to see you there! stop by to say howdy, get styled by me, or shop the spring collection! #lifeisgood #grateful

noteable sale: the @sephora sale for VIBers begin 04/05-04/11 so get your carts ready! i know mine is… overflowing. but at least with new things i want to try? here’s a peek of what’s in my cart right now 😁 what’s in yours? per savvymama Doan, this is the best time to stock up on favorites or try something new. and she ain’t wrong.

currently on my playlist: summer feelings by Lennon Stella ft. Charlie Puth

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wearing the sleeves down as an off the shoulder style! #versatile

top c/o | J.Crew puff sleeve organic cotton cropped top in white
dress | J.Crew linen daydream dress in french blue (sized down to XS)
denim | AGOLDE riley high rise straight jeans in shatter (obsessed with these!!) — same ones from Revolve // diff wash and on sale for $131
shoes | Keds ace sneakers in white leather — also eyeing the Superga
watch | Michele 29 mm deco diamond watch in gold and silver
bag | Nordstrom straw circle bag (old) — similar from Lulu’s for $38 /// similar with round top handles // tote style from Target for $40

happy spring shopping!,

JD

photo credit: lil blogger sis @simplyyvan

the scalp journey

i’m doing it. i’m talking about things that itch. 🤣

i’m calling this my scalp journey because for the past couple of years my scalp was not having it. it’s one of those changes that just happen… with age. gotta love aging! one day you’re young and hip, the next day you’re scrambling to try all scalp products to alleviate the itchiness. thankfully, mine wasn’t severe as others who end up with blood or lesions and such. but it wasn’t normal for me. when you think about it, the scalp is an extension of your face so it really needs to be treated right.

the first thing i did was cut out dry shampoo and anything that would cause product build up. i began to realize that wasn’t necessarily the cause (i use so little) but it was that my scalp was DRY. i’ll link everything i tried along the way but ultimately, it came down to a hair oil which i had zero expectations of working. i actually only tried the brand because i wanted to see the hype… but it actually worked out for me. funny how it works out. more after the jump.

side ramblings: #swsw2022 was FUN! a lot more tame this year since i’m out of the loop on a lot of things but nonetheless, it was great seeing old friends again. life actually felt normal-ish again for once and for that i’m grateful. it’s funny bc it was almost a test of my own covid anxieties to see what situations i’m comfortable with and react in. but it all went well & in fact i made a couple of new friends/connections (my fave part). the past 1.5 weeks have been full of events and whether they are sxsw-related or not, they’re in bullet point format below:

  • @musesumoficecream — the museum of ice cream opened in ATX a while back but i tagged along with PIC @wanderlustanita to check out and it was such a fun night! check out snaps below

  • @oonihq — cutest lil countertop pizza oven that hosted an event inviting all the main pizza players in ATX: @doughboysatx, @sammataro.pizza, @showmepizza, @justinesbrasserie. literally the best pizza party ever. i haven’t tried any until now and they are ALL on my list

  • @trudysdelmar — highly recommend the carrot cake toast sundae

  • @chanel.beauty — pop-up that will be here until 04/24. the space is so beautiful!! i love that they offer classes and one-on-ones

  • @chefaz — apparently chef Andrew Zimmern is a celebrity and guess who got a photo with him? MEEEEE

  • @tindlefoods — plant-based chicken. pretty good for being plant-based

  • @besameatx — checked out the ice cream cookie sandwich collaboration with @getcookierich and @atasteofkoko’s lucky charm ice cream was good!!

  • @doughboysatx — garlic knots are a must but prob not safe on a date

  • @whambambagels — finally got to try @rosensbagelco bagels and they are YUM

  • @spokesmancoffee — pretty good matcha and i’ll be trying their coffee next time

  • @texassushiko — was ok. my friend and i ordered one of each handroll and i only loved the salmon skin

  • @stelmobrewing — bought the brunch beer for my BIL (hefeweizen + cara cara oranges)

two other things before signing off… but one, i picked up my tesla that i’ve wanted for years!!! two, (and i can barely believe i’m typing this)… but i will be working with… (insert drum roll) J.CREW!!!!!! this is a dream come true for me #pinchme. i’ve tried to manifest this collaboration for years and it’s finally here. it’s a brand i’ve wanted to work with ever since i started this site and it’s going to happen! it’s going to be a styling event “Janna Doan x J.Crew Spring Styling Event” featuring their spring line on 04/10. more coming soon, but i feel so lucky and grateful & hope you share this excitement with me 😊

currently on my playlist: pressure by James Vickery ft. SG Lewis

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the bondi boost elixir hair oil — call it liquid gold? is a pre-wash treatment. that means you apply it 15-minutes before showering. it’s time consuming. and the thought of putting oil in my hair seemed daunting but desperate times call for desperate measures. the oil works wonders and i massage a good 3-4 pumps into my scalp. AHHH… finally i can go days with an itch. and have perfected the washing of my hair 2x a week = WHOOO!!! don’t get me started on all the #hairmath that occurs when a woman needs to figure out all activities and when to wash her hair. the oil is thick. i usually concentrate it on the ends as well. the next one i’m trying is JVN complete pre-wash scalp and hair treatment oil to see what the hype is about.

other items i’m currently using //

  • Kevin Murphy scalp.spa scrub — i’ve tried a couple scrubs that are mainly salt-based but didn’t really LOVE any. this one feels good and while it’s a little hard to get out bc the particles are ones that disintegrate, it has helped and use it 1x a week — this will remain in the rotation.

  • Bondi Boost dandruff shampoo — this contains zinc pyrithione and peppermint oils to help soothe the scalp and any flakes. this will remain in the rotation and i use it 1x a week.

  • Bondi Boost HG shampoo — this is a clear shampoo which i wasn’t expecting. lathers nicely so you don’t need a lot. it doesn’t have a scent though FYI.

  • Bondi Boost HG conditioner — cream white but i find this a little hard to rinse out for some reason — feels soapy-ish. a little goes a long way.

  • Virtue smooth shampoo — the Bondi Boost shampoo + conditioner don’t have any fragrance to it. while that can be a good thing as fragrances can be an irritant, it still feels weird not using something with a little smell. so i always mix in a dollop of this. i am also a fan of Kevin Murphy shampoos and interested in the Crown Affair ritual shampoo as well.

  • Bumble & Bumble hairdresser’s invisible oil — i was using @olaplex bonding oil but i’ve heard so many bad things about olaplex and felt i was using a lot of hair with their shampoo + conditioner so immediately stopped using that brand. just check the reddit threads. there’s a new brand i saw that i’ll be purchasing Crown Affair the hair oil (more clean ingredients). i’ve also heard good things about VERB ghost oil too.

  • Mason Pearson popular mixture brush — yes… why yes it is ridiculous to spend $240 on a hair brush. actually the only reason why i purchased this was bc it was on costco for $100 and even then it was a hard pill to swallow. it’s an iconic brush and many people swear by it. as someone who doesn’t brush their hair (like ever) i think it was time to invest to help stimulate the scalp and distribute the oils from the roots to the ends. i read quite a bit on boar bristles and i see the science behind it but i still can’t get over the price tag. here’s a more affordable option by Crown Affair the brush no.1 or the S-Heart-S scalp brush.

  • Oribe serene scalp smoothing leave-on hair treatment — i haven’t used this much but intend on using it as a moisturizer for my scalp. tube looks tiny and Oribe isn’t cheap so…

#hairgame is something i’m constantly trying to work on. i think great hair care comes from the root. it’s good to keep heat damage down, use less products to avoid product build-up, wash your hair with room temp water vs. hot (i’ve also heard that a cold wash at the end helps seal it all in but haven’t gone that far yet), give it the moisture and love it needs (as you would with your face), don’t wash your hair daily, brush the scalp to help stimulate the hair follicles.

past products that did not work //

time to up the hair game!,
JD