the wide leg pant roundup

the pant that’s here to stay!

for the last year or two, wide leg pants have been IN. my own collection of wide leg pants also grew and lately, i find myself reaching for them over jeans or dresses (shocking, i know since i am a total dress girl). jeans are a great bottom option, but there’s not many colors to pick from. with wide leg pants there are endless colors and materials to pick from! and ahem, they are more forgiving than denim jeans - extra handy when the food baby kicks in 😆 the tricky thing about wide leg pants, for me at least, is the length. i’m short at 5’2” and hemming usually needs to happen which deters me from purchasing a lot (guess this is good thing). i rarely do alterations unless it’s something i just can’t live without. the good news is that wide leg pants can be cropped (whoo!) and there are retailers that offer short/petite sizing to help with this!

in this post, i round up my favorite wide leg pants that i wear over and over. they are staples in my closet and it’s really hard not to buy all the colors! more after the jump.

side ramblings: #SXSW kicked off last week and it does feel a little strange to not participate this year. there’s always next year! i’ve been watching Golden Girls and i love how the show (aired in 1985) is still hilarious and relevant in 2024. a true classic! and similar to Modern Family, there’s a nugget of wisdom in each episode 😊 also, can we take a moment to discuss daylight savings? what is it about the one-hour time change that can really screw with you?! 🫠

currently on my playlist: good thing going on by Mat Kearney (another solid hit by my all time favorite artist)

currently reading: about to finish hook, line, and sinker by Tessa Bailey and start my book club read the island of sea women by Lisa See

wearing the Aritzia the effortless pant in light birch (runs small, so size up! wearing size 6)

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01. Aritzia the effortless pant

these pants are LUXE and dressy. they are made from a japanese crepe material and they are probably my favorite. i own two pairs and the shorts too 😉 unfortunately, even though these come in a short length, they’re too short imo. so i purchase the regular length and get them tailored (so that tells you how great they are). they are also high-waisted so perfect with crop tops!

sizing: runs small, so size up! i usually purchase a 6 regular.

great for: a night out with a dressy top with low strappy heels or for work with a button down or sweater.

02. Abercrombie & Fitch sloane tailored pant

these pants were all the rage in 2022 and 2023. so much that it still remains a staple today. they were viral on tiktok when they first came out so it was hard to find sizes. i have them in three colors? i love that they’re easy. but i have read that they pill which is sad. i haven’t run into this issue yet. the material of the sloane is not as luxe as the Artizia’s but they are a great alternative when you’re looking for fun colors! i purchase these in a short length and they are perfect! these are also high-waisted.

sizing: runs small, so size up! i usually purchase a 27 short.

great for: cool girl brunch vibes with a casual crop top or tee with white sneakers or flat strappy sandals (add a baseball cap for good measure!)

03. Ann Taylor the kate wide leg crop pant

these are my OG intro into wide leg pants. of course, they are cropped but still, they count! i have these in over 8+ colors. it’s so hard when they come out with new colors every. season. they’re a great casual-cotton-cropped pant and literally go with everything. these are also high-waisted. each year they refine the design a little more and they’ve really perfected it.

sizing: true to size. 2 petite.

great for: casual friday, with a t-shirt for errands when you want to look put together with sneakers.

rock all the wide leg pants!,
JD

how to style the sezane will jacket

the jacket for all seasons

luckily, my partnership with Sézane continues I decided to go with the Sézane will jacket #gifted that i’ve been eyeing for a while now and it comes in so many colors to choose from! i wasn’t sure how it would look on me due to length. turns out, i had nothing to worry about 🙂 it reminds me of a utility jacket but more sleek and structured. BTW, the utility jacket is my go-to travel jacket. i take it on every. single. trip. with me because honestly, it goes with EVERYTHING and it has functional pockets. i was hoping the will jacket would do the same in a more elevated way and it did not disappoint. the pockets are very deep and i love how the material keeps its structure since it is denim-like.

here, i decided to style it a couple of different ways. it’s all about versatility #amirite! i’ve always wanted to belt something like this and i love how it turned out. you can layer it (even over a dress which i have always wanted to try), belt it, and wear it as a top itself like a button down. you can dress it up and you can dress it down. check out all four looks after the jump!

side ramblings: 2024. it’s been a slowwww start here full of self-care. i’ve been enjoying spending time at home working on my paint-by-numbers, upgrading the home office, reading, playing mah jong, watching Modern Family with my parents, going down reddit thread rabbit holes about mechanical keyboards (new hobby) and trader joes (of course). it’s been a grand time!

invites + on the radar //

  • with this timely post, Sézane’s Austin pop-up opens on Friday, 03/08 at 1011 S. Congress Avenue Suite 130 (between Everlane and All Birds at Music Lane)! i was able to preview the store this past weekend and it is gorgeous. makes me miss Paris! i hope it becomes a permanent boutique in Austin🤞 hours of operation: Open Monday to Saturday: 10 am to 7 pm and Sundays: 11 am to 6 pm. stop by and check them out! it’s also a great way to try on their sizes if you are unsure and feel all their luxe fabrics and textiles!

  • i was invited into The Guest House // @welcometgh earlier this week and i gotta say, it was an AMAZING experience 💯 i loved all. the. dishes., the service, and the ambiance was 110% swanky. i’ll be returning soon! dishes ordered: complimentary brioche (OMG LAYERED GOODNESS), steak tartare, traditional caviar service, parmesean truffle crusted filet, miso mushrooms, the garden dessert (a must), and the tres leches x tiramisu dessert! they will be opening the take away section soon (and i hope they have that brioche available!) and the little outdoor wine garden! so happy to see this space filled on 2nd street!

other notable eats lately //

currently on my playlist: headlights home by Mat Kearney

currently reading: hook, line, and sinker by Tessa Bailey

LOOK 1 - layered over a t-shirt or layered over a t-shirt and belted

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LOOK 1: belted

LOOK 1: layered openly over a graphic t-shirt

LOOK 2. as a top itself. for good measure, just three buttons only + an ever so slight pop in the collar

LOOK 3. over athleisure

LOOK 4. over a dress & belted

jacket c/o | Sézane will jacket in khaki (sized down to a XS)
dress | Old Navy eyelet midi dress (very old) — similar but a maxi with classy cut outs!
denim c/o | Everlane kick crop jeans in white (very old) — similar by Madewell // similar by J.Crew Factory // loving these wide leg ones!
top | J.Crew Factory le weekend t-shirt (so old) — similar Paris one! // this striped one would go so perfectly too!
belt | Ann Taylor waist belt (old) — similar and love the one by Sezane
leggings | Athleta salutation stash 7/8 tight in black — similar on Amazon for $29
sports top | Amazon high neck sports bra crop top in white

until next time,
JD

the 2023 book roundup

ending 2023 on a “book” note!

at the beginning of this year i made a simple goal to read 12 books (one book a month). back in the day i was a HUGE bookworm. i read SO. MUCH. my parents used to yell at me for…. reading. too much. crazy right?! if there is one thing i kept up with this year, it was reading. proud of myself for sticking to it and it was a great reminder of why i fell in love with reading in the first place. i missed getting lost in a book. these days it’s more about a escape. often times i found myself reading late into the night since i wanted to know the rest of the storyline and what happens to the characters. i read a lot of fiction romance/beach/light hearted reads. since, well, let’s be honest, romance in books is so much better than real life, hence the escape. 😆 however, every couple of books i switch it up with some non-fiction or a non-romance novel. my 2023 book list and my favorites of the bunch after the jump. 📚

i’m joining the game late here, but towards the end of the year i started to look into free resources to read books. because they can get pricey depending on how much you read. enter the LIBRARY! i went and opened a library card and i was AMAZED by the amount of resources available. i mean the last time i went to the Austin public library i was probably in elementary school. after opening my library card (all you need to do is fill out a form and show your ID) i was able to download the Libby app and hoopla app and realized the crazy amount of resources available these days — downloadable audio books, e-books, movies on demand, e-comics, e-MAGAZINES #nostalgic. for those who have kindle, you can even download free e-books to your kindle!!!! and for introverts, it’s the best. you only have to go to the library ONCE (to get the card). if i talked to you recently, you’d probably think i work for the library considering how excited i am about it. #simplethings

check out my friend Anita, @wanderlustanita’s best books in 2023 blog post if you’re looking to curate a 2024 book list. thank you to Anita, Brigitte, and Grace who helped me meticulously curate my books for 2023.

side ramblings: it’s hard to believe we’re at the end of 2023. reflecting back, my favorite memory will always be japan. it’s the main content of my keepsake box. i miss it everyday and cannot wait to go back again! i’m ready to release this year and looking forward to what’s around the corner. wishing you a happy & healthy 2024 💗

currently on my playlist: i hope you dance by Lee Ann Womack (taking it back old school to a song about love, hope, chance, and faith)

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this lists books in the order that i read them in 2023, *notes my favorites books of 2023.

01. every summer after by Carley Fortune

a friends to lovers book spanning over six years, about choices we make, forever impacting the people we love.

02. book lovers by Emily Henry

this was a cute book about authors who are rivals who end up falling in love in a quant town called Sunshine Falls, NC!

03. black cake by Charmaine Wilkerson*

now a series on hulu! this book was about estranged sibling that came together after they come together to and delve into their mother’s hidden past. it was a great reminder of hardships our elders faced in the past. how they are so different from today.

04. the unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren

this was a funny read about people attending a wedding and ended up getting massive food poisoning. forcing the only well people, the MOH and best man to go on the couple’s honeymoon together. Christina Lauren’s books always have me smiling and laughing out loud because they write banter to the sort of #relationshipgoals kind of level, in my books #punintended

05. it ends with us by Colleen Hoover

lots of hype around this book since it’s going to be made into a movie. i thought it was.. okay. i appreciated the perspective Colleen gave on abuse. there are triggers in this book.

06. beach read by Emily Henry*

this book was about a romance between two authors are are complete opposites and help each other overcome their writing obstacles. taking place on a beach. literally a beach read. #punintended

07. the 8 rules of love by Jay Shetty

a great book for everyone that teaches you how to love; how to fine it, keep it and let it go.

08. the soulmate equation by Christina Lauren*

do you think there’s ever science related to soulmates? this was a cute read about a single mom finding love again with someone unexpected and totally not-her-type! i always a love a good opposites attract storyline.

09. the seven husbands of evelyn hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid*

my first Taylor Jenkins read (won’t be my last) about a glimpse into old hollywood; getting married seven times with unexpected twists and turns!

10. the people we meet on vacation by Emily Henry

friends to lovers book and i thought it was a little long of a read that didn’t quite build. i love Emily Henry but i think this was my least favorite book of by her that i read this year.

11. something wilder by Christina Lauren*

this was such a CUTE and ADVENTEROUS read! i loved it. i think because it was so different than the rest, in an adventurous (treasure hunting) kind of way.

12. a single revolution by Shani Silver

this was the perfect book to end the year with my own thoughts of being single. or shall i say singlehood?! this book resonated with me since i was looking for someone i could relate to who’s been single for over a decade. Shani talks about reframing singleness in a healthy way, many of which i’ll be taking into 2024. and no, this doesn’t mean i want to be single forever. it means i want to fully love my singlehood and want a relationship at the same time.

cheers to more reading adventures in 2024!,
JD

the k-beauty edit under $25

time for a #beautytalk!

there’s no denying… i LOVE SKINCARE. my #skincaregoal is to never have to wear foundation. for me, it’s always been about investing in good skincare products so that i can have a decent natural “base” so that wearing foundation would be an option, not something i need. in the last half of 2023 a large amount of korean beauty (k-beauty) made its way into my skincare routine. my skincare regimen is something i look forward to every morning and night. it’s never a chore to me and a form of #selfcare (i hope you think of it that way too!). k-beauty has been the buzz for the last decade (plus) but after my parents came back with goodies from korea and #beautychats with my friend Vilma, @vilmairisblog (you should def check her out!), i added a lot of k-beauty products into my routine. i love them all! i have pretty dang sensitive skin that leans on the dry side with a combo t-zone and none of these products have caused irritation or reactions to my skin.

imo, i think korean women have FLAWLESS skin. they are #skincaregoals and they layer it allllll on - i agree on this method (google: 7 skin method). because hey, you gotta be generous when it comes to skincare. don’t skimp! i always tell my friends, slather it on (and don’t forget your neck)!! most of these are fairly priced tbh and some you can get them on amazon prime in TWO days. i’m now a k-beauty convert. i feel like their products aren’t harsh (great for sensitive skin) and mainly fragrance free — if you’ve been following me, you will know i am not into smelly skincare. not sure if i’ll ever achieve that coined “glass skin” (google it), but i think every layer helps!

the best part. everything is budget-friendly; under $25! sometimes, skincare can get pricey. but it doesn’t have to be and here is a great round up for those looking to venture down the k-beauty journey without breaking the bank! all listed plus a couple others not pictured after the jump 😄

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Glow Recipe watermelon glow niacinamide dew drops serum [$20] — if you’re looking for dewy. this IS IT RIGHT HERE. and not only does it give you that dewy look, it SMELLS SO GOOD. i’m not a huge fan of scents when it comes to skincare but for this i’ll make an exception because it smells like watermelon!! perfect for summertime 🍉 the main ingredient in this is niacinamide which helps reduce hyperpigmentation.

COSRX snail mucin 96% repairing essence [around $15] — this is #tiktokviral and i was a little hesitant to try it. it just sounds… idk. gross?? 🐌 but seeing the 60K reviews on amazon and the fact that is less than $15, why not give it a try? i’m glad i did. i didn’t see astounding results like everyone else but it’s so light and hydrating i’m going to continue using it twice a day. i thought it would be sticky but it isn’t! snail mucin is supposed to improve skin vitality, dullness, and dehydrated skin. i ended up getting a couple as gifts this year! fragrance free.

CENTELLA hyalu-cica madagascar sun serum SPF50 [around $17] — i’ve heard korean sunscreens are amazing sunscreen. this was one my parents lugged home from their trip to korea. i really like it, no white cast, no chemical smell, no residue, absorbs easily, and it’s also reef-safe. and it’s SPF50!! i ended up ditching my Skinceuticals sunscreen that was my HG. ☀️ my sis actually found this one so ty seester! fragrance free.

Beauty of Joseon glow deep serum + rice alpha arbutin [around $17] — i use this serum to target my dark spots or freckles/hyperpigmentation on my cheeks. it’s super lightweight and i use it in the mornings after all the essences. there are a couple serums and a fun mini pack if you want to try all of them! i use this in the morning after all the essences. fragrance free.

ROUND LAB dokdo cleanser [around $17, not pictured] — i’ve always been really hesitant to use cream foaming cleansers. looking at you noxema from wayyyy back in the day. i feel like foam/cream cleansers really dry out your skin. but i read such great review on this one that i decided to give it a try. glad i did since it doesn’t dry my skin and in fact i think it moisturizes it pretty nicely too! fragrance-free. i also picked up their birch juice moisturizing cream to try too!

I’m From Rice toner [around $22, not pictured] — i’ve read and seen results from women who use rice water on their face. yes, water that is typically thrown out when clean the rice! this is smart because apparently that rice water is rich in nutrients. so while on this k-beauty kick, i picked up this toner. while it’s called a toner, i use it as an essence. it’s milky and it leaves my skin feeling SO. SOFT. fragrance free. note: shake before each use.

Dr. Ceuracle kombucha cream essence [around $25, not pictured] — package wise, this is my favorite. why? because it’s in a really nice matte glass bottle, and it separates so you have to shake it before using it. and idk, that’s fun to me so there you have it. it contains kombucha tea with a lot of prebiotics (helps with redness) and vitamin b. fragrance free.

bring on all the k-beauty!,
JD

the sezane barry cardigan

thankful.

howdy friends! gosh it has been a while and i can barely believe we’re here. Thanksgiving week already!!!! it’s so shocking. this year flew by a little too quickly - maybe a sign of age 👵side ramblings after the jump.

i’m thrilled to continue my partnership with Sézane! here i’m kicking off sweater weather (feels so good and normal to wear these now!) with the barry cardigan. while i own the iconic gaspard cardigan, i picked out the sister style; the barry cardigan in this beautiful lilac color. sometimes lilac can be tricky but the tone (not too cool) on this one is perfect for my fair skintone. the only difference between the gaspard and the barry is the neckline, the barry has a v-neck button front — which can also be worn backwards as well for a subtle sexy v-back look. i did try it and while no photos, i can ensure you that it’s a good look to try! i opted to pair this with some navy wide leg pants (looks black in the photos though) and really love the contrast of the colors together — def give this color combo a go sometime! if you’re feeling bold, i’d style it with green or light pink pants as well! as always, picking the one color in this cardigan was H A R D. because there are so many pretty ones for all the seasons! #lifedecisions ya know?

lately i’ve been going for tops over dresses at Sézane for some reason! i’m a total dress gal. but i’ve been gravitating towards their sweaters, shirts, and jackets lately. some others i picked out include, c/o Sézane:

  • betty cardigan (in black/ecru, size S) — HELLO CLASSY LADY. that’s what this cardigan screams! i also have this cardigan in rosewood… so that tells you something 😁

  • will jacket (in khaki, size XS) — this is such a unique and versatile jacket (with DEEP pockets which i LOVE). i wore it out this weekend with white jeans + white graphic tee, and i can see it draped over an athleisure outfit or even belted over a skirt or dress (will be trying this soon!). it comes in all sorts of textures, colors, and patterns. so again, good luck choosing! i did size down to an XS on this one though :)

  • tomboy shirt (in ecru/camel stripes, size 4) — one of the Sézane reps wore this when they were in Austin this summer and i loved it on her. it’s such a classic button down that i’ll be styling with white jeans!

also, check out the Sézane parisian gift shop here!

#blackfriday: alright alright alright. here we go with some black friday sales. i think i’ll continue to update this section as the week goes on but lots of sales have already started, much earlier this year if feels like?! i’m keeping it pretty slim this year, there’s not a ton i really want (or need; but that’s a fine line right?!) so here are some that top my list:

currently reading: something wilder by Christina Lauren

currently on the playlist: times like this by Mat Kearney ft. Devon Gilfillian (there is always a Mat K song for every season on life!)

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side ramblings: life has been a little rough lately, not gonna lie. everything kind of piled on top of each other all at once it felt like. hence, my absence. in fact, when i look at the blog posts for 2023, it’s an all time low for me and slightly disappointing. i know life/things get in the way, but this year i really let this piece of the internet slip away; by my own doing. this weekend i spent time making a list of small changes i’d like to make to change my circumstance. not that things change overnight, but i find that if i show up and hold myself accountable for something on my list (like publishing this blog post), i’ve made some progress. and progressing we are! 💗this is timely as it’s Thanksgiving week. the past couple of weeks were a good reminder of the support system i have and the people who have come thru for me during this time (thank you). i am pretty dang blessed beyond words. really. and hey, what would life be without ebbs and flows right? #cantstopwontstop actually it’s funny my dad reminded of this hashtag recently. he just knew 😉

top c/o | Sézane barry cardigan in lilac (wearing size S) — similar but the gaspard style (link to blog post on how to style it here)
pants | Ann Taylor wide-leg kate pants in navy (old)
necklace | gorjana diamond cluster necklace in 14K solid gold
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 (but not too long 🙂),
JD

the maxi cutout dress

cutouts. but classy.

cutouts can be tricky sometimes! anyone else agree? while i love cutouts, most clothing pieces have too many cutouts or the cutouts are in places that would require too much thought in terms of what kind of undergarments to wear — ain’t nobody time got time for that! i was looking for an elegant yet tasteful piece and …enter this maxi dress! the colors captured my eye, bold & bright, reminds me of a piece of watercolor art. thankfully it falls right at my ankles so perfect on my 5’2” short self. no hemming needed, the back is actually attached!!! && the best part is you can wear normal undergarments + regular bra with it! whoo #thisis38

side ramblings: this past weekend was a blast! we celebrated my dad’s 70th birthday and it was so great to see family i haven’t seen since the pandemic!! it made my little heart so happy. we used to get together all the time. family gatherings were always a big thing in my life — asians love to make excuses to get together and eat! confession: i’ve been on a little shopping spree lately. for a awhile i was soo good about not buying anything but as we start to enter fall (my fave season of fashion), it’s pretty much all downhill 🫠

currently on my playlist: nobody knows by The Tony Rich Project (taking it back to the old school jams! the best IMO).

currently reading: the people we meet on vacation by Emily Henry

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dress | petal + pup laquin long sleeve maxi dress in pink (wearing size S) — similar in a mini version // love this white one with eyelet details // similar with short sleeves
bag | MANGO straw bag (old) — similar on Amazon
shoes | shein cut out sandals in cognac (old) — similar on Amazon // similar by Steve Madden
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 // Quince pave slim signet ring in 14K gold

until next time,
JD

photo credit: @janeyunphoto

the coral & chartreuse combo

cue the ‘watermelon sugar by Harry Styles’ for this post.

this color combo was so fun to put together! originally i wanted to style the coral pants with a white or cream top. at the last minute i decided on a more bold color combo and BAM! it all works out in the end amirite?!

the Ann Taylor kate wide leg cropped pants are a closet favorite of mine. the design continues to improve and launches in FUN colors ALL. THE. TIME. tbh, it’s hard for me to restrain from buying every color (me, hiding from the fall colors). there have been improvements over the years with these pants and i think this year is perfection. it’s finally a high rise (past my belly button) and the pocket placement and opening are perfect — before they would bulge out a little too much. i love that they come in a petite length because they fall just right on my 5’2” self. the material and amount of stretch is perfect. since they are high rise so they go so well with crop tops like this fun chartreuse one here. on the flipside, for safer-not-as-bold looks, i’d pair chartreuse with navy or white!

side ramblings: it’s crazy that summer 2023 is coming to a close. it only feels that way with school in session, but other than that, it’s still summer to me until i can put on a jacket (at the very least — and that… in TX is late OCT)! watching my niece & nephew go to school was bittersweet. they’re growing up so fast and with that means changes to our family time schedules due to all their extra circular activities! we spend SO. MUCH. time. together. but i wouldn’t have it any other way! #beyondblessed

currently on my playlist: watermelon sugar by Harry Styles

currently reading: the seven husbands of evelyn hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid

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