more nyc moments.

the last post of my first #NYFW experience (sounds weird?!)! it's ending with the most basic attire -- a tee shirt dress. yep. but gosh, it's so soft and comfortable, i knew i had to take it with me and i'm so glad i did. i dressed it up with layered necklaces and some spunky ear jackets. i layered it with a cardigan and later with a leather jacket. i love this dress not only for how soft it is but also because it goes with so many shoes (sneaks, sandals). i wore them with these booties from Everlane which are made in Italy and you know those italians know how to make some high quality shoes! they are my first pair of black leather booties since i usually gravitate towards suede but the leather is such a good option because you don't have to worry about the rain!

NYC trips to me are usually about food and sight seeing. this trip all-together was WAY different. in a good way though. it made me think of all the opportunities this blog has given me & where it has taken me. it's a tad crazy and unreal. the shows were great and all but meeting people -- instagram friends, brand reps etc.. in real life was the best (and this is coming from an introverted person). i'm sure i'll find my way back next fall. signing off, crossing NYFW off my bucket list & feeling super good about it. until next time NYC.

general tips on NYFW (as a first-timer!) //

be flexible because whoa nelly, things are going to happen very last minute!
to uber or to taxi? -- if you need to get somewhere fast, hail a cab. ubers can take a while to get to you
bring plenty of business cards
make appointments with brands/people you've worked with!
bring a reusable bag with you that you can put your change of shoes, water bottles, or any gifts that are given to you etc..
which brings me to.. leave room in your luggage for swag
show up EARLY
an external battery charger is a must! @mophie makes my favorite one!
lastly, don't go at it alone, have a NYFW buddy that you can tag team with!

as uncomfortable as i was, i'm so glad Angie made me do this shot!

day 4 // September 11, 2017
i should begin by saying, by this day i'm already walking like a new yorker haha, crossing before the light tells you too. #prettyproud #littlethings. the day starts with a brand meeting that i've worked with -- @maggylondon! Michelle was my PIC for the day and we headed to meet our rep at their headquarters which... BTW, is pretty dang cool! they have all fabrics in house and make the samples right there!! #socool. Michelle and i saw some of the upcoming collections and let me tell you, i am pretty excited!! as you already know, dresses are my JAM. PS -- you can see me wearing the new Maggy London Elizabeth cold shoulder midi in my #NYFW part one post. after the tour i headed to brunch with one of my instagram friends who always inspires me @browneyedtoast (i know.. her instagram is total goals). she was an absolute DOLL and i'm so glad she actually took the time to meet me!! we had such a great chat and could probably talk for hours! she took me under her wing that day and got me into the lounge where there were plenty of drinks & swag. here we bumped into her friends which she quickly introduced me to. gosh, i'm really thankful for people like her who are so genuine and truly want to help you. after parting ways, i trekked to @bobaguysnyc (had to get my fix ya know?). thankfully, Michelle was able to get me into another fashion show (hello front row) by @lanyu where... we spot Paris Hilton & Katie Holmes!! #pinchme!! lastly, it is a rare moment to be in NYC on 9/11 so Michelle and i dropped by the memorial and spent some time there. the night ends with the only restaurant i had to visit while in NYC (hands down the best korean food ever) @kanghodongbaekjeong! oh and my first subway ride in NYC!!

day 5 // September 12, 2017
the last day/morning was very low key. i woke up super early to make my way to @levainbakery for the infamous chocolate chip cookies! or should i say chocolate chip cookie weights? though they have other cookies & goodies i went straight for the CC. i treked through some parts of Central Park enjoying the last moments of the beautiful and cool NYC weather, mid 70s #perfect. afterwards i headed to my @BaubleBar meeting where i finally got to see their headquarters and the new fall collection! i was also able to meet my rep in real life (so cool!). then a trek to JFK where i thought about the amazing experience i had and how i did not want to come back to work lol. good thing i took another day off. pro tip: always take an extra day off when you come back from travelling! oh, and book a massage too! #thewayiroll.

dress | GAP softspun knit v-neck midi tee shirt dress in black (old) -- similar by Everlane // similar with high-low hem // similar but sleeveless and more fitted // with long sleeves
shoes c/o | Everlane the heel boot in black (TTS, i got a 6 in these to account for some sock but should have gotten my usual 5.5) -- similar by Marc Fisher // similar from Target
cardigan c/o | Banana Republic italian supersoft cheveron stitch cardigan in camel -- also would look good with a leather jacket // or this one with gold hardware
bag | Gucci marmont matelasse shoulder bag in nude -- smaller version // similar
earrings | BaubleBar champagne ear jackets -- similar
necklaces | Anthropologie monogram pendant necklace // Gorjana mave lariat in gold
rings | Gorjana c/o shimmer stacking ring set // Gorjana amara ring set // Gorjana mini stackable ring set // Etsy stacking & midi rings // Gorjana candice CZ ring // BaubleBar ice chevron midi ring -- similar // BaubleBar tri bar ring (old) -- similar // Cassandra Collections c/o mini ring
watch | Michael Kors darci watch in gold

rock all the tees,
JD

photo credit: Angie Garcia

@maggylondon HW // oh hey ma, they have my photo up in their HQ!! #PINCHME // brunch scene @eggshopnyc
my girl @browneyedtoast LOVE her // @stylebeacon on fiyah with the paparazzi // hello velvet jumpsuit @lanyu
ground zero on 9/11 // beautiful morning in @centralparknyc // meeting at @baublebar HQ