the everlane kick crop jeans

the white + mint edit.

helloooo to all the pastels for spring (trying to wear more color) and all the WHITE! white is my go-to color during the spring/summer months. i’ve had these kick crop jeans for a while and the best thing is the raw hem. no fancy hemming needed, you just CUT (preferably with fabric scissors) to your desired length and BOOM done. these are supposed to have a slight flare at the bottom but because i’m so short 5’2”, a bit of the flared detail was chopped off. nothing that bothers me at all. these jeans are stretchy, they’re 98% cotton, 2% elastane so i sized down to a 25 (usually a 26). also, being over 30, i gravitate towards high waisted jeans. these are a 11” rise so they hit right at my naval and not see through. i LOVE them and found they look best with heels but i’ll still wear them with sandals, mules, and even sneakers. once you cut them, they’re final sale FYI. lastly, we don’t need to get into how much i love @everlane (it all started with their shoes then tees). now i’ve branched out into their denim and also have the authentic stretch high rise skinny jeans with a pair of cheeky jeans on the way, #everlaneaddict! for $68-$78 denim, you can’t go wrong AND it’s from an ethical clothing brand that is transparent about their pricing. also, just FYI, they do happy returns which had me mind-blown.

side ramblings: first and foremost, thank you @maggylondon for featuring me in their #InternationalWomensDay celebration! you can check out the feature here, i had fun writing this piece and it was such an honor/#hellyes moment to be included. i shared it with my mama who loved it, “i’m very proud of you little one.” WOW, it was a fun filled weekend with #SXSW festivities and my nephew’s first birthday! the #SXSW festivities can quickly get overwhelming but Saturday was jam packed a drop into the @goop pop-up which will be here until 4/28, here’s a listing of their events (mostly waitlisted but hopeuflly they will add more), @amandadeer (unrelated but how can i not support Amanda?!), @westelm @west_elm_austin x @renttherunway (haven’t actually used this service yet, but i imagine it would be great for someone who has events coming up or just wants to try something new!), the innovation mansion via @thecurrentglobal with @ctilburymakeup & @michaelstarsinc. also, here’s a listing of bumble events!

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top | Socialite lace trim camisole top in blue cloud but really it’s mint (sized down and wearing size XS, also available in five other colors) — similar but with a square neck line // similar but older style for $20 // similar but scalloped details for $20
cardigan | LOFT duster sweater in empire porcelain (available in petite and wearing size S petite. be careful when you wash this because it’s not very thick material) — similar
denim | Everlane the kick crop jeans in bone (i sized down due to the stretch, usually wear a 26 but ordered a 25 in these. also available in four other colors) — just ordered the cheeky jean!
shoes | Manolo Blahnik BB pump in nude patent — similar by Ann Taylor // similar by Sam Edelman
bag | J.Crew mini bucket bag in natural vachetta (old) — similar by J.Crew Factory and on sale! // similar but snakeskin print // the OG by Mansur Gavriel // similar for $70 // similar by Cuyana
earrings c/o | Kendra Scott didi gold statement earrings in peach pearl from the Spring 2019 collection — similar
necklace | ASOS Orelia coin necklace in gold (love the quality of this necklace) — similar // similar and love the chain detail on this one // similar but layered
sunglasses | Celine marta sunglasses in havana — newer design
bracelet c/o | Kendra Scott mavis gold cuff bracelet in peach pearl from the Spring 2019 collection
rings | Gorjana amara ring set // Amanda Deer c/o CZ solitaire ring // Amanda Deer c/o CZ accents midi ring
watch | Michael Kors darci watch in gold

photo credit: Todd White

an austin blogger holiday

cue the christmas music! (or play it below).

happy holidays!

i know it feels a tad early to be thinking of holiday stuff. but not really! this month is going to FLY by, so i thought it would be best to share this holiday shoot that i was so graciously invited to be apart of. these gals have become good friends to me and i am pretty blessed to have cultivated so many good friendships over the past year. #grateful

last year, i went with the classic holiday red. this year, i decided on the next christmas color... GREEN, but more of a hunter green! it's not a color i wear often but gosh, i think i should, especially hunter green. i picked out a lace off the shoulder dress with a classy length. it's actually a one-piece dress and the bottom is a little fuller than i thought it would be but it ended up looking very pretty! i'd say the only thing this dress is missing is pockets. the ivory earrings went perfectly with the gold clutch & dark nails. altogether i say this was a huge win, ESP since my dress arrived the day before (gotta love that ASOS 2-day shipping)! also, this gold clutch gets so much wear, it's def a staple for the holidays and any occasion (you can even see me wearing it in last year's photos)!

side ramblings: it's december.. which means... it's #BIRTHDAYMONTH! (insert happy dance). 

currently on my playlist: it's beginning to look a lot like christmas by Michael Buble

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the gangs all here!! (all clickables)

(ok, minus Hilary // @byhilaryrose and Michelle // @stylebeacon)
click on the photos for some insta-style-inspo!

the suede skirt & sock booties

documenting my first pair of sock booties.

after some wear i have decided that sock booties are the perfect WORK bootie! something a little dressier than your average flat bootie and the chunky/block heel makes it a comfy pick for an 8 to 5 workday. while the shaft on these aren’t as tall as normal sock booties it works for me because i’m 5’2” short and anything taller would make me look shorter (if that makes sense).i love making workwear a little more trendy, so when i saw this suede skirt, i had to snag it for obvious reasons -- the length is so work appropriate. and hey doesn't hurt that it's in a beautiful olive color too! 

also, fitted mock turtlenecks are my staple in the fall/winter because they go with ALL skirts & are SO EASY PEASY. they’re so good i have probably four plain black ones! it's a pretty solid base layering piece and goes underneath sheath dresses too! speaking of work, i've been wearing this pebbled leather satchel as a work bag, it's a little different from my other structured work bags because it's made of slouchy pebbled leather and although the handles don't fall down, there's plenty of space & pockets. i've grown to love the pebbled leather slouchy-ness. 

side ramblings: it feels good to be back. i haven't shot much at all but now that it's getting cooler, IT IS ON. my holiday photos will be up on Monday, be sure to stop by! xx 

currently on my playlist: just give me a reason by P!nk ft. Nate Ruess

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top 5 sales for black friday

no fancy pictures. just SALE info.
HELLO FALL WARDROBE!!!

all the fall feels.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!
navigating black friday sales is pretty.. hmm. what is the word... #OVERWHELMING! so i'm keeping it short & simple (like myself, ha) -- i linked my top 5 sales below for ya inlcuding picks that i have personally bought or are on my wishlist. just skip the rest. i won't steer you wrong. all the deets after the jump. 

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01. ASOS.com // 30% off // code: EPIC 30 (until 11/28/17)

one of my favorite places to shop online. NO TAX. FREE SHIPPING. FREE RETURNS. = winning. also, get 2-day shipping for one year for $19. sizing is a little strange, it's the one that makes you feel like you are a whale. i am normally a 4 in bottoms and a 6 in everything else. when in doubt buy both and return one. PS -- 30% off is a pretty dang good deal. i don't see this much.

02. BananaRepublic.com // 50% off // no code needed (until 11/25/17)

soo many good dresses here. especially for work if you're in the market for any! and work sweaters as well. 

03. LOFT.com // 50% off // code: THANKS (until 11/23/17)

great casual/everyday sweaters right now!! but really, i'm loving the sweater options this year over Ann Taylor, also the skirts!

04. Nordstrom.com // extra 20% off sale items // no code needed (until 11/27/17)

a hodge podge department store items! but great shoes and tons of fall/winter staples -- bags, jackets, and jewelry.

05. ZARA.com // 30% off // no code needed (until ???)

the ZARA black friday sale should start tonight/tomorrow. and although it isn't apart of my affiliate links, it is too good not to share! ZARA is a tad more trendy, but they have some great less trendier pieces for people like me!

happy shopping!, 
JD

the flutter sleeve polo dress

polo dress gone dressy. ha!  

i'm pretty sure this is my first polo dress! i think most polo dresses are casual pieces that are usually made of the typical polo material and can be worn with some comfy sneaks, but it was a whole nother case when this one arrived from @BananaRepublic. a dressy polo -- red with a lace overlay, scalloped hem, AND flutter sleeves (not to mention the subtle satin collar & buttons and the pockets!). gosh, you can't make it more feminine than that! my immediate styling thoughts; gold accessories. for a more fitted look, i cinched this with a gold belt that i had been eyeing #perfectopportunity. gold earrings, gold hardframe clutch and nude stiletto heels to complete this entire chic polo dress look. you should give it a try!

side BEAUTY ramblings: y'all know i'm a skincare nerd. i love talking about skincare & taking care of my skin as much as i love eating #whichisalot. i ran out of my SK-II facial treatment essence recently and started using @TATCHA's the essence. way better packaging and dispensing system than SK-II. their most recent product is the Violet-C Radiance Mask which i am super excited to try! also, @hourglass came out with a slim & refillable lipstick that looks like a stiletto heel.. which means i'll have to check out ASAP!

currently on my playlist: girl on fire by Alicia Keys (takin' it back old school)

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i always love a good artsy shot, thanks Katie!

dress c/o | Banana Republic flutter sleeve lace polo dress in red (wearing size small, also avail in light blue and navy) -- similar with scalloped details // similar in floral print // similar but solid // similar but striped // similar from J.Crew Factory
belt | ASOS metal waist belt in gold
shoesStuart Weitzman nudistsong in adobe patent (comes in different widths too!) -- similar // similar with lower heel // chunky heel version
bag | Kate Landry pyramid metal hardframe clutch (old) -- similar in a hexagon shape // similar // a cool marble one
earringsKendra Scott sophee textured drop earrings in gold -- smaller version
sunglassesLe Specs savanna 51mm sunglasses in tortoise -- similar 
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
watchMichael Kors darci watch in gold

rock the polo dress,
JD

photo credit: Katie J Photography.
a post done in collaboration with Banana Republic. 
dress provided by Banana Republic, all opinions are my own. 

how to style sweaters

silk scarf & embellished bibs!

documenting the versatility of the short sleeve sweater with @bananarepublic today! when these sweater tees arrived from Banana Republic i thought it would be a good idea to show some simple ways to dress them up. while the statement necklace is a pretty standard go-to... i decided on a silk scarf and this really fun embellished bib. in addition, these types of sweaters go with all bottoms -- skirts, pants, shorts. here, i've styled them for some work wear, and casually with some distressed skinny jeans. 

the key to the silk scarf is go with a square one otherwise you have too much material hanging around your neck. a double knot always works making one side slightly longer than the other. asymmetry is always good. pro tip: you can also tie the scarf around your wrist or your handbag. i am a huge fan of silk scarves -- such a classy factor that will never go out of style. the embellished bibs are a little hard to find but they also come in collars as well. another great and unexpected way to add a little something to a plain top! 

currently reading: the subtle art of not giving a f*uck by mark manson
this was a gift from one of my friends, for good reason! haha so far it's a pretty funny & light read but i'll update later when i finish it! xx

currently on my playlist: symphony by Clean Bandit ft. Zara Larsson

casual

formal/work wear

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top c/o | Banana Republic merino rib tee in royal blue & black (also avail in eleven other colors) -- similar but sleeveless shell // similar but sleeveless
scarf | LOFT rosy square silk scarf -- similar // love the colors on this one // similar in a pretty tropical print
collar | Forever 21 embellished bib (old) -- similar w pearls // similar 
skirt | H&M textured midi skirt in black (old) -- similar
denim | Hudson nico mid rise distressed skinny jeans in worlds apart (old) -- similar // similar but high waisted
shoes | Jimmy Choo abel pumps in black patent (old design) -- current design // similar // similar and custom
bag | CHANEL 2.55 classic double flap bag in black lambskin -- similar by Rebecca Minkoff (avail in four colors) // similar dupe for $22
sunglassesCeline caty sunglasses in black -- similar in tortoise
earrings | ASOS pearl swing earrings -- similar
watch c/oDaniel Wellington classic petite melrose 32mm in rose gold and white
bracelet | Kate Spade knot cuff bracelet in rose 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

rock the short sleeve sweaters,
JD

photo credit: Brandon Hill
a post done in collaboration with Banana Republic
tops provided by Banana Republic, all opinions are my own. 

how to wear a pleated skirt casual style

yes, i know it's another pleated skirt. 

something about pleats and midis. i can't help myself. here on JDC i have styled all pleated skirts in a dressy way. so... to justify this purchase i needed to style it casually. haha. self challenge accepted. you need five things (you probably already own all these!):

  1. bright colored pleated skirt -- great spring/summer piece
  2. v-neck white tee -- this one is very soft and not too low or too see through
  3. flat sandals -- i have worn these so much.. they have seen better days
  4. denim jacket -- great layering addition. i really should buy another one...
  5. fun straw tote -- new to my closet and i am obsessed. it was quite the "investment" but i have wanted one for over a year now and decided to splurge!

side happenings: so. much. happening. first, so humbled to featured on the Rank & Style blogger spotlight! Rank & Style features Top 10 lists for beauty and fashion, those are always fun and easy reads. as a lipstick addict, i completely agree on their Top 10 Lipsticks Worth Splurging On. second, it has always been a dream of mine to attend New York Fashion Week #NYFW so tickets have finally been bought. it is so official now! i cannot for all the shenanigans and to meet all my insta-gals! Austin Fashion Week #AFW is also creeping up pretty soon and i can't wait to share my experience on that. life is pretty crazy right now (in a good way). #someonepinchme. i will also be attending a derby next weekend!!! my very FIRST! can't wait. lastly, the Sprinkles cupcake of the month is a lemon meringue and it is bomb. 

currently on my playlist: something just like this by The Chainsmokers & Coldplay

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top | Madewell whisper cotton v-neck pocket tee in white (avail in eight colors!)
jacket Old Navy denim jacket -- similar but darker wash 
skirt | ASOS pleated midi skirt in lilac (goes in and out of stock) -- really love this bright colorblocked one! // available in blush
shoesSam Edelman gigi sandal in saddle leather -- similar from Target
bag | Jade Tribe 3 pom basket tote -- similar from Etsy and $30 // same but in bold poms
sunglassesCeline tilda sunglasses in dark tortoise -- similar but more cateye (great brand, really fits well!)
earrings | Kendra Scott sky earrings in white pearl (old) -- larger version // similar
necklaceAnthropologie monogram pendant necklace -- similar 
watchMichael Kors darci watch in gold (on sale!) -- avail in rose 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 (sold out) -- similar // BaubleBar tri bar ring (old) -- similar 
lipsMAC amplified creme lipstick in brick-o-la

rock the pleated skirt, casually!,
JD

photo credit: Brandon Hill