an overdue post

didn’t see you coming, 2020.

i can’t believe i’ve let this space of mine go silent for NINE months. so much of the world has changed. i read my last post from 2019 and couldn’t help but to chuckle. 2020 sure threw us a curve ball, didn’t it? who would’ve thunk. there’s a lot to cover and i’m choking back tears trying to find my way back to this familiar space to grab onto a sense of normalcy. i think we’re all suffering in our own way; trying to deal/process. like most, i’ve had a difficult time coping. i’ve lost family, seen the losses of others, and as an empath… it’s overwhelming. i’ve lost almost all contact with friends and spent a lot of time in solitude. i felt like i had nothing of relevance to share or say. i felt if i tried to connect more, the more i would feel disconnected. does that even make sense? however, the silence is deafening and it’s time to break it. i’m pushing myself to do this because i’m pretty sure i need it; for my mental health. without any planned content, i’m not sure how far i’ll make it. so we’ll see. all i can say is my tripod is about to get some major love. more after the jump.

these photos shot almost a year ago and i never had the chance to post them! rarely will i ever take any direct sunlight photos or post anything this vulnerable. but hey, they’re so epic, so why not? vulnerability (or is it too much skin?!) is something i’m not the best at and these photos remind me that this powerful woman inside me exists that is able to shift into so many different gears when pushed out of her boundaries & comfort zone. (though good lighting and a great photographer always helps! thanks to @gunter.photo 😉). i’m also shocked that this dress is still in stock but i guess i’ve got a knack for picking staples! PSS — it’s difficult to shoot in direct sunlight without being blinded or squinting!! kudos to real models out there!

currently on my playlist: back in my body by Maggie Rogers

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here are some random things i’ve been up to!:

new job //

i was extremely fortunate to start a new job considering the job market. i’ve waited for an opportunity like this for so long and now it’s finally here! #pinchme. it has been challenging. i never thought i’d be in the finance field, but i got this.

audible //

my guy friends have always urged me to get this. i finally did and it’s such a good investment!! i highly recommend it. it allows me to speed through books that would normally take me twice as long to read. read? ain’t nobody got time for that.

sleep & tv //

i never watched tv. mainly because i had so many other things to do, people to see, things to eat, places to go, and side-hustle work to do. well… none of that is happening so i ventured down the dark hole of netflix and hulu. some notable shows: Brooklyn 99, Kim’s Convenience, The Umbrella Academy. oh and sleep. i’m actually getting normal sleep 7-8 hours vs. my usual 5-6. feels nice, but being the work-a-holic i am, these two activities won’t last past the pandemic. 🤣

calligraphy //

i’ve always loved calligraphy and started doing it again since my cousins were getting into it. so far we’ve had a few virtual calligraphy facetime calls! by no means am i a pro but i love lettering :) i’ve been using the tombow fudenosuke brush pens and they work great!

cold brew & nespresso //

i started making cold brew at home with @rumblejar! this one is cool because it comes with a cotton bag that serves as an additional filter. cold brew is my go-to during the scorching TX summers. it is easy to make and saves so much money! i also said farewell to my kerig and HELLOOOO to @nespresso (vertuo line). apparently, i was drinking bad coffee at home my whole life. so there’s that.

home decor & improvement //

spending too much time at home led me to start/finish some decor projects around the house. you’ll see some of these posted in my current lemmings section! i’m on a kick to add some bold black into my decor color palette. not sure how it’s gonna turn out but i’m going for it!

BTW, sitting like this will cramp your hip flexors. :D

dress | Reformation sigmund dress in black (wearing size 4 for size reference)
bag | DVF lytton clutch in black quilted leather (old) — not similar but loving the dumpling bags
earrings c/o | Kendra Scott jack gold hoops in white crystal
shoes | topshop strippy heeled sandals in black (old) — love these t-strap ones!
sunglasses | Karen Walker number one sunglasses in black — love these for $55

it feels so good to write this.
sending you love & light,
JD

photo credit: Steven Gunter

holiday ready in Maggy London

‘tis the season!

are you looking for a holiday dress? i got chu! holiday attire can be stressful sometimes but one thing you can always lean on is the little black dress #LBD. i know i have an abundance of these in my closet. make it holiday attire with two simple things: some sparkly statement earrings and a good red lip and voila! when i reached out to my @maggylondon rep in excitement of creating some holiday content i was initially interested in their iconc Illusion dress. it looks AMAZING on everyone, so #classy. it’s a cap sleeve but the Carmindy, pictured here, is their newest twist on the Illusion dress featuring some long sleeves (also available in petite sizing)! it’s a hard toss between the two but either way you can’t go wrong. i also love the sweetheart neckline, along with the slight v-back detail. you’ll surely be turning some heads ;)

side ramblings: GOSH, what a weekend! it flew by!! this past week and this weekend i felt like i was running from one thing to the next. it was insane. i hosted my second ever event with @phlur and it was so great, i’m still humbled by how many people showed up and my gals who came by to support me. what a crew! i gotta haircut by my girl @elizabeth.jane.hair and dropped by a style social for @__lauren.elise__ x @evereve. PS— there i discovered the agolde sophie cropped skinny jeans that fit PERFECTLY (adding to wishlist)!! @pearlsnap_photography and i shot some epic photos i can’t wait to share. lately we’ve been playing with light and doing different things. i’m diggin’ it. it was such a great weekend to kick off #birthdayweek and i can’t wait for all the festivities i have planned. i’m going all out on the big 3-5! see you on the flipside xx

currently on my playlist: glow by Brett Eldredge

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dress c/o | Maggy London carmindy illusion dress in black (wearing size 2 petite) — same but regular sizing // same but cap sleeve
jacket| H&M faux fur jacket in black — similar but collarless // cute spotted one // i love this cropped one & have it in a milk chocolate color
shoes | Jimmy Choo abel pumps in black patent (old design) — current design // similar
bag | DVF lytton clutch in black quilted leather (old) — similar and a good Bottega dupe
sunglasses | DIFF eyewear ruby 54mm polarized sunglasses in black grey — similar and love these for $55
earrings c/o | Lisi Lerch tassel earrings in disco (avail in almost every color you can think of! and a post and clip-on option as well!) — similar 1 // similar 2
lips | Christian Louboutin velvet matte lip color in rouge 001M (FAVE RED) -- similar in a matte liquid
rings | Gorjana amara ring set

get festive & rock all the holiday dresses!,
JD

photo credit: Steven Gunter
a paid partnership by Maggy London.
dress provided by Maggy London, all opinions are my own.

valentine's day ready & loving yourself

what’s too many #LBDs? asking for a friend.

hellooo february, the month of love! last year i wrote a post on dating tips to celebrate valentine’s/galentine’s day and it was shockingly a huge success. this year i wanted to do something different (of course). and instead i’m bringing the focus back on #1, which is YOU. no amount of dating tips will get you anywhere if you aren’t in love with yourself. sure, some people get lucky in life to meet their soulmate at a fairly decent age, some take a long timeee #ahem. so you’ll be dang sure the man who ends up with me will be beyond exceptional. because i won’t accept anything less. it’s about to get real deep here on JDC. recently i went through a shift in life that took me to another level of self love and greater appreciation for my own journey! ah, gotta love those life experiences/lessons. more after the jump.

PS — this dress is everything. i snagged it for almost $50 #hellobargainshopper and didn’t even care when i’d wear it again, heck i was gonna wear it for this fabulous photo shoot so what gives?! i LOVE the longer sleeves, the mock neck, the classy crochet (never thought i’d use those two words in one sentence) overlay, the length, and the peplum hem. it screams JANNA all over it anddd the look of this dress like one from Self Portrait at a fourth of the price. the only thing is… don’t get this snagged on something or you’re pretty much screwed. :D but hey, if this isn’t your jam, i’ve linked a ton of other options under $100.

currently on my playlist: all of me by John Legend

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the last few months i spent a lot of time soul searching. gosh, i learned so much but still such a novice. i started to make some subtle changes in my life that had some HUGE impacts — only in a few months too!! and hey, they’re not gonna be anything new you haven’t heard of all over the internet. but people always talk about self love, anddd um, the next question is great, what does that entail? through some guidance i’ve found what works for me and the results are insane. the amount of people, connections, experiences, and opportunities that have come into my life are CRAZY. i invite you to join me and step into this higher meaning of life. sharing my tidbits in my random thoughts below.

  • JOURNAL. journal every morning and night. while i’ve heard of this i never actually practiced it. the mind is most clear in the morning, so take time to jot down the things you’re grateful for. start with three. at night before you sleep, reflect on your day — how did a certain person, thing or instance make you feel? heck, it’s your journal write whatever you want. just write though. writing reaffirms the learning process. you’ll become so good at this that you’ll start jotting WAY more than three things in the AM. i even started to write down the things i wanted in my life that i haven’t quite obtained yet. this is a form of “acting as if” and it’s a powerful thing. do this for 30-days straight, until you can start doing it subconsciously in your mind. so i’m that gal who’s getting ready in the AM / driving to work talking to myself about all the things i’m grateful for in my life. call me crazy but it’s a game changer or is it life changer? haha. when you live in a constant state of gratitude, it puts you on a totally different level of existence.

  • BREATHE. breathing is everything. breathing or any form of meditation helps calm the mind. imagine all the information your brain takes in and processes everyday, YIKES! hate to have that job!! breathing helps clear that clutter, it helps you become more in tune with your intuition so that you can ultimately make the best decisions that align with your true self. close your eyes right now and take three deep breaths, i bet you can already feel some calmness flow through. try it!

  • AFFIRM. find an affirmation. read it, write it (remember, writing it down reaffirms the learning process), repeat it out loud. heck, get so good at it that you memorize it or write your own affirmation. do it for 30-days straight. affirmations are so powerful because they say it takes 30-days to ingrain something in your mind. essentially, what you’re doing is reprogramming your subconscious mind. there is a whole boatload of information on the subconscious mind but in summary, it controls 95% of your brain, it stores memories, habits, past experiences and retrieves them. its job is to make sure you respond exactly the way you are programmed through past experiences. so CLEARLY it is the the KEY to personal growth. reprogram it with affirmations. start affirming TODAY!

  • ENERGY. energy is everything and everything is energy (even on a scientific level)! yes, life is full of problems and we always want what we can’t have etc…. but let’s just redirect our focus from our problems and what we don’t have to what we’re grateful for as this is the running theme for this post. try to see the bigger picture. you’ll find yourself vibrating at an energy of love, joy, happiness, and peace. these are some of the highest forms of vibrational energy. AND only in this state will you be open enough to attract, accept, and see all the things/people/connections/opportunities coming into your life. LIKE A MAGNET. because… you attract what you are. period.

  • TRUST. doing all the above creates a direct relationship with your intuition, that gut feeling. generally speaking, i consider myself an intuitive person by nature. BUT i recently learned i was never completely following it 100%. see, listening to your intuition is good, but the real thing is actually FOLLOWING it through. which most of us fail at because or ego makes us question our intuition. trust your intuition when it FIRST speaks to you. it’s a powerful thing that’s why it only speaks once.

in all instances, all answers and self love come from within. focus on yourself, choose yourself at the end of the day. always always. let go. forgive, learn the lessons. remember, that your value and self worth stands no matter what happens or who walks in and out of your life. sending you all the love & strength on this beautiful journey of stepping into your authentic self xx

dress | Bardot fiona mesh trumpet dress in black (wearing size small) — same from Macy’s // same from Zappos // same from Nordstrom // same from Nordstrom Rack // same from Bloomingdales // same from Lord & Taylor
shoes | Jimmy Choo abel pumps in black patent (old design) — current design // similar
bag | DVF lytton clutch in black quilted leather (old) — similar and a good Bottega dupe
rings | Gorjana amara ring set // Amanda Deer c/o CZ solitaire ring // Amanda Deer c/o CZ accents midi ring
bracelet | Vita Fede mini titan crystal bracelet in gold
lips | Christian Louboutin velvet matte lip color in rouge 001M (FAVE RED) -- similar in a matte liquid

photo credit: Steven Gunter

holiday ready with Ann Taylor

for the love of tweed.

gearing up for the holidays with @AnnTaylor today! but let’s start this post off with a little gratitude, shall we? i have wanted to work with Ann Taylor for as long as i’ve been blogging. i’ve tried to knock on this door for so long it feels like. BUT life works in mysterious ways sometimes. i always live by the notion that if it’s not a hell yes, it’s a hell no. it’s kinda an extreme way to live life actually but i’ve come to learn that the best decisions both in business and in life where i applied this thought process yielded the best results that i was most proud of. when Ann Taylor reached out to me to host the re-grand opening of the @anntaylor_arboretummarket in my own city… it was an immediate #HELLYES. even though i knew i was going out of my comfort zone — but hey, it’s all about pushing boundaries amirite?! in the end, it was a fantastic event and an experience i will never forget. i feel so grateful to be able to get to do something like this and know that this is just the beginning. i don’t do this enough but i gotta give myself credit for the hard work i’ve put into this business. anyways, a sappy start but THANK YOU for following along this journey, it’s because you of that i get to do these things so i cannot thank you enough!

i digress. let’s talk tweed. i LOVE tweed. it’s one of those fabrics that scream FALL and uber CLASSY. right up there with brooches and pearls (and you know i love me some brooches. yep, i’m an old lady!). what’s great about tweed is the fabric also adds texture to any outfit. here i’m wearing a one piece dress, but when you pair a tweed skirt or jacket with a blouse or sweater the tweed always becomes the “centerpiece” (if you will). what i love about this dress is the metallic-ness of the tweed in a blue, magenta, and gold color. it’s actually a very unique tweed piece that is going right into my closet for a holiday party! you cannot complete a holiday outfit with some BLING/SPARKLE so i went with a crystal statement necklace and even a pearl statement necklace will work too! here i’m wearing my usual size 2 in the dress, but i think their sizes have gotten larger and i could easily size down and wear a 0 (never happens). in these photos i actually have it binder clipped in the back to make it look more fitted. i didn’t have time to get it altered… so when it came time for the event… at the 13th hour i found a glittery waist belt in my closet to cinch it and voila! love how it always works out! but do size down in all their pieces. i can’t wait to share the rest of the dresses that were sent to me including the: speckled ponte flounce sheath dress and the seamed ponte flare dress (super effortless). i also walked away with more Ann Taylor goodies from the re-grand opening and can’t wait to style them (after i go to costco and buy more hangers.. haha not kidding though LOL #fashionbloggerproblems).

side ramblings: LIFE is CRAZY. in such a good way. i was talking to a friend of mine about daily happenings in my life and my friend turned to me and said, “there are peaks and valleys of life and girl, you’re standing on a mountain top!” i blurted out laughing and nodded my head in agreement. anyways, i just needed to take a moment to document how grateful i feel and how i’m overwhelmed with happiness & joy. quite frankly, i deserve it. and with Thanksgiving around the corner, the timing couldn’t be better. hope y’all enjoy your Thanksgiving with family and friends and i’ll see y’all next time! xx

currently on my playlist: fallin’ all in you by Shawn Mendes

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dress c/o | Ann Taylor tweed sheath dress in blue multi (recommend sizing down, i’m wearing size 2 and it’s a little large, i had to binder clip it for photos. for the event i belted it with a glitter waist belt!) — similar jacket and skirt set //
shoes | Jimmy Choo abel pumps in black patent (the shoes didn’t arrive in time for the photo, but Ann Taylor sent me the leanna bow pumps in black suede that i wore to the event, also comes in red and gold! i love the mid-bow detail, so holiday!) — similar and debated the myra suede bow pumps // marley quilted bow pumps // lorretta pealized suede pumps
jacket | Banana Republic — similar // not similar but LOVE this one // also love this one
bag | DVF lytton clutch in black quilted leather (old) — similar and a good Bottega dupe // similar and in a fun shape
sunglasses | Celine caty sunglases in black (old) — similar by DIFF eyewear // similar by QUAY
necklace c/o | Ann Taylor crystal necklace in gold — matching earrings // love this pearl one
earrings | Kendra Scott aston statement earrings in ivory mother of pearl (old) -- similar but smaller // similar
rings | Gorjana amara ring set // Amanda Deer c/o CZ solitaire ring // Amanda Deer c/o CZ accents midi ring
bracelet | Vita Fede mini titan crystal bracelet in gold
watch | Michael Kors darci watch in gold

#cantstopwontstop,
JD

photo credit: Katie J Photography
a post done in collaboration with Ann Taylor.
dress & necklace provided by Ann Taylor, all opinions are my own.

@anntaylor_arboreutummarket re-grand opening on 11/17/18

special thanks to @polkadotsandgin // @wanderlustanita // @tristan.dav // @atatsteofkoko // @hanonet (not pictured) // Sonceria W. who took time out of their day to drop in, shop, and say hi! i appreciate your support so much!!!

the theory silk combo midi dress

the mixed media midi = MMM

oh you know, just 7:30AM and i’m hanging out on rooftops with @madelineharperphoto for these pictures. just another day in life of JD. haha. we had to much fun this morning though. after struggling to find a background for this dress and walking with the ever so patient Madeline to find another spot, i looked up and randomly said, hmm let’s check out the rooftop! DINGx3! best idea ever. funny how it always works out right?! as a result i’m spamming you with photos of myself because we had a blast shooting this one! #sorrynotsorry

one way to have fun with fashion is to play with texture. if you’re not sure how the easiest way is to purchase a one piece (dress, or jumpsuit/romper) that is made of two different materials. honestly, i’ve always been skeptical of these. i think it was seeing cheap jersey material mixed with chiffon/polyester and i was like NOPE. but here, it is done so right it’s almost wrong. when i was shopping at @theory__ this dress didn’t really catch my eye, but it was the sales associate who was wearing it that made me want to try it on! advertising at its finest y’all. glad i did because i am OBSESSED. the length (even on short 5’2” me), the slit, the silk (again, don’t get me started on the Theory silk) you can see how it flows in the photos #effortlessly. the top part is a ribbed material and it hugs perfectly. anyways, i took the opportunity to shoot some leg action #angelinajoliewannabe.

side ramblings: this past week was a long one but noteables include: a low-key girls night in (#GNI?), a haircut by my gal @elizabeth.jane.hair, AND the @theory__ fitting for their fall collection focusing on cashmere and wool. i’ve never been to a fitting before (cue in all the excitement i tried to contain all week long, i still can’t believe this is my life). IT WAS SO MUCH FUN and of course i had the hardest time deciding on something. if you saw my stories i picked something way different than my usual style! can’t wait to share. lastly, FALL is here officially. but not really, it’s SLIGHTLY dropped in temperature but come on i wanna bring out all my outerwear ASAP, put out all my pumpkins (by that i mean all 8 of them… they’re out already who am i kidding?! haha), put up my Christmas tree (i know, i’m getting crazy but it’s my first Christmas tree in my own home!!). ah, FALL, I LOVE THEE.

currently on my playlist: alone by Halsey ft. Big Sean & Steffon Don

currently reading: Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman

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how i normally show up to shoots. in COMFY shoes. see how it even goes well with sneaks?!

dress c/o | Theory silk combo mixed media dress in black — similar but long sleeve and a shorter length // not related but LOVE this
jacket | BLANKNYC life changer moto jacket in black — similar // similar but hooded // similar but suede // currently love this one
shoes | Madden Girl bella block heel sandal in black — same shoe at DSW // similar at Target for $30 // similar but shorter heel
bag | DVF lytton clutch in black quilted leather (old) — similar // such a good Bottega dupe for $35 // not similar but a cool marble one
earrings | Kendra Scott mandy statement earrings in rose gold (old) — similar and available in tons of colors! // similar but metal
sunglasses | Karen Walker number one sunglasses in black — love these for $55
rings | Gorjana amara ring set // Amanda Deer c/o CZ solitaire ring // Amanda Deer c/o CZ accents midi ring

cheers to mixed media,
JD

photo credit: Madeline Harper
a post done in collaboration with Theory.
dress provided by Theory, all opinions are my own.

celebrating 33 years

howdy, 33!

this post is a tad late because i was too busy celebrating and stuffing my face last week. from dinners, lunches, brunch, snacks, sweet treats (LOTS), gifts, flowers, messages, etc... i have some pretty dang good people in my life. but really though, glad i took these photos before eating for 10 people... not joking. my thoughts (or more like ramblings) on turning 33 after the jump! 

THIS DRESS. i've always wanted a sparkly dress and this was a good first one because it is not full-on-sparkle. ALSO, it has a very pretty textured design to it which actually adds to the flattering fit. it is a little on the tighter side than what i normally wear, but what the heck, i'm 33. might as well; and hey nothing spanx can't fix! i love the long sleeve one shoulder and the fact that it is a midi that really hits at the right length (i'm 5'2" short). it makes the PERFECT NYE dress! this shoot was again one for the books, i mean look at that AUSTIN view -- looking good #ATX! oh, and my photographer, brandon, almost fell in the pool on this cold day, LOL. lastly, check out my instagram for a chance to WIN THIS DRESS! the giveways i've been running have been so fun, it feels so good to give something away for the holidays so i hope you'll join in! see ya next week, xx.

currently on my playlist: meant to be by Bebe Rexha ft. Georgia Line

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BUT hold up... wait a minute.. 33?! come on.. forealzzz? where the hell did three decades + three years go?!?! you know what's funny is when you ask and answer the question of where you see yourself in five years and then when you find yourself there, life looks completely different than you imagined five years ago. well, that's been my. whole. life. basically. it has never turned out as planned. like. nothing. (insert nervous laughter). so the best plan is to not have one; solid advice, i know. at least for life. everything that went "wrong" led me right here -- i have to say, it's a pretty good spot. i thought i'd be married -- maybe? have children -- possibly? am i anywhere near that? um...... no. my life is completely different from all my friends i grew up with; they have all seemed to move on with the typical life progression. there is no denying that our lives have become un-relatable and vice versa. no ones fault. but i guess my journey is just different and i can't help but to believe that there is beauty in that. or at least.. that's what i'm sticking to!

my friend sent this to me ages ago (thanks GF you know who you are), i frequently refer to it when i need some perspective: 

It takes six million grains of pollen to seed one peony, and salmon need a lifetime of swimming to find their way home, so we mustn't be alarmed or discouraged when it takes us years to find love or years to understand our calling in life.
Everything in nature is given some form of resilience by which it can rehearse finding its way, so that, when it does, it is practiced and ready to seize its moment. This includes us.
When things don't work out - when loves unexpectedly end or careers stop unfolding - it can be painful and sad, but refusing this larger picture keeps us from finding our resilience. Then, sadness can turn into discouragement, and pain can spoil into despair.
As the many grains of pollen birth the one flower and the many eggs spawned birth the one fish, each person we love and each dream we try to give life to brings us closer to the mystery of being alive. So, we must try as many times as necessary until our many loves become the one love, until our many dreams become the one dream, until heart and path feel the same. // the book of awakening

i have to remind myself this all the time, but i think it's really important to focus on the "things" that i have in my life and the things that are going right versus the things that i don't have or aren't going "right." sometimes you gotta put blinders on and not pay attention to anyone around you but yourself and the path ahead that is meant for you. one foot in front of the other, one day at a time. some days it can be hard, but other days it can be so gratifying. there is something to be said about going on a path completely alone, without any co-dependency, and no one to turn to at the end of the day except yourself. it sounds a little sad, but by golly, it makes you one hell of a strong person i tell ya. so cheers to the road less traveled, cheers to the little victories, & cheers to 33 -- i plan on crushin' it. xx 

dress c/o | Maggy London zipporah midi (TTS, wearing a size 2) 
shoes | Jimmy Choo abel pumps in black patent (old design) -- current design // similar 1 // similar 2
bag | DVF lytton clutch in black quilted leather (old) -- similar and $68 // similar 
earrings c/o | BaubleBar eve hoop earrings in white -- similar but with sequins // another great holiday option
sunglasses | Le Specs air heart 51mm sunglasses in black & gold -- similar but more cat eye // similar but more rectangular (love these)
bracelet | Vita Fede mini titan crystal bracelet in gold -- similar
lips | Christian Louboutin velvet matte lip color in rouge 001M (FAVE RED) -- similar in a matte liquid
rings | Gorjana amara ring set // Amanda Deer c/o CZ solitaire ring // Amanda Deer c/o CZ accents midi ring

#cantstopwontstop,
JD

photo credit: Brandon Hill
a post done in collaboration with Maggy London. 
dress provided by Maggy London, all opinions are my own.
special thanks to the Westin Austin Downtown for the backdrop!. 

nyfw part 2

can't get enough of these New York photos!

finally winding down from the weekend/housework and finding some time to regroup and gather my thoughts for this post. i wanted to cover some things i learned in terms of dress for NYFW. as mentioned in my part 1 post, i didn't have much time to pack or plan. AND i actually checked in a luggage for the FIRST TIME EVA. haha. i usually travel pretty light but this time it was actually nice to have that extra space -- this could become a thing now hrmmm.. 

tips on packing for NYFW // 

  • mix old + new -- this is a great way to brush off some older items in your closet and restyle it! here i used a work pencil skirt to style with this really fun asymmetric top that shows a little skin, oh and it's a designer dupe at a $16 steal! usually when you wear something entirely new, chances are someone else will be wearing it. not that there isn't anything wrong with twinning. 
  • dress for comfort -- while i'm a huge fan of fashion i went with more basic & comfortable items because i knew it was going to be long hours and lots of walking. i even wore a tee-shirt dress. haha, featured in part 3 #comingsoon.
  • bring comfortable shoes (or bring lots of shoe options!!) -- even bringing tennis shoes or extra shoes with you to change into is a HUGE must. i found that no matter what you wear, after hours your feet will start to hurt! pack chunky heels, platforms, tennis shoes, flats, wedges but no stiletto heels!! PRO TIP: DO NOT. i repeat DO NOT bring new shoes that you have never worn. ever. your feet will thank me. 
  • pick versatile outfits -- meaning pick outfits that go with multiple shoes. in real time, i actually wore this outfit with booties because by day 2 my feet were already killing me!! or dresses that also go with sneakers!
  • go for statement layering pieces -- this i'll prob try to do this next time. but i think layering pieces are good to add such as a leather jacket, a hat, a statement bag or necklace esp over more basic pieces. 
  • grab a good bag -- i do not mean little box bags like the one i'm wearing here (hello, that was just for pictures lol) but something that actually fits a good amount of stuff because YOU WILL NEED IT! i brought my Gucci Marmont with me and it went with everything and fit just the right amount of items. also, a crossbody is MOST useful. the last thing you want it do is bring a bag that ties up one hand. #handsfreealltheway.
  • lastly, wear whatever you feel is YOU -- this is the most important tip. style and fashion changes from one person to another. and just because it's fashion week doesn't mean that you need to show up in the most outrageous attention grabbing outfit. be yourself. that's what my mom always says. ;D

stay tuned for part 3. the last, i promise! xx 

PSA -- @baublebar is having their friends & family SALE! use code "BIGONE" for 25% off your purchase, good until 9/27/17! a few of my picks that i own and wear myself: firecracker ear jackets // champagne ear jackets // acrylic block monogram necklace // criselda ball drop earrings // gem pinata tassel earrings // vivian tassel earrings // gold mary links bracelet 

currently on my playlist: titanium by David Guetta ft. Sia

trying not to get run over. 

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day 2 // September 9, 2017
started off the morning all fancy with a lunch tea time at @laduree #pinkiesup. it was such an instagram-worthy spot and so fancy. my girl @fashionablyfitjess was my PIC that day and we spent much of it waiting in lines... bah. after tea time we headed to the @rebeccaminkoff event to find a massive line.. i think we waited in it for a good 45 mins before having to leave for the @bananarepublic public presentation at the flatiron location. as we were dropped off by the taxi, PETA protesters took the stage and it was a big mess. again, jess and i waited in line to see @oliviapalermo but unfortunately, and yet again, the line was so long that by the time we got close-ish to the front, Olivia had already left. WHOMP WHOMP. jess and i decided to drown our sorrows in... @eatlyflatiron!! haha, nothing like good italian food! i walked jess to @grandcentralstation (my first time being there) where she left me to go solo for the rest of the trip. haha, still love you jess!

the evening ended up on a better note; thank goodness.  #sodonewithlines. i checked out the @lulus party which was such a huge hit!! they gifted some outfits which were super cute, nibbled on some amazing food and drinks before heading to the @rewardstyle rooftop party. i was really looking forward to this one because a lot of my instagram friends were going and FINALLY I GOT TO MEET THEM IN REAL LIFE! there was a ton of shrieking (which is so not me), lots of hugging and picture taking. it felt amazing to see the personalities come to life. just to finally meet in real life after following & supporting each other for such a long time!! my girls: @pinterestingplans // @interiordesignerella // @courtneerodgers // @toreystreasures // @laminlouboutins // @lifelutzurious 

oh... and i met my blogger idol, @wendyslookbook who has always been an inspiration to me from WAYYY back in the day before i even started this site! 

day 3 // September 10, 2017
my friend @stylebeacon had a plus one to a show and of course, i said YES! that morning we hit up @ninatiarinyc and it was a small show but MY FIRST real NEW YORK FASHION SHOW, so thank you michelle! nina has some very pretty designs and i loved all the pattern play. michelle, being the busy boss babe she is had a booked day of shows, i split up with her and finally did some exploring walking all down 5th avenue. i must have walked ... maybe 50 blocks?! haha, i got my bubble tea and dumplings fill. michelle and i finished the night with some sushi & sake!

by the way, what's so cool about being up there during fashion week was running into other TEXAS BLOGGER friends such as @daniaustin // @dressupbuttercup !! 

day 4 & 5 in part 3 coming soon. xx

doing what i do best -- laughing at myself. :D

bad iphone photos of nyfw day 2 & 3 in squares or selfiesquares.. ?! 

teatime @laduree with @fashionablyfitjess // @lulus party // Austin blogger @jesskatt123
fan girling over @wendyslookbook // @courtneerodgers @pinterestingplans @stylebeacon // always so fab @laminlouboutins
@pepperedinstyle @toreystreasures // mama-to-be @lifelutzurious // the mini skirt queen @interiordesignerella