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

READ MORE

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.

the leather skirt & fuzzy sweater

fall texture play.

this was probably one of the most creative shoots with Steven. i played with texture — leather & a fuzzy sweater while Steven played on light and lines. and our first time shooting indoors!! co-creating is the best. it was a complete blast stepping out of my comfort zone in terms of the leather skirt and these moody photos! i was a little skeptical about faux leather, but really love the a-line fit on this skirt, super conservative length, and especially how the panels are sewn together too! machine washable is a plus. regardless, any leather clothing makes quite a statement and here i chose a more classic style with a tucked in fuzzy sweater (3/4 length sleeves are sooo my jam) for some fall texture play.

side ramblings: this past weekend was amazing weather and probably the last of it as we enter fall/winter in full swing. but who knows with that TX weather?! if you didn’t already know i’m big into photography and was able to snap some photos for my friend Meg // @theautumngirl_ and her baby boy, see the plaid photos on her feed! i FINALLY made it out to @tilliescamplucy which was something i’ve been meaning to mark off my list for a while now! it’s quite a drive but so beautiful & peaceful out there :) and the food/staff/service was amazing! have you heard of @thesculptsociety by Megan Roup? i am super intrigued and while i’m a big pilates/barre fan i think i’m gonna give this one a go to mix it up!

currently on my playlist: carry on by Kygo & Rita Ora

READ MORE

the neck tie blouse gone casual style

the neck tie blouse gone #casualstyle

i am a fan of classic pieces. the ones that stay in style forever. one of them is the neck tie blouse. it’s a great work staple that pairs well with pencil skirts and pants. however, i choose to take it casual style here with other classic pieces such as the skinny jean, a neutral-ish blazer and a pair of nude patent pumps. i loved the addition of the cognac skinny belt that polished it even more and tied in the bag. this neck tie blouse also comes in petite which is a great option when it comes to long sleeves so that the length will hit you just right! PS — these photos are hot off the press! we shot them on Saturday and i haven’t done photos since March and i will say, it feels good to be back. until next time, xx.

side ramblings: HELLO @glossier! they’re poppin up in ATX and it’s a great way to see all the products in person at 2000 South Congress Ave until 12/08! i may go back and pick up the milky oil but i am a huge fan of the balmdotcom. what a remarkable 3-day weekend! it kicked off with a complimentary blow out and make up application at @janetstpaulstudio. UM. do you know the last time i put makeup on my face (concealer, foundation, bronzer etc..)? my sister’s wedding FIVE years ago lol! it was such a treat, the staff was so friendly. and you know when you go to places where you put a robe on it’s gonna be #badandbougie. we also took it into a girls day out complete with manis and lunch @snhatx — hello crab butter roll!! my foodie PIC and i checked out @intelligentisacoffee in ATX and while i’ve been before, i had the opportunity to try the ATX special this time — the roadrunner (sparkling cold coffee, grapefruit, soda, and agave). sounds pretty interesting huh? i really enjoyed it. think of a refreshing-type-cold-coffee. i learned so much about coffee and have a newfound respect for this coffee shop! lastly, weekends are usually complete with brunch so enter @swedishhillaustin, i highly recommend the deconstructed bagel & lox!

currently on my playlist: alaska by Maggie Rogers

always a sucker for a great B&W photo!

READ MORE

top | Ann Taylor petite bow neck blouse in winter white (wearing size 2P) — similar by Banana Republic // similar but a mock neck combo
blazer c/o | Theory good wool long blazer in petal pink (wearing size 2, i actually tried on the crimson melange recently and it’s a perfect red!!)
jeans | Hudson nico mid-rise skinny jeans in abbey wash (old) — similar for $68 // similar but high rise
shoes | Manolo Blahnik BB pump in nude patent — similar by Ann Taylor // similar by Sam Edelman
bag | Senreve mini maestra in chestnut (use code “JANNADOAN” at checkout on senreve.com and receive a complimentary bracelet pouch, $125 value, on any $300 minimum purchase!) — midi size // largest size
belt | H&M narrow belt in brown— similar but double o style
sunglasses | Celine marta sunglasses in havana (my fave sunnies!) — similar for $25 // similar by QUAY for $55 // love these for $99
rings | Gorjana amara ring set // Amanda Deer c/o CZ solitaire ring // Amanda Deer c/o CZ accents midi ring

rock the neck tie blouse casual style!,
JD

photo credit: Steven Gunter

the tuxedo dress

one dress. two ways.

last year i took a poll on my IG regarding the tuxedo dress. everyone voted a hard NO. well, you know me… i had to try it for myself. i’ve always been drawn to it due to the very powerful statement it makes. it isn’t for the faint of heart but have no fear i got chu! here’s a couple of reasons why you should wear this tuxedo dress: A) you can wear it casually!, B) you’ll look better than your man, C) you will surely turn heads or have people doing double-takes on ya, D) you don’t have to wear a strapless bra (and i say that is a huge win). when i saw that @MaggyLondon came out with the Toni tuxedo dress, my gal immediately sent me one (she’s such a doll)! as we were chatting she told me that it actually goes on as a coat almost so #lightbulb i figured i would style it two ways (plus, these are my favorite kinds of creative posts)!

first, of course, i chose to wear the tuxedo dress as itself. GAH, what a statement and tons of compliments strolling on south congress haha. for the second look i went casual style as a statement layering piece or even a COAT to get you to-and-from. we always want versatile items like this in our closet, it makes the price per wear even betta! for casual style i went with my new @everlane cheeky jeans (they are AMAZING y’all) in a high waisted, straight fit (skinny jeans also work), light wash paired with a lace satin cami (half tuck) to balance this look out. as you can see, it drapes and flows very nicely. for shoes, no matter which way you wear it, you want to avoid anything clunky/chunky, go for a streamlined strappy stiletto heel instead or even a pointed toe pump. warning: you will be photo bombed if you hit the read more button. but it was a fun one!

READ MORE

dress c/o | Maggy London toni tuxedo dress in white (also available in black, runs a little large, i sized down to a 0)
denim | Everlane cheeky jeans in sky blue (has stretch so i sized down to a 25 ankle so perfect for my short gals = no hemming needed) — similar but 90s style
cami | H&M satin & lace camisole top in natural white — similar // love this one
bag c/o | Brahmin pipp topsail in navy — similar in croc // love this style!
shoes | Stuart Weitzman nudistsong in adobe patent (comes in different widths too) — similar by Sam Edelman $100 // similar by Steve Madden $80 // more strappy at Target $30
earrings c/o | BaubleBar celestial drops in gold
sunglasses | Celine marta sunglasses in havana (old) — newer design
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   
bracelet | GUESS twisted metal cuff in silver — similar and a set of three

photo credit: Steven Gunter
a post done in collaboration and sponsored by Maggy London.
dress provided by Maggy London, all opinions are my own.

the cropped faux fur jacket

it’s FAUX fur. faux real umm-kay.

a faux fur jacket is something i’ve always wanted except living in TX it just felt wrong to get one because it never gets that THAT cold here. UNLESS it’s on major sale. haha, i snagged this one for half off and didn’t think i would keep it but once i touched it there was no turning back. IT IS THE SOFTEST thing ever. i wore it out that same weekend and this jacket is a compliment magnet. everybody wants to… touch it. i mean i don’t even blame them. haha. i feel like a teddy bear in it #literally. it made me realize i never wear brown. so of course i style it here with BLACK. it’s probably a fashion faux pas but i don’t care. the two can be mixed in my opinion. a cropped jacket (faux fur or not) is a great one to have in the mix especially for petites because they don’t make you look shorter when you’re being “swallowed” by a jacket. AND if it’s fur, it adds a fun little texture as well and texture to any outfit always wins.

side happenings: LIFE IS CRAZY. (i keep saying that don’t i?! i can’t help it, it’s true). this past week was loaded of events & being in the presence of empowering women. i was invited to model by our local @nordstromatx in one of their kick off events for Austin Fashion Week #AFW — WOW, what an honor! it’s both terrifying and exciting so you know i’m on board. i come to learn it’s actually a fashion show… so runway, here i come!! all proceeds go to The Kindness Campaign // @tkckindness which is becoming my favorite charity. i had the chance to meet some of the ladies this past week and able to view their curriculum they bring into the schools where they teach kids about #selflove, emotions, feelings, and that YOU ARE ENOUGH just the way you are. their mascot is named Enoughie!! i don’t have kids but i LOVE what they do and wished i was able to experience this curriculum back in elementary school. in a day and age where social media is so prevalent, if you do not have the right mindset about yourself, it will tear you apart no matter what age. more about it later because these ramblings are actually becoming too long but i can’t help it because i have so many great things to share! until next time, xx.

currently on my playlist: dancing with a stranger by Sam Smith & Normani

READ MORE

top | H&M satin & lace camisole top in natural white — similar
denim | Hudson nico mid-rise skinny jeans in abbey wash (old) — similar // similar by Everlane and $68 // similar from Nordstrom for $65
jacket | BlankNYC cropped faux fur jacket in milk chocolate (wearing size small) — same from Bloomingdales // same from Neiman Marcus // very similar // similar but bomber jacket style
belt | Gucci leather skinny belt in black -- good knock off for $14
bag | Forever 21 faux leather o-ring backpack (sold out) — similar in suede // similar
shoes | Unisa saromi over the knee boot in black suede — similar in a block heel // similar from Target for $45
sunglasses | Karen Walker number one sunglasses in black — love these for $55
necklace | Anthropologie monogram pendant necklace 
rings | Gorjana amara ring set // Amanda Deer c/o CZ solitaire ring // Amanda Deer c/o CZ accents midi ring

rock all the faux fur,
JD

photo credit: Steven Gunter

the female pantsuit

the pantsuit gone female style.

in previewing and being fitted for the @theory__ fall collection, i wanted something different. something special to remember that moment by (because uhh, i’ve never been fitted for anything!! i feel so bougie even saying that word lol #lucky). in the end i choose to go with a pantsuit from the Theory good wool collection. the Good Wool Collection is made in Italy and of extra fine merino with ZERO itchy-ness. obviously you can only expect the best from Theory and this suit lives up to my expectations. i feel like pantsuits aren’t really worn these days because it comes across very masculine. to avoid this i went with color vs. black. while the blazer is a long line blazer i love how it fits and the exact length that it drops on my short 5’2” self. the pants are supposed to be cropped but of course fit like normal pants because i’m so dang short. no alterations were needed here (ain’t nobody got time for that)! there’s something so powerful about rockin’ a male suit. i took this janna-style with a satin cami with lace trim (a neck tie blouse will also do) and added three layered necklaces to make this even more chic and classy. lastly, always top off any pantsuit with a pair of pumps to elevate the entire look.

side ramblings: we’re basically in the last month of 2018, CAN YOU BELIEVE IT?! i can’t wait to write a little reflections post on this year. i have already taken advantage with having my @kingofchristmas tree up (actually since October but who cares?!). it’s the best time of the year as there is so much to be thankful for and so much to look forward to. i’m EXCITED — lights, xmas music, hot cocoa, family gatherings… oh my and how can i forget #BIRTHDAYMONTH! you know i’m all about treating yourself right, especially as you get older. i’m already in present wrapping mode and almost done christmas shopping so we should drink to that. AH! one of my friends i met on IG asked me to be her bridesmaid @wanderlustanita! ive only known Anita for two years now and can’t believe she even asked me, what an honor! it reminded me of the friendships i’ve made along this journey and so thankful for these gals who keep me sane. and on another note, the last few weeks have been a whirlwind and so many great things happening in my life right now, i’m all about those pinch me moments! until next time xx.

currently on my playlist: on and on by Mat Kearney (on oldie but goodie in my books)

READ MORE

top | H&M satin & lace camisole top in natural white — similar
pants c/o | Theory good wool classic slim crop pant in petal pink (wearing size 2)
blazer c/o | Theory good wool long blazer in petal pink (wearing size 2)
earrings | Kendra Scott aston statement earrings in ivory mother of pearl (old) -- similar but smaller // similar
necklaces | Amanda Deer satellite choker in gold // Amanda Deer c/o fine jewelry double horn necklace // Erica Weiner letter press necklace
sunglasses | DIFF ruby 54mm polarized sunglasses in black & grey
shoes | Ann Taylor mila suede pumps in paver grey (sold out) -- similar
bag | Celine micro luggage tote in navy -- similar
rings | Gorjana amara ring set // Amanda Deer c/o CZ solitaire ring // Amanda Deer c/o CZ accents midi ring
bracelet | GUESS twisted metal cuff in silver — similar and a set of three
watch | Michael Kors darci watch in gold

rock all the pantsuits,
JD

photo credit: lil blogger sis @simplyyvan
a post done in collaboration with Theory.
pantsuit provided by Theory, all opinions are my own.

the boyfriend jeans & white tee

boyfriend jeans, casual style.

for the most part, my posts with boyfriend jeans have been a tad dressy. lets go down JDC memory lane: 2016 with pumps & a trench coat (it was SO COLD i could barely feel my hands!) // 2017 in a v-neck cami & strappy stilettos // 2018 in a square neck cami & suede pumps. i thought i’d go casual style with a simple v-neck tshirt. gimme a v-neck white tshirt and i’m pretty much set. when i’m not taking embarrassing blog photos, you’ll find in in a men’s JOCKEY white v-neck tshirt. i probably have 30 easy. it’s my go-to with Nike tempo shorts. #lifetip: always say yes to stretchy waistbands. unfortunately, not all of us are @fashion_jackson-beautiful so we can’t always rock tshirts like her. she is #casualstylegoals. but when i do go out-out in a tshirt it’s gonna be slightly more fitted and a woman’s tee. haha.

i’ve been on an @everlane kick lately and while i do partner with the brand, i purchased this tshirt to test out; i love it! while the white is a little sheer, it was moisture wicking during this shoot where i was sweating like nuts (hair was not having that humidity either). the v-neck isn’t too low, perfect for layering necklaces. i loved it so much i placed another order for more! including the different styles i linked below. for $15 you can’t go wrong. and you can never have enough tshirts in your closet because they go with EVERYTHING. skirts, pants, jeans, not to mention they make a good base layering piece to any outfit. top if off with a cardigan, jacket, or blazer during the fall/winter. (or summer if you’re crazy like me. haha).

lastly, a blurb on @keds!! i wore these back in middle school! where my #teamkeds people at?! while the Keds champion canvas sneaker in navy is my BFF, i splurged a little on a leather pair from the Kate Spade collaboration with Keds. the hardware is GOLD y’all, the laces are ribbon-like = so extra. anyways, they make a great casual sneaker that go with dresses, shorts, skirts, and jeans. they are also the best travel shoe when you don’t want to give up too much fashion over function.

side ramblings: it sucked watching New York Fashion Week #NYFW all the way from Texas. i really missed out this year but the adult life had more pressing things that needed to be taken care of. gotta love #adulting. next year, i’m treating myself to that trip. the @thefomofactory opened in ATX and i was able to preview it the night before it opened! a pretty cool seven-room-instagram-able outing to check out, collage pict after the jump! also, my dear friend, @amandadeer #nopunintended launched her capsule collection of fine jewelry recently that consists of solid 14K and real diamondssss y’all. i dropped by to see them in person and they’re amazing pieces, i have my eyes set on the horn necklace and the solitaire. i love supporting her, such a sweet soul! lastly, @baublebar is having their friends & family sale, 25% off everything!! my top 3 picks: slim bow drops // mezzo 18K gold huggie hoop earrings // mariette fringe drop earrings.

currently on my playlist: dance to this by Troye Sivan ft. Ariana Grande

READ MORE

top | Everlane cotton v-neck in white (wearing size small) — similar but over-sized // similar but a crew neck // similar but long sleeve with a v-back
blazer | H&M single button jersey blazer in navy (old) — similar // love this one with ruched sleeves
denim | GAP mid-rise relaxed boyfriend jeans in medium indigo -- similar // love these
kicks | Keds x Kate Spade champion leather sneakers in rose dew pink (they run a little big, i usually wear a size 6 in the canvas but went down to a 5.5 in these) — the OG in canvas // just bought these all white leather!
bag | Celine micro luggage tote in navy -- similar
earrings | Kendra Scott sky earrings in white pearl (old) -- larger version // similar
necklaces | Amanda Deer satellite choker in gold // Anthropologie monogram pendant necklace 
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

rock all the white tees,
JD

photo credit: Madeline Harper

@thefomofactory

dates I 09/14/18 - 10/21/18
admission | $23, $15 for 12 years old and under, and FREE for children 3 and under
tips | wear light colors, i suggest white. wear pants esp if you want to get into the beach ball pit. if you’re claustrophobic, i’d think twice about going

straight up nostalgic FUN. all the bright colors made for some happy photos and a happy me. CHEESIN so hard. PC: @wanderlustanita