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 brown wide leg pants

the wide leg pant obsession.

wide leg pants have always been in my rotation, but mainly cropped ones. i didn’t really have any regular length wide leg pants …until recently. and somehow managed to accumulate… many pairs in the last couple months. regular wide leg pants can be tricky to style IMO. esp if there are pleated details in the front. while the pleats look good, sometimes it can pull a little masculine so you want to be sure you’re styling these types of pants with a feminine top — even showing a little skin in a tasteful way helps! here i’ve styled these brown wide leg pants two ways. look 1 features a crop top to wear more casually during the day. look 2 features a little shoulder action for date night.

#styletips: other tops i’d style these brown pants with include a cream lace cami or satin cowl neck cami, an off the shoulder bodysuit, a sweetheart neckline tank or long sleeve sweater. in terms of color, i’d pair this with cream colors or heathered oatmeal, black or white would even look nice too if you’re going for contrast. i also would even play on the brown hue and go with a tan/light brown shade too. add a belt for good measure or even drape a half zip sweater over the shoulders.

side ramblings: i randomly stumbled upon the 28-day ab challenge by @lazygirlfitness and thought to myself… yea i could do that. without realizing there are 100 crunches at the end of this thing. #sendhelp. the 2nd annual lunar new year festival was so much fun & it was also a special holiday since it fell on my mom’s birthday as well. 2023 is year of the rabbit which symbolizes peace, longevity, and prosperity. you can read more about year of the rabbit here and see which chinese zodiac sign you are! in asia it’s a celebration that goes on for two full weeks! so it’s serious business. some things we do for lunar new year: honor our ancestors, clean our house before LNY, wear red for good luck, & smile/be happy because it sets the tone for the entire year ahead!

currently on my playlist: easy lover by Ellie Goulding

LOOK 1: styled with a sleeveless cropped sweater. for shoes i’d go with flat sandals, or even white sneaks depending on casual you want to wear this/the vibe you’re going for!

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LOOK 2: styled with a long sleeve off the shoulder sweater. for shoes, a pointed toe pump goes perfectly, but also so does a strappy sandal with a kitten heel.

brand spotlight: Quince

another series hits JDC!

i’m hitting 2022 off right with a couple of new series and this is one of them. as a content creator, i feel as though there are so many brands out there left to be discovered! so one thing i wanted to do this year was to find and support those brands. i’m really excited about this because it’ll allow me to branch out — which i need. i tend to gravitate towards the same brands; and well, i want some change and to support other companies out there while giving them recognition!

i stumbled upon Quince in a google search as i was looking for some solid gold hoops. i’m so glad i found them because my gosh, the prices are SO AFFORDABLE!!! i think i’ve been living under a rock. like how have i gone on for so long without knowing about Quince?!?! my first purchase from Quince consisted of three items (silk skirt featured in this post, 14K gold hoops, and a cashmere tee) and they did not disappoint. while i would love a ton of stuff from Quince, if i could narrow it down to three things currently in my cart just waiting to check out one day!: cashmere joggers + the matching cashmere cardigan, and the 14K gold pave slim signet (this same ring at Mejuri retails for $385). why you should purchase from Quince after the jump!

here i styled their satin skirt i purchased two ways since i couldn’t decide. i always love the satin bias skirts with an oversized mock neck for fall but as we approach spring i also love it with a square neck tank! which one is your fave? the champagne color is absolutely beautiful and it moves to perfection too.

currently on my playlist: dancing feet by Kygo ft. DNCE

styled for spring with a square neck tank. goes great with slip on sandals or white sneaks for casual style or dress it up with nude heels.

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reasons why you should purchase from Quince //

  1. ethical company — they pay their employees fairly, practice sustainability, use factories who care about reducing damage to the environment = YESSS!!!

  2. luxury items at AFFORADABLE PRICES — how could this be? i read up on the business model and they basically cut out all the “middlemen” it’s a direct purchase from the factory that you’re making. in traditional retail, it goes from the factory to agents, warehouses, brands, stores then it goes to you. that’s a lot of “middlemen” and each one gets a cut which means a higher price tag. interesting isn’t it?

  3. transparent pricing — what i like about each item is it breaks down the cost BUT it also compares it to other brands that have a similar item. check out this 100% leather jacket for $150, you can see in the chart that All Saints has a similar one for $500! not only that… it gives you a comparison of the features it has compared to its competitors. i LOVE THIS!

  4. amazing basics to building a capsule wardrobe — looking though all the clothing items i feel that they are all items that belong in a capsule wardrobe. it’s crazy!!!

  5. washable silk — i love silk but when it’s not washable… like WUT?! they have a whole line dedicated to washable silk, so awesome!! because let’s just be honest, if you can’t wash it… HOW THE HECK WILL IT BE CLEAN?!?! also, i wash everything regardless of what the label says. haha but the reassurance is good because i have ruined a couple items 😁

  6. 365-day return policy — i mean. a YEAR to decide! the only other company i know that does this is IKEA!

other observations //

  1. the only downside to Quince is the sizing availability. there are no petites, tall, curvy, or plus. but it’s probably hard to keep so many costs down and have all sorts of different sizing available. hopefully down the line it’s something they expand to.

styled for fall with a cozy mock neck sweater. goes great with white sneaker for casual style or dress it up with heels.

sweater | Express cozy mock neck sweater in white (old) — similar by Quince
tank | Abercrombie & Fitch double-layered seamless squareneck tank in white (old) — similar
skirt | Quince washable silk skirt in champagne (wearing size XS)

i can’t speak for Quince enough. it’s starting to sound like i work for them LOL but it’s just real love for a new brand i just discovered. i think they deserve the spotlight and i’m just mad that i didn’t know about them sooner!

rock ALL THE QUINCE!,
JD

the j.crew lady coat

there’s no coat quite like the lady coat.

i’ve been meaning to put this post together for a while now and what better time to write a post about a coat than the end of february, amirite?! 😁 the good news is, at this point the coat is on sale. the bad news is you may have to wait until later this year to wear it. haha, but my savvy mom always taught me to buy it on sale and wear it next year. you know mom’s aren’t wrong! in a few words, the J.Crew lady coat is a classic coat. almost iconic i would even say. it has a very distinct look, structure, and you can tell who’s actually wearing one because nothing really comes close to it imo. it’s a coat that every woman should have in their coat closet. why? more after the jump!

side ramblings: there may be something in the air, because i am on a rampage to re/decorate and organize. this past weekend i spent time organizing the pantry (lemme tell you there are things in there i didn’t even know about!! as an avid snacker my pantry was getting out of control!!). the end result is more of an “organized mess” but gosh, it was so fulfilling. not to mention, i feel like a legit adult now. and you know i’m going to share my pantry organizing journey with you! (just hold in your excitement please).

currently on my playlist: times like this by Mat Kearney (beautiful lyrics)

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why you should invest in a J.Crew lady coat //

  1. it will always be timeless — which means it will never go out of style

  2. instantly elevates any outfit — whether you’re wearing sweatpants, a dress, jeans.. doesn’t matter. put this coat on and you’re G2G.

  3. color options — are endless. each year they come out with new colors and i do have plans to add a fun vibrant one at some point down the line.

  4. i’d wager to say this coat will last forever — even though i’ve only had the coat for a little over a year, the look and feel of this coat is high quality. and it should be for the price. it’s an investment piece and that’s what we’re all about here on JDC.

  5. lined in 3M thinsulate — what is this? “3M™ Thinsulate™ Insulation (Type C) is warm yet lightweight, powerful yet thin. it helps trap body heat, while allowing moisture to escape!” ah, now that is cool. and it’s something they use from a legit company. so there’s that. not to mention, the interior is satin = luxe.

  6. function + fashion — this jacket will keep you warm AND it looks so sophisticated at the same time. so there’s no sacrificing anything! (now that’s a win in fashion if you ask me)

other observations //

  1. size UP — this coat runs small IMO. i’d say i’m pretty true to a 2P but sized up to a 4P. here i’m wearing it with a ribbed long sleeve sweater that isn’t super super thick. but the coat is a tight fit with it. it is not meant for chunky/oversized sweaters.

  2. the bottom has the slightest flare — or so this is something i noticed. i think it gives it a more feminine cut than something straight.

jeans | Abercrombie & Fitch high rise skinny jeans in medium wash (old) — similar in a black wash // similar
coat | J.Crew classic lady coat in nantucket fog (size UP, wearing size 4P) — J.Crew Factory version (love the gold buttons!)
bag | Gucci marmont small matelasse shoulder bag in dusty pink leather — smaller version
sunglasses | Celine marta sunglasses in brown — similar // similar for $15
shoes | Manolo Blahnik BB pump in nude patent — similar by Ann Taylor // similar by Sam Edelman

until next time,
JD

photo credit: @herfashionedlife

my homeownership journey

Janna Doan, Homeowner

i’ll just add that to my “credentials” of local model, personal stylist, content creator, influencer etc.. haha. i’ve wanted to write this post for years. but could never get around to it so what better time than a pandemic? i’ve owned a home for three years now (still a newbie but ACK! time flies!) and it’s been quite a journey — a stressful/hard one, yet extremely satisfying at the same time, ya know?! it would be remiss if i didn’t thank my right hand man, my father, who has taught me so much my whole life but the last three years spent countless hours teaching me all the things about owning a home, fixing it & maintaining it. i learned so much more than i wanted to but hey, you know they say knowledge is power. my main satisfaction comes from KNOWING how to do something. as a woman, i find it empowering. from mowing the lawn to replacing toilets. it’s such a good feeling to say, YES. i know how to do that. if you’re thinking of going into homeownership, i highly recommend it, don’t wait for life to unfold the way it’s supposed to. make things happen for yourself and just know that the homeownership journey will be a very difficult one. just be prepared to ask for help and watch tons of how-to YouTube videos. you’ll survive. shoot, i did somehow. so that means you can too 😊

side ramblings: how fitting that the Target x @studiomcgee line launched yesterday!! and oh me. oh my. i am always a fan of her interior design skills. it’s a smidge more farmhouse for my taste but she does a good job in mixing a little farmhouse chic + modern together. i picked up a few things: moss wood plant arrangement, weathered terracotta jugs in small & large sizes. currently eyeing: this decorative basket (for throw blankets), faux olive plant arrangement, short glass vase (i like the look and dimensions of this one), pedestal serving bowl, and these floral napkins. a lot of stuff is already sold out but they usually re-stock! i’m kind of on an itch to re-decorate and change things up a little. i think this happens each time i take down the christmas tree 🤣 and i know i’m not the only one!!!

currently on my playlist: independent woman by Destiny’s Child

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but first, outfit deets 😁:

top | Abercrombie & Fitch long sleeve seamless squareneck bodysuit in white (i always love a good square neck!, wearing size S for size reference) — similar but short sleeves // satin cami
denim | GAP mid-rise relaxed boyfriend jeans in medium indigo (old) — similar by Old Navy
earrings | Mejuri charlotte bold hoops in gold vermeil
necklace | Anthropologie monogram pendant necklace
rings | Gorjana amara ring set
watch | Michael Kors darci watch in gold

the search: the search for a home was a longgggg journey. it took me almost two years to find it. but you know… they say that the right house comes along at the right time. it’s true. i looked at a lot of homes. it was exhausting. but after each one, i learned more about what i did and didn’t like. the thing is, there’s never a perfect home unless you build it from the ground up. there’s always going to be something “wrong” but i guess that’s where your must-have list comes into play. make a list of things you must-have in a home. for me, it was pretty simple: new-ish one-story home, 3 bed and 3 bath, one door garage, white kitchen. another thing to think about is location. always pick location over everything else because that is something you CANNOT change. the interior of the house? you can change. think about the things you can and cannot live with/without and prioritize. this house ended up being more than my price range but due to location i went all in. it was risky, but it was the best decision i’ve made. it’s funny how it happened. i jokingly sent the listing to my parents as a “wow wouldn’t this be nice?!” turns out they secretly scoped it out without me! i ended up putting in an offer without even looking at it and the rest is history. funny how it all works out! some other things to think about when buying a home: HOA fees (don’t pay hundreds a month! that is robbery!), and find a realtor who is wiling to give you back some of their commission.

year one: in my first year of homeownership, there were definitely tears. haha. it was hella stressful and feelings of biting off more than i could chew. everything was a DIY. i knew nothing about interior design. money was tight because i had signed my life away to this dwelling and i basically had ZERO furniture, i remember the first year there were echos in the house when i talked because i literally had nothing but a desk and a bed. i never realized how a lawn can grow at such an alarming rate in the summer, not to mention weeds. URGH. don’t get me started on weeds. my BFF was measuring tape. i friggin’ MEASURED everything. it was insane. i was at home depot on the daily it felt like. my father and i built a lot of furniture. i will say one thing, i became an expert at building the IKEA hemnes line. i can tell you with so much confidence that i am the woman for that haha. and hey, if you can build IKEA furniture by yourself and interpret those instructions that are only pictures..… there isn’t a thing in life that you cannot do!!!

year two: the second year, i got smart and finally allowed myself to hire professionals for lawn service & treatments. gosh it was the BIGGEST treat. at this point i realized i had problems of letting go, i had problems asking for help. i felt like i needed to save my money and do everything myself. but the problem was that i was also working multiple jobs (by choice) and it took a breakdown to realize… i just can’t do it all. i can’t. i’m one person and i need help. letting that aspect go was hard for me, and it sounds crazy right? however, i was still frugal. i barely turned on the heater or let the AC go down to a really cool state in the summer. i began to have my parent’s mentality “put on a sweater” haha. funny how we start to gravitate towards their ways as we grow up.

current: the third year was when i finally started to feel settled into here. no more furniture searching or worries about lawn care etc… this was also the year that COVID took our lives in weird directions. i lived a little more and allowed myself heat and AC. 🤣 it feels good to have a rhythm and flow now. to finally have the essentials. but the list never ends does it?! haha. at least now i can finally focus on elements that are nice-to-have but not-really-needed like some upgrades and decor. it’s a good place to be. finally.

random things i learned//

security & staying informed

  • homeownership apps: Next Door and private community Facebook page you can join (if applicable). though there’s lots of buzz and opinions on there (and people who have a lot of time to post), but there can be good info on what’s going on in the neighborhood. great way to stay informed and share information quickly. EX: used to identify a rattlesnake and to find someone to help me get rid of it!!!! you can also use it to sell/buy/give away home stuff too! also, Home Advisor is great & easy app for getting quotes for house projects/repairs

  • alarm system = GET IT. this is something you won’t regret. it’s money well spent to protect yourself and your assets. safety is always #1; you can’t put a price tag on it. you def don’t want to be in a spot of being robbed when an alarm system could’ve avoided that whole mess. also note, a permit is required to have a residential alarm system and of course that includes an annual fee! adulting comes with so many price tags they don’t tell you about!

  • surveillance system = GET IT. lemme tell you, there’s some funky stuff that happens that you don’t see. lol i have the arlo and love it! don’t want a set of cameras?, at least purchase a doorbell one such as the arlo doorbell or the Ring that allows you to talk through it without having to answer the door

documentation/tracking logs/$$$

  • keep track of all the permanent upgrades that you make to your house (inside and out)! i use Excel and keep track of everything i’ve added to the house. including the date added, dollar amounts, links to the items, contact info, model #s etc… it keeps a running total of the added value you’ve put into your home.

  • keep track of all your monthly expenses such as gas, utilities, water, internet, mortgage, HOA, security etc… this gives you an idea how much you’re spending a month that are strictly essential home expenses.

  • sometimes, enrolling in auto-pay or going paperless for your house bills can save you a little money, also pre-paying for services can also get you a little discount — rule of thumb, never hurts to ask!

  • add re-occurring events to your google calendar such as: changing the air filter (yearly), changing the refrigerator water filter (6 months), spraying the exterior of your house (yearly in spring), change out roach/ant bait for preventative measures (6 months)

  • extra money? put some of it towards your monthly mortgage payments, every little bit counts and gets you closer to paying off your house!

  • property taxes… now that’s something that’ll make you wanna cry. find a company that will protest your property taxes for you. they usually take a certain % but it takes one minute to sign up and they DO EVERYTHING FOR YOU. there is ZERO RISK and you only pay if they’re able to lower your property taxes. i use FiveStone. this is a no-brainer

  • get your homeowner’s and car insurance through the same company. sometimes they’ll give you a discount. also, when it comes to re-newing your policies, ask for a discount!!! i’ve shaved off at least $200 just by asking

exterior & pests

  • lawn service = GET IT. but first, know how to do it yourself so you have greater appreciation for those who do it for a living. nothing like mowing the lawn at 7AM in the Texas summer heat to make you feel humbled

  • lawn treatments = GET IT

  • there’s something weirdly satisfying about pulling a really large weed, roots and all. i can’t explain it. i won’t. yes, i actually went out and spent hours pulling weeds before = wasted time

  • every spring, spray the exterior of your home to prevent critters from crawling their way in. this is a good one. don’t skimp and do your hand a favor by paying more for the one touch continuous spray!

  • best ant bait: Terro liquid ant bait. don’t waste your time on the other stuff

  • best gift to a new homeowner: a bug zapper. because you know, sometimes you need to kill something without splattering its guts. when i see a critter i jump into HIGH-MODE. like there ain’t no time to even scream or be scared. i got this. also, you will see smoke coming from these zaps, it is no joke!

  • leaf guards for the gutters = a must

interior & misc

  • legit measuring tape is sharp. it will legit CUT YOU. speaking from experience

  • cleaning vents… well, now i know why you should hire a professional for that

  • painting is a lot harder than it seems

  • painters tape (aka: blue tap) is frigging NIFTY. it sticks and it doesn’t ruin things or walls. in thick and thin sizes

  • for the cabinets underneath the faucet, line the bottom and a little more of it with plastic so that when it leaks, it doesn’t entirely ruin your wooden cabinets (this is where painters tape is again handy)

  • when it comes to refrigerator water filters, buy the brand name. unless you like cleaning a huge water leak mess

  • want to donate something? you can always schedule a pick-up with The Salvation Army

  • dress up your IKEA furniture with nicer knobs

  • when it comes to interior design, you cannot go wrong with white. WHITE literally goes with everything. the upkeep isn’t fun. but if you don’t know what you’re doing start with white and add to your color scheme

  • when shopping for furniture the two things you should invest in: dining table, couch

  • smoke detector uses a 9V battery

  • when getting quotes for work done on your home always get three to compare

  • nothing like getting a little shocked/zapped/electrocuted to make you feel alive, couple of volts never hurt anyone, right?!! clearly it was an accident that won’t ever be happening again. like ever.

  • light bulb 101: lumens = brightness (measured in K, the higher, the brighter); watts = amt of power required; color (from low to high K) = warm (yellowish, usually for living rooms, bedrooms, dens), bright white (more white, usually for kitchens, office, bathrooms), daylight. LED is usually the way to go bc it saves energy, lasts longer, and doesn’t contain mercury. i also like motion sensor bulbs (automatically turns on when there is motion) for the front door and dawn to dusk sensing bulbs (automatically turns on at dusk, and off at dawn) for the front lights

cheers to having a place to call home,
JD

how to style a cropped cardigan

here we go 2021!

for the first post of 2021 i decided on a how-to. it’s been a while since i’ve purchased a cropped top but i have been intrigued by the cropped cardigan lately. if styled right, this type of cropped sweater could really go a long ways, lessening the price per wear and making it a piece to invest in. i’d go with a neutral color so it’s easy to match. crop tops don’t have to be intimidating! if you’re in the #over30 club, opt for high-waisted bottoms! the chenille texture of this cropped cardigan adds a casual and dressy element depending on how it’s styled. here i choose to go with a more elevated/dressy look styled four ways with a pair of pumps: 1. with a bias silk midi skirt, 2. with wide leg pants, 3. with skinny jeans, and 4. over a slip dress. more after the jump!

side ramblings: the year has already started off on a crazy note. i think it’s a sign to begin getting into my pre-COVID routine again. while i’ve enjoyed the rest i think it’s time to start getting into my routine again. starting with waking up at 5AM-ish again (gulp). also, my sis and i are on a houseplant kick. i think it’s to pass time but it’s really interesting learning about all the types of plants out there! hopefully i can start turning these black thumbs into light green ones. either way, i’m enjoying it and could use it to freshen up the space a little!

currently on my playlist: can’t look back by Mat Kearney

#1 - with a satin bias midi skirt which adds a nice texture play with the chenille cardigan! isn’t the caramel just the perfect tone?! they really nailed this one.

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in general, cardigans are great layering pieces. something to grab when you need a light layer but don’t need a full blown jacket and they drape nicely over clothing without making you look frumpy or lazy. i’d also wear any of these styles casually by changing out the pumps with a pair of casual white sneakers! or maybe even some block heels or square toe slip on sandals 😊

#2 - with some high-waisted cropped wide leg pants. see how the neutral cropped cardi goes so well with navy too?!

#3 - with skinny jeans. i didn’t think i’d love these skinny jeans as much as i do! i’ve always been hesitant on the exposed button fly but these are so fun and the wash and length are perfect. these are an 11” rise so go past the belly button!!

#4 - over a slip dress. not sure about this color on me but you get it. any slip dress works! and you can button it or leave it open/un-buttoned!

top | Abercrombie & Fitch chenille cropped cardigan in cream (wearing size XS) — similar but waffle knit // similar but eyelash
skirt | Banana Republic heritage washable silk bias-cut skirt in camel (wearing size XS) — similar by Express
pants | Ann Taylor wide leg pants in navy (old) — similar by Everlane
denim | Abercrombie & Fitch high rise skinny jeans in medium wash (got mine in a short length! = no hemming needed; i really like the fit & wash on these. now getting used to the exposed button fly)
dress | Abercrombie & Fitch side slit slip midi dress in copper (wearing size S petite, and could’ve gone down to an XS petite) — similar with a knot detail // similar and on sale for $23 // similar by Reformation (love the side button detail)
shoes | Ann Taylor azra pumps in baked pecan (i LOVE this color!)
earrings | Mejuri charlotte bold hoops in gold vermeil
necklace | Amanda Deer coin toggle necklace in gold(sold out) — similar
rings | Gorjana amara ring set

rock the cropped cardi!,
JD

the sweater jogger set & valuing your time

peace out, 2020.

i’ve been wanting to say that for a long time now. oh wait, i have been. this year has been terrible. like everyone else, i’m tired of living in uncertainty and the lack of human interaction is wearing me down. but that’s okay! (insert the i’m fine, i’m fine meme) it’s all gonna be okay. at least that’s what i keep telling myself.

though the year seemed to drag itself, it also flew by. i can’t really explain it. like twilight zone material (GET ME OUT PLS!) but you feel me right?! for me, 2020 was spent in silence, introspection, and deeper sense of appreciation for what it means to LIVE life. as we enter 2021, there is no way but UP right? i mean anything has got to beat this year. 2020 has set the bar so low that whatever you set out to achieve, by golly i hope you better dang achieve it in 2021!! i do know after this year of rest, i’ll be out all day and night making up for lost time and food 🤣 on a more serious note, after some thought, all i really want this upcoming year to be about is putting more of my time towards things that are considered high value uses of time.

Pareto’s 80/20 principle has always intrigued me and my goal is to get better at it. the principle is that 80% of outcomes (or outputs) result from 20% of all causes (or inputs). i listened to The 80/20 Principle by Richard Koch on audible a while ago, and while the book is pretty repetitive and somewhat hard for the average joe-jane to implement in work/real life, it does offer a good list i wrote down and sharing after the jump. remember to use this list a guideline and not something that is absolute (nothing should ever be unless you’re getting steak, to which it should be a ribeye).

last random thoughts: this space for the last couple of months has offered me sanity. an escape from the “new norm” FORCING me to get really creative. that’s the thing about struggle is that it gives you the opportunity to pivot, to reinvent yourself. i used to think the best days of JDC have been lived. but now i’m not so sure (don’t quote me though). i’m actually shocked how much i did all on my own. but of course, thank you for cheering me on! see you in 2021, cheers friends!

currently on my playlist: love is the answer by Aloe Blacc

“cause love is the answer. it’s the answer to the questions in your mind. love is the answer. if you’re looking it’s the answer you gonna find. love is the answer. it’s the only thing that everybody needs. love is the answer. it’s the only thing that makes us truly free.”
— Aloe Blacc
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note: “results” are relative to each individual. the idea is to abandon the low value uses of time and and find ways to mold your life/job towards high value uses of time. something to ponder and refer to as we close out 2020 and enter 2021. use the lists a guidelines vs. absolute. remember, it’s all about taking something and making it yours.

a lil blurb about this two piece set. as if i needed another one. but these are actually made from really nice sweater-like-stretchy-material. perfect for when you wanna feel a lil chic but also wanna be comfy.

top | Abercrombie & Fitch crewneck lounge sweater in tan (wearing size XS, could’ve gone S too since it’s slightly a short top) — also avail in a turtleneck
bottom | Abercrombie & Fitch sweater joggers in tan (wearing size S)
necklace | etsy monogram necklace in dearest daddy initials (1.25" and 20" chain)
earrings | Shashi always earrings — also avail on Amazon
mug | Anthropologie monogram mug
breakfast table | CB2 odyssey white tulip dining table in white top/white base
chairs | IKEA TOBIAS chair in clear/chrome plated

cheers to 2021!,
JD