amazon athletic finds

October 11, 2021

amazon clothing?!?

ok ok, hear me out. personally, i haven’t been a huge fan of amazon clothing. it’s always a bust for me. it’s either too cheap-y feeling, see thru (fashion faux pas), oddly sized/fit, doesn’t look like the product online, etc… you name it. basically i gave up looking for amazon clothing. but recently some of my trusted blogger friends have been posting some CUTE athletic sets/clothing from amazon.. so you know i had questions. i purchased these leggings from seeing them on my friend @courtneerogers (she has great style!) and decided to try. they are SO GOOD. all reviews say butter-y soft. i also put forth my butter-y soft review. they are high-waisted for my #over30 crew and while not super compressive, i don’t mind since i don’t plan on actually working out in them. for $26 i decided on some fun colors like this light blue one, mainly to wear around town or running errands, or stuffing my face (like we were here). somehow i matched the wall outside of @thesaltydonut on soco. like i planned this outfit, but i so. did. not. i love it when it all works out, don’t you?!

these are a 7/8 length so perfect for my #shortgirlprobs. the great thing about purchasing on amazon is… AMAZON PRIME. (amazon prime, i love thee). i mean you can get the pieces within two days!!!! and the returns are SO.EASY. if all retailers could be this way that would be wonderful. needless to say, this purchase “made” me spiral down an amazon clothing hole. (someone help plz). knocking on wood, but i’ve been on a streak y’all 🤣 i ventured down sweater dress alley and golly found some good ones for fall (you see, i needed the inspiration, who knew i’d find it (literally) on amazon!). an amazon sweater dress round up post is coming soon but i’m linking a couple of amazon athletic finds after the jump!

currently on my playlist: cold heart by Elton John & Dua Lipa

couldn’t ask for a better snap via @wanderlustanita

top | Athleta conscious crop in navy (wearing size XS)
jacket | Old Navy stretchtech loose cropped jacket in wish bone (wearing size XS) — similar but a cropped rain jacket with hoodie!
leggings | Amazon HeyNuts high waisted 7/8 leggings in denim blue II (wearing size S, i’m usually a 4 or 6 in lululemon) — full length (would be too long for my 5’2” self) // capris
shoes | Keds x Kate Spade champion leather sneakers in rose dew pink (old) — similar // original canvas champions #teamkeds // also love the ace
necklace c/o | Amanda Deer fine jewelry in double mini horn necklace — similar
sunglasses | Ray Ban original aviator 58mm RB3025 in black — similar for $13

other amazon athletic purchases/finds:

sports bras/tops | Amazon HeyNuts longline sports bra // Amazon Lykoxa longline full coverage sports bra in white (size small) // Amazon SIGNEALA longline sports bra (wish it was a smidge longer but it has a cute cross detail in back)
shorts | Amazon HeyNuts high waisted biker shorts 6” (size small) // Amazon BMJL high waisted running shorts (also has a zipper)
sets | Amazon QQQ seamless 2-piece high waist biker and sports bra set in dark green (size small) // love this Amazon YVYVLOLO ribbed u-sports bra neckline one!

happy amazon athletic hunting!,
JD

photo credit: @wanderlustanita

fun & flirty athleisure

September 20, 2021

athleisure. but make it fun & flirty 😉

what the heck is fun & flirty athleisure? lemme tell you. it’s basically workout wear that’s not super-functional. or it’s cute work out attire that you can wear as regular clothing during the summer heat wave in TX but you don’t actually plan on working out in it. makes sense right? haha, that’s fashion for ya! even though it’s almost fall, by golly it is still so hot here in TX. i tend to hibernate during the summer and when i can talk myself into leaving the house, it’s always about wearing the least amount of clothing while still looking like a decently dressed 30+ yo.

this tennis skirt i kept for years! when i moved back to ATX, i thought i’d pick up tennis. so i did what any normal person would do — buy the attire for it! unfortunately (or fortunately for this post) i found out it wasn’t for me. almost twisted my ankle wayyy too many times and decided that my old bones weren’t fit for this. ain’t nobody got time for a twisted ankle. well, i kept the skirt. not sure why… but i’m glad i did. sometimes, when you keep something long enough it comes back in style. it’s true, think of biker shorts, chunky white tennis shoes, flared jeans, etc.. lately, i’ve been seeing a lot of tennis skirts and thought i’m going to style this as a regular outfit with a longline sports bra to cover the mid-drift. it’s age appropriate, fun, flirty.

side ramblings: it’s been a while. i think inspiration is lacking these days and with the face of IG changing, it leaves me a little behind. while video is great, i still love the photo aspect so much more. call me old school that way. but times are changing and i feel like a dino about to be extinct! y’all know me. i tend to do my thing — regardless of trends and what experts say. i just like to do my thing in my own little slice of the internet. but with fall around the corner…. maybe it will change things because i’m a fall gal at heart. the fall -food, -feels, -weather, and -fashion. the photo taken below was reminiscent of old times, when you start doing your IG photo thing (PS it’s very embarrassing if you’re wondering) and a man (in a suit, always in a suit) comes out and says nope. :D haha, (but this guy was actually pretty nice this time)! i do miss those days and hoping to find that inspiration soon! until then, xx.

currently on my playlist: odds by Mat Kearney

@intelligentsia road runner (cold coffee + agave + grapefruit juice + splash of tonic ) in hand so life.is.good.

top | Athleta conscious crop longline sports bra in navy (wearing size XS for reference)
bottom | lululemon high waisted tennis skirt (ancient) — similar 15.5” by Athleta and in 14” // cute one from A&F and in a pleated design
sunglasses | Ray-Ban original 58mm aviator sunglasses in gold/dark green
necklace | Amanda Deer coin toggle necklace (sold out) — similar // similar by gorjana

i also wanted to share some athletic dresses i’ve been into!! again, for show. not for function. Outdoor Voices one shoulder dress // Zella live-in cutout rib tank dress // A&F traveler’s dress (features built in shorts!) // Zella studio lite active raceback dress

until next time,
JD

photo credit: lil cousin tiff

the nordstrom anniversary sale & a life update

July 26, 2021

HOWDY! would i even be an influencer if i didn’t post about the #nsale?

i’m sure you’ve heard of it, or over it by now, but it’s that time of the year for the @nordstrom anniversary sale! every year i browse this sale, i always tell myself i don’t need a single thing. and i don’t. but i always end up purchasing something/a few things. it’s almost inevitable. plus i had a couple of gift cards to spend #excuses. it’s a great time to gear up for fall (which seems crazy to be looking/trying on sweaters right now in this TX heat). but nonetheless, i ended up purchasing a couple of items and sharing them below along with things i’d get if i had a money tree.

these skinny jeans are perfect for work!

side ramblings: where to even begin with #lifelately? let’s start with food. i’m better with food and bullet points to highlight the latest.

EAT

@jjimBBQ: new-ish restaurant that i highly recommend. get the short ribs, seafood pancake, and the jap chae with portabella mushrooms
@gyukaku: japanese BBQ. this is fun food outing since you get to grill your own meats. there are LOTS of options!! the toro beef was my fave!
@uchiko: re-visited an old favorite that is always straight up solid. pro tip: always go for social hour, everyday from 4-6:30PM
@modernmarket: smoked salmon keto bowl goodness.
@phowithus: my go-to pho place down south. i also love the shaken beef and the matcha thai tea!

DRINK

@drinkmayawell: ATX based pre-biotic soda. i enjoyed the pear lime and can’t wait to try other flavors
@intelligentsiacoffee: FINALLY re-opened!!! my fave coffee spot, esp for the re-freshing coffee creations like the roadrunner (cold coffee + agave + grapefruit)
@banditcoffee: satisfies a matcha latte craving. may be the best one i’ve had in ATX

SWEETS

@jenisicream: offering ice cream flights! (so genius) perfect for when you want a little bit of this and a lil bit of that.
@zedsicecream: real fruit ice cream! loved the mango sticky rice one but you can also build your own. waffle cone is a must!

i took the last week off from work and it has been SO. GOOD. i finally saw friends that i haven’t seen in over 1.5 years. it was exactly what my soul needed. there were plenty of trips to the plant store to find replacements haha. there are people who are really good at either plants or succulents. i am neither of those people. but there ain’t no stoppin’ me!

currently on my playlist: something beautiful by Mat Kearney (who, BTW will be in ATX 10/15!)

very awkward angle BTW but i had to show the slit somehow 🤣 i was pleasantly surprised with this purchase! can’t wait to wear it out!!

items i purchased from the @nordstrom aka #nsale:

#nsale tip: if you really want something just keep checking as the sale progresses and returns happen/things get re-stocked. also you can add it to your wishlist and it’ll notify you when it’s back in stock via the app. if you don’t get it during the sale, it’ll go back to regular price, but then it’ll go on sale again. so don’t fret.

MOTHER the looker high waist crop skinny jeans in switch it up” — photo 1; these are great for work since it’s a dark wash (more formal) and there’s not distressing. they are only a 10” front rise so go a little below my belly button. they are stretchy since the composition has elastane and poly but i purchased my normal size (size 26). i styled it with an Express tie strap square neck bodysuit in this photo. they are also cropped so that means they are a normal length on my short 5’2” frame = no hemming WHOOO, ain’t nobody got time for that. esp during COVID.
Zella live in cutout rib tank dress in purple nebula — photo 2; i didn’t really see any of my influencer friends post about this item except my gal @courtneerogers (BTW, she has the best finds!) which means it’s in STOCK. after her review i purchased it in this deep purple/almost black color! i’ve been wanting a cute athletic dress (ahem, one shoulder OV) and this one is very versatile! i love the ribbed material = forgiving and the best part is the side slit where you can control via zipper! style it for DAY: sandals, wedges, or sneaks layered with a denim jacket or tied around the waist. style it for NIGHT: chunky or strappy heels, bring up the slit, and layered with a leather moto jacket. SIZE down, i sized down to an XS here. and it also comes in black!
WAYF clifton cutout rib sweater in vanilla — no photo bc it’s en route!; this one is different for me! but i’ve been drawn to these cutout styles that are layered. it’s a trendy statement piece so i plan on taking it full force with a midi leather skirt 😁 i purchased this in an XS based on the size chart and i believe this brand usually runs big & available in a dress form!

items i’d purchase if i had a money tree (ok, maybe they’re in my cart):

Vince Camuto candialia sandal in bone nappa — reviews don’t look good. but it may work for my wide feet. i love the quilted detail but i honestly have too many square toe shoes.
Brixton joanna straw hat in violet — i’ve seen this on @courtneerogers and it looks great on her! she’s a total hat person but i have too many hats that i don’t get enough/no wear!
True & Co. true body bralettes — in triangle convertible or the lift mesh triangle. i hear the switch to wireless is life changing. but Target sells this brand. i’m not sure what the diff is so i may snag it there just to try.

happy shopping!,
JD

athleisure set with a hoodie

December 7, 2020

the luxe two-piece.

there aren’t may hoodies left in my wardrobe these days but sometimes a hoodie is absolutely necessary. especially when you’re needing to go somewhere real quick and you just. washed. your. hair. it’s probably a mental thing but a hoodie gives some “clean coverage” esp during cedar season when pollen is everywhere and getting pollen in clean hair is just… unthinkable. i was looking for a level-ed up two piece set besides sweats/cuffed joggers and this one fit the bill. it’s made of nylon & spandex so it has a nice luxe feel too it and i like how the pants are a little jazzed up with the seam infront. good travel outfit. whenever traveling is in again.

other little details include: the plastic zippered pockets in the back & one infront = comfy yet able to secure small items and the hoodie has a high-low hem and slits on the side making it a unique enough piece. and it has… THUMBHOLES! haha. i love thumbholes for reasons i can’t explain. (also purchased the coaster luxe sweatshirt in the same transaction with thumbholes, so soft!! reviews says it pills so i’ll see). the drawstring on the hoodie adds a relaxed casual vibe despite it being a luxe set. my only complaint was that the abalone grey color on the website has a slight pink hue to it. IRL it’s actually a muted grey-beige. not the best color for my skintone (it looks like my wall now that i’m looking at the photos LOL) but returns are such a hassle these days so i kept it.

side ramblings: december is already flying by. next week is #birthdayweek! it feels weird since most of my decembers are spent #nomnomnom-ing at all the restaurants with family & friends and treating myself to all the misc things. it’ll be low-key as heck over here but next year i think i’m taking a trip somewhere. my friends are already making me feel so spoiled & loved by sending me my fave @maggielouseconfections chocolates & introduced me to this bougie gadget 😁 goodbye lukewarm coffee!

currently on my playlist: tell my by Groove Theory

athleisure set with hoodie -- jannadoan.com

top | Athleta mission hoodie in abalone grey (wearing size XS)
bottom | Athleta venice pintuck pant in abalone grey (wearing size S petite, could’ve gone down to XS petite)

rock all the luxe loungewear!,
JD

workout & lounge sets

September 7, 2020

that two-piece set life. for quarantine.

there is ALWAYS something about a two-piece set. is it the time saving aspect of coordination? or just the fact that it’s matchy matchy and that’s how you feel at the moment? not sure, but i’m a fan of co-cord sets, including athletic wear… as of recently. feel intimidated by the sports bra + tights combo? enter longline sports bras + (ultra) high rise tights. now we’re talking the 30+ yo language. it’s enough coverage both ways to wear in public! as we head into fall, throw on a light jacket and you’re good to go. but enough about looking good in a two-piece. let’s talk about exercise!

more than ever, exercise is crucial! working from home + quarantine life has us even less mobile than before. coupled along with being on lockdown = mental health anchor. moving around will help you release endorphins = feel good hormones. and idk about you, but i need those things! i put together some quick bullet points in keeping active during this time. if you have any, please share as a comment! it’s really a time to get creative with resources to cope. i think that’s what we’re all trying to do.

side ramblings/happenings: the support on my last post was overwhelming in the most amazing way. as i suspected, i’m struggling to reconnect, i’m struggling to write or come up with meaningful content. but i will push through ❤ @everlane opened in ATX last week! gosh, can’t wait to check out the storefront one day. i’m a huge fan of the ethical clothing brand! i also heard @mejuri opened at the domain. may be old news by now. both brands are committed to fair pricing, so i wholeheartedly support them. this week i’m looking forward to trying @PTYD. a gluten-free, vegan, plant-based meal delivery just to switch things up. hope i’ll be full. i’ll receive my @phlur deodorant. it’s their newest product and since i haven’t worn any perfume.. i figured, hey, i’m gonna get me some nice smelling bougie deo for my armpits instead. they deserve it. #realthoughts.

currently on my playlist: know your worth by Khalid

currently re-reading (on audible): the untethered soul by Michael Singer

walks around the neighborhood (while giving other walkers space) — this a great way to get some fresh air too! i always encourage my parents to go on “walking dates.” i find that walking helps clear my mind of noise/nonsense. since it’s been really hot out, i’ve been walking around my house. yes, you read that one right. hey, you gotta do what you gotta do. heck, jog in place, walk in place, do squats/lunges, jumping jacks, sit ups, hold planks!
snippets of workouts — working out at home is hard because it’s not as motivating as a class. it’s hard to get that continuous 60-minute workout in. so work out in sets. take breaks and do a couple of sets here and there. it’ll add up to a decent workout by the end of the night! i’ve always been a fan of @blogilates, she posts some great clips that you can do in a few minutes!
no weights? — get creative and use cans of soup/beans! or like my pilates instructor says, use air resistance!! HAHA, he gets me every time 😂
remember to stretch — before diving into work, i usually do some stretches that help with the back & shoulder which are my problem areas being a work-a-holic. here is a good infographic that target a few common areas. if you sit, here are some good ergonomic reminders. and while i was at it, i really liked this work smarter, not harder infographic. yes, i LOVE infographics. 😎
dance — dance out your probs. put on some of your fave tunes and go! or if you’re into dance workouts, check out Megan Roup, just youtube search her for free workouts and learn some of the cardio dance moves. they’re a sweaty & fun workout! LOTS OF JUMPING! you are warned.
quarantine badminton — i’ve seen people do this on different ends of their driveway. fun fact: i am a HUGE badminton (and ping pong) fan. i need to try this. and i’m sure there are other sports/activities you can do that are socially distanced.
stand while working — if you can’t purchase a sit-stand desk, get creative and makeshift one! standing is more active than sitting. sitting causes you to slump/slouch in permanent ways which cause long-term body aches. i know, because i have them. LOL. i’ve seen some pretty cheap-ish ones for laptops and some with more real estate for other workstation needs.
lastly, give yourself grace — this is REALLY important. i’m chronically hard on myself but quarantine has made me work on my self-talk. if you don’t get to that full-work out in, if you’re gaining weight from stress eating, if you’re feeling overwhelmed by the isolation; i feel you. it’s okay. it’s a very stressful time. doing what you can with what you have is all that matters. ❤

top | Athleta A-C powervita conscious crop in hibiscus red (old color) — similar but halter style // similar with cute cut outs!
bottom | Athleta ultra high rise elation tight in hibiscus red (old color, had to get these hemmed) — ultra high rise in 7/8 length (no hemming needed if you suffer from #shortgirlprobs // elation 7/8 tight (“regular high rise,” love the spiced cabernet color) // elation capri // LOVE these white ones!
earrings | Kendra Scott jon studs in gold (old) — similar by gorgana // similar in real gold & diamonds // similar by GLDN
rings | GLDN orinoco ring in 14K gold fill // Gorjana amara ring set

loungewear i’m currently eyeing (not pictured):

LOFT Lou & Grey signature softblend sweatshirt & sweatpants — their stuff is the epitome of causal & lounge not to mention #sosoft, i gotta purchase something from this brand one day!
Outdoor Voices cloudknit hoodie & sweatpants & tank — my lil blogger sis bought me the t-shirt for my bday last year and it IS AMAZINGLY soft! it’s called cloudknit. need i say more?

virtual hugs,
JD

athleisure in my favorite workout pants

February 26, 2018

athleisure all day evrrrdayyy.

let's face it, we all LOVE athleisure (even men). sometimes it's all about comfort for the to-and-from, ya know?! athleisure is a common term these days, even my brother-in-law knows what it is! living in a city that is considered pretty fit, it's no surprise that this is what you'll find me in on the weekends. actually, if i could just wear this every day i'd be one happy gal! #littlethingsinlife. here's the only thing you need to know about this post: these pants are my FAVE. the compression, the high-rise (insert all the yasssss), the not-so thick, not too thin material, buttery soft (i didn't think i'd ever describe a pair of pants this way), moisture wicking, super soft, the only thing missing is some side pockets, but they just came out with a new pair with pockets and you know i'm gonna get me one! trust me, i won't steer you wrong.

side ramblings: i wasn't sure of what kind of response i would receive (if any), from my last post on dating tips/tidbits, but WOW. i was blown away from all the comments, texts, messages, and shout outs. thank you so much, it means more than you know. sitting behind a screen writing posts on fashion sometimes i wonder if i'm making that much of an impact when it comes to inspiring women to dress and feel their best to exude all that confidence, but when i can write something that is immediately relate-able and resonates with others, i feel like i've hit gold. because in the end that's all we really want right? just to make a tiny difference in this big world. see y'all. xx

currently on my playlist: sweet dreams by Andra & Mara

laughing at myself & looking the other way because people were laughing at me. what's new?!

athleisure in my favorite workout pants -- jannadoan.com

when steven makes you climb some rusted stairs and sit on it... :D

top | Shein space dye flounce tee with peplum hem light in apricot (avail in four colors, wearing size small) -- similar but striped
vest | lululemon fluff off vest (old) -- similar
bottoms | Athleta salutation 7/8 tight in black (wearing size xs regular, fits as a full length tight on a 5'2" person without hemming) -- same but a full length tight // same but capri length // same with pockets (need these!) // same with mesh details
shoes | Nike flyknit unisex racers in oreo (wearing men's) -- similar in women's
bag | Louis Vuitton pouchette metis in damier canvas -- similar by Rebecca Minkoff
sunglasses | Celine caty sunglasses in black -- similar
earrings c/o | BaubleBar mini criselda ball drop earrings in pink (currently on sale for $22) -- same but full-size
necklace | etsy monogram necklace in dearest daddy initials (1.25" and 20" chain) -- similar by BaubleBar // similar in acrylic
rings | Gorjana amara ring set // Amanda Deer c/o CZ solitaire ring // Amanda Deer c/o CZ accents midi ring

rock all the athleisure,
JD

photo credit: Steven Gunter

athleisure in a convertible tunic

February 20, 2017

athleisure: (noun) casual, comfortable clothing designed to be suitable both for exercise and everyday wear.

the best part of my weekends besides catching up on sleep and coffee shops is #ATHLEISURE. ah, i love thee. as much as i like to dress up, i also REALLY like to live in athletic clothes. over the years athleisure has become a huge and more acceptable trend. i ain't gonna complain. sometimes, it is all about the comfort. but it doesn't mean you can't make athletic clothes a lil fashionable while running errands or going out to eat. add a nice bag, casual kicks, snazzy tights, edgy earrings and BOOM.

this tunic was given to me as a gift (thanks BFF!) and it is the SOFTEST thing ever. i loved the versatility of the top, the fact that you can wear it as a cowl neck and an off shoulder. in addition, it is long enough to wear with tights! it also comes in six colors and petite sizing. for size reference, i am wearing a small and only 5'2".

lastly, the tights. oohhhh the tights. now i'm afraid to count how many workout tights i actually own, but i don't feel too bad because i work out quite a bit. my work out tights are the usual boring black, but these.. oh these have the leather panels to make you feel like an extra cool chick. AND they come in a high waisted fit which i am all for #suckseverythingin! now the only downside is the panels can leave lines on your shins, but i mean they are tights..

lastly, lastly, these shoes are the bomb. they are actually men's shoes. they were very popular last year and sold on ebay for a very high premium. good thing they are re-released in this popular oreo color. i don't know what it is but every time i wear them i get a TON of compliments on a pair of sneakers?!? lol. go figure but they are VERY lightweight.

currently on my playlist: i dont wanna live forever by ZAYN & Taylor Swift