an austin blogger easter picnic

coming soon, TV series -- Bloggers of Austin, TX :D

#blessed

nothing like a beautiful day spent with some Austin blogger babes. so happy i get to call these gals my friends. don't be fooled though, holy cow it was one WINDY photoshoot -- rose was spilled, eyeglasses were found?, keys were lost (no worries we found them in the end, thank goodness it was a gold key!!), bugs galore but ENDLESS laughter and smiles. the funny thing about these shoots is no outfits are ever planned, we all knew we would do a spring/picnic/Easter photoshoot and BAM #nailedit. dresses, white denim, rompers, floral print, stripes, chambray, off the shoulder, cold shoulder... it is all covered right here. 

when the idea came up for this photoshoot i debated a few different dresses (shocker) but decided on this gingham ruffle hem midi dress. i have #ginghamproblems right now and should probably slow down on gingham purchases but it is such a spring/summery print, it looks good on everyone and comes in a lot of different colors and checkered sizes. the ruffle hem and bow sash sold me on this one. it runs a little large, i'm wearing a size 0 regular, which… i can't even remember the last time i fit something that tiny. #notcomplaining

probably my favorite photo from this entire stack! i am a sucker for artsy/candid ones like these! isn't this just too cute, look at @simplyyvan in the background too! 

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Hilary // byhilaryrose.com

i've gotten to hang out with Hilary quite a bit this year and she is always a blast to be around!! so easy to talk to, super friendly, and considerate of others! this girl was going to back out of the shoot and i had to tell her "NO! you can't you're the glue that holds us all together!" it's so true. i know many of the girls would agree. she's brought so many people together, her thinking is, "the more the merrier." she showed up in this beautiful cobalt dress with matching cobalt earrings. cobalt can never do any wrong, with any occasion i feel like! 

Meg // theautumngirl.com

Meg is pregnant!! we discussed her hashtag, #preggersmeggers she's got the cutest baby bump going on right now and she has inspired me to try some Lilly Pulitzer clothing. this one is something i would definitely try because of the subtle color, not too crazy of a print, and of course the little ruffle hem. Meg gave me a little shout out on facebook yesterday and it made my heart smile. she's a gem. 

Jess // uptownfashionbyjess.com

special thanks to Jess, this was her idea. and she brought most of the props, scouted the location, coordinated the photographer and that is all not easy! especially when you are working with a large group of girls. (thanks Jess!) it all came together so well thanks to Jess and everyone else's ideas! Jess wore this green striped dress and the color looks so good on her. love the side button detail!

Yvan // simplyyvan.com

i call her my lil blogger sis, she's in college y'all!! i've gotten to know Yvan over the past year almost? maybe less but she reminds me of myself when i was younger. however, i wasn't doing all the successful things she is doing with her life! #waytogogirl she makes me feel super young and we always bond over BUBBLE TEA! also, if you're a concert-goer, Yvan will always have you covered! she writes an incredible and UNIQUE concert series and takes the most epic concert photos -- with her PHONE!

Kaily // heykailymae.com

Kaily worked this umbrella y'all! and holy moly she is such a vision! it really goes with her striped + cold shoulder outfit and overall aura. yes, i just used the word aura. at the end of the shoot i finally got to meet her precious baby girl (prettiest eyes) whom i always see in her instastories!

Kimberly // littlebittyinthecity.com

Kimberly is such a photogenic gal and has the prettiest smile! i don't think she even has a "bad side!" she wore this blush romper with a floral print and some white sandals (note to self, i need some white heeled sandals!). she is the most petite thing so probably knows the best places to buy petite clothing, hence the name of her blog!

Haylee // itsmehaylee.com

Haylee kind of recently chopped her long locks and i am pretty sure i tell her each time how much she rocks it! for a split second, she makes me want to do the same. if you read this blog you know that I bought my first pair of white jeans last year! i love how Haylee picked an off the shoulder chambray top to pair with her white jeans anddddd.. the bandana is icing on cake. i need to try this look!

Kaley // myclosetlife.com

Kaley is always effortlessly beautiful, she rocks everything she wears. she has an epic maxi dress collection… it's a mystery why she did not show up in one!!! this striped off the shoulder dress is absolutely right up my alley, the sash, ruffle, and the length! i also love how Kaley took the picnic basket out for a spin. ;D

an austin blogger galentine's day

february. the month of L<3VE.

excited to share this galentine's photoshoot with y'all! if you're looking for some valentine's day inspo, look no further. these Austin bloggers have you covered from head to toe (that's how we ROLL). i love how each gal brings something different to the table in terms of personality and fashion. i admire all these ladies and blessed to call them my friends. though i've only known them a few months, i have a feeling it is just the beginning of some great and much needed friendships in my life. if you told me two years ago that i would get to shoot something like this with some fabulous bloggers, i would have totally laughed. chyeaaaa rightttt.. ! this brings me to one of Michelle's // @stylebeacon quote i read on her page, "Be patient. You never know what’s on the horizon and life can surprise you in many beautiful ways. #beaconisms"

for this i choose to go non-traditional with a black mesh wide leg jumpsuit. i can't stress how much a jumpsuit always wins. the only one-piece power suit you need to feel super confident. the mesh detail adds a little something and i added some pops of red lips, nails and some statement hoops!

lastly, single or taken this valentine's day -- remember that it's all about that #selflove. 
one of my blogger friends Amber // @everyonceinastyle wrote this post on how to be single during the holidays but it really applies everyday. all my single ladies must check it out!

currently on my playlist: i hope you dance by Lee Ann Womack

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the beatles. blogger style. i say a pretty good shot despite tripping and being flashed at by a stranger. (true story).

red & black. @jesskatt123 // @stylebeacon // JD // @daniaustin // @theautumngirl_

Hilary // byhilaryrose.com

Hilary is blogger i followed way back in the day. at an event last year, i went up to say hi to her (i'm shy btw). she recognized me and introduced me to all her blogger friends; the rest is history! #thankfulforher. i am a fan of her affordable style (i want everything in her closet) and her happy go lucky personality which is totally infectious! i may be buying that hot pink dress soon…!

pink dress | ASOS cold shoulder with ruffle in pink
lilac dressElizabeth and James leonie dress from Rent the Runway
necklace | Kendra Scott isabella choker necklace in ivory zellige
clutch | Diane von Furstenberg evil eye miniaudiere from Rent the Runway
shoes | Steve Madden carrson sandal in sand suede

Haylee // itsmehaylee.com

Haylee is the queen of makeup & hair, and… not to mention, she knows how to work the camera (please teach me your ways Haylee!!). i love how she took a mauve bodycon dress and layered it with a lace cami! and that lip color… i know i can't rock that!

dress | Charlotte Russe crushed velvet wrap dress -- similar
top | boohoo lace high neck -- similar
earrings | similar 1 // similar 2
clutch | similar 1 // similar 2
shoes | similar 1 // similar 2
lips | NYX liquid suede cream lipstick in sway
eyes | MAC eyeshadow palette in purple times nine

Dani // thedaniaustin.com

Dani is the cutest thing! you should see her instastories! i love how she went with a burgundy one shoulder dress with pink lace up heels and dressed it up with a classy statement clutch. i know, aren't those earrings so pretty on her? i might have bought some. gosh, these blogger friends..! 

dress | Sincerely Jules everly one shoulder cotton dress in burgundy
earrings | BaubleBar crispin drops in light pink
shoes | Steve Madden christey wrap around ankle tie sandal in light pink
clutch | YSL monogram quilted envelope clutch in black
watch | Michele deco diamond dial two tone watch

Michelle // stylebeacon.com

Michelle is the business-boss lady of the bunch and such an easy person to talk to. i feel like I can talk to her about anything. Michelle's dress is a dream. she is rocking the off the shoulder with a drop peplum-ish hem. plus, she is perfect in each frame. #iwishiwas.

dress | For Love & Lemons clemence off shoulder dress in tiramisu
shoes | Elaine Turner juliet in black suede
earrings | Kendra Scott danielle filigree
clutch | Elaine Turner hazel quilted foldover clutch in black

Kaley // myclosetlife.com

there is a never a dull moment with Kaley. Kaley makes me laugh until it hurts and i love her for that! forget needing to work out them abs when you're hanging out with her! #itslikeaworkout. she adds life to each party and knows no stranger. Kaley adds her own style to this ballerina dress with a silk scarf and some black lace ups!

dress | free people ballet punk set 
scarf | Vintage find in Lebanon! -- similar 1 // similar 2

 Meg // theautumngirl.com

this is Meg's first pleated skirt. #notthelast. i cannot tell you how happy that makes me! i love how she went with a mini and paired it with a sexy white blouse (i may need this too!). she coordinated this whole shoot, thanks so much girl! 

top | ASOS clean pajama blouse with pocket detail in ivory
skirt | boohoo metallic pleated mini in red
earrings | gorjana kelsi ear jackets
necklace | similar
bag | Kelly Wynne halo in polynesian pearl
shoes | Sam Edelman yardley in camel suede

Jess // uptownfashionbyjess.com

Jess is a stylist so she always keeps up with the latest! i am so thankful she didn't leave me in the dark and wore black with me #nopunintended. but her maxi is so valentine appropriate because of the roses and the movement on that dress is just magical!

dress | Lovers & Friends golden ray maxi in rose print
earrings | Kendra Scott alex earrings in black
shoes | similar

jumpsuit | BCBG Generation mesh panel jumpsuit in black -- similar with cut outs // similar and avail in red // similar with a cold shoulder // similar with lace long sleeves
earrings | BaubleBar dianne hoops
bag | Chanel boy wallet on chain in red caviar leather -- similar
shoes | Michael Kors carla sandal in black (old) -- similar 1 // similar 2
bracelet c/o The PeachBox roman empress bangle in gold
rings Gorjana c/o shimmer stacking ring set // Gorjana amara ring set // Gorjana mini stackable ring set // Etsy stacking & midi rings // Gorjana candice CZ ring // BaubleBar ice chevron midi ring (sold out) -- similar
lips | Christian Louboutin velvet matte lip color in rouge 001M -- similar in a matte liquid
nails | Smith & Cult polish in kundalini hustle

happy GALENTINES DAY!,
JD

photo credit: Brandon Hill
venue: Fall Creek Vineyards in Driftwood
balloons c/o: The Balloon Bar

a very austin blogger holiday

32, ready or not here i come!

today is a special day for two reasons 1) i turn 32! and... 2) i get to share one of my favorite shoots to date with you!! warning: if you click that READ MORE button, there will be lots of pictures and holiday inspo (including links to all outfits) from some AMAZING & GORGEOUS AUSTIN bloggers that i feel so humbled to know and only met within the last few months. everyone is impeccably dressed and i am so thrilled that they asked me to join in on a holiday photo shoot! #youcansitwithus #friendship #texasforever

it's been quite a year and if wrote about 32 things i've learned, you probably wouldn't get to the end of it. in short, it's all about celebrating the little milestones/victories in life and knowing that the next one is just around the corner. i feel extremely blessed, this blog has brought me so much joy and connected me with many friends who encourage and inspire me. i feel like i'm just getting started and that the best is yet to come! #cheers!

special thanks to @howdybrandon for capturing these moments and sticking it out with nine ladies (plus champagne). it was pretty cold for us southern gals, but despite the weather not cooperating, it was a blast! i laughed my whole way through with these beautiful ladies! #goodtimes

currently on my playlist (and everyone else's!): all i want for christmas is you by Mariah

cheers from AUSTIN! 

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ladies in red. @heykailymae // @thetrendytomboy // JD // @stylebeacon

mad for plaid. @theautumngirl_ // @byhilaryrose

metallic sequin goodness. @kaleymargaret // @its.me.haylee // @daniaustin

Kaily // heykailymae.com

dress | Express lace mock neck sheath dress in red
shoes (similar) | Sole Society tiia in black  
clutch (similar) | Kayu velvet clutch in black

 Meg // theautumngirl.com

top (similar) | J.Crew plaid popover shirt 
skirt | Express leather pencil skirt in black
booties | Vince Camuto felina bootie in black leather

Hilary // byhilaryrose.com

top | Old Navy classic flannel shirt in red tartan
skirt | ASOS tulle prom skirt in navy
clutch | Rebecca Minkoff leo clutch in anthracite
shoes | BCBG Generation tamerra in red suede

Dani // thedaniaustin.com

jumpsuit (similar) | Nasty Gal glamorous cameron satin jumpsuit
shoes | Sam Edelman synthia sandal in black suede
bag | DVF 440 envelope clutch in shimmer sand

Kaley // myclosetlife.com

dress (similar) | similar 1 // similar 2 // similar 3 // similar 4
shoes (similar) | similar 1 // similar 2
earrings (similar) | similar 1 // similar 2

dress | MSK halter pleated maxi dress (old) -- similar with gold accents // similar in metallic // similar with a v-neck // similar // similar // similar with sleeves
shoes | Stuart Weitzman nudistsong in adobe patent (comes in different widths too!) -- similar / similar 
bag | Kate Landry pyramid metal hardframe clutch (old) -- similar // similar // similar from Target 
earringsKendra Scott quincy delicate earrings in crackle crystal (old) -- similar
bracelet | Etsy pave link bracelet -- similar from BaubleBar
rings c/o | Gorjana shimmer stacking ring set in gold
lipsMAC amplified creme lipstick in brick-o-la
nailsessie gel couture in pre snow jitters

happy holidays from AUSTIN, TX, 
JD