the hoodie sweater dress

hello, spring!

SPRING HAS SPRUNG! whooo here we are.. hopefully on the other side of TX winter storms… but now worrying about hurricane season. it’s always something! i’m a little late on this post but i thought it would be fun to style a hoodie dress! i've always like the look of a hoodie under a blazer combo so when i saw this sweater dress i thought it’d be fun to style it under a coat for a dressy outing but ALSO, it can be styled casually like sporty spice!

to style this sweater hoodie dress casually, pair it with some white sneakers and a belt bag to make it fun. this one adds additional texture with the sherpa! for hair, i’d put it up in a high ponytail and aviator sunglasses. to style it for a night out, trade out the sneakers for some knee high suede boots (again, more texture adds dimension!) and layer it under a jacket with hoodie out! also trade out the belt bag for something more elevated like a leather bag.

i have always wanted photos infront of “Austin” and lucky me, @janeyunphoto agreed and made it happen (she’s great!) despite all the construction going around there with the Blanton Museum.

option 1 // casual style/sporty spice with white sneaks & sherpa belt bag for added texture!

side ramblings: UM, so much. first, i think the universe nudged me pretty hard to stop talking about launching my styling business and to actually do it. the time is now, right?! thanks universe! haha. i turned in a couple of “deliverables” over to my first two clients and it’s been a process. coming up with tools and workflow processes (while over-thinking it all, the INFJ in me). nonetheless, i found myself looking forward to it — i’ve missed it. second, home improvement projects have commenced (i’m telling you, it’s something to do with spring that makes you want to get back to work!). team daddy & i changed out the dining room light and in the process of replacing hallway and bedroom lights to recessed lighting! lastly, some #hellyes collaborations opened up with

  • @Sézane — french clothing brand, i LOVE everything and choosing an item made me miss paris so much! i picked out the Asianne dress! it’s a pretty blue floral dress and looking forward to styling it two ways. i’m all about the versatility!

  • @DavinesNorthAmerica — hair product company known for sustainability. they sent me one of the biggest PR packages i’ve received in a while!! here are a couple of hair care products they sent me to try (the whole box smells so divine!):

currently on my playlist: all for nothing (i’m so in love) by Lauv

currently reading: the unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren! i also finished black cake by Charmaine Wilkerson since the last blog post and it was so good. reminded me of real hardships our parents faced back then. in my 30’s i have an even greater appreciation for what my parents went through. it’s funny i planned on documenting their life story and this book was yet another gentle nudge by the universe to DO IT!

option 2 // date night. styled under a coat (hoodie out), knee high suede boots and a leather bag (so much textured goodness!!)

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option 1 // sporty spice

dress | Amazon ribbed and hooded sweater dress in light brown (wearing size S)
bag | lululemon everywhere belt bag in light ivory — great amazon dupe for $23 // non-sherpa amazon dupe for $15
shoes | Keds ace sneakers in white leather — also eyeing the Veja // target ones with a little platform for $35!

option 2 // date night

dress | Amazon ribbed and hooded sweater dress in light brown (wearing size S)
bag | Red Dress Boutique polished and poised bag in black — similar on amazon in a more classic leather pattern
shoes | Sam Edelman uma knee high boot in black suede (i also loved them so much i got them in the bootie version) — similar in the Ursula on Zappos // similar in the Ursula on Sam Edelman

thanks for stopping by!,
JD


photo credit: @janeyunphoto

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 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

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the suede dress

hello november!

fall weather. i am here for you. that’s why i’m celebrating with a little texture play with suede on suede!! commence all the suede RIGHT NOW! i don’t own any suede clothing. suede shoes, a ton. suede is a delicate fabric that requires more care than leather. ever get suede shoes wet? it’s usually pretty-close-to-toast. suede and water usually don’t mix unless you have taken precaution to protect it. enter machine washable suede clothing. now we’re talking. this dress is machine washable #hellyes!!! and lemme tell you, i’ve thought about wearing it to sleep because it is THAT SOFT. while it comes with a suede belt i chose to style it with my Gucci belt for some gold contrast. i’d say the only thing that is missing for this dress is some pockets but you can’t have it all. pair it with some suede booties and you are G2G (good to go). just don’t get em wet, will ya? protect them here with this spray. i got chu.

side ramblings: i closed off the season with another pumpkin patch visit to @sweeteatsfruitfarm! i went from zero pumpkin patches to three all in one month-ish LOL. this one was a blast complete with a petting zoo with an ALPACA! i have some exciting news to share about the holidays so hope to nail down the details soon but this is my absolute favorite time of the year (i know you know)!! on a more random and spiritual note, i ran across this self-compassion.org website that has a self-compassion test which i thought was interesting. as much as we have compassion for others, self-compassion is more important. the results of my test were great, i was a little shocked/surprised and i know if i took it a few years ago i would’ve scored a lot lower which isn’t bad, it’s just that i never quite had enough compassion for myself but so much compassion for others. it’s something you have to work on & continually work on. there are also workshops and free guides/resources that will help you on your life journey and i hope you find it to be a useful tool! xx

currently on my playlist: just once by Shura

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a good artsy one (my fave) to close out this post

dress | Ann Taylor faux suede belted flare dress in black (runs a tad small, i sized up to a 2 here) — similar but sleeveless and has pockets! // OMG these suede wide leg pants! // suede skirt // love this brown skirt & top set
coat | Banana Republic trench coat (soooo old) — similar in a petite fit // softer material & more flowy // similar by Everlane (ethical clothing) for $148
boots | Banana Republic magda pointed toe boots in black suede (old) — newer version but more almond toe // similar from Ann Taylor with tassel detail // similar from Nordstrom for $80 // similar but lower heel for $50
bag c/o | Henri Bendel noho satchl in black pebbled leather (old & they are out of business) — not the same but this would make a great work bag!! (use code “JANNADOAN” at checkout on senreve.com and receive a complimentary bracelet pouch, $125 value, on any $300 minimum purchase)
sunglasses | Celine lola 46mm sunglasses in black — available on Amazon too // similar-ish for $25
rings | Gorjana amara ring set // Amanda Deer c/o CZ solitaire ring // Amanda Deer c/o CZ accents midi ring
watch c/o | Daniel Wellington classic black cornwall 40mm

rock all the (machine washable) suede,
JD

photo credit: Steven Gunter

the best petite maxi dresses

hellooo july!

well, i totally skipped may… and june… on JDC… i was reminded by a few people about how my last post was in april, whoops.. so here we go! getting back in the swing of things and talking about one of my favorite places to buy maxi dresses for #shortgirlproblems. go to the tailor? ain’t nobody got time for that. enter @bananarepublic! they are my go-to for maxi dresses because they offer a great selection of petite maxi dresses! i picked this one due to the faux wrap and the ruffles (of course, you know ya girl is ruffle obsessed). it also a features a flattering high-low hem which i am totally a fan of. kinda gives some leg action, more movement in the dress, and by golly how about some ventilation in this TX heat? oh nelly. it’s gonna be a long hot summer and ya girl is not looking forward to it!! #grumypants

side happenings: REAL TALK after the jump but let’s see… here is what most people would be interested in — Vegas was a whirlwind. let’s just leave it at that. ;) i met with the team at @phlur and was amazed by the company and the people. i can’t wait to show you what we’ve collaborated on! i’ve sampled all their fragrances and my fave is Ameline, it is DIVINE! PS — they’re ATX-based so they are automatically get extra points on brand-coolness. @thecandlebar.co opened at the @domainnorthside and they invited me in to experience their candle pouring class. y’all, i was a kid in a candy store. haha, i can’t wait to gift this experience to my gals! @kendrascott sent me way too many goodies from their summer 2019 collection but these are my fave. saving the best for last — but @tatcha sent me the biggest PR package i’ve received in a long time. it reminded me of what a true partnership should feel like and how lucky i am go get to work with a company that realizes my value. #grateful

currently on my playlist: ME! by Taylor Swift ft. Brandon Urie

gotta love that @pearlsnap_photography direction :D

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LIFE UPDATE: i’ve been absent for so many reasons. but mainly because i was beginning to feel that the time i was pouring into IG trying to grow my business was not going anywhere. instead of getting ahead i was actually falling more and more behind. don’t get me wrong, i love supporting all my boss babes… but something about spending hours and hours everyday scrolling, liking, commenting was adding up to almost two hours a day based on my IG insights. that’s about 14 hours a week… UM… that was eye opening. DO YOU KNOW WHAT I CAN DO WITH 14 HOURS?!! oh, let me tell you: watch re-runs of my favorite old show (The Office) & laughed hysterically; watch a ton of movies; i saw Always be my Maybe haha, soooo cheesy; watch Ellen Degeneres & Ali Wong’s stand up comedies (thanks bro for the Netflix haha); read a book (The Untethered Soul: the journey beyond yourself by Michael A. Singer) a must read; re-arrange my office; crossed some things off the never-ending-home-to-do-list aka: daddy-can-you-help-me list haha jk; cleaned & conditioned my hardwood floors (ps my dad literally told me, “sometimes you just gotta get on your knees and put some elbow grease into it haha, gotta love the man); went to Vegas; worked a ton; quality time with friends & fam; oh, and how can i forget… SLEEP (which was really the most important thing i needed). it was all glorious but it feels good to write this post and be back & find my own rhythm again. plus, i have a backlog of old photos at this point (yikes) and i have a few brands i can’t wait to work with again.

lastly, my grandpa has been ill for quite some time now and was recently hospitalized for an infection. he’s suffers from dementia and it always breaks my heart to see him. can you imagine a life where you don’t even remember who you are or who anyone else is? i think he’s taking a turn for the worse and it’s so sad to see. speaking of health issues (less severe), i also went through some major abdominal pain. think, sharp, stabbing-like pain (luckily i haven’t actually been stabbed before but you get me). yea, it sucks. but could be worse. trust me, a CT scan isn’t really high on my to-do list but that’s life right?! on the flip side, perhaps my body isn’t digesting #punintended stress well as it used to so it’s coming out in the form of knife stabbing-like pain?! IDK. oh well, still trying to figure out the cause but one thing is for certain — i gotta take it easy.

so here’s to all the ebbs & flows and finding more balance in this crazy life.

and… if you’ve read this far you should give yourself a pat on the back or treat yourself to a scoop of ice cream for being a caring person to read the endless ramblings of my life. :D

behind every good photo shoot is a kid running around with his mom chasing after him :D

dress | Banana Republic floral ruffle wrap maxi dress in navy blue (also available in soft blue & of course the petite is sold out at this point) — love this pleated red one & colorblocked
bag | J.Crew Factory rattan clutch in natural pale gold (really old) — similar at J.Crew
shoes | Sam Edelman gigi sandal in saddle leather — similar from Target for $16
earrings | Kendra Scott sky earrings in white pearl (old) — larger version // similar
sunglasses | Celine marta sunglasses in havana (my fave sunnies!) — newer design // love these for $99
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
watch | Michael Kors darci watch in gold

thanks for stopping by!,
JD

photo credit: Steven Gunter

the cashmere turtleneck dress

oh hey there cashmere.

this is a special piece because it’s my first cashmere item! living in TX, i never have the urge to purchase cashmere. it’s extremely luxe, keeps you super warm but it’s also one of those dry clean fabrics. and y’all know i don’t do dry cleaning (ain’t nobody got time for that!). well, i washed it. haha, yep. you can wash cashmere. i wash everything, even when it says dry clean, i know i’m a real rebel. i just don’t get how you can actually clean something without water?! i digress, it turned out fine. just google it. put it in a closed pillow case (use safety pins), use cold water, and don’t use softener. oh and if you’ve read this far, this dress is sold out #storyofmylife

wow oh wow 2018 FLEW BY! don’t you agree?! i can barely believe this is my last post for 2018. i’ve taken a lot of time to reflect on the last 12 months. reflection is always good and i encourage you to do the same. while this was one of the years i took the most breaks, experienced stagnant growth in terms of stats and sales… ironically, it is the year that stands out in terms of business/career, connections made, friendships cultivated and A LOT of pinch me moments where i clearly remember my adrenaline was running and i had to ask myself “is this really happening to me right now?” moments where i was so happy i wanted to cry (and actually did), when i would wake up and couldn’t believe this was my life i was living. when does this ever happen?! there were so many victories/happenings i can think of that put this huge grin on my face. and it all boils down to… (insert drum roll) it IS a glimpse of what is to come. this is the beginning. cheers to 2019, i hope you look forward to this year as much as i do. seize & create opportunities for yourself with this clean page. live a great story.

side ramblings: what a few weeks of events galore, oh and celebrating my fab self. haha, basically i stuffed my face and treated myself right! i attended a charity event hosted by @thehonestshruth #KeepAustinWarm2018 that benefited Austin Pets Alive, Safe Alliance, and Hope Food Pantry. the white elephant holiday party hosted by @shelbysorrell // @thehonestshruth // @onechelofanadventure // @rachelprochnow was a huge highlight because here i made a ton of friends who are doing so many great things; it inspires me to do even more. oh, and i snagged a HOWDY hat by @frankiejean so you know life is good. AND YES, i’ve worn it already! the gals are holding me accountable for wearing this hat since i’m usually dressed up, “do you own a baseball cap? do you even wear hats? janna, we’ve never seen you dressed down HAHA” christmas at my house was AWESOME! hostess with the mostess right here (jk, i only had muffins and pigs in a blanket to offer) but it was such a great feeling to have everyone over (and to be real, they were only here because i was the only one with the tree HAHA, thank you @kingofchristmas!). we also did an escape room at @lockoutatx, if y’all know me, i love doing these #nerdalert i think i’ve done about eight escape rooms across austin and haven’t escaped ONE (our first one so ya know). we barely made it out of this one but dang, the holidays were so fun. back to reality soon. whomp whomp, thank goodness for coffee! until next time xx.

currently on my playlist: sunday love by VALNTN, Naliya

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dress c/o | Ann Taylor cashmere turtleneck dress in warm neutral melange (wearing size small for reference) — similar by Everlane // similar by J.Crew
bag | CHANEL 2.55 classic double flap bag in black lambskin — good dupe
shoes | Banana Republic magda pointed toe boots in black suede (old) — newer version // similar // similar with a kitten heel
sunglasses | DIFF eyewear ruby 54mm polarized sunglasses in black grey — similar and love these for $55
rings | Gorjana amara ring set // Amanda Deer c/o CZ solitaire ring // Amanda Deer c/o CZ accents midi ring

bring it on 2019,
JD

photo credit: Madeline Harper

#2018bestnine

holiday ready with Ann Taylor

for the love of tweed.

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

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

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

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

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

#cantstopwontstop,
JD

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

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

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