the perfect red date night dress

December 23, 2019

hellooo christmas week!

i’ve been saving this post because red = christmas && being my first @reformation piece makes it extra special. i hesitate when it comes to @reformation because i love the fact that it’s an ethical brand, but the prices are veryyy expensive. i also don’t like that most of their things aren’t lined (so you will read reviews about it “feeling cheap” for the price on Nordstrom). (big) BUT the styles are AMAZING and #droolworthy. i never thought i’d describe clothing that way but here i am. #protip: buy this stuff on sale, regardless if you have something to wear it to or NOT. it’ll eventually come up, and if it doesn’t, by golly, even based on sale price you’ll FIND something to wear it to!! i guarantee it. oh heyyy, pizza/coffee outing. :D it’s all about #DOINGYOUBOO. when i show people the purchase i’m debating, they’ll say… “where would you wear that to?.” me = 🤔. one friend told me, “figuring out where to wear it to should never be a problem.” me = 😁. thanks @tristan.dav aka reformation friend/queen!! she’s 100% right. on a shopping spree i went. here’s what’s coming my way: lores top // butterfly midi dress // vollare dress // riesling dress // fay jumpsuit // zoe side slit midi skirt // graciella dress // nectarine dress… whoops. #protip: if it’s not available on the website, check Nordstrom as they price match and sale items AREN’T final sale!.

this red dress is the perfect red. apparently it complements my skintone perfectly because i received SO. MANY. COMPLIMENTS on it. the subtle sexy side slit made it extra appropriate for date night and honestly any occasion. it’s a guaranteed compliment-receiving dress. in fact, all reformation pieces i’ve worn or shown, i have received DOZENS of compliments. they are pieces i’ll keep forever so i have NO REGRETS.

side ramblings: my girls @thehonestshruth // @shelbysorrell // @onechelsofanadventure hosted an epic holiday party at @thecatheralatx (beautiful coworking/event space!), it was twice the size this year! it was the biggest white elephant gift exchange i’ve done #goodtimes and new friends made so i’m feeling hella grateful. i can’t believe it’s already christmas! i’m off for this entire week so it shall be a good, relaxing one. hope y’all enjoy this holiday season as it always zooms on by. as much as it’s a happy/festive time, it’s also a sad time for a lot of people. we miss the people we lost, we have memories creep into our mind, and we also feel very lonely. i feel you. know that is IS OKAY to feel this way. my tips to get through this are: meditate & breathe, practice gratitude, indulge in some self care, lower your expectations, reach out to friends, help someone in need. sometimes i feel like when you put a smile on someone else face, it automatically reflects back to you. :) xx

currently on my playlist: ocean eyes by Billie Eilish

currently reading: dear girls by Ali Wong

the red date night dress -- jannadoan.com

dress | Reformation cassandra dress in cherry (wearing size 4, on major sale in other colors!) — similar // similar but more fitted // similar but a wrap style // similar without a slit // similar with sleeves // similar in an off the shoulder wrap style! // similar but off the shoulder // similar but smocked
jacket | BLANKNYC life changed moto jacket in black — similar and on sale! // similar but collarless
shoes | TOPSHOP strippy heeled sandals in black —similar // similar // similar with sparkles // similar but slip-on style
bag | MANGO croc effect bag in black — similar but a baguette style // crossbody style // love this fun top handle!
earrings c/o | Kendra Scott colette hoop earrings in gold (winter 2019 collection, light as a feather!!, been wearing them non-stop!) — similar in subtle KS logo // similar but sparkly // similar but in a fun design // more dainty with some sparkle!
sunglasses | DIFF eyewear ruby 54mm polarized sunglasses in black grey — similar and love these for $55
rings | Gorjana amara ring set
bracelet | Vita Fede mini titan crystal bracelet in gold

have an awesome holiday y’all,
JD

photo credit: Steven Gunter

the cropped faux fur jacket

January 28, 2019

it’s FAUX fur. faux real umm-kay.

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

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

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

the cropped faux fur jacket -- jannadoan.com

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

rock all the faux fur,
JD

photo credit: Steven Gunter

the theory silk combo midi dress

September 24, 2018

the mixed media midi = MMM

oh you know, just 7:30AM and i’m hanging out on rooftops with @madelineharperphoto for these pictures. just another day in life of JD. haha. we had to much fun this morning though. after struggling to find a background for this dress and walking with the ever so patient Madeline to find another spot, i looked up and randomly said, hmm let’s check out the rooftop! DINGx3! best idea ever. funny how it always works out right?! as a result i’m spamming you with photos of myself because we had a blast shooting this one! #sorrynotsorry

one way to have fun with fashion is to play with texture. if you’re not sure how the easiest way is to purchase a one piece (dress, or jumpsuit/romper) that is made of two different materials. honestly, i’ve always been skeptical of these. i think it was seeing cheap jersey material mixed with chiffon/polyester and i was like NOPE. but here, it is done so right it’s almost wrong. when i was shopping at @theory__ this dress didn’t really catch my eye, but it was the sales associate who was wearing it that made me want to try it on! advertising at its finest y’all. glad i did because i am OBSESSED. the length (even on short 5’2” me), the slit, the silk (again, don’t get me started on the Theory silk) you can see how it flows in the photos #effortlessly. the top part is a ribbed material and it hugs perfectly. anyways, i took the opportunity to shoot some leg action #angelinajoliewannabe.

side ramblings: this past week was a long one but noteables include: a low-key girls night in (#GNI?), a haircut by my gal @elizabeth.jane.hair, AND the @theory__ fitting for their fall collection focusing on cashmere and wool. i’ve never been to a fitting before (cue in all the excitement i tried to contain all week long, i still can’t believe this is my life). IT WAS SO MUCH FUN and of course i had the hardest time deciding on something. if you saw my stories i picked something way different than my usual style! can’t wait to share. lastly, FALL is here officially. but not really, it’s SLIGHTLY dropped in temperature but come on i wanna bring out all my outerwear ASAP, put out all my pumpkins (by that i mean all 8 of them… they’re out already who am i kidding?! haha), put up my Christmas tree (i know, i’m getting crazy but it’s my first Christmas tree in my own home!!). ah, FALL, I LOVE THEE.

currently on my playlist: alone by Halsey ft. Big Sean & Steffon Don

currently reading: Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman

the theory silk combo midi dress -- jannadoan.com

the theory silk combo midi -- jannadoan.com

how i normally show up to shoots. in COMFY shoes. see how it even goes well with sneaks?!

dress c/o | Theory silk combo mixed media dress in black — similar but long sleeve and a shorter length // not related but LOVE this
jacket | BLANKNYC life changer moto jacket in black — similar // similar but hooded // similar but suede // currently love this one
shoes | Madden Girl bella block heel sandal in black — same shoe at DSW // similar at Target for $30 // similar but shorter heel
bag | DVF lytton clutch in black quilted leather (old) — similar // such a good Bottega dupe for $35 // not similar but a cool marble one
earrings | Kendra Scott mandy statement earrings in rose gold (old) — similar and available in tons of colors! // similar but metal
sunglasses | Karen Walker number one sunglasses in black — love these for $55
rings | Gorjana amara ring set // Amanda Deer c/o CZ solitaire ring // Amanda Deer c/o CZ accents midi ring

cheers to mixed media,
JD

photo credit: Madeline Harper
a post done in collaboration with Theory.
dress provided by Theory, all opinions are my own.

the polka dot cami

August 20, 2018

jumping on the polka dot express.

back at it with @Everlane today featuring a print that has been hot this season -- polka dots! i own a few @Everlane items but this my first clothing item and there is no surprise that the quality of this piece shines as much as their shoes and leather goods. if you're not familiar with @Everlane, they are an ethical clothing brand that provides the most transparency in their products including the product pricing break down. i also received the day heel in cognac suede and for shoes made in italy for $150? that's a real steal y'all. them italians know how to make shoes. i've worn them around the house to test them and yep, they are very comfortable. can't wait to style them soon! @Everlane is a great stop for anyone looking for basics. this square neck cami is a smidge of a step up from their usual basics. it's more of a boxier cami. even the details/material of the delicate rolled straps of this cannot be overlooked. they are not adjustable but even for a shorty like me, no adjusting was needed which is my usual concern with camis. also, it is lined so you don't have to worry about it being too sheer. i choose to style it with boyfriend jeans and come grey suede pumps. skinny jeans with a cardi and sneaks/flats totally work too!

finally SIGNS that fall is almost here with the launch of the @KendraScott fall 2018 collection! you can see all the jewel tones with neutrals mixed into the collection with textures such feathers & beaded tassels which gets me excited for fall. now only if the cooler weather could get here soon that would be GREATTT!! i was graciously (#pinchme) sent the russel rose gold hoop earrings in maroon jade (featured here) and the bethany y necklace in ivory pearl. the hoop earrings are fun and EXTREMELY lightweight which is a HUGE PLUS! they look like they would be heavy but nope, for someone with fatty earlobes, i approve this statement piece. other noteworthy items from the collection include: astoria earrings (unique shape and dusted glass gem) // lenni statement earrings in ivory feathers (not for everyone but wow look at them on the model!!) // diane statement earrings in beaded brown tigers eye (always love this shape and pretty unique how the beads sit) // jagger pendant necklace (a good dainty layering piece).

side ramblings: did y'all see the @allbirds flip flop launch; the sugar zeffers (actually made from sugar cane)! i have a pair of the @allbirds mesh tree runners in kauri stone which have been a really great, lightweight to-and-from shoe. now the flip flops are also comfy and cushion-y. they sold out the week it was launched! available in four colors, i went with basic GRAY. it's like a little step up from a beach flip flop which i love! lastly, if you've read this far you should check out the trailer for Crazy Rich Asians!

currently on my playlist: eastside by Benny Blanco, Khalid, and Halsey

top c/o | Everlane polka dot cami in white/black dot (wearing size 2, available in two other color combos) -- similar but solid // similar
jacket | BLANKNYC life changer moto jacket in black -- similar with removable hoodie // similar // classier version
denim | GAP mid-rise relaxed boyfriend jeans in medium indigo -- love these
bag | CHANEL 2.55 classic double flap bag in black lambskin
shoes | Ann Taylor mila suede pumps in paver grey (sold out) -- similar
earrings c/o | Kendra Scott russel rose gold hoop earrings in maroon jade
necklace | Anthropologie monogram pendant necklace -- 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

rock all the polka dots,
JD

photo credit: lil blogger sis @simplyyvan

the sweater dress & leather jacket

January 8, 2018

sweater dress = wearable blanket.

at least those are my thoughts. growing up i was always skeptical about sweater dresses but i've learned that the the key is to go loose and layer. this one was sent to me from @lillap! it has the cutest front pockets and a the v-neck hits at the perfect length. i actually wanted to style this sweater dress with a pair of over the knee boots #OTKs since i haven't done one this season yet, but it was a little too long for some OTKs #shortgirlprobs. next best thing was some pointed toe stiletto booties. the last thing this outfit needed was a layer -- scarves, sleeveless trenches/duster, a jacket, etc.. so enter the opportunity to finally wear this black leather jacket under $100. this jacket feels like it costs much more AND THE BEST PART is the gold hardware to match all my gold jewelry. i think that's why i barely wore my other one!

side ramblings: over the new year holiday, i literally did NOTHING. i watched a few movies -- Wonder Woman (so good), The Big Sick (chick flick) and Pitch Perfect 3 (gotta love them pitches!) and lotsss of YouTube -- here's a clip of the one that had me rolling at 2AM Ellen in Steve Harvey's Ear #hysterical. yea, i probably should have worked on my YouTube channel.. but some lazy days are really needed. last week, i received an unexpected package from one of my favorite skincare brands, @TATCHA -- they sent me their newest The Deep Cleanse: it's a gel cleanser (my preferred type) and contains "natural fruit exfoliant that deeply but gently lifts impurities and unclogs pores, while leaving skin soft and hydrated." can't wait to give it a try. also, very random, but i can't stop wearing @AmandaDeer jewelry lately! gimme all the #daintyjewelry. i recently purchased the satellite choker which i can't stop wearing, everyday i look for an outfit just so i can wear this thing lol. pictures coming soon! ok, i'm OUT. xx

currently on my playlist: all the stars by Kendrick Lamar, SZA