the pencil skirt & cape blazer

finally some cape weather!

using existing clothes in my closet, i wanted to create an after hours look using a staple work item -- the pencil skirt. every lady has one or tons in her closet (hey, gotta account for all colors and seasons). i chose a crop top (of course) as a base and layered with a cape blazer aka: #notyouraverageblazer. i love all things cape, the cape blazer is no exception, while this one is old and does not have a collar, i have linked several options below. a collared black one is looking good right about now! blazers and capes are great staple pieces to have in any wardrobe as a final layering piece to polish any outfit. 

side note: JAM PACKED weekend y'all! but i ain't complaining. have y'all ever tried hand washing a SUV? oh nelly, that is #hardwork #elbowgrease. hung out with some Austin blogger babes this weekend and had a blast. check out their instagram feeds for some affordable style inspo: @stylebeacon // @byhilaryrose // @heykailymae // @kaleymargaret // @its.me.haylee. i always feel so blessed to be surrounded by so much talent but more importantly have more girlfriends (much needed in my life!)! oh, and saw one of my favorite artists -- MAT KEARNEY. gosh, i can't begin to tell you how much i love his music. there were really tough times in my life where his songs always speak to me. they have so much meaning and depth. i linked one of them below. "...i don't understand this windy road, nothing worth anything ever goes down easy."

currently on my playlist: on and on by Mat Kearney

READ MORE

top | Forever 21 twisted front crop top in black (old) -- similar w curved hem // similar but sleeveless // similar w criss cross detail // similar w long sleeves 
blazer | Shein cape blazer in white (old) --similar // similar but collared and avail in three colors! // similar // similar in grey
skirt | Banana Republic pencil skirt in black (old) -- similar // similar w assymetrical hem // similar w mesh detail // similar
shoes | BCBG Generation darron patent pump in fuschia (old) -- similar w shorter heel
bag | Clare V. basketweave fold over clutch in black leather (old) -- similar // similar // similar w leo calf hair by Sole Society // popular Clare V. leo calf hair
sunglasses | Karen Walker flowerpatch cat eye sunglasses via www.ditto.com (use code "jannadoanxoxo" to receive one month of designer sunglasses rental for free!) -- similar but the newer style
earrings | Chloe + Isabel portica post drop earrings -- not similar but my fave C+I convertible studs!
rings | Gorjana candice CZ ring in gold / Etsy stacking & midi rings
bracelet c/o | The Peach Box metallic t-bar bangle in gold (use code "jannadoan" to receive 15% off your purchase, good until 10/31)
watch c/o | Daniel Wellington classic black cornwall 40mm watch (this is the NEW DW watch with a black face with ROSE GOLD details, a great statement piece for fall. use code "DOAN" for 15% off your purchase)
lips | MAC amplified creme lipstick in brick-o-la
nails | Smith & Cult nail polish in dark like me with gold nailart (first timer and loved it!)

rock the cape blazer,
JD

the black cape coat & gingham twill

happy thursday y'all!

last week i attended the 16th Annual Texas Conference for Women, i have been going for the past three years because it's paid for by my company and it's always a great experience! @RobinRoberts was an amazing keynote, i love her ENERGY, it's contagious! listened to lifestyle blogger @CamilleStyles talk about personal branding, and i met @ATasteOfKoko an Austin food blogger! i always leave feeling completely EMPOWERED. so many take-aways but here are mine in a few bullet points because who has time to read everything i write anyways?! (except my mom!)

  • innovation = growth.
  • courage grows with usage.
  • sometimes you have to say NO. because when you say yes to everything you are actually saying no to a lot of other things. 
  • "when fear knocks... let FAITH open the door."
  • everybody's got something. 

the sun was NOT cooperating for this shoot (i mean come on sun! lol) so we had to keep moving a lot. the original outfit i planned to wear was with a blazer but i grabbed my cape as a last minute thought. i eyed this cape for a long time and never bought it because of the price, but i was in Vegas... it was my 30th birthday, so whatevs! i did get it altered because it was too long. i love capes, they are so CLASSY. throw it over any skinny jean outfit, or dress for instant elegant-ness (that probably isn't a real word). i felt so glam that morning and can't wait to wear it again! 

the three C's: cape, coffee, CHANEL. 

READ MORE

top | Gap boyfriend twill gingham shirt (sold out, but i love the softness of the twill! it's more of a dressy gingham material) -- similar in navy
outerwear | ZARA buttoned cape coat in black (old) --  similar from Nordstrom in camel! / similar but belted
denim | Hudson nico mid-rise skinny jeans in black (size down!)
shoes | Jimmy Choos abel pump in black patent -- similar by Ivanka Trump
bag | CHANEL 2.55 classic double flap bag in black lambskin -- dupe from Nordstrom BP. / dupe from F21
sunglasses | Prada round oversized sunglasses in black (love the simple sides on these over the baroque design)
earrings | Kendra Scott alex earrings in black
bracelet | BaubleBar elephant link bracelet (sold out) -- similar
watch | Michael Kors darci watch in gold (favorite MK watch that is lightweight and has a flat face)  -- also loving the new one with a blue face!
rings | BaubleBar mason pave ring in gold / BaubleBar pave eternity ring in gold / Etsy midi & stacking rings
lips | MAC amplifed creme lipstick in brick-o-la
nail polish | essie nail polish in frock 'n roll (fall 2015 collection, it's a unique color and only ONE coat is needed!) 

rock the cape,
JD

fall basics part two

part two of my fall basics series, some great picks and alternatives for all items! details after the jump!

READ MORE

01 | FAUX LEATHER JACKET -- i have a similar style in black from last year, but this Forever21 faux leather moto jacket in grey is looking like a good option. hmm......
02 | ANKLE BOOTIES -- as much as i love booties, the low heel bootie is the most comfortable, here is a good pair of black suede slip ons from Sole Society mars elastic gore bootie. similar to the Vince Camuto corter bootie (but with a zipper).

03 | TURTLENECK/SWEATER DRESS -- this is going to look good with OTK boots or ankle booties! this is the Banana Republic turtleneck micro-stripe sleeveless dress in gray. similar ASOS Glamorous ribbed long sleeve in gray. this ASOS petite swing dress with long sleeves is also a great loose-fitting option! (because we are all about options!)
04 | FAUX FUR STOLE -- stiles are classy and can be used to dress up any neckline, especially jackets! this one from Nordstrom BP faux fur stole in tan has an opening where you can criss cross the ends. another option from Sole Society faux fur stole in brown (doesn't criss cross).
05 | CAPE -- there's something you should know about me. i love capes. i don't know why. they are sometimes difficult to wear and people either like or hate them because you can easily "get lost" in them. but there are ways you can wear them, like with a belt to help. i really like this fall color palette from ASOS River Island blocked sleeveless cape. here is another option in a single camel color ASOS New Look fringe poncho. 
06 | FLOPPY HAT -- Topshop floppy felt hat in black the Nordstrom floppy wool hat is also very cute and available in a variety of colors. also love $$ on the Old Navy felt floppy hat, see @stylemissmolly rock it in her recent post!