the crochet dress

love is the answer -- john lennon (ain't that the truth)

another day, another black dress. but this one is crochet. sooo..... #justified. when it came out the options were black and white. now that i've finally gotten around to photographing it, the black is sold out! #storyofmylife. although crochet is mainly associated with spring/summer, i figured it being black would make a good transition piece. one of my friends, Shell // @acourageousbeauty posted hers in white! ah, i love it when i'm twinning with one of my blogger babes. Shell opted for bright shoes and a FUN bag, which was so genius! on the other hand, i went with a monochrome look with a white bag ...boring. Shell totally knocked it out of the park!

lastly, Henri Bendel, where have you been my whole life? i've known of the brand but never shopped there until i started talking to Michele // @classicandgray (now my dear friend, but my wallet thinks differently). i really love all their handbags, so many color choices and the price is easy on the eyes (until you buy a few too many...)! the carryall is my first HB bag, and it is the perfect spring/summer work bag (prob should change it out soon...!). so many compartments and big enough to fit a laptop, documents etc.. it also has a crossbody strap (YES!) but more on this bag later. i'm planning on a what's in my bag post comin' up. i think people like these posts? who knows? i'm going with it. stay tuned, have a good week & as always, thanks for stopping by! 

currently on my playlist: everything's right by Matt Wertz

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twinning with the one and only Shell // @acourageousbeauty

amp this black dress up with some fun colored heels like Shell! 

dress | Chicwish splendid crochet dress in black (sold out) -- avail in white / similar but maxi / similar (have it and love it) / similar but strappy 
shoes | J.Crew laila wedges in black suede (sold out) -- avail in blush suede and leopard / similar / similar by F21 / similar by Steve Madden (avail in five colors)
bag | Henri Bendel west 57th lizard block carryall satchel in light beige (sold out) -- similar in black lizard / similar (avail in three colors)
earrings | Kendra Scott addie earrings in rose gold
sunglasses | Karen Walker number one sunglasses in smoke -- similar 
watch | Michael Kors monogram watch in rose gold (old) -- similar in my fave design / similar
ringsBaubleBar tri bar ring / BaubleBar ice chevron midi ring (sold out) -- similar / The Songbird Collection bejeweled leaf ring in rose gold / Gorjana candice CZ ring / Etsy stacking & midi rings
lipsTom Ford lip color in casablanca

rock the crochet,
JD

the LBD & bomber jacket

bomber jackets are da bomb.

SO EXCITED!!! because i teamed up with one of my blogger babes, Vanessa // @downtownmaven to bring you a post on how we styled our bomber jackets! but first, i have a brag a little about Vanessa. in a few words i would describe her as: a TREND-SETTER, a world-class-traveler; an eye for design, bold, creative, and absolutely beautiful. here's a few quick questions answered by Vanessa:

1. Can you tell our readers about yourself and your blog?

Hi! I’m Vanessa and I’m a South Florida Blogger. I’ve been a city girl most of my life residing in downtown Boston prior to living in downtown Ft. Lauderdale before moving to Parkand, FL, just two weeks ago! I’ve been blogging for a little less than a year and still getting to know the ropes. I consider myself the creative type and my blog is just another outlet for me to creatively express myself. Fashion is one of my first and favorite passions in life, which is why I started a fashion blog. I also love to travel, event design (my 9-5) and just became a first time home owner. Stay tuned as more travel and interior design are soon to join fashion on DTM!  Personally I love to share products that are new and/or that I’m passionate about in hopes to inspire or educate others with the same interests. I hope my blog accomplishes this. I believe life is an ever growing journey and my style and blog will undergo many changes as I go through them.

2. How would you describe your personal style and is there a person who is a fashion inspiration to you?

My style is pretty versatile. I tend to dress for the occasion. If I had to narrow it down, I guess I would describe my style as edgy street style with a twist of glam. I’m never afraid to try new looks but feeling comfortable in what I’m wearing is key for me. I find inspiration through many people, places and things, so that too is hard to narrow down. I highly respect Olivia Palermo’s style. Some of my favorite bloggers are Arielle - @somethingnavy, Danielle - @weworewhat, Blaire - @blaireadiebee and Wendy @wendyslookbook

3. What are some of your favorite things to wear?

It’s all about the shoes for me. The right shoe can make any outfit pop. Recently, I have this obsession with culottes as well. 

4. What do you like to do on your spare time?

In short, shop. My husband-to-be jokes that all my addictions have one thing in common and that is they involve shopping. Whether I’m looking for a new couch, redoing my bathroom or planning our next vacation, I’m constantly looking for ways to spend my hard earned money! Some other loves include audio books, as I spend a lot of time on the road, painting and hosting dinner parties. I’m also a bit of a cinema nerd.

5. What is the number one thing you’ve learned from blogging?

I know it says one, but I have to give you two things… As cliché as it sounds, I think I’ve learned to stay true to my style. I bought something I kept seeing on other blogs to be apart of the trend and I was so uncomfortable. I hate to waste and that was such a poor decision on my part. Memo to me: What the cool kids are wearing doesn’t make you cool! Secondly, blogging is hard work! It takes a lot of time and thought behind it. Kudos to all the bloggers out there!

bomber jackets are a HUGE trend this spring. so hop on the bandwagon with us please! i will say, when Vanessa suggested we do bomber jackets i was like hmmm... why not since i had just purchased one (to try!). #starsalign. while i was boring and choose a grey bomber (ok, give me some credit, it is SATIN!), Vanessa choose this #likewhoa floral one! i paired mine with a black cut out fit and flare dress, brooch, and studded heels. Vanessa styled hers with a jumpsuit (she rocks everything!), the floral bomber just pops on her!! get the details of her full outfit on @downtownmaven! the bomber jacket is just another great alternative to have to the army green utility jacket, the denim jacket, this one just has a little more edge/street style to it. i can also see it going well with skinny jeans and skirts. 

a little about this dress -- you can never have too many ______ (fill in the blank) today, i'll go with "#LBD." this one made its way into my closet for the following reasons: 1) color: black, 2) cut-out detail, 3) midi length, 4) pleated bottom, 5) fit and flare; and 6) top crossover detail at the top, i would say the only thing missing was.. pockets! the material on the dress is hefty; in a good way. i also loved the amount of flare on it, and… as you can see, it is completely twirl-worthy which always makes for fun times/shots! so in case you were wondering what i do on my weekends, i wear LBD and twirl in front of the courthouse with security cameras! haha, #noshame.

currently on my playlist: save room by John Legend

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#practicemakesperfect (after take 400. haha.)

absolutely adore the floral detail on Vanessa's bomber jacket! 

dress | Chicwish sweeter than a little black dress 
jacket | ASOS New Look sateen bomber in grey / similar and longer in nude / similar in jersey / similar from Topshop / similar with a cable texture (see it on my girl Jenna @bostonchicparty)
shoes | Sole Society tiia sandal studded t-strap heel in black adobe patent -- similar and on sale / similar and in tons of colors / flat style / similar with less studs
bag | Clare Vivier foldover basketweave clutch in black -- similar
brooch | Vintage find -- similar in silver (see it styled here) / similar
earrings | Kendra Scott tessa studs in iridescent druzy
sunglassesASOS Toyshades ida cat eye sunglasses (a good Celine dupe and on sale!) -- similar
watchMichael Kors darci watch in gold -- check out this one with a MINT face!
braceletBaubleBar pearl taylor cuff 
nails | CHANEL le vernis nail color in tapage (old limited edition) -- similar in gitane
lipsTom Ford lip color in cherry lush 

rock the bomber jacket because you da domb,
JD

the bow blouse & midi skirt

when in doubt, put a bow on it. (a big grey one)

i've worn this skirt earlier this year with a cream top and pearls. this time i decided to pair it with a grey long sleeve blouse with a HUGE bow on the side. this top also looks great with all types of skirts and skinny jeans (plus blazer) as well. it was actually quite cold this day so the faux fur stole came in handy for a few shots, i usually think stoles look better styled on jackets vs. wearing it plain, but it turned out alright here. might i add, this is a perfect holiday look with some red lipstick!

currently on my playlist: Let it go -- James Bay

added a faux fur stole for fun! plus it was freezing! 

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top | chicwish kiss me bow top in grey (sold out) -- also available in mustard and pink
skirt | H&M textured midi skirt in black (old) -- similar in satin RED!  / similar in burgundy / similar in black striped mesh
stole | ASOS faux fur stole in cream (old) -- similar from Sole Society / similar / similar in black
shoes | Jimmy Choos abel pump in black patent -- similar by Ivanka Trump
bag | DVF lytton clutch in black quilted leather (old) -- similar in gold and on sale / in emerald / in black
sunglasses | Prada round oversized sunglasses in black (love the simple sides on these over the baroque design)
earrings | ASOS big faux pearl and stone swing earrings (old) -- similar 
rings | BaubleBar arrow wrap ring / BaubleBar pave eternity ring in gold / BaubleBar gemini pearl ring / BaubleBar ice chevron midi ring (sold out) -- similar / Etsy stacking & midi rings
lips | Tom Ford lip color in casablanca

rock the bow, faux fur stole and all,
JD

the white floral midi skirt & crop top

all white. after labor day. oops. #sorrynotsorry

well... there is no doubt that this outfit is completely out of season. but i couldn't resist! this is my first piece from Chicwish and i'm pretty happy with it. they have sooo many midi skirts, it was hard to pick one. i ended up with this one because i liked the blue floral print and... ding ding ding you guessed it, it also has pockets! one down side i will note is that the skirt is a little noisy when you move/walk around due to the liner/material it is made of (not the highest quality). the high-waisted fit went really well with this crop top and i decided on gold accessories and my cobalt earring/ring set to bring out the blue floral print. as my photographer said, "yep, that's blog-y." :)   

twirling is hard work. but someone's gotta do it. 

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top | Topshop high neck wrap crop top in white (also available in black)
skirt | Chicwish blue floral pleated midi skirt 
shoes | Manolo Blahnik BB pump in nude patent
bag | Kate Landry pyramid metal hardframe clutch (old) -- also really liking the Rebecca Minkoff hex miniaudiere in gold caviar (and on sale!) 
earrings | Kendra Scott delilah geometric drop earrings in cobalt (old collection) -- similar from the classic collection
bracelet | Etsy pave link bracelet -- similar BaubleBar pave links
rings | Kendra Scott cora cocktail ring in cobalt / Etsy stacking & midi rings
lips | Tom Ford lip color in casablanca (like my natural lips, but better)
nails | essie cashmere matte nail polish in wrap me up

rock the white -- even after labor day,
JD