the mock neck & coach saddle bag

2017 just started and this post is one for the books!

i am beyond thrilled to be working with @Coach for this post! celebrating their 25th anniversary with the newest saddle bag 23 in dark denim. this color was my top choice due to the unique-ness,  it's a dark/bright blue (if that makes sense) and the antique brass hardware complements it so well. Coach is one of those brands that remains a classic in terms of bags, i mean who remembers the "C" logo back in the day?! i've worn this saddle bag multiple times and it is such a great size bag, not too large, and not too small. it fits all the essentials and more. it's going to make a good travel companion, now i just need to book a ticket somewhere! 

i didn't own a bag this color so decided to style it with some neutrals (you can't go wrong with neutrals) and threw on this leather jacket i've had for a few months. i purchased it based on the color and the draped front, which gives it a more feminine twist vs. a moto leather jacket (i can't seem to pull those off). i added some pumps and a pair of ROSE GOLD tassel earrings for good measure and voila, find me at the Domain Northside snapping pictures with a professional photographer at high noon with tons of foot traffic. i had moments/thoughts of... 'what the heck am i doing, i feel completely uncomfortable. -- yep, you're totally doing this right JD.' yes, i do talk to myself. 😂

lastly, for those who are blogging, interested in blogging, or just need some inspiration, my @stylecollective_ blogging community released 45 expert tips from its founding members. i am so thankful to be included and among these ladies. each piece of advice is spot on. what a privilege to be apart of this group. it's a good read, i promise. 

currently on my playlist: shape of you by Ed Sheeran

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top | Banana Republic italian cashmere blend mock neck pull over in cream -- similar // similar in a tunic style
jacket | Trouve draped front leather jacket in brown saddle -- similar and on sale for $60! // similar // similar in blush // similar in suede
denim | Hudson nico mid rise distressed skinny jeans in worlds apart (old) -- similar // similar but not distressed
shoes | Manolo Blahnik BB pump in nude patent -- similar // similar 
bag c/o | Coach saddle bag 23 in dark denim
sunglasses | Celine tilda sunglasses in dark tortoise -- similar but more cateye on sale for $42 (just bought these and love them)
earrings | BaubleBar pinata tassel earrings in ROSE GOLD!! -- similar but mini tassels // really love these at the moment!
watch c/o | Daniel Wellington 34mm st mawes dapper watch in rose gold (use code "DOAN" for 15% off your purchase)
rings | Gorjana c/o shimmer stacking ring set // Gorjana amara ring set // Etsy stacking & midi rings // Gorjana candice CZ ring // BaubleBar ice chevron midi ring (sold out) -- similar
lips | MAC amplified creme lipstick in brick-o-la
nails | essie gel couture in pre snow jitters

photo credit: Katie J Photography.
a post done in collaboration with Coach.
handbag provided by Coach, all opinions are my own. 

the floral ruffled dress & denim jacket

slowin' it down with some floral boho vibes.

y'all, it is getting HOT in TEXAS!!! summer isn't even in full swing yet and i'm a sweaty betty. not sure how i will be taking photos during the summer again, early shoots are such a pain. i wish i lived up north, when it's cold, you can layer. but when it's hot, there is only so much you can take off.... like they say... you always want what you can't have. and when you have it you want more. #WORD

this floral dress c/o The Mint Julep Boutique is a great choice for those hot summer days. check out their instagram @shopthemint for bright, boho style spring/summer dresses! this one in particular is strappy, v-neck and v-back, loose (i'm all about the loosey-goosey), a ruffled hem (yep, i twirled in it), and it's a floral print. check x 6. i choose to give this outfit some more springtime love with a denim jacket; my FIRST, whattt? i know. it's insane how i live in TX and went so long without one. it makes a good layer for the cold indoor coffee shops/restaurants. the long necklace (borrowed from mama bear; she's so stylish) also added a little something and the cognac leather accessories fit right in. 

side note: if you haven't seen The Jungle Book, you need to!
"look for the bare necessities, the simple bare necessities, forget about your worries and your strife...." i mean who remembers watching this on... VHS?!!!!

currently on my playlist: it's just a little crush by Jennifer Paige 

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dress c/o | The Mint Julep Boutique drawn together dress 
jacket | Old Navy denim jacket -- similar / similar but darker wash / similar
bag | Coach station bag in cognac (vintage find) -- similar
shoes | Sam Edelman gigi sandals in saddle leather (favorite summer sandals!) -- similar / gladiator lace ups 
sunglasses | Coach casey sunglasses in dark turquoise -- similar / loving these
earrings | Kendra Scott tessa studs in clear
necklace | Kendra Scott rayne necklace in ivory mother of pearl (borrowed from mama!)
watch | Michael Kors darci watch in gold -- check out this one with a MINT face!
bracelet | BaubleBar elephant chain bracelet in gold (old) -- similar
rings | BaubleBar tri bar ring (sold out) / BaubleBar diana midi ring / BaubleBar ice chevron midi ring / Etsy stacking & midi rings
lips | MAC amplified creme lipstick in brick-o-la

rock the floral dress... and twirl in it,
JD

A post done in collaboration with The Mint Julep Boutique.

the spring trench & boyfriend jeans

if there ever comes a day when we can't be together, keep me in your heart and i'll stay there forever. --Winnie the Pooh

a huge thank you for all your comments and sympathy on the loss of my 16 yr old doxie; Xi. it means so much to me. <3. these pictures were taken a few weeks back. last week was really tough i honestly didn't feel like posting anything, so this is much delayed. i needed time to grieve and still am but i know i have to find the courage to smile and laugh again. my friend sent me an article about the purpose of a dog's life from a 6yr old, when asked why dogs have shorter lives than humans, the 6yr old responded, "People are born so that they can learn how to live a good life -- like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right? Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don't have to stay as long." kids... they say the darnest things. but i felt he put things in perspective for me. everyone who has passed away in my life has suffered some sort of pain and the only thing that consoles me is that they are resting comfortably and peacefully, this goes for Xi as well. i miss him so much. 

i have been on the fence about the boyfriend jean trend the past few years. these are old, but i struggled to find a pair that fit me without making me look like i was swimming in them, then there was different washes and levels of distress to add into the mix. style tip: the key is to look for boyfriend jeans that look nothing like your boyfriend's jeans. #howisthatforadvice? go for a straight fit or more fitted distressed jeans or even petite sizes so they aren't too baggy in the thigh area. 

i went with a light wash -- somehow light washes are always great for casual looks which i think the whole boyfriend jean vibe gives off. in addition these aren't really distressed. in fact, by the end of this shoot, the hole ended up growing like 2x. LOL. this top is actually cropped, so i spent a lot of time pulling it down. another styling tip to wearing BF jeans: opt for heels! seriously. this kind of look needs something very feminine to elevate it and no better way than a pair of heels! also, as we transition into spring, of course i had to bust out the trench -- such a great piece, even when it is not raining! 

currently on my playlist: piece by piece by Kelly Clarkson -- what a heartfelt performance and song. 
currently reading: me before you by Jojo Moyes

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what i spend most of my time doing during these shoots... laughing at myself.

top | H&M striped crop top (old) -- similar / similar 
denim | Gap 1969 boyfriend jeans (old)  -- similar / really LOVE these
jacket | Banana Republic classic trench in khaki (old; wearing an XS petite, don't ask me how i even got myself to fit in this) -- similar / similar with a ruffle hem
bag | Celine micro luggage tote in navy -- pretty good dupe
shoes | Manolo Blahnik BB pump in nude patent -- similar
earrings | Kendra Scott sky earrings in white pearl
necklace | BaubleBar gold ra bib necklace
watch | Michael Kors darci watch in gold -- check out this one with a MINT face!
bracelet | BaubleBar pearl taylor cuff -- great deal in a set
rings | Vita Fede ultra mini double cubo crystal ring in gold / BaubleBar arrow wrap ring / BaubleBar diana midi ring / BaubleBar ice chevron midi ring / Etsy stacking & midi rings
sunglasses | Coach casey sunglasses in dark turquoise -- similar 
lipstick | MAC amplified creme lipstick in brick-o-la
nails | essie nail polish in topless & barefoot (finally, i found a nude polish!! all nudes are not created equally)
 

rock the BF jeans & trench,
JD
  

the sleeveless turtleneck & grey jeans

sleeveless. turtleneck. yep, that just sounds #weirdbutnotweird !

this is a first of many things. first sleeveless turtleneck. first pair of grey jeans! what?!!! i know, it's a little crazy over here on JDC. i decided on a monochrome look with splashes of burgundy -- aka: THE BEST FALL COLOR! i think this is a GREAT color combo and i encourage you to try it! the material of this high low turtleneck is very soft and not at all itchy AND it is machine washable! however, it the armpit holes dip a little low on the sides as you can kind of see in the pictures. again, this bag was snagged from the Nordstrom anniversary sale a few months ago but i linked some similar options after the jump (oh and a cute crossbody clutch!). i have been wearing this bag lately and love it. but let's talk about these jeans shall we? WHOA, you need these in your life. they are my most ripped pair of denim skinny jeans and i don't think they will be my last!!! super comfy, mid-rise, hugs-you-in-all-the-right-places, distressed goodness. 

btw, this week i joined #stylecollective and i couldn't be more thirlled! i will always say this, but the best part about blogging is meeting inspiring/supportive/and extremely talented ladies! my heart is full. <3

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blogging notes: when there are stairs, you sit. 

top | Banana Republic high low sleeveless turtleneck in transition cream (it's really light grey) -- similar / love this one from Topshop in black
denim | Hudson shine mid-rise skinny jeans in obsidian (MUST-HAVE!) -- similar / similar non-distressed
shoes | Target Merona suede pumps in wine (old) -- similar Sole Society calder block heel pump in eggplant with gold details! / an anklestrap pointed toe option
bag | Rebecca Minkoff chevron quilted love crossbody bag in port (sold out) -- similar / love this Sole Society vaughn crossbody clutch in oxblood 
shades | Coach casey in dark tortoise (old) -- newer version
earrings | Kendra Scott tessa studs in clear crystal (love these studs, i also have them in iridescent drusy (which is a neutral sparkly gemstone!)
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!
bracelet | Vita Fede mini titan crystal bracelet in gold -- similar and on sale! / similar from BaubleBar with arrows
rings | Etsy stacking & midi rings / BaubleBar tri bar ring (sold out) -- similar / BaubleBar arrow wrap ring / BaubleBar chevron ice midi ring (sold out) -- similar
lipstick | MAC amplifed creme lipstick in brick-o-la

rock sleeveless turtleneck,
JD

the button front denim skirt

MONDAZE... (who's with me?!)

before it's too late, i wanted to share my button front denim skirt! this trend was very hot this summer and i've seen many people wear it different ways. i purchased this Topshop moto button A-line skirt due to the COLOR. i loved the bright blue wash vs. the normal dark/light wash. it's a happy denim color and perhaps my only denim skirt. the A-line fit was also flattering as most denim ones are kind of tight and not really up my alley. i paired this with a causal sleeveless button down by tying it in the front, but a t-shirt or tank top also works! 

it's also ACL (Austin City Limits) Music Festival right now, and gee, what a rockin' outfit this would be for it!! #ifionlyhadtickets #preparedfornextyear

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top | H&M sleeveless blouse in white -- similar in striped
skirt | Topshop moto button front A-line skirt in bright blue -- same but in a darker wash / similar from F21
shoes | Sam Edelman gigi sandals in saddle leather
bag | Coach station bag in cognac (vintage find) -- similar
sunglasses | Ray-Ban RB3025 (58mm) original aviator in gold/green
earrings | Kendra Scott tessa studs in clear crystal (love these studs, i also have them in iridescent drusy which is a neutral sparkly gemstone!)
necklace | BaubleBar ice flourish pendant necklace (sold out) -- similar
bracelet | BaubleBar elephant chain bracelet (already sold out!!) -- new lippy bracelet (this may or may not be on my dresser at the moment...)
rings | BaubleBar tri bar ring (sold out) -- similar / etsy stacking & midi rings 

rock the button front denim skirt,
JD

the sleeveless blazer & leopard print heels

fall, where are you?

 i cannot wait until it hits 70 degrees here in texas. count on me to be the girl who pulls out their boots and scarves when that day comes.

the sleeveless blazer. this is an out-of-the-box piece for me, so it took a little while to pull this look together. whoever thought a blazer minus the sleeves would be fashionable?! well, either way, this blush sleeveless blazer was one of those random Forever21 finds that actually happened to be on sale! #score!!! on trendy pieces like these, i usually don't like to spend $$$. that's why we have Forever21. i opted to pair this with a v-neck borderline-crop top, distressed skinnys, and my first pair of leopard print heels! these Sole Society heels are the d'orsay style with a mid-heel height which is perfect for me/the office. i also like how the calf hair adds extra texture to any outfit. i'm excited to put more looks together with these leo heels! overall, the blush + ivory + navy + leo = a good combo. 

and lastly, these ear jackets. every time i wear them i get a ton of compliments! i think it's because they are so different/spunky and really stand out. ear jackets are really fun to wear and gives 'edge' to ANY outfit, talk about #streetstyle. BaubleBar has an awesome collection of ear jackets ranging from subtle to crazy! i'd say these are medium-crazy!

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top | ASOS v-hem shell top in ivory
sleeveless blazer | Forever21 blush sleeveless blazer (unable to find online) -- similar from Topshop // longer with slits from Forever21
denim | Hudson nico mid-rise distressed skinny jeans in worlds apart (old)  -- newer wash in cruel (and 40% off) //  similar by BLANKNYC
shoes | Sole Society jenn d'orsay pump in dark camel multi (sold out in this print but avail in SO many others! love the red suede) -- similar by Sam Edelman
bag | Celine micro luggage tote in navy -- the DAILYLOOK large structured handbag is the best dupe (sign up for email for discount code!)
sunglasses | Coach casey in dark tortoise (old) -- newer version
earrings | BaubleBar pave sputnik ear jackets 
necklaces | kate spade one in a million initial pendant necklace // gorjana mave lariat necklace -- similar double tail y-chain from BaubleBar (on sale for $18!)
rings | BaubleBar arrow wrap ring // etsy stacking & midi rings
lips | MAC amplifed creme lipstick in brick-o-la

rock the sleeveless blazer,
JD

the sleeveless shirt dress & gladiator sandals

texas. HOT. texas. HOT. oh, did i mention, it is HOT in TEXAS?!!! 

this was a fun one, considering i spent time hunting for the perfect white picket fence. (yes, this is what i do on my spare time in case you were wondering. lol.) and finally, i found it. perfectly placed in the middle of a beautiful and charming neighborhood. there's just something about a white picket fence that i simply adore. oh, how i wish i had one. well, the idea was to snap the pictures very quickly without being noticed... (#noshame). but what are the chances of the owners pulling into their driveway while this was happening? oh... let's say... 100%! lol. yes, that's just my luck! the owners were so kind though, the wife even shouted, "you do your thing girl!" lol. the stories of taking photos in public are slowly adding up..!  #anythingforapicture 

ok, onto fashion. this shirt dress is verryyy comfy, not to mention it is a chic and causal dress for summer. i cinched mine with a belt to give it more shape than having it all loosely draped. a belt can do wonders for dresses like these, long cardigan or tunics! i urge you to try it! in addition, i received the memo that lace up gladiators are very much in right now. however, i didn't want anything too crazy so i found these at Old Navy last week, to my dismay they are already sold out online!! sorry, i linked a similar one (and at the same price point!) but it also looks like it is about to sell out. i'm thinking next time i'll try to lace them up more. (ponders next outfit with these awesome sandals).

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dress | H&M shirt dress (i just bought this last week and don't see it on the H&M website yet) --  similar / similar with sleeves / similar in eyelet
belt | Forever 21 skinny belt (ancient) -- similar 
shoes | Old Navy lace up sandals in tan (out of stock) -- similar and only a few left!
bag | Celine micro luggage tote in navy 
sunglasses | Coach casey in dark tortoise (old) -- loving these newer ones
earrings | Kendra Scott elle gold earrings in slate 
necklace | BaubleBar ice scallop pendant (the daintiest little thing!)
watch | Michael Kors darci in gold
bracelets | Kendra Scott jana bracelet in slate / beaded wrap bracelets handmade by JD 
rings | BaubleBar tri bar ring / BaubleBar arrow wrap ring /  etsy stacking & midi rings

rock the shirt dress,
JD