the striped cashmere sweater & tailored shorts

hello, fall

wow, hard to believe it’s going to be november this week! it’s weird, part of me looks forward to fall, but i’m going to miss the long summer days. don’t get me wrong, i am not a fan of the TX heat, but i do love the longer days and having more light in the evenings (sounding like a grandma rn but proud of it 👵). i am looking forward to cooler temps and of course, all the fall fashion that comes with it!

the bag #gifted. this one caught my eye because of the shape. it’s so interesting! and not to mention mini bags are really the cutest! even though they are not always functional but sometimes you gotta choose fashion over function 😆 i’m pleased to report that the Sézane nano romie bag actually fits your everyday essentials (phone, keys, card case, lip balm) and this one is such a beautiful chocolate brown! i love how it pops on the black and white here.

the top. Quince has been one of my favorite places to shop. if you haven’t shopped Quince you are really missing out on the high-quality items that are ethically priced (and the pricing is transparent too). basically it’s elevated basics at a steal. i own two of these short sleeve cashmere sweaters. it’s a great transitional piece for esp during this time and the style is so versatile & elevated. it goes with all bottoms - here i styled them with some tailored shorts!

side ramblings: with two months left of the year, it’s about that time to do some reflecting! it’s been an interesting year, in the greatest way!! i did so much traveling and have one more trip left on the books this year 🫶 — a bucket list one at that too!!! cannot wait!! when i look at my vision board for 2024 i achieved almost all that i had set my little heart out to do at the beginning of 2024 — and that is pretty dang good i gotta say 👊 more on this in december. i recently went to a content creator meet up. my gosh it has been a LONGGGG time since i’ve gone to one of those. the community of creators just keeps growing and growing! i’m so glad i went because it was humbling to see everyone there chasing what they love doing and it inspires me! which i needed since JDC has been… slow. my focus and time this year was spent on things outside of JDC and i won’t deny that it was a grand time 😆😄 also, who reads this section anyways? yo viet, this one’s for you bud. 😁👋

currently on my playlist: queen of tears soundrack

currently watching: vincenzo

currently reading: hotel nantucket by Elin Hilderbrand

fall layers in texas - parisian style!

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top | Quince mongolian cashmere tee in striped (wearing size M, i usually size up in cashmere because i wash it… yes, you’re not supposed to wash cashmere, but i wash everything. i’m a rebel)
sweater | LOFT half-zip (old) — similar
shorts | Artizia effortless shorts in light birch — similar by A&F (i own both of these and the Aritizia is more luxe in terms of material)
bag c/o | Sézane nano romie bag in smooth chocolate — also avail in a regular size
shoes | Sam Edelman gigi sandal in cognac (my OG sandals)
earrings | Mejuri charlotte bold hoops in gold vermeil — similar but a huggie style! // similar by Quince
watch | Michele 29 mm deco diamond watch in gold and silver
rings | gorjana diamond row ring in 14K gold // gorjana diamond stacking ring in 14K gold

until next time!,
JD

photo credit: @janeyunphoto

how to style the sezane will jacket

the jacket for all seasons

luckily, my partnership with Sézane continues I decided to go with the Sézane will jacket #gifted that i’ve been eyeing for a while now and it comes in so many colors to choose from! i wasn’t sure how it would look on me due to length. turns out, i had nothing to worry about 🙂 it reminds me of a utility jacket but more sleek and structured. BTW, the utility jacket is my go-to travel jacket. i take it on every. single. trip. with me because honestly, it goes with EVERYTHING and it has functional pockets. i was hoping the will jacket would do the same in a more elevated way and it did not disappoint. the pockets are very deep and i love how the material keeps its structure since it is denim-like.

here, i decided to style it a couple of different ways. it’s all about versatility #amirite! i’ve always wanted to belt something like this and i love how it turned out. you can layer it (even over a dress which i have always wanted to try), belt it, and wear it as a top itself like a button down. you can dress it up and you can dress it down. check out all four looks after the jump!

side ramblings: 2024. it’s been a slowwww start here full of self-care. i’ve been enjoying spending time at home working on my paint-by-numbers, upgrading the home office, reading, playing mah jong, watching Modern Family with my parents, going down reddit thread rabbit holes about mechanical keyboards (new hobby) and trader joes (of course). it’s been a grand time!

invites + on the radar //

  • with this timely post, Sézane’s Austin pop-up opens on Friday, 03/08 at 1011 S. Congress Avenue Suite 130 (between Everlane and All Birds at Music Lane)! i was able to preview the store this past weekend and it is gorgeous. makes me miss Paris! i hope it becomes a permanent boutique in Austin🤞 hours of operation: Open Monday to Saturday: 10 am to 7 pm and Sundays: 11 am to 6 pm. stop by and check them out! it’s also a great way to try on their sizes if you are unsure and feel all their luxe fabrics and textiles!

  • i was invited into The Guest House // @welcometgh earlier this week and i gotta say, it was an AMAZING experience 💯 i loved all. the. dishes., the service, and the ambiance was 110% swanky. i’ll be returning soon! dishes ordered: complimentary brioche (OMG LAYERED GOODNESS), steak tartare, traditional caviar service, parmesean truffle crusted filet, miso mushrooms, the garden dessert (a must), and the tres leches x tiramisu dessert! they will be opening the take away section soon (and i hope they have that brioche available!) and the little outdoor wine garden! so happy to see this space filled on 2nd street!

other notable eats lately //

currently on my playlist: headlights home by Mat Kearney

currently reading: hook, line, and sinker by Tessa Bailey

LOOK 1 - layered over a t-shirt or layered over a t-shirt and belted

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LOOK 1: belted

LOOK 1: layered openly over a graphic t-shirt

LOOK 2. as a top itself. for good measure, just three buttons only + an ever so slight pop in the collar

LOOK 3. over athleisure

LOOK 4. over a dress & belted

jacket c/o | Sézane will jacket in khaki (sized down to a XS)
dress | Old Navy eyelet midi dress (very old) — similar but a maxi with classy cut outs!
denim c/o | Everlane kick crop jeans in white (very old) — similar by Madewell // similar by J.Crew Factory // loving these wide leg ones!
top | J.Crew Factory le weekend t-shirt (so old) — similar Paris one! // this striped one would go so perfectly too!
belt | Ann Taylor waist belt (old) — similar and love the one by Sezane
leggings | Athleta salutation stash 7/8 tight in black — similar on Amazon for $29
sports top | Amazon high neck sports bra crop top in white

until next time,
JD

the green & navy combo

green + navy combo

staying true to more color i picked out this beautiful green embroidered button down from Sézane! the details (and quality) are so good - as expected from Sézane. from the delicate ruffle to the scalloped hem of the sleeves. YES. i LOVE a kelly/bright green and navy pairing so these pants were perfect. what’s too many wide leg cropped pants? asking for a friend. i finished this outfit with standard timeless pieces such as tan cut out sandals (a hermes dupe) and a tan everyday bag. here are some other ways i’d style the Sézane dalhia shirt:

  1. white straight or skinny jeans

  2. tailored white wide leg pants

  3. tailored white shorts

side ramblings: this hiatus was unexpected. work took over all aspects of my life, leaving me feeling exhausted at the end of the day. too tired to get on socials or write a blog post or connect with friends which in turn made me feel more disconnected from everyone and my passion = dark place. the good news is that the end is in sight. thank goodness. it’s also ironic how when it rains it pours right? life is about the peaks and valleys and sometimes the valleys can be hard. those are the times i’m reminded that so much of life is out of my control. that life is easier when i just let it flow and lean more into grace & gratitude — or at least i try; i am only human after all 🙂

currently reading: the soulmate equation by Lauren Christina - a really cute book about opposites attracting! since the last post i managed to finish the unhoneymooners, it ends with us by Collen Hoover and beach read by Emily Henry. so happy about this re-kindled hobby!

currently on my playlist: 13 by LANY

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top c/o | Sézane dalhia shirt in green (wearing size 4)
pants | Ann Taylor cropped wide leg pants (old) — similar and i have these in so. many. colors
bag | Senreve mini maestra in chestnut — avail in a medium and large version
shoes | Shein cut out sandals (old) — similar on amazon // similar by Steve Madden
earrings | Mejuri charlotte bold hoops in gold vermeil — similar for $49 by Quince // also available as huggies!!
watch | Michele 29 mm deco diamond watch in gold and silver
rings | gorjana diamond row ring in 14K gold // gorjana diamond stacking ring in 14K gold

until next time,
JD

photo credit: @janeyunphoto

the sezane asianne dress styled two ways

the first floral print of the season!

option 1 // casually styled under a bright blue fisherman sweater (hello texture & COLOR!) with white sneakers

seriously pinching myself writing this blog post in collaboration with no other than @Sézane! Sézane is one of those brands where you just say OUI OUI (french for yes) as you check out all the items on their site. the parisian brand makes the most fabulous pieces (quality over quantity based on the number of pieces on their site) so you can imagine how long it took me to pick an item! life decisions i tell ya. it’s impossible not to add everything to your cart and ponder another trip to paris at the same time. i miss paris so much!

this post kicks off a three part series with Sézane, all featuring pieces from their spring collection. and spring is such a fun season, despite the allergies, flowers start blossoming, temperatures are ideal/perfect, and it’s when we start bringing out those spring dresses, floral prints, shorts, etc. the Asianne dress in cara print was such a pretty blue that i needed in my life and the floral print justified it even more. the TX weather is still fluctuating so i saw this dress as an opportunity to style it under a sweater and by itself for date night/brunch! i’ve seen the sweater over a dress styling hack and instead of going with a neutral cream color… i decided on a bold pairing — a bright blue! i loved how it turned out. no need to invent the wheel, so here’s a great video by @merricksart on how to style a sweater over a dress! she did a great job and i just tucked the sweater under the wrap of the dress.

currently reading: beach read by Emily Henry

currently on my playlist: easy lover by Ellie Goulding

option 2 // dressed up with some neutral colored high heel pointed toe booties! #datenightready

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dress c/o | Sézane asianne dress in cara print (wearing size US 4) — avail in a slip dress // button down // midi skirt // mini skirt // tie front dress with short sleeves // shoulder tie tank (yes, i did get this too #comingsoon!)
sweater | Quince 100% organic cotton fisherman crew sweater in blue (wearing size XS) — similar by J.Crew
shoes | Keds ace sneakers in white leather // Ann Taylor kody suede heeled booties in modern taupe (old) — similar
earrings | Mejuri charlotte bold hoops in gold vermeil — similar for $49 by Quince // also available as huggies!!
bag | J.Crew bucket bag (old) — similar
watch | Michele 29 mm deco diamond watch in gold and silver
rings | gorjana diamond row ring in 14K gold // gorjana diamond stacking ring in 14K gold

cheers to floral print season!,
JD

photo credit: @janeyunphoto

the white linen dress & sponsored content

summer linen.

there are a ton of summer fabrics, but linen is such a classic! it’s great for when you wanna change up all the gingham & eyelet textures. it’s also such a cooling fabric and rarely will you find a piece that is 100% linen like this one from @theory___! most pieces are are linen-cotton blend, so it felt super luxe to be wearing this. of course we had to find the best fairy-tale like background for it too! isn’t this place a gem? the v is actually low for my taste but the cap-sleeve design and slight A-line fit make it a #classy piece. and timeless i might add.

the downside to linen is that it wrinkles veryyy easy. think easy and x it by 10. this dress, worth the iron though. and while it does have a liner, it’s not enough which is usually the case with white linen pieces, you have to wear a slip. it’s an elegant piece and doens’t need much jewelry. i didn’t even wear my typical “J” necklace and my photographer thought something was wrong. :D

currently listening to: find u again by Mark Ronson ft. Camila Cabello

side ramblings: great things are on the horizon but i can’t share just YET. xx

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let’s clear the air on sponsored #SP material here on JDC (jannadoan.COM): isn’t it everyone’s goal to make money doing something they love?! duh. then why is it that influencers/bloggers get wrath for sponsored content? in general bloggers get crap all over the board. yes, there are people who ruin it for others but at the heart of the blogging community there are still genuine bloggers out there. by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) we are to disclose when something is sponsored, paid, or gifted etc… automatically people think, yea he/she just got paid for that so i wouldn’t trust him/her. here’s what i gotta say (you guessed it, bullet point format):

  • use your intuition about a blogger/influencer. if you think it’s fake… guess what? it’s probably FAKE! i know, i’m a rocket scientist. when you look at something really randomly posted and you raise one eyebrow like “what is this…” that’s your intuition “speaking.” listen to it. but hey let’s cut someee slack on all the toilet paper & tampon ads, maybe this is their full-time job? the bills don’t pay themselves (or so i hear).

  • because i’m old, i don’t do anything i don’t want to do. even if it’s paid. that may have not been the case when i was first getting started five years ago… but my greys have made me wiser. if i don’t like something i don’t post it. and i say NO to a lot of (really good) opportunities when it doesn’t align. aka: is not a #hellyes.

  • JDC is NOT my sole source of income. cause ya’ll… i WOULD BE BROKE AF. lol. blogging costs a LOT of money. every post i put out, i actually lose money. and i rarely make any sales based off commission via my links. i’m not a pushy enough saleswoman. just doesn’t seem authentic to me. since this is not my sole income, i don’t need sponsorships to keep this alive. instead, i just work an insane amount of hours at my other job(s). HAHA it all makes sense, i know.

  • there are still influencers/bloggers out there who carry themselves with integrity. the last time i looked up integrity in the dictionary my name was right next to it. :D xx

yes, my castle is right behind that wall.

dress c/o | Theory pure linen deep v easy midi dress in white — similar from J.Crew with pleats // not similar but love this one // shirtdress style // not similar but striped! // i have this in yellow!
shoes | Target Merona marcella low block heel ankle strap sandals in tan (old) — newer style // similar but higher heel // the original by Steve Madden
bag | J.Crew Factory rattan clutch in natural pale gold (really old) — similar at J.Crew
earrings | Kendra Scott diane statement earrings in gold — smaller design in the didi // similar but in matte colors // smaller design in the didi with pearl
sunglasses | Celine marta sunglasses in havana (my fave sunnies!) — newer design // love these for $99
rings | Gorjana amara ring set // Amanda Deer c/o CZ solitaire ring // Amanda Deer c/o CZ accents midi ring

rock all the linen,
JD

photo credit: Steven Gunter
a post done in collaboration with Theory.
dress provided via the last of my Theory gifted giftcard funds, (paid $100+ out of pocket for this baby!)
all opinions are my own.

the silk scarf & sheath dress

#workwear

is my specialty. when i dress for work i go for classic pieces such as the sheath dress. why? the length is always on point of hitting below the knee (my preferred length), it’s fitted but not too tight like a bandage dress or too loose like the bottom of an A-line or shift dress. i have quite a few ranging from sleeveless, short sleeve, 3/4 sleeve. it’s a TIMELESS piece and therefore my go-to work dress. what i love about sheath dresses is that they make you look super classy but you probably rolled out of bed, didn’t brush your hair (ahem), and put on a dress that makes you look so put together. all the yesss-ess. lastly, sheath dresses can stand on its own but they make the perfect canvas to add a dash of your own flair just like the Lois midi sent to me via @MaggyLondon. simple tips on how to jazz up your sheath dress after the jump. i always gravitate towards a silk scarf because hellooo #classy. everyone always turns heads when i wear these because you don’t see many women wearing them these days. how do you style a sheath dress?

side happenings: Y’ALL it’s already #SXSW!!! i can’t believe it!! i have some festivities i’ll be attending this year but everything always happens so. last. minute. either way, i can’t wait to participate in the frenzy! this past week i was able to attend the The Kindness Campaign // @tkckindness open house and still so amazed by what the organization does! i went to bed with such a great feeling knowing that there are people doing good & making a difference in the world. you’ve heard me talk about them a lot and on social. meeting the founder, @AndraLiemandt, was such a pleasure. just talking to her i can see how passionate she is about what they do and that makes me want to contribute & help more. ideas are brewing so stay tuned! xx

currently on my playlist: girl on fire by Alicia Keys (takin’ it back old school)

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simple ways to add some flair to a sheath dress:

  • belt — a waist belt to be exact that will further accentuate your waistline, love my Gucci one // good dupe

  • brooch — great option because they come in so many shapes/sizes and designs! it can also be a very personalized piece and a great way to show off any hobby you have etc.. i like thrifted ones but here’s a good one from Macy’s and Banana Republic! also found a pretty good CHANEL dupe

  • silk scarf — my go-to! these are versatile because you can also tie them onto handbags or even your wrist as a bracelet. but when wearing them around the neck there are so many ways to tie them (just google or youtube!). here are my current favorite ones from H&M

  • statement necklace — when in doubt, add a little bling! here’s a good one from J.Crew Factory

  • cropped jacket — also serves as a great layering piece for the chilly office environment! been eyeing this one at H&M

  • collared button up — if it’s a sleeveless sheath dress and it’s chilly, wear a button down underneath, work that layering game! i love doing this in winter, love the ones at Banana Republic

dress c/o | Maggy London lois midi in oyster (also available in two other colors, wearing size 2 for reference, my true size but this runs a little large so i would size down) — similar but longer sleeves // similar with ruching // similar but sleeveless // NOT similar but love the statement of a tuxedo dress
scarf  | LOFT summer scarf (ancient) — similar but in a chain or leopard print style (great length to wear draped on both sides 90” x 90”. and yes, i do have them haha) // love this one from Ann Taylor // great B&W option from Ann Taylor (the Ann Taylor sizes are better tied around your neck vs. draped on both sides, 25” x 25”)
shoes | Stuart Weitzman nudistsong in adobe patent (comes in different widths too) — similar by Sam Edelman $100 // similar by Steve Madden $80 // more strappy at Target $30
bag | Celine micro luggage tote in navy — good dupe
earrings | Kendra Scott kirstie stud earrings in ivory pearl
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   
bracelet | Nordstrom BP love knot cuff in gold (ancient) — similar by Kate Spade // similar by LC $10

a post done in collaboration and sponsored by Maggy London.
dress provided by Maggy London, all opinions are my own.
photo credit: Steven Gunter

the burgundy & grey edit

burgundy & grey.

burgundy/wine is such a beautiful color every winter/fall season and i think it looks amazing on everyone! here, Ann Taylor sent me this seamed ponte flare dress (great work dress) that also comes in black and petite sizing. if you read this blog, you know i love ponte material, it’s a much thicker and heavyweight material compared to jersey (that clings onto all your body rolls). this one is super flattering and in an A-line fit, i’d say the only thing it’s missing is POCKETS. y’all know how i feel about dresses with pockets! normally, i would pair this color with black as seen in a 2015 post featuring a burgundy pleated skirt & crop top (gosh i look so YOUNG!). however, it just happened to be that my Ann Taylor grey suede pumps were set out so ding ding ding! on top of that, Senreve sent me their crossbody in a saffiano textured leather (= durable) and you can see how they both match SO PERFECTLY?! along with the background for these photos?! love it when it all works out!! so here it is, i encourage you to mix these two colors together!

a last note on this crossbody bag, Senreve is a new up and coming handbag brand that i stumbled upon on IG. and after checking out their bags and how versatile they are i knew i needed one. so here’s what i did... i emailed them, pitched myself knowing i was never going to hear back from them because i am a pretty small influencer. but in business i have learned to always ask and the worst that can happen is that you get no answer or a no. so here’s to the 1% of the time when i actually get a response from a company that sees my value over my numbers! honestly, i feel humbled to be able to work with Senreve and one of those #pinchme moments. i digress, this crossbody can actually be worn with a metal crossbody chain, a leather crossbody chain, the compartments can be removed so you can customize it with the amount of pouches!! that is what i love about Senreve. their mini maestra bag is one of their bestsellers and again, i love how sleek yet versatile it is — you can wear it as a backpack, a crossbody, and a top handle! usually items that have that much versatility do not look as sleek or streamlined so major props to Senreve — where fashion meets function for the working woman.

currently on my playlist: shallow by Bradley Cooper & Lady Gaga (anyone seen A Star is Born?! it’s been on my list!)

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dress c/o | Ann Taylor seamed ponte flare dress in rosy plum (wearing size 2 regular, i recommend sizing down) — similar with a peplum hem
shoes | Ann Taylor mila suede pumps in paver grey (sold out) -- similar // similar
bag c/o | Senreve crossbody in mimosa storm (comes in so many colors!)
necklace c/o | Ann Taylor crystal necklace in gold — matching earrings // love this pearl one
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 the burgundy & grey combo,
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.