austin fashion week

#overdue.

Austin Fashion Week #AFW is an experience i'll never forget. i had an AMAZING time. i am so grateful for the opportunity and feel humbled to even be invited. special thank you to @fashionx.co & @pompublicrelations for these memories! there were a ton of pre and post parties/events leading up and ending fashion week but you may know i was ill and at the tail end of it, so i basically missed EVERYTHING except the runway shows (insert sad face). i've learned that sometimes, even when you feel like crap, you gotta pull yourself together and GO. it was a jam packed three days of non-stop fashion show action fun. (not to mention the post runway activities. ahem. ahem). the evenings started off with a VIP lounge (who am i?!), part one, intermission, and part two. see some of the collections after the jump. my personal favorite was @shopmilesdavis!

the little black dress #LBD below was worn on night three of AFW. i love discovering new brands and this one happens to be sold at bloomingdales.com, which... if you live in TX it is TAX-FREE!!!!! #hellsyes. anyways, this brand, AQUA, has such great pieces not to mention the price point won't break the bank. the strappy top with the tiny cut out waist with the peplum/ruffle hem was SOOOO up my alley. lastly, i have always wanted a pair of @lisilerch earrings. i always see them on others and they always look STUNNING! what made it harder was that the tassel earrings come in all the colors you can think of! i decided on the disco color looked because it looks so unique. it paired so well and added the perfect amount of sparkle for the last night of AFW. and... they racked up dozens of compliments that night. a confirmation that i made the right color choice!

night 1 & 2 outfits coming soon!

side happenings: spent the last few days in Dallas, soaking up the city and doing what i do best = eating & shopping. oh and while i was up there the BEST THING HAPPENED! @bananarepublic posted me on their instagram! like... WHAT?! thank you to everyone who texted and congratulated me on this. i am still pinching myself!! i had to hold back tears of joy because i was so overcome with happiness. it has been such a journey and every step of the way has been about pushing my boundaries and comfort zone. no matter where this leads me to, i hope that all these moments will always have the same magnitude of meaning.  #blessed.

currently on my playlist: it ain't me by Kygo & Selena Gomez

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these Lisi Lerch tassel earrings went PERFECTLY with this #LBD!

such a sucker for a peplum ANYTHING!

i still can't believe i forgot all my RINGS for this entire shoot!

dress | AQUA flounce hem dress in black (sold out, may go back in stock?1, size up, wearing a medium) -- similar 1 // similar 2 // similar 3
bag | Clare V. basketweave fold over clutch in black leather (old) -- similar and $25 // leo print calf hair $45
shoes | Madden Girl bella block heel sandal in black -- similar from Target $30 // similar from Target with a shorter heel $28
sunglasses | Celine caty sunglasses in black -- similar
earrings c/o | Lisi Lerch tassel earrings in disco (avail in almost every color you can think of! and a post and clip-on option as well!) -- similar 1 // similar 2
bracelet | Vita Fede mini titan crystal bracelet in gold -- similar
rings | Gorjana mini stackable ring set

rock the peplum hem anything,
JD

photo credit: Brandon Hill

Austin Fashion Week 2017: May 18, 2017 - May 20, 2017

runway & capsule collection photo credit: @cbarronjr
red carpet photo credit: @candiceghaiphotography

my ABSOLUTE FAVORITE runway: @shopmilesdavis

capsule collection: @themansionrose

runway: @nomzeedesigns3221

runway: @leemerrittswim

capsule collection: @nina_means

#BOSSES: @daniaustin // @courtney_shields // @jessi_afshin

NIGHT 1: hair by @ravenrowsalon by @tiffanydyan // @jesskatt123

NIGHT 1: @heykailymae // @simplyyvan // @theautumngirl_ // @jesskatt123

NIGHT 2: @stylebeacon // sylebeacon's friend // @byhilaryrose // @jesskatt123 // @theautumngirl_

NIGHT 3: @jesskatt123 // stylebeacon's friend // @fixedtothrill // @heykailymae // @byhilaryrose // @stylebeacon 

day to night in a lace shift dress

shifting this shift dress from day to night! #nopunintended

high five to my first yellow dress and my first time working with one of my favorite brands -- @bananarepublic! when i received this lace shift dress i knew i wanted to style it two ways; day and night (one of my favorite types of posts!). i love pieces that you can grab from your closet for a casual day or a night out. in my opinion, those are the most versatile pieces of clothing that are worth every penny! plus it is fun to get creative and see how you can style them both ways. 

i am slowly embracing more color into my life and the yellow of this Banana Republic leaf lace shift dress makes me so happy (also avail in white)! it is a great piece for summertime, the shift-fit is forgiving, and the lace makes it such an easy piece to transition from a dressy to a casual look in a matter of seconds. dress it up with some white pumps and a fun white bag (i love this one with the lemon charms!). wear it casual style with some flat sandals and a denim jacket and w a rattan/straw bag. either way that you choose, you can't go wrong! 

side happenings: finally getting over this nasty bug i've had for almost a MONTH! i was so miserable! #aintnobodygottimeforthat. austin fashion week #AFW2017 was a complete BLAST! i feel so grateful for many things i my life and i cannot wait to share photos and a recap -- COMING SOON! 

currently on my playlist: stay by Zedd & Alessia Cara

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dress c/o | Banana Republic leaf lace shift dress in yellow (also available in white)
jacket | Old Navy denim jacket -- similar but darker wash 
bag | ZARA mini crossbody bag in white -- similar but colorblocked // J.Crew Factory rattan clutch in natural pale gold -- similar
shoes | ZARA vinyl d'orsay heels in white (old) -- similar // Sam Edelman gigi sandal in saddle leather -- similar from Target
necklace | etsy monogram necklace in dearest daddy initials (1.25" and 20" chain) -- similar by BaubleBar // similar in acrylic
earrings | Kendra Scott sky earrings in white pearl (old) -- larger version // similar
sunglasses | Celine tilda sunglasses in dark tortoise -- similar but more cateye (great brand, really fits well!)
watch | Michael Kors darci watch in gold (on sale!) -- avail in rose gold
bracelet | Nordstrom BP love knot cuff (old) -- similar by Kate Spade // similar off Etsy
rings | Gorjana c/o shimmer stacking ring set // Gorjana amara ring set // Gorjana mini stackable ring set // Etsy stacking & midi rings // Gorjana candice CZ ring // BaubleBar ice chevron midi ring -- similar // BaubleBar tri bar ring (old) -- similar // Cassandra Collections c/o mini ring
lips | MAC amplified creme lipstick in brick-o-la

rock the lace shift dress, 
JD

photo credit: Brandon Hill
a post done in collaboration with Banana Republic. 
dress provided by Banana Republic, all opinions are my own. 

an austin blogger galentine's day

february. the month of L<3VE.

excited to share this galentine's photoshoot with y'all! if you're looking for some valentine's day inspo, look no further. these Austin bloggers have you covered from head to toe (that's how we ROLL). i love how each gal brings something different to the table in terms of personality and fashion. i admire all these ladies and blessed to call them my friends. though i've only known them a few months, i have a feeling it is just the beginning of some great and much needed friendships in my life. if you told me two years ago that i would get to shoot something like this with some fabulous bloggers, i would have totally laughed. chyeaaaa rightttt.. ! this brings me to one of Michelle's // @stylebeacon quote i read on her page, "Be patient. You never know what’s on the horizon and life can surprise you in many beautiful ways. #beaconisms"

for this i choose to go non-traditional with a black mesh wide leg jumpsuit. i can't stress how much a jumpsuit always wins. the only one-piece power suit you need to feel super confident. the mesh detail adds a little something and i added some pops of red lips, nails and some statement hoops!

lastly, single or taken this valentine's day -- remember that it's all about that #selflove. 
one of my blogger friends Amber // @everyonceinastyle wrote this post on how to be single during the holidays but it really applies everyday. all my single ladies must check it out!

currently on my playlist: i hope you dance by Lee Ann Womack

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the beatles. blogger style. i say a pretty good shot despite tripping and being flashed at by a stranger. (true story).

red & black. @jesskatt123 // @stylebeacon // JD // @daniaustin // @theautumngirl_

Hilary // byhilaryrose.com

Hilary is blogger i followed way back in the day. at an event last year, i went up to say hi to her (i'm shy btw). she recognized me and introduced me to all her blogger friends; the rest is history! #thankfulforher. i am a fan of her affordable style (i want everything in her closet) and her happy go lucky personality which is totally infectious! i may be buying that hot pink dress soon…!

pink dress | ASOS cold shoulder with ruffle in pink
lilac dress | Elizabeth and James leonie dress from Rent the Runway
necklace | Kendra Scott isabella choker necklace in ivory zellige
clutch | Diane von Furstenberg evil eye miniaudiere from Rent the Runway
shoes | Steve Madden carrson sandal in sand suede

Haylee // itsmehaylee.com

Haylee is the queen of makeup & hair, and… not to mention, she knows how to work the camera (please teach me your ways Haylee!!). i love how she took a mauve bodycon dress and layered it with a lace cami! and that lip color… i know i can't rock that!

dress | Charlotte Russe crushed velvet wrap dress -- similar
top | boohoo lace high neck -- similar
earrings | similar 1 // similar 2
clutch | similar 1 // similar 2
shoes | similar 1 // similar 2
lips | NYX liquid suede cream lipstick in sway
eyes | MAC eyeshadow palette in purple times nine

Dani // thedaniaustin.com

Dani is the cutest thing! you should see her instastories! i love how she went with a burgundy one shoulder dress with pink lace up heels and dressed it up with a classy statement clutch. i know, aren't those earrings so pretty on her? i might have bought some. gosh, these blogger friends..! 

dress | Sincerely Jules everly one shoulder cotton dress in burgundy
earrings | BaubleBar crispin drops in light pink
shoes | Steve Madden christey wrap around ankle tie sandal in light pink
clutch | YSL monogram quilted envelope clutch in black
watch | Michele deco diamond dial two tone watch

Michelle // stylebeacon.com

Michelle is the business-boss lady of the bunch and such an easy person to talk to. i feel like I can talk to her about anything. Michelle's dress is a dream. she is rocking the off the shoulder with a drop peplum-ish hem. plus, she is perfect in each frame. #iwishiwas.

dress | For Love & Lemons clemence off shoulder dress in tiramisu
shoes | Elaine Turner juliet in black suede
earrings | Kendra Scott danielle filigree
clutch | Elaine Turner hazel quilted foldover clutch in black

Kaley // myclosetlife.com

there is a never a dull moment with Kaley. Kaley makes me laugh until it hurts and i love her for that! forget needing to work out them abs when you're hanging out with her! #itslikeaworkout. she adds life to each party and knows no stranger. Kaley adds her own style to this ballerina dress with a silk scarf and some black lace ups!

dress | free people ballet punk set 
scarf | Vintage find in Lebanon! -- similar 1 // similar 2

 Meg // theautumngirl.com

this is Meg's first pleated skirt. #notthelast. i cannot tell you how happy that makes me! i love how she went with a mini and paired it with a sexy white blouse (i may need this too!). she coordinated this whole shoot, thanks so much girl! 

top | ASOS clean pajama blouse with pocket detail in ivory
skirt | boohoo metallic pleated mini in red
earrings | gorjana kelsi ear jackets
necklace | similar
bag | Kelly Wynne halo in polynesian pearl
shoes | Sam Edelman yardley in camel suede

Jess // uptownfashionbyjess.com

Jess is a stylist so she always keeps up with the latest! i am so thankful she didn't leave me in the dark and wore black with me #nopunintended. but her maxi is so valentine appropriate because of the roses and the movement on that dress is just magical!

dress | Lovers & Friends golden ray maxi in rose print
earrings | Kendra Scott alex earrings in black
shoes | similar

jumpsuit | BCBG Generation mesh panel jumpsuit in black -- similar with cut outs // similar and avail in red // similar with a cold shoulder // similar with lace long sleeves
earrings | BaubleBar dianne hoops
bag | Chanel boy wallet on chain in red caviar leather -- similar
shoes | Michael Kors carla sandal in black (old) -- similar 1 // similar 2
bracelet c/o |  The PeachBox roman empress bangle in gold
rings | Gorjana c/o shimmer stacking ring set // Gorjana amara ring set // Gorjana mini stackable ring set // Etsy stacking & midi rings // Gorjana candice CZ ring // BaubleBar ice chevron midi ring (sold out) -- similar
lips | Christian Louboutin velvet matte lip color in rouge 001M -- similar in a matte liquid
nails | Smith & Cult polish in kundalini hustle

happy GALENTINES DAY!,
JD

photo credit: Brandon Hill
venue: Fall Creek Vineyards in Driftwood
balloons c/o: The Balloon Bar

the summer popsicle shirtdress

why hellooooo there. 

it's been a long time y'all. sorry for the MIA but my BFF got married (whoo hoo!), my laptop fan died, and then life happened. ya know?! recently, my friend Nicole @nicolesometimes introduced me to the world of Anthropologie dresses. i knew if i bought one dress, i would buy another... and let's just say i will be a more frequent visitor to their website, despite the cries from my wallet. what? i can't hear you!!?! i can't help it. Anthropologie just gets me. 

a shirtdress is an essential in every wardrobe. this one is no exception, and come on. it has POPSICLES on it. hello perfect summer dress. i mean how can you resist? when it came out a long time ago, i really wanted it but couldn't justify the price tag, then i saw Nicole wear it and was like that's it. URGH. these blogger friends are so expensive (love you!)!! i've worn this dress a few times without washing it (#noshame) and always get a DOZEN compliments on it! 

i'll be traveling to Boston, MA / New Market, NH this weekend to see my blogger babe ANNIE @thelovelygirl.co and mastermind behind the @stylecollective_ group of gals. being apart of @stylecollective_ has allowed me to make amazing friendships with gals. as someone who doesn't have many GFs, thanks to Annie, i have tons all over the world!! Annie has become such a friend to me over our random DMs and instagram comments. i am SO excited to meet her in person (shriek!). it's going to be an #epicweekend full of #S&S = #shenanigans & #seafood!

for my blogger gals, click on READ MORE for some takeaways from the rewardStyle #RSSchoolNight i attended last week wearing this same dress lol!

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dress | Anthropologie paleta shirtdress -- similar but in linen (and on sale!) / similar with eyelet detail / similar with high low cut
bag | GiGi New York saint germain clutch in tan -- similar but fold over 
sunglasses | Celine tilda sunglasses in dark tortoise
shoes | Sam Edelman gigi sandal in saddle -- similar / similar in gladiator lace up
earrings | Kendra Scott sophee textured drop earrings in gold
necklace | BaubleBar ice scallop pendant (old) -- similar 
rings | BaubleBar tri bar ring (sold out) / BaubleBar ice chevron midi ring / Gorjana blakey ring cuff/ Etsy stacking & midi rings
watch | Michael Kors darci watch in gold
nails | essie nail polish in watermelon
lips | Tom Ford lip color in casablanca

rock the (popsicle) shirtdress,
JD

for my blogger/insta babes, here are some rewardStyle #RSSchoolNight takeaways:

  • mission statement: have one.
  • best time to send a newsletter is thur @10AM
  • mobile-friendly newletter should include: skimmable, feature exclusive content, include promo codes/sale info, share recent fav blog posts and inspo behind them, a shopping wish list, direct subscribers back to your site, highlight others/interviews, link your social pages, consistent format & style
  • have pop-ups on your site at least 60 seconds in so it doesn't look like spam
  • have social share buttons
  • use editorial calendars to improve your content strategy
  • instagram performance apps: piqora, sprout social, iconosquare, simply measured, LIKEtoKNOW.it analytics, social report (all-in-one)
  • organization & reminder tools: evernote, wunderlist, trello, remember the milk
  • productivity tools: toggl, stayfocused, adobe color cc
  • note major holidays/sales
  • social optimization (different for everyone): post two LTKit posts a day, collab with others, encourage conversation and feedback, engage indiv with your followers, be PERSONAL!
  • photo apps: AfterFocus, adobe photoshop express, faded, VSCO, a color story, snapseed
  • social media tools: buffer (schedule social media content), sprout social (offers analytical oversight)
  • goal setting apps: nozbe, goals on track, lifetick
  • what to include in your media kit: stats (social following, page visits, unique viewers per month, and conversion rate), demographic outreach, flexible rates (social channels + site), partnerships/collabs, press clippings & testimonials, verticals you cover, an a write up of what makes you unique (speak your brand), imagery representative of your brand, keep it simple & sweet
  • instagram LTKit captions: BE PERSONAL! ("speak" in your own voice), talk about sizing, add price $, link other options at different price points, styling tips

the leaf print halter dress

hot summer days.

hope y'all are having a great summer! mine's been really awesome so far, despite the heat which really slows down photo taking. this palm/leaf print has been so hot this summer, so i had to get my hands on this dress Ann Taylor amalfi halter dress! #naturally. it's first leaf print dress and i can't beLEAF it!!! #nopunintended i will see myself wearing this one a ton because these very reasons 1) one of my favorite colors is NAVY, 2) breathable fabric for this TX heat wave!, 3) pockets, 4) could be worn to work with a cardigan, and 5) effortless high neck halter style -- my favorite type of cut. 

on a side note i have been in the market for a saddle bag. as much as i have lusted over the Chloe marcie, i found this Tory Burch mini saddle bag to be the cutest mini saddle bag! (anything mini... sucks me in). i especially adore the color and simplicity. while it doesn't really win on functionality because it is a tad bit small... for the price (on sale!) i'm definitely a happy camper!

psst... the epic Nordstrom Anniversary sale begins for cardholders this Wednesday, 7/13 -- details and dates here. also preview the women's and men's catalog. what item(s) do you have your eyes set on?!

currently on my playlist: gorgeous by X Ambassadors 

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dress | Ann Taylor amalfi halter dress -- similar with sleeves
shoes | Forever 21 faux leather wedges in camel -- similar but more strappy / similar and avail in three colors!
bag | Tory Burch mini saddle bag in camello (sold out in this color but on sale) -- avail in black and a beautiful olive green! / similar in black and on sale! / similar and avail in three colors
sunglasses | Celine tilda sunglasses in dark tortoise
earrings | Kendra Scott tessa stud earrings in clear 
watch c/o | Daniel Wellington 34mm st mawes dapper watch in rose gold (use code "JANNADOAN" to receive 15% off danielwellington.com ends 7/30)
rings | BaubleBar tri bar ring (sold out) / BaubleBar ice chevron midi ring / Gorjana blakey ring cuff / Etsy stacking & midi rings
lips | MAC amplified creme lipstick in brick-o-la
nails | essie gel couture in pre snow jitters (new from essie and no light needed!)

rock the leaf print,
JD

azazie dresses

it's wedding season y'all.

one of the things about being a bridesmaid is looking for a DRESS. that is a whole ordeal within itself, because you are having to agree with a few other girls, then there is price, designs, fits, lengths, and colors. low and behold, i wish i knew about AZAZIE // @iheartazazie way before time. i mean this brand is god-send from the wedding world. trust me, save yourself the time (=money) and headache! the dress i am wearing is the Carissa in dark navy, it comes in 57 COLORS. you read that right, 57!! i choose this custom fit gown because i don't have many formal maxi dresses and i adored the pleated top, ESPECIALLY the subtle ruched one shoulder detail, i loved fanning it out in these photos! 

some things about why i love AZAZIE:

  • price -- so reasonable, all under $150 USD
  • variety of styles -- i had the hardest time picking ONE!, these designs can be worn for NUMEROUS events! #YAS
  • QUALITY -- the chiffon material was so perfect, it also arrives in a pretty duster bag for protection and can be used for years
  • variety of colors! -- if you are unsure you can even order swatches
  • CUSTOM TAILORED FIT at no extra charge!! heck yes! this was perfect for me due to my weirdly shaped body and #shortgirlproblems
  • offers a "try before you buy" program
  • also sell bridal gowns and mother of the bride dresses

my other AZAZIE dress picks include the following:

currently reading: the rosie project by Graeme Simsion

currently on my playlist: unsteady by X Ambassadors (give it a few seconds the song really builds)

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dress c/o | Azazie carissa bridesmaid dress in dark navy
shoes | Stuart Weitzman nudistsong in adobe patent (comes in different widths too!) -- similar / similar
bag | Kate Landry pyramid metal hardframe clutch (old) -- similar / similar
earrings | BaubleBar bronte drops in clear (old) -- similar / similar / love the shape on these
bracelet | Kendra Scott candice cuff in gold via @rocksbox use code "jannadoanxoxo" to receive one month for free! -- similar
ring | Kendra Scott martiza cocktail ring in ivory pearl (old) -- loving this one / similar
lips | MAC amplified creme lipstick in brick-o-la
nails | Sephora formula x nail polish in delightful

A post done in collaboration with AZAZIE.

the floral maxi dress

another floral dress makes its way to my closet.

howdy y'all! currently sitting at a Starbucks trying out #thepinkdrink = strawberry acai refresher with coconut milk instead of water. it's interesting. you should try it. it has been raining NON-STOP in texas for weeks which has really forced me to take a blogging break. but i ain't complaining. i ate a lot, slept a lot, and finally read that book i told you about -- me before you by Jojo Moves. when i mean read i started and finished it in one day. it's been so long since i've come across a book that i couldn't put down. have you read it? #cryfest it's so sad but that's exactly what made it SO GOOD. i don't think i can see the movie without a towel. 

about this post -- i don't own many maxi dresses or floral print = #purchasejustified. my life is about #shortgirlproblems (5' 2", i get asked this a lot) so that has always deterred me from buying maxi dresses. i always have to get them hemmed and ain't nobody got time for that. so thank goodness for @BananaRepublic petite sizes. the fit and length on this dress was perfect for me, not to mention that is also has pockets which is rare for this kind of material. lastly, i finally purchased my first straw/rattan bag!! when i saw my blogger babes Jen // @mrsjenfrick and Jenna // @bostonchicparty sport them, i knew i had to have one too! it's very tiny but fits your essentials. 

lastly, i mentioned being featured in the Banana Republic #YourLifeStyled campaign in my last post. my blogging bestie, Ela // @Wunderbliss sent me a snapchat of one of my photos on a BR storefront in Vancouver!!! i am still so shocked and on a mission to find a storefront with either of my photos on them because i have nothing else to do. LOL, and i have hit up the only two BRs in Austin. LOL. 

currently on my playlist: gravity by Sara Bareilles

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