the hoodie sweater dress

hello, spring!

SPRING HAS SPRUNG! whooo here we are.. hopefully on the other side of TX winter stormsā€¦ but now worrying about hurricane season. itā€™s always something! iā€™m a little late on this post but i thought it would be fun to style a hoodie dress! i've always like the look of a hoodie under a blazer combo so when i saw this sweater dress i thought itā€™d be fun to style it under a coat for a dressy outing but ALSO, it can be styled casually like sporty spice!

to style this sweater hoodie dress casually, pair it with some white sneakers and a belt bag to make it fun. this one adds additional texture with the sherpa! for hair, iā€™d put it up in a high ponytail and aviator sunglasses. to style it for a night out, trade out the sneakers for some knee high suede boots (again, more texture adds dimension!) and layer it under a jacket with hoodie out! also trade out the belt bag for something more elevated like a leather bag.

i have always wanted photos infront of ā€œAustinā€ and lucky me, @janeyunphoto agreed and made it happen (sheā€™s great!) despite all the construction going around there with the Blanton Museum.

option 1 // casual style/sporty spice with white sneaks & sherpa belt bag for added texture!

side ramblings: UM, so much. first, i think the universe nudged me pretty hard to stop talking about launching my styling business and to actually do it. the time is now, right?! thanks universe! haha. i turned in a couple of ā€œdeliverablesā€ over to my first two clients and itā€™s been a process. coming up with tools and workflow processes (while over-thinking it all, the INFJ in me). nonetheless, i found myself looking forward to it ā€” iā€™ve missed it. second, home improvement projects have commenced (iā€™m telling you, itā€™s something to do with spring that makes you want to get back to work!). team daddy & i changed out the dining room light and in the process of replacing hallway and bedroom lights to recessed lighting! lastly, some #hellyes collaborations opened up with

  • @SĆ©zane ā€” french clothing brand, i LOVE everything and choosing an item made me miss paris so much! i picked out the Asianne dress! itā€™s a pretty blue floral dress and looking forward to styling it two ways. iā€™m all about the versatility!

  • @DavinesNorthAmerica ā€” hair product company known for sustainability. they sent me one of the biggest PR packages iā€™ve received in a while!! here are a couple of hair care products they sent me to try (the whole box smells so divine!):

currently on my playlist: all for nothing (iā€™m so in love) by Lauv

currently reading: the unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren! i also finished black cake by Charmaine Wilkerson since the last blog post and it was so good. reminded me of real hardships our parents faced back then. in my 30ā€™s i have an even greater appreciation for what my parents went through. itā€™s funny i planned on documenting their life story and this book was yet another gentle nudge by the universe to DO IT!

option 2 // date night. styled under a coat (hoodie out), knee high suede boots and a leather bag (so much textured goodness!!)

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option 1 // sporty spice

dress | Amazon ribbed and hooded sweater dress in light brown (wearing size S)
bag | lululemon everywhere belt bag in light ivory ā€” great amazon dupe for $23 // non-sherpa amazon dupe for $15
shoes | Keds ace sneakers in white leather ā€” also eyeing the Veja // target ones with a little platform for $35!

option 2 // date night

dress | Amazon ribbed and hooded sweater dress in light brown (wearing size S)
bag | Red Dress Boutique polished and poised bag in black ā€” similar on amazon in a more classic leather pattern
shoes | Sam Edelman uma knee high boot in black suede (i also loved them so much i got them in the bootie version) ā€” similar in the Ursula on Zappos // similar in the Ursula on Sam Edelman

thanks for stopping by!,
JD


photo credit: @janeyunphoto

JD x J.Crew spring 2022

#springvibes in full swing

besides all the pollen in the air. thereā€™s something else. there has to be. lately iā€™ve been feeling inspired by spring fashion and have been on a legit spree. i canā€™t help it. loving all the colors, florals, crop tops, wide leg pants etcā€¦ ontop of that, the weather in #ATX has been perfect (almost a little too warm actually) but iā€™m enjoying every moment of it before it gets unbearable. #happy

YOUā€™RE INVITED!

the Janna Doan x J.Crew Spring Styling Event is coming up real soon!!

when? // sunday, 04/10/2022

time? // from 2-5PM

where? // J.Crew at the Domain // 11501 Century Oaks Terrace Suite 137 (across from Starbucks)

what? // come say howdy!, shop the spring collection, get styled!

light treats // tateā€™s cookies & san pellegrino

RSVP below! šŸ˜Š

my J.Crew pictures came back and for once in over 2+ years i have some professional photos!!! GAH iā€™m so excited to share them with you ā€” it feels good to get back out there again. here, iā€™m featuring two items from the J.Crew Spring 2022 collection. the J.Crew puff sleeve cropped top was an unexpected like. it has spring written all over it and comes in a couple of prints too. #styletip: pair it with high waisted straight or skinny jeans, wide leg pants, and skirts. i love the sweetheart neckline (drawn to them lately) with the front pleat detail, and the puff sleeve. you can also pull the sides down and wear it off-the-shoulder for a flirty look too! = versatile. also, itā€™s so perfect with those purple flowers overhead isnā€™t it? in terms of sizing iā€™m wearing a S which is typical in crop tops.

the second is the J.Crew linen daydream dress featuring a puff sleeve and side slit. itā€™s lined so no need to worry about it being see-thru. i also like how itā€™s linen that you can wash. i found the fit to have a little more than normal material in the hip area so i sized down to an XS. it flows so nicely and despite reviews, i like the side slit. i paired it with a straw bag and flat sandals. on top of being a great vacay dress, it is also great dress for brunch with the girls as well!

here are my other J.Crew #picks from the Spring 2022 line that you need in your closet STAT:

  1. J.Crew sedona basket bag ā€” whatā€™s too many basket bags? asking for a friendā€¦

  2. J.Crew wide leg eco cupro pant in palest peach ā€” this is such a fun print!! the eco cupro is a very luxe fabric too, so iā€™ll be eyeing this when it goes on sale. also has a matching blazer.

  3. J.Crew button down cotton poplin dress in white floral ā€” i tried the regular size on in store and recommend the petite sizing if youā€™re shorter than 5ā€™2ā€ like me. i love the neckline and print!

  4. J.Crew kate straight leg pant in gentle sea ā€” also has a matching blazer.

  5. J.Crew eco cupro slip dress in pale mocha ā€” this probably isnā€™t part of the Spring 2022 collection, but i purchased this today since iā€™ve been eyeing it for months and itā€™s finally 30% off. like i said, the cupro fabric is very luxe feeling. almost like a suede silk!

side ramblings: i canā€™t believe this event @JCrew is happening NEXT WEEKEND!! so crazy. i canā€™t wait and hope to see you there! stop by to say howdy, get styled by me, or shop the spring collection! #lifeisgood #grateful

noteable sale: the @sephora sale for VIBers begin 04/05-04/11 so get your carts ready! i know mine isā€¦ overflowing. but at least with new things i want to try? hereā€™s a peek of whatā€™s in my cart right now šŸ˜ whatā€™s in yours? per savvymama Doan, this is the best time to stock up on favorites or try something new. and she ainā€™t wrong.

currently on my playlist: summer feelings by Lennon Stella ft. Charlie Puth

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wearing the sleeves down as an off the shoulder style! #versatile

top c/o | J.Crew puff sleeve organic cotton cropped top in white
dress | J.Crew linen daydream dress in french blue (sized down to XS)
denim | AGOLDE riley high rise straight jeans in shatter (obsessed with these!!) ā€” same ones from Revolve // diff wash and on sale for $131
shoes | Keds ace sneakers in white leather ā€” also eyeing the Superga
watch | Michele 29 mm deco diamond watch in gold and silver
bag | Nordstrom straw circle bag (old) ā€” similar from Luluā€™s for $38 /// similar with round top handles // tote style from Target for $40

happy spring shopping!,

JD

photo credit: lil blogger sis @simplyyvan

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, itā€™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, iā€™d say the only thing itā€™s missing is POCKETS. yā€™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 hereā€™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 hereā€™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 ā€” 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 ā€” where fashion meets function for the working woman.

currently on my playlist: shallow by Bradley Cooper & Lady Gaga (anyone seen A Star is Born?! itā€™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) ā€” 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 ā€” 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.

austin fashion week in maggy london

peplum hem sucker. right hurr.

while looking for something to wear for Austin Fashion Week #AFW, i came across this beauty! being in the midst of fashion, i had to look somewhat presentable and went a little more formal with this white dress (perfect opportunity to wear white in my opinion). all i can say is, i LOVE the floral texture on this dress! and the peplum hem adds just a touch more glam than just a regular fitted white dress. ALSO, as wedding season is among us, this is a great rehearsal dinner dress! classy, sleek, and not revealing at all. #familyfunctionapproved

i'm pretty much standard when it comes to wearing white = nude shoes & gold bag. you CAN'T go wrong. check out any of my previous posts and you'll see i'm rocking the same color scheme with any white dress. #habit or just old??! proof/throwing it back: lace white dress // the little white dress 

side ramblings: last week i attended Austin Fashion Week #AFW, my favorite designers included: @shopmilesdavid & @lindenmayercouture -- timeless/classy sleek designs that are right up my alley! also i spent this past Sunday at the @crafthermarket (like an etsy in real life) with PIC @wanderlustanita supporting our really talented gal, @kathyphantastic (really though, check out her skills!). lastly, the @sezane pop-up is here at @nordstromdomainnorthside! beautiful french inspired silk-wear, i'd love to take it all home with me. ok, but really... lastly, the @sprinklescupcakes LEMON MERINGUE cupcake comes out tomorrow!!! MY FAVORITE. you know where i'll be. xx

currently on my playlist: kings & queens by Mat Kearney

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dress c/o | Maggy London carter flounce dress (TTS, wearing size 2) -- their classic LBD version with a peplum-ish hem 
bag | Kate Landry pyramid metal hardframe clutch (old) -- similar and $59 // similar and a bottega dupe for $39
sunglasses | Celine marta sunglasses in havana -- newer design // similar by Le Specs
shoes | Stuart Weitzman nudistsong in adobe patent (comes in different widths too!) -- similar and $60 // similar but a chunky heel
earrings | Kendra Scott Diane earrings in blush pearl (borrowed from lil blogger sis @simplyyvan)-- also avail in hammered gold
rings | Gorjana amara ring set // Amanda Deer c/o CZ solitaire ring // Amanda Deer c/o CZ accents midi ring
bracelet c/o | Kendra Scott tiana pinch bracelet set in gold

rock all the peplum,
JD

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

an austin blogger holiday

cue the christmas music! (or play it below).

happy holidays!

i know it feels a tad early to be thinking of holiday stuff. but not really! this month is going to FLY by, so i thought it would be best to share this holiday shoot that i was so graciously invited to be apart of. these gals have become good friends to me and i am pretty blessed to have cultivated so many good friendships over the past year. #grateful. 

last year, i went with the classic holiday red. this year, i decided on the next christmas color... GREEN, but more of a hunter green! it's not a color i wear often but gosh, i think i should, especially hunter green. i picked out a lace off the shoulder dress with a classy length. it's actually a one-piece dress and the bottom is a little fuller than i thought it would be but it ended up looking very pretty! i'd say the only thing this dress is missing is pockets. the ivory earrings went perfectly with the gold clutch & dark nails. altogether i say this was a huge win, ESP since my dress arrived the day before (gotta love that ASOS 2-day shipping)! also, this gold clutch gets so much wear, it's def a staple for the holidays and any occasion (you can even see me wearing it in last year's photos)!

side ramblings: it's december.. which means... it's #BIRTHDAYMONTH! (insert happy dance). 

currently on my playlist: it's beginning to look a lot like christmas by Michael Buble

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the gangs all here!! (all clickables)

(ok, minus Hilary // @byhilaryrose and Michelle // @stylebeacon)
click on the photos for some insta-style-inspo!

nyfw part 3

more nyc moments.

the last post of my first #NYFW experience (sounds weird?!)! it's ending with the most basic attire -- a tee shirt dress. yep. but gosh, it's so soft and comfortable, i knew i had to take it with me and i'm so glad i did. i dressed it up with layered necklaces and some spunky ear jackets. i layered it with a cardigan and later with a leather jacket. i love this dress not only for how soft it is but also because it goes with so many shoes (sneaks, sandals). i wore them with these booties from Everlane which are made in Italy and you know those italians know how to make some high quality shoes! they are my first pair of black leather booties since i usually gravitate towards suede but the leather is such a good option because you don't have to worry about the rain!

NYC trips to me are usually about food and sight seeing. this trip all-together was WAY different. in a good way though. it made me think of all the opportunities this blog has given me & where it has taken me. it's a tad crazy and unreal. the shows were great and all but meeting people -- instagram friends, brand reps etc.. in real life was the best (and this is coming from an introverted person). i'm sure i'll find my way back next fall. signing off, crossing NYFW off my bucket list & feeling super good about it. until next time NYC.

general tips on NYFW (as a first-timer!) // 

  • be flexible because whoa nelly, things are going to happen very last minute!
  • to uber or to taxi? -- if you need to get somewhere fast, hail a cab. ubers can take a while to get to you
  • bring plenty of business cards
  • make appointments with brands/people you've worked with!
  • bring a reusable bag with you that you can put your change of shoes, water bottles, or any gifts that are given to you etc.. 
  • which brings me to.. leave room in your luggage for swag
  • show up EARLY
  • an external battery charger is a must! @mophie makes my favorite one!
  • lastly, don't go at it alone, have a NYFW buddy that you can tag team with!

as uncomfortable as i was, i'm so glad Angie made me do this shot! 

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day 4 // September 11, 2017
i should begin by saying, by this day i'm already walking like a new yorker haha, crossing before the light tells you too. #prettyproud #littlethings. the day starts with a brand meeting that i've worked with -- @maggylondon! Michelle was my PIC for the day and we headed to meet our rep at their headquarters which... BTW, is pretty dang cool! they have all fabrics in house and make the samples right there!! #socool. Michelle and i saw some of the upcoming collections and let me tell you, i am pretty excited!! as you already know, dresses are my JAM. PS -- you can see me wearing the new Maggy London Elizabeth cold shoulder midi in my #NYFW part one post. after the tour i headed to brunch with one of my instagram friends who always inspires me @browneyedtoast (i know.. her instagram is total goals). she was an absolute DOLL and i'm so glad she actually took the time to meet me!! we had such a great chat and could probably talk for hours! she took me under her wing that day and got me into the lounge where there were plenty of drinks & swag. here we bumped into her friends which she quickly introduced me to. gosh, i'm really thankful for people like her who are so genuine and truly want to help you. after parting ways, i trekked to @bobaguysnyc (had to get my fix ya know?). thankfully, Michelle was able to get me into another fashion show (hello front row) by @lanyu where... we spot Paris Hilton & Katie Holmes!! #pinchme!! lastly, it is a rare moment to be in NYC on 9/11 so Michelle and i dropped by the memorial and spent some time there. the night ends with the only restaurant i had to visit while in NYC (hands down the best korean food ever) @kanghodongbaekjeong! oh and my first subway ride in NYC!! 

day 5 // September 12, 2017
the last day/morning was very low key. i woke up super early to make my way to @levainbakery for the infamous chocolate chip cookies! or should i say chocolate chip cookie weights? though they have other cookies & goodies i went straight for the CC. i treked through some parts of Central Park enjoying the last moments of the beautiful and cool NYC weather, mid 70s #perfect. afterwards i headed to my @BaubleBar meeting where i finally got to see their headquarters and the new fall collection! i was also able to meet my rep in real life (so cool!). then a trek to JFK where i thought about the amazing experience i had and how i did not want to come back to work lol. good thing i took another day off. pro tip: always take an extra day off when you come back from travelling! oh, and book a massage too! #thewayiroll. 
Ā 

dress | GAP softspun knit v-neck midi tee shirt dress in black (old) -- similar by Everlane // similar with high-low hem // similar but sleeveless and more fitted // with long sleeves
shoes c/o | Everlane the heel boot in black (TTS, i got a 6 in these to account for some sock but should have gotten my usual 5.5) -- similar by Marc Fisher // similar from Target  
cardigan c/o | Banana Republic italian supersoft cheveron stitch cardigan in camel -- also would look good with a leather jacket // or this one with gold hardware  
bag | Gucci marmont matelasse shoulder bag in nude -- smaller version // similar
earrings | BaubleBar champagne ear jackets -- similar
necklaces | Anthropologie monogram pendant necklace // Gorjana mave lariat 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 -- similar // BaubleBar tri bar ring (old) -- similar // Cassandra Collections c/o mini ring
watch | Michael Kors darci watch in gold

rock all the tees,
JD

photo credit: Angie Garcia

NYFW day 4 & 5 in squares 

@maggylondon HW // oh hey ma, they have my photo up in their HQ!! #PINCHME // brunch scene @eggshopnyc 
my girl @browneyedtoast LOVE her // @stylebeacon on fiyah with the paparazzi // hello velvet jumpsuit @lanyu
ground zero on 9/11 // beautiful morning in @centralparknyc // meeting at @baublebar HQ

nyfw part 1 in maggy london

new york, new york. i miss thee.

writing this post has me missing NYC like crazy. there is no doubt NYC is one of my favorite places to travel to and i have to make it out there every couple of years. New York Fashion Week (NYFW) has always been a bucket list for me, even before i started blogging three years ago (yikes!!, time flies). 2017 was the year to make it happen! i booked the flight very early this year not really knowing what to expect or what i was doing. i just knew i needed to go do it! as a first-timer, it was an amazing experience that i'm so grateful for and hope to be back next fall! 

in general, i feel like NYFW is difficult to navigate regardless of your stats. it's overwhelming. on top of it being in a city that never sleeps, there is constant stimulation/hustle & bustle around every corner -- always something to do, see, or eat. therefore, i knew i was gonna be alright if i didn't get into many events! i really didn't have time to pitch or really plan NYFW due to the new house (which by the way... has sucked all my "free time!!" but i ain't complaining). i kinda winged it and everything happened last minute. outfits were packed the night before, and it occured to me that i really didn't have anything new to wear as all my purchases have gone towards #homeownership type-stuff. and to be honest, there's probably a good chance someone else is wearing it if it is semi-new. pro-tip: mix old with new (more on that in part 2; #comingsoon). 

either way, as the slogan goes, it all works out and thank goodness for this Maggy London dress!! the navy is very vibrant in a classy way & the lace just adds more elegance. basically, where the trendy cold shoulder meets elegance & hugs you in the right places. 

despite the fashion, outfits, and shows, the best part was getting to meet the gals i support on instagram. to finally put a face to a name (or is it handle?! haha) in REAL LIFE. that made my trip!

day 1 // September 8, 2017
this Maggy London dress was worn the day i arrived in NYC. took a taxi to the hotel. then hit the ground running with a photoshoot with the amazing Angie Garcia, whom i have always wanted to shoot with! let's just say these street-style shots totally pushed my comfort zone in terms of the amount of people, cars.. etc..! yikes... i headed to the @stylecollective party where i was able to meet the founder and my friend, @annie_spano! i joined Style Collective when i first started blogging and have made some awesome friends such as... @fashionablyfitjess who was my PIC that night and of course, we had to end the night with some ramen! 

now it appears that i am blabbing on and on so the rest of the trip will be shared in another post (part 2 and it'll probably be lengthy!!), it included parties, shows, meetings etc..! hope you have an amazing week & thanks for stopping by! stay tuned xx

currently on my playlist: swish swish by Katy Perry ft. Nikki Minaj

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dress c/o | Maggy London elizabeth cold shoulder midi in blue (wearing size 2 for reference) -- similar but in black (see it styled here)
shoes | Target Merona marcella low block heel ankle strap sandals in black with a gold heel (sold out) -- solid color heel and avail in three colors // same but with a higher heel // similar from Ann Taylor // similar with a lace up detail
bag | DVF lytton clutch in black quilted leather (old) -- similar 
earrings c/o | BaubleBar celestial drops in gold -- similar in ear jacket form
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
watch | Michael Kors darci watch in gold

photo credit: Angie Garcia
a post done in collaboration with Maggy London. 
dress provided by Maggy London, all opinions are my own. 

day 1 PIC @fashionablyfitjess (ps -- she is hilarious and has the best captions FYI!) tall girl and short girl friendships are da best, esp when you try to take pics together. haha

(bad) iphone snaps in squares //

NYFW day 1

some of the Style Collective OGs gals that i love but apparently i didn't get the jumpsuit memo  @annie_spano, @dashin_darlin, @fashionablyfitjess // shootin' in the streets with the uber talented @angiegarciaphoto x2 // finally met this sweet gal! @tailoredandtrue