the leather skirt & fuzzy sweater

fall texture play.

this was probably one of the most creative shoots with Steven. i played with texture — leather & a fuzzy sweater while Steven played on light and lines. and our first time shooting indoors!! co-creating is the best. it was a complete blast stepping out of my comfort zone in terms of the leather skirt and these moody photos! i was a little skeptical about faux leather, but really love the a-line fit on this skirt, super conservative length, and especially how the panels are sewn together too! machine washable is a plus. regardless, any leather clothing makes quite a statement and here i chose a more classic style with a tucked in fuzzy sweater (3/4 length sleeves are sooo my jam) for some fall texture play.

side ramblings: this past weekend was amazing weather and probably the last of it as we enter fall/winter in full swing. but who knows with that TX weather?! if you didn’t already know i’m big into photography and was able to snap some photos for my friend Meg // @theautumngirl_ and her baby boy, see the plaid photos on her feed! i FINALLY made it out to @tilliescamplucy which was something i’ve been meaning to mark off my list for a while now! it’s quite a drive but so beautiful & peaceful out there :) and the food/staff/service was amazing! have you heard of @thesculptsociety by Megan Roup? i am super intrigued and while i’m a big pilates/barre fan i think i’m gonna give this one a go to mix it up!

currently on my playlist: carry on by Kygo & Rita Ora

READ MORE

the blush drop waist dress

helloooo march!

well... this dress is pretty old (last summer)! as a blogger i sometimes feel pressured to only post things that i can link or that are in stock. ideally, that is good business practice. but honestly, it's just not #reallife when you have a day job. in the past i have not shot outfits because an item would go out of stock etc... enter new mentality: SCREW IT! i wanna post things that i like! regardless if i can make a sale out of it or if it's not in stock i always find similar items. it's all about fun to me!

onto the outfit: this dress is a loose fitting one, so sign me up for anything loosey-goosey. it's blush, it also has pockets, but what i like most is the drop waist and the high low hem. i don't have many of these! i paired it with this grey moto jacket to give it some oomph as sometimes loose fitting dresses need a little something, whether it be a belt, jacket, statement necklace etc! this is also my fave bag from Kelly Wynne's spring collection i am swooning over! it is the perfect size and shape and the print/texture/color will go with anything and everything. 

weekend recap: holy moly, if you followed my instastories, this weekend was nuts. FRIDAY -- @kelliesbakingco had a re-opening, they put my instagrams on a cookie! how cool is that?! SATURDAY -- went to support my pilates studio @toddpilates at a wellness event. SUNDAY --had brunch @stgenevieveatx, i recommend the make your own mimosas and the english toffee french toast (fresh bananas, hazelnuts, and a NUTELLA whip cream). it was amazing. finished sunday with a blogger event at @cotone_atx a clothing and beauty bar at the domain! 

lastly, if you made it this far in reading my post you should pat yourself on the back. SXSW is creeping up pretty quickly and i cannot wait to attend some festivities, network, eat, and hang out with some friends! 

 currently on my playlist: shape of you by Ed Sheeran (because lets be honest, this song is on repeat and it ain't going anywhere) ✌️

READ MORE

dress | Anthropologie camellia drop waist dress (last summer) -- similar and a fraction of the price // similar but not drop waist (might need the black version!) // similar with a high neck // similar with a v-neck
jacket | Forever 21 faux leather moto jacket in grey (old) -- similar in suede and looks good on everyone! // similar // similar
shoes | Stuart Weitzman nudistsong in adobe patent (comes in different widths too!) -- similar // chunky heel version
bag | Kelly Wynne mingle mingle mini in vintage pearl
sunglasses | Celine tilda sunglasses in dark tortoise -- similar but more cateye (great brand, really fits well!)
earrings | Kendra Scott sky earrings in white pearl
necklace | etsy monogram necklace in dearest daddy initials (1.25" and 20" chain) -- similar by BaubleBar / similar in acrylic
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 | MAC amplified creme lipstick in brick-o-la
nails | essie gel couture in pre snow jitters 

rock the drop waist,
JD

photo credit: Brandon Hill.

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

READ MORE

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. 

fall basics part two

part two of my fall basics series, some great picks and alternatives for all items! details after the jump!

READ MORE

01 | FAUX LEATHER JACKET -- i have a similar style in black from last year, but this Forever21 faux leather moto jacket in grey is looking like a good option. hmm......
02 | ANKLE BOOTIES -- as much as i love booties, the low heel bootie is the most comfortable, here is a good pair of black suede slip ons from Sole Society mars elastic gore bootie. similar to the Vince Camuto corter bootie (but with a zipper).

03 | TURTLENECK/SWEATER DRESS -- this is going to look good with OTK boots or ankle booties! this is the Banana Republic turtleneck micro-stripe sleeveless dress in gray. similar ASOS Glamorous ribbed long sleeve in gray. this ASOS petite swing dress with long sleeves is also a great loose-fitting option! (because we are all about options!)
04 | FAUX FUR STOLE -- stiles are classy and can be used to dress up any neckline, especially jackets! this one from Nordstrom BP faux fur stole in tan has an opening where you can criss cross the ends. another option from Sole Society faux fur stole in brown (doesn't criss cross).
05 | CAPE -- there's something you should know about me. i love capes. i don't know why. they are sometimes difficult to wear and people either like or hate them because you can easily "get lost" in them. but there are ways you can wear them, like with a belt to help. i really like this fall color palette from ASOS River Island blocked sleeveless cape. here is another option in a single camel color ASOS New Look fringe poncho. 
06 | FLOPPY HAT -- Topshop floppy felt hat in black the Nordstrom floppy wool hat is also very cute and available in a variety of colors. also love $$ on the Old Navy felt floppy hat, see @stylemissmolly rock it in her recent post!

faux leather & gothic fang bib necklace

get ready for fall with some faux leather... and add a spiked necklace for some edge! love this one from baublebar. i'm pretty sure it was made especially for this top ;)

READ MORE

top | Banana Republic (old) -- similar
denim | Hudson nico mid rise skinny jeans in black
shoes | Sam Edelman okala pumps in black suede
clutch | Tory Burch adjustable clutch w/removable chain (old) -- similar
necklace | Baublebar gothic fang bib in gold
rings | Kendra Scott ella ring in platinum drusy, etsy stacking/midi rings

rock the faux leather,