the taupe knit dress two ways

June 6, 2022

hey y’all! it’s me.

i love transitional pieces. when i saw this knit dress during the @shopbop sale a while back, i picked it up thinking it’ll be a fun piece that can be worn casually and easily dressed up as well. the criss-cross halter style was also another selling point since i didn’t have anything quite like it in my closet. the fabric (knit) is light enough to wear all year-round and though i find it a smidge long, it passes as a maxi without having to get it hemmed on my 5’2” short self. to style it casually, i took a white button down (classic staple) and tied it into a knot over the dress and added a tote bag, and flat sandals (white sneaks will also do!). i dressed it up with some strappy black heels and croc-effect shoulder bag. ta-da. simple as that. the taupe color makes it that easy!

side ramblings: while i didn’t anticipate on taking a month off of socials, it. was. so. great. i spent that time ORGANIZING like crazy! and it felt so good to get some things done that have been on the never-ending home list. but y’all. i organized all the under-the-sink-black-holes and the refrigerator. now everything is what i like to call an “organized mess.” often times i just open the fridge, pantry, or under the sink and just stare at how everything has its own place (clearly i need a life). there are some cool organizing gadgets out there i learned about so i may do a post on it!

currently on my playlist: about damn time by Lizzo (fitting for the timeliness, or not, of this post)

***styled casually:*** layered with a white button down tied into a front knot, flat sandals, and tote bag!

***styled for evening:*** with strappy heels & a croc-effect shoulder bag for more texture!

dress | line and dot dre knit dress in taupe (currently on sale! wearing size S) — same dress sold by Zappos // similar by Banana Republic but open back (more dressy)
top | GAP boyfriend button down (old) — similar // similar but gauze
shoes | Shein cut out sandals (old) — similar and $40 // similar // similar with padded footbed // similar by Sam Edelman
earrings | Mejuri charlotte bold hoops in gold vermeil
bag | MANGO semi circle croc effect bag in black (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

until next time,
JD

photo credit: @wanderlustanita

the coatigan & senreve mini maestra

February 11, 2019

coatigan = a hybrid between a coat and a cardigan. yes, you heard me right.

diving right into the coatigan. yes, you do need one. here is why: this is a great option in the wardrobe when you’re looking for that layered piece… but a cardigan isn’t quite gonna cut it/too thin or fitted, and a coat is too much coverage. in comes the (insert drumroll)… COATIGAN. and it works perfectly when you need to go somewhere and don’t want the hassle of taking a coat on and off. the coatigan gives you enough coverage to wear it as a full outfit no matter where or what you’re doing (unless you live in Antarctica). i purchased this a while ago and SHOCKED that it is still in stock. but it runs REALLY large. i’m wearing an XS (never happens) in this photo and could even go down to an XXS. even on a really short 5’2” person like myself it falls at a good length. however, it is made of merino and that shrinks a little (live & learn). technically, you’re not supposed to wash it. but you know me, i wash everything. here, i styled it with a classic boyfriend white button down with the cuffs folded over the coatigan. i would even wear it over camis, v-neck tshirts, and as an athleisure layer over leggings. speaking of which, this makes a great travel companion!

the BAG was a birthday gift to myself. and you’ve heard me talk about @senreve on here before. it’s a great bag for under 1K. i’ve talked about the versatility of their bags and have shown you how to wear it below! let me count the ways. i love this little thing and have gotten numerous compliments on it. it’s a great everyday cognac bag that will go with everything. the inside is lined with the most beautiful pastel blue and the compartments inside are well thought out (not surprised coming from Senreve). the mini is a good size for a petite figure 5’2” person. while they offer it in many colors & finishes, i wanted something everyday and something i didn’t have to “baby.” the chestnut was a perfect color and the pebbled leather was the best option for me since it’s scratch resistant!

side happenings: it’s been a JAM packed weekend & week ahead as we gear up for Valentine’s Day. not sure why it’s such a huge holiday, but for me it’s all about them sweet treats and treatin’ yourself right! as an independent woman, i never wait for ANYONE to bring or buy me ANYTHING. and NOR SHOULD YOU. #selfmade and that’s why i’m leaving y’all with the jam below to rock out to. i’m out y’all. && wish me luck on Friday’s fashion show! until next time xx

currently on my playlist: independent woman by Destiny’s Child

the coatigan & senreve mini maestra -- jannadoan.com

top | Gap shrunken boyfriend shirt in white denim (ancient) — latest version and $25 // similar by J.Crew Factory // love this striped one
coatigan | J.Crew juliette collarless sweater blazer in heather khaki (wearing size XS) — similar but blazer style
denim | Hudson nico super skinny mid-rise jeans in abbey wash (old) — similar by Everlane and $65 // similar and $64 // similar but high rise
bag | Senreve mini maestra in chestnut — larger version
shoes | Manolo Blahnik BB pump in nude patent — similar by Ann Taylor // similar by Sam Edelman
sunglasses | Celine marta sunglasses in havana (prob my fave sunnies!) — newer design // love these for $99
earrings | Kendra Scott sky earrings in white pearl (old) — larger version // similar
necklace | Anthropologie monogram pendant necklace
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 | Vita Fede mini titan crystal bracelet in gold

rock the coatigan,
JD

photo credit: Steven Gunter

the boyfriend jeans & white tee

September 17, 2018

boyfriend jeans, casual style.

for the most part, my posts with boyfriend jeans have been a tad dressy. lets go down JDC memory lane: 2016 with pumps & a trench coat (it was SO COLD i could barely feel my hands!) // 2017 in a v-neck cami & strappy stilettos // 2018 in a square neck cami & suede pumps. i thought i’d go casual style with a simple v-neck tshirt. gimme a v-neck white tshirt and i’m pretty much set. when i’m not taking embarrassing blog photos, you’ll find in in a men’s JOCKEY white v-neck tshirt. i probably have 30 easy. it’s my go-to with Nike tempo shorts. #lifetip: always say yes to stretchy waistbands. unfortunately, not all of us are @fashion_jackson-beautiful so we can’t always rock tshirts like her. she is #casualstylegoals. but when i do go out-out in a tshirt it’s gonna be slightly more fitted and a woman’s tee. haha.

i’ve been on an @everlane kick lately and while i do partner with the brand, i purchased this tshirt to test out; i love it! while the white is a little sheer, it was moisture wicking during this shoot where i was sweating like nuts (hair was not having that humidity either). the v-neck isn’t too low, perfect for layering necklaces. i loved it so much i placed another order for more! including the different styles i linked below. for $15 you can’t go wrong. and you can never have enough tshirts in your closet because they go with EVERYTHING. skirts, pants, jeans, not to mention they make a good base layering piece to any outfit. top if off with a cardigan, jacket, or blazer during the fall/winter. (or summer if you’re crazy like me. haha).

lastly, a blurb on @keds!! i wore these back in middle school! where my #teamkeds people at?! while the Keds champion canvas sneaker in navy is my BFF, i splurged a little on a leather pair from the Kate Spade collaboration with Keds. the hardware is GOLD y’all, the laces are ribbon-like = so extra. anyways, they make a great casual sneaker that go with dresses, shorts, skirts, and jeans. they are also the best travel shoe when you don’t want to give up too much fashion over function.

side ramblings: it sucked watching New York Fashion Week #NYFW all the way from Texas. i really missed out this year but the adult life had more pressing things that needed to be taken care of. gotta love #adulting. next year, i’m treating myself to that trip. the @thefomofactory opened in ATX and i was able to preview it the night before it opened! a pretty cool seven-room-instagram-able outing to check out, collage pict after the jump! also, my dear friend, @amandadeer #nopunintended launched her capsule collection of fine jewelry recently that consists of solid 14K and real diamondssss y’all. i dropped by to see them in person and they’re amazing pieces, i have my eyes set on the horn necklace and the solitaire. i love supporting her, such a sweet soul! lastly, @baublebar is having their friends & family sale, 25% off everything!! my top 3 picks: slim bow drops // mezzo 18K gold huggie hoop earrings // mariette fringe drop earrings.

currently on my playlist: dance to this by Troye Sivan ft. Ariana Grande

the boyfriend jeans & white tee -- jannadoan.com

top | Everlane cotton v-neck in white (wearing size small) — similar but over-sized // similar but a crew neck // similar but long sleeve with a v-back
blazer | H&M single button jersey blazer in navy (old) — similar // love this one with ruched sleeves
denim | GAP mid-rise relaxed boyfriend jeans in medium indigo -- similar // love these
kicks | Keds x Kate Spade champion leather sneakers in rose dew pink (they run a little big, i usually wear a size 6 in the canvas but went down to a 5.5 in these) — the OG in canvas // just bought these all white leather!
bag | Celine micro luggage tote in navy -- similar
earrings | Kendra Scott sky earrings in white pearl (old) -- larger version // similar
necklaces | Amanda Deer satellite choker in gold // Anthropologie monogram pendant necklace
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

rock all the white tees,
JD

photo credit: Madeline Harper

@thefomofactory

dates I 09/14/18 - 10/21/18
admission | $23, $15 for 12 years old and under, and FREE for children 3 and under
tips | wear light colors, i suggest white. wear pants esp if you want to get into the beach ball pit. if you’re claustrophobic, i’d think twice about going

straight up nostalgic FUN. all the bright colors made for some happy photos and a happy me. CHEESIN so hard. PC: @wanderlustanita

the polka dot cami

August 20, 2018

jumping on the polka dot express.

back at it with @Everlane today featuring a print that has been hot this season -- polka dots! i own a few @Everlane items but this my first clothing item and there is no surprise that the quality of this piece shines as much as their shoes and leather goods. if you're not familiar with @Everlane, they are an ethical clothing brand that provides the most transparency in their products including the product pricing break down. i also received the day heel in cognac suede and for shoes made in italy for $150? that's a real steal y'all. them italians know how to make shoes. i've worn them around the house to test them and yep, they are very comfortable. can't wait to style them soon! @Everlane is a great stop for anyone looking for basics. this square neck cami is a smidge of a step up from their usual basics. it's more of a boxier cami. even the details/material of the delicate rolled straps of this cannot be overlooked. they are not adjustable but even for a shorty like me, no adjusting was needed which is my usual concern with camis. also, it is lined so you don't have to worry about it being too sheer. i choose to style it with boyfriend jeans and come grey suede pumps. skinny jeans with a cardi and sneaks/flats totally work too!

finally SIGNS that fall is almost here with the launch of the @KendraScott fall 2018 collection! you can see all the jewel tones with neutrals mixed into the collection with textures such feathers & beaded tassels which gets me excited for fall. now only if the cooler weather could get here soon that would be GREATTT!! i was graciously (#pinchme) sent the russel rose gold hoop earrings in maroon jade (featured here) and the bethany y necklace in ivory pearl. the hoop earrings are fun and EXTREMELY lightweight which is a HUGE PLUS! they look like they would be heavy but nope, for someone with fatty earlobes, i approve this statement piece. other noteworthy items from the collection include: astoria earrings (unique shape and dusted glass gem) // lenni statement earrings in ivory feathers (not for everyone but wow look at them on the model!!) // diane statement earrings in beaded brown tigers eye (always love this shape and pretty unique how the beads sit) // jagger pendant necklace (a good dainty layering piece).

side ramblings: did y'all see the @allbirds flip flop launch; the sugar zeffers (actually made from sugar cane)! i have a pair of the @allbirds mesh tree runners in kauri stone which have been a really great, lightweight to-and-from shoe. now the flip flops are also comfy and cushion-y. they sold out the week it was launched! available in four colors, i went with basic GRAY. it's like a little step up from a beach flip flop which i love! lastly, if you've read this far you should check out the trailer for Crazy Rich Asians!

currently on my playlist: eastside by Benny Blanco, Khalid, and Halsey

top c/o | Everlane polka dot cami in white/black dot (wearing size 2, available in two other color combos) -- similar but solid // similar
jacket | BLANKNYC life changer moto jacket in black -- similar with removable hoodie // similar // classier version
denim | GAP mid-rise relaxed boyfriend jeans in medium indigo -- love these
bag | CHANEL 2.55 classic double flap bag in black lambskin
shoes | Ann Taylor mila suede pumps in paver grey (sold out) -- similar
earrings c/o | Kendra Scott russel rose gold hoop earrings in maroon jade
necklace | Anthropologie monogram pendant necklace -- similar
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 all the polka dots,
JD

photo credit: lil blogger sis @simplyyvan

nyfw part 3

September 28, 2017

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!

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.

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

@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

the boyfriend jeans & cami

July 3, 2017

the article of clothing that has upset men all around the world... the boyfriend jean.

on the flipside, i am pretty sure women feel the same way about men wearing skinny jeans. so it's all fair game. (i can already feel that this is going to be a fun one to write). finding the perfect boyfriend jean is very similar to online dating/finding a BF... it could be pretty exhausting. there are so many options -- brands, washes, amount of distressing, rises, price points etc... you just gotta try different pairs! once you find the perfect pair, it won't let you down. just like a good man. ha! JK. actually, a good man is hard to come by. you'll probably have better luck finding a pair of boyfriend jeans or a needle in a haystack.

jokes aside, the key is a relaxed yet fitted look that isn't too baggy (maybe try petite sizing), a lighter wash, a good amount of distressing, and a mid-rise is always my go-to option. dress this bad boy up with the most feminine pieces -- i chose the cami top that shows the right amount of skin, some stiletto heels (while not super practical, but it is needed for these jeans), some statement earrings, and dainty layered necklaces. check out a throwback to my first pair of BF jeans styled with a trench coat. while i liked that pair, i wanted something a little more distressed (ok fine, they don't fit anymore, haha #keepingitreal).

side ramblings: i cannot believe half of 2017 is already GONE! yikes. life has been flying by lately in the best way possible. which means New York Fashion Week #NYFW is just around the corner! i have been looking forward to making this happen since i began this blog! it is going to be EPIC. five full days of the city, my main focus will probably be food (need to reference my NYC eats from 2015), a few shows & parties, networking, but mainly meeting my blogger friends i've connected with via social. also, shout out to @mazeroomaustin, i've done several escape rooms and this one is the best #nerdalert! i highly recommend it. we did not escape their first room two years ago, but this time with their second room -- TWO minutes to spare! hope y'all have a good 4th. xx

finished reading: the subtle art of not giving a f*ck by mark manson
i recommend it as a light, hilarious read. nothing that will completely change your life. but it will certainly give you perspective on the people & things you choose to care about. choose them wisely. one of my favorite lines from the book is, "...if you go around giving a f*ck about everything and everyone without conscious thought or choice -- well, you're going to get f*cked." #WORD.

currently on my playlist: attention by Charlie Puth

the boyfriend jeans & cami -- jannadoan.com

top | LOFT strappy cami in whisper white (wearing petite small) -- similar with button detail // cute one with shoulder ties
denim | GAP mid-rise relaxed boyfriend jeans in medium indigo
bag | Louis Vuitton pouchette metis in damier canvas
shoes | Stuart Weitzman nudistsong in adobe patent (comes in different widths too!) -- similar // chunky heel version
sunglasses | Le Specs savanna 51mm sunglasses in tortoise -- similar
earrings | SUGARFIX by BaubleBar triad ball drop earrings in turquoise (veryyy lightweight & avail in four colors) -- similar by BaubleBar
necklaces c/o | Gorjana chloe mini & chloe long necklace in gold (old) // Gorjana mave lariat
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
bracelet | Nordstrom BP love knot cuff (old) -- similar by Kate Spade // similar off Etsy

rock the BF jeans,
JD

photo credit: Brandon Hill

the spring trench & boyfriend jeans

March 7, 2016

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.

the spring trench & boyfriend jeans -- jannadoan.com

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