the sezane barry cardigan

thankful.

howdy friends! gosh it has been a while and i can barely believe we’re here. Thanksgiving week already!!!! it’s so shocking. this year flew by a little too quickly - maybe a sign of age 👵side ramblings after the jump.

i’m thrilled to continue my partnership with Sézane! here i’m kicking off sweater weather (feels so good and normal to wear these now!) with the barry cardigan. while i own the iconic gaspard cardigan, i picked out the sister style; the barry cardigan in this beautiful lilac color. sometimes lilac can be tricky but the tone (not too cool) on this one is perfect for my fair skintone. the only difference between the gaspard and the barry is the neckline, the barry has a v-neck button front — which can also be worn backwards as well for a subtle sexy v-back look. i did try it and while no photos, i can ensure you that it’s a good look to try! i opted to pair this with some navy wide leg pants (looks black in the photos though) and really love the contrast of the colors together — def give this color combo a go sometime! if you’re feeling bold, i’d style it with green or light pink pants as well! as always, picking the one color in this cardigan was H A R D. because there are so many pretty ones for all the seasons! #lifedecisions ya know?

lately i’ve been going for tops over dresses at Sézane for some reason! i’m a total dress gal. but i’ve been gravitating towards their sweaters, shirts, and jackets lately. some others i picked out include, c/o Sézane:

  • betty cardigan (in black/ecru, size S) — HELLO CLASSY LADY. that’s what this cardigan screams! i also have this cardigan in rosewood… so that tells you something 😁

  • will jacket (in khaki, size XS) — this is such a unique and versatile jacket (with DEEP pockets which i LOVE). i wore it out this weekend with white jeans + white graphic tee, and i can see it draped over an athleisure outfit or even belted over a skirt or dress (will be trying this soon!). it comes in all sorts of textures, colors, and patterns. so again, good luck choosing! i did size down to an XS on this one though :)

  • tomboy shirt (in ecru/camel stripes, size 4) — one of the Sézane reps wore this when they were in Austin this summer and i loved it on her. it’s such a classic button down that i’ll be styling with white jeans!

also, check out the Sézane parisian gift shop here!

#blackfriday: alright alright alright. here we go with some black friday sales. i think i’ll continue to update this section as the week goes on but lots of sales have already started, much earlier this year if feels like?! i’m keeping it pretty slim this year, there’s not a ton i really want (or need; but that’s a fine line right?!) so here are some that top my list:

currently reading: something wilder by Christina Lauren

currently on the playlist: times like this by Mat Kearney ft. Devon Gilfillian (there is always a Mat K song for every season on life!)

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side ramblings: life has been a little rough lately, not gonna lie. everything kind of piled on top of each other all at once it felt like. hence, my absence. in fact, when i look at the blog posts for 2023, it’s an all time low for me and slightly disappointing. i know life/things get in the way, but this year i really let this piece of the internet slip away; by my own doing. this weekend i spent time making a list of small changes i’d like to make to change my circumstance. not that things change overnight, but i find that if i show up and hold myself accountable for something on my list (like publishing this blog post), i’ve made some progress. and progressing we are! 💗this is timely as it’s Thanksgiving week. the past couple of weeks were a good reminder of the support system i have and the people who have come thru for me during this time (thank you). i am pretty dang blessed beyond words. really. and hey, what would life be without ebbs and flows right? #cantstopwontstop actually it’s funny my dad reminded of this hashtag recently. he just knew 😉

top c/o | Sézane barry cardigan in lilac (wearing size S) — similar but the gaspard style (link to blog post on how to style it here)
pants | Ann Taylor wide-leg kate pants in navy (old)
necklace | gorjana diamond cluster necklace in 14K solid gold
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 (but not too long 🙂),
JD

how to wear hot pink pants

well, howdy 2022!

my word this year is COLORFUL. for so many reasons. color isn’t something i wear much of or gravitate towards. i love neutrals. because neutrals are easy to wear and my love for black is infinite. color on the other hand is… different. it takes some thinking to combine color combinations that complement one another without being loud or clashing. this year, i want to embrace and add more color into my wardrobe whether it’s mixing colors with neutrals or mixing them together and wearing them boldly. i’m pretty excited about it! like a little re-invention of JDC. it’ll be a challenge for sure. but i’m okay not-playing-it-safe this year. plus, there’s something about color that just makes people happy. and we can all use more of that in our lives, i know i can!

yes, you saw it right. i, janna doan am wearing hot pink LOL. here, i’m going to showcase the color combinations that i think go with these hot pink pants (you’ll surely turn some heads). for this post i choose to pair it with work appropriate tops. these pants are one my favorite fits: high-waisted, slim ankle fit — i own them in three or four colors. they run slightly small so size up! more after the jump!

side ramblings: before the world was taken over by the depressing omicron, i celebrated my 37th birthday with all the shenanigans. it was the best. i really am blessed to live this life. i re-visited @redash and can’t figure out why i keep forgetting about that place?! speaking of FOOD, guess what?! by now i’ve written a two food-related posts as a contributor for @thesavvylife.co! check them out here: 1. Cavatelli Cravings and 2. Matcha Madness 😊 more coming soon!

currently on my playlist: easy on me by Adele

combo 1: mint[perfection]

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combo 1 with pastel — feels like a watermelon to me! haha. but nonetheless, i do like the colors together. maybe if the mint was a little more pastel (but hey this is all i had!). this is a brighter mint so it’s a pretty bold look. i’ve been loving mint lately and here’s another cute blouse in mint i’ll need one day! combo 2 with a dark color — navy!, ah i consider it a neutral but i goes so well with the hot pink for some contrast. combo 3 with patterns — similar to combo 2, i really like the prints to break up the color and this striped button down did the job! the bright blue complements the hot pink perfectly. combo 4 with a bold color — wear it boldly with RED! i think this might be my favorite combo. the pearl button detail adds a touch of elegance too. combo 5 with good ol’ black — when all else fails, good ol’ black has got your back!

combo 2: navy and/or with polka dots

combo 3: bright blue with stripes

combo 4: boldy with red

combo 5: and if all fails, there is always trusty ol’ black!

combo 1 //

top | J.Crew cashmere classic-fit crewneck sweater in wintermint (wearing size small, such a great capsule top since the style goes with everything!) — similar for $50! (just discovered this brand and love the ethical pricing)

combo 2 //

top | J.Crew ruffle sleeveless top in navy polka dot (ancient) — similar on Amazon

combo 3 //

top | J.Crew striped button down (ancient) — similar // similar from J.Crew Factory

combo 4 //

top c/o | Sezane gaspard jumper in red (runs large, wearing size XS and could’ve done down to XXS)

combo 5 //

top | Express jewel embellished faux button puff sleeve sweater in black

everything else //

pants | Ann Taylor high waist ankle pant in razzle dazzle
earrings | Mejuri pave diamond bold hoops in 14K solid gold — similar from Quince and $99!
necklaces | gorjana wilder necklace in gold // gorjana venice mini necklace in gold with extender
rings | gorjana diamond row ring in 14K solid gold // gorjana diamonds stacking ring in 14K solid gold // GLDN twist aire ring in 14K solid gold
watch | Michele 29mm deco diamond watch in gold/silver

hope y’all enjoyed this bright post!,
JD

the perfect red date night dress

hellooo christmas week!

i’ve been saving this post because red = christmas && being my first @reformation piece makes it extra special. i hesitate when it comes to @reformation because i love the fact that it’s an ethical brand, but the prices are veryyy expensive. i also don’t like that most of their things aren’t lined (so you will read reviews about it “feeling cheap” for the price on Nordstrom). (big) BUT the styles are AMAZING and #droolworthy. i never thought i’d describe clothing that way but here i am. #protip: buy this stuff on sale, regardless if you have something to wear it to or NOT. it’ll eventually come up, and if it doesn’t, by golly, even based on sale price you’ll FIND something to wear it to!! i guarantee it. oh heyyy, pizza/coffee outing. :D it’s all about #DOINGYOUBOO. when i show people the purchase i’m debating, they’ll say… “where would you wear that to?.” me = 🤔. one friend told me, “figuring out where to wear it to should never be a problem.” me = 😁. thanks @tristan.dav aka reformation friend/queen!! she’s 100% right. on a shopping spree i went. here’s what’s coming my way: lores top // butterfly midi dress // vollare dress // riesling dress // fay jumpsuit // zoe side slit midi skirt // graciella dress // nectarine dress… whoops. #protip: if it’s not available on the website, check Nordstrom as they price match and sale items AREN’T final sale!.

this red dress is the perfect red. apparently it complements my skintone perfectly because i received SO. MANY. COMPLIMENTS on it. the subtle sexy side slit made it extra appropriate for date night and honestly any occasion. it’s a guaranteed compliment-receiving dress. in fact, all reformation pieces i’ve worn or shown, i have received DOZENS of compliments. they are pieces i’ll keep forever so i have NO REGRETS.

side ramblings: my girls @thehonestshruth // @shelbysorrell // @onechelsofanadventure hosted an epic holiday party at @thecatheralatx (beautiful coworking/event space!), it was twice the size this year! it was the biggest white elephant gift exchange i’ve done #goodtimes and new friends made so i’m feeling hella grateful. i can’t believe it’s already christmas! i’m off for this entire week so it shall be a good, relaxing one. hope y’all enjoy this holiday season as it always zooms on by. as much as it’s a happy/festive time, it’s also a sad time for a lot of people. we miss the people we lost, we have memories creep into our mind, and we also feel very lonely. i feel you. know that is IS OKAY to feel this way. my tips to get through this are: meditate & breathe, practice gratitude, indulge in some self care, lower your expectations, reach out to friends, help someone in need. sometimes i feel like when you put a smile on someone else face, it automatically reflects back to you. :) xx

currently on my playlist: ocean eyes by Billie Eilish

currently reading: dear girls by Ali Wong

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the female pantsuit

the pantsuit gone female style.

in previewing and being fitted for the @theory__ fall collection, i wanted something different. something special to remember that moment by (because uhh, i’ve never been fitted for anything!! i feel so bougie even saying that word lol #lucky). in the end i choose to go with a pantsuit from the Theory good wool collection. the Good Wool Collection is made in Italy and of extra fine merino with ZERO itchy-ness. obviously you can only expect the best from Theory and this suit lives up to my expectations. i feel like pantsuits aren’t really worn these days because it comes across very masculine. to avoid this i went with color vs. black. while the blazer is a long line blazer i love how it fits and the exact length that it drops on my short 5’2” self. the pants are supposed to be cropped but of course fit like normal pants because i’m so dang short. no alterations were needed here (ain’t nobody got time for that)! there’s something so powerful about rockin’ a male suit. i took this janna-style with a satin cami with lace trim (a neck tie blouse will also do) and added three layered necklaces to make this even more chic and classy. lastly, always top off any pantsuit with a pair of pumps to elevate the entire look.

side ramblings: we’re basically in the last month of 2018, CAN YOU BELIEVE IT?! i can’t wait to write a little reflections post on this year. i have already taken advantage with having my @kingofchristmas tree up (actually since October but who cares?!). it’s the best time of the year as there is so much to be thankful for and so much to look forward to. i’m EXCITED — lights, xmas music, hot cocoa, family gatherings… oh my and how can i forget #BIRTHDAYMONTH! you know i’m all about treating yourself right, especially as you get older. i’m already in present wrapping mode and almost done christmas shopping so we should drink to that. AH! one of my friends i met on IG asked me to be her bridesmaid @wanderlustanita! ive only known Anita for two years now and can’t believe she even asked me, what an honor! it reminded me of the friendships i’ve made along this journey and so thankful for these gals who keep me sane. and on another note, the last few weeks have been a whirlwind and so many great things happening in my life right now, i’m all about those pinch me moments! until next time xx.

currently on my playlist: on and on by Mat Kearney (on oldie but goodie in my books)

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top | H&M satin & lace camisole top in natural white — similar
pants c/o | Theory good wool classic slim crop pant in petal pink (wearing size 2)
blazer c/o | Theory good wool long blazer in petal pink (wearing size 2)
earrings | Kendra Scott aston statement earrings in ivory mother of pearl (old) -- similar but smaller // similar
necklaces | Amanda Deer satellite choker in gold // Amanda Deer c/o fine jewelry double horn necklace // Erica Weiner letter press necklace
sunglasses | DIFF ruby 54mm polarized sunglasses in black & grey
shoes | Ann Taylor mila suede pumps in paver grey (sold out) -- similar
bag | Celine micro luggage tote in navy -- similar
rings | Gorjana amara ring set // Amanda Deer c/o CZ solitaire ring // Amanda Deer c/o CZ accents midi ring
bracelet | GUESS twisted metal cuff in silver — similar and a set of three
watch | Michael Kors darci watch in gold

rock all the pantsuits,
JD

photo credit: lil blogger sis @simplyyvan
a post done in collaboration with Theory.
pantsuit provided by Theory, all opinions are my own.

the theory silk combo midi dress

the mixed media midi = MMM

oh you know, just 7:30AM and i’m hanging out on rooftops with @madelineharperphoto for these pictures. just another day in life of JD. haha. we had to much fun this morning though. after struggling to find a background for this dress and walking with the ever so patient Madeline to find another spot, i looked up and randomly said, hmm let’s check out the rooftop! DINGx3! best idea ever. funny how it always works out right?! as a result i’m spamming you with photos of myself because we had a blast shooting this one! #sorrynotsorry

one way to have fun with fashion is to play with texture. if you’re not sure how the easiest way is to purchase a one piece (dress, or jumpsuit/romper) that is made of two different materials. honestly, i’ve always been skeptical of these. i think it was seeing cheap jersey material mixed with chiffon/polyester and i was like NOPE. but here, it is done so right it’s almost wrong. when i was shopping at @theory__ this dress didn’t really catch my eye, but it was the sales associate who was wearing it that made me want to try it on! advertising at its finest y’all. glad i did because i am OBSESSED. the length (even on short 5’2” me), the slit, the silk (again, don’t get me started on the Theory silk) you can see how it flows in the photos #effortlessly. the top part is a ribbed material and it hugs perfectly. anyways, i took the opportunity to shoot some leg action #angelinajoliewannabe.

side ramblings: this past week was a long one but noteables include: a low-key girls night in (#GNI?), a haircut by my gal @elizabeth.jane.hair, AND the @theory__ fitting for their fall collection focusing on cashmere and wool. i’ve never been to a fitting before (cue in all the excitement i tried to contain all week long, i still can’t believe this is my life). IT WAS SO MUCH FUN and of course i had the hardest time deciding on something. if you saw my stories i picked something way different than my usual style! can’t wait to share. lastly, FALL is here officially. but not really, it’s SLIGHTLY dropped in temperature but come on i wanna bring out all my outerwear ASAP, put out all my pumpkins (by that i mean all 8 of them… they’re out already who am i kidding?! haha), put up my Christmas tree (i know, i’m getting crazy but it’s my first Christmas tree in my own home!!). ah, FALL, I LOVE THEE.

currently on my playlist: alone by Halsey ft. Big Sean & Steffon Don

currently reading: Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman

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_Janna011.jpg

how i normally show up to shoots. in COMFY shoes. see how it even goes well with sneaks?!

dress c/o | Theory silk combo mixed media dress in black — similar but long sleeve and a shorter length // not related but LOVE this
jacket | BLANKNYC life changer moto jacket in black — similar // similar but hooded // similar but suede // currently love this one
shoes | Madden Girl bella block heel sandal in black — same shoe at DSW // similar at Target for $30 // similar but shorter heel
bag | DVF lytton clutch in black quilted leather (old) — similar // such a good Bottega dupe for $35 // not similar but a cool marble one
earrings | Kendra Scott mandy statement earrings in rose gold (old) — similar and available in tons of colors! // similar but metal
sunglasses | Karen Walker number one sunglasses in black — love these for $55
rings | Gorjana amara ring set // Amanda Deer c/o CZ solitaire ring // Amanda Deer c/o CZ accents midi ring

cheers to mixed media,
JD

photo credit: Madeline Harper
a post done in collaboration with 
Theory.
dress provided by Theory, all opinions are my own.

the lilac edit

in Gal Meets Glam x Nordstrom.

embracing a form of the pantone color of 2018! i'm really late on this bandwagon as i'm not much of a color person. but lilac/lavender... i'm FEELIN' these days! a few words about the Gal Meets Glam x Nordstrom collection.. UM, i love every piece (mainly all dresses which is right up my alley!). back in the hey day Julia Engel was one of the first fashion bloggers i started following because of her classic style -- extremely feminine and ultra girly. she stays very true to her brand so you'll never see her rock anything trendy or remotely street style. i was excited for her new collection with Nordstrom. BUT my wallet... not so much. yikes. prices are pretty steep. however, i felt the quality of the dress was very good, but worth it.. hmm. maybe if i had a money tree?! i would definitely snag if it was on sale so i could feel less bad about it. the collection consists of more dressy pieces but the later styles seem to have casual selections. that said, i would probably dress this piece down with a button down (haha, #nopunintended) chambray shirt tied in the front and some flat sandals. i couldn't resist the color of this dress, along with the texture, dainty buttons, v-back, and the bow details on the sides. it is low for my taste though and found myself hiking this dress up constantly #annoying. but the color is just so pretty! 

lastly, the BIGGEST sale of the year that people go nuts about is kicking off this week -- the Nordstrom Anniversary sale. hope i'll have enough time to get a post up on all my picks! stay tuned xx. 

currently on my playlist: scared to be lonely by Martin Garrix & Dua Lipa

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dress | Nordstrom x Gal Meets Glam hilary dot clip chiffon midi dress in lilac (wearing size 2) -- similar but smocked // similar but lace // similar but bustier style // similar but off the shoulder
shoes | Target Merona marcella low block heel ankle strap sandals in tan (old) -- similar // similar but suede
bagJ.Crew Factory rattan clutch in natural pale gold (really old) -- similar but a semicircle // similar but larger // more dressy with the CUTEST pineapple top 
earringsKendra Scott tessa studs in clear (available in druzy)
necklaceAnthropologie monogram pendant necklace -- similar 
sunglasses | Celine marta sunglasses in havana (prob my fave sunnies!) -- newer design // similar by Le Specs
bracelet c/oKendra Scott tiana pinch bracelet set in gold
ringsGorjana amara ring set // Amanda Deer c/o CZ solitaire ring // Amanda Deer c/o CZ accents midi ring

rock all the lilac,
JD

photo credit: Todd White

the square neck sweater tank

FULLY embracing color with this post! (it's a different one isn't it?!)

lately i've been seeing a lot of square necklines or maybe it's just me noticing this and coming to the party late! but i'm really diggin' the look. it's a good alternative from the round, v, and high necks. so while i was looking for a dress (like i need more), or a jumpsuit (ditto), i came across this really bright yellow tank and said YES! it also didn't help that the back is a criss cross & it was #onsale. so i bought it in black too... naturally. this is what happens when i find something i like. such a good staple for summer despite it being a sweater tank. lastly, this outfit was a good opportunity to bust out with these flower earrings from @cassandracollections, i love her jewelry and the fact that she's a local designer. #supportlocal plus, she is such a doll and i love her sense of style!

side ramblings: FINALLY started to edit my video. yes, i know you should definitely give me your best eye roll right now... but hopefully you can cut me some slack because i'm teaching myself how to use adobe premiere. talk about venturing into the unknown. but yep, i'm crazy. i'm all about learning new things and sometimes teaching yourself and diving right in is the best way to do it! fingers crossed that it will be live next week, hope see you then! xx

currently on my playlist: lost in your light by Dua Lipa ft. Miguel

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top | LOFT criss cross sweater tank in yellow (also avail in black and in plus sizing) -- similar but high neck // similar with a button front detail
denimZARA mid rise skinny jeans in white (old) -- similar and on sale // similar but distressed // similar by topshop
bag | J.Crew mini bucket bag in natural vachetta (old) -- similar // similar by Cuyana
shoes | Target Merona marcella low block heel ankle strap sandals in tan (old) -- similar // similar but suede
sunglasses | Celine marta sunglasses in havana -- newer design // similar by Le Specs
necklaceAnthropologie monogram pendant necklace 
earrings c/o | Cassandra Collections flower earrings
rings Gorjana amara ring set // Amanda Deer c/o CZ solitaire ring // Amanda Deer c/o CZ accents midi ring
bracelet c/oKendra Scott tiana pinch bracelet set in gold

rock all the square necklines!,
JD

photo credit: Todd White