the cropped faux fur jacket

it’s FAUX fur. faux real umm-kay.

a faux fur jacket is something i’ve always wanted except living in TX it just felt wrong to get one because it never gets that THAT cold here. UNLESS it’s on major sale. haha, i snagged this one for half off and didn’t think i would keep it but once i touched it there was no turning back. IT IS THE SOFTEST thing ever. i wore it out that same weekend and this jacket is a compliment magnet. everybody wants to… touch it. i mean i don’t even blame them. haha. i feel like a teddy bear in it #literally. it made me realize i never wear brown. so of course i style it here with BLACK. it’s probably a fashion faux pas but i don’t care. the two can be mixed in my opinion. a cropped jacket (faux fur or not) is a great one to have in the mix especially for petites because they don’t make you look shorter when you’re being “swallowed” by a jacket. AND if it’s fur, it adds a fun little texture as well and texture to any outfit always wins.

side happenings: LIFE IS CRAZY. (i keep saying that don’t i?! i can’t help it, it’s true). this past week was loaded of events & being in the presence of empowering women. i was invited to model by our local @nordstromatx in one of their kick off events for Austin Fashion Week #AFW — WOW, what an honor! it’s both terrifying and exciting so you know i’m on board. i come to learn it’s actually a fashion show… so runway, here i come!! all proceeds go to The Kindness Campaign // @tkckindness which is becoming my favorite charity. i had the chance to meet some of the ladies this past week and able to view their curriculum they bring into the schools where they teach kids about #selflove, emotions, feelings, and that YOU ARE ENOUGH just the way you are. their mascot is named Enoughie!! i don’t have kids but i LOVE what they do and wished i was able to experience this curriculum back in elementary school. in a day and age where social media is so prevalent, if you do not have the right mindset about yourself, it will tear you apart no matter what age. more about it later because these ramblings are actually becoming too long but i can’t help it because i have so many great things to share! until next time, xx.

currently on my playlist: dancing with a stranger by Sam Smith & Normani

READ MORE

top | H&M satin & lace camisole top in natural white — similar
denim | Hudson nico mid-rise skinny jeans in abbey wash (old) — similar // similar by Everlane and $68 // similar from Nordstrom for $65
jacket | BlankNYC cropped faux fur jacket in milk chocolate (wearing size small) — same from Bloomingdales // same from Neiman Marcus // very similar // similar but bomber jacket style
belt | Gucci leather skinny belt in black -- good knock off for $14
bag | Forever 21 faux leather o-ring backpack (sold out) — similar in suede // similar
shoes | Unisa saromi over the knee boot in black suede — similar in a block heel // similar from Target for $45
sunglasses | Karen Walker number one sunglasses in black — love these for $55
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

rock all the faux fur,
JD

photo credit: Steven Gunter

the ribbed tube skirt

what up january?!

trying something new here on JDC. while this isn’t my favorite look, i’m glad i tried it out. that is what fashion is all about sometimes! and ya girl is out of content so this is gonna have to do for now lol. i’ve been wanting to try a skirted look with the top layered over the skirt and belted as seen here. the mistake with this outfit is the skirt — it’s a tad too long on my short 5’2” self and i’ve pulled it pretty high up on my torso here too, lol. but the idea is to take a tunic sweater, layer it over your skirt (preferably something a little fitted) and belt it. #soclassy. oh hello gucci belt. y’all know how i feel about logos but this belt is an exception. i use it a ton and mainly as a waist belt to cinch things in and polish any outfit. a belt is such a good accessory!

side ramblings: these have been getting long lately so gonna keep it simple this week! i was able to meet @erincondren this past weekend and i LOVE her spirit and energy, she’s all about gratitude. i feel pretty thankful to be apart of their #ECSQUAD considering how i’m a pretty small influencer #pinchme. lemme tell you, Erin Condren knows how to throw a party! i walked away with a sugar rush thanks to @fancyfluffaustin // @sprinklessupcakes // @maggielouiseconfections and a ton of nerdy goodies including a personalized cover with my logo to their life planner, pens, markers, stickers, a bullet journal!! i’ve talked about wanting to start a #bulletjournal before because i love looking at them but now i’m just gonna do it!

currently on my playlist: sunflower by Post Malone & Swae Lee

READ MORE

top | LOFT mock neck sweater in black (old) — similar 1 // similar 2 // v-neck style // cowl neck style
skirt | ZARA ribbed tube skirt in gray (sold out) — similar 1 // similar 2
shoes c/o | Everlane boss boots in black pebbled leather (wearing size 5.5 for reference) — similar // similar and also my other fave pointed toe bootie
jacket c/o | Ann Taylor velvet moto jacket in black — similar
bag c/o | Everlane foldover pouch in black — same with a crossbody strap
belt | Gucci leather skinny belt in black -- good knock off for $14
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

photo credit: Madeline Harper

the knit midi dress

#lbd fit and flare style.

there's not much going on with this knit midi dress. it's actually pretty plain and needed a little something. so i went with a skinny belt! i'm not a huge fan of logos but this Gucci belt is an exception. it's actually not something i would buy for myself but i knew that this belt would go great as a waist belt. so double duty was the justification for the ridiculous price tag. i was able to get extra holes punched to make it a waist belt and have worn it with a simple black dress to work as well. it serves well and here is no exception. while this dress is old, it is actually some hefty knit material (not the unflattering jersey-type that clings to your body) and it has pockets (always a win). i would probably even style it with sneaks and a denim jacket. also, i'm mixing tan & black here. i know, such a rebel. but the tan is almost a light light tan/beige so on the feet, it makes me look taller #styletip

these earrings are from @suzannadai who is also an Austin-based jeweler! #represent. i was introduced to the brand by my photographer @toddwhite only to realize that they they sell Suzanna Dai at Anthropologie! i love her fun earrings! it was difficult to pick one pair but i went with metallic double tiered hoop in rose gold metallic. i was afraid that they would be to heavy AND THEY ARE NOT! that said i should have gotten the triple tier ones instead for a more balanced look, but still, no regrets. i've spent a lot of time looking at ALL her earrings so here are my other picks (you'll notice i'm a fan of the silk wrapped earrings, they are done to perfection): feather tassel earrings in grey // sardegna hoop earrings in turquoise // metallic mallorca hoops in rose gold. PSSTT: use code JANNA20 for 20% off, good until 8/6.

side ramblings: life is full of ebbs & flows isn't it? without experiencing some of the lows we would never appreciate the highs. life has been so good to me lately in ways i can't image or explain. the last few months i've had several pinch me moments that made anything that i was dwelling over minuscule. i LIVE for these moments. nothing like a little gratitude to put things into perspective, am i right?! i spent some time in LA last week exploring another opportunity that knocked on my door; all from blogging!!! i am always in awe of where this journey has taken me and i feel pretty dang GRATEFUL. thank y'all for the support always. cheers to the #roadlesstraveled#powerofpossibilities xx

currently on my playlist: pray for me by The Weeknd & Kendrick Lamar

READ MORE

dress | Leith stretch knit midi dress in black (old) -- similar and on sale for $20 // similar but bodycon fit // similar but square neck // similar but v-neck // similar with cute ruffle detail
belt | Gucci leather skinny belt in black -- good knock off for $14
bag c/o | Everlane the foldover pouch in black (available in two other colors) -- similar but crossbody!
earrings c/o | Suzanna Dai metallic double tiered hoop in rose gold (use code JANNA20 for 20% off, good until 8/6) -- similar but triple tiered
necklaceAnthropologie monogram pendant necklace -- similar 
shoes | Treasure & Bond sannibel platform wedge sandal in tan leather
sunglasses | ASOS PrettyLittleThing square sunglasses in black (sold out) -- similar
ringsGorjana amara ring set // Amanda Deer c/o CZ solitaire ring // Amanda Deer c/o CZ accents midi ring
bracelet | Nordstrom BP knotted cuff (old) -- similar by Stella & Dot
watch | Michael Kors darci watch in gold

rock all the LBDs,
JD

photo credit: Todd White

fall florals

or is it winter florals?

i do love me a good floral print, however, i don't own much of it and the pieces that i do own are all spring/summer colors.  so when i saw this i thought, why not?! it's black (my favorite color to wear) and it's floral. i thought i'd give it a whirl. #norhymeintended. plus, this dress has pockets, comes in petite sizing (ain't nobody got time for alterations), and it's work appropriate. my dilemma was really the shoes. normally, i wear floral print with flat thong sandals but that wasn't gonna cut it even for fall in texas! so the next best thing was my new leather pointed toe booties that i've lusted over for a while now. so glad i got them because they're such a great alternative to all my suede ones i own -- comfy/almost flat heel and perfect with this maxi, or jeans/skirts/dresses for a touch of edgy street style. trust me, you can rock em! 

i can't believe this is my last post for 2017. something about the new year always brings good vibes, new goals/hopes/dreams/beginnings. it's a good feeling isn't it? whatever change it is that you're seeking in your life, or whatever it is that you want to achieve... NOW is the time to make it happen. it definitely won't be easy but oh boy it’s going to be worth it in the end. sending you my mantra/hashtag #cantstopwontstop

SEE YA NEXT YEAR! xx

currently on my playlist: sunrise by Kygo ft. Jason Walker

READ MORE

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! 

READ MORE

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  
bagGucci marmont matelasse shoulder bag in nude -- smaller version // similar
earrings | BaubleBar champagne ear jackets -- similar
necklacesAnthropologie monogram pendant necklace // Gorjana mave lariat in gold
ringsGorjana 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
watchMichael 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

the ruffled one shoulder top

#alltherufflesplease

some people think the one shoulder top is so played out. i happen to LOVE one-shoulder-anything! it's much like the off shoulder but a less exposed top, maybe a good way to ease into the off shoulder top if you're not much into it. i love the ruffle on this one and have received many compliments on this easy spring top. the shoes -- they were very popular last summer, but this summer they released different style and this perforated suede version caught my eye. the blush suede goes with EVERYTHING! also, they give me some MEGA height, which is kinda fun sometimes when you're only 5'2" LOL. they are also very comfortable and easy to walk in, huge plus. i just know i'm going to be wearing them non-stop. the bag -- yes, it was an absolute #treatyourself moment, i wanted a Gucci bag for a while now, and the new designs had me at chevron. quilted. leather

weekend recap: wow. if you follow me on instagram, sorry for spamming you with my instastories!! lol but this year i was able to participate in some SXSW in a #nobadge kind of way. my friend @simplyyvan was able to get us into a few socials which was superrrr cool despite the rain. #norainonthisparade. we checked out the new @soulcycle downtown, got our auras read by @moodbymoss -- which by the way, my photo showing my aura took five tries.. lol, because of the film malfunctioning. of course!! dropped by the @lionsgatemovies lounge the @liketoknow.it wall on Rainey street, the @spredfast social -- my fave. they had everything. from donut milkshakes, open bar, beauty bar, manis, massages, check out the slo-mo clip we made. then we hopped over to the Radisson hotel to chill with @wearetfq (i missed them last year!). dropped into the @nytimes lounge with an interactive music wall and the last stop of the night was a @neimanmarcus x @gibsonguitar fashion show. sunday i tried to get into @createcultivate, wow, what a mess of an event. i did not get in so caught up on much needed sleep and... festivities continue this week! 

currently on my playlist: i got you by Bebe Rexha

READ MORE

top | ASOS one shoulder top in white -- also avail in navy // similar with an eyelet hem // long sleeve ruffled and striped (i have this and love it! outfit post coming soon!
jeans | Hudson nico mid-rise skinny jeans in bohemian wash (old) -- similar // love these with the undone hem // similar
shoes | Marc Fisher annie perforated espadrille platform wedge in blush suede -- similar in the Annie style // similar and only $60!
bag | Gucci marmont matelasse shoulder bag in nude -- smaller version
sunglassesLe Specs savanna 51mm sunglasses in tortoise (really like the fit on this brand) -- similar
earrings | Baublebar ombre pinata tassel drops in neon coral -- same but smaller and lighter version // similar version at Target by Sugarfix 
necklaceAnthropologie monogram pendant -- similar
watchMichael Kors darci watch in gold -- avail in rose gold 
braceletVita Fede mini titan crystal bracelet in gold -- similar by Vince Camuto and on salefor $25!
ringsGorjana 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 // BaubleBar tri bar ring (old) -- similar 
lipsMAC amplified creme lipstick in brick-o-la

rock the one shoulder, 
JD

photo credit: Brandon Hill.


SXSW collage recap: