an overdue post

August 31, 2020

didn’t see you coming, 2020.

i can’t believe i’ve let this space of mine go silent for NINE months. so much of the world has changed. i read my last post from 2019 and couldn’t help but to chuckle. 2020 sure threw us a curve ball, didn’t it? who would’ve thunk. there’s a lot to cover and i’m choking back tears trying to find my way back to this familiar space to grab onto a sense of normalcy. i think we’re all suffering in our own way; trying to deal/process. like most, i’ve had a difficult time coping. i’ve lost family, seen the losses of others, and as an empath… it’s overwhelming. i’ve lost almost all contact with friends and spent a lot of time in solitude. i felt like i had nothing of relevance to share or say. i felt if i tried to connect more, the more i would feel disconnected. does that even make sense? however, the silence is deafening and it’s time to break it. i’m pushing myself to do this because i’m pretty sure i need it; for my mental health. without any planned content, i’m not sure how far i’ll make it. so we’ll see. all i can say is my tripod is about to get some major love. more after the jump.

these photos shot almost a year ago and i never had the chance to post them! rarely will i ever take any direct sunlight photos or post anything this vulnerable. but hey, they’re so epic, so why not? vulnerability (or is it too much skin?!) is something i’m not the best at and these photos remind me that this powerful woman inside me exists that is able to shift into so many different gears when pushed out of her boundaries & comfort zone. (though good lighting and a great photographer always helps! thanks to @gunter.photo 😉). i’m also shocked that this dress is still in stock but i guess i’ve got a knack for picking staples! PSS — it’s difficult to shoot in direct sunlight without being blinded or squinting!! kudos to real models out there!

currently on my playlist: back in my body by Maggie Rogers

the reformation sigmund dress -- jannadoan.com

here are some random things i’ve been up to!:

new job //

i was extremely fortunate to start a new job considering the job market. i’ve waited for an opportunity like this for so long and now it’s finally here! #pinchme. it has been challenging. i never thought i’d be in the finance field, but i got this.

audible //

my guy friends have always urged me to get this. i finally did and it’s such a good investment!! i highly recommend it. it allows me to speed through books that would normally take me twice as long to read. read? ain’t nobody got time for that.

sleep & tv //

i never watched tv. mainly because i had so many other things to do, people to see, things to eat, places to go, and side-hustle work to do. well… none of that is happening so i ventured down the dark hole of netflix and hulu. some notable shows: Brooklyn 99, Kim’s Convenience, The Umbrella Academy. oh and sleep. i’m actually getting normal sleep 7-8 hours vs. my usual 5-6. feels nice, but being the work-a-holic i am, these two activities won’t last past the pandemic. 🤣

calligraphy //

i’ve always loved calligraphy and started doing it again since my cousins were getting into it. so far we’ve had a few virtual calligraphy facetime calls! by no means am i a pro but i love lettering :) i’ve been using the tombow fudenosuke brush pens and they work great!

cold brew & nespresso //

i started making cold brew at home with @rumblejar! this one is cool because it comes with a cotton bag that serves as an additional filter. cold brew is my go-to during the scorching TX summers. it is easy to make and saves so much money! i also said farewell to my kerig and HELLOOOO to @nespresso (vertuo line). apparently, i was drinking bad coffee at home my whole life. so there’s that.

home decor & improvement //

spending too much time at home led me to start/finish some decor projects around the house. you’ll see some of these posted in my current lemmings section! i’m on a kick to add some bold black into my decor color palette. not sure how it’s gonna turn out but i’m going for it!

BTW, sitting like this will cramp your hip flexors. :D

dress | Reformation sigmund dress in black (wearing size 4 for size reference)
bag | DVF lytton clutch in black quilted leather (old) — not similar but loving the dumpling bags
earrings c/o | Kendra Scott jack gold hoops in white crystal
shoes | topshop strippy heeled sandals in black (old) — love these t-strap ones!
sunglasses | Karen Walker number one sunglasses in black — love these for $55

it feels so good to write this.
sending you love & light,
JD

photo credit: Steven Gunter

the maggy london sinclair work dress

December 30, 2019

see you later, 2019.

finishing 2019 out in my strong suit — #workwear! @maggylondon is always adding the perfect pieces to my work wardrobe; #luckygal right here. you know i’m a huge fan of all bows, the Jackie dress is one of my classic Maggy London pieces (throwing it back to 2017). however, the Maggy London Sinclair Midi is a more updated/similar version with sleeves and a fun contrasting piping detail that doesn’t make it your average #LBDworkdress. if you look closely the sleeves actually have a slight puff to them which elevates this just a touch more in a fun & elegant way. of course, i choose to style this dress with black patent pumps & a black work bag, because more black is always a good idea in my books. i read somewhere that, “you can never be under- or over-dressed in black.” WORD.

side ramblings: here we are, the last post of 2019. this year went by with a blink of an eye and tbh, i’m not sad about it. this is the time i sit and reflect on the last twelve months. 2019 was a real crappy year. generally speaking, when something grows, it hurts. it’s painful. think about a baby who is teething. imagine that a whole tooth that has to grow and pierce through gums?! OUCH. multiply that by xx. however, the end result is being able to eat/chew. as a foodie, that is essential. 2019 was just like that for me (it’s a great analogy, i know). my friend Anita // @wanderlustanita shared with me the cycle of years that we go though (note: a cycle is not necessarily years/12-months). she agreed that this was my year of growth and according to the cycles, the next “year” is the “year” of mastery for me. (insert huge grin). i mean, line it up with a new decade, AND it’s also the year of the rat in the chinese zodiac… #HELLYES.

currently on my playlist: got to give it up by Marvin Gaye

the maggy london sinclair work dress -- jannadoan.com

dress c/o | Maggy London sinclair midi in black (wearing size 2 petite) — regular sizing // similar and available in five colors // similar in the Jackie design (i have it and love it!) // similar but colorblocked
shoes | Jimmy Choo abel pumps in black patent (old design) — current design // similar // similar by Ann Taylor
bag | Henri Bendel uptown satchel in black (old & they are out of business) — not the same but this would make a great work bag!! (use code “JANNADOAN” at checkout on senreve.com and receive $50 off, on any $300 minimum purchase)
earrings c/o | Kendra Scott jack gold hoop earrings in white crystal — similar but more everyday hoops // similar with a filigree design // larger hoop style
sunglasses | Karen Walker number one sunglasses in black — love these for $55
rings | | Gorjana amara ring set
watch | Michael Kors darci watch in gold

cheers to 2020 y’all,
JD

photo credit: Steven Gunter
a paid partnership by Maggy London.
dress provided by Maggy London, all opinions are my own.

the ribbed tube skirt

January 14, 2019

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

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 theory silk combo midi dress

September 24, 2018

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

the theory silk combo midi dress -- jannadoan.com

the theory silk combo midi -- jannadoan.com

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 sweater dress & leather jacket

January 8, 2018

sweater dress = wearable blanket.

at least those are my thoughts. growing up i was always skeptical about sweater dresses but i've learned that the the key is to go loose and layer. this one was sent to me from @lillap! it has the cutest front pockets and a the v-neck hits at the perfect length. i actually wanted to style this sweater dress with a pair of over the knee boots #OTKs since i haven't done one this season yet, but it was a little too long for some OTKs #shortgirlprobs. next best thing was some pointed toe stiletto booties. the last thing this outfit needed was a layer -- scarves, sleeveless trenches/duster, a jacket, etc.. so enter the opportunity to finally wear this black leather jacket under $100. this jacket feels like it costs much more AND THE BEST PART is the gold hardware to match all my gold jewelry. i think that's why i barely wore my other one!

side ramblings: over the new year holiday, i literally did NOTHING. i watched a few movies -- Wonder Woman (so good), The Big Sick (chick flick) and Pitch Perfect 3 (gotta love them pitches!) and lotsss of YouTube -- here's a clip of the one that had me rolling at 2AM Ellen in Steve Harvey's Ear #hysterical. yea, i probably should have worked on my YouTube channel.. but some lazy days are really needed. last week, i received an unexpected package from one of my favorite skincare brands, @TATCHA -- they sent me their newest The Deep Cleanse: it's a gel cleanser (my preferred type) and contains "natural fruit exfoliant that deeply but gently lifts impurities and unclogs pores, while leaving skin soft and hydrated." can't wait to give it a try. also, very random, but i can't stop wearing @AmandaDeer jewelry lately! gimme all the #daintyjewelry. i recently purchased the satellite choker which i can't stop wearing, everyday i look for an outfit just so i can wear this thing lol. pictures coming soon! ok, i'm OUT. xx

currently on my playlist: all the stars by Kendrick Lamar, SZA

the sweater dress & leather jacket -- jannadoan.com

dress c/o | LILLA P cotton modal sweater dress in black (wearing size small) -- similar // similar with tie sleeves and $49 // similar in a mock neck // similar with a v-back
jacket | BlankNYC life changer faux leather moto jacket in black (TTS wearing size small, also avail in cognac) -- similar // similar in suede // similar by H&M and $60
shoes | Banana Republic magda pointed toe bootes in black suede (old) -- similar with a kitten heel // similar // similar by Topshop
bag c/o | Henri Bendel noho satchel in black pebbled leather -- same but more structured // similar and love this style because the handles fold down
sunglasses | Karen Walker number one sunglasses in black
earrings | Kendra Scott tessa studs in clear
necklace c/o | BaubleBar aimee layered choker necklace (old) -- newer design
rings | Gorjana amara ring set // Amanda Deer c/o CZ solitaire ring // Amanda Deer c/o CZ accents midi ring
watch c/o | Daniel Wellington classic petite melrose 32mm in rose gold and white

rock the sweater dress (and possibly sleep in them too),
JD

photo credit: Brandon Hill

holiday ready with Banana Republic

November 13, 2017

before you freak out, it's faux fur.

today on the blog, i'm gonna get you holiday ready (without being TOO holiday-ish if that makes sense!!) with @BananaRepublic! is it too early? NEVER! this is my favorite time of the year when everyone comes together, there's more gratitude in the air, lots of stuffing of faces happening, finding that perfect gift, wrapping paper (don't get me started on wrapping paper) and.... FASHION! i love all the layering, prints, and textures. fall fashion is HIGH on my list, also especially since you can wear all black and it's suddenly acceptable.

holiday style two ways -- with a faux fur collar cardigan and a bow tie sweater. the cardigan (comes in three colors, i'm wearing oatmeal) is really warm.. trust me, i was sweating major bullets shooting it in the TX heat not to mention the lighting was such a struggle! super soft and the best part is the removable faux fur collar so you can wear it more casually. sometimes it's all about them options isn't it? i've come to love small doses of fur and this one is no exception. i'd also try to belt this cardigan too. the sweater comes in 11 colors and it has the daintiest bow cuff! hello like little bunny ears! i digress, of course i paired this one with an old striped skirt, pearls, and my gift bow earrings. and yes, those red lips are a must every holiday season!!

side ramblings: first things first, the sephora sale.. what did you buy?! @TATCHA is also having their friends & family! -- no such thing as too much tatcha, and at 20% off and tax free to texas, it's like a no brainer. i highly recommend: the essence, luminious mask, brightening serum, misting spray. good until 11/16. also, i've thought about starting a youtube channel, mainly focusing on skincare routines and reviews of things?! just a thought lingering in the back of my mind (for the past year...)! i just need to do it. spent sunday brunching on the farm hosted by @astateofkoko and shot some christmas photos with some Austin blogger babes, can't wait to share!! thanks for stopping by & see ya next week! xx

currently on my playlist: sorry not sorry by Demi Lovato

holiday ready with Banana Republic -- jannadoan.com

LOOK 1 // faux fur collar cardigan

cardigan c/o | Banana Republic merino blend boyfriend cardigan with removable faux fur collar in oatmeal
top | H&M loose crop top (way old) -- similar with bow detail!
denim | Hudson nico mid-rise skinny jeans in black -- similar // similar but distressed
shoes | Jimmy Choo abel pumps in black patent (old design) -- current design // similar // similar and custom
bag | Louis Vuitton medium neverfull in monogram canvas
earrings c/o | BaubleBar magnolia hoop earrings -- similar and on sale // similar
necklace | etsy monogram necklace in dearest daddy initials (1.25" and 20" chain) -- similar by BaubleBar // similar in acrylic
sunglasses | Karen Walker number one sunglasses in black
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
lips | MAC amplified creme lipstick in brick-o-la

LOOK 2 // bow cuff sweater

top c/o | Banana Republic bow-cuff crew in black -- similar in a ruffle cuff and styled here
skirt | Topshop striped midi skirt (old) -- similar by chicwish
shoes | Jimmy Choo abel pumps in black patent (old design) -- current design // similar // similar and custom
bag | ZARA velvet minaudiere in black (old) -- similar in crushed velvet
earrings | etsy gift bow stud earrings in gold (yes, you need them)
necklace | Forever 21 pearl bib necklace (way old) -- similar
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
lips | Christian Louboutin velvet matte lip color in rouge 001M (FAVE RED) -- similar in a matte liquid

photo credit: Steven Gunter
a post done in collaboration with Banana Republic.
tops provided by Banana Republic, all opinions are my own.

styling a camel cardigan

October 5, 2017

camel + black.

something about this color combo that always looks so good -- on everyone. today, i'm partnering with @bananarepublic in styling this camel cardigan two ways (some of my favorite types of posts): work style and a night out. this cardigan has a lil oomph because of the chevron stitching! for some work inspo i paired it with some black ankle pants (i know i'm actually wearing pants... it's very strange huh?!). i'm usually more of a scuba-material (thicker, less form fitting) fan when it comes to work pants but i was surprised at how much i loved this bi-stretch material. not too tight or too loose and it's a mid-rise for the over-thirty-crowd. the cardi goes over quite a few work tops even long sleeve blouses or a long sleeve button down for the colder months. for a night out i went with my trusty go-to plain cami and black jeans. a complete monochrome look with a pop of camel. with this outfit i choose to dress it up with some @kendrascott jewelry from the fall 2017 line, also love this fun cuff! the y-necklace goes perfectly with the v-neck cami and a statement ring to top it off.

side ramblings: homeownership as a single woman has been very interesting. oh the things i've learned or had to do. i find myself at @homedepot almost every other day (ok, maybe every other week), my hands have become some major working hands but i'm so determined to make it on my own. suddenly, having to buy decor and "essentials" is EXPENSIVE. like... how is a mirror $600? is it a magic mirror, does it make you look skinnier, tell you you're the fairest of them all?! i think i've lost count on how many times i've asked myself rhetorically, "how much is this?!" in disbelief. adulting is expensive, and you didn't just hear that here. i'll have to do a post on all the things i've learned thus far one day. i think it'll be a fun addition to ze blog. lastly, it's ACL weekend one!! last year i attended for the first time and i really don't know how people go for three days. one/half day is PLENTY for me. see ya next week!

currently on my playlist: feel it still by Portugal. The Man