austin fashion week in maggy london

peplum hem sucker. right hurr.

while looking for something to wear for Austin Fashion Week #AFW, i came across this beauty! being in the midst of fashion, i had to look somewhat presentable and went a little more formal with this white dress (perfect opportunity to wear white in my opinion). all i can say is, i LOVE the floral texture on this dress! and the peplum hem adds just a touch more glam than just a regular fitted white dress. ALSO, as wedding season is among us, this is a great rehearsal dinner dress! classy, sleek, and not revealing at all. #familyfunctionapproved

i'm pretty much standard when it comes to wearing white = nude shoes & gold bag. you CAN'T go wrong. check out any of my previous posts and you'll see i'm rocking the same color scheme with any white dress. #habit or just old??! proof/throwing it back: lace white dress // the little white dress 

side ramblings: last week i attended Austin Fashion Week #AFW, my favorite designers included: @shopmilesdavid & @lindenmayercouture -- timeless/classy sleek designs that are right up my alley! also i spent this past Sunday at the @crafthermarket (like an etsy in real life) with PIC @wanderlustanita supporting our really talented gal, @kathyphantastic (really though, check out her skills!). lastly, the @sezane pop-up is here at @nordstromdomainnorthside! beautiful french inspired silk-wear, i'd love to take it all home with me. ok, but really... lastly, the @sprinklescupcakes LEMON MERINGUE cupcake comes out tomorrow!!! MY FAVORITE. you know where i'll be. xx

currently on my playlist: kings & queens by Mat Kearney

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dress c/o | Maggy London carter flounce dress (TTS, wearing size 2) -- their classic LBD version with a peplum-ish hem 
bag | Kate Landry pyramid metal hardframe clutch (old) -- similar and $59 // similar and a bottega dupe for $39
sunglasses | Celine marta sunglasses in havana -- newer design // similar by Le Specs
shoes | Stuart Weitzman nudistsong in adobe patent (comes in different widths too!) -- similar and $60 // similar but a chunky heel
earrings | Kendra Scott Diane earrings in blush pearl (borrowed from lil blogger sis @simplyyvan)-- also avail in hammered gold
rings | Gorjana amara ring set // Amanda Deer c/o CZ solitaire ring // Amanda Deer c/o CZ accents midi ring
bracelet c/o | Kendra Scott tiana pinch bracelet set in gold

rock all the peplum,
JD

photo credit: Steven Gunter
a post done in collaboration with Maggy London. 
dress provided by Maggy London, all opinions are my own. 

an austin blogger holiday

cue the christmas music! (or play it below).

happy holidays!

i know it feels a tad early to be thinking of holiday stuff. but not really! this month is going to FLY by, so i thought it would be best to share this holiday shoot that i was so graciously invited to be apart of. these gals have become good friends to me and i am pretty blessed to have cultivated so many good friendships over the past year. #grateful. 

last year, i went with the classic holiday red. this year, i decided on the next christmas color... GREEN, but more of a hunter green! it's not a color i wear often but gosh, i think i should, especially hunter green. i picked out a lace off the shoulder dress with a classy length. it's actually a one-piece dress and the bottom is a little fuller than i thought it would be but it ended up looking very pretty! i'd say the only thing this dress is missing is pockets. the ivory earrings went perfectly with the gold clutch & dark nails. altogether i say this was a huge win, ESP since my dress arrived the day before (gotta love that ASOS 2-day shipping)! also, this gold clutch gets so much wear, it's def a staple for the holidays and any occasion (you can even see me wearing it in last year's photos)!

side ramblings: it's december.. which means... it's #BIRTHDAYMONTH! (insert happy dance). 

currently on my playlist: it's beginning to look a lot like christmas by Michael Buble

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the gangs all here!! (all clickables)

(ok, minus Hilary // @byhilaryrose and Michelle // @stylebeacon)
click on the photos for some insta-style-inspo!

the flutter sleeve polo dress

polo dress gone dressy. ha!  

i'm pretty sure this is my first polo dress! i think most polo dresses are casual pieces that are usually made of the typical polo material and can be worn with some comfy sneaks, but it was a whole nother case when this one arrived from @BananaRepublic. a dressy polo -- red with a lace overlay, scalloped hem, AND flutter sleeves (not to mention the subtle satin collar & buttons and the pockets!). gosh, you can't make it more feminine than that! my immediate styling thoughts; gold accessories. for a more fitted look, i cinched this with a gold belt that i had been eyeing #perfectopportunity. gold earrings, gold hardframe clutch and nude stiletto heels to complete this entire chic polo dress look. you should give it a try!

side BEAUTY ramblings: y'all know i'm a skincare nerd. i love talking about skincare & taking care of my skin as much as i love eating #whichisalot. i ran out of my SK-II facial treatment essence recently and started using @TATCHA's the essence. way better packaging and dispensing system than SK-II. their most recent product is the Violet-C Radiance Mask which i am super excited to try! also, @hourglass came out with a slim & refillable lipstick that looks like a stiletto heel.. which means i'll have to check out ASAP!

currently on my playlist: girl on fire by Alicia Keys (takin' it back old school)

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i always love a good artsy shot, thanks Katie!

dress c/o | Banana Republic flutter sleeve lace polo dress in red (wearing size small, also avail in light blue and navy) -- similar with scalloped details // similar in floral print // similar but solid // similar but striped // similar from J.Crew Factory
belt | ASOS metal waist belt in gold
shoes | Stuart Weitzman nudistsong in adobe patent (comes in different widths too!) -- similar // similar with lower heel // chunky heel version
bag | Kate Landry pyramid metal hardframe clutch (old) -- similar in a hexagon shape // similar // a cool marble one
earrings | Kendra Scott sophee textured drop earrings in gold -- smaller version
sunglasses | Le Specs savanna 51mm sunglasses in tortoise -- 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
watch | Michael Kors darci watch in gold

rock the polo dress,
JD

photo credit: Katie J Photography.
a post done in collaboration with Banana Republic. 
dress provided by Banana Republic, all opinions are my own. 

a very austin blogger holiday

32, ready or not here i come!

today is a special day for two reasons 1) i turn 32! and... 2) i get to share one of my favorite shoots to date with you!! warning: if you click that READ MORE button, there will be lots of pictures and holiday inspo (including links to all outfits) from some AMAZING & GORGEOUS AUSTIN bloggers that i feel so humbled to know and only met within the last few months. everyone is impeccably dressed and i am so thrilled that they asked me to join in on a holiday photo shoot! #youcansitwithus #friendship #texasforever

it's been quite a year and if wrote about 32 things i've learned, you probably wouldn't get to the end of it. in short, it's all about celebrating the little milestones/victories in life and knowing that the next one is just around the corner. i feel extremely blessed, this blog has brought me so much joy and connected me with many friends who encourage and inspire me. i feel like i'm just getting started and that the best is yet to come! #cheers!

special thanks to @howdybrandon for capturing these moments and sticking it out with nine ladies (plus champagne). it was pretty cold for us southern gals, but despite the weather not cooperating, it was a blast! i laughed my whole way through with these beautiful ladies! #goodtimes

currently on my playlist (and everyone else's!): all i want for christmas is you by Mariah

cheers from AUSTIN! 

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ladies in red. @heykailymae // @thetrendytomboy // JD // @stylebeacon

mad for plaid. @theautumngirl_ // @byhilaryrose

metallic sequin goodness. @kaleymargaret // @its.me.haylee // @daniaustin

Kaily // heykailymae.com

dress | Express lace mock neck sheath dress in red
shoes (similar) | Sole Society tiia in black  
clutch (similar) | Kayu velvet clutch in black

 Meg // theautumngirl.com

top (similar) | J.Crew plaid popover shirt 
skirt | Express leather pencil skirt in black
booties | Vince Camuto felina bootie in black leather

Hilary // byhilaryrose.com

top | Old Navy classic flannel shirt in red tartan
skirt | ASOS tulle prom skirt in navy
clutch | Rebecca Minkoff leo clutch in anthracite
shoes | BCBG Generation tamerra in red suede

Dani // thedaniaustin.com

jumpsuit (similar) | Nasty Gal glamorous cameron satin jumpsuit
shoes | Sam Edelman synthia sandal in black suede
bag | DVF 440 envelope clutch in shimmer sand

Kaley // myclosetlife.com

dress (similar) | similar 1 // similar 2 // similar 3 // similar 4
shoes (similar) | similar 1 // similar 2
earrings (similar) | similar 1 // similar 2

dress | MSK halter pleated maxi dress (old) -- similar with gold accents // similar in metallic // similar with a v-neck // similar // similar // similar with sleeves
shoes | Stuart Weitzman nudistsong in adobe patent (comes in different widths too!) -- similar / similar 
bag | Kate Landry pyramid metal hardframe clutch (old) -- similar // similar // similar from Target 
earrings | Kendra Scott quincy delicate earrings in crackle crystal (old) -- similar
bracelet | Etsy pave link bracelet -- similar from BaubleBar
rings c/o | Gorjana shimmer stacking ring set in gold
lips | MAC amplified creme lipstick in brick-o-la
nails | essie gel couture in pre snow jitters

happy holidays from AUSTIN, TX, 
JD

azazie dresses

it's wedding season y'all.

one of the things about being a bridesmaid is looking for a DRESS. that is a whole ordeal within itself, because you are having to agree with a few other girls, then there is price, designs, fits, lengths, and colors. low and behold, i wish i knew about AZAZIE // @iheartazazie way before time. i mean this brand is god-send from the wedding world. trust me, save yourself the time (=money) and headache! the dress i am wearing is the Carissa in dark navy, it comes in 57 COLORS. you read that right, 57!! i choose this custom fit gown because i don't have many formal maxi dresses and i adored the pleated top, ESPECIALLY the subtle ruched one shoulder detail, i loved fanning it out in these photos! 

some things about why i love AZAZIE:

  • price -- so reasonable, all under $150 USD
  • variety of styles -- i had the hardest time picking ONE!, these designs can be worn for NUMEROUS events! #YAS
  • QUALITY -- the chiffon material was so perfect, it also arrives in a pretty duster bag for protection and can be used for years
  • variety of colors! -- if you are unsure you can even order swatches
  • CUSTOM TAILORED FIT at no extra charge!! heck yes! this was perfect for me due to my weirdly shaped body and #shortgirlproblems
  • offers a "try before you buy" program
  • also sell bridal gowns and mother of the bride dresses

my other AZAZIE dress picks include the following:

currently reading: the rosie project by Graeme Simsion

currently on my playlist: unsteady by X Ambassadors (give it a few seconds the song really builds)

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dress c/o | Azazie carissa bridesmaid dress in dark navy
shoes | Stuart Weitzman nudistsong in adobe patent (comes in different widths too!) -- similar / similar
bag | Kate Landry pyramid metal hardframe clutch (old) -- similar / similar
earrings | BaubleBar bronte drops in clear (old) -- similar / similar / love the shape on these
bracelet | Kendra Scott candice cuff in gold via @rocksbox use code "jannadoanxoxo" to receive one month for free! -- similar
ring | Kendra Scott martiza cocktail ring in ivory pearl (old) -- loving this one / similar
lips | MAC amplified creme lipstick in brick-o-la
nails | Sephora formula x nail polish in delightful

A post done in collaboration with AZAZIE.

the lace crop top & blush pleated skirt

blush tones. 

one of the pantone colors of the year is rose quartz, aka: blush (second is serenity; aka: light blue). i wanted to do a romantic look with this pleated skirt and lace combo... but boy did i pick the wrong day to shoot. a windy day = not very romantic. i spent a good portion of this shoot doing three things 1) holding my hair since i was getting hair-slapped by the wind; 2) pulling down my skirt that was blowing like crazy; 3) laughing at myself (as always)!

i do have a legitimate question though: what is too many midi skirts?! i think i may have a few too many. but i ain't stopping. that's fo sho! midi skirts are my JAM. especially this pleated one. i have it in burgundy (see previous blog post here) and black. and now blush. perhaps i need another spring colored one... to even it out?! haha. 

i wear the midi skirt and crop top combo probably too often #sorrynotsorry. but i particularly love this lace crop top because of the eyelash detail on the bottom and on the sleeves. and while i don't really wear lace, i am starting to LOVE it! and finally, the Stuart Weitzman Nudistsong sandals make an appearance. i've searched high and low for a pair of strappy nude sandals (i feel like they are such a staple piece to any wardrobe) and while there are many dupes, there isn't a pair quite like these -- minimal design, perfect nude shade, sleek, and super sexy. the original Stuart Weitzman Nudist sandals are 4.5" high, so when these babies came out (Nudistsong is 3.75") i couldn't resist. any heel more than 4" i stay away from. i've tried before and almost fell on my face. i honestly don't know how other women do it. 

currently on my playlist: living for love by Madonna

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top | Forever 21 textured lace crop top in white -- similar with sleeves 
skirt | ASOS pleated midi skirt in nude (size down for a higher waisted fit) -- also avail in other spring colors such as lilac and green
shoes | Stuart Weitzman nudistsong in adobe patent (comes in different widths too!) -- similar / similar
bag | Kate Landry pyramid metal hardframe clutch (old) -- similar / similar in the cutest seashell shape!
earrings | Kendra Scott carmella studs (customized at The Color Bar; old design and replaced with carmen)
bracelet | BaubleBar pinnacle cuff in gold (sold out) -- similar / love this one
rings | BaubleBar mason ring in gold / BaubleBar diana midi ring / BaubleBar ice chevron midi ring / Etsy stacking & midi rings
lips | MAC amplified creme lipstick in brick-o-la

rock the lace crop top,
JD

the red skirt & pearls

my favorite time of the year and only a few more days til Christmas!

first things first, thank YOU so much for all the birthday wishes! i can't wait to see what 31 has in store for me; the best is yet to come! #cantstopwontstop

here we go with a holiday look that consists of a red flared skirt (with pockets!), and a cream high neck top embellished with pearls. as you can tell, i love anything with pockets and all high neck tops! to finish this look off, i went with nude heels and RED lips. #alwaysgobold so a little about this Christian Louboutin lipstick... i somehow managed to snag one during the Sephora VIB sale for 20% off (because i would never pay regular price), what a ridiculous amount to pay for some lipstick, but i will say it does live up to its hype -- the prettiest matte blue-red for my very pale skin!

currently on my playlist: Way we go down -- Kaleo i heard about this band through a little birdie and i can't stop listening to them! i thought this song was my favorite but i honestly can't decide between that and All the pretty girls. #sotalented i need to see them live!

hope you are getting all that wrapping done (because i haven't even started!!) .... drink hot cocoa, watch movies, lounge by the fireplace, spend time with loved ones, sleep in, play board games, eat, be merry, laugh, ...and pilates (had to sneak that one in)! happy holidays from my family to yours! xoxo, JD 

Texas Capitol against the beautiful red granite facade!

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top | H&M high neck top embellished with pearls in cream (old) -- similar and on sale / similar in black / similar
skirt | Banana Republic full pleated skirt in red (sold out) -- similar in satin / similar / similar / similar and pleated
shoes | Manolo Blahnik BB pump in nude patent -- similar and on sale / similar / similar and studded
bag | Kate Landry pyramid metal hardframe clutch (old) -- similar / similar / similar
earrings | Kendra Scott carmen earrings customized from the color bar
bracelet | Etsy pave link bracelet -- similar from BaubleBar / similar with tortoise links
rings | BaubleBar ice chevron midi ring / BaubleBar pearl crown ring / BaubleBar pave eternity ring / BaubleBar diana midi ring / Etsy stacking & midi rings
lips | Christian Louboutin velvet matte lip color in rouge louboutin 001M (sold out and re-stocked in March 2016) -- similar by Tom Ford in ruby rush but a true red