the Michael Stars LBD two ways

never too many LBDs.

i discovered @MichaelStars a couple of years during SXSW (perfect timing since SXSW is right around the corner!). the event was at an exclusive mansion and i was gifted the treasure notch neck top. it is probably the SOFTEST long sleeve shirt i own and i have wornnn that thing. iā€™m shocked i havenā€™t added more of their pieces to my wardrobe ā€” iā€™ll work on that!

here, i styled one of their best selling pieces, the christina ribbed midi dress two different ways. i will say that these were shot during 40F degree weather, the day that i learned what graupel was (nothing surprises you by now, i assume). i love this dress and was influenced by my fashionable friend, Tammy @herfashionedlife. i dont normally wear fitted dresses, but this one has ruching in the midsection that makes it so flattering. i am also a fan of the side slit. ribbed texture probably isnā€™t my number one pick, but with black, you canā€™t really tell. donā€™t get me wrong, ribbed is fun because it adds texture but itā€™s a more ā€œcasual textureā€ for me (own opinion). however, this is something i can dress up because the ribbing is done very nicely and because of the overall style of this piece. here i dressed it up with some knee high boots (finally got to wear these babies!). i styled it casually with a denim jacket and white sneakers (also goes great with flat sandals). ribbed pieces offer stretch, so i sized down to an XS. staying true to MS, itā€™s just as soft as my first piece. shoot, i may even get the sleeveless version sometime!

side ramblings: this week is going to be a crazy week. not sure if i mentioned it before but i ordered a car in the fall and itā€™s finally ready for pick up. gasp, i know. it feels a little riskyā€¦ you know purchasing something huge that i donā€™t really need, esp during this time. i feel nervous, yet excited at the same time. usually that means youā€™re doing life right, right?!? well, either wayā€¦. itā€™s happening! iā€™m all about working hard to making things happen; and i hope you are too. šŸ‘Š #cantstopwontstop

currently on my playlist: fire on my mind by Cannons

look #1: dressy with knee high boots (pictured) or strappy heels! if it looks like iā€™m freezing. itā€™s because I AM. #allforthegram šŸ¤£

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look #2: casual with a denim jacket and whites sneakers (pictured). also goes well with flat sandals.

dress | Michael Stars christina ribbed midi dress in black (sized down to an XS) ā€” same from Evereve // same from Nordstrom // same from REVOLVE // similar but square neck // similar but sleeveless
jacket | Old Navy jean jacket (so old) ā€” similar // similar but darker // love the Madwell one
boots | MANGO high heel boots in black (old) ā€” similar 1 // similar 2
sneaks | Keds ace leather sneakers in white ā€” also love the Supergaā€™s
bag | Louis Vuitton neverfull medium MM tote in monogram
sunglasses | Ray Ban original aviator 58mm RB3025 in black ā€” similar for $13
watch | Michele 29 mm deco diamond watch in gold and silver

rock all the Michael Stars!,
JD

photo credit: @wanderlustanita

an overdue post

didnā€™t see you coming, 2020.

i canā€™t believe iā€™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 couldnā€™t help but to chuckle. 2020 sure threw us a curve ball, didnā€™t it? who wouldā€™ve thunk. thereā€™s a lot to cover and iā€™m choking back tears trying to find my way back to this familiar space to grab onto a sense of normalcy. i think weā€™re all suffering in our own way; trying to deal/process. like most, iā€™ve had a difficult time coping. iā€™ve lost family, seen the losses of others, and as an empathā€¦ itā€™s overwhelming. iā€™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 itā€™s time to break it. iā€™m pushing myself to do this because iā€™m pretty sure i need it; for my mental health. without any planned content, iā€™m not sure how far iā€™ll make it. so weā€™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, theyā€™re so epic, so why not? vulnerability (or is it too much skin?!) is something iā€™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 šŸ˜‰). iā€™m also shocked that this dress is still in stock but i guess iā€™ve got a knack for picking staples! PSS ā€” itā€™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

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here are some random things iā€™ve been up to!:

new job //

i was extremely fortunate to start a new job considering the job market. iā€™ve waited for an opportunity like this for so long and now itā€™s finally here! #pinchme. it has been challenging. i never thought iā€™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 itā€™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? ainā€™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. wellā€¦ none of that is happening so i ventured down the dark hole of netflix and hulu. some notable shows: Brooklyn 99, Kimā€™s Convenience, The Umbrella Academy. oh and sleep. iā€™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 wonā€™t last past the pandemic. šŸ¤£

calligraphy //

iā€™ve always loved calligraphy and started doing it again since my cousins were getting into it. so far weā€™ve had a few virtual calligraphy facetime calls! by no means am i a pro but i love lettering :) iā€™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 thereā€™s that.

home decor & improvement //

spending too much time at home led me to start/finish some decor projects around the house. youā€™ll see some of these posted in my current lemmings section! iā€™m on a kick to add some bold black into my decor color palette. not sure how itā€™s gonna turn out but iā€™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) ā€” 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) ā€” love these t-strap ones!
sunglasses | Karen Walker number one sunglasses in black ā€” love these for $55

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

photo credit: Steven Gunter

austin fashion week in jarlo

Austin Fashion Week #AFW in Jarlo.

finally. the opportunity to wear this beauty (insert happy dance)! Jarlo London is a brand you want to wear when you want to stand out (not a known US brand) and be extra (in a super classy way). basically, itā€™s red carpet material. these types of dresses do not need any kind of jewelry ā€” if you have to wear any, keep it very minimal with a pair of studs, thatā€™s all that is needed because the dress stands out on its own. i wanted a Jarlo dress for quite some time now and waited for a sale on top of a sale to purchase one; not even knowing when i would get to wear it. sometimes i do this just in case something pops up so that iā€™m not scrambling to find something to wear because we all know how that never works out! Jarlo embodies lace overlays, ruffles, the classy bardot necklinesā€¦ it has my name written all over it and there isnā€™t one design i donā€™t want in my closet. it was so appropriate for #AFW (recap of Thursday night after the jump) and the dress received tons of compliments; even from men. how can it not?! the dress is extremely well made, iā€™d almost say it's hefty in a good way. it features a built in bra (i feel all dresses should!!), you get what you pay for and even at regular price itā€™s a solid choice.

side ramblings: the @nordstromatx x @fashionx.co x @tkckindness fashion show to kick off #AFW was a huge success! it was so fun to hang out with some peers who i consider big timers and doing huge things. what an honor. my parents came out that night and they kept telling their friends about it. especially my dad, haha can you imagine a man showing all his male friends the clip of his (34-YR OLD) daughter walking in a fashion show? seriously. the cutest thing ever. my dad is obviously proud of me because let me tell you, the man is not impressed by much. unless youā€™re a Tesla. haha. gearing up for another busy week, i have some pretty exciting things coming up so iā€™ll see ya next time xx.

currently on my playlist: without me by Halsey

why yes, itā€™s 8AM and iā€™m decked out in a formal dress.

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i love how it says ONE WAY. haha


@nordstromatx x @fashionx.co x @tkckindness
#shopforgood Fashion Show ā€” Friday, 02/15/2019

shop the DAY look:

top | Rebecca Taylor silk ruffle top in cream
pants | Topshop kelo cigarette trousers in dark green
bag | Tory Burch mcgraw slouchy leather satchel in devon sand
earrings | Lana Jewelry large upside down hoop earrings in gold
necklace | Lana Jewelry y-necklace in gold

shop the NIGHT look:

dress | Eliza J ruffle sheath dress in light blue
bag | Kurt Geiger mini kensington leather shoulder bag in fuchsia combo
earrings | Kendra Scott didi earrings in mother ivory of pearl


Austin Fashion Week #AFW 2019 ā€” Thursday, 02/21/2019
Bernina Fashion Fund Showcase

images professionally taken and provided by @fashionx.co

Anmarie Designs

Anmarie Designs

Reap What I Sew (favorite of the night)

Reap What I Sew

Reap What I Sew

valentine's day ready & loving yourself

whatā€™s too many #LBDs? asking for a friend.

hellooo february, the month of love! last year i wrote a post on dating tips to celebrate valentineā€™s/galentineā€™s day and it was shockingly a huge success. this year i wanted to do something different (of course). and instead iā€™m bringing the focus back on #1, which is YOU. no amount of dating tips will get you anywhere if you arenā€™t in love with yourself. sure, some people get lucky in life to meet their soulmate at a fairly decent age, some take a long timeee #ahem. so youā€™ll be dang sure the man who ends up with me will be beyond exceptional. because i wonā€™t accept anything less. itā€™s about to get real deep here on JDC. recently i went through a shift in life that took me to another level of self love and greater appreciation for my own journey! ah, gotta love those life experiences/lessons. more after the jump.

PS ā€” this dress is everything. i snagged it for almost $50 #hellobargainshopper and didnā€™t even care when iā€™d wear it again, heck i was gonna wear it for this fabulous photo shoot so what gives?! i LOVE the longer sleeves, the mock neck, the classy crochet (never thought iā€™d use those two words in one sentence) overlay, the length, and the peplum hem. it screams JANNA all over it anddd the look of this dress like one from Self Portrait at a fourth of the price. the only thing isā€¦ donā€™t get this snagged on something or youā€™re pretty much screwed. :D but hey, if this isnā€™t your jam, iā€™ve linked a ton of other options under $100.

currently on my playlist: all of me by John Legend

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the last few months i spent a lot of time soul searching. gosh, i learned so much but still such a novice. i started to make some subtle changes in my life that had some HUGE impacts ā€” only in a few months too!! and hey, theyā€™re not gonna be anything new you havenā€™t heard of all over the internet. but people always talk about self love, anddd um, the next question is great, what does that entail? through some guidance iā€™ve found what works for me and the results are insane. the amount of people, connections, experiences, and opportunities that have come into my life are CRAZY. i invite you to join me and step into this higher meaning of life. sharing my tidbits in my random thoughts below.

  • JOURNAL. journal every morning and night. while iā€™ve heard of this i never actually practiced it. the mind is most clear in the morning, so take time to jot down the things youā€™re grateful for. start with three. at night before you sleep, reflect on your day ā€” how did a certain person, thing or instance make you feel? heck, itā€™s your journal write whatever you want. just write though. writing reaffirms the learning process. youā€™ll become so good at this that youā€™ll start jotting WAY more than three things in the AM. i even started to write down the things i wanted in my life that i havenā€™t quite obtained yet. this is a form of ā€œacting as ifā€ and itā€™s a powerful thing. do this for 30-days straight, until you can start doing it subconsciously in your mind. so iā€™m that gal whoā€™s getting ready in the AM / driving to work talking to myself about all the things iā€™m grateful for in my life. call me crazy but itā€™s a game changer or is it life changer? haha. when you live in a constant state of gratitude, it puts you on a totally different level of existence.

  • BREATHE. breathing is everything. breathing or any form of meditation helps calm the mind. imagine all the information your brain takes in and processes everyday, YIKES! hate to have that job!! breathing helps clear that clutter, it helps you become more in tune with your intuition so that you can ultimately make the best decisions that align with your true self. close your eyes right now and take three deep breaths, i bet you can already feel some calmness flow through. try it!

  • AFFIRM. find an affirmation. read it, write it (remember, writing it down reaffirms the learning process), repeat it out loud. heck, get so good at it that you memorize it or write your own affirmation. do it for 30-days straight. affirmations are so powerful because they say it takes 30-days to ingrain something in your mind. essentially, what youā€™re doing is reprogramming your subconscious mind. there is a whole boatload of information on the subconscious mind but in summary, it controls 95% of your brain, it stores memories, habits, past experiences and retrieves them. its job is to make sure you respond exactly the way you are programmed through past experiences. so CLEARLY it is the the KEY to personal growth. reprogram it with affirmations. start affirming TODAY!

  • ENERGY. energy is everything and everything is energy (even on a scientific level)! yes, life is full of problems and we always want what we canā€™t have etcā€¦. but letā€™s just redirect our focus from our problems and what we donā€™t have to what weā€™re grateful for as this is the running theme for this post. try to see the bigger picture. youā€™ll find yourself vibrating at an energy of love, joy, happiness, and peace. these are some of the highest forms of vibrational energy. AND only in this state will you be open enough to attract, accept, and see all the things/people/connections/opportunities coming into your life. LIKE A MAGNET. becauseā€¦ you attract what you are. period.

  • TRUST. doing all the above creates a direct relationship with your intuition, that gut feeling. generally speaking, i consider myself an intuitive person by nature. BUT i recently learned i was never completely following it 100%. see, listening to your intuition is good, but the real thing is actually FOLLOWING it through. which most of us fail at because or ego makes us question our intuition. trust your intuition when it FIRST speaks to you. itā€™s a powerful thing thatā€™s why it only speaks once.

in all instances, all answers and self love come from within. focus on yourself, choose yourself at the end of the day. always always. let go. forgive, learn the lessons. remember, that your value and self worth stands no matter what happens or who walks in and out of your life. sending you all the love & strength on this beautiful journey of stepping into your authentic self xx

dress | Bardot fiona mesh trumpet dress in black (wearing size small) ā€” same from Macyā€™s // same from Zappos // same from Nordstrom // same from Nordstrom Rack // same from Bloomingdales // same from Lord & Taylor
shoes | Jimmy Choo abel pumps in black patent (old design) ā€” current design // similar
bag | DVF lytton clutch in black quilted leather (old) ā€” similar and a good Bottega dupe
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
lips | Christian Louboutin velvet matte lip color in rouge 001M (FAVE RED) -- similar in a matte liquid

photo credit: Steven Gunter

the theory silk combo midi dress

the mixed media midi = MMM

oh you know, just 7:30AM and iā€™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 letā€™s check out the rooftop! DINGx3! best idea ever. funny how it always works out right?! as a result iā€™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 youā€™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, iā€™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 itā€™s almost wrong. when i was shopping at @theory__ this dress didnā€™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 yā€™all. glad i did because i am OBSESSED. the length (even on short 5ā€™2ā€ me), the slit, the silk (again, donā€™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. iā€™ve never been to a fitting before (cue in all the excitement i tried to contain all week long, i still canā€™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! canā€™t wait to share. lastly, FALL is here officially. but not really, itā€™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 themā€¦ theyā€™re out already who am i kidding?! haha), put up my Christmas tree (i know, iā€™m getting crazy but itā€™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 ā€” similar but long sleeve and a shorter length // not related but LOVE this
jacket | BLANKNYC life changer moto jacket in black ā€” similar // similar but hooded // similar but suede // currently love this one
shoes | Madden Girl bella block heel sandal in black ā€” same shoe at DSW // similar at Target for $30 // similar but shorter heel
bag | DVF lytton clutch in black quilted leather (old) ā€” 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) ā€” similar and available in tons of colors! // similar but metal
sunglasses | Karen Walker number one sunglasses in black ā€” 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 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

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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

celebrating 33 years

howdy, 33!

this post is a tad late because i was too busy celebrating and stuffing my face last week. from dinners, lunches, brunch, snacks, sweet treats (LOTS), gifts, flowers, messages, etc... i have some pretty dang good people in my life. but really though, glad i took these photos before eating for 10 people... not joking. my thoughts (or more like ramblings) on turning 33 after the jump! 

THIS DRESS. i've always wanted a sparkly dress and this was a good first one because it is not full-on-sparkle. ALSO, it has a very pretty textured design to it which actually adds to the flattering fit. it is a little on the tighter side than what i normally wear, but what the heck, i'm 33. might as well; and hey nothing spanx can't fix! i love the long sleeve one shoulder and the fact that it is a midi that really hits at the right length (i'm 5'2" short). it makes the PERFECT NYE dress! this shoot was again one for the books, i mean look at that AUSTIN view -- looking good #ATX! oh, and my photographer, brandon, almost fell in the pool on this cold day, LOL. lastly, check out my instagram for a chance to WIN THIS DRESS! the giveways i've been running have been so fun, it feels so good to give something away for the holidays so i hope you'll join in! see ya next week, xx.

currently on my playlist: meant to be by Bebe Rexha ft. Georgia Line

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BUT hold up... wait a minute.. 33?! come on.. forealzzz? where the hell did three decades + three years go?!?! you know what's funny is when you ask and answer the question of where you see yourself in five years and then when you find yourself there, life looks completely different than you imagined five years ago. well, that's been my. whole. life. basically. it has never turned out as planned. like. nothing. (insert nervous laughter). so the best plan is to not have one; solid advice, i know. at least for life. everything that went "wrong" led me right here -- i have to say, it's a pretty good spot. i thought i'd be married -- maybe? have children -- possibly? am i anywhere near that? um...... no. my life is completely different from all my friends i grew up with; they have all seemed to move on with the typical life progression. there is no denying that our lives have become un-relatable and vice versa. no ones fault. but i guess my journey is just different and i can't help but to believe that there is beauty in that. or at least.. that's what i'm sticking to!

my friend sent this to me ages ago (thanks GF you know who you are), i frequently refer to it when i need some perspective: 

It takes six million grains of pollen to seed one peony, and salmon need a lifetime of swimming to find their way home, so we mustn't be alarmed or discouraged when it takes us years to find love or years to understand our calling in life.
Everything in nature is given some form of resilience by which it can rehearse finding its way, so that, when it does, it is practiced and ready to seize its moment. This includes us.
When things don't work out - when loves unexpectedly end or careers stop unfolding - it can be painful and sad, but refusing this larger picture keeps us from finding our resilience. Then, sadness can turn into discouragement, and pain can spoil into despair.
As the many grains of pollen birth the one flower and the many eggs spawned birth the one fish, each person we love and each dream we try to give life to brings us closer to the mystery of being alive. So, we must try as many times as necessary until our many loves become the one love, until our many dreams become the one dream, until heart and path feel the same. // the book of awakening

i have to remind myself this all the time, but i think it's really important to focus on the "things" that i have in my life and the things that are going right versus the things that i don't have or aren't going "right." sometimes you gotta put blinders on and not pay attention to anyone around you but yourself and the path ahead that is meant for you. one foot in front of the other, one day at a time. some days it can be hard, but other days it can be so gratifying. there is something to be said about going on a path completely alone, without any co-dependency, and no one to turn to at the end of the day except yourself. it sounds a little sad, but by golly, it makes you one hell of a strong person i tell ya. so cheers to the road less traveled, cheers to the little victories, & cheers to 33 -- i plan on crushin' it. xx 

dress c/o | Maggy London zipporah midi (TTS, wearing a size 2) 
shoes | Jimmy Choo abel pumps in black patent (old design) -- current design // similar 1 // similar 2
bag | DVF lytton clutch in black quilted leather (old) -- similar and $68 // similar 
earrings c/o | BaubleBar eve hoop earrings in white -- similar but with sequins // another great holiday option
sunglassesLe Specs air heart 51mm sunglasses in black & gold -- similar but more cat eye // similar but more rectangular (love these)
braceletVita Fede mini titan crystal bracelet in gold -- similar
lips Christian Louboutin velvet matte lip color in rouge 001M (FAVE RED) -- similar in a matte liquid
ringsGorjana amara ring set // Amanda Deer c/o CZ solitaire ring // Amanda Deer c/o CZ accents midi ring

#cantstopwontstop,
JD

photo credit: Brandon Hill
a post done in collaboration with Maggy London
dress provided by Maggy London, all opinions are my own.
special thanks to the Westin Austin Downtown for the backdrop!.