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

day to night in a LBD with Maggy London

warning: lots of pictures ahead.

as you may know, black is my FAVORITE color to wear. shall i count the reasons of why i love black?!: it goes with all colors... including MORE BLACK!, it makes you look slimming, it goes with my skin tone & hair, it is freaking classic. 

for this post, i teamed up with Maggy London to bring you the LBD one for the day (work wear, professional attire) and one for night (an evening out, date night) with tips on how to rock each. if you aren't familiar with Maggy London, they specialize in my favorite clothing item... DRESSES! their dresses range from casual, work wear, to dressy. there is something for everyone and not to mention they offer petite and curve sizing! #hooray! 

side happenings: i saw beauty & the beast! gah, it was so good!! they did such an amazing job making it match the animation! i think i'm still recovering from the go-go of SXSW but it was such an experience!! i cannot wait until next year. as always, thanks so much for stopping by. xoxo. 

currently on my playlist: you are the best thing by Ray LaMontagne

DAY

NIGHT

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DAY

keeping it professional with a full coverage dress (not low cut, below the knee length) with the daintiest contrasting bow detail. close toed pumps, a classic black work bag (tied scarf to add some classy-ness), studded earrings, and a 'my lips but better' lip color completed this workwear look. i also tried to channel my innter Jackie O with these oversized round sunglasses!

NIGHT

everyone LOVES this dress. i actually saw it on my gorgeous friend Michelle // @stylebeacon and had to have it! this makes a great event/date night dress because of the lace (front AND back), the cold shoulder detail, and the tighter fit (gulp!). honestly, this dress doesn't need much to make you stand out but i did add some red lips (you can't go wrong), a pair of strappy stiletto heels, and a minaudiere to polish it off. 

DAY

dress c/o | Maggy London the petite jackie midi in black (wearing a 4P for size reference) -- also available in regular sizing // avail in a curve midi // avail in navy // in red
shoes | Jimmy Choo abel pumps in black patent (old design) -- current design // similar // similar and custom!
bag | Henri Bendel uptown satchel in black with a twilly -- similar in a mini version 
earrings | Kendra Scott aston stud earrings in ivory
sunglasses | Prada round oversized sunglasses in black grey gradient -- similar by F21
watch | Michael Kors darci watch in gold (on sale!) -- avail in rose gold
bracelet | BaubleBar pearl taylor cuff (old) -- another great work option looks like David Yurman!
lipsMAC amplified creme lipstick in brick-o-la

NIGHT

dress c/oMaggy London eileen cold shoulder midi in black (wearing a 2R for size reference)
shoesLuLu's elsi single strap heels in black suede -- similar // similar with a stacked heel at Target
bag | DVF lytton clutch in black quilted leather (old) -- similar // similar but round & velvet
earrings | Kendra Scott quincy delicate earrings in crackle crystal (old) -- similar
sunglassesCeline caty sunglasses in black -- similar in tortoise
watchMichael Kors darci watch in gold (on sale!) -- 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 
lipsChristian Louboutin velvet matte lip color in rouge 001M -- similar in a matte liquid

rock the LBD,
JD

photo credit: Brandon Hill
a post done in collaboration with Maggy London. 
dresses provided by Maggy London, all opinions are my own. 

an austin blogger galentine's day

february. the month of L<3VE.

excited to share this galentine's photoshoot with y'all! if you're looking for some valentine's day inspo, look no further. these Austin bloggers have you covered from head to toe (that's how we ROLL). i love how each gal brings something different to the table in terms of personality and fashion. i admire all these ladies and blessed to call them my friends. though i've only known them a few months, i have a feeling it is just the beginning of some great and much needed friendships in my life. if you told me two years ago that i would get to shoot something like this with some fabulous bloggers, i would have totally laughed. chyeaaaa rightttt.. ! this brings me to one of Michelle's // @stylebeacon quote i read on her page, "Be patient. You never know whatā€™s on the horizon and life can surprise you in many beautiful ways. #beaconisms"

for this i choose to go non-traditional with a black mesh wide leg jumpsuit. i can't stress how much a jumpsuit always wins. the only one-piece power suit you need to feel super confident. the mesh detail adds a little something and i added some pops of red lips, nails and some statement hoops!

lastly, single or taken this valentine's day -- remember that it's all about that #selflove. 
one of my blogger friends Amber // @everyonceinastyle wrote this post on how to be single during the holidays but it really applies everyday. all my single ladies must check it out!

currently on my playlist: i hope you dance by Lee Ann Womack

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the beatles. blogger style. i say a pretty good shot despite tripping and being flashed at by a stranger. (true story).

red & black. @jesskatt123 // @stylebeacon // JD // @daniaustin // @theautumngirl_

Hilary // byhilaryrose.com

Hilary is blogger i followed way back in the day. at an event last year, i went up to say hi to her (i'm shy btw). she recognized me and introduced me to all her blogger friends; the rest is history! #thankfulforher. i am a fan of her affordable style (i want everything in her closet) and her happy go lucky personality which is totally infectious! i may be buying that hot pink dress soonā€¦!

pink dress | ASOS cold shoulder with ruffle in pink
lilac dressElizabeth and James leonie dress from Rent the Runway
necklace | Kendra Scott isabella choker necklace in ivory zellige
clutch | Diane von Furstenberg evil eye miniaudiere from Rent the Runway
shoes | Steve Madden carrson sandal in sand suede

Haylee // itsmehaylee.com

Haylee is the queen of makeup & hair, andā€¦ not to mention, she knows how to work the camera (please teach me your ways Haylee!!). i love how she took a mauve bodycon dress and layered it with a lace cami! and that lip colorā€¦ i know i can't rock that!

dress | Charlotte Russe crushed velvet wrap dress -- similar
top | boohoo lace high neck -- similar
earrings | similar 1 // similar 2
clutch | similar 1 // similar 2
shoes | similar 1 // similar 2
lips | NYX liquid suede cream lipstick in sway
eyes | MAC eyeshadow palette in purple times nine

Dani // thedaniaustin.com

Dani is the cutest thing! you should see her instastories! i love how she went with a burgundy one shoulder dress with pink lace up heels and dressed it up with a classy statement clutch. i know, aren't those earrings so pretty on her? i might have bought some. gosh, these blogger friends..! 

dress | Sincerely Jules everly one shoulder cotton dress in burgundy
earrings | BaubleBar crispin drops in light pink
shoes | Steve Madden christey wrap around ankle tie sandal in light pink
clutch | YSL monogram quilted envelope clutch in black
watch | Michele deco diamond dial two tone watch

Michelle // stylebeacon.com

Michelle is the business-boss lady of the bunch and such an easy person to talk to. i feel like I can talk to her about anything. Michelle's dress is a dream. she is rocking the off the shoulder with a drop peplum-ish hem. plus, she is perfect in each frame. #iwishiwas.

dress | For Love & Lemons clemence off shoulder dress in tiramisu
shoes | Elaine Turner juliet in black suede
earrings | Kendra Scott danielle filigree
clutch | Elaine Turner hazel quilted foldover clutch in black

Kaley // myclosetlife.com

there is a never a dull moment with Kaley. Kaley makes me laugh until it hurts and i love her for that! forget needing to work out them abs when you're hanging out with her! #itslikeaworkout. she adds life to each party and knows no stranger. Kaley adds her own style to this ballerina dress with a silk scarf and some black lace ups!

dress | free people ballet punk set 
scarf | Vintage find in Lebanon! -- similar 1 // similar 2

 Meg // theautumngirl.com

this is Meg's first pleated skirt. #notthelast. i cannot tell you how happy that makes me! i love how she went with a mini and paired it with a sexy white blouse (i may need this too!). she coordinated this whole shoot, thanks so much girl! 

top | ASOS clean pajama blouse with pocket detail in ivory
skirt | boohoo metallic pleated mini in red
earrings | gorjana kelsi ear jackets
necklace | similar
bag | Kelly Wynne halo in polynesian pearl
shoes | Sam Edelman yardley in camel suede

Jess // uptownfashionbyjess.com

Jess is a stylist so she always keeps up with the latest! i am so thankful she didn't leave me in the dark and wore black with me #nopunintended. but her maxi is so valentine appropriate because of the roses and the movement on that dress is just magical!

dress | Lovers & Friends golden ray maxi in rose print
earrings | Kendra Scott alex earrings in black
shoes | similar

jumpsuit | BCBG Generation mesh panel jumpsuit in black -- similar with cut outs // similar and avail in red // similar with a cold shoulder // similar with lace long sleeves
earrings | BaubleBar dianne hoops
bag | Chanel boy wallet on chain in red caviar leather -- similar
shoes | Michael Kors carla sandal in black (old) -- similar 1 // similar 2
bracelet c/o The PeachBox roman empress bangle in gold
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 (sold out) -- similar
lips | Christian Louboutin velvet matte lip color in rouge 001M -- similar in a matte liquid
nails | Smith & Cult polish in kundalini hustle

happy GALENTINES DAY!,
JD

photo credit: Brandon Hill
venue: Fall Creek Vineyards in Driftwood
balloons c/o: The Balloon Bar

the mesh pencil dress

helloooooo 2017!

2016 really flew by, it's been good but i'm soooo ready for 2017 -- i have a feeling it's going to be a great! actually, i'm going to make it #PHENOMENAL and i hope you do too! what a year it has been for this blog, it's taken me to "places" i never thought i would be in and connected me to people i never thought i would meet. every step along the way has been a bit unfamiliar, but that is when i know i'm on the right path. 

hilarious story about this mesh dress. um, the lining isn't sewn all the way down on the inside. more than halfway through these photos, my photographer was like "why is it see through from your thighs down? is it supposed to be like that?" ha!! uh. no. #wardrobemishap so i laughed at myself hysterically for a good five minutes, pulled the inside slip all the way down and continued on. just another one to add to the list of "blogging incidents" along with the one where i fell backwards and landed on my butt, or the one where my stiletto got stuck in a crack and i went flying out of my shoe. 

lastly, it's been since high school that i've worn some hoop earrings. i really like the way the hoops face on these (if that makes sense) and the subtle amount of sparkle that make them classy statement earrings sure to earn compliments! 

currently on my playlist: the fighter by Keith Urban ft. Carrie Underwood

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dress | ASOS Warehouse premium mesh pencil dress in neutral (runs small so size up) -- similar in lace with sleeves // similar with peplum hem
shoesStuart Weitzman nudistsong in adobe patent (comes in different widths too!) -- similar / similar 
bag | ASOS New Look round clutch in gold (sold out) -- similar by Kelly Wynne // similar but rectangular 
earrings | BaubleBar dianne hoops 
sunglasses | Prada 52mm cat eye sunglasses in black with gold via ditto.com (use code JANNADOANXOXO to receive your first month free!) 
bracelet | Vita Fede mini titan crystal bracelet in gold -- similar by Vince Camuto and only $58!
rings | Gorjana amara ring set // Etsy stacking & midi rings // Gorjana candice CZ ring // BaubleBar ice chevron midi ring (sold out) -- similar
lips | Christian Louboutin velvet matte lip color in rouge louboutin 001M -- similar lip stain by Sephora in 01 always red
nailsessie gel couture in pre snow jitters

cheers to 2017,
JD

current lemmings -- september lips & accessories

01 | Yves Saint Laurent rouge pur couture kiss & love collector's edition in le neu (limited edition) -- these have the cutest lip imprints on the side of the lipstick, it's seriously sooo cute and a complete marketing ploy that i am falling for. but i did try this on, for a non-nude lip person it actually looked good! it also has a very fruity scent to it, the sales rep mentioned that the scent was due to the mango ingredient in it. the collection consists of four colors total ranging from: red, red-orange, fuchsia, and nude. however, Sephora has their own limited edition in a black-red color which also looks very interesting and perfect for fall. 

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02 | Sephora Collection cream lip stain in 03 strawberry kissed -- i've seen a few youtube videos of Alix of @icovetthee and she is obsessed with these lip stains from Sephora. although the formulation is creamy, it seems to dry to a beautiful finish. strawberry kissed is described as a matte bright pinky red. Alix has also wears the color 01 always red (matte bold classic red) and that looks stunning on her as well!
03 | Christian Louboutin Beaute velvet matte lip color in louboutin rouge -- yes, i know this is $90 and that is an insane amount to spend on a lipstick. since it's release on 09/01, i have been seeing tons pictures on instagram, and wow... this color is beautiful. the rouge is like a blue-based red which is very flattering for my skintone. it comes in three different finishes: sheer voile, silky satin, and velvet matte. i've really come to like matte lipsticks and i am curious about this one. another color i'd also get (if i had a money tree) is bengali in the silky satin finish. see the rouge swatches in all three finishes on @thebeautylookbook and a youtube video of different colors and finishes by @raeview.
04 | BaubleBar pearl pin up drop earrings -- really liking these new earrings from BaubleBar. i am a huge pearl girl and love how they mixed a classic pearl into a fringe-y edgy earring. ok, i confess these are in my shopping cart right now. love the way @esther_bbswat be rockin' them! 
05 | Daniel Wellington dapper st. mawes leather strap watch 38mm -- when the first wave of DW watches came surfacing on instagram, i liked the minimal design, but didn't think it was a stand out watch. however, this new design got me like WHOA. if you read this blog, you know i am obsessed with roman numerals and blue dials. this watch is perfect for me and would be a change from my normal metal chainlink watches. this has been added to my wish list... someday one day DW you'll be mine! the best thing is that these are uni-sex, so you and your man/sister/BFF can get a pair and be all matchy matchy!
06 | Forever21 frayed two stripe scarf in charcoal/grey -- officially, yes it is technically fall. but not here in TEXAS. it is still hot as heck. but when it gets a tad bit cool (probably won't be until the end of October, boo.) i will be rocking this. love the fact that it is almost a square shape, so perfect for those days you want that handkerchief scarf look. 
07 | Stuart Weitzman nudistsong ankle strap sandal in sapphire suede -- the original nudist strap sandals are extremely minimal and classy. the only downside for me was the height (4 1/2"), i actually ordered and returned them once because they were so high, i have no idea how women walk in them without toppling over. not. for. me. however, i'm really glad to see the nudistsong in a shorter length,  3 3/4" and available in a variety of pretty colors, and widths. 
08 | Topshop noodle mid-sandals in black suede -- i LOVE block heel anything, mainly because of comfort, they make wearing heels less painful not to mention my feet are completely untrained. this block heel is 2.5" and i love the minimal sandal strap design. a great casual alternative to ankle strap stilettos.