the Michael Stars LBD two ways

March 7, 2022

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. i’m shocked i haven’t added more of their pieces to my wardrobe — i’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 isn’t my number one pick, but with black, you can’t really tell. don’t get me wrong, ribbed is fun because it adds texture but it’s a more “casual texture” 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, it’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 it’s finally ready for pick up. gasp, i know. it feels a little risky… you know purchasing something huge that i don’t really need, esp during this time. i feel nervous, yet excited at the same time. usually that means you’re doing life right, right?!? well, either way…. it’s happening! i’m all about working hard to making things happen; and i hope you are too. 👊 #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 i’m freezing. it’s because I AM. **#allforthegram** 🤣

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) — same from Evereve // same from Nordstrom // same from REVOLVE // similar but square neck // similar but sleeveless
jacket | Old Navy jean jacket (so old) — similar // similar but darker // love the Madwell one
boots | MANGO high heel boots in black (old) — similar 1 // similar 2
sneaks | Keds ace leather sneakers in white — also love the Superga’s
bag | Louis Vuitton neverfull medium MM tote in monogram
sunglasses | Ray Ban original aviator 58mm RB3025 in black — similar for $13
watch | Michele 29 mm deco diamond watch in gold and silver

rock all the Michael Stars!,
JD

photo credit: @wanderlustanita

the navy sheath dress

November 25, 2019

for the love of navy.

it feels so good to be working with brands again! my OG brand i love working with, @maggylondon sent me a few dresses — two work dresses and one holiday dress i can’t wait to share but they are all GEMS. this is the Jay Sheath dress and of course i gravitate towards it because its navy. but the elbow length sleeves and the subtle yet classy detail of the pleats along with the highER-neck are A+++. for sizing reference i’m wearing a 0, so sized down in this one. i’m 5’2” and fluctuate from 115-120 lbs. it’s a really nice fitted dress (not too tight or loose) to add to my work wardrobe and especially on a day when i want some sleeve coverage that isn’t necessarily a long sleeve. here i paired it with nude pumps, but for a pop of color i’d even go with white or fuchsia or leopard print. it’s one of those dresses you can put on and feel completely put together (even when that may not be the case haha).

side ramblings: GUESS WHAT?! i’m hosting a holiday party with @phlur!! phlur is a clean-based fragrance in ATX and i’ve tried all their fragrances, my fave is Ameline. click here to RSVP for Saturday, 12/07/2019 from 3-5PM & come by and say HOWDY! as an introvert, you must know i’m nervous yet excited at the same time! on another note, life has been insane lately. i landed a gig that i’ve waited months and months for!! when the time is right, i’ll get to sharing :D on another note, i’ve been photographing people more and gosh it has been so fun. i’ve always been a creative behind the camera and it’s something i really enjoy doing! can’t wait to share some shots from yesterday’s shoot with @herfashionedlife. i hope you enjoy your thanksgiving & quality time with family (i know i will!). not sure if i’ll do a black friday sale round-up but we shall see! if not, see you next week as we enter… #birthdaymonth!!!

currently on my playlist: higher love by Kygo & Whitney Houston

dress c/o | Maggy London jay sheath dress in navy (wearing size 0, use code “SHIPFREEJD” for free overnight shipping until 12/04) — similar but colorblocked! // similar but short puff sleeve & tie neck detail // similar but v-neck
bag | Louis Vuitton medium neverfull in monogram canvas
shoes | Manolo Blahnik BB pump in nude patent — similar by Ann Taylor // similar by Sam Edelman
earrings c/o | Kendra Scott colette hoop earrings in gold (winter 2019 collection, light as a feather!!, been wearing them non-stop!) — similar but in a fun design // more dainty with some sparkle!
sunglasses | Celine tilda sunglasses in dark tortoise (old) — a more updated version // amazon knock off for $15
rings | Gorjana amara ring set
bracelet | Vita Fede mini titan crystal bracelet in gold
watch | Michael Kors darci watch in gold

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

athleisure in my favorite workout pants

February 26, 2018

athleisure all day evrrrdayyy.

let's face it, we all LOVE athleisure (even men). sometimes it's all about comfort for the to-and-from, ya know?! athleisure is a common term these days, even my brother-in-law knows what it is! living in a city that is considered pretty fit, it's no surprise that this is what you'll find me in on the weekends. actually, if i could just wear this every day i'd be one happy gal! #littlethingsinlife. here's the only thing you need to know about this post: these pants are my FAVE. the compression, the high-rise (insert all the yasssss), the not-so thick, not too thin material, buttery soft (i didn't think i'd ever describe a pair of pants this way), moisture wicking, super soft, the only thing missing is some side pockets, but they just came out with a new pair with pockets and you know i'm gonna get me one! trust me, i won't steer you wrong.

side ramblings: i wasn't sure of what kind of response i would receive (if any), from my last post on dating tips/tidbits, but WOW. i was blown away from all the comments, texts, messages, and shout outs. thank you so much, it means more than you know. sitting behind a screen writing posts on fashion sometimes i wonder if i'm making that much of an impact when it comes to inspiring women to dress and feel their best to exude all that confidence, but when i can write something that is immediately relate-able and resonates with others, i feel like i've hit gold. because in the end that's all we really want right? just to make a tiny difference in this big world. see y'all. xx

currently on my playlist: sweet dreams by Andra & Mara

laughing at myself & looking the other way because people were laughing at me. what's new?!

athleisure in my favorite workout pants -- jannadoan.com

when steven makes you climb some rusted stairs and sit on it... :D

top | Shein space dye flounce tee with peplum hem light in apricot (avail in four colors, wearing size small) -- similar but striped
vest | lululemon fluff off vest (old) -- similar
bottoms | Athleta salutation 7/8 tight in black (wearing size xs regular, fits as a full length tight on a 5'2" person without hemming) -- same but a full length tight // same but capri length // same with pockets (need these!) // same with mesh details
shoes | Nike flyknit unisex racers in oreo (wearing men's) -- similar in women's
bag | Louis Vuitton pouchette metis in damier canvas -- similar by Rebecca Minkoff
sunglasses | Celine caty sunglasses in black -- similar
earrings c/o | BaubleBar mini criselda ball drop earrings in pink (currently on sale for $22) -- same but full-size
necklace | etsy monogram necklace in dearest daddy initials (1.25" and 20" chain) -- similar by BaubleBar // similar in acrylic
rings | Gorjana amara ring set // Amanda Deer c/o CZ solitaire ring // Amanda Deer c/o CZ accents midi ring

rock all the athleisure,
JD

photo credit: Steven Gunter

mustard & leopard print

January 22, 2018

for the love of mustard. (the color).

because i am actually not a huge mustard fan UNLESS i'm eating a corn dog. somehow it always comes back to food for me. i digress. documenting my first mustard colored item to the JDC closet. it's a REALLY WARM sweater and NOT itchy, so that's a good start. the side tie detail really sells it for me, just a small like cinch on the side makes it a not-so-regular-sweater. and the shoes. i've wanted some slip on mules pretty bad lately, mainly because how easy and comfy they look. i decided i perhaps needed a printed one.

side ramblings: so the YouTube thing is not as easy as i thought it would be, i know, #shocker. just press a button and record. uh no. so many things to consider, esp lighting, time of day, set-up, and sound. anyways, chugging along at that, you should see the bloopers. not sure if YouTube will be my thing but i'm up for the challenge. also, the @KendraScott spring 2018 collection released last wednesday! i am such a fan of the photography behind the collection!! i was lucky enough to receive some pieces from it and cannot wait to wear them out! pieces that were sent to me revealed via an unboxing on instastories were the: nettie statement necklace, the betty stud earrings, and the tiana pinch bracelets (perfect for small wrists!). other noteables that i am eyeing include: the diana statement earrings in blush pearl (also in gold if you're not into gems), the kitty statement earrings in blush mix (pretty ombre pattern!).

currently on my playlist: Dreamer by Axwell

mustard & leopard print -- jannadoan.com

top | LOFT Lou & Grey ribbed tie sweater in golden ember -- similar but longer by Free People and on sale // similar and $20 // similar but round neck
denim | Hudson Jeans nico mid-rise skinny jean in abbey wash (old) -- similar // love these by Citizens of Humanity // similar and $64
bag | Louis Vuitton pouchette metis in damier canvas -- similar by Rebecca Minkoff
shoes | Steve by Steve Madden valente mules in leopard print -- same shoe on sale for $70 // similar in black // similar by Kristin Cavallari
earrings c/o | Red Dress Boutique statement earrings in ivory (old) -- similar by BaubleBar
necklace c/o | gorjana chloe mini necklace in gold -- choker version
sunglasses | Celine havana sunglasses in tortoise -- similar // similar and on sale for $90
rings | Gorjana amara ring set // Amanda Deer c/o CZ solitaire ring // Amanda Deer c/o CZ accents midi ring

photo credit: Brandon Hill

blush & burgundy

January 4, 2018

hello 2 0 1 8 !

ah here we are, first post of the new year so you know i had to go with a pleated midi skirt. :D in case you're new around here, i own probably eight pleated midi skirts. no joke. i LOVE them and they're actually my best selling item; so chic, so feminine -- SO ME. here's a throwback to my most hit page last year: the lace crop top & blush pleated midi skirt (actually.. it's pretty funny how i shot this current post at the same location...). let's talk about this color combo, blush (pulls more towards the nude side) + burgundy? #digginit. never thought to mix the two together, but love the two contrasting colors together and that little bell sleeve of the sweater really brings it all together.

side ramblings: 2018 is gonna be hard to top since 2017 was such a good year for me, i mean... i bought a freaking house #adultstatus!! i finally marked New York Fashion Week #NYFW off my bucket list. more importantly, as a person, i started to say no to more things i should have said no to in the past because i didn't want to be mean. on the flip side i also said HELL YES to things that i would normally be afraid to do. i started to carefully evaluate how my time was spent -- what i was doing and who i was spending it with. i started to draw boundaries when they were overstepped. i started to tolerate less BS. more than ever, i started to do so much for MYSELF -- if i wanted to go see or do something, i wouldn't wait around for anyone's schedule to align to go with me, i'd go alone, i'd eat alone. i've come to embrace the entity that is ME. cheers to 2018. the best is yet to come.

currently on my playlist: new rules by Dua Lipa

top | Banana Republic merino wide sleeve boat neck in burgundy (TTS, goes in and out of stock) -- similar // similar by LOFT
skirt | ZARA accordion pleated midi skirt in blush (old) -- similar // similar with a slit // similar but velvet and $23 // similar but maxi length
bag | Louis Vuitton pouchette metis in damier canvas -- similar by Rebecca Minkoff
shoes | Manolo Blahnik BB pump in nude patent -- similar by Sam Edelman // similar by Ann Taylor
rings | Gorjana amara ring set // Amanda Deer c/o CZ solitaire ring // Amanda Deer c/o CZ accents midi ring

rock the pleated skirt,
JD

photo credit: Brandon Hill

#2017bestnine

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.

the striped short bell sleeve dress

August 14, 2017

workwear with a little bit of flare.

sometimes it's hard to incorporate trendy fashion into workwear. but when it's subtle and it works... i go for it! this one is a pretty good example of a regular shift dress with a short bell sleeve flare to it #nopunintended. ha. while bell sleeves have been "in" for the past year, the long bell sleeve isn't really that practical for work, i can only imagine typing with them, that would drive me nuts. anyways, this was a good option! yes, sorry it is sold out but i've linked some similar options below. #bloggerproblems

these block heels are definitely one of my favorite ones i own. while they are a tad high for my taste but the strap across the toes is pretty soft -- i have debated other colors. not sure if i've mentioned this -- but i feel like Ann Taylor makes some pretty comfortable quality shoes for the price? they do. debating these pretty lace up ones in blush!

side ramblings: last week, the @kendrascott fall 2017 collection released that is inspired by Kendra's travels to Italy -- the lookbook for this collection is stunning and yet again i make mental notes about how old i'm getting and how i need to get out there one day! i digress. see all the pieces here. i cannot wait to style the lucielle y necklace & the blithe cocktail ring! other stand out pieces from the collection: the iris statement bracelet & the daria statement earrings. my blogger babe, Ela @theelaedition makes a comeback to the blogging world! she opens up about what bloggers struggle with, including some thoughts that have crossed my mind. Kimberly, @littlebittyinthecity talks about rejection which i can absolutely relate to, we all can. lastly, i saw Girl's Trip this past weekend... HILARIOUS!! i couldn't stop laughing!! #muchneeded.