the summer leopard print midi skirt

summertime leopard.

when you find the BEST lighting everything else is effortless. it’s all about the lighting!

there is no lie. i’m a total skirt gal. i will admit that my skirt collection is a little insane. i own more skirts than i do pants & jeans combined! haha, and let’s not even get into how many pleated midi skirts i have #gulp. usually i associate animal print with more of a fall trend but when i came across this skirt it was summertime appropriate being blush and the leopard print is actually very subtle. into the basket it went. lately i’ve taken a liking to the pull on bias midi style, this one is a zipper closure but remains timeless. the material is a little thin and you can see the liner through it but doesn’t bother me. i styled it here with my fave tee for an everyday casual wear. the skirt is TTS, and actually high waisted so great parings for crop tops as well.

lastly, the utility jacket is probably my most worn jacket. great for when i (might) need a light layer and have no time to think about what i’m grabbing when i walk out the door. the best part is the pockets and so it’s my must have when i travel (and my movie jacket, haha, you have one don’t you!?). style tip: try a cognac waist belt on top of the jacket! what do ya think? with jacket or without?

#nsale: the. @nordstrom. sale gets its own little section. i wasn’t super impressed this year and everything sold out REAL FAST. currently only open to cardholders until 07/18 and everyone else on 07/19-08/04. everything goes back to regular price on 08/05. i’m sure they will restock but here are my slim-picking-picks with TOP 5 to make it easy: RAILS collins military jacket // FRAME le high waist skinny jeans // Caslon camo utility jacket // TOPSHOP funnel neck top // BP lace trim cami

side ramblings: thanks for all the well-wishes! last week was pretty low-key and i ended up having to decline a few events. taking it easy on food when really all i wanna eat is… like. everything. shamu-appetite is on pause for now. i finally watched To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before and for being a teen novel it was actually way too cute and i unexpectedly enjoyed it more than Always Be My Maybe! Lara J actually reminds me of myself in some ways :D lastly, @senreve is offering a pretty BIG gift with purchase worth mentioning: a complimentary Senreve bracelet pouch (valued at $145) if you spend over $500 and a complimentary Senreve envelope clutch (valued at $245) if you spend over $1,100. you can read more & see how i’ve styled my favorite bag from them — the mini maestra here. definitely a great time to pick up a bag if you were debating it & you should do a happy dance in your seat because i’m giving you my referral link to receive $50 off your purchase (and i get $50 so we all are winning) #shamelessadvertising

currently on my playlist: electricity by Dua Lipa & Silk City ft. Diplo & Mark Ronson

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top | Everlane cotton v-neck in white (wearing size small) — similar but over-sized (size down on this one) // similar but a crew neck
jacket | H&M utility jacket (ancient) — similar by Madewell // similar by Gap // love this camo one from the #nsale
skirt | Lucy Paris katia leopard print midi skirt in blush (wearing size small) — similar // similar by Leith // similar but a bias midi fit
shoes | Shein cut out slides in cognac (old) — love these metallic ones! // similar by Steve Madden // similar by Target // similar Hermes dupe // similar but a crossband
bag | J.Crew mini bucket bag in natural vachetta (old) — similar by J.Crew Factory and on sale! // similar but perforated // the OG by Mansur Gavriel // similar for $70 // similar by Cuyana
earrings | Kendra Scott emmett matte statement earrings in white — similar in metal // similar but mixed
necklace | Anthropologie monogram pendant necklace
sunglasses | Celine marta sunglasses in havana (my fave sunnies!) — newer design // love these for $99
rings | Gorjana amara ring set // Amanda Deer c/o CZ solitaire ring // Amanda Deer c/o CZ accents midi ring
watch | Michael Kors darci watch in gold

rock all the skirts,
JD

photo credit: Steven Gunter

the eyelet wrap dress

eyelet + ruffles.

while i’m such a fall/winter gal at heart, i love all the spring texture and prints. from floral to gingham print. to seersucker and eyelet. i try not to buy more eyelet (especially in white since the #LWD collection is growing fast) but each time spring creeps around, i can’t help it. i love the texture of eyelet and it’s great for those casual spring/summer days, a brunch, a picnic, a day date to a local winery. throw on some flat cognac sandals for comfort and you got yourself chic in 5 mins. bonus points if you add a boater hat and a straw bag! this dress has a pretty good wrap to it so you won’t have to worry about flashing anyone on a windy day, and it also helps that it’s a midi length as well. but two gripes about this dress: the top a tad big, but that’s my usual problem with wrap dresses, even when sizing down it’s still a little big AND wish it had pockets. but the ruffle detail and no-skimping on the bow/sash material makes up for it.

side ramblings: FINALLY! the @sprinklescupcakes lemon meringue cupcake is hereeee!! come to mama!! well, until 4/28. it’s my fave seasonal one so you should def give it a try! also, a real quick word on the @kendrascott Give Confidence jewelry trade in program that runs until 4/30: bring in any gently worn Kendra Scott jewelry to a KS store, and in partnership with Dress for Success, KS will donate this piece to a woman who deserves a little extra sparkle! in return, you will receive $15 off any purchase. just a good way to find a home for pieces you aren’t currently wearing. LASTLY, the @sephora spring bonus sale starts on 4/26 for ROUGE members and 5/2 for everyone else (20% off for ROUGE, 15% off for VIB, and 10% off for insiders). GET YO CARTS READY. haha. mine is because i’m a skincare nerd and one of my money saving tips is to never buy skincare or beauty products at regular price. wait til a sale and stock/try new things! sharing my list soon. until next time, xx.

currently on my playlist: sideways by Citzen Cope

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the zebra print skirt

oh hello zebra print.

animal print is SO IN right now especially in the midi skirt style. which you know it means i’m ALL IN. y’all, the midi is MY JAM!! while i’m not a huge animal print lover, i’m really drawn to all the new midi satin/flowy styles coming out — slightly fitted a top with a small flare at the bottom. now i’m mainly a pleated midi fan, but i am loving these new types of skirts because they’re less dressier = more plain which isn’t a bad thing at all! these types of skirts can be worn both casually and dressy. i thought i’d venture out from my go-to animal print (leopard print) to zebra print. no regrets! unfortunately this skirt isn’t lined and it is a pull on style but they weren’t a deal breaker. here are a few quick tips on wearing these midi flowy skirts:

  • casual style: with a tee, button down knotted in the front, or a slouchy sweater and white sneakers

  • dressy style: off the shoulder top/one shoulder and chunky heels; i can even see a bodysuit too

  • always tuck or front tuck the top into these skirts to really show off that waistline and polish your look

  • go for a high waisted skirt to accentuate that waistline and it goes with the classy style of the skirt

  • drape with a moto jacket or denim jacket

and yes, there are sales associates in the store laughing at me. haha, a day in life of JD. seriously, the things i do for the GRAM. it’s nuts. not to mention all the embarrassing stories that have happened :D but i’ve learned that the best way to overcome all that is to LAUGH! i used to be more self conscious about taking photos in public but now i don’t care as much. over the years i’ve gained the confidence to “work the camera” and lemme tell you it ain’t easy. it’s no biggie with people walking, people laughing and whistling, cars driving by, people honking haha. #goodtimes but seriously, props to real models.

currently on my playlist: save room by John Legend (taking it back old school to one of my faves by JL)

i look cold. oh, it’s because i AM, it was 40F!!!

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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 cobalt blue midi skirt & black lace

happy early valentine's day! <3

this is my take on a non-traditional valentine's day look. instead of red/pink i went with cobalt + black lace. instead of romantic curls, i went with straight sleek hair (well, as straight as my natural hair gets without brushing it. LOL, i don't own or brush my hair). but i did go with fun splashes of hot pink with my nails and lips! despite the lighting struggle, i loved how it turned out. y'all know how much i love midi skirts, this is just another fantastic one with pockets to add to my wardrobe. and my lip bracelet from BaubleBar?! i mean how could i pass up the opportunity to wear that cute thing?

my other picks for a v-day look:

currently on my playlist: love yourself by Justin Bieber
because it's all about that #selflove <3

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top | LOFT lace mock neck top in black (sold out) -- similar / similar / similar with long sleeves / similar
skirt | SheIn flared midi skirt in blue (there is no stretch with this material, runs small, size up)
shoes | LuLu's elsi single strap heels in black suede -- similar by Steve Madden stecy
bag | CHANEL 2.55 classic double flap bag in black lambskin -- similar by Tory Burch / dupe from F21 / cute quilted clutch / in tweed
sunglasses | Prada round oversized sunglasses in black (love the simple sides on these over the baroque design)
earrings | Kendra Scott tessa studs in clear crystal (love these studs, i also have them in iridescent drusy which is a neutral sparkly gemstone!)
watch | Michael Kors darci watch in gold (favorite MK watch that is lightweight and has a flat face)  -- also loving the new one with a blue face!
bracelet | BaubleBar lippy bracelet -- similar
rings | Wanderlust + Co loop ring in rose gold from rocksbox (get one month for FREE using code "jannadoanxoxo") / Kendra Scott cora cocktail ring in cobalt / Etsy stacking & midi rings
lips | Christian Louboutin velvet matte lip color in bengali 100M (a great matte hot pink) 
nails | essie nail polish in watermelon

rock the vday look,
JD

the bow blouse & midi skirt

when in doubt, put a bow on it. (a big grey one)

i've worn this skirt earlier this year with a cream top and pearls. this time i decided to pair it with a grey long sleeve blouse with a HUGE bow on the side. this top also looks great with all types of skirts and skinny jeans (plus blazer) as well. it was actually quite cold this day so the faux fur stole came in handy for a few shots, i usually think stoles look better styled on jackets vs. wearing it plain, but it turned out alright here. might i add, this is a perfect holiday look with some red lipstick!

currently on my playlist: Let it go -- James Bay

added a faux fur stole for fun! plus it was freezing! 

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top | chicwish kiss me bow top in grey (sold out) -- also available in mustard and pink
skirt | H&M textured midi skirt in black (old) -- similar in satin RED!  / similar in burgundy / similar in black striped mesh
stole | ASOS faux fur stole in cream (old) -- similar from Sole Society / similar / similar in black
shoes | Jimmy Choos abel pump in black patent -- similar by Ivanka Trump
bag | DVF lytton clutch in black quilted leather (old) -- similar in gold and on sale / in emerald / in black
sunglasses | Prada round oversized sunglasses in black (love the simple sides on these over the baroque design)
earrings | ASOS big faux pearl and stone swing earrings (old) -- similar 
rings | BaubleBar arrow wrap ring / BaubleBar pave eternity ring in gold / BaubleBar gemini pearl ring / BaubleBar ice chevron midi ring (sold out) -- similar / Etsy stacking & midi rings
lips | Tom Ford lip color in casablanca

rock the bow, faux fur stole and all,
JD

the white floral midi skirt & crop top

all white. after labor day. oops. #sorrynotsorry

well... there is no doubt that this outfit is completely out of season. but i couldn't resist! this is my first piece from Chicwish and i'm pretty happy with it. they have sooo many midi skirts, it was hard to pick one. i ended up with this one because i liked the blue floral print and... ding ding ding you guessed it, it also has pockets! one down side i will note is that the skirt is a little noisy when you move/walk around due to the liner/material it is made of (not the highest quality). the high-waisted fit went really well with this crop top and i decided on gold accessories and my cobalt earring/ring set to bring out the blue floral print. as my photographer said, "yep, that's blog-y." :)   

twirling is hard work. but someone's gotta do it. 

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top | Topshop high neck wrap crop top in white (also available in black)
skirt | Chicwish blue floral pleated midi skirt 
shoes | Manolo Blahnik BB pump in nude patent
bag | Kate Landry pyramid metal hardframe clutch (old) -- also really liking the Rebecca Minkoff hex miniaudiere in gold caviar (and on sale!) 
earrings | Kendra Scott delilah geometric drop earrings in cobalt (old collection) -- similar from the classic collection
bracelet | Etsy pave link bracelet -- similar BaubleBar pave links
rings | Kendra Scott cora cocktail ring in cobalt / Etsy stacking & midi rings
lips | Tom Ford lip color in casablanca (like my natural lips, but better)
nails | essie cashmere matte nail polish in wrap me up

rock the white -- even after labor day,
JD