the nordstrom anniversary sale & a life update

HOWDY! would i even be an influencer if i didn’t post about the #nsale?

i’m sure you’ve heard of it, or over it by now, but it’s that time of the year for the @nordstrom anniversary sale! every year i browse this sale, i always tell myself i don’t need a single thing. and i don’t. but i always end up purchasing something/a few things. it’s almost inevitable. plus i had a couple of gift cards to spend #excuses. it’s a great time to gear up for fall (which seems crazy to be looking/trying on sweaters right now in this TX heat). but nonetheless, i ended up purchasing a couple of items and sharing them below along with things i’d get if i had a money tree.

these skinny jeans are perfect for work!

side ramblings: where to even begin with #lifelately? let’s start with food. i’m better with food and bullet points to highlight the latest.

EAT

  • @jjimBBQ: new-ish restaurant that i highly recommend. get the short ribs, seafood pancake, and the jap chae with portabella mushrooms

  • @gyukaku: japanese BBQ. this is fun food outing since you get to grill your own meats. there are LOTS of options!! the toro beef was my fave!

  • @uchiko: re-visited an old favorite that is always straight up solid. pro tip: always go for social hour, everyday from 4-6:30PM

  • @modernmarket: smoked salmon keto bowl goodness.

  • @phowithus: my go-to pho place down south. i also love the shaken beef and the matcha thai tea!

DRINK

  • @drinkmayawell: ATX based pre-biotic soda. i enjoyed the pear lime and can’t wait to try other flavors

  • @intelligentsiacoffee: FINALLY re-opened!!! my fave coffee spot, esp for the re-freshing coffee creations like the roadrunner (cold coffee + agave + grapefruit)

  • @banditcoffee: satisfies a matcha latte craving. may be the best one i’ve had in ATX

SWEETS

  • @jenisicream: offering ice cream flights! (so genius) perfect for when you want a little bit of this and a lil bit of that.

  • @zedsicecream: real fruit ice cream! loved the mango sticky rice one but you can also build your own. waffle cone is a must!

i took the last week off from work and it has been SO. GOOD. i finally saw friends that i haven’t seen in over 1.5 years. it was exactly what my soul needed. there were plenty of trips to the plant store to find replacements haha. there are people who are really good at either plants or succulents. i am neither of those people. but there ain’t no stoppin’ me!

currently on my playlist: something beautiful by Mat Kearney (who, BTW will be in ATX 10/15!)

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very awkward angle BTW but i had to show the slit somehow 🤣 i was pleasantly surprised with this purchase! can’t wait to wear it out!!

items i purchased from the @nordstrom aka #nsale:

#nsale tip: if you really want something just keep checking as the sale progresses and returns happen/things get re-stocked. also you can add it to your wishlist and it’ll notify you when it’s back in stock via the app. if you don’t get it during the sale, it’ll go back to regular price, but then it’ll go on sale again. so don’t fret.

  1. MOTHER the looker high waist crop skinny jeans in switch it up” — photo 1; these are great for work since it’s a dark wash (more formal) and there’s not distressing. they are only a 10” front rise so go a little below my belly button. they are stretchy since the composition has elastane and poly but i purchased my normal size (size 26). i styled it with an Express tie strap square neck bodysuit in this photo. they are also cropped so that means they are a normal length on my short 5’2” frame = no hemming WHOOO, ain’t nobody got time for that. esp during COVID.

  2. Zella live in cutout rib tank dress in purple nebula — photo 2; i didn’t really see any of my influencer friends post about this item except my gal @courtneerogers (BTW, she has the best finds!) which means it’s in STOCK. after her review i purchased it in this deep purple/almost black color! i’ve been wanting a cute athletic dress (ahem, one shoulder OV) and this one is very versatile! i love the ribbed material = forgiving and the best part is the side slit where you can control via zipper! style it for DAY: sandals, wedges, or sneaks layered with a denim jacket or tied around the waist. style it for NIGHT: chunky or strappy heels, bring up the slit, and layered with a leather moto jacket. SIZE down, i sized down to an XS here. and it also comes in black!

  3. WAYF clifton cutout rib sweater in vanilla — no photo bc it’s en route!; this one is different for me! but i’ve been drawn to these cutout styles that are layered. it’s a trendy statement piece so i plan on taking it full force with a midi leather skirt 😁 i purchased this in an XS based on the size chart and i believe this brand usually runs big & available in a dress form!

items i’d purchase if i had a money tree (ok, maybe they’re in my cart):

  1. Vince Camuto candialia sandal in bone nappa — reviews don’t look good. but it may work for my wide feet. i love the quilted detail but i honestly have too many square toe shoes.

  2. Brixton joanna straw hat in violet — i’ve seen this on @courtneerogers and it looks great on her! she’s a total hat person but i have too many hats that i don’t get enough/no wear!

  3. True & Co. true body bralettes — in triangle convertible or the lift mesh triangle. i hear the switch to wireless is life changing. but Target sells this brand. i’m not sure what the diff is so i may snag it there just to try.

happy shopping!,
JD

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 smocked two piece set

the two piece life.

don’t get me wrong, i love a good one piece. but i ALSO love a good two piece. oh why you say? because it takes the thinking out of matching a top and bottom when you wear the two together, and you can also wear them as separates! that’s #winning in my opinion. smocked details have been all the rage lately and it’s an intimidating textured fabric. oh why you say? because it really HUGS you. everywhere. this is actually one that’s out of my comfort zone because rarely will you see me wearing anything this fitted OR short. BUT this two piece is actually covering a lot in fashion — it’s two pieces, smocked, 3/4 ruched sleeves (that I actually took down to wear as an off the shoulder, see sixth picture), and the skirt has a tiered ruffle hem too. i love ALL the above. it was a windy as heck day (just my luck) so on top of being uncomfortable, Steven mentioned that i have some pretty good stoic faces. he always encourages me to do different things and tries to bring the “model” out in me haha. either way, as you can tell, it was a blast. with people laughing at me as well. of course. lastly, you do need the bag. it sold out pretty quickly but back with a rainbow tassel now that is also removable. i say it’s a good Clare V alice dupe for WAY cheaper.

side ramblings: let’s see… it’s been a while. but oh ya girl was offered a side “modeling” gig for some local Austin brands!! say whaaaa?! haha. i know, i’m pretty dang lucky though. honestly, the easiest money i’ve made and it was so chill and fun (that’s all that matters). i thought to myself, “dang janna, you get to do a lot of pretty cool things.” life is good. OH, i chopped my hair with my gal @elizabeth.jane.hair. by chopped i mean 3” which is the equivalent to feeling like 6” on a person who has #longhairprobs. diggin’ the new do tho! also, i tried a hot stone massage!! i was always intimidated by them, but the stones don’t actually sit on you (as the photos always depict), the masseuse uses it while they’re massaging you. needless to say i’ll be getting this add-on every time i go to @massagesway! use code “JANNA20” to receive 20% off. and ask for my guy James!! he da man. lastly, the @rachelparcell x @nordstrom collection launched last week! while the collection features more dressy pieces i managed to pick up a casual ruffle dress that sold out within a few hours. will show y’all soon! xx

currently listening to: sucker by Jonas Brothers

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two piece c/o | Red Dress Boutique sea to sky two piece set in light blue striped — similar but red orange! // similar but red // similar but strapless // similar and not as tight
shoes | Treasure & Bond sannibel platform wedge sandal in tan leather — similar by Target for $35 // similar and love these by Sam Edelman // similar but lower
bag | Nordstrom joni circular raffia totesimilar by L’Space // similar // similar for $40
earrings c/o | BaubleBar mini pinata tassel earrings in white (old, are these even still IN? idk but i’m wearing them anyways! haha) — newer style
necklaces | Amanda Deer satellite choker in gold // 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 two-pieces,
JD

photo credit: Steven Gunter

the nordstrom anniversary sale 2018

#nsale2018

i am shocked that it's already time for the @Nordstrom anniversary sale! it means this year is RACING BY which is pretty dang crazy if you ask me. i digress.. this sale is all the rage (so bad that the site was down the first day for hours lol!) and what i love about it is the concept. you get to buy FALL items on sale NOW. after a certain date, everything goes back to regular price. and i should add it does seem wrong to be browsing and buying sweaters when its 100F in Texas... but i did see quite a bit of stuff i wouldn't consider fall. either way, what kinda woman doesn't love a good sale/shopping spree? gotta treat yourself sometimes ya know?! my rules for this sale never really change, so if you're new around here i've listed some of them below: 

  • you aren't really saving that much, maybe 25-30% off, so don't go nuts 
  • technically, you don't really NEED anything so be conscious of what you're buying. i.e., how many times are you going to wear it? perhaps go for more basic pieces
  • if you're unsure, buy now and ask questions later. this sale is huge so everything goes FAST
  • regret not doing the above? no worries, Nordstrom is really good at restocking during this sale so keep checking back if you really have to have it!

who Nordstrom
what | major discounts off fall items and always FREE shipping & returns
when | 07/12/18 - 07/19/18 (early access for Nordstrom cardholders); 07/20/18 - 08/05/18 (for everyone else)
where | shop.nordstrom.com or in-store

this year, i focused on work wear. mainly dresses (surprise!) which seemed to work out because i feel that those items are the strength of the sale; and the jumpsuit selection! i was not too impressed with much else and felt a lot of repeat items from the previous year. below are my picks and i included items i bought myself & items i would buy if i had a sugar daddy. haha. who even reads this?! 

my picks after the jump!

currently on my playlist: ocean by Martin Garrix & Khalid

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dresses //

jumpsuits //

tops & bottoms //

outerwear, accessories, shoes, lingerie // 

things i personally bought for myself (who knows what i'll end up keeping!):

  • Eliza J fringe hem A-line dress in blush -- great for work, might even be a little too dressy but esp love the high neck, length & fun fringy hem. a tad on the pricey side so not sure if it's gonna be a keeper
  • Tahari tie front crepe dress in black -- also comes in other colors and petite sizing. love the tie details and elbow length sleeve. this is my first piece from Tahari and i've always been a fan of their styles
  • ASTR the Label belted jumpsuit in navy -- i don't have a navy one and this looked casual and fun!

happy #nsale shopping y'all!,
JD

the lilac edit

in Gal Meets Glam x Nordstrom.

embracing a form of the pantone color of 2018! i'm really late on this bandwagon as i'm not much of a color person. but lilac/lavender... i'm FEELIN' these days! a few words about the Gal Meets Glam x Nordstrom collection.. UM, i love every piece (mainly all dresses which is right up my alley!). back in the hey day Julia Engel was one of the first fashion bloggers i started following because of her classic style -- extremely feminine and ultra girly. she stays very true to her brand so you'll never see her rock anything trendy or remotely street style. i was excited for her new collection with Nordstrom. BUT my wallet... not so much. yikes. prices are pretty steep. however, i felt the quality of the dress was very good, but worth it.. hmm. maybe if i had a money tree?! i would definitely snag if it was on sale so i could feel less bad about it. the collection consists of more dressy pieces but the later styles seem to have casual selections. that said, i would probably dress this piece down with a button down (haha, #nopunintended) chambray shirt tied in the front and some flat sandals. i couldn't resist the color of this dress, along with the texture, dainty buttons, v-back, and the bow details on the sides. it is low for my taste though and found myself hiking this dress up constantly #annoying. but the color is just so pretty! 

lastly, the BIGGEST sale of the year that people go nuts about is kicking off this week -- the Nordstrom Anniversary sale. hope i'll have enough time to get a post up on all my picks! stay tuned xx. 

currently on my playlist: scared to be lonely by Martin Garrix & Dua Lipa

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dress | Nordstrom x Gal Meets Glam hilary dot clip chiffon midi dress in lilac (wearing size 2) -- similar but smocked // similar but lace // similar but bustier style // similar but off the shoulder
shoes | Target Merona marcella low block heel ankle strap sandals in tan (old) -- similar // similar but suede
bagJ.Crew Factory rattan clutch in natural pale gold (really old) -- similar but a semicircle // similar but larger // more dressy with the CUTEST pineapple top 
earringsKendra Scott tessa studs in clear (available in druzy)
necklaceAnthropologie monogram pendant necklace -- similar 
sunglasses | Celine marta sunglasses in havana (prob my fave sunnies!) -- newer design // similar by Le Specs
bracelet c/oKendra Scott tiana pinch bracelet set in gold
ringsGorjana amara ring set // Amanda Deer c/o CZ solitaire ring // Amanda Deer c/o CZ accents midi ring

rock all the lilac,
JD

photo credit: Todd White

top 5 sales for black friday

no fancy pictures. just SALE info.
HELLO FALL WARDROBE!!!

all the fall feels.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!
navigating black friday sales is pretty.. hmm. what is the word... #OVERWHELMING! so i'm keeping it short & simple (like myself, ha) -- i linked my top 5 sales below for ya inlcuding picks that i have personally bought or are on my wishlist. just skip the rest. i won't steer you wrong. all the deets after the jump. 

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01. ASOS.com // 30% off // code: EPIC 30 (until 11/28/17)

one of my favorite places to shop online. NO TAX. FREE SHIPPING. FREE RETURNS. = winning. also, get 2-day shipping for one year for $19. sizing is a little strange, it's the one that makes you feel like you are a whale. i am normally a 4 in bottoms and a 6 in everything else. when in doubt buy both and return one. PS -- 30% off is a pretty dang good deal. i don't see this much.

02. BananaRepublic.com // 50% off // no code needed (until 11/25/17)

soo many good dresses here. especially for work if you're in the market for any! and work sweaters as well. 

03. LOFT.com // 50% off // code: THANKS (until 11/23/17)

great casual/everyday sweaters right now!! but really, i'm loving the sweater options this year over Ann Taylor, also the skirts!

04. Nordstrom.com // extra 20% off sale items // no code needed (until 11/27/17)

a hodge podge department store items! but great shoes and tons of fall/winter staples -- bags, jackets, and jewelry.

05. ZARA.com // 30% off // no code needed (until ???)

the ZARA black friday sale should start tonight/tomorrow. and although it isn't apart of my affiliate links, it is too good not to share! ZARA is a tad more trendy, but they have some great less trendier pieces for people like me!

happy shopping!, 
JD

the one shoulder sweater & felt hat

#thehatswewear

HOWDY. confession: i accumulated more hats than i ever need in 2017 (jk, i might get the Dahlia ASAP, haha!). but i can't help it, i've become such a fan of a good wide brim hat. not sure why or how that is, maybe it's because my beautiful friend Jen // @mrsjenfrick is always rockin them. so of course, we had to partner with @gigipip to bring you our fall outfits styled with @gigipip! the love for @gigipip is insane i already own three -- the Faye (boater hat), the Jill (floppy straw hat), and now the Scottie (felt wide brim). the Scottie is beautiful amirite?! it's adjustable, the leather band is removable, and the best part is that the wide brim is STIFF! it ain't goin' anywhere y'all! not only that but the price points are so good for the quality. 

Jen // mrsjenfrick.com styled her Scottie with a beautiful black coat (gift from her husband, hello #husbandgoals), boyfriend jeans, and some cognac booties check out her entire outfit details on her blog at mrsjenfrick.com. Jen lives in Kansas so i'm pretty envious of all the fall foliage they get up there! we get nothing like that in Texas. everything just dies and turns brown, #nojoke. i choose to go casual style as well, with a cream one shoulder sweater (I LOVE THIS SWEATER! also comes in other colors), skinny jeans and some riding boots! this was a fun shoot so picture heavy post coming at cha! other ways to wear this outfit: a cute bralette would look great underneath the sweater or even some over the knee boots. 

also, for this collaboration Jen & i answered some interview questions about all the hats we wear, more after the jump! it was a fun one and rarely do i answer interview questions so hope it's a good read & that you got to know a little more about me. PS -- stay tuned for a GIGIPIP giveaway! 

side ramblings: i cannot believe thanksgiving is THIS WEEK! the insanity. i can't wait to wear stretchy pants and stuff my face. yearly tradition at the Doan household is turkey & ham with all the fixins and PHO. i make sure that everyone leaves feeling thankful & unbutton-your-jeans-kind-of-full. there's so much i'm thankful for this year. but as my yearly saying goes, i'm thankful for the small things in life which are actually the big things. enjoy your thanksgiving and thanks for stopping by! xx

currently on my playlist: better than i use to be by Mat Kearney & AFSheeN

the beautiful @mrsjenfrick rockin' the Scottie

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01. what are the roles or hats you lead in your life?

i, janna doan, find myself alternating hats between a blogger, homeowner, aunt, friend, sister, daughter, foodie, and program manager. 

02. which hat do you find most rewarding?

ah, the homeowner hat. as much as i love blogging, i have to say... becoming a SINGLE homeowner has been the most rewarding. the house search was a long process, mainly a beatdown! but as they say, the perfect one will come along. and it sure did. it's my dream home and finally... something to call my own. #tearsofjoy #adulting

03. what hats do you find are most challenging and what do you do to embrace them?

as the homeowner hat is the most rewarding, by default it means it is the most challenging! from mowing my own lawn/yardwork, to cleaning vents, to fixing various things, to painting, etc... wow. i've learned so much along the way and by golly, there is so much pride in ownership over here!! however, a lot of times i have to be patient with myself and honest in the fact that i cannot do everything myself. i need help. and thank goodness i have my dad who's my right hand man. i'm learning so many things from the absolute greatest. 

04. what hats are least known about you?

the program manager hat. my day job consists of managing healthcare quality improvement programs, looking at healthcare data, making it more accessible for public reporting. it's pretty nerdy stuff but i spend a lot of time in Excel and various data programs. one of my strengths has got to be attention to detail (surprise!)! #nerdalert yep, that's the day job! 

05. who or what inspires you?

there is SO much inspiration everywhere, literally around every corner, and every time i get sucked into the world of instagram or pinterest i am amazed by all the talent out there and yet there is so much unseen! i am also so blessed to have so many insta/blogger friends that inspire me to try new things and step out of my comfort zone. after all, what's fashion if it ain't fun?!

don't forget to check out Jen's post here!: mrsjenfrick.com

top | Treasure & Bond one shoulder ribbed sweater in beige oatmeal (runs large, wearing size XS) -- very similar // similar with ruffles // similar but velvet!
denim | Hudson nico mid-rise skinny jeans in abbey wash (old) -- similar in the bright eyes wash// similar in high rise by Wit & Wisdom $65
hat c/o | GIGI PIP scottie (should be in stock soon!) -- similar // similar
shoes | Frye melissa button boot in cognac (old design) -- newer design // similar for $150
bag | Celine micro luggage tote in navy -- similar
earrings | Kendra Scott kirstie stud earrings in ivory pearl -- similar
watchMichael Kors darci watch in gold
ringsGorjana amara ring set // Gorjana mini stackable ring set // Etsy stacking & midi rings // Gorjana candice CZ ring // Amanda Deer c/o solitaire ring // Amanda Deer c/o midi ring with CZ accents

rock all da felt hats,
JD

photo credit: Brandon Hill
a post done in collaboration with GIGI PIP. 
hat provided by GIGI PIP, all opinions are my own.