how to style a cropped cardigan

here we go 2021!

for the first post of 2021 i decided on a how-to. it’s been a while since i’ve purchased a cropped top but i have been intrigued by the cropped cardigan lately. if styled right, this type of cropped sweater could really go a long ways, lessening the price per wear and making it a piece to invest in. i’d go with a neutral color so it’s easy to match. crop tops don’t have to be intimidating! if you’re in the #over30 club, opt for high-waisted bottoms! the chenille texture of this cropped cardigan adds a casual and dressy element depending on how it’s styled. here i choose to go with a more elevated/dressy look styled four ways with a pair of pumps: 1. with a bias silk midi skirt, 2. with wide leg pants, 3. with skinny jeans, and 4. over a slip dress. more after the jump!

side ramblings: the year has already started off on a crazy note. i think it’s a sign to begin getting into my pre-COVID routine again. while i’ve enjoyed the rest i think it’s time to start getting into my routine again. starting with waking up at 5AM-ish again (gulp). also, my sis and i are on a houseplant kick. i think it’s to pass time but it’s really interesting learning about all the types of plants out there! hopefully i can start turning these black thumbs into light green ones. either way, i’m enjoying it and could use it to freshen up the space a little!

currently on my playlist: can’t look back by Mat Kearney

#1 - with a satin bias midi skirt which adds a nice texture play with the chenille cardigan! isn’t the caramel just the perfect tone?! they really nailed this one.

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in general, cardigans are great layering pieces. something to grab when you need a light layer but don’t need a full blown jacket and they drape nicely over clothing without making you look frumpy or lazy. i’d also wear any of these styles casually by changing out the pumps with a pair of casual white sneakers! or maybe even some block heels or square toe slip on sandals 😊

#2 - with some high-waisted cropped wide leg pants. see how the neutral cropped cardi goes so well with navy too?!

#3 - with skinny jeans. i didn’t think i’d love these skinny jeans as much as i do! i’ve always been hesitant on the exposed button fly but these are so fun and the wash and length are perfect. these are an 11” rise so go past the belly button!!

#4 - over a slip dress. not sure about this color on me but you get it. any slip dress works! and you can button it or leave it open/un-buttoned!

top | Abercrombie & Fitch chenille cropped cardigan in cream (wearing size XS) — similar but waffle knit // similar but eyelash
skirt | Banana Republic heritage washable silk bias-cut skirt in camel (wearing size XS) — similar by Express
pants | Ann Taylor wide leg pants in navy (old) — similar by Everlane
denim | Abercrombie & Fitch high rise skinny jeans in medium wash (got mine in a short length! = no hemming needed; i really like the fit & wash on these. now getting used to the exposed button fly)
dress | Abercrombie & Fitch side slit slip midi dress in copper (wearing size S petite, and could’ve gone down to an XS petite) — similar with a knot detail // similar and on sale for $23 // similar by Reformation (love the side button detail)
shoes | Ann Taylor azra pumps in baked pecan (i LOVE this color!)
earrings | Mejuri charlotte bold hoops in gold vermeil
necklace | Amanda Deer coin toggle necklace in gold(sold out) — similar
rings | Gorjana amara ring set

rock the cropped cardi!,
JD

the belted wide leg pants

another wide leg pant… but BELTED STYLE!

yes, i love me some cropped wide leg pants. that collection has grown. no doubt. but these are belted! why yes, that is a justification. i actually don’t have grey pants and these come in handy when almost all my clothing is black. black is usually the first option i will buy in anything. enter some grey wide leg pants to help break up all my black clothing, weeeeee! these have structure to them so they make the cut #punintended for a dressy wide leg cropped pant for work. the skinny belt also elevates this look. i also like the vertical pockets and how these have a slight texture to them! they’re so good that i bought them in black… so disregard what i wrote earlier. haha

here i styled it with a basic knit short sleeve sweater (work wear essential) and chose to dress it up even more with a detachable embellished collar. you can’t see the collar much in photos but this bib is a great addition you can add to any crewneck to dress things up a bit! i linked quite a few options below for ya!

side ramblings: last week i stopped by @amandadeer and purchased this coin necklace i had been eyeing. i’ve been wearing non-stop. like i need more necklaces… but this one had a unique front toggle clasp (second justification for this one post). it makes a great layering piece! i also stepped into @maggielouiseconfections and this is BAD NEWS. i’m telling you. as someone who doesn’t loveee chocolate, her chocolates are pretty AND they taste so good!! i may have walked out with a box of four. gulp. lastly, @kendrascott generously sent me some classic pieces from the winter 2019 collection i am LOVING. i can’t stop wearing the colette hoops in gold (LIGHT. as a feather) and the walker statement necklace. (both of these will never go out of style!). i also love the matching bracelet too. and how fun are these? lastly, i’m hosting a holiday event next month, details on the IG this week! xx

currently on my playlist: cut your teeth by Kyla La Grange (Kygo remix)

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i’ll never forget this attempt at these elevator photos! haha, seriously good times despite how serious i look here :D

top | ZARA basic short sleeved sweater in black (i love these for work!) — similar by Ann Taylor // similar but affordable cashmere by Everlane
pants | Ann Taylor the belted wide leg marina pants in black multi crosshatch (more dark grey) — same in black // same in herringbone // similar in warm flannel // love the tuxedo style // more casual style by Everlane
bag | Henri Bendel noho satchl in black pebbled leather (old & they are out of business) — not the same but this would make a great work bag!! (use code “JANNADOAN” at checkout on senreve.com and receive $50 off, on any $300 minimum purchase)
shoes | Jimmy Choo abel pumps in black patent (old design) — current design // similar
collar | Forever 21 embellished bib (old) — very similar// similar // similar with bow detail // similar with pearls
sunglasses | Celine lola 46mm sunglasses in black — available on Amazon too // love these for $55 // great $25 option
rings | Gorjana amara ring set
watch c/o | Daniel Wellington classic black cornwall 40mm

rock all the wide leg pants (i support it!),
JD

photo credit: Steven Gunter

everyday essentials with everlane

taking it back to everyday basics.

lemme tell you (if you already don’t know): i’m a HUGE @everlane fan. i am very lucky to partner with the brand and i genuinely love their clothes, shoes, jeans that i buy a ton of it! last xmas i bought all my GFs my fave everlane tee. and guess what? they make a line for MEN too! just GREAT basics for everyday practical wear. and what’s even better is it’s an ethical clothing brand that uses ethical factories AND their pricing is transparent! at the bottom of each product they break down the pricing for you from materials to labor to product transport. it’s crazy awesome. and as a consumer, you’re more educated and more likely to purchase IMO.

anyways, let’s talk about da pantaloons. yep, i’m stepping up my pant game this year for sure. while i have the wide leg cropped pants i wanted to give the straight leg cropped pants a try and my girl hooked me up, LOVE EM. they are high rise, up to my belly button which makes it easy on the food baby. they come in multiple colors and lengths — i would size down on these since they stretch and the ankle length is perfect for the #shortgirlproblems. i chose to pair it with a gingham button down tied into a fun knot in front. but a tee or cami half tucked in front works too! i’m also wearing the square day tote (new) which is super buttery and a great size for everyday use and keeps its form/shape. i especially like the saddle color. it also has one side compartment but otherwise open like all totes. more on Everlane after the jump for those who want to read about what to try, i got CHU!

side ramblings: check out ya girl working one of her side hustles!! haha, i love it, my friend actually found me and sent it to me, SO crazy COOL! last week i was able to get a @drbarbarsturm facial at @goop! (bye goop, ATX loved ya!). holy heck, i walked away with the hyaluronic serum, one of her best selling products. it’s gobs of money (trust me my heart is still doing palpitations) but i wanted to see the hype for myself. it’s the most i’ve ever spent on one skincare product. but hey, i’m all for paying more on a quality product, especially if it works. i’m hoping i’ll stretch this one out close to year. more skincare talk but the @sephora sale is in full force for rouge members. shamelessly i am one but kept it low key this year due to all the recent goop skincare purchases. i limited myself to the beloved Tatcha pure one step camellia cleansing oil // Caudalie SOS vinosouce thirst quenching serum (HG) // trying out the Drunk Elephant TLC sukari babyfacial // trying out the BIOSSANCE pro-biotic gel moisturizer. well, at least i think that’s low key. eep. it’s clear i spend too much money on skincare. but i’d rather do that than makeup. so it’s justified. :D

currently on my playlist: rise up by Andra Day

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if you’re unsure of where to start with @everlane, go with the cotton v-neck. i admittedly own this one in multiple colors. then i’d try their denim for $68-78 you can’t go wrong. i’ve personally bought the cheeky straight jean styled here // the authentic stretch high rise skinny // and the kick crop jeans styled here. they’re all perfect fits with the ankle length (no hemming needed because ain’t nobody got time for that). they just released the summer jean today and you can be sure it’s sitting in my cart haha! the shoes are amazing quality that are MADE IN ITALY! lemme tell you, italians know how to make shoes. i own the boss boots // the day heel // the v-slingback // the wedge (NEW and obsessed). lastly, Everlane does HAPPY RETURNS, which totally makes me happy. instead of returning stuff via mail and waiting for a refund you just find a happy return center and they process and package your return for you. it’s the little things y’all. okay this is lastly lastly but Everlane is constantly has new releases which is so great but not so great on the wallet. haha and yes, it sounds like i work for them but i don’t. :D

here are some personal things i’m eyeing at Everlane in case they strike your fancy too:

“owning” the direct sunlight per Steven

obligatory TEXAS bluebonnet photo!

this is the stuff Steven encourages me try haha. we believe this belongs in a GUESS ad haha

top | GAP fitted boyfriend gingham shirt in orange (really old) — similar
pants c/o | Everlane the straight leg crop in bone (size down) — similar but the wide leg crop
bag c/o | Everlane the square day tote in saddle (color currently sold out but available in two others) — the market day tote (larger) // the day magazine tote (love the shape of this one)
shoes c/o | Ann Taylor liv leather block heel sandals in light sienna tan (size up 1/2 size, very comfortable)
sunglasses | Celine marta sunglasses in havana (my fave sunnies!) — newer design // love these for $99
earrings | Kendra Scott sky earrings in white pearl (old) — larger version // similar
necklace | Anthropologie monogram pendant necklace
rings | Gorjana amara ring set // Amanda Deer c/o CZ solitaire ring // Amanda Deer c/o CZ accents midi ring

photo credit: Steven Gunter

the white wide leg cropped pants

hellooo my go-to spring pant!

last year i did a post on how to wear cropped wide leg pants. yes. these are the same exact ones in white... when it’s that good you buy all colors amirite?! every time i wear these out i always get questions on where they’re from. this year, i ended up picking up the khaki color as well. (khaki is a color i never actually wear because it doesn't seem to complement my skin tone but we’re slowly becoming friends). if you have #shortgirlproblems your go-to cropped pants will be in petite sizing and stores such as Ann Taylor do a great job at catering to petites! i wear these in a 2P and they fit perfectly and i prefer slanted or vertical pockets over horizontal. don’t ask. just because. they aren’t super high waisted up the belly button but they do the job. it’s also a nice break from all the skinny/fitted pants! and i will add, work appropriate pants too (probably not in the white color… though that’s debatable) with either a stacked heel, pointed toe pumps, and even flat sandals for casual Fridays. here i chose to pair it with an off the shoulder long sleeve (not safe for work #NSFW). i love the navy and white combo and the stripes add a little something. (i’d also even pair these white pants with GINGHAM!!) it’s also a steal for $11. you can see it styled here (solid) with a midi skirt. also, the white sneakers streamline this casual yet comfortable look. until next time y’all!

side happenings: wanted to share some new releases/random things.. maybe this should be a separate blog post?!

currently on my playlist: talk by Khalid

@pearlsnap_photography is actually laying on the ground for this shot LOL.

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top | Shein cross wrap off the shoulder striped tee in navy with white stripes (available in three other combos) — similar but solid // similar and love this design // similar but a one shoulder bodysuit
pants | Ann Taylor marina wide leg pants in winter white (wearing size 2P for reference, i’m 5’2”, also available in three other colors) — similar by Everlane but way more wide legged // similar by Everlane but straight
bag c/o | Red Dress Boutique carry my love handbag in beige (pretty good CHANEL dupe for $49) — similar
shoes | Keds ace leather sneakers in white — same but with rose gold detail // same but with glitter detail // similar // similar // similar and love the platform on these // similar by Cole Haan and on sale for $90
earrings | Kendra Scott sky earrings in white pearl (old) — larger version // similar
necklaces | Anthropologie monogram pendant necklace // Amanda Deer satellite choker in gold 
sunglasses | Celine marta sunglasses in havana (prob 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 wide leg pants,
JD

photo credit: Steven Gunter

how to wear cropped wide leg pants

move over skinny ankle pants. 

first and foremost, thank YOU so much for all the comments and messages on my first YOUTUBE video (see previous post). those late nights figuring out how to edit that video really paid off. just know that these things keep me going so THANK YOU! onto how to wear cropped wide leg pants.. not easy (but i GOT CHU) especially when you are 5'2" short like me. for a while it was all about the skinny ankle pants. well, move over skinny pant. there's a new pant in town. i've styled them a little more dressy here and thinking of styling them more casual style with the same pair but in white. here are 5 tips on how to style them:

  1. go for a thicker & stiffer material vs. thin & flowy -- so you can actually see the whole wide leg-ness of the pant if that makes any sense! also, i feel like the thicker material gives a more flattering fit
  2. if you're short go with petite sizing -- Ann Taylor, LOFT, and Banana Republic cater really well to petite sizing
  3. elevate this #literally with some sleek strappy heels, more practical ones like the low block heels shown here
  4. for tops, the cami is my go-to here with a front tuck, crop tops also work if the pants are high waisted enough. i can also see this with a loose button down shirt with the ends tied in the front!
  5. take it 9-5 by adding a blazer or a long cardigan

side ramblings: wow. the past two weeks have been filled with events & good times with my gals! pictures from the #LTKcitytour at Mattie's after the jump. i also checked out local Austin-based @elevecosmetics which is a non-toxic, all-natural, vegan beauty brand. i picked up a liquid lipstick in lady bird lake (LOVE the name!) and this lip treatment my friends rave about, the lip luv. i attended a Nordstrom dinner at @jeffreysjosephine house that featured a custom menu that included items from their EATS MORE pop-in, can't wait to check out the pop-in in real life, here is a list of Nordstrom locations with the EATS MORE pop-in. pretty cool bento boxes! my foodie friend @wanderlustanita invited me to the @academiaaustin tasting -- always a good time with #atxfoodbloggers. ontop of events, WHOA i ate a ton. shout out to @loroaustin (for Austinities it's Uchi x Franklin BBQ) for an amazing meal, maybe it's just me but it's been a while since i've gone to a new place and had a meal i can't stop thinking about?! lastly, summertime is here and i tried @thebakedbear, i'm a sucker for funfetti and birthday cake anything! see y'all next week xx

currently on my playlist: slide by Calvin Harris ft. Frank Ocean

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style it 9-5 by puting on a blazer to make it work appropriate

top | J.Crew Factory scalloped cami top in cream/marine salt (wearing size 2 for reference) -- similar by topshop // similar with button detail // similar with lace trim // similar 
pants | Ann Taylor wide leg marina pants in black (avail in four colors, wearing size 2 petite for reference) -- similar // similar with sash detail
bag | Henri Bendel uptown satchel in black (old) -- similar 1 // similar 2 // love this one 
scarf | Henri Bendel twilly in navy (old) -- newer style
shoes | Target Merona marcella low block heel ankle strap sandals in black suede with a gold heel (old) -- newer style // similar but leather
earrings | BaubleBar dancer drop earrings in 18K gold plated -- similar with pearl detail // similar but hoop style
necklaceAnthropologie monogram pendant necklace 
sunglasses | Sonix avalon 57mm retro sunglasses in black -- similar but more cateye // not similar but intrigued by these
rings | Gorjana 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
watchMichael Kors darci watch in gold

rock all the cropped wide leg pants, 
JD

photo credit: Todd White


05/16/18 -- pictures via jayd jackson from the @liketoknow.it #LTKcitytour @mattiesaustin

#LTKcitytour with my gorgeous friends: @thetrendytomboy // me // @theautumngirl_ // @heykailymae

finally met @hauteandhumid (pink dress)

loved meeting @taylermalott (gingham dress)

05/24/18 -- @nordstrom EATS MORE pop-in dinner at @jeffreysjosephine 

the wide leg pants & crop top

spring vibes comin' at cha. 

i know, five posts in a row and i'm wearing pants. what is going on?! for this post, i dug out some old items in my closet and came across these high-waisted wide leg pants i haven't even worn (happens quite a bit). actually, they're supposed to be cropped but i'm short so they're almost high-waters on me. but of course... that ain't stoppin' me. the only way to combat that is some strappy stilettos (not practical, obvi). the thought process is always high-waisted = opportunity to wear a crop top. i will never get tired of that combo. writing this post i realize that i'm wearing high-waters and mixing all the metals with the latest from the @KendraScott spring 2018 collection. yep, i'm totally breaking all the rules and don't even care! you know my motto, "make it yours and rock it!"

side ramblings: #SXSW kicks off this coming weekend and i am so excited to partake in some festivities! house update: i finished the guestroom, WHAT UP?! haha so therefore, this past weekend was super relaxing and well deserved. i watched Coco -- not sure if you've seen it but when i saw the trailer i had zero interest. due to the high reviews, i had to see it and dang, it was pretty good. i always love that feeling of being pleasantly surprised. i also watch Gifted -- another really great movie. anyways, two noteables you should definitely see! lastly, the @baublebar sale kicks off today with 25% off everything (promo code: FF25, good until 3/7 with very few exclusions) so you should #treatyourself. if you need help, i highly recommend a monogram necklace. it's the one thing i wear everyday and it's sentimental to me since i got them in my dearest daddy initials. or some fun earrings to kick off the spring season: mini granita tassel earrings & ora hoop earrings. i'm going to pick up one piece from the fine jewelry line: dancer threaders or the stretta jackets. hmm, #lifedecisions

currently on my playlist: say something by Justin Timberlake ft. Chris Stapleton (not so much diggin' JTs new stuff but this song is growing on me FAST)

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top | Topshop high neck crop top in white (old) -- similar // similar but more casual and with sleeves
pants | Ann Taylor wide leg pants in navy (old) -- current style (and available in white!) // really diggin these in black denim
bag | Celine micro luggage tote in navy -- similar
shoesStuart Weitzman nudistsong in adobe patent (comes in different widths too) -- similar // chunky heel version
sunglassesLe Specs savanna 51mm sunglasses in tortoise
earrings c/o | Kendra Scott betty stud earrings in navy dusted glass -- similar style // love these
necklace c/o | Kendra Scott nettie statement necklace in silver
bracelet c/o | Kendra 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 the wide leg pants,
JD

photo credit: lil blogger sis @simplyyvan

the peplum top & coral pants

not your average pants.

add a pop of color to your work wardrobe with some colored pants! as much as i love B&W, i feel like it's a good idea to throw in some color sometimes?! these coral pants make me pretty happy. and what's better is that it goes with NAVY!! i have worn this to work a few times and always receive so many compliments. i have a hard time finding work pants because i am SO PICKY. most of them are always too long in terms of length and inseam, the material is too thin or too thick/wooly. there are no slanted pockets (don't ask but this is such a huge must for me), there are pleats or the closure is an extended tab. anyways, call me crazy but these Banana Republic Avery pants fit perfectly and meet all my pant expectations! they are also available in regular, tall, and petite and multiple colors! i'm thinking the light blue might be next!

onto the top. well, it's peplum. it's white. and it's pleated. that's all!  

side happenings: for the past week i have been battling a nasty bug. i have not been sick for three years and i'm pretty much down for the count right now. #sucks. this past weekend i was going to skip out on a Derby day polo match (that happens ONCE A YEAR!) but someone knocked some sense into me and said, "get up. dress up. show up." i firmly believe in the power of showing up. i just needed a nudge. it was so fun but obviously i couldn't take much of it, #noregrets. more picts at the end! i am also trying all remedies to get myself better for Austin Fashion Week!! 

currently on my playlist: chained to the rhythm by Katy Perry ft. Skip Marley 

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top | Banana Republic pleated peplum top in white -- similar
pants | Banana Republic avery-fit pant in fire coral (older color) -- avail in blush and light blue & fuchsia // avail with a scalloped hem // avail in linen  
blazer | H&M jersey blazer in navy (old) -- similar in grey & black // similar and avail in eight colors
shoes | Ann Taylor leda block heels in navy (older color, pretty comfy for this height) -- same style but in copper & black // similar at Target // similar but lower heel
bag | Celine micro luggage tote in navy -- similar dupe for $28
sunglassesLe Specs savanna 51mm sunglasses in tortoise -- similar 
earringsKendra Scott tessa studs in clear -- available in druzy
necklaceSLATE helios necklace in gold via rocksbox
watchMichael Kors darci watch in gold
bracelet | Nordstrom BP love knot cuff (old) -- similar by Kate Spade // similar off Etsy
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 -- similar // BaubleBar tri bar ring (old) -- similar // Cassandra Collections mini ring
lipsMAC amplified creme lipstick in brick-o-la

rock the fun colored pants,
JD

photo credit: Brandon Hill