fall trendy sweaters

transitioning into fall.

talking about some trendy sweaters as we transition into fall with @bananarepublic today! this post gets me excited for the last few months of the year cause boy oh boy i cannot wait for fall to hit. i'm a total fall/winter gal, who's with me? while you can always add things to sweaters to make them pop or stand out, it's also a good option to get some that already have a little trendy element to them -- lace, a fun hem, bows, colorblocking, different textures etc.. the ones featured in this post consist of a long sleeve sweater with a ruffle cuff, the other is a cardigan with a lace up detail on the arms and sides. 

look 1: cardigans are such a staple in my closet, from all lengths and sizes. but i was missing a fun trendy one like this! cardigans are full proof. add a cardi to anything and you're pretty much good to go. i decided on the usual cami & skinny jeans combo. added some lace-up sandals (nothing like some lace-up on lace-up) for a casual night out. 

look 2: i love this denim pencil skirt because it is appropriate enough for work! it is not your usual denim skirts that are all frayed or faded. it is also stretchy and has pockets. i choose to pair the ruffle cuff sweater with this number for some trendy meets #workwear inspo!

side ramblings: the exciting news i mentioned last week is that.. I BOUGHT A HOUSE! the two-year search was long, stressful, and a complete beatdown. kinda like online dating. HRMM. i did bet (myself) that i would find a house before i found a good man. BAM. i win (so i guess i should get myself that Restoration Hardware adler bedframe i've been eyeing now!! haha. i digress). this is a huge milestone for me, i think of it as the last piece of the puzzle in my life. it was one of those events that gave me even more affirmation that even though you are ready for something, the world is working in ways to bring you to the right place at the right time for the right thing. and when you're there, you'll understand why nothing else worked out -- applies to all aspects of life; this was an excellent reminder. i stand in this new place and i keep pinching myself. it's a dream come true -- life has been too good to me and i feel so blessed #happytears. special thanks to my parents for being there every step of the way; i love you & so grateful for everything you've done for me. alright, i'm out with this sappy post but you will probably see more lifestyle posts as this blog is also a documentation of my life as well. can't wait! cheers to new beginnings and #HOMEOWNERSHIP! #memyselfandi xx

currently on my playlist: independent women by Destiny's Child

look 1: featuring a lace up cardigan

look 2: featuring a ruffle cuff 

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LOOK 1 // casual night out

sweater c/o | Banana Republic cotton blend lace up long cardigan -- similar with a chevron stitch!
top | LOFT strappy cami in whisper white (wearing petite small) -- similar by Topshop and on sale // similar w a pleated hem
denim | Hudson nico mid-rise skinny jeans in abbey wash (old) -- similar in the bright eyes wash // similar in high rise by Topshop $65
bag c/o | Rebecca Minkoff chevron quilted small love crossbody in blush -- avail in white, light blue, and black, tons of options and sizes on RebeccaMinkoff.com
shoes | Vince Camuto tartia cut-out lace-up sandal in beige -- similar
sunglasses | Celine marta sunglasses in havana -- similar
earrings | BaubleBar champagne ear jackets
necklace | BaubleBar acrylic block monogram necklace in tortoise shell -- similar in gold 
watch | Michael Kors darci watch in gold

LOOK 2 // workwear

sweater c/o | Banana Republic italian superloft ruffle cuff crew in cocoon (avail in 13 other colors!) -- similar but a regular crew
skirt | Banana Republic bi-stretch denim pencil skirt (sold out) -- similar with a button front 
bag | Henri Bendel west 57th lizard block carryall satchel in light beige (old) & twilly -- newer version
shoes | Target Merona marcella low block heel ankle strap sandals in tan (avail in three colors and such a staple, the perfect height too!!) // same but with a higher heel
sunglasses | Celine marta sunglasses in havana -- similar
necklace | BaubleBar acrylic block monogram necklace in tortoise shell -- similar in gold 

 

photo credit: Steven Gunter 
a post done in collaboration with Banana Republic. 
tops provided by Banana Republic, all opinions are my own. 

timeless dresses by camilyn beth

feelin' extra fancy in these exquisite dresses! translates to: #pictureheavypost

a few years ago i stumbled upon @CamilynBeth through fashion blogger, @extrapetite! i fell in love with their classic designs and style. so... you can imagine how grateful i feel to be given the opportunity to work with them today! Camilyn Beth dresses are made of high quality material, the styles are timeless and will therefore be in my closet for years to come. and... they are made in the USA!

the first dress is my fave -- the Felicity. i am automatically drawn to all clothing items with a peplum hem #obsessed?, the color on this one is so vibrant and fun, and the sash is removable #littledetails! i think this dress makes a good office look (surely to turn heads) i even paired it with a navy blazer. the fuchsia goes so well with the navy and i can't seem to decide if i love it more with or without the sash!

the second dress is a strapless dress -- the Rosalina. the silk overlay with the ruffle hem makes this dress extra fancy and the back features a little dainty bow tie. perfect for brides-to-be or a night out. it goes perfectly with my first blush bag from Rebecca Minkoff -- i LOVE the LOVE crossbody #nopunintended. this dress would also look good with a sleeveless duster or draped with a trenchcoat. i recently wore this to a polo match derby event with a floppy hat and received so many compliments! #fitslikeaglove (in a good way).

side happenings: this weekend was the first relaxing weekend i literally bummed around and it FELT SO GOOD! i am off to Dallas this week for a little getaway and CANNOT wait! also, a long overdue Austin Fashion Week post will be live this week!  

currently on my playlist: there's nothing holdin' me back by Shawn Mendes

the Felicity

the Rosalina

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that sash!

blazer style

feelin' like i need a tropical vacay right about now!

dress #1 c/o | Camilyn Beth felicity dress in fuchsia (true to size, wearing a 2) -- also avail in periwinkle and in royal
dress #2 c/o | Camilyn Beth rosalina dress in ivory (runs a little large, wearing a 0) -- also avail in navy and in fuchsia
shoes | Ann Taylor leda block heels in navy (old) -- same style in taupe & black // similar from Target
shoes #2 | ZARA vinyl d'orsay heels in white (old) -- similar 
bag #1 | Celine micro luggage tote in navy -- similar dupe for $28
bag #2 c/o | Rebecca Minkoff chevron quilted small love crossbody in blush -- avail in white, light blue, and black, tons of options and sizes on RebeccaMinkoff.com
earrings #1 | Kendra Scott aston statement earrings in ivory (old) -- similar 
earrings #2 | BaubleBar peony drops (sold out on BB) -- avail on bloomingdales! // similar
watch | Michael Kors darci watch in gold
bracelet | Nordstrom BP love knot cuff (old) -- similar by Kate Spade // similar off Etsy
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

rock the Camilyn Beth,
JD

photo credit: Brandon Hill
a post done in collaboration with Camilyn Beth. 
dresses provided by Camilyn Beth, bag provided by Rebecca Minkoff, all opinions are my own. 

athleisure in a convertible tunic

athleisure: (noun) casual, comfortable clothing designed to be suitable both for exercise and everyday wear.

the best part of my weekends besides catching up on sleep and coffee shops is #ATHLEISURE. ah, i love thee. as much as i like to dress up, i also REALLY like to live in athletic clothes. over the years athleisure has become a huge and more acceptable trend. i ain't gonna complain. sometimes, it is all about the comfort. but it doesn't mean you can't make athletic clothes a lil fashionable while running errands or going out to eat. add a nice bag, casual kicks, snazzy tights, edgy earrings and BOOM. 

this tunic was given to me as a gift (thanks BFF!) and it is the SOFTEST thing ever. i loved the versatility of the top, the fact that you can wear it as a cowl neck and an off shoulder. in addition, it is long enough to wear with tights! it also comes in six colors and petite sizing. for size reference, i am wearing a small and only 5'2".

lastly, the tights. oohhhh the tights. now i'm afraid to count how many workout tights i actually own, but i don't feel too bad because i work out quite a bit. my work out tights are the usual boring black, but these.. oh these have the leather panels to make you feel like an extra cool chick. AND they come in a high waisted fit which i am all for #suckseverythingin! now the only downside is the panels can leave lines on your shins, but i mean they are tights.. 

lastly, lastly, these shoes are the bomb. they are actually men's shoes. they were very popular last year and sold on ebay for a very high premium. good thing they are re-released in this popular oreo color. i don't know what it is but every time i wear them i get a TON of compliments on a pair of sneakers?!? lol. go figure but they are VERY lightweight. 

currently on my playlist: i dont wanna live forever by ZAYN & Taylor Swift

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top | Gibson convertible neckline cozy fleece tunic in heather burgundy (avail in five colors and petite sizing!, for size reference, i am wearing a small and only 5'2") -- similar knotted top in same material // similar peplum top in same material
pants | alo high waist moto leggings in black (avail in six colors!! for size reference, i usually wear a 6 in lululemon pants, i purchased a small in these) -- same version but regular rise
bag | Rebecca Minkoff quilted love crossbody bag in burgundy (old) -- similar in blush and a gunmetal hardware!! // similar but smaller // avail in velvet // similar for $48
kicks | Nike flyknit unisex racers in oreo -- same shoe but more color options
earrings | Baublebar firecracker ear jackets -- diggin' these // similar from the Target Sugarfix line for $13
sunglasses | Ray Ban original aviator 58mm RB3025 in black -- pretty cool mirrored ones for $12
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 | MAC amplified creme lipstick in brick-o-la
nails | essie gel couture in pre snow jitters (best white-ish nail polish!)

rock the athleisure,
JD

photo credit: Brandon Hill.

the sleeveless turtleneck & grey jeans

sleeveless. turtleneck. yep, that just sounds #weirdbutnotweird !

this is a first of many things. first sleeveless turtleneck. first pair of grey jeans! what?!!! i know, it's a little crazy over here on JDC. i decided on a monochrome look with splashes of burgundy -- aka: THE BEST FALL COLOR! i think this is a GREAT color combo and i encourage you to try it! the material of this high low turtleneck is very soft and not at all itchy AND it is machine washable! however, it the armpit holes dip a little low on the sides as you can kind of see in the pictures. again, this bag was snagged from the Nordstrom anniversary sale a few months ago but i linked some similar options after the jump (oh and a cute crossbody clutch!). i have been wearing this bag lately and love it. but let's talk about these jeans shall we? WHOA, you need these in your life. they are my most ripped pair of denim skinny jeans and i don't think they will be my last!!! super comfy, mid-rise, hugs-you-in-all-the-right-places, distressed goodness. 

btw, this week i joined #stylecollective and i couldn't be more thirlled! i will always say this, but the best part about blogging is meeting inspiring/supportive/and extremely talented ladies! my heart is full. <3

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blogging notes: when there are stairs, you sit. 

top | Banana Republic high low sleeveless turtleneck in transition cream (it's really light grey) -- similar / love this one from Topshop in black
denim | Hudson shine mid-rise skinny jeans in obsidian (MUST-HAVE!) -- similar / similar non-distressed
shoes | Target Merona suede pumps in wine (old) -- similar Sole Society calder block heel pump in eggplant with gold details! / an anklestrap pointed toe option
bag | Rebecca Minkoff chevron quilted love crossbody bag in port (sold out) -- similar / love this Sole Society vaughn crossbody clutch in oxblood 
shades | Coach casey in dark tortoise (old) -- newer version
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 | Vita Fede mini titan crystal bracelet in gold -- similar and on sale! / similar from BaubleBar with arrows
rings | Etsy stacking & midi rings / BaubleBar tri bar ring (sold out) -- similar / BaubleBar arrow wrap ring / BaubleBar chevron ice midi ring (sold out) -- similar
lipstick | MAC amplifed creme lipstick in brick-o-la

rock sleeveless turtleneck,
JD

bloomingdales friends & family -- fall 2015

hey y'all! it's that time of the year again! the bloomingdales friends & family sale! 

this year bloomingdales is offering 25% off vs. 20% off in 2014. however, there seems to be more exclusions on the brands as the year go by. i don't remember Tory Burch bags or kate spade bags being apart of the exclusion list in the previous years, but they are now. nonetheless, plenty of things to pick up!! the best thing to know is that shipping to TX is TAX-FREE when you shop on bloomingdales online! if you ask me, 25% off + tax free = win win. 

again, with these kinds of sales here are my tips:

  • if you are debating it, get it now while at a discount then decide later. 
  • unsure of size while trying to buy online? buy both. then return the other. 
  • shop smart. don't buy it just because you are getting a discount! 

who | bloomingdales
what | 25% off almost all regular and sale price purchases for women, men, kids, and home. exclusions listed on bloomingdales.com. and FREE shipping ($150+) & returns! in addition, loyallists (their FREE reward program, so don't forget to join!) receive free shipping, no minimum, everyday! 
when | 09/26/15 - 10/04/15 (online), 09/29/15 - 10/04/15 (in stores)
where | bloomingdales.com or in store
use promo code at checkout | FRIENDS

my picks for the GALS:

01 | Hudson nico mid-rise skinny jeans in black -- a pair of black skinny jeans are a staple for the fall. these are available in my favorite brand/cut/rise. i would size down since they stretch a lot. 
02 | Marc by Marc Jacobs ligero hobo in black leather (currently on sale for $299, original $428) -- i really like the leather on this bag, it looks like a smooth finish vs. the normal pebbled leather by Marc. this bag also comes with a crossbody strap which is a plus AND it's detachable. the extra 25% applies to the sale price too!

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03 | Rebecca Minkoff quilted love crossbody in charcoal/silver hardware -- well, although not in the chevron leather style like the one from the Nordstrom anniversary sale a few months ago, the bag design is still very CHANEL like. it also comes in a variety of colors such as: dark purple, wine, army green, navy blue, bright denim blue, black, and white. the detachable straps makes this bag an excellent choice due to the different ways you can wear the bag = versatile. 
04 | Cole Haan tali flex ballet flats in black -- these are the BEST FLATS FOR WORK. i own these and they are so comfortable, not to mention i love the bow detail with the gold hardware. it adds a little something. 
05 | Sam Edelman petty ankle boots in putty suede -- every season i have this major lemming to get these. they are the cutest low heel ankle boots! i love this color of suede, also comes in black suede and black leather. these are going to look great with skinny jeans!!
06 | Michael Kors sawyer chronograph watch 39 mm in rose gold -- this watch looks very fancy and intricate. while i'm not a huge rose gold fan, i like how it goes so well with this gray/greenish face. 
07 | Michael Kors darci watch 39 mm in gold/navy -- the MK darci watch is hands down my most worn watch, i have it in all gold (see a pict of it on me here, and here). i love how the face is thin and light compared to other MK watches. it is also very simple and super classy. love this gold and navy combo!!
08 | Cosabella dolce soft bra in black -- these are amazingly soft! love the style and cut. also comes in blush.
09 | Prada 54 mm cat eye sunglasses in black (not pictured above but on sidebar under "currently coveting." i've wanted these for a longgg time and surprised to see they are apart of the friends & family! however, i did happen to try on these babies this past weekend, the Prada 56 mm hexagonal sunglasses. LOVE THEM. too bad they don't have them avail on bloomingdales online. wah. #wasntmeantobe ...(for now). LOL.

asymmetric & neutral

because sometimes, an asymmetric look adds a little flair.

howdy JDC reader! if you follow me on instagram you know i've been posting pictures (maybe one too many...) of this Rebecca Minkoff bag i scored from the epic Nordstrom anniversary sale last month. this bag was so worth it and a complete steal at $100 off from it's regular price of $295. it is still available at regular price now, which... really isn't bad. the port/burgundy color is beautiful, the gold chain complements it perfectly, but what sold me on this bag was two things 1) the chevron leather and 2) the versatility of this bag because you can unhook the chain straps from the D-rings and wear it as a crossbody or a shoulder bag. major points there. stay tuned, i'll do a post on ways to wear the bag and maybe a full review?!

this is actually my first asymmetric top. (wow). so i waited a while to jump on this bandwagon but loving it. also available in black. this outfit was literally put together at the 13th hour. i loved the way it turned out, the cream asymmetrical top, distressed jeans, burgundy bag, and nude pumps. i was all ready to go out. except it was only 7:30am.... #fail

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top | H&M asymmetric top in natural white (and on sale for $15!)
denim | Hudson nico mid-rise distressed skinny jeans in worlds apart (old) -- similar
shoes | Manolo Blahnik 90mm BB pump in nude patent
bag | Rebecca Minkoff chevron quilted love crossbody bag in port
earrings | Kendra Scott carmela studs (customized at the color bar) 
necklace | etsy custom monogram necklace in dearest daddy's initials
bracelet | Vita Fede mini titan crystal bracelet in gold -- similar from BaubleBar with arrows
rings | etsy stacking & midi rings / Kendra Scott ella ring in platinum drusy / BaubleBar tri bar ring 
lips | MAC lipstick in brick-o-la (favorite MAC lipstick)

Nordstrom anniversary sale

have you heard? the Nordstrom anniversary sale is going on!

in my opinion, this is a unique sale because you are buying items at a discount to wear for the upcoming season. with other sales, this is usually not the case. after this sale is over, everything goes back to regular price. and suddenly, you might regret not making that purchase while it was on sale! don't let it happen to you! Nordstrom is very strategic as it only grants early access to this sale to their cardholders--online and in-store. this is GENIUS. makes you wanna sign up for their credit card before all the goodies are gone! as the early access comes to an end, i have gathered my picks based on what is left from the sale. 

tips on shopping the sale:

  • if you are debating it, get it now while it is at a discount then decide later. my BFF always tells me "buy now, decide later." LOL. 
  • unsure of size while trying to buy online? buy both. then return the other. 
  • shop smart. don't buy it JUST BECAUSE IT IS ON SALE! 

who | Nordstrom
what | major discounts off fall items and always FREE shipping on Nordstrom.com!
when | 07/09/15 - 07/16/15 (early access for Nordstrom cardholders); 07/17/15 - 08/02/15 (for everyone else)
where | shop.nordstrom.com or in store

my picks for the LADIES:

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01 | Rebecca Minkoff chevron quilted love crossbody bag in port -- wow, this bag is gorgeous. it screams fall. (and my name...hmm.. somehow it is making it's way to my house... not sure how that happened... lol.) i love the fact that is very similar to a CHANEL boy bag--from the chevron leather to the gold chain. this is a must. also available in a clutch in this beautiful blush/latte color.
02 | Clarisonic Mia 2 cleansing system -- i've already raved enough about the Clarisonic in my review here. this is a great time to pick one up if i haven't already convinced you to! in addition, the pack of brush heads are also on sale here. 
03 | Steve Madden staarz ankle fringe sandal in taupe suede -- now this isn't normally my style, but it's good to branch out and try new things. i really like the taupe suede and the fringe.. oh, the fringe!
04 | Paige skyline skinny jeans -- mid-rise skinny jeans? yes please. 
05 | Zella live in-out of bounds leggings in black -- a spin on regular black workout tights with mesh cut-outs. too bad it is already sold out in my size! 
06 | Kendra Scott hazel stud earrings in gold & iridescent slate -- i am a total stud girl. studs over anything dangly any day. also love the rose gold & navy.
07 | Marc by Marc Jacobs take your marc hobo in bright tangelo -- this color is great to wear year around. it's similar to my Foley + Corinna that i get a ton of compliments on styled here.

my picks for the GUYS:

01 | Cole Haan cambridge wingtip dress shoes in british tan leather -- wingtips are a MUST for men. a well dressed man will always have a pair of wingtips. this color is excellent for formal and casual wear.
02 | Nike fly 2.0 dri fit knit training shorts -- Nike makes some nice dri fit material, these have pockets too!
03 | North Face apex bionic softshell jacket -- available in a variety of colors. also windproof and waterproof. i can see this as a good gift that will come in handy.
04 | Anthony Logistics face saver kit -- great brand of skincare for guys. not many guys take care of their skin and what better way to do so with a starter kit?!
05 | Skagen hald multifunction mesh strap watch in silver & grey (Nordstrom exclusive) -- wow. this watch. i love wearing men's watches. especially my dad's watches. this Skagen is beautiful, the neutral against silver and the blue dial is icing on cake. 
06 | Ted Baker London cotton pocket square in green -- we've talked about pocket squares and i am liking the subtle print on this one with the hint of green. i can see this going with many different colored suits.