the green & navy combo

green + navy combo

staying true to more color i picked out this beautiful green embroidered button down from Sézane! the details (and quality) are so good - as expected from Sézane. from the delicate ruffle to the scalloped hem of the sleeves. YES. i LOVE a kelly/bright green and navy pairing so these pants were perfect. what’s too many wide leg cropped pants? asking for a friend. i finished this outfit with standard timeless pieces such as tan cut out sandals (a hermes dupe) and a tan everyday bag. here are some other ways i’d style the Sézane dalhia shirt:

  1. white straight or skinny jeans

  2. tailored white wide leg pants

  3. tailored white shorts

side ramblings: this hiatus was unexpected. work took over all aspects of my life, leaving me feeling exhausted at the end of the day. too tired to get on socials or write a blog post or connect with friends which in turn made me feel more disconnected from everyone and my passion = dark place. the good news is that the end is in sight. thank goodness. it’s also ironic how when it rains it pours right? life is about the peaks and valleys and sometimes the valleys can be hard. those are the times i’m reminded that so much of life is out of my control. that life is easier when i just let it flow and lean more into grace & gratitude — or at least i try; i am only human after all 🙂

currently reading: the soulmate equation by Lauren Christina - a really cute book about opposites attracting! since the last post i managed to finish the unhoneymooners, it ends with us by Collen Hoover and beach read by Emily Henry. so happy about this re-kindled hobby!

currently on my playlist: 13 by LANY

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top c/o | Sézane dalhia shirt in green (wearing size 4)
pants | Ann Taylor cropped wide leg pants (old) — similar and i have these in so. many. colors
bag | Senreve mini maestra in chestnut — avail in a medium and large version
shoes | Shein cut out sandals (old) — similar on amazon // similar by Steve Madden
earrings | Mejuri charlotte bold hoops in gold vermeil — similar for $49 by Quince // also available as huggies!!
watch | Michele 29 mm deco diamond watch in gold and silver
rings | gorjana diamond row ring in 14K gold // gorjana diamond stacking ring in 14K gold

until next time,
JD

photo credit: @janeyunphoto

the Express three-piece set

the set. for the. season.

move over two-piece set. today, we’re coming in hot with a three-piece set! i love sets, they make the task of getting dressed effortless — not having to think about matching at top and bottom (maybe that’s why i love dresses). but i mainly have two-piece sets and was looking for a three-piece. giddy with my fashion senses, i’m happy to say, yep, i found it. the set for this season! and there’s a couple things i wished it had, like petite sizing. but i loved it so much i had to make it work (which is unusual for me). you can tell the duster is very long. nothing i could do about that but it actually just adds more drama/movement to the outfit (the kind you want). and the skirt is also long, i tried to fix that by ruching it even more in the mid-section which makes it look even more flattering.

first, this set is SO SOFT (and not ultra body-hugging). i could sleep in it. it’s light enough for warmer months but also thin enough to layer with a thick coat in the colder months. you can also wear the tops, duster and skirt separately. while i styled it here for work, i actually bought another matching off the shoulder sweater top that’ll be great for a night out! you can also style this with pointed toe pumps, but i opted for these new knee high suede boots i’m lovin’!

side ramblings: we are approaching lunar new year (LNY) pretty quickly. year of the rabbit — read more about it here. this year is extra special since it falls exactly on my mom’s birthday (she’s extra excited)! besides all the LNY traditions, i love seeing beauty brands package things for LNY — in red. so naturally, i’m a sucker for it. i repeat. there is nothing special about it, it’s just packaged with red details. here are a couple i’ve seen: BIOSSANCE vitamin c rose oil, Charlotte Tilbury matte revolution lipstick in red-orange, SK-II facial treatment essence (heard they’re launching a year of the rabbit packaging soon!). on a local note, my friends, @thepapercraftpantry & @shopkathyphantastic are also throwing a lunar new year festival on 01/22 — details here. come out and #supportlocal if you can! lastly, i’ve also been on this puzzle-frenzy. during the holidays we did a couple (500 pieces: Austin, Kauai, Waikiki, 1000 pieces: Italy Cinque Terre). and i’ve continued on alone. right now i’m going through a mini-wooden puzzle series. as you can tell, i love @dowdlefolkart puzzles! the details are so fun to look at 🤓 #protip: they sell them at costco each fall for about $12!

currently on my playlist: daydream by Lily Meola

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would it even be a blog photo if i didn’t drape a coat?! 😆

top | Express ultra soft mock neck sleeveless sweater tank in grey (wearing size S)
skirt | Express high waisted ruched side midi sweater skirt in grey (wearing size S, could’ve sized down to XS)
duster | Express ultra soft balloon sleeve duster cardigan in grey (wearing size XS)
bag | Senreve maestra in pebbled noir (my work bag) — also avail in mini (great everyday size) & midi sizes
shoes | Sam Edelman uma knee high boots in black suede (these actually fit my wide calves!) — similar
earrings | Mejuri charlotte bold hoops in gold vermeil — also available as huggies!!
sunglasses | Karen Walker number one sunglasses in black/smoke mono - available in tortoise
watch | Michele 29 mm deco diamond watch in gold and silver

cheers to all.the.sets.,
JD

photo credit: @janeyunphoto

senreve maestra & sustainable fashion

time for a #bagtalk.

feels good to be back here. i have so much to SAY/ramble on 😁 first, fashion. always. the @senreve Handbag Revival event is going on and i ended up splurging on the full sized maestra for work (12.25” bottom-16” top L x 6.75” W x 10.25” H). i have the mini maestra and the size is great on my 5’2” shortness while fitting everyday essentials (8.5” bottom-11.5” top L x 5.5” W x 7.5” H).

while there is much to say about this iconic bag, i’m going to focus on why i bought it and sustainability. for semi-large bag purchases like these it’s usually a no-no to buy the same model in different colors so this tells you how much i really love the maestra. i purchased the full sized maestra for two reasons:

  1. i wanted a work bag that fits a 13” laptop — the full size maestra has a side pocket dedicated to just this! you can also fit a 15” laptop in the center (no pocket).

  2. looks chic (> laptop bag) w/multi-functionality — you can wear it so many ways! usually when you add a lot of function to a product it loses its streamlined look. not with senreve. they also consider all the details for the working woman. the inside has pockets galore and i love the outside sleeve that fits your phone for easy access! plus, i like options. being in my 30’s my shoulders can’t carry as much as they used too, they tire easily. so being able to wear it as a crossbody, backpack, or even hold it prevents that shoulder droop! see the mini styled several ways here

this event is still going on and allows you to purchase their bags at a discount. bags that were gently handled i.e., used in a photoshoot or displayed in their showroom. this was my first time purchasing a bag from their event (happens twice a year) and i am PLEASANTLY SURPRISED. i picked the tier with the least amount of imperfections (“Almost Perfect” = 1-2 visible imperfections) and i can’t see one thing wrong with it!! it’s basically brand new! and YA GIRL IS PICKY. it was a great experience and one of the things i try to be better about is sustainability. purchasing this gently used bag made me feel less bad, and this bag gets to continues its cycle into the fashion world vs. being burned (which is what most companies do). the best thing is you can still use my code during the event! use “JANNADOAN” for $50 off $300 at checkout! #SenreveAmbassador

i want to be mindful where i’m spending my money and purchase/support brands that are sustainable, are eco-friendly, ethically source items, pay their employees fairly, offer fair pricing — or at least brands who are making a conscious effort to do those things etc… all these things are important when you want to make a difference for the future. and as i always say, it’s the small things that add up to make a big difference. we can all contribute in small ways when we are mindful of where our dollar is spent, even in the fashion world :) ironically, some i visited some of my fave ethical brands this weekend, listed in the side ramblings!

side ramblings: my dear friend @wanderlustanita e-mailed me “There’s a Name for the Blah You’re Feeling: It’s Called Languishing” featured in the NY Times, “i thought of you.” i read the article and it hit home. MEH wasn’t cutting it. so languishing it is. sounds classier, i’ll take it. so what am i/you going to do about languishing? small goals. mine is to draw better boundaries with work. AND get out every week, dressed like a normal human (no athleisure as much as i love it), and go do/see something by myself. to acclimate/re-claim some of my old life slowly. safely of course. this weekend i FINALLY checked out Music Lane on SoCo. the weather this weekend was basically BEGGING me to get out. loved seeing all the shops & restaurants down there!! i picked up a prime chirashi bot bowl from @theluckyrobot (i’ve been thinking of this sushi bowl for over a year now). finally got to see the @everlane & @reformation store fronts (both ethical fashion brands i love & support) && i discovered @neighborhoodgoods! this place is a gem. it has an amazing round bar & they serve drinks & food inside. talk about the re-invention of department stores! they feature curated brands you wouldn’t typically see outside from clothes, snacks, sunglasses, leather goods, and even clean beauty products. i was able to pick up the @aesop a rose by any other name body wash (fragrance notes: rose petal, cardamom, black pepper) i’ve been wanting to try! i saw a couple of coffee shops and eateries i wanted to check out so… @musiclaneatx… SEE YOU SOON! 😁

currently on my playlist: anywhere with you by Mat Kearney

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home photos are getting SUPER awkward BTW… but this is for the maestra size reference on my 5’2” frame

dress | Halogen asymmetric neck dress in lipstick (a bright orange red, i love the color & unique drape!, wearing size 2 for reference)
earrings | Mejuri charlotte bold hoops in gold vermeil
bag | Senreve maestra in pebbled noir — also avail in mini & midi sizes during the Handbag Revival event. also obsessed with the Alunna! (use code “JANNADOAN” for an additional $50 off $300!)

cheers to sustainability!,
JD

the neck tie blouse gone casual style

the neck tie blouse gone #casualstyle

i am a fan of classic pieces. the ones that stay in style forever. one of them is the neck tie blouse. it’s a great work staple that pairs well with pencil skirts and pants. however, i choose to take it casual style here with other classic pieces such as the skinny jean, a neutral-ish blazer and a pair of nude patent pumps. i loved the addition of the cognac skinny belt that polished it even more and tied in the bag. this neck tie blouse also comes in petite which is a great option when it comes to long sleeves so that the length will hit you just right! PS — these photos are hot off the press! we shot them on Saturday and i haven’t done photos since March and i will say, it feels good to be back. until next time, xx.

side ramblings: HELLO @glossier! they’re poppin up in ATX and it’s a great way to see all the products in person at 2000 South Congress Ave until 12/08! i may go back and pick up the milky oil but i am a huge fan of the balmdotcom. what a remarkable 3-day weekend! it kicked off with a complimentary blow out and make up application at @janetstpaulstudio. UM. do you know the last time i put makeup on my face (concealer, foundation, bronzer etc..)? my sister’s wedding FIVE years ago lol! it was such a treat, the staff was so friendly. and you know when you go to places where you put a robe on it’s gonna be #badandbougie. we also took it into a girls day out complete with manis and lunch @snhatx — hello crab butter roll!! my foodie PIC and i checked out @intelligentisacoffee in ATX and while i’ve been before, i had the opportunity to try the ATX special this time — the roadrunner (sparkling cold coffee, grapefruit, soda, and agave). sounds pretty interesting huh? i really enjoyed it. think of a refreshing-type-cold-coffee. i learned so much about coffee and have a newfound respect for this coffee shop! lastly, weekends are usually complete with brunch so enter @swedishhillaustin, i highly recommend the deconstructed bagel & lox!

currently on my playlist: alaska by Maggie Rogers

always a sucker for a great B&W photo!

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top | Ann Taylor petite bow neck blouse in winter white (wearing size 2P) — similar by Banana Republic // similar but a mock neck combo
blazer c/o | Theory good wool long blazer in petal pink (wearing size 2, i actually tried on the crimson melange recently and it’s a perfect red!!)
jeans | Hudson nico mid-rise skinny jeans in abbey wash (old) — similar for $68 // similar but high rise
shoes | Manolo Blahnik BB pump in nude patent — similar by Ann Taylor // similar by Sam Edelman
bag | Senreve mini maestra in chestnut (use code “JANNADOAN” at checkout on senreve.com and receive a complimentary bracelet pouch, $125 value, on any $300 minimum purchase!) — midi size // largest size
belt | H&M narrow belt in brown— similar but double o style
sunglasses | Celine marta sunglasses in havana (my fave sunnies!) — similar for $25 // similar by QUAY for $55 // love these for $99
rings | Gorjana amara ring set // Amanda Deer c/o CZ solitaire ring // Amanda Deer c/o CZ accents midi ring

rock the neck tie blouse casual style!,
JD

photo credit: Steven Gunter

the coatigan & senreve mini maestra

coatigan = a hybrid between a coat and a cardigan. yes, you heard me right.

diving right into the coatigan. yes, you do need one. here is why: this is a great option in the wardrobe when you’re looking for that layered piece… but a cardigan isn’t quite gonna cut it/too thin or fitted, and a coat is too much coverage. in comes the (insert drumroll)… COATIGAN. and it works perfectly when you need to go somewhere and don’t want the hassle of taking a coat on and off. the coatigan gives you enough coverage to wear it as a full outfit no matter where or what you’re doing (unless you live in Antarctica). i purchased this a while ago and SHOCKED that it is still in stock. but it runs REALLY large. i’m wearing an XS (never happens) in this photo and could even go down to an XXS. even on a really short 5’2” person like myself it falls at a good length. however, it is made of merino and that shrinks a little (live & learn). technically, you’re not supposed to wash it. but you know me, i wash everything. here, i styled it with a classic boyfriend white button down with the cuffs folded over the coatigan. i would even wear it over camis, v-neck tshirts, and as an athleisure layer over leggings. speaking of which, this makes a great travel companion!

the BAG was a birthday gift to myself. and you’ve heard me talk about @senreve on here before. it’s a great bag for under 1K. i’ve talked about the versatility of their bags and have shown you how to wear it below! let me count the ways. i love this little thing and have gotten numerous compliments on it. it’s a great everyday cognac bag that will go with everything. the inside is lined with the most beautiful pastel blue and the compartments inside are well thought out (not surprised coming from Senreve). the mini is a good size for a petite figure 5’2” person. while they offer it in many colors & finishes, i wanted something everyday and something i didn’t have to “baby.” the chestnut was a perfect color and the pebbled leather was the best option for me since it’s scratch resistant!

side happenings: it’s been a JAM packed weekend & week ahead as we gear up for Valentine’s Day. not sure why it’s such a huge holiday, but for me it’s all about them sweet treats and treatin’ yourself right! as an independent woman, i never wait for ANYONE to bring or buy me ANYTHING. and NOR SHOULD YOU. #selfmade and that’s why i’m leaving y’all with the jam below to rock out to. i’m out y’all. && wish me luck on Friday’s fashion show! until next time xx

currently on my playlist: independent woman by Destiny’s Child

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worn as a crossbody

worn as a top handle

worn as a backpack!

top | Gap shrunken boyfriend shirt in white denim (ancient) — latest version and $25 // similar by J.Crew Factory // love this striped one
coatigan | J.Crew juliette collarless sweater blazer in heather khaki (wearing size XS) — similar but blazer style
denim | Hudson nico super skinny mid-rise jeans in abbey wash (old) — similar by Everlane and $65 // similar and $64 // similar but high rise
bag | Senreve mini maestra in chestnut — larger version
shoes | Manolo Blahnik BB pump in nude patent — similar by Ann Taylor // similar by Sam Edelman
sunglasses | Celine marta sunglasses in havana (prob 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
watch | Michael Kors darci watch in gold
bracelet | Vita Fede mini titan crystal bracelet in gold

rock the coatigan,
JD

photo credit: Steven Gunter

the burgundy & grey edit

burgundy & grey.

burgundy/wine is such a beautiful color every winter/fall season and i think it looks amazing on everyone! here, Ann Taylor sent me this seamed ponte flare dress (great work dress) that also comes in black and petite sizing. if you read this blog, you know i love ponte material, it’s a much thicker and heavyweight material compared to jersey (that clings onto all your body rolls). this one is super flattering and in an A-line fit, i’d say the only thing it’s missing is POCKETS. y’all know how i feel about dresses with pockets! normally, i would pair this color with black as seen in a 2015 post featuring a burgundy pleated skirt & crop top (gosh i look so YOUNG!). however, it just happened to be that my Ann Taylor grey suede pumps were set out so ding ding ding! on top of that, Senreve sent me their crossbody in a saffiano textured leather (= durable) and you can see how they both match SO PERFECTLY?! along with the background for these photos?! love it when it all works out!! so here it is, i encourage you to mix these two colors together!

a last note on this crossbody bag, Senreve is a new up and coming handbag brand that i stumbled upon on IG. and after checking out their bags and how versatile they are i knew i needed one. so here’s what i did... i emailed them, pitched myself knowing i was never going to hear back from them because i am a pretty small influencer. but in business i have learned to always ask and the worst that can happen is that you get no answer or a no. so here’s to the 1% of the time when i actually get a response from a company that sees my value over my numbers! honestly, i feel humbled to be able to work with Senreve and one of those #pinchme moments. i digress, this crossbody can actually be worn with a metal crossbody chain, a leather crossbody chain, the compartments can be removed so you can customize it with the amount of pouches!! that is what i love about Senreve. their mini maestra bag is one of their bestsellers and again, i love how sleek yet versatile it is — you can wear it as a backpack, a crossbody, and a top handle! usually items that have that much versatility do not look as sleek or streamlined so major props to Senreve — where fashion meets function for the working woman.

currently on my playlist: shallow by Bradley Cooper & Lady Gaga (anyone seen A Star is Born?! it’s been on my list!)

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dress c/o | Ann Taylor seamed ponte flare dress in rosy plum (wearing size 2 regular, i recommend sizing down) — similar with a peplum hem
shoes | Ann Taylor mila suede pumps in paver grey (sold out) -- similar // similar
bag c/o | Senreve crossbody in mimosa storm (comes in so many colors!)
necklace c/o | Ann Taylor crystal necklace in gold — matching earrings // love this pearl one
rings | Gorjana amara ring set // Amanda Deer c/o CZ solitaire ring // Amanda Deer c/o CZ accents midi ring
bracelet | Vita Fede mini titan crystal bracelet in gold
watch | Michael Kors darci watch in gold

rock the burgundy & grey combo,
JD

photo credit: Katie J Photography
a post done in collaboration with Ann Taylor.
dress & necklace provided by Ann Taylor, all opinions are my own.