the loose jeans & sezane lucas jumper

here for the loose jeans!

i’m a little late on this, but if you’re a regular here, you know i rarelyyy do trends. i keep to my classic staples but every now and then, i’ll try something different (always good to step out of the comfort zone every now and then! or so they say). since skinny jeans, i’ve ventured into straight jeans and loved those. but they are all pretty fitted at the top/waist. so i wanted something a little more loose fitting. enter the loose jean! it’s a different look/vibe imo but the fit is almost too good and a reallyyy nice break from tighter fitting jeans. while i elevated the look here with the #gifted Sézane lucas jumper and some pointed toe pumps, i love wearing these jeans with a simple top and my new balance 530s (yes, the dad sneaks).

currently on my playlist: say you love me by Sam Kim

currently watching: Her Private Life (btw, since the last blog post, i started and finished Mr. Plankton and My Demon. my demon was SO GOOD. felt like it deserved higher ratings.)

add a chic baseball cap for good measure ;)

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top c/o | Sézane lucas jumper in ecru and navy (wearing size S for a more oversized fit) — similar and more lightweight // not similar but always a classic in the betty cardigan
denim | Abercrombie & Fitch high rise loose jean in light tinted (wearing my TTS 26 short) — similar but wide leg
shoes | Manolo Blahnik BB pump in nude patent — similar in suede by Ann Taylor // similar but a kitten heel (more preferable these days)
bag | Loewe puzzle bag in sand grained calfskin (size small, the one i have has the older stitching that is inverted and i really prefer this look over the new style!! not sure why the changed it!!) — same but newer stitching // amazing Quince dupe for $140! // also comes in a REALLY adorable mini size i also debated too!
earrings | Mejuri charlotte bold hoops in gold vermeil — similar but a huggie style! // similar by Quince
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 sezane harper dress & turning 40

first JDC post of 2025!

i think i say this every year, but whoa 2024 flew by! i’ve been meaning to write this post for some time now or even post on IG but december has been a go-go-go month that i just haven’t had time — i mean no complaints here. from my bday bucket list trip to NYC, my Emily in Paris themed brunch, xmas parties, family gatherings, board games, pickleball, eating grapes in the table (IYKYK), etc. but now i’m finally finding some time to reflect on turning 40 and on what 2024 was for me. more after the jump!

first, a moment for this #gifted Sézane harper dress — shes’s a beauty isn’t she? i don’t usually pick many Sézane dresses because they’re usually too long on my short 5’2” self. however, this one is the perfect maxi length. and those gold buttons on the side?! urm, yes! imo, it gives the dress a little more ooph and ahh. i sized down to an XS because i knew the knit fabric would stretch and i think the S (my usual size) might have been too long. it’s also a really great work dress as the slit isn’t high and the buttons are decorative — which i prefer. while i styled these with knee high suede boots, a strappy or block heel sandal also works!

currently on my playlist: sudden shower from Lovely Runner (on my list to watch next!)

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turning 40/living for 4 decades is crazy thought. 40 is a big number. when i was younger i thought dang, 40 is OLD! ha, look who’s laughing now. jokes on me. i think it holds a great significance especially for women as 40 is the typical age it’s not really recommended to have children — and i think whether you wanted children or if you didn’t want children, it’s a hard pill to swallow. period. for me, i think it’s a little sad realizing/coming to terms that i probably won’t be having children; and you know what, that’s okay with me. maybe life has something else planned for me — or so i’d like to think. 40s is realizing you are actually aging. and um, i can attest to things not working as a normal 30 year old. somehow recovery takes longer, things ache, tolerance (for anything) is pretty low. on the flipside. there’s so much to 40 that i love. example. i am a hard no on manyyyy things and have zero issues saying no to things and people that don’t align with me. time is even more precious. i mean it’s sad to say but i’ve pretty much lived half my life — that’s if i make it to 80 :D

2024 was probably a year i’ll always remember. there were so many highlights and sitting here looking at the vision board i created 12-months ago, i smile and feel happy with how it all turned out. it was everything i wanted… and more. there were lots of check boxes on the bucket list. lots of manifesting from my vision board. btw, i save my vision board as a screen saver so i’m reminded of it on the daily and i highly recommend it! this year, i feel like i progressed professionally — from awards received, to promotions, to raises and merits (it was a fruitful year) and i never thought i’d be recognized in this way. it’s an honor. socially, i made more friends and expanded my circle just a teeny bit more. i dove into random hobbies/tried new things such as more mechanical keyboards, puzzles, mah jong, charms/beading, board games, trinket meet ups, blind boxes, pickleball, etc. i spiraled down and found a crazy love for k-drama (post coming soon!). i began to take care of myself by treating myself to massages and facials again. i started another IG with my friend. i planned quarterly dinners with friends i wanted to cultivate relationships with. i finally found peace with my single-ness. this is actually a big one for me; growth wise. unconsciously i’d always try to end my singleton life. but nowadays i’ve come to LOVE IT. i love the life i’ve built for myself that it would take almost a fictional guy (also fueled by k-drama) to take me off the single list. feels weird to say it at 40, but i feel like i’ve finally found my way 💖

i found my love for skincare all over again with routines & products i absolutely love — my skin looks more hydrated and plump than it has ever been. travel-wise, i visited A LOT of places — Japan (if you don’t already know, Japan is my fave place on earth), Korea, Vancouver, Seattle, NYC. that’s a lot for me! i went to NYC during Christmas and it was indeed magical, it was a bucket list item (also on my vision board) and i’m so happy i was able to mark it off my list. while the blog was slow, life was indeed amazing!!! i used to feel bad when i “neglected” the blog, but now i feel okay about it. i find that the other things & people i’m spending my time on also bring me so much joy. and even though the posts are less, hopefully they’re still quality posts 🫶 anyway, it’s time to wrap up this really long side rambling by just saying, i’m dang grateful and look forward to 2025 🥰 #letsdothisthang

thank you for your support & for following along my journey of life! xx

dress c/o | Sézane harper dress in black (sized down to XS and the length is perfect for someone who is 5’2”) — similar in the Hillary (buttons at the arms) // similar in the Erine (buttons at the shoulder)
shoes | Sam Edelman uma knee high boots in black suede (old) — similar and newer style & avail in wide valf
earrings | Mejuri charlotte bold hoops in gold vermeil — similar but a huggie style! // similar by Quince
watch | Michele 29 mm deco diamond watch in gold and silver

until next time!,
JD

photo credit: @janeyunphoto

the sezane pierro shirt

a little workwear inspo.

i’ve talked about the Sézane tomboy vs. max shirt in this blog post and i mention the pierro. well, i finally was able to add the pierro to my closet #gifted! as you can tell, the pierro is known for its printed designs. they come in usually bright and bold colors depending on the season of fashion. i loved this bright blue and the floral print. it went so well with these white wide leg pants for a #workwear look. professional, polished, and fashionable. for a bold look i’d style them with matching blue pants #gobold!

quick wrap up comparison below of all three Sézane button downs:

  • Sézane tomboy shirt — despite what you think the name would mean it’s actually classic & fitted. measurements listed below for a 36 or US 4:

    • measures 19.5” in width from one side seam to the other

    • measures 26.4” from the shoulder to the hem

    • complimentary embroidery available (you’ll see it after you click add to basket)

  • Sézane max shirt — oversized & relaxed. really great for super casual days, coverups at the beach or pool. it’s also longer and wider than the tomboy. measurements listed below for a 36 or US 4:

    • measures 24” in width from one side seam to the other

    • measures 28.9” from the shoulder to the hem

  • Sézane pierro shirt — the material of this shirt is a little more luxe & elevated, making it an easy pick for work. it’s also very classy & feminine with the pearl button details too! it’s soft, very lightweight which means it may wrinkle easily. measurements listed below for a 36 of US 4:

    • measures 20.5” in width from one side seam to the other

    • measures 26.4” from the shoulder to the hem

of course, it was the windiest day!

side ramblings: it’s been a while so this may be a long one… hope you have a cup of coffee in hand ☕ does anyone ever talk about how hard it is to adjust to life after japan? listen, i know it’s #FWP, but it’s seriously harddd. while i still have so much of the world to see, japan really holds a special place in my heart. in june/july 2024 i went to japan (second time) and korea (first time). two weeks flew by. i realized i never did a recap on my first japan trip in 2023 so i’ll recap them both #comingsoon! korea was such an experience. my sister and i went to every Olive Young in sight. it was a skincare. heaven. — if those exist! i lugged home a suitcase full of korean skincare products and have since converted a good chunk of my routine to k-beauty.

soon after coming back i actually went to vancouver and seattle too — an escape to cooler weather! it was another great trip before my niece and nephew went back to school (hard to believe it’s already time). i was happy to make and take home all those memories with me and i look forward to more family trips together. lately i’ve been thinking about how quickly time passes, situations and people change. that no matter how hard you try to re-create them, it will never be the same. i mean, it’s obvious, people change and grow. we’re never the same but i guess the kid inside me wishes it wasn’t the case sometimes. it’s a good reminder to soak of the current moment no matter how mundane. 💗

since coming back from korea, i’ve been on a k-drama kick too. it’s been… just as i thought. i never watched them because i had a feeling it would be like the old chinese movies i watched when i was in middle school on VHS (showing my age y’all). i remember having to fan the VCR player back in the day because my sister and i watched so much during the summer. fast forward to now… i’m obsessed with k-drama. it’s so different from american television. how do i put it? it’s wholesome and innocent — and let’s face it, i’m a sucker for a cute-make-you-cry-kinda-love story. from the couple that i’ve watched, they do a good job telling the story too. my UF (ultimate favorite) is Crash Landing on You 🫰 it was my first k-drama and still holds the number one spot. i HIGHLY recommend it. all this means i haven’t done much reading this year, but i mean, reading subtitles count, RIGHT?! asking for a friend.

i’ve also fallen in love with korean music all over again, just like the highschool days when i went through a phase of kpop. i also started beading with my friend and beginning to make some bag/phone keychains! it’s fun since i love all things crafty. tbh, i love this era of my life for me.

event-wise, i was invited to the @sundayriley masterclass where Sunday Riley herself went though her skincare routine. it was such an amazing event. i don’t usually get invited to something at this level so it was such a treat. as someone with sensitive skin, i didn’t have any reactions to Sunday Riley products as we tried almost all of them in the masterclass. speaking of skincare, i updated my day and night skincare routine in an easy shoppable format! it’s a lot of products but i rotate them daily. 😁

currently on my playlist: crash landing on you soundtrack

currently watching: what’s wrong with secretary kim

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top c/o | Sézane pierro shirt in gran fortina (wearing size US 4 and could have sized down to a US 2) — similar in the omboy shirt // similar in the max shirt
bottom | Aritzia the effortless pant in birch (wearing size 6) — similar in the A&F sloane tailored pant
bag | etsy woven bag in apricot (old) — similar by Quince // similar by Quince in a woven hobo bag
shoes | Manolo Blahnik BB pump in nude patent — similar by Ann Taylor // similar by Sam Edelman
earrings | Mejuri charlotte bold hoops in gold vermeil — similar but a huggie style! // similar by Quince
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 sezane gillyne skirt and graphic tee

happy May friends!

hard to believe that summer is here!!! i’m looking forward to the longer days with more sunlight into the evening hours. probably my only favorite thing about summer since i’m not a huge fan of the extreme heat — not looking forward to that at all! for this post i was super excited to shoot with my girl again @janeyunphoto, since it has been quite some time. she always makes me look amazing!

when i saw the Sézane gillyne skirt online #gifted i was drawn to the texture and the fun front pockets with button detail. the brick color ended up being a more toned down burnt orange (and more wearable imo)! i styled it with a simple graphic tee and some white booites which make it the perfect gameday outfit in Austin! #UTLonghorns #hookem

side ramblings: strawberry season is in full swing and i’ve been oogling over all the tj’s strawberry goodies and strawberry treats in general! if you haven’t already, definitely check out the Sézane pop-up on SoCo before September. they invited me in for breakfast this past weekend 😊 such a treat to work with an amazing & generous company — they always send us home with a bouquet of flowers! this time i was also gifted the Sézane pippa dress in olive. this is my second pippa dress and i highly recommend it. it’s hard to find a good t-shirt dress that doesn’t cling to your everything and looks elevated the tie knot detail really brings it all together for me. it also comes in a sleeveless version called the Sézane pippaé dress too (i also own this as well. it’s that GOOD).

currently on my playlist: what was i made for? by Billie Eilish

currently reading: the true love experiment by Christina Lauren a spin off to the soulmate equation

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top | J.Crew Factory le weekend t-shirt (so old) — similar Paris one! // similar by J.Crew Factory
skirt c/o | Sézane gillyne skirt in brick (wearing size US 4) — similar
jacket | Old Navy denim jacket (very old) — similar by Quince
earrings | Mejuri charlotte bold hoops in gold vermeil — similar but a huggie style! // similar by Quince
shoes | Dolce Vita timone booties in white (old) — similar
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 sezane tomboy vs. max shirt

hello april!

a button down is a staple in all capsule wardrobes. why? because it’s versatile. you can mix and match it with a variety of bottoms (denim shorts, jeans, skirts), dress it up (french tuck) or down, layer it (over a dress), or even wear it as a beach/pool cover up. Sézane has many beautiful collections, but i typically go for the staples like the tomboy and max shirts! i’m glad they’ve been added to my collection. in summary, the difference between the two:

  • Sézane tomboy shirt — despite what you think the name would mean it’s actually classic & fitted. measurements listed below for a 36 or US 4:

    • measures 19.5” in width from one side seam to the other

    • measures 26.4” from the shoulder to the hem

    • complimentary embroidery available (you’ll see it after you click add to basket)

  • Sézane max shirt — oversized & relaxed. really great for super casual days, coverups at the beach or pool. it’s also longer and wider than the tomboy. measurements listed below for a 36 or US 4:

    • measures 24” in width from one side seam to the other

    • measures 28.9” from the shoulder to the hem

Sézane tomboy shirt in ecru/camel stripes

the only iconic one i’m missing is the Sézane pierro shirt — which is next on my list to try. the fit seems similar to the tomboy but the pierro is in pretty prints that’ll look great with some solid wide leg pants!

i included pictures here of both so you can get an idea. ironically they are in stripes since i’m having a striped moment over here && i styled them both with white bottoms!! which one should you pick? depends on the FIT. for classic, go with the tomboy. for oversized go with the max. you can’t go wrong with either! i love that it does not require ironing once washed (thank goodness, because i rarely pull out my steamer/iron). personally, my style leans more towards the tomboy (as i also have it in plain white) but the max is a fun one to have for certain style vibes. if you don’t own either, i recommend going with the tomboy first as my rule of thumb is to always go with classic first, then build on that with more fun & trendy pieces. more pictures after the jump!

currently on my playlist: lose control by Tom King (i like this cover more than the Teddy Swims original)

currently reading: the island of sea women by Lisa See

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Sézane tomboy shirt in ecru/camel stripes

Sézane max shirt in striped blue

Sézane max shirt in striped blue

top c/o | Sézane tomboy shirt in ecru/camel stripes (wearing size 4 US)
top c/o | Sézane max shirt in striped blue (wearing size 4 US, i could’ve sized down to a 2 in this but i wanted it to be truly oversized)
denim | Everlane kick crop jeans in white (very old) — similar by Madewell // similar by J.Crew Factory // loving these wide leg ones!
pants | Ann Taylor kate wide leg cropped pant in white (wearing size 2P, hands down the best wide leg cropped pant everrrrrr)
bag | Loewe puzzle bag in sand grained calfskin (size small) — dupe on Amazon // also comes in a REALLY adorable mini size i also debated too!
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

how to style the sezane will jacket

the jacket for all seasons

luckily, my partnership with Sézane continues I decided to go with the Sézane will jacket #gifted that i’ve been eyeing for a while now and it comes in so many colors to choose from! i wasn’t sure how it would look on me due to length. turns out, i had nothing to worry about 🙂 it reminds me of a utility jacket but more sleek and structured. BTW, the utility jacket is my go-to travel jacket. i take it on every. single. trip. with me because honestly, it goes with EVERYTHING and it has functional pockets. i was hoping the will jacket would do the same in a more elevated way and it did not disappoint. the pockets are very deep and i love how the material keeps its structure since it is denim-like.

here, i decided to style it a couple of different ways. it’s all about versatility #amirite! i’ve always wanted to belt something like this and i love how it turned out. you can layer it (even over a dress which i have always wanted to try), belt it, and wear it as a top itself like a button down. you can dress it up and you can dress it down. check out all four looks after the jump!

side ramblings: 2024. it’s been a slowwww start here full of self-care. i’ve been enjoying spending time at home working on my paint-by-numbers, upgrading the home office, reading, playing mah jong, watching Modern Family with my parents, going down reddit thread rabbit holes about mechanical keyboards (new hobby) and trader joes (of course). it’s been a grand time!

invites + on the radar //

  • with this timely post, Sézane’s Austin pop-up opens on Friday, 03/08 at 1011 S. Congress Avenue Suite 130 (between Everlane and All Birds at Music Lane)! i was able to preview the store this past weekend and it is gorgeous. makes me miss Paris! i hope it becomes a permanent boutique in Austin🤞 hours of operation: Open Monday to Saturday: 10 am to 7 pm and Sundays: 11 am to 6 pm. stop by and check them out! it’s also a great way to try on their sizes if you are unsure and feel all their luxe fabrics and textiles!

  • i was invited into The Guest House // @welcometgh earlier this week and i gotta say, it was an AMAZING experience 💯 i loved all. the. dishes., the service, and the ambiance was 110% swanky. i’ll be returning soon! dishes ordered: complimentary brioche (OMG LAYERED GOODNESS), steak tartare, traditional caviar service, parmesean truffle crusted filet, miso mushrooms, the garden dessert (a must), and the tres leches x tiramisu dessert! they will be opening the take away section soon (and i hope they have that brioche available!) and the little outdoor wine garden! so happy to see this space filled on 2nd street!

other notable eats lately //

currently on my playlist: headlights home by Mat Kearney

currently reading: hook, line, and sinker by Tessa Bailey

LOOK 1 - layered over a t-shirt or layered over a t-shirt and belted

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LOOK 1: belted

LOOK 1: layered openly over a graphic t-shirt

LOOK 2. as a top itself. for good measure, just three buttons only + an ever so slight pop in the collar

LOOK 3. over athleisure

LOOK 4. over a dress & belted

jacket c/o | Sézane will jacket in khaki (sized down to a XS)
dress | Old Navy eyelet midi dress (very old) — similar but a maxi with classy cut outs!
denim c/o | Everlane kick crop jeans in white (very old) — similar by Madewell // similar by J.Crew Factory // loving these wide leg ones!
top | J.Crew Factory le weekend t-shirt (so old) — similar Paris one! // this striped one would go so perfectly too!
belt | Ann Taylor waist belt (old) — similar and love the one by Sezane
leggings | Athleta salutation stash 7/8 tight in black — similar on Amazon for $29
sports top | Amazon high neck sports bra crop top in white

until next time,
JD

the sezane barry cardigan

thankful.

howdy friends! gosh it has been a while and i can barely believe we’re here. Thanksgiving week already!!!! it’s so shocking. this year flew by a little too quickly - maybe a sign of age 👵side ramblings after the jump.

i’m thrilled to continue my partnership with Sézane! here i’m kicking off sweater weather (feels so good and normal to wear these now!) with the barry cardigan. while i own the iconic gaspard cardigan, i picked out the sister style; the barry cardigan in this beautiful lilac color. sometimes lilac can be tricky but the tone (not too cool) on this one is perfect for my fair skintone. the only difference between the gaspard and the barry is the neckline, the barry has a v-neck button front — which can also be worn backwards as well for a subtle sexy v-back look. i did try it and while no photos, i can ensure you that it’s a good look to try! i opted to pair this with some navy wide leg pants (looks black in the photos though) and really love the contrast of the colors together — def give this color combo a go sometime! if you’re feeling bold, i’d style it with green or light pink pants as well! as always, picking the one color in this cardigan was H A R D. because there are so many pretty ones for all the seasons! #lifedecisions ya know?

lately i’ve been going for tops over dresses at Sézane for some reason! i’m a total dress gal. but i’ve been gravitating towards their sweaters, shirts, and jackets lately. some others i picked out include, c/o Sézane:

  • betty cardigan (in black/ecru, size S) — HELLO CLASSY LADY. that’s what this cardigan screams! i also have this cardigan in rosewood… so that tells you something 😁

  • will jacket (in khaki, size XS) — this is such a unique and versatile jacket (with DEEP pockets which i LOVE). i wore it out this weekend with white jeans + white graphic tee, and i can see it draped over an athleisure outfit or even belted over a skirt or dress (will be trying this soon!). it comes in all sorts of textures, colors, and patterns. so again, good luck choosing! i did size down to an XS on this one though :)

  • tomboy shirt (in ecru/camel stripes, size 4) — one of the Sézane reps wore this when they were in Austin this summer and i loved it on her. it’s such a classic button down that i’ll be styling with white jeans!

also, check out the Sézane parisian gift shop here!

#blackfriday: alright alright alright. here we go with some black friday sales. i think i’ll continue to update this section as the week goes on but lots of sales have already started, much earlier this year if feels like?! i’m keeping it pretty slim this year, there’s not a ton i really want (or need; but that’s a fine line right?!) so here are some that top my list:

currently reading: something wilder by Christina Lauren

currently on the playlist: times like this by Mat Kearney ft. Devon Gilfillian (there is always a Mat K song for every season on life!)

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side ramblings: life has been a little rough lately, not gonna lie. everything kind of piled on top of each other all at once it felt like. hence, my absence. in fact, when i look at the blog posts for 2023, it’s an all time low for me and slightly disappointing. i know life/things get in the way, but this year i really let this piece of the internet slip away; by my own doing. this weekend i spent time making a list of small changes i’d like to make to change my circumstance. not that things change overnight, but i find that if i show up and hold myself accountable for something on my list (like publishing this blog post), i’ve made some progress. and progressing we are! 💗this is timely as it’s Thanksgiving week. the past couple of weeks were a good reminder of the support system i have and the people who have come thru for me during this time (thank you). i am pretty dang blessed beyond words. really. and hey, what would life be without ebbs and flows right? #cantstopwontstop actually it’s funny my dad reminded of this hashtag recently. he just knew 😉

top c/o | Sézane barry cardigan in lilac (wearing size S) — similar but the gaspard style (link to blog post on how to style it here)
pants | Ann Taylor wide-leg kate pants in navy (old)
necklace | gorjana diamond cluster necklace in 14K solid gold
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 (but not too long 🙂),
JD