the taupe knit dress two ways

hey y’all! it’s me.

i love transitional pieces. when i saw this knit dress during the @shopbop sale a while back, i picked it up thinking it’ll be a fun piece that can be worn casually and easily dressed up as well. the criss-cross halter style was also another selling point since i didn’t have anything quite like it in my closet. the fabric (knit) is light enough to wear all year-round and though i find it a smidge long, it passes as a maxi without having to get it hemmed on my 5’2” short self. to style it casually, i took a white button down (classic staple) and tied it into a knot over the dress and added a tote bag, and flat sandals (white sneaks will also do!). i dressed it up with some strappy black heels and croc-effect shoulder bag. ta-da. simple as that. the taupe color makes it that easy!

side ramblings: while i didn’t anticipate on taking a month off of socials, it. was. so. great. i spent that time ORGANIZING like crazy! and it felt so good to get some things done that have been on the never-ending home list. but y’all. i organized all the under-the-sink-black-holes and the refrigerator. now everything is what i like to call an “organized mess.” often times i just open the fridge, pantry, or under the sink and just stare at how everything has its own place (clearly i need a life). there are some cool organizing gadgets out there i learned about so i may do a post on it!

currently on my playlist: about damn time by Lizzo (fitting for the timeliness, or not, of this post)

styled casually: layered with a white button down tied into a front knot, flat sandals, and tote bag!

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styled for evening: with strappy heels & a croc-effect shoulder bag for more texture!

dress | line and dot dre knit dress in taupe (currently on sale! wearing size S) — same dress sold by Zappos // similar by Banana Republic but open back (more dressy)
top | GAP boyfriend button down (old) — similar // similar but gauze
shoes | Shein cut out sandals (old) — similar and $40 // similar // similar with padded footbed // similar by Sam Edelman
earrings | Mejuri charlotte bold hoops in gold vermeil
bag | MANGO semi circle croc effect bag in black (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: @wanderlustanita

the summer leopard print midi skirt

summertime leopard.

when you find the BEST lighting everything else is effortless. it’s all about the lighting!

there is no lie. i’m a total skirt gal. i will admit that my skirt collection is a little insane. i own more skirts than i do pants & jeans combined! haha, and let’s not even get into how many pleated midi skirts i have #gulp. usually i associate animal print with more of a fall trend but when i came across this skirt it was summertime appropriate being blush and the leopard print is actually very subtle. into the basket it went. lately i’ve taken a liking to the pull on bias midi style, this one is a zipper closure but remains timeless. the material is a little thin and you can see the liner through it but doesn’t bother me. i styled it here with my fave tee for an everyday casual wear. the skirt is TTS, and actually high waisted so great parings for crop tops as well.

lastly, the utility jacket is probably my most worn jacket. great for when i (might) need a light layer and have no time to think about what i’m grabbing when i walk out the door. the best part is the pockets and so it’s my must have when i travel (and my movie jacket, haha, you have one don’t you!?). style tip: try a cognac waist belt on top of the jacket! what do ya think? with jacket or without?

#nsale: the. @nordstrom. sale gets its own little section. i wasn’t super impressed this year and everything sold out REAL FAST. currently only open to cardholders until 07/18 and everyone else on 07/19-08/04. everything goes back to regular price on 08/05. i’m sure they will restock but here are my slim-picking-picks with TOP 5 to make it easy: RAILS collins military jacket // FRAME le high waist skinny jeans // Caslon camo utility jacket // TOPSHOP funnel neck top // BP lace trim cami

side ramblings: thanks for all the well-wishes! last week was pretty low-key and i ended up having to decline a few events. taking it easy on food when really all i wanna eat is… like. everything. shamu-appetite is on pause for now. i finally watched To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before and for being a teen novel it was actually way too cute and i unexpectedly enjoyed it more than Always Be My Maybe! Lara J actually reminds me of myself in some ways :D lastly, @senreve is offering a pretty BIG gift with purchase worth mentioning: a complimentary Senreve bracelet pouch (valued at $145) if you spend over $500 and a complimentary Senreve envelope clutch (valued at $245) if you spend over $1,100. you can read more & see how i’ve styled my favorite bag from them — the mini maestra here. definitely a great time to pick up a bag if you were debating it & you should do a happy dance in your seat because i’m giving you my referral link to receive $50 off your purchase (and i get $50 so we all are winning) #shamelessadvertising

currently on my playlist: electricity by Dua Lipa & Silk City ft. Diplo & Mark Ronson

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top | Everlane cotton v-neck in white (wearing size small) — similar but over-sized (size down on this one) // similar but a crew neck
jacket | H&M utility jacket (ancient) — similar by Madewell // similar by Gap // love this camo one from the #nsale
skirt | Lucy Paris katia leopard print midi skirt in blush (wearing size small) — similar // similar by Leith // similar but a bias midi fit
shoes | Shein cut out slides in cognac (old) — love these metallic ones! // similar by Steve Madden // similar by Target // similar Hermes dupe // similar but a crossband
bag | J.Crew mini bucket bag in natural vachetta (old) — similar by J.Crew Factory and on sale! // similar but perforated // the OG by Mansur Gavriel // similar for $70 // similar by Cuyana
earrings | Kendra Scott emmett matte statement earrings in white — similar in metal // similar but mixed
necklace | Anthropologie monogram pendant necklace
sunglasses | Celine marta sunglasses in havana (my fave sunnies!) — newer design // love these for $99
rings | Gorjana amara ring set // Amanda Deer c/o CZ solitaire ring // Amanda Deer c/o CZ accents midi ring
watch | Michael Kors darci watch in gold

rock all the skirts,
JD

photo credit: Steven Gunter

the eyelet wrap dress

eyelet + ruffles.

while i’m such a fall/winter gal at heart, i love all the spring texture and prints. from floral to gingham print. to seersucker and eyelet. i try not to buy more eyelet (especially in white since the #LWD collection is growing fast) but each time spring creeps around, i can’t help it. i love the texture of eyelet and it’s great for those casual spring/summer days, a brunch, a picnic, a day date to a local winery. throw on some flat cognac sandals for comfort and you got yourself chic in 5 mins. bonus points if you add a boater hat and a straw bag! this dress has a pretty good wrap to it so you won’t have to worry about flashing anyone on a windy day, and it also helps that it’s a midi length as well. but two gripes about this dress: the top a tad big, but that’s my usual problem with wrap dresses, even when sizing down it’s still a little big AND wish it had pockets. but the ruffle detail and no-skimping on the bow/sash material makes up for it.

side ramblings: FINALLY! the @sprinklescupcakes lemon meringue cupcake is hereeee!! come to mama!! well, until 4/28. it’s my fave seasonal one so you should def give it a try! also, a real quick word on the @kendrascott Give Confidence jewelry trade in program that runs until 4/30: bring in any gently worn Kendra Scott jewelry to a KS store, and in partnership with Dress for Success, KS will donate this piece to a woman who deserves a little extra sparkle! in return, you will receive $15 off any purchase. just a good way to find a home for pieces you aren’t currently wearing. LASTLY, the @sephora spring bonus sale starts on 4/26 for ROUGE members and 5/2 for everyone else (20% off for ROUGE, 15% off for VIB, and 10% off for insiders). GET YO CARTS READY. haha. mine is because i’m a skincare nerd and one of my money saving tips is to never buy skincare or beauty products at regular price. wait til a sale and stock/try new things! sharing my list soon. until next time, xx.

currently on my playlist: sideways by Citzen Cope

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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

the zebra print skirt

oh hello zebra print.

animal print is SO IN right now especially in the midi skirt style. which you know it means i’m ALL IN. y’all, the midi is MY JAM!! while i’m not a huge animal print lover, i’m really drawn to all the new midi satin/flowy styles coming out — slightly fitted a top with a small flare at the bottom. now i’m mainly a pleated midi fan, but i am loving these new types of skirts because they’re less dressier = more plain which isn’t a bad thing at all! these types of skirts can be worn both casually and dressy. i thought i’d venture out from my go-to animal print (leopard print) to zebra print. no regrets! unfortunately this skirt isn’t lined and it is a pull on style but they weren’t a deal breaker. here are a few quick tips on wearing these midi flowy skirts:

  • casual style: with a tee, button down knotted in the front, or a slouchy sweater and white sneakers

  • dressy style: off the shoulder top/one shoulder and chunky heels; i can even see a bodysuit too

  • always tuck or front tuck the top into these skirts to really show off that waistline and polish your look

  • go for a high waisted skirt to accentuate that waistline and it goes with the classy style of the skirt

  • drape with a moto jacket or denim jacket

and yes, there are sales associates in the store laughing at me. haha, a day in life of JD. seriously, the things i do for the GRAM. it’s nuts. not to mention all the embarrassing stories that have happened :D but i’ve learned that the best way to overcome all that is to LAUGH! i used to be more self conscious about taking photos in public but now i don’t care as much. over the years i’ve gained the confidence to “work the camera” and lemme tell you it ain’t easy. it’s no biggie with people walking, people laughing and whistling, cars driving by, people honking haha. #goodtimes but seriously, props to real models.

currently on my playlist: save room by John Legend (taking it back old school to one of my faves by JL)

i look cold. oh, it’s because i AM, it was 40F!!!

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the pom pom maxi

summertime pom pom fun in Maggy London!

thanks to @MaggyLondon i was able to add this first square neck line pom pom maxi to my closet! (try saying that 5x fast). first, i don't own many maxi dresses because when you're 5'2" maxi dresses that don't require alterations are hard to come by. thank goodness @MaggyLondon offers petite sizing! i picked this maxi dress because i don't own anything like it AND because it's not your average summer dress. although striped, it's a black and cream stripe with fun gray pom poms vs. your typical summery bright colors/prints. in addition, the straps fit perfectly and no alterations were needed (wearing a size 2 petite for reference). #styletip: now the SASH really brings it together. if you're short you want to pick maxi dresses that have a cinched waist so that you don't look like you're wearing a paperbag. (i can't rock that look at least). it's not a complete maxi length on me which i really like so you can still see your shoes/sandals of choice. lastly, this is a great, lightweight maxi for any summery occasion whether it be a baby/bridal shower, a brunch outing, or you know.. just to take pictures in a 7AM and forget to bring the mosquito repellent spray... #me! haha. plus, Austin is such a casual city this dress is gonna get so much wear with any woven bag & flat sandals for comfort!  

side ramblings: last week was BUSY but full of good food & friends. i can't imagine how i would balance everything out if i had kids!! finally, Austin gets another bubble tea shop @shareteaaustin! my girl @kathyphantastic painted the mural on their wall, so basically i know a celebrity!! also i attended the #ATXBloggerMixer at @erincondren which made me pause to think, man, i wish i was a pro at bullet journal-ing... or something..! #nerd

currently on my playlist: breathe by Jax Jones ft. Ina Wroldsen

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sometimes you gotta laugh & smile even when you're being eaten alive by mosquitos! escaped with 9 bites :D

dress c/o | Maggy London danni maxi in black & cream (wearing size 2 petite) -- similar // similar in gingham
bag | ZARA woven bag in natural -- similar for $21 // similar but circular // similar
earrings c/o | BaubleBar capella drop earrings in white (also available in four other colors) -- similar and love these 
necklace | Anthropologie monogram pendant necklace -- similar 
shoes | Shein cut out slides in cognac (old) -- similar by Steve Madden // similar for $17
sunglasses | Celine marta sunglasses in havana (old) -- newer design // similar by Le Specs
hat | GIGI PIP faye boater hat -- similar and $39 // similar for $11
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
watch | Michael Kors darci watch in gold

rock all the pom poms,
JD

photo credit: Todd White
a post sponsored by Maggy London. 
dress provided by Maggy London, all opinions are my own. 

athleisure in my favorite workout pants

athleisure all day evrrrdayyy.

let's face it, we all LOVE athleisure (even men). sometimes it's all about comfort for the to-and-from, ya know?! athleisure is a common term these days, even my brother-in-law knows what it is! living in a city that is considered pretty fit, it's no surprise that this is what you'll find me in on the weekends. actually, if i could just wear this every day i'd be one happy gal! #littlethingsinlife. here's the only thing you need to know about this post: these pants are my FAVE. the compression, the high-rise (insert all the yasssss), the not-so thick, not too thin material, buttery soft (i didn't think i'd ever describe a pair of pants this way), moisture wicking, super soft, the only thing missing is some side pockets, but they just came out with a new pair with pockets and you know i'm gonna get me one! trust me, i won't steer you wrong. 

side ramblings: i wasn't sure of what kind of response i would receive (if any), from my last post on dating tips/tidbits, but WOW. i was blown away from all the comments, texts, messages, and shout outs. thank you so much, it means more than you know. sitting behind a screen writing posts on fashion sometimes i wonder if i'm making that much of an impact when it comes to inspiring women to dress and feel their best to exude all that confidence, but when i can write something that is immediately relate-able and resonates with others, i feel like i've hit gold. because in the end that's all we really want right? just to make a tiny difference in this big world. see y'all. xx

currently on my playlist: sweet dreams by Andra & Mara

laughing at myself & looking the other way because people were laughing at me. what's new?!

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when steven makes you climb some rusted stairs and sit on it... :D

top | Shein space dye flounce tee with peplum hem light in apricot (avail in four colors, wearing size small) -- similar but striped
vest | lululemon fluff off vest (old) -- similar
bottoms | Athleta salutation 7/8 tight in black (wearing size xs regular, fits as a full length tight on a 5'2" person without hemming) -- same but a full length tight // same but capri length // same with pockets (need these!) // same with mesh details
shoes | Nike flyknit unisex racers in oreo (wearing men's) -- similar in women's
bag | Louis Vuitton pouchette metis in damier canvas -- similar by Rebecca Minkoff
sunglasses | Celine caty sunglasses in black -- similar
earrings c/o | BaubleBar mini criselda ball drop earrings in pink (currently on sale for $22) -- same but full-size
necklace | etsy monogram necklace in dearest daddy initials (1.25" and 20" chain) -- similar by BaubleBar // similar in acrylic
rings | Gorjana amara ring set // Amanda Deer c/o CZ solitaire ring // Amanda Deer c/o CZ accents midi ring

rock all the athleisure,
JD

photo credit: Steven Gunter