the tuxedo dress

one dress. two ways.

last year i took a poll on my IG regarding the tuxedo dress. everyone voted a hard NO. well, you know me… i had to try it for myself. i’ve always been drawn to it due to the very powerful statement it makes. it isn’t for the faint of heart but have no fear i got chu! here’s a couple of reasons why you should wear this tuxedo dress: A) you can wear it casually!, B) you’ll look better than your man, C) you will surely turn heads or have people doing double-takes on ya, D) you don’t have to wear a strapless bra (and i say that is a huge win). when i saw that @MaggyLondon came out with the Toni tuxedo dress, my gal immediately sent me one (she’s such a doll)! as we were chatting she told me that it actually goes on as a coat almost so #lightbulb i figured i would style it two ways (plus, these are my favorite kinds of creative posts)!

first, of course, i chose to wear the tuxedo dress as itself. GAH, what a statement and tons of compliments strolling on south congress haha. for the second look i went casual style as a statement layering piece or even a COAT to get you to-and-from. we always want versatile items like this in our closet, it makes the price per wear even betta! for casual style i went with my new @everlane cheeky jeans (they are AMAZING y’all) in a high waisted, straight fit (skinny jeans also work), light wash paired with a lace satin cami (half tuck) to balance this look out. as you can see, it drapes and flows very nicely. for shoes, no matter which way you wear it, you want to avoid anything clunky/chunky, go for a streamlined strappy stiletto heel instead or even a pointed toe pump. warning: you will be photo bombed if you hit the read more button. but it was a fun one!

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dress c/o | Maggy London toni tuxedo dress in white (also available in black, runs a little large, i sized down to a 0)
denim | Everlane cheeky jeans in sky blue (has stretch so i sized down to a 25 ankle so perfect for my short gals = no hemming needed) — similar but 90s style
cami | H&M satin & lace camisole top in natural white — similar // love this one
bag c/o | Brahmin pipp topsail in navy — similar in croc // love this style!
shoes | Stuart Weitzman nudistsong in adobe patent (comes in different widths too) — similar by Sam Edelman $100 // similar by Steve Madden $80 // more strappy at Target $30
earrings c/o | BaubleBar celestial drops in gold
sunglasses | Celine marta sunglasses in havana (old) — newer design
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 | GUESS twisted metal cuff in silver — similar and a set of three

photo credit: Steven Gunter
a post done in collaboration and sponsored by Maggy London.
dress provided by Maggy London, all opinions are my own.

the silk scarf & sheath dress

#workwear

is my specialty. when i dress for work i go for classic pieces such as the sheath dress. why? the length is always on point of hitting below the knee (my preferred length), it’s fitted but not too tight like a bandage dress or too loose like the bottom of an A-line or shift dress. i have quite a few ranging from sleeveless, short sleeve, 3/4 sleeve. it’s a TIMELESS piece and therefore my go-to work dress. what i love about sheath dresses is that they make you look super classy but you probably rolled out of bed, didn’t brush your hair (ahem), and put on a dress that makes you look so put together. all the yesss-ess. lastly, sheath dresses can stand on its own but they make the perfect canvas to add a dash of your own flair just like the Lois midi sent to me via @MaggyLondon. simple tips on how to jazz up your sheath dress after the jump. i always gravitate towards a silk scarf because hellooo #classy. everyone always turns heads when i wear these because you don’t see many women wearing them these days. how do you style a sheath dress?

side happenings: Y’ALL it’s already #SXSW!!! i can’t believe it!! i have some festivities i’ll be attending this year but everything always happens so. last. minute. either way, i can’t wait to participate in the frenzy! this past week i was able to attend the The Kindness Campaign // @tkckindness open house and still so amazed by what the organization does! i went to bed with such a great feeling knowing that there are people doing good & making a difference in the world. you’ve heard me talk about them a lot and on social. meeting the founder, @AndraLiemandt, was such a pleasure. just talking to her i can see how passionate she is about what they do and that makes me want to contribute & help more. ideas are brewing so stay tuned! xx

currently on my playlist: girl on fire by Alicia Keys (takin’ it back old school)

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simple ways to add some flair to a sheath dress:

  • belt — a waist belt to be exact that will further accentuate your waistline, love my Gucci one // good dupe

  • brooch — great option because they come in so many shapes/sizes and designs! it can also be a very personalized piece and a great way to show off any hobby you have etc.. i like thrifted ones but here’s a good one from Macy’s and Banana Republic! also found a pretty good CHANEL dupe

  • silk scarf — my go-to! these are versatile because you can also tie them onto handbags or even your wrist as a bracelet. but when wearing them around the neck there are so many ways to tie them (just google or youtube!). here are my current favorite ones from H&M

  • statement necklace — when in doubt, add a little bling! here’s a good one from J.Crew Factory

  • cropped jacket — also serves as a great layering piece for the chilly office environment! been eyeing this one at H&M

  • collared button up — if it’s a sleeveless sheath dress and it’s chilly, wear a button down underneath, work that layering game! i love doing this in winter, love the ones at Banana Republic

dress c/o | Maggy London lois midi in oyster (also available in two other colors, wearing size 2 for reference, my true size but this runs a little large so i would size down) — similar but longer sleeves // similar with ruching // similar but sleeveless // NOT similar but love the statement of a tuxedo dress
scarf  | LOFT summer scarf (ancient) — similar but in a chain or leopard print style (great length to wear draped on both sides 90” x 90”. and yes, i do have them haha) // love this one from Ann Taylor // great B&W option from Ann Taylor (the Ann Taylor sizes are better tied around your neck vs. draped on both sides, 25” x 25”)
shoes | Stuart Weitzman nudistsong in adobe patent (comes in different widths too) — similar by Sam Edelman $100 // similar by Steve Madden $80 // more strappy at Target $30
bag | Celine micro luggage tote in navy — good dupe
earrings | Kendra Scott kirstie stud earrings in ivory pearl
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 | Nordstrom BP love knot cuff in gold (ancient) — similar by Kate Spade // similar by LC $10

a post done in collaboration and sponsored by Maggy London.
dress provided by Maggy London, all opinions are my own.
photo credit: Steven Gunter

austin fashion week in maggy london

peplum hem sucker. right hurr.

while looking for something to wear for Austin Fashion Week #AFW, i came across this beauty! being in the midst of fashion, i had to look somewhat presentable and went a little more formal with this white dress (perfect opportunity to wear white in my opinion). all i can say is, i LOVE the floral texture on this dress! and the peplum hem adds just a touch more glam than just a regular fitted white dress. ALSO, as wedding season is among us, this is a great rehearsal dinner dress! classy, sleek, and not revealing at all. #familyfunctionapproved

i'm pretty much standard when it comes to wearing white = nude shoes & gold bag. you CAN'T go wrong. check out any of my previous posts and you'll see i'm rocking the same color scheme with any white dress. #habit or just old??! proof/throwing it back: lace white dress // the little white dress 

side ramblings: last week i attended Austin Fashion Week #AFW, my favorite designers included: @shopmilesdavid & @lindenmayercouture -- timeless/classy sleek designs that are right up my alley! also i spent this past Sunday at the @crafthermarket (like an etsy in real life) with PIC @wanderlustanita supporting our really talented gal, @kathyphantastic (really though, check out her skills!). lastly, the @sezane pop-up is here at @nordstromdomainnorthside! beautiful french inspired silk-wear, i'd love to take it all home with me. ok, but really... lastly, the @sprinklescupcakes LEMON MERINGUE cupcake comes out tomorrow!!! MY FAVORITE. you know where i'll be. xx

currently on my playlist: kings & queens by Mat Kearney

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dress c/o | Maggy London carter flounce dress (TTS, wearing size 2) -- their classic LBD version with a peplum-ish hem 
bag | Kate Landry pyramid metal hardframe clutch (old) -- similar and $59 // similar and a bottega dupe for $39
sunglasses | Celine marta sunglasses in havana -- newer design // similar by Le Specs
shoes | Stuart Weitzman nudistsong in adobe patent (comes in different widths too!) -- similar and $60 // similar but a chunky heel
earrings | Kendra Scott Diane earrings in blush pearl (borrowed from lil blogger sis @simplyyvan)-- also avail in hammered gold
rings | Gorjana amara ring set // Amanda Deer c/o CZ solitaire ring // Amanda Deer c/o CZ accents midi ring
bracelet c/o | Kendra Scott tiana pinch bracelet set in gold

rock all the peplum,
JD

photo credit: Steven Gunter
a post done in collaboration with Maggy London. 
dress provided by Maggy London, all opinions are my own. 

an austin blogger holiday

cue the christmas music! (or play it below).

happy holidays!

i know it feels a tad early to be thinking of holiday stuff. but not really! this month is going to FLY by, so i thought it would be best to share this holiday shoot that i was so graciously invited to be apart of. these gals have become good friends to me and i am pretty blessed to have cultivated so many good friendships over the past year. #grateful. 

last year, i went with the classic holiday red. this year, i decided on the next christmas color... GREEN, but more of a hunter green! it's not a color i wear often but gosh, i think i should, especially hunter green. i picked out a lace off the shoulder dress with a classy length. it's actually a one-piece dress and the bottom is a little fuller than i thought it would be but it ended up looking very pretty! i'd say the only thing this dress is missing is pockets. the ivory earrings went perfectly with the gold clutch & dark nails. altogether i say this was a huge win, ESP since my dress arrived the day before (gotta love that ASOS 2-day shipping)! also, this gold clutch gets so much wear, it's def a staple for the holidays and any occasion (you can even see me wearing it in last year's photos)!

side ramblings: it's december.. which means... it's #BIRTHDAYMONTH! (insert happy dance). 

currently on my playlist: it's beginning to look a lot like christmas by Michael Buble

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the gangs all here!! (all clickables)

(ok, minus Hilary // @byhilaryrose and Michelle // @stylebeacon)
click on the photos for some insta-style-inspo!

the flutter sleeve polo dress

polo dress gone dressy. ha!  

i'm pretty sure this is my first polo dress! i think most polo dresses are casual pieces that are usually made of the typical polo material and can be worn with some comfy sneaks, but it was a whole nother case when this one arrived from @BananaRepublic. a dressy polo -- red with a lace overlay, scalloped hem, AND flutter sleeves (not to mention the subtle satin collar & buttons and the pockets!). gosh, you can't make it more feminine than that! my immediate styling thoughts; gold accessories. for a more fitted look, i cinched this with a gold belt that i had been eyeing #perfectopportunity. gold earrings, gold hardframe clutch and nude stiletto heels to complete this entire chic polo dress look. you should give it a try!

side BEAUTY ramblings: y'all know i'm a skincare nerd. i love talking about skincare & taking care of my skin as much as i love eating #whichisalot. i ran out of my SK-II facial treatment essence recently and started using @TATCHA's the essence. way better packaging and dispensing system than SK-II. their most recent product is the Violet-C Radiance Mask which i am super excited to try! also, @hourglass came out with a slim & refillable lipstick that looks like a stiletto heel.. which means i'll have to check out ASAP!

currently on my playlist: girl on fire by Alicia Keys (takin' it back old school)

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i always love a good artsy shot, thanks Katie!

dress c/o | Banana Republic flutter sleeve lace polo dress in red (wearing size small, also avail in light blue and navy) -- similar with scalloped details // similar in floral print // similar but solid // similar but striped // similar from J.Crew Factory
belt | ASOS metal waist belt in gold
shoes | Stuart Weitzman nudistsong in adobe patent (comes in different widths too!) -- similar // similar with lower heel // chunky heel version
bag | Kate Landry pyramid metal hardframe clutch (old) -- similar in a hexagon shape // similar // a cool marble one
earrings | Kendra Scott sophee textured drop earrings in gold -- smaller version
sunglasses | Le Specs savanna 51mm sunglasses in tortoise -- similar 
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
watch | Michael Kors darci watch in gold

rock the polo dress,
JD

photo credit: Katie J Photography.
a post done in collaboration with Banana Republic. 
dress provided by Banana Republic, all opinions are my own. 

the boyfriend jeans & cami

the article of clothing that has upset men all around the world... the boyfriend jean. 

on the flipside, i am pretty sure women feel the same way about men wearing skinny jeans. so it's all fair game. (i can already feel that this is going to be a fun one to write). finding the perfect boyfriend jean is very similar to online dating/finding a BF... it could be pretty exhausting. there are so many options -- brands, washes, amount of distressing, rises, price points etc... you just gotta try different pairs! once you find the perfect pair, it won't let you down. just like a good man. ha! JK. actually, a good man is hard to come by. you'll probably have better luck finding a pair of boyfriend jeans or a needle in a haystack. 

jokes aside, the key is a relaxed yet fitted look that isn't too baggy (maybe try petite sizing), a lighter wash, a good amount of distressing, and a mid-rise is always my go-to option. dress this bad boy up with the most feminine pieces -- i chose the cami top that shows the right amount of skin, some stiletto heels (while not super practical, but it is needed for these jeans), some statement earrings, and dainty layered necklaces. check out a throwback to my first pair of BF jeans styled with a trench coat. while i liked that pair, i wanted something a little more distressed (ok fine, they don't fit anymore, haha #keepingitreal). 

side ramblings: i cannot believe half of 2017 is already GONE! yikes. life has been flying by lately in the best way possible. which means New York Fashion Week #NYFW is just around the corner! i have been looking forward to making this happen since i began this blog! it is going to be EPIC. five full days of the city, my main focus will probably be food (need to reference my NYC eats from 2015), a few shows & parties, networking, but mainly meeting my blogger friends i've connected with via social. also, shout out to @mazeroomaustin, i've done several escape rooms and this one is the best #nerdalert! i highly recommend it. we did not escape their first room two years ago, but this time with their second room -- TWO minutes to spare! hope y'all have a good 4th. xx

finished reading: the subtle art of not giving a f*ck by mark manson
i recommend it as a light, hilarious read. nothing that will completely change your life. but it will certainly give you perspective on the people & things you choose to care about. choose them wisely. one of my favorite lines from the book is, "...if you go around giving a f*ck about everything and everyone without conscious thought or choice -- well, you're going to get f*cked." #WORD. 

currently on my playlist: attention by Charlie Puth

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top | LOFT strappy cami in whisper white (wearing petite small) -- similar with button detail // cute one with shoulder ties
denim | GAP mid-rise relaxed boyfriend jeans in medium indigo
bag | Louis Vuitton pouchette metis in damier canvas
shoes | Stuart Weitzman nudistsong in adobe patent (comes in different widths too!) -- similar // chunky heel version
sunglasses | Le Specs savanna 51mm sunglasses in tortoise -- similar 
earrings | SUGARFIX by BaubleBar triad ball drop earrings in turquoise (veryyy lightweight & avail in four colors) -- similar by BaubleBar
necklaces c/o | Gorjana chloe mini & chloe long necklace in gold (old) // Gorjana mave lariat
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
watch | Michael Kors darci watch in gold
bracelet | Nordstrom BP love knot cuff (old) -- similar by Kate Spade // similar off Etsy

rock the BF jeans,
JD

photo credit: Brandon Hill

the mesh pencil dress

helloooooo 2017!

2016 really flew by, it's been good but i'm soooo ready for 2017 -- i have a feeling it's going to be a great! actually, i'm going to make it #PHENOMENAL and i hope you do too! what a year it has been for this blog, it's taken me to "places" i never thought i would be in and connected me to people i never thought i would meet. every step along the way has been a bit unfamiliar, but that is when i know i'm on the right path. 

hilarious story about this mesh dress. um, the lining isn't sewn all the way down on the inside. more than halfway through these photos, my photographer was like "why is it see through from your thighs down? is it supposed to be like that?" ha!! uh. no. #wardrobemishap so i laughed at myself hysterically for a good five minutes, pulled the inside slip all the way down and continued on. just another one to add to the list of "blogging incidents" along with the one where i fell backwards and landed on my butt, or the one where my stiletto got stuck in a crack and i went flying out of my shoe. 

lastly, it's been since high school that i've worn some hoop earrings. i really like the way the hoops face on these (if that makes sense) and the subtle amount of sparkle that make them classy statement earrings sure to earn compliments! 

currently on my playlist: the fighter by Keith Urban ft. Carrie Underwood

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dress | ASOS Warehouse premium mesh pencil dress in neutral (runs small so size up) -- similar in lace with sleeves // similar with peplum hem
shoes | Stuart Weitzman nudistsong in adobe patent (comes in different widths too!) -- similar / similar 
bag | ASOS New Look round clutch in gold (sold out) -- similar by Kelly Wynne // similar but rectangular 
earrings | BaubleBar dianne hoops 
sunglasses | Prada 52mm cat eye sunglasses in black with gold via ditto.com (use code JANNADOANXOXO to receive your first month free!) 
bracelet | Vita Fede mini titan crystal bracelet in gold -- similar by Vince Camuto and only $58!
rings | Gorjana amara ring set // Etsy stacking & midi rings // Gorjana candice CZ ring // BaubleBar ice chevron midi ring (sold out) -- similar
lips | Christian Louboutin velvet matte lip color in rouge louboutin 001M -- similar lip stain by Sephora in 01 always red
nails | essie gel couture in pre snow jitters

cheers to 2017,
JD