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

the puff sleeve sweater & black friday 2020

the only thing puffy we like are puffy sleeves. oh, and puffy tacos.

here we are, the week of Thanksgiving! crazy to think how this year has flown by but yet also stood still. i’ve been on a kick lately to buy tops. mainly because… WFH situation LOL. i’ve always been a dress kinda gal but feel way too dressed up WFH in it. this casual crewneck was perfect since it has a little puff sleeve detail and you know ya gal is all about the puff sleeve! i sized down to an XS since it’s ribbed (stretches) and maybe could’ve gone S if i wanted it longer. puff sleeves always adds a fun, feminine touch and sometimes dramatic enough to make a statement. i also added a pearl headband my blogger bestie convinced me to try! glad i did. it goes perfectly with the sweater and makes a great casual holiday look and for family photos too! lastly, the denim — i’ve had these for a while and they’re a good option when you’re looking for a hybrid of straight and skinny jeans. and they’re a button fly so i’m down! something about the button fly that always looks better than zippers.

side ramblings: i finished @schittscreek and it was AMAZING. i was on the fence about it but thank goodness my BFF told me to keep watching until the end of season two. i cried, i laughed, and fell in love with all the characters. to me, it was a show about acceptance, growing up, and navigating trying times. so it was perfect for 2020. i wish they’d make more seasons, but gotta quit while you’re ahead! i started watching @thegoodplace since it’s by the same people as @brooklyn99 and it’s interesting so far. looks like #blackfriday is starting early this year?! confused but okay with it 😄 i rounded up some deals & picks after the jump and may update it as the week progresses! xx

currently on my playlist: angel of mine by Monica (throwing back slow jams!)

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2020 black friday sales //

i picked a few retailers to make it less overwhelming and picked items that i would or have purchased myself. get you a glass of wine and start clicking through! happy #blackfriday shopping!

the leather skirt & fuzzy sweater

fall texture play.

this was probably one of the most creative shoots with Steven. i played with texture — leather & a fuzzy sweater while Steven played on light and lines. and our first time shooting indoors!! co-creating is the best. it was a complete blast stepping out of my comfort zone in terms of the leather skirt and these moody photos! i was a little skeptical about faux leather, but really love the a-line fit on this skirt, super conservative length, and especially how the panels are sewn together too! machine washable is a plus. regardless, any leather clothing makes quite a statement and here i chose a more classic style with a tucked in fuzzy sweater (3/4 length sleeves are sooo my jam) for some fall texture play.

side ramblings: this past weekend was amazing weather and probably the last of it as we enter fall/winter in full swing. but who knows with that TX weather?! if you didn’t already know i’m big into photography and was able to snap some photos for my friend Meg // @theautumngirl_ and her baby boy, see the plaid photos on her feed! i FINALLY made it out to @tilliescamplucy which was something i’ve been meaning to mark off my list for a while now! it’s quite a drive but so beautiful & peaceful out there :) and the food/staff/service was amazing! have you heard of @thesculptsociety by Megan Roup? i am super intrigued and while i’m a big pilates/barre fan i think i’m gonna give this one a go to mix it up!

currently on my playlist: carry on by Kygo & Rita Ora

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the twist back sweater

couldn't let a winter season go by without OTKs (over the knee boots).

sometimes you come across a pretty good shein.com find, even if it's at 2AM. #score. i'm always on the fence about this online store because 75% of the time the stuff doesn't work for me and the fact that it takes FOREVER to ship. when it arrives you're like "oh yea.. i did order that." i know, #FWP. but everything i ordered was a keeper -- stay tuned! while i love mock neck, loose, and more practical sweaters, i am always drawn to the slouchy ones that you can pull off as a one shoulder. sometimes a lil skin never hurt anyone!! the front seems like a normal sweater but the back actually has a twist/knotted detail #sexyback. the good thing is that you can still wear a normal bra with this so def a bonus in my books. also works for a casual valentine's/galentine's outing!

side ramblings: it's hard to believe that it's FEB. YIKEs. i took a good break from all social media and blogging. it's funny because i actually had people messaging me asking if i was okay because i wasn't posting lol. and by "break" i mean three weeks, which is quite a bit for me -- going to bed at a decent hour, actually GETTING SLEEP. it's kinda crazy how when go from being sleep deprived 24/7 to actually getting sleep... you are even more tired. #cantwin. i'm also excited that the event world is picking up this week, it's been so dead lately but i'm looking forward to getting back on "the scene" with my girls! oh and #SXSW is just around the corner!!! hope y'all have a great week ahead and thanks so much for stopping by!

currently on my playlist: there for you by Troye Sivan ft. Martin Garrix

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top | Shein twist detail infinity sweater in burgundy (avail in 5 colors) -- available with a pearl embellishment // similar by LOFT // similar by ASTR // similar by Topshop
denim | Hudson Jeans nico mid-rise skinny jean in abbey wash (old) -- similar // love these by Citizens of Humanity // similar and $64
bag c/oHenri Bendel noho satchel in black pebbled leather -- same but more structured // similar and love this style because the handles fold down 
shoes | Unisa saranaa over the knee boot in black suede (old) -- current style // similar from Target! // love the low heel more
sunglassesCeline caty sunglasses in black -- similar
earrings c/o | Amanda Deer fan ear jackets in gold
necklace | Amanda Deer satellite choker in gold // Anthropologie monogram pendant necklace 
ringsGorjana amara ring set // Amanda Deer c/o CZ solitaire ring // Amanda Deer c/o CZ accents midi ring

rock all the sexy sweaters,
JD

photo credit: Steven Gunter

mustard & leopard print

for the love of mustard. (the color).

because i am actually not a huge mustard fan UNLESS i'm eating a corn dog. somehow it always comes back to food for me. i digress. documenting my first mustard colored item to the JDC closet. it's a REALLY WARM sweater and NOT itchy, so that's a good start. the side tie detail really sells it for me, just a small like cinch on the side makes it a not-so-regular-sweater. and the shoes. i've wanted some slip on mules pretty bad lately, mainly because how easy and comfy they look. i decided i perhaps needed a printed one. 

side ramblings: so the YouTube thing is not as easy as i thought it would be, i know, #shocker. just press a button and record. uh no. so many things to consider, esp lighting, time of day, set-up, and sound. anyways, chugging along at that, you should see the bloopers. not sure if YouTube will be my thing but i'm up for the challenge. also, the @KendraScott spring 2018 collection released last wednesday! i am such a fan of the photography behind the collection!! i was lucky enough to receive some pieces from it and cannot wait to wear them out! pieces that were sent to me revealed via an unboxing on instastories were the: nettie statement necklace, the betty stud earrings, and the tiana pinch bracelets (perfect for small wrists!). other noteables that i am eyeing include: the diana statement earrings in blush pearl (also in gold if you're not into gems), the kitty statement earrings in blush mix (pretty ombre pattern!). 

currently on my playlist: Dreamer by Axwell

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top | LOFT Lou & Grey ribbed tie sweater in golden ember -- similar but longer by Free People and on sale // similar and $20 // similar but round neck
denim | Hudson Jeans nico mid-rise skinny jean in abbey wash (old) -- similar // love these by Citizens of Humanity // similar and $64
bag | Louis Vuitton pouchette metis in damier canvas -- similar by Rebecca Minkoff
shoes | Steve by Steve Madden valente mules in leopard print -- same shoe on sale for $70 // similar in black // similar by Kristin Cavallari 
earrings c/oRed Dress Boutique statement earrings in ivory (old) -- similar by BaubleBar
necklace c/o | gorjana chloe mini necklace in gold -- choker version
sunglasses | Celine havana sunglasses in tortoise -- similar // similar and on sale for $90
ringsGorjana amara ring set // Amanda Deer c/o CZ solitaire ring // Amanda Deer c/o CZ accents midi ring

photo credit: Brandon Hill

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!
topLOFT 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/oRebecca Minkoff chevron quilted small love crossbody in blush -- avail in whitelight blue, and black, tons of options and sizes on RebeccaMinkoff.com
shoes | Vince Camuto tartia cut-out lace-up sandal in beige -- similar
sunglassesCeline marta sunglasses in havana -- similar
earrings | BaubleBar champagne ear jackets
necklaceBaubleBar acrylic block monogram necklace in tortoise shell -- similar in gold 
watchMichael 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
shoesTarget 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
sunglassesCeline marta sunglasses in havana -- similar
necklaceBaubleBar 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. 

how to style sweaters

silk scarf & embellished bibs!

documenting the versatility of the short sleeve sweater with @bananarepublic today! when these sweater tees arrived from Banana Republic i thought it would be a good idea to show some simple ways to dress them up. while the statement necklace is a pretty standard go-to... i decided on a silk scarf and this really fun embellished bib. in addition, these types of sweaters go with all bottoms -- skirts, pants, shorts. here, i've styled them for some work wear, and casually with some distressed skinny jeans. 

the key to the silk scarf is go with a square one otherwise you have too much material hanging around your neck. a double knot always works making one side slightly longer than the other. asymmetry is always good. pro tip: you can also tie the scarf around your wrist or your handbag. i am a huge fan of silk scarves -- such a classy factor that will never go out of style. the embellished bibs are a little hard to find but they also come in collars as well. another great and unexpected way to add a little something to a plain top! 

currently reading: the subtle art of not giving a f*uck by mark manson
this was a gift from one of my friends, for good reason! haha so far it's a pretty funny & light read but i'll update later when i finish it! xx

currently on my playlist: symphony by Clean Bandit ft. Zara Larsson

casual

formal/work wear

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top c/o | Banana Republic merino rib tee in royal blue & black (also avail in eleven other colors) -- similar but sleeveless shell // similar but sleeveless
scarf | LOFT rosy square silk scarf -- similar // love the colors on this one // similar in a pretty tropical print
collar | Forever 21 embellished bib (old) -- similar w pearls // similar 
skirt | H&M textured midi skirt in black (old) -- similar
denim | Hudson nico mid rise distressed skinny jeans in worlds apart (old) -- similar // similar but high waisted
shoes | Jimmy Choo abel pumps in black patent (old design) -- current design // similar // similar and custom
bag | CHANEL 2.55 classic double flap bag in black lambskin -- similar by Rebecca Minkoff (avail in four colors) // similar dupe for $22
sunglassesCeline caty sunglasses in black -- similar in tortoise
earrings | ASOS pearl swing earrings -- similar
watch c/oDaniel Wellington classic petite melrose 32mm in rose gold and white
bracelet | Kate Spade knot cuff bracelet in rose gold
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

rock the short sleeve sweaters,
JD

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