the crochet dress

love is the answer -- john lennon (ain't that the truth)

another day, another black dress. but this one is crochet. sooo..... #justified. when it came out the options were black and white. now that i've finally gotten around to photographing it, the black is sold out! #storyofmylife. although crochet is mainly associated with spring/summer, i figured it being black would make a good transition piece. one of my friends, Shell // @acourageousbeauty posted hers in white! ah, i love it when i'm twinning with one of my blogger babes. Shell opted for bright shoes and a FUN bag, which was so genius! on the other hand, i went with a monochrome look with a white bag ...boring. Shell totally knocked it out of the park!

lastly, Henri Bendel, where have you been my whole life? i've known of the brand but never shopped there until i started talking to Michele // @classicandgray (now my dear friend, but my wallet thinks differently). i really love all their handbags, so many color choices and the price is easy on the eyes (until you buy a few too many...)! the carryall is my first HB bag, and it is the perfect spring/summer work bag (prob should change it out soon...!). so many compartments and big enough to fit a laptop, documents etc.. it also has a crossbody strap (YES!) but more on this bag later. i'm planning on a what's in my bag post comin' up. i think people like these posts? who knows? i'm going with it. stay tuned, have a good week & as always, thanks for stopping by! 

currently on my playlist: everything's right by Matt Wertz

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twinning with the one and only Shell // @acourageousbeauty

amp this black dress up with some fun colored heels like Shell! 

dress | Chicwish splendid crochet dress in black (sold out) -- avail in white / similar but maxi / similar (have it and love it) / similar but strappy 
shoes | J.Crew laila wedges in black suede (sold out) -- avail in blush suede and leopard / similar / similar by F21 / similar by Steve Madden (avail in five colors)
bag | Henri Bendel west 57th lizard block carryall satchel in light beige (sold out) -- similar in black lizard / similar (avail in three colors)
earrings | Kendra Scott addie earrings in rose gold
sunglasses | Karen Walker number one sunglasses in smoke -- similar 
watch | Michael Kors monogram watch in rose gold (old) -- similar in my fave design / similar
ringsBaubleBar tri bar ring / BaubleBar ice chevron midi ring (sold out) -- similar / The Songbird Collection bejeweled leaf ring in rose gold / Gorjana candice CZ ring / Etsy stacking & midi rings
lipsTom Ford lip color in casablanca

rock the crochet,
JD

the must have romper

how is it already september?! 

while a lot of fashion bloggers are "holding onto summer" i'm over here like "let me go summer!!!" i cannot wait for the cool temps but unfortunately, fall does not really hit texas until the end of october and as much as i would like to provide you with fall outfit inspo i just cannot picture myself draping a scarf around my neck or let alone wear a jacket in this heat. #justcantdoit #crazytalk SORRY! 

in the meantime, i bring you my favorite romper i've worn to pieces #literally, because it ripped in a small area and i had to sew it back. the best thing about this romper is that you don't have to wear a strapless. can i get a #HALLELUJAH?! it also has pockets and the v is not too deep. winning all around until... it rips. 

lastly, i'm talking about my east coast trip to visit Annie // @annie_spano and also supporting my blogger babe Mindy // @threadsnbreads jewelry line, thesongbirdcollection.com // here i am wearing two of her bracelets. use code "jannadoan" for 20% off your purchase! i'm eyeing these lightweight tassel earrings. more after the jump! xoxo

currently on my playlist: survivor by Destiny's Child -- takin' it back old school (turn it up!)

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romper | Target Mossimo romper (on sale and avail in three colors) -- similar with ruffles / similar but striped / similar with polka dots / similar with long sleeves
shoes | Target dv ella espadrilles in black (sold out) -- similar / similar / similar
bag c/o | Clare Vivier flat clutch in camel with royal blue, white and red stripes -- similar / similar
sunglasses | Ray Ban original aviator 58mm RB3025 in black -- similar for $12!
necklace | BaubleBar acrylic block monogram necklace in tortoise shell
earrings | Kendra Scott addie earrings in rose gold
watchMichael Kors darci watch in gold
bracelet c/o | The Songbird Collection it bracelet in gold / The Songbird Collection small double triangle bracelet in gold -- use code "jannadoan" or 20% off
rings | Kendra Scott skylen ring in turqouise (sold out) -- similar but larger / BaubleBar tri bar ring (sold out) / BaubleBar ice chevron midi ring / Gorjana blakey ring cuffEtsy stacking & midi rings
lipsMAC amplified creme lipstick in brick-o-la


#eastcoastadventures

this trip to visit Annie @annie_spano was EPIC. i had only talked to Annie via DM, our hilarious comments, and text but i have never met her in person. it was definitely out of character for me to buy a plane ticket to visit someone i have never met but i think it's all about pushing boundaries and your own comfort zone! i'm so glad i did. Annie is the mastermind behind @stylecollective_ and joining this group of blogger babes has been life changing for ME. it has allowed me to make friendships (which i am lacking!) that will last even when blogging becomes a pastime. we chatted, ate, stayed up so late, laughed, worked out, got our hair and nails did, saw the sights, OH and Annie & Mike helped me mark something off my bucket list -- i've always wanted to see a lighthouse! BAM. so many memories made and cherished. i miss them both and cannot wait to see them again one day... IN TEXAS! #foreverfriends

getting that hair did at drybar // Trinity Church // inside Copley Plaza
blogger brunch at Stephanie's on Newbury // Ogunquit Beach //  Portsmouth, NH
dinner at ROW 34 // sweatin' a storm at barre & soul // Marginal Way lighthouse

xoxo,
JD