athleisure in a convertible tunic

athleisure: (noun) casual, comfortable clothing designed to be suitable both for exercise and everyday wear.

the best part of my weekends besides catching up on sleep and coffee shops is #ATHLEISURE. ah, i love thee. as much as i like to dress up, i also REALLY like to live in athletic clothes. over the years athleisure has become a huge and more acceptable trend. i ain't gonna complain. sometimes, it is all about the comfort. but it doesn't mean you can't make athletic clothes a lil fashionable while running errands or going out to eat. add a nice bag, casual kicks, snazzy tights, edgy earrings and BOOM. 

this tunic was given to me as a gift (thanks BFF!) and it is the SOFTEST thing ever. i loved the versatility of the top, the fact that you can wear it as a cowl neck and an off shoulder. in addition, it is long enough to wear with tights! it also comes in six colors and petite sizing. for size reference, i am wearing a small and only 5'2".

lastly, the tights. oohhhh the tights. now i'm afraid to count how many workout tights i actually own, but i don't feel too bad because i work out quite a bit. my work out tights are the usual boring black, but these.. oh these have the leather panels to make you feel like an extra cool chick. AND they come in a high waisted fit which i am all for #suckseverythingin! now the only downside is the panels can leave lines on your shins, but i mean they are tights.. 

lastly, lastly, these shoes are the bomb. they are actually men's shoes. they were very popular last year and sold on ebay for a very high premium. good thing they are re-released in this popular oreo color. i don't know what it is but every time i wear them i get a TON of compliments on a pair of sneakers?!? lol. go figure but they are VERY lightweight. 

currently on my playlist: i dont wanna live forever by ZAYN & Taylor Swift

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top | Gibson convertible neckline cozy fleece tunic in heather burgundy (avail in five colors and petite sizing!, for size reference, i am wearing a small and only 5'2") -- similar knotted top in same material // similar peplum top in same material
pants | alo high waist moto leggings in black (avail in six colors!! for size reference, i usually wear a 6 in lululemon pants, i purchased a small in these) -- same version but regular rise
bag | Rebecca Minkoff quilted love crossbody bag in burgundy (old) -- similar in blush and a gunmetal hardware!! // similar but smaller // avail in velvet // similar for $48
kicks | Nike flyknit unisex racers in oreo -- same shoe but more color options
earrings | Baublebar firecracker ear jackets -- diggin' these // similar from the Target Sugarfix line for $13
sunglasses | Ray Ban original aviator 58mm RB3025 in black -- pretty cool mirrored ones for $12
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 (sold out) -- similar
lips | MAC amplified creme lipstick in brick-o-la
nails | essie gel couture in pre snow jitters (best white-ish nail polish!)

rock the athleisure,
JD

photo credit: Brandon Hill.

the pleated hem shirtdress

#workstyle.

it's been more than a year that i've worn pants to work. it's like i've gone on a pant strike?! i basically live in dresses and skirts, they are just too easy. there is no secret about my love for all things pleated. so when this dress came out with a pleated hem and in a navy print, i said #yesplease #addtocart. of course now that i have photographed it, it is sold out. #storyofmylife. for the most part, i try to buy clothes that i can wear to work because that is where i spend a huge chunk of my time. while this is a half shirtdress (the buttons only go halfway down) i was mainly drawn to the pleated hem, it just adds a lil something to it!

lastly, the accessories -- the bow pumps i have in two colors, these are considered one of their bestsellers! these dangly gold earrings go with just about everything, and lastly the "J" necklace was a bit much for me at first, i felt it was a little too large and loud (opposite of me) but i've come to love it. every time i wear it i get a ton of compliments!

side happenings: for valentine's day i took myself out to eat dessert pizza @canerossoaustin, i've waited so long for this place to make its way to Austin. their dessert pizza is a mascarpone cheese + nutella or cookie butter + optional ginger snap crumbs. #sinful. it is on the list of one of the best things i've ever eaten. i promise i woudn't steer you wrong. 

hope you have fun things planned this weekend -- thanks again for stopping by!

currently on my playlist: mercy by Shawn Mendes

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the sweater dress & sleeveless coat

where. did. the. weekend. go?!

sweater dresses are not one of my favorite items to wear. mainly because most of them happen to be a little tight. #nothankyou. when i stumbled across this one it was perfect, a tunic and lightweight cashmere mix (because it never gets too cold here in Texas). it fits perfectly #nofatrolls, and the mock neck and longer length are so my style. however, tunic dresses need some dressin' up if you know what i mean -- usually a belt or jacket so it doesn't look like you're wearing a bag. this sleeveless coat has been a statement piece i wear over so many dresses. perfect to dress any outfit up or for when a dress is smidge too short. instant style game with this number, so good i even bought it in navy! see it styled with skinny jeans from a blog post earlier this year.

side happenings: this past week was a whirlwind of events! Kelly Wynne launched her spring line and the mingle mingle mini in vintage pearl is all heart eyes! the texture and colors go so well. Saturday was the Adelante galentine pop up shop, if you haven't been to this boutique in Austin you are missing out! they have such great affordable pieces without the huge boutique price tag. i also tried on some engagement rings (might have skipped a few life steps.. lol) at the Diamonds Direct event where i met SimonG (so humble and jolly) the designer of one of their lines. my foodie friend Anita // @wanderlustanita hosted a wine tasting at Infinite Monkey Theorem // @infinite_chimp, the rose was pretty dang good (and it comes in a can!). Sunday was The Swoon Event at the Archer hotel valentine's pop up. and lastly, i purchased VIP tickets to the Children's Blood & Cancer Center at Dell Children's 3rd Annual Fashion Show. seeing all these teens who deal with illnesses on a daily basis happily walk the runway struttin' their stuff made me want to cry tears of joy. i cheered them on and left the night on such a happy note. #simplethings

currently on my playlist: scars to your beautiful by Alessia Cara

have a good valentine's day!! remember, no matter what your status is, it's all about that #selflove. xoxo

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dress | ASOS knit tunic dress in cashmere mix in black (sold out) -- same style in taupe // similar with ruffles in hot pink // similar
coat |  ASOS New Look belted sleeveless coat in gray (old) -- similar 1 // similar 2 // similar 3
shoes | Banana Republic magda pointed toe bootes in black suede -- similar
bag | Henri Bendel uptown satchel in black -- similar but mini version
scarf | Henri Bendel twilly in navy (old) 
sunglasses | Celine new audrey sunglasses in black with brown gradient -- similar
watch | Daniel Wellington classic black cornwall 40mm watch (this is the newest DW watch with a black face with ROSE GOLD details, a great statement piece for fall. use code "DOAN" for 15% off your purchase, good until 02/28/17)
earrings | Forever21 faux pearl ear jackets (old) -- 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 (sold out) -- similar
lips | MAC amplified creme lipstick in brick-o-la

rock the sweater dress,
JD

photo credit: Katie J Photography.

an austin blogger galentine's day

february. the month of L<3VE.

excited to share this galentine's photoshoot with y'all! if you're looking for some valentine's day inspo, look no further. these Austin bloggers have you covered from head to toe (that's how we ROLL). i love how each gal brings something different to the table in terms of personality and fashion. i admire all these ladies and blessed to call them my friends. though i've only known them a few months, i have a feeling it is just the beginning of some great and much needed friendships in my life. if you told me two years ago that i would get to shoot something like this with some fabulous bloggers, i would have totally laughed. chyeaaaa rightttt.. ! this brings me to one of Michelle's // @stylebeacon quote i read on her page, "Be patient. You never know what’s on the horizon and life can surprise you in many beautiful ways. #beaconisms"

for this i choose to go non-traditional with a black mesh wide leg jumpsuit. i can't stress how much a jumpsuit always wins. the only one-piece power suit you need to feel super confident. the mesh detail adds a little something and i added some pops of red lips, nails and some statement hoops!

lastly, single or taken this valentine's day -- remember that it's all about that #selflove. 
one of my blogger friends Amber // @everyonceinastyle wrote this post on how to be single during the holidays but it really applies everyday. all my single ladies must check it out!

currently on my playlist: i hope you dance by Lee Ann Womack

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the beatles. blogger style. i say a pretty good shot despite tripping and being flashed at by a stranger. (true story).

red & black. @jesskatt123 // @stylebeacon // JD // @daniaustin // @theautumngirl_

Hilary // byhilaryrose.com

Hilary is blogger i followed way back in the day. at an event last year, i went up to say hi to her (i'm shy btw). she recognized me and introduced me to all her blogger friends; the rest is history! #thankfulforher. i am a fan of her affordable style (i want everything in her closet) and her happy go lucky personality which is totally infectious! i may be buying that hot pink dress soon…!

pink dress | ASOS cold shoulder with ruffle in pink
lilac dress | Elizabeth and James leonie dress from Rent the Runway
necklace | Kendra Scott isabella choker necklace in ivory zellige
clutch | Diane von Furstenberg evil eye miniaudiere from Rent the Runway
shoes | Steve Madden carrson sandal in sand suede

Haylee // itsmehaylee.com

Haylee is the queen of makeup & hair, and… not to mention, she knows how to work the camera (please teach me your ways Haylee!!). i love how she took a mauve bodycon dress and layered it with a lace cami! and that lip color… i know i can't rock that!

dress | Charlotte Russe crushed velvet wrap dress -- similar
top | boohoo lace high neck -- similar
earrings | similar 1 // similar 2
clutch | similar 1 // similar 2
shoes | similar 1 // similar 2
lips | NYX liquid suede cream lipstick in sway
eyes | MAC eyeshadow palette in purple times nine

Dani // thedaniaustin.com

Dani is the cutest thing! you should see her instastories! i love how she went with a burgundy one shoulder dress with pink lace up heels and dressed it up with a classy statement clutch. i know, aren't those earrings so pretty on her? i might have bought some. gosh, these blogger friends..! 

dress | Sincerely Jules everly one shoulder cotton dress in burgundy
earrings | BaubleBar crispin drops in light pink
shoes | Steve Madden christey wrap around ankle tie sandal in light pink
clutch | YSL monogram quilted envelope clutch in black
watch | Michele deco diamond dial two tone watch

Michelle // stylebeacon.com

Michelle is the business-boss lady of the bunch and such an easy person to talk to. i feel like I can talk to her about anything. Michelle's dress is a dream. she is rocking the off the shoulder with a drop peplum-ish hem. plus, she is perfect in each frame. #iwishiwas.

dress | For Love & Lemons clemence off shoulder dress in tiramisu
shoes | Elaine Turner juliet in black suede
earrings | Kendra Scott danielle filigree
clutch | Elaine Turner hazel quilted foldover clutch in black

Kaley // myclosetlife.com

there is a never a dull moment with Kaley. Kaley makes me laugh until it hurts and i love her for that! forget needing to work out them abs when you're hanging out with her! #itslikeaworkout. she adds life to each party and knows no stranger. Kaley adds her own style to this ballerina dress with a silk scarf and some black lace ups!

dress | free people ballet punk set 
scarf | Vintage find in Lebanon! -- similar 1 // similar 2

 Meg // theautumngirl.com

this is Meg's first pleated skirt. #notthelast. i cannot tell you how happy that makes me! i love how she went with a mini and paired it with a sexy white blouse (i may need this too!). she coordinated this whole shoot, thanks so much girl! 

top | ASOS clean pajama blouse with pocket detail in ivory
skirt | boohoo metallic pleated mini in red
earrings | gorjana kelsi ear jackets
necklace | similar
bag | Kelly Wynne halo in polynesian pearl
shoes | Sam Edelman yardley in camel suede

Jess // uptownfashionbyjess.com

Jess is a stylist so she always keeps up with the latest! i am so thankful she didn't leave me in the dark and wore black with me #nopunintended. but her maxi is so valentine appropriate because of the roses and the movement on that dress is just magical!

dress | Lovers & Friends golden ray maxi in rose print
earrings | Kendra Scott alex earrings in black
shoes | similar

jumpsuit | BCBG Generation mesh panel jumpsuit in black -- similar with cut outs // similar and avail in red // similar with a cold shoulder // similar with lace long sleeves
earrings | BaubleBar dianne hoops
bag | Chanel boy wallet on chain in red caviar leather -- similar
shoes | Michael Kors carla sandal in black (old) -- similar 1 // similar 2
bracelet c/o |  The PeachBox roman empress bangle in 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 (sold out) -- similar
lips | Christian Louboutin velvet matte lip color in rouge 001M -- similar in a matte liquid
nails | Smith & Cult polish in kundalini hustle

happy GALENTINES DAY!,
JD

photo credit: Brandon Hill
venue: Fall Creek Vineyards in Driftwood
balloons c/o: The Balloon Bar

the green satin pleated midi skirt & velvet

green vibes.

did you see the 2017 pantone color of the year? it's greenery. hrmm.. not sure how i feel about it because i actually don't own much green. but it's warming up to me. i think this satin midi pleated skirt is a good start! i'm not even a fan of satin but this one is so beautiful, not your typical satin you normally picture, less sheen, and more vibrant. i styled it with a long sleeve crop top (i know, total surprise right?!) for colder temps, i love the delicate lace hem detail on this one. the velvet clutch was icing on cake, all the texture from the satin and the sweater-like crop top just went so well together. love it when that happens! 

finally!!! i got a haircut this weekend! thank goodness, it's been a year since my last real haircut. i usually trim it myself every few months (somehow people think this is crazy?). in the end, i decided not to dye my hair. i just can't commit to the maintenance, i mean i don't even OWN A BRUSH! (lol, who even reads this?). i haven't dyed my hair my entire 32 years of living, so... i'm just going to rock the grey hair for now. it's basically a natural highlight when you think about it. just sayin'.

thanks for stopping by, have a good week now! xoxo.

currently on my playlist: say you won't let go by James Arthur

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top | ZARA long sleeve crop top with lace detail in black (sold out) -- really love this one with the ribbon wrap detail // similar but a high neck // similar with twist front and on sale // similar with a built in choker
skirt | ASOS Miss Selfridge satin crepe pleated midi skirt in green -- similar in chiffon blush // black // yellow // lilac  (i own this one in four colors, which means you should get one or two)
shoes | Jimmy Choo abel patent pump in black -- similar by Ivanka Trump // similar // similar
bag | ZARA velvet minaudere in black (sold out so quickly) -- similar // similar but oval // similar
sunglasses | Celine caty sunglasses in black -- similar
earrings | Kendra Scott tessa studs in sold with iridescent druzy
watch c/o | Daniel Wellington classic black cornwall 40mm watch (this is the newest DW watch with a black face with ROSE GOLD details, a great statement piece for fall. use code "DOAN" for 15% off your purchase, good until 02/28/17)
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 (sold out) -- similar
lips | MAC amplified creme lipstick in brick-o-la
nails | essie gel couture in pre snow jitters

rock the green,
JD

photo credit: Katie J Photography.

the mock neck & coach saddle bag

2017 just started and this post is one for the books!

i am beyond thrilled to be working with @Coach for this post! celebrating their 25th anniversary with the newest saddle bag 23 in dark denim. this color was my top choice due to the unique-ness,  it's a dark/bright blue (if that makes sense) and the antique brass hardware complements it so well. Coach is one of those brands that remains a classic in terms of bags, i mean who remembers the "C" logo back in the day?! i've worn this saddle bag multiple times and it is such a great size bag, not too large, and not too small. it fits all the essentials and more. it's going to make a good travel companion, now i just need to book a ticket somewhere! 

i didn't own a bag this color so decided to style it with some neutrals (you can't go wrong with neutrals) and threw on this leather jacket i've had for a few months. i purchased it based on the color and the draped front, which gives it a more feminine twist vs. a moto leather jacket (i can't seem to pull those off). i added some pumps and a pair of ROSE GOLD tassel earrings for good measure and voila, find me at the Domain Northside snapping pictures with a professional photographer at high noon with tons of foot traffic. i had moments/thoughts of... 'what the heck am i doing, i feel completely uncomfortable. -- yep, you're totally doing this right JD.' yes, i do talk to myself. 😂

lastly, for those who are blogging, interested in blogging, or just need some inspiration, my @stylecollective_ blogging community released 45 expert tips from its founding members. i am so thankful to be included and among these ladies. each piece of advice is spot on. what a privilege to be apart of this group. it's a good read, i promise. 

currently on my playlist: shape of you by Ed Sheeran

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top | Banana Republic italian cashmere blend mock neck pull over in cream -- similar // similar in a tunic style
jacket | Trouve draped front leather jacket in brown saddle -- similar and on sale for $60! // similar // similar in blush // similar in suede
denim | Hudson nico mid rise distressed skinny jeans in worlds apart (old) -- similar // similar but not distressed
shoes | Manolo Blahnik BB pump in nude patent -- similar // similar 
bag c/o | Coach saddle bag 23 in dark denim
sunglasses | Celine tilda sunglasses in dark tortoise -- similar but more cateye on sale for $42 (just bought these and love them)
earrings | BaubleBar pinata tassel earrings in ROSE GOLD!! -- similar but mini tassels // really love these at the moment!
watch c/o | Daniel Wellington 34mm st mawes dapper watch in rose gold (use code "DOAN" for 15% off your purchase)
rings | Gorjana c/o shimmer stacking ring set // Gorjana amara ring set // Etsy stacking & midi rings // Gorjana candice CZ ring // BaubleBar ice chevron midi ring (sold out) -- similar
lips | MAC amplified creme lipstick in brick-o-la
nails | essie gel couture in pre snow jitters

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

the lace cami & turtleneck

hoping 2017 is off to a phenomonal start for you! 

the cami top is a wardrobe must have. why? oh, because it can be dressed up by tucking it into a skirt, can be dressed down with some skinny jeans, goes great under a blazer or long cardigan, and lastly you can wear it into fall/winter by layering it with a tissue turtleneck! i thought this would be an interesting look and was skeptical at first, but i loved how it turned out. esp the black with the blush, such a winning combo. most of the time i don't really wear v-necks because i feel like i'm always adjusting or pulling it up #annoying (or am i too conservative?!), v-necks are seriously so low these days. but i digress, this layering idea was a really good option for me due to the deep v. 

meet my latest bag addition, she's a lil wild at heart. HA! jk. well... i guess that is only funny if you knew that that's actually the name of the print. but i had the pleasure of meeting the fabulous Kelly Wynne and after hearing her story of how she get got started, i had to buy one of her bags. of course, it happened to be the one she was wearing that day but how could i not? i haven't seen anything like it. it's round. it's in a cheetah and leopard print calf hair combo. yep, i clearly "needed" it. 

lastly, let's talk about grey hair. ok, mine has been growing at an exponential rate!!! oh the joys of being over thirty. i've debated dying it, but i just can't bring myself to do it. should i? urgh, ain't nobody got time for that maintenance! ps i also have #virginhair (don't faint). actually i've even thought about going over the long strands with a permanent marker... i know it's a crazy idea. but isn't a sharpie non-toxic?! i've ran this idea by a few people. but no one has volunteered to help. hrm. 

currently on my playlist: water under the bridge by Adele

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turtleneck | H&M lyocell turtleneck top in powder beige (sold out) -- similar and avail in six colors // similar
cami | H&M satin camisole with lace in black (also avail in blush) -- similar // similar and already layered // similar by CAMI NYC
denim | Hudson nico mid rise distressed skinny jeans in worlds apart (old) -- similar // similar but not distressed
shoes | Jimmy Choo abel patent pump in black -- similar by Ivanka Trump / similar / similar
bag | Kelly Wynne halo in wild at heart -- also avail in gold 
sunglasses | Celine caty sunglasses in black -- similar
earrings | Francesca's pave cube 360 studs (can't find them online but i bought them recently in-store!)
watch c/o | Daniel Wellington classic black cornwall 40mm watch (this is the NEW DW watch with a black face with ROSE GOLD details, a great statement piece for fall. use code "DOAN" for 15% off your purchase)
rings c/o | gorjana shimmer stacking ring set
lips | MAC amplified creme lipstick in brick-o-la
nails | CHANEL le vernis nail color in tapage (old limited edition) -- similar in gitane

rock the lace cami,
JD