the striped ruffle one shoulder top

April 10, 2017

ruffles + stripes = win.

i cannot help myself when it comes to stripes or ruffles OR peplum, gingham, scalloped hems.. but i digress. i eyed this top when it came out and was a tad skeptical because of the double layer of ruffles, i thought i was going to be a busy top with the stripes too. THEN, my blogger friend, @byhilaryrose posted it to her instastory and the rest was history. she has impeccable taste, it looked amazing on her and not the overwhelming at all.

since then the top has come in several colors, solids, and different price points. the one i'm wearing is $24 and fits true to size, the sleeves are a bit long so i folded them up. i wasn't sure how to style it and then one day i had that AH HA moment, WHITE JEANS! duh! finally i busted those babies out and wondered why i didn't do so earlier. in case you didn't know, it wasn't until last year that white jeans became a thing for me (late on the bandwagon, i know).

lastly, these tassel earrings are LIFE! most tassel earrings are beaded which means they are heavy, they are so pretty but i can't wear them for too long due to my fatty ear lobes!! these are so light i can wear them for hours and forget i am even wearing them. they also come in many colors so good luck choosing one!!

side happenings: some Austin bloggers and i got together for a picnic/Easter photoshoot! it was a really windy, but when does the wind ever cooperate?! #eatinghair. thanks for those who followed along my @maggylondon instagram takeover, it was AWESOME and i am so grateful! but this is not the end, many more things coming to JDC that i cannot wait to share. one of them being a DERBY! whaaa!!!

currently on my playlist: something just like this by The Chainsmokers & Coldplay

the striped ruffle one shoulder top -- jannadoan.com

top | Shein one shoulder ruffle top in blue stripes -- avail in pink // really love the cut on this one! // similar in a dress version // similar with a peplum hem
denim | ZARA mid rise skinny jeans in white (old) -- similar but ripped // similar
shoes | Target 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
bag | GiGi New York saint germain clutch in tan (with custom monogram) -- similar but colorblock / similar but foldover
sunglasses | Le Specs savanna 51mm sunglasses in tortoise (really like the fit on this brand) -- similar
earrings | Vanessa Mooney astrid tassel earrings in gold (avail in seven colors, extremely LIGHTWEIGHT!) // similar by BaubleBar but beaded
necklace | Anthropologie monogram pendant -- similar
watch | Michael Kors darci watch in gold (on sale!) -- avail 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 (sold out) -- similar // BaubleBar tri bar ring (old) -- similar
lips | MAC amplified creme lipstick in brick-o-la

rock the ruffles,
JD

all is great with this top until you choose to shoot it on a windy day and the ruffle keeps slapping you in the face :D

photo credit: Brandon Hill

wedding guest dresses with Maggy London

April 3, 2017

wedding season is upon us!

ah yes, it's that time of the year when we're all scrambling to find that wedding guest dress and determining which to wear to what, seeing what we can borrow from our friends, and who will be at what wedding so you can possibly re-wear something. anyone with me?!

when this dress arrived from Maggy London, i immediately knew i wanted to do a post on wedding guest dresses. this Maggy London betty dress is a perfect wedding guest dress for a few reasons: it is not too casual or too dressy, below the knee length, the jacquard print makes it a great dress for some sort of event (does not have to be a wedding), fit and flare bottom (forgiving after a good meal), not to mention.... it has POCKETS. it's the little things y'all. i linked some options for guest of the wedding dresses after the jump and in shop the post, all under $150.

some things to keep in mind when picking a dress to wear to a wedding (merely my own opinions):

YES... even though it is 2017 and the fact that i'm old school... DO NOT wear white (or any shade of white including cream, off-white, etc...) to a wedding! please for the love everyone.
keep it classy. you can never go wrong with a conservative, classy outfit -- nothing too revealing, too low cut, too short, too tight like a sausage casing etc...
if you have to ask someone "is this okay to wear to a wedding?" -- it probably isn't, so don't.
depending on the type of venue, like a beach/destination wedding you can totally get away with a flowy summer dress with some sandals. but otherwise, that isn't appropriate to wear to a formal wedding venue.
when all else fails, wear a black dress. you can never go wrong with the #LBD. jazz it up with some earrings, a statement necklace, or some lipstick. see my lastest post on the LBD (both wedding appropriate).
not feeling a dress? JUMPSUIT it! bust out that wide leg jumpsuit you never really get to wear and rock it. or... wear a MAXI dress!
never wear jeans. ever. or hats, shorts, flip flops...
anything too sexy, too glitzy/sequin-y.

lastly, if you would like to follow along i'll be taking over the @MaggyLondon instagram for the next three days!! i am beyond thrilled for this opportunity!! #powerofpossibilities

currently on my playlist: call on me by Starley

wedding guest dresses with Maggy London -- jannadoan.com

dress c/o | Maggy London betty fit & flare -- Maggy London sophi (so beautiful, see it on my blogger babe @stylebeacon) // Maggy London georgia flare // Maggy London illusion dress
shoes | Manolo Blahnik BB pump in nude patent -- similar // similar
bag | J.Crew Factory rattan clutch in natural pale gold (old) -- similar // similar but more dressy (on my wishlist!) // similar but more dressy for $69
earrings | Kendra Scott cade stud earrings in rose gold -- buy earrings and the necklace in a set for $100
necklace | Kendra Scott chelsea pendant necklace in rose gold -- buy the necklace and the earrings in a set for $100
sunglasses | Le Specs savanna 51mm sunglasses in tortoise (love this brand!, it fits so well!) -- similar and on sale! // similar but reflective
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 // BaubleBar tri bar ring (old) -- similar
lips | MAC amplified creme lipstick in brick-o-la
nails | essie gel couture in pre snow jitters

rock the wedding guest dress -- BE MY GUEST! (ok, sorry. i'm still in the Beauty & the Beast mode),
JD

photo credit: Brandon Hill
a post done in collaboration with Maggy London.
dresses provided by Maggy London, all opinions are my own.

day to night in a LBD with Maggy London

March 27, 2017

warning: lots of pictures ahead.

as you may know, black is my FAVORITE color to wear. shall i count the reasons of why i love black?!: it goes with all colors... including MORE BLACK!, it makes you look slimming, it goes with my skin tone & hair, it is freaking classic.

for this post, i teamed up with Maggy London to bring you the LBD one for the day (work wear, professional attire) and one for night (an evening out, date night) with tips on how to rock each. if you aren't familiar with Maggy London, they specialize in my favorite clothing item... DRESSES! their dresses range from casual, work wear, to dressy. there is something for everyone and not to mention they offer petite and curve sizing! #hooray!

side happenings: i saw beauty & the beast! gah, it was so good!! they did such an amazing job making it match the animation! i think i'm still recovering from the go-go of SXSW but it was such an experience!! i cannot wait until next year. as always, thanks so much for stopping by. xoxo.

currently on my playlist: you are the best thing by Ray LaMontagne

DAY

keeping it professional with a full coverage dress (not low cut, below the knee length) with the daintiest contrasting bow detail. close toed pumps, a classic black work bag (tied scarf to add some classy-ness), studded earrings, and a 'my lips but better' lip color completed this workwear look. i also tried to channel my innter Jackie O with these oversized round sunglasses!

day to night in a LBD with Maggy London -- jannadoan.com

NIGHT

everyone LOVES this dress. i actually saw it on my gorgeous friend Michelle // @stylebeacon and had to have it! this makes a great event/date night dress because of the lace (front AND back), the cold shoulder detail, and the tighter fit (gulp!). honestly, this dress doesn't need much to make you stand out but i did add some red lips (you can't go wrong), a pair of strappy stiletto heels, and a minaudiere to polish it off.

DAY

dress c/o | Maggy London the petite jackie midi in black (wearing a 4P for size reference) -- also available in regular sizing // avail in a curve midi // avail in navy // in red
shoes | Jimmy Choo abel pumps in black patent (old design) -- current design // similar // similar and custom!
bag | Henri Bendel uptown satchel in black with a twilly -- similar in a mini version
earrings | Kendra Scott aston stud earrings in ivory
sunglasses | Prada round oversized sunglasses in black grey gradient -- similar by F21
watch | Michael Kors darci watch in gold (on sale!) -- avail in rose gold
bracelet | BaubleBar pearl taylor cuff (old) -- another great work option looks like David Yurman!
lips | MAC amplified creme lipstick in brick-o-la

NIGHT

dress c/o | Maggy London eileen cold shoulder midi in black (wearing a 2R for size reference)
shoes | LuLu's elsi single strap heels in black suede -- similar // similar with a stacked heel at Target
bag | DVF lytton clutch in black quilted leather (old) -- similar // similar but round & velvet
earrings | Kendra Scott quincy delicate earrings in crackle crystal (old) -- similar
sunglasses | Celine caty sunglasses in black -- similar in tortoise
watch | Michael Kors darci watch in gold (on sale!) -- avail in rose gold
bracelet | Vita Fede mini titan crystal bracelet in gold -- similar by Vince Camuto and on salefor $25!
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 // BaubleBar tri bar ring (old) -- similar
lips | Christian Louboutin velvet matte lip color in rouge 001M -- similar in a matte liquid

rock the LBD,
JD

photo credit: Brandon Hill
a post done in collaboration with Maggy London.
dresses provided by Maggy London, all opinions are my own.

makeup products for photoshoots

March 23, 2017

#KISS. keep it simple sweetheart.

this is my motto when it comes to makeup! LESS IS MORE. my everyday makeup consists of my three item rule: blush, mascara, and highlighter. however, when it comes to photography, you have to put more on. there is just no way out of it. the truth is, when you can actually see makeup on people in professional photos, they are wearing A LOT of it. so as with anything in life... go with moderation. not too much and not too little. genius, i know.

makeup products for photoshoots -- jannadoan.com

before diving in, this Dagne Dover makeup bag is PERFECT. i have a slight weakness for pebbled leather and the rose gold details! the bag is so luxe and is going to last forever. confession: this is my first real makeup bag, because the gift with purchase bags or (ahem) ziploc bags don't count. right?! what's so cool is it also has three loops that you can "fasten" your lipstick or lipgloss or mascara tubes!! i really love that feature. it is the little things you guys. the pouch also comes in four colors and two sizes -- large and small. pictured is the large. Dagne Dover also makes handbags and clutches etc... these are some of my favorites the petite tote, the elle clutch, the landon carry all, and the essentials clutch wallet.

pouch c/o | Dagne Dover lola large pouch in bone leather

01. eyeliner

it is amazing what a little black line can do to your eyes. while i was a fan of the gel eyeliner, the hassle of having to use an extra brush became too much. (i know it's a #fwp). i FINALLY found a liquid eyeliner pen where i can actually draw a decent line without it looking all jagged from my shaky grandma hands!! this pen is also dual ended for detail. HG status. i also started to lightly use eyeliner on my waterline and find it brings out the eyes a bit more!

eyeliner | Tom Ford eye defining liquid liner pen in deeper (upper lid) // CHANEL stylo yeux long lasting waterproof eyeliner in 921 pomme de pin (waterline)

02. brow

all brows are not created equal. usually you have one that arches more than the other or is more sparse, etc.. the list goes on. but with any type of photography, you will ALWAYS want to draw in the brows. especially if you're doing indoor photography as you have the tendency to become more washed out and brows are one of the first things that usually start washing out on the face. we don't want that #savethebrows. i love this even though i have to use a brush with it, it looks natural, stays all day, and it has a pomade consistency that helps with the tamin'. it's so pigmented that i actually have to waste product because a little goes a REALLY LONG WAY. i've had it for years.. and barely a dent.

brow | Anastasia dip brow in ebony

03. mascara

these stubby asian lashes need all the help they can get! true story, but back in the day asian parents use to cut our lashes so they would grow back longer and thicker? i digress. i am a HUGE fan of the drugstore mascara -- it's cheap and you can chunk it frequently without feeling bad (should be thrown away every three months). i try a ton of drugstore mascara... but i always always go back to my HG. i'm all about the natural lashes, so one coat and you are good to go.

mascara | Maybelline full 'n soft waterpoof mascara in very black // Maybelline the colossal volum express waterproof mascara in glam black // NYX doll eye waterproof mascara in extreme black

04. blush

this is one of the three makeup items i use everyday. i LOVE BLUSH (almost an understatement). it can do so much in terms of waking up the face and trust me, i need it! my favorite blushes are made by hourglass. i actually finished one whole blush in the span of almost three years... isn't it insane? i did a happy dance when i hit complete pan and can finally say i finished one WHOLE BLUSH #makeupgoals. for the spring/summer time i usually go with a pink and for the fall/winter a more muted dusty mauve.

blush | Hourglass ambient lighting blush in luminous flush (pink) or mood exposure (mauve) // Tom Ford cheek color in wicked

05. contour

my type of contouring is REALLY SIMPLE. i don't have time to be drawing all these lines on my face and forehead, cupids bow etc... so i just contour my cheeks with my HG contouring powder that seems to be a universal color on everyone. it's so easy to use just a few swipes on the lower part of the apples of your cheeks and blend blend blend. and the key is... don't. go. overboard.

contour | Kevyn Aucoin the sculpting power in medium

06. highlighter

use. sparingly. the only disco ball is the one on the dance floor! again, i keep it pretty simple. i put one swipe on the upper part of my cheeks below my #designerbags. people also put it on their forehead and jawline etc... but i don't have time for that.

highlighter | Kevyn Aucoin the celestial powder in candlelight

07. lipstick

as much as i love bright colored lipsticks... i always go back to my usual 'my lips but better' shade. i think i might actually use a whole tube of lipstick for once in my life. EEPPP!! almost 85% of the time you'll see me wearing the same shade #soboring on this blog. liquid lipsticks are really starting to appeal to me as well due to the non-smudging which is really nice when you factor in any kind of eating that needs to be done.

lips | Glossier the balm dotcom // MAC amplified creme lipstick in brick-o-la // Tom Ford lip color in casablanca // Sephora cream lip stain

08. powder

the only time i use any sort of foundation/powder is when i have an after work photoshoot and need something to pick up all the #daygrease. this one seems to work really well and is lightweight which i like!

powder | Charlotte Tilbury airbrush flawless finish skin perfecting micro-powder in 2 medium

09. tools/brushes

HG brushes/tools include:

brows I MAC 208 angled brow brush
power & blush | Hakuhodo S103 powder blush pointed // similar by Wayne Goss
highlighter | Wayne Goss 02 powder brush
contour | Hakuhodo yachiyo large // similar by NARS
curler | shu uemura eyelash curler (ain't nothing beating this)

hope you enjoyed this beauty post!,
JD

a post done in collaboration with Dagne Dover.
pouch provided by Dagne Dover, all opinions are my own.

the ruffled one shoulder top

March 13, 2017

#alltherufflesplease

some people think the one shoulder top is so played out. i happen to LOVE one-shoulder-anything! it's much like the off shoulder but a less exposed top, maybe a good way to ease into the off shoulder top if you're not much into it. i love the ruffle on this one and have received many compliments on this easy spring top. the shoes -- they were very popular last summer, but this summer they released different style and this perforated suede version caught my eye. the blush suede goes with EVERYTHING! also, they give me some MEGA height, which is kinda fun sometimes when you're only 5'2" LOL. they are also very comfortable and easy to walk in, huge plus. i just know i'm going to be wearing them non-stop. the bag -- yes, it was an absolute #treatyourself moment, i wanted a Gucci bag for a while now, and the new designs had me at chevron. quilted. leather.

weekend recap: wow. if you follow me on instagram, sorry for spamming you with my instastories!! lol but this year i was able to participate in some SXSW in a #nobadge kind of way. my friend @simplyyvan was able to get us into a few socials which was superrrr cool despite the rain. #norainonthisparade. we checked out the new @soulcycle downtown, got our auras read by @moodbymoss -- which by the way, my photo showing my aura took five tries.. lol, because of the film malfunctioning. of course!! dropped by the @lionsgatemovies lounge the @liketoknow.it wall on Rainey street, the @spredfast social -- my fave. they had everything. from donut milkshakes, open bar, beauty bar, manis, massages, check out the slo-mo clip we made. then we hopped over to the Radisson hotel to chill with @wearetfq (i missed them last year!). dropped into the @nytimes lounge with an interactive music wall and the last stop of the night was a @neimanmarcus x @gibsonguitar fashion show. sunday i tried to get into @createcultivate, wow, what a mess of an event. i did not get in so caught up on much needed sleep and... festivities continue this week!

currently on my playlist: i got you by Bebe Rexha

the ruffled one shoulder top -- jannadoan.com

top | ASOS one shoulder top in white -- also avail in navy // similar with an eyelet hem // long sleeve ruffled and striped (i have this and love it! outfit post coming soon!
jeans | Hudson nico mid-rise skinny jeans in bohemian wash (old) -- similar // love these with the undone hem // similar
shoes | Marc Fisher annie perforated espadrille platform wedge in blush suede -- similar in the Annie style // similar and only $60!
bag | Gucci marmont matelasse shoulder bag in nude -- smaller version
sunglasses | Le Specs savanna 51mm sunglasses in tortoise (really like the fit on this brand) -- similar
earrings | Baublebar ombre pinata tassel drops in neon coral -- same but smaller and lighter version // similar version at Target by Sugarfix
necklace | Anthropologie monogram pendant -- similar
watch | Michael Kors darci watch in gold -- avail in rose gold
bracelet | Vita Fede mini titan crystal bracelet in gold -- similar by Vince Camuto and on salefor $25!
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 // BaubleBar tri bar ring (old) -- similar
lips | MAC amplified creme lipstick in brick-o-la

rock the one shoulder,
JD

photo credit: Brandon Hill.

SXSW collage recap:

pictured: @simplyyvan // @theautumngirl_ // @jesskatt123

the blush drop waist dress

March 6, 2017

helloooo march!

well... this dress is pretty old (last summer)! as a blogger i sometimes feel pressured to only post things that i can link or that are in stock. ideally, that is good business practice. but honestly, it's just not #reallife when you have a day job. in the past i have not shot outfits because an item would go out of stock etc... enter new mentality: SCREW IT! i wanna post things that i like! regardless if i can make a sale out of it or if it's not in stock i always find similar items. it's all about fun to me!

onto the outfit: this dress is a loose fitting one, so sign me up for anything loosey-goosey. it's blush, it also has pockets, but what i like most is the drop waist and the high low hem. i don't have many of these! i paired it with this grey moto jacket to give it some oomph as sometimes loose fitting dresses need a little something, whether it be a belt, jacket, statement necklace etc! this is also my fave bag from Kelly Wynne's spring collection i am swooning over! it is the perfect size and shape and the print/texture/color will go with anything and everything.

weekend recap: holy moly, if you followed my instastories, this weekend was nuts. FRIDAY -- @kelliesbakingco had a re-opening, they put my instagrams on a cookie! how cool is that?! SATURDAY -- went to support my pilates studio @toddpilates at a wellness event. SUNDAY --had brunch @stgenevieveatx, i recommend the make your own mimosas and the english toffee french toast (fresh bananas, hazelnuts, and a NUTELLA whip cream). it was amazing. finished sunday with a blogger event at @cotone_atx a clothing and beauty bar at the domain!

lastly, if you made it this far in reading my post you should pat yourself on the back. SXSW is creeping up pretty quickly and i cannot wait to attend some festivities, network, eat, and hang out with some friends!

currently on my playlist: shape of you by Ed Sheeran (because lets be honest, this song is on repeat and it ain't going anywhere) ✌️

the blush drop waist dress -- jannadoan.com

dress | Anthropologie camellia drop waist dress (last summer) -- similar and a fraction of the price // similar but not drop waist (might need the black version!) // similar with a high neck // similar with a v-neck
jacket | Forever 21 faux leather moto jacket in grey (old) -- similar in suede and looks good on everyone! // similar // similar
shoes | Stuart Weitzman nudistsong in adobe patent (comes in different widths too!) -- similar // chunky heel version
bag | Kelly Wynne mingle mingle mini in vintage pearl
sunglasses | Celine tilda sunglasses in dark tortoise -- similar but more cateye (great brand, really fits well!)
earrings | Kendra Scott sky earrings in white pearl
necklace | etsy monogram necklace in dearest daddy initials (1.25" and 20" chain) -- similar by BaubleBar / similar in acrylic
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 drop waist,
JD

photo credit: Brandon Hill.

how to wear culottes

February 27, 2017

culottes: (noun) how to pronounce it here: women's knee-length trousers, cut with very full legs to resemble a skirt.

i've been saying this word wrong for a while, so now that i have it down, let's post about it and share how to wear these thangs! it's either a love or hate. i happen to love them! through trial and error, here are my four things i look out for when picking culottes:

go for the high waisted fit, it is just way more flattering and not to mention classy.
flowy material vs. cotton. if it looks like a skirt, even better. that's the point -- for them to look like a skirt but they are actually wide leg cropped pants. how's that for mind games?!
length: you also don't want to go with a pair that is too long or too short, you're going to want them to hit mid shin.
lastly, since they are basically cropped pants give it an extra feminine touch with a sexy pair of heels or pumps!

but... be adventurous -- try a monochrome look, play with prints & textures, try dressing them down in a street-style kind of way!

top style tips: spring/summer: pair with a dressy cami, sleeveless crop top, lace top, off the shoulder, lightweight silk blouse. winter/fall: long sleeve crop top, turtleneck, layer a cami with a tissue turtleneck, chunky/off the shoulder sweater. still not sure how to wear em? go with a culotte jumpsuit -- cold shoulder and a long sleeve lace one (perfect one-piece to take the headache away of how to style culottes).

i have so many exciting things happening right now that i cannot wait to share with you. i feel humbled where this blogging journey has taken me! stay tuned and as always, thank you for stopping by! xoxo.

currently on my playlist: i feel it coming by The Weeknd & Daft Punk