Navigate with Style

Charting the style of daily life...with the mouth of a sailor.

Beauty,Fashion

Thanksgiving, my favorite fall-iday...

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Thanksgiving just might be my favorite of all the holidays. Mashed potatoes, comfy clothes, lengthy naps with the sounds of football in the background and QT with loved ones makes for a pretty spectacular day.

My T Day always starts with the Macy's parade blasting while I pretend to work in the kitchen. I absolutely love watching the Rockettes kick those gams and last year, my son asked me why I wasn't dancing with them...sweet boy. The National Dog Show that runs after the parade is my cue to start consuming port wine cheese and crackers (and a cocktail when I'm not preg) while cheering for the English Springer Spaniel to take home Best In Show.

Dish

Mashed potatoes is always my favorite dish to make and eat for Thanksgiving but I can also whip up a mean cranberry relish. I saute one 12 ounce bag of fresh cranberries with 1/2 cup sugar and slices of about 6 clementines, peels on, 1/2 cup of orange juice and 1/2 cup of water, until the liquid is reduced. Feel free to play around with the measurements and some add ins like cinnamon or ginger...this recipe is almost goof proof and so much better than the canned ish.

Threads

My no fail Thanksgiving outfit is leggings or lounge pants with slippers, a roomy t shirt and an oversized cardigan. I keep jewels to a minimum for snag-free, spontaneous naps. These ballet flat style slippers are plush and cute, not sloppy or childish.

Give Thanks

Get creative with how you express your gratitude this year. Cut strips of pretty colored paper and place on an entryway table with metallic gold and silver pens. Ask guests to write down what they're thankful for this year. Using clear tape, create a chain garland with the completed strips to hang over a mantle or chandelier. After your meal is over, share the chain with the group and then keep it up for display throughout the holidays. You might even save the chain for some fun reminiscing the following year. 

Best wishes for a happy and healthy Thanksgiving celebration!

xx JDF

Trying TRIA...update!

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I started using the TRIA hair removal laser last year and was really digging the experience and the results. However, I had to halt my experiment once I became pregnant this summer (baby boy due in March). I will resume my trial, and the giveaway for one lucky reader, once this kid arrives.

In the meantime, peep the first few installments of my Trying TRIA series:

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

INsight segment

To learn more about the TRIA laser, click HERE!

Fashionable Friends...Jennie!

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A few years ago, my husband reconnected with an old friend who he'd not seen in almost 10 years and who had just moved with his new bride from LA to Boston (where we lived at the time).  After they settled into their new digs, we invited them over for pizza and beer...how chic and so, so original! Little did I know the girl I was about to meet would become a friend I would cherish forevermore. She is incredibly accomplished (ahem, a Doctorate from Harvard), has the most hilarious expressions and  slips into random voices during conversations. She is creative, compassionate and cultured. Plus, she's mother to ridiculously cute twin boys.

an American in Paris!

1. Three words to describe your style: eclectic, casual, off beat

2. Desert island beauty product: L'Occitane After Sun Lotion - I don't care how burned or dry your skin gets, this stuff is like magic potion for repair. I am worried it was discontinued as our supply comes mainly from pilfering it from the Four Seasons Hotel in Maui. Editor's note: I found it on the L'Occitane Middle Eastern website but not the US version.

3. The outfit that never lets you down: Ash high top sneakers in camo, dark wash skinny jeans, scoop neck black t shirt, a chunky black Theory cardigan and a besparkled pink cashmere beret. Throw on the right jewelry and I can go to work, out to dinner or grab my little ones and head to the playground.

4. Signature fragrance: My own funk. I am not a perfume person.

5. Fashion Hero (ES): Kate Moss - if only I could be so freaking cool. Bianca Jagger - she is so exotic and funky. My Mom - she was never afraid to wear what she liked (even if no one else did).

Thank you, Jennie!

xx JDF

nail rant...

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It's time for me to vent:

I am so disenchanted with the general offerings of the nail industry. In my opinion there are just two options available to the masses: pay an obscene amount of money for good customer service and a clean environment or a small amount of coin for rude or indifferent technicians and grimy facilities. In most cases, the results end up being the same - polish that looks better than what I can do myself.

Why is there no middle ground? The state of the nail industry is lacking in originality and modernity and I'm surprised no one has thought to address it. While beautiful and affordable makeup application spas, quickie day spas and blow dry only salons have cropped up, the nail world has completely stalled. I am tired of not being able to properly communicate with my service provider (and vice versa). I am tired of service providers that think talking on a cell phone while performing a service is ok! I am tired of seeing multiple health code violations occurring before my very eyes. I am tired of the goopy, cracking, years old polishes lining the racks. And I'm really tired of having to pay $60+ for a standard (NOT spectacular) pedicure at a high end salon. I am not satisfied with the status quo when it comes to my manicure and pedicure. I'd rather do my own nails (ugh...that's really saying something) than spend one more dime on another lackluster experience.

Here's what I want:

An attractive and clean facility with outstanding customer service. A fantastic manicure and pedicure performed with sanitary tools, updated and clean polishes with some affordable add ons like customized nail art or a pampering moisture mask. I want a nail technician that can understand my individual requests such as, "Please do not cut my cuticles."  I'd go a step further and ask that all products used be organic and non toxic but I'm afraid that might put the majority of the industry over the edge.

Whew! Thanks for letting me get this issue out of my brain. If I had the skill of a nail tech and the stomach to deal with strange feet, I would open my own nail spa. I'm guessing I'm not alone in this opinion and hope that someone, somewhere is already working on a solution that will spread nationwide, not just on the coasts.

Where do you stand on this issue? Dirty & Cheap OR Clean & Overpriced? If you've personally experienced a middle ground, I'd love to hear about it.  Tweet me: @navigatewstyle and use #nailrant to tag your tweet.

why don't you...

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...try a pair of Over the Knee boots this winter? OTK boots can be tricky to wear but here are some basic rules of thumb (ugh, I loathe that term) to keep the look chic, not cheap:

* a flat sole or low heel is always less slutty than spindly stilettos.

* stay far away from patent leather...I love Pretty Woman just as much as the next chick but that doesn't mean Viv's cheap looking, shiny boots are stylish.

* cognac leather or black suede tends to look more refined than black leather.

* a fold down style means you can go OTK when you're feeling sassy but UTK when you're feeling less so.

* a  more streamlined look is generally best...lots of buckles, rivets, straps or ruching is just too much for these tall suckers.

I really like these OTK boots by FRYE thanks to the subtle and casual Western details and low heel. For a cozy Autumn look, wear with leggings and a chunky, oversized sweater.

baby...

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...I'm having one!

While being pregnant the first time was awesome, this time around I'm a little more tired, emotional and achy. To combat the not so hot symptoms of pregnancy I'm relying on the following staples:

* Origins Ginger Gloss - the scent of ginger helps ease nausea and this moisturizing body oil keeps my growing body moisturized! 

* Target now carries a diffusion line from Ingrid & Isabel called BeMaternity. The seamless leggings and ruched tank are perfect foundations for cardis, dresses and long blouses.

* I've stopped my regularly scheduled facial peels until this kid arrives so I've stepped up my manual exfoliation to compensate. Pangea Organics Facial Scrub is organic and gentle yet effective. 

* As for my nutrition, Luna Bars, Emergen-C packets and bottles of water stashed in my handbag, car and at home save me constantly.

More to come!

xx JDF

brow basics...

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Eyebrows can make a big impact - either good or bad, depending on how you allow them to frame your face. The best advice I can share is to find and commit yourself to an expert who will handle the shaping and taming. Then, with the right tools you can easily maintain between appointments.

* I adore the Anastasia Brow Wiz tool because the tip is super fine and the spoolie at the other end means you don't have to use a separate brush. Apply using short strokes to define your brows and fill in any gaps then use the spoolie to blend the color for the most natural look.

* Clear mascara (no need to spend lots of money on this) is the best for taming unruly brows. Mine are a little curly so this is a must for me. Plus, I enjoy a little bit of shine for my brows. I've always been jealous by how Demi Moore's brows seem to glisten!

* Invest in a great pair of tweezers with a slant tip. I only advise grabbing obvious stray hairs and always plucking at a distance from the mirror to lessen the chance of over-harvesting. Tweezerman is my brand of choice because they offer free sharpening for the life of your tweezers.

There are brow "trends" from time to time but I say ignore those and stick with a classic, full and well groomed shape. No need to channel Brooke Shields but for crying out loud, stay far, far away from pencil thin Pamela Anderson brows!

those beautiful Bluths...

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​I'm a big fan of Arrested Development and have often thought of the wonderful line of beauty & personal care products that could have graced the shelves of drugstores everywhere had the show not been cancelled...

Million F***ing Diamonds Anti Aging Cream - Imparts a luxurious and youthful shimmer. Use sparingly to avoid possible lung poisoning.

Blue Myself Cream Eye Shadow - Guaranteed to last through the most intense paint drum banging show.

Ostero Hair Gel - Give your brownish areas pretty points that will stand out at any charity gala! 

Leather Daddy Tanning Oil SPF 2 - Apply liberally for a healthy glow that says, "Daddy Likes Leather" skin..

Scholarly Pursuits Personal Lube - For those intimate moments....

Just Woke Up Hair-spray - Get that sexy bed-head chic look with this highly effective, aerosol spray.

Candy Beans Body Splash - Now you can smell like a whole thing of candy beans.

Gangee Artificial Tears - For when you'd like to cry but you just can't spare the moisture.

Glisten Toothpaste - New & improved with a flip top cap. Never leave the f***ing cap off again!

work with what you've got...

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I've always loved buying and wearings all sorts of jewelry but I've cut my shopping budget so I've been challenging myself to mix and match what I already own for new looks.  Sometimes I wear a few rings of different styles on the same hand or layer bunches of necklaces together. These days I've been really into bracelets more than anything.  Cast your eyes upon my new favorite, reworked combinations:

I have favored gold jewelry for quite a few years now but I'm slowly getting back to my silver pieces --- as evidenced by my one silvery combo.​

Why don't you...

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...make your own organic body oil? The supplies are easily purchased from most natural foods stores. You'll need a clean container to house the oil (I buy squeeze bottles from a bakery supply outlet), a bottle of organic, food grade oil such as grapeseed, avocado or sesame oil and your favorite essential oil. My fave combo is avocado oil with lavender but play around with different variations until you find what suits you best.​

Your homemade concoction will be less expensive than traditional body oils and totally customized (use more than one essential oil for even more customization). I adore making my own organic moisturizer that my whole family can use and can't even remember the last time I purchased a prepackaged body product.

What's your favorite essential oil? I'd love to hear what blend you come up with!​

blast from the past...

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As a small girl growing up in the awesome 80's, before I was even allowed to wear makeup, I received a Caboodle as a birthday gift. At the time, I used it to organize toys and my stash of candy. By the time I got into preteen cosmetics I was a master at organizing my teal and pink Caboodle and I used it for years to keep my Bonne Bell lip products and clear mascara neat and tidy. Although I can't remember what happened to it, I cherish the memory of my  ​girly tackle box.

Until very recently, I hadn't even considered that Caboodles were still around or that I would own one again, this time in my mid 30's. Thanks to my near constant presence online, reading blogs, stalking social media channels and pinning everything I desire, I discovered that Caboodles are still manufactured! Even better - Plano, the parent company, had reissued their original 1987 peachy pink and white case, sold exclusively through their Facebook page for a limited time. Naturally, I got in on that action. 

My Caboodle just arrived and without delay I've started transferring my cosmetics to the case. Bonus: it turns out I have room for even more cosmetics!   ​

Totally RAD!​

​ps - for other Caboodle styles and products hop on over to their website.

Fashionable Friends...Lyndsey!

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I met Lyndsey while enduring the cattle calls of sorority recruitment in college and then we both ended up pledging to Pi Beta Phi. That was, um...yeah, 15 years ago!?! Her cute and funky personal style is right in line with her cute and funky personality. Lyndsey is pint sized, her laugh is infectious, and she's a longtime Hillary Rodham Clinton admirer.

1. Three words to describe your style: classic, sporty, funky

2. Desert island beauty product: sunscreen

3. The outfit that never lets you down: swimsuit                                                                                Editor's note: uhhh...you know this chick is funky if this is her answer.

4. Signature fragrance: Dune by Dior

5. Fashion Hero: My best friend Morgan. She can make a slammin' look out of anything, at any time, with any amount of money.

​Thank you, Lyndsey! Pi Phi love forever...

xx JDF