Fresh Faced

I am alllll about the no-makeup trend happening this season. Not to be all, "I've been wearing little to no makeup since before it was cool" but...I've been wearing little to no makeup since before it was cool. I'm glad people are coming around to the bare faced look. I'm so bored with overly made up faces and smoky cat eyes...it's aging and a little tired. When it comes to makeup, I truly believe less is more. I like to see (on myself and others) radiant, glowing skin, a bit of definition where it counts (ahem, lashes and brows) and a soft, natural lip color. *I love me a kickass red lippy every now and then, don't get me wrong.

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Origins VitaZing, blinc tube mascara, Anastasia Brow Wiz, Stila Convertible Color.

The style crowd is making a big deal about this no-makeup movement right now. Is it a feminist statement? Perhaps it's in line with the green/eco lifestyle? Or maybe it's just a flash in the pan trend because everything else has been done? Maybe it's all of the above. I like to think it's more about embracing who "you" really is. At least it is for me. I'm a busy mom who juggles writing from home and my beauty routine certainly reflects that. I take care of my skin morning and night no matter how tired I am. If I'm lucky or the mood strikes, I'll actually apply a bit of makeup like tinted moisturizer, cream eye/lip color, mascara and a little brow pencil. 

The reason I felt compelled to write about this issue is due to a recent experience at a beauty superstore. The salesgirl clearly took one look at my seemingly makeup free face and falsely assumed I was clueless. I patiently sat through her canned sales pitch and corporate mandated questions but when she snottily tried to steer me away from the product I came in for (after having done plenty of my own research), I politely ditched her. I totally get that she has a job to do. I used to have that job. But I don't appreciate being talked down to or considered inexperienced simply because I find a fresh face to be more my style.

I hope more women can ditch the makeup mask and let their natural beauty shine through and give this new "trend" some staying power. I could use more girls in my camp. But...

Let me finish all this by saying, if a full face of makeup and the smokiest smoky eye is your jam, keep on keepin' on. You do you. I'll do me.

Earth Day

There are lots of ways to celebrate Earth Day like walking or biking to work, planting a tree or picking up trash around your neighborhood or city. I have a few ideas for quickly and simply greening your beauty routine in honor of Earth Day.

* Say no to styling tools for the day to cut down on consumption of electricity.

* Shower in luke warm to cool water, instead of hot. A cooler shower helps to increase circulation and is a refreshing way to wake up. Try it, you might actually like it. Bonus: No one lingers during a cold shower so you'll also save on water consumption. 

* Do a sweep of your bathroom shelves, vanity and makeup drawers for products that contain toxins. It's been reported that women apply 500+ toxic chemicals to their face every day! Make a list of the items you can gradually replace with organic alternatives. And then...

* Wear only organic/natural/eco personal care products for the day. You'll quickly realize where the holes in your natural beauty routine are. **Don't worry - you're not the only one that's lacking an eco mascara. That category is way behind the curve...

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* Many people already do a great job of recycling in the kitchen but stop short of personal care products. Start a recycling bin in your bathroom for all your beauty product packaging. Empty bottles, jars, boxes and included literature can typically (and should) be recycled. 

And, if you're feeling festive, wear green today to show your support of Mother Earth!

Happy Earth Day, lovelies! 

The April List

At last, SPRING! The warmer temps and cheery sunshine have put a bounce in my step. So have these 5 things:

* I was so excited to flip my closet from Winter to Summer. The transformation is not yet complete but I'm thrilled to have my favorite dresses within reach again. Give it up for one piece dressing! 

* The Skimm, a Monday through Friday morning email, keeps me in the know with bite sized news stories. I rarely watch broadcast television and don't spend as much time on Twitter as I used to so I'm thankful for the quick updates. 

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My first Young Living oils.

* I've recently started using Young Living essential oils, thanks to a knowledgeable friend. It's safe to say I'm hooked. I add a few drops of Lemon to my water in the morning, apply Purification to breakouts and inhale the most wonderfully intense Lavender in the evening during my bedtime ritual. I also add drops of all three to a spray bottle filled with water to mist around my house. I'm still learning about Young Living and can't wait to receive my next shipment of additional oils. Stay tuned for more on the subject - there are a TON of ways to use these potent and healing oils.

* At the beginning of the month, I cracked into my first bag of chia seeds and have started by making chia water: 1/2 cup lime juice, 10 cups water, 1/2 cup chia seeds. The texture is funky but I like it. I can't wait to try these powerful and nutritious seeds in other recipes. If you have any faves, send them my way!

* Proud Mumma Alert: My two little guys were asked to take part in some promotional photos and videos for The Good Ones, a super rad clothing company for boys. I adore the line for the thoughtful design details (pearlized snaps, reflective tape, cool patches, etc), awesome branding and fun, interactive website. Peep the newest video, Anything Ever, featuring lots of cute kiddos, including mine.

My First Designer Handbag

As a very young girl, I had dreams of one day owning a quilted Chanel flap bag. This legendary design was regularly featured in the glossy pages of my favorite magazines and I quickly understood what an amazingly insightful and game changing designer Coco Chanel was. In my developing mind, owning a Chanel bag would mean that I had made it, that I was part of this exclusive (and elusive) world of fashion, that I had good taste. That's a little embarrassing to write but, oh well.

Great design is eternal and that classic Chanel handbag will never go out of style. But as I grew up, my tastes evolved and I became drawn to edgier designs. After graduation from college in 2002, the Balenciaga motorcycle bag had become the big IT bag (they debuted in 2001). The bags oozed cool, downtown chic and were carried by stylish celebs like Gwyneth, Gisele and other stars whose names start with letters other than G.

After a few months of lusting after these bags, I did the unthinkable. I purchased a knock off, found on eBay, for like $26. Looking back, it was literally the worst, most pathetic excuse for "designer" with white rubbery plastic and dried glue marks --- all around shoddy. I think I carried it for about a week. I had spotted a better knock off at a flea market just outside Boston so I bought it. The thing is, I never felt good about carrying these - they made me feel cheap. The thought of going into debt for a bag I really couldn't afford meant I still hadn't made it. The childhood goal of attaining that Chanel flap bag never included flea markets or not being able to afford to pay rent for the sake of fashion. I would have to put this dream of carrying a designer bag on hold.

Around this time, I started working for a company that owned local salons, spas and clothing boutiques that just so happened to carry Balenciaga handbags. I would visit the stylish store occasionally and take in the stunning leather eye candy, imagining how fantastic it'd be to carry one.

A few years into my job, I was asked to go above and beyond my regular duties to help our CEO with a particular high profile project. I was thrilled and honored to be trusted with the task and while the project caused a lot of stress in a short amount of time, the experience was worth it. A few days after completion of the project, I received a phone call from the manager of the company's clothing boutique. The CEO had asked her to reach out to me, asking if there was something at the boutique I'd had my eye on, something she could gift to me for a job well done. I was shocked --- my jaw must have hit the floor. I had no idea what to say and tried to think of anything else in the store, more reasonably priced, that I would like to have. Before I could answer, the manager asked if I liked Balenciaga bags. Uhhh...what? Naturally, I answered (quite shyly) in the affirmative. I didn't want to appear greedy but I certainly couldn't let this opportunity slip away. The manager told me to come by the store soon to pick one out. I believe I went that very same day. Slipping the handles of that bag onto my arm was a glorious feeling!

About one week later, I was out to lunch with a group of friends. I had just finished telling them the story of how I came to be the proud owner of this lovely handbag, which was now sitting in its own chair at our table. Each of us had ordered glasses of water as well as pints of beer and as the waitress approached our table, she lost control of the tray and eight full glasses tumbled right onto...you guessed it...my brand. new. handbag. 

Every single person at the table jumped up and into action. We descended onto the bag, emptied its contents, wiped everything off and tried to minimize the damage. We blotted inside and out, then hung the empty bag from two chairs to air it out before sitting back down for our (now quite somber) lunch, my personal belongings laying in a pile on the table. As the meal progressed, we noticed the damage to the bag appeared to be minimal, I believe due to our quick action. Major disaster averted. Whew!

Side note: The waitress blamed one of my friends rather than taking responsibility and never apologized, while the manager offered to pay for the damage. Thankfully, I never had to take him up on his offer.

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Me, my first son and my first designer handbag, The Balenciaga Work, in 2008, on our way to Martha's Vineyard.

My first designer handbag is one I still carry often. It's a lovely and deep mahogany brown and very generously sized. Every time I carry the bag, I can't help but think of the events that led to my owning it and the (now) funny story of what happened to it at that memorable lunch. I've added a few more designer bags to my collection, thanks to deep industry discounts, but I will always cherish this first bag the most. Until I finally get that Chanel...

The March List

I always mean to post these at the beginning of the month but I don't always know what I'm going to be digging until I'm actually digging them. Consider the below officially dug.

One of my resolutions at the beginning of the year was to get back to more eco friendly/natural personal care products. From right to left, because I felt like it, are my latest attempts at moving in that direction.

* Pacifica is my current eco fave for glosses that aren't goopy and shadows with rich pigments. The brand is 100% vegan, cruelty free and is formulated without FD&C colors, phthalates, parabens, sulfates, propylene glycol, mineral oil, petroleum, triclosan and other harmful toxins.

* I'm always on the hunt for a non toxic deodorant that actually works - I have high hopes for this Nourish Organic option, in Lavender Mint. 

* In an effort to CALM THE EFF DOWN and get better sleep, I'm going to be spritzing Aura Cacia's Chill Pill and guzzling Natural Calm, a magnesium supplement, all month long. I'll let you know if I'm still a crazy person in April.

* Finally, because my giant mane is a b!tch to deal with, the Tangle Teezer has become my new best friend. My hair is crazy, y'all. *I'm not Southern, but the y'all just felt appropriate here.

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Side note: I'm wild for the number 5 and it's absolutely driving me bonkers that this post contains 5 products but only 4 bullet points --- I seriously struggled with the decision to publish this as is. I like things in groups of 5 at all times. This is my personal hell.

I'm not dramatic at all.

PSA: Public Skincare Announcement

Gerber 5 Count Organic Birdseye Prefold Cloth Diaper

THE HORROR! I fell asleep with my makeup on two nights in a row. I woke up this morning feeling like I had a thick layer of grime on my face. As I started prepping for an emergency DIY facial, I grabbed a cloth baby diaper and wondered if anyone outside the industry knew about this little spa secret. 100% organic cotton baby diapers, the ones many mamas use for burp cloths these days, make for the most perfect facial towel. They're more gentle on the face than a regular wash cloth and get softer with each cycle through the laundry. They're fab at removing masks and/or to dry your face post cleansing. They're inexpensive and certainly don't take up a lot of precious bathroom storage space. Excuse me, I have an enzyme mask to remove.

The more you know!

The February List

Check this ish out: 

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Follow @navigatewstyle on Instagram

* Cool tune + adidas track suit wearing roller skaters with dope moves = on repeat at Chez Fox. 

* Squishy & bouncy, a konjac sponge needs to get in your bathroom for daily cleansing asap. 

* Bored with your jewelry? Try an ear cuff. The trend is almost done so don't spend major coin.

* Packing school lunches is not my favorite part of the day but I might try some of these to keep things interesting.  

* Fashion Week officially kicks off today. There are loads of ways to stay up to date. The Fashion Spot is one of the better options. 

Keep it funky.

Project JDF.

I've spent the last year trying to figure out how to be a stay at home, freelance writing mother. It's been quite challenging at times but I've really enjoyed spending this precious first year with my second son rather than jumping right back into a full time+ job as I did after my first. 

In 2008, I went back to work after the standard three month maternity leave. I went to an office everyday, to an exciting job in the corporate office of a high end salon/spa/boutique company in Boston. While I know I didn't look ultra stylish every single day, I was forced by social norms to shower regularly, put on makeup, get dressed and wear cool, big girl shoes. This time, I've barely put on makeup, I still slip on maternity leggings from time to time and have a very sorry collection of unsupportive nursing bras. I can't even go into what's happening with my hair.

This last year has been tricky. I write for various publications, including this little blog, during nap times and in the evening after the boys are asleep. Why should I shower when I'm alternating between playing on the nursery floor and sitting at my computer? I occasionally go days without actually seeing or speaking to another adult other than my husband (poor guy).

My motivational button for Project JDF. 

I do manage to get some girl time in with my friends, sometimes even without kids, which is when I at least attempt to swipe on concealer and lip gloss. But I'm wearing the same old shit: threadbare leggings, chunky cardigans, tanks and tees festooned with pureed pears and oatmeal. 

I've misplaced my spark. It's around here somewhere but I've been too tired to look for it. As my second son approaches his first birthday, I'm slowly emerging from the shadows. It's time to make an effort again. I need to clean out my closet, rework my makeup drawer and kick up my fitness plan. Today is Day 1 of Project JDF. 

collab crazy...

I simply can't get enough of the collaboration movement the fashion industry has so enthusiastically embraced. Maybe it's because I live in the middle of the country where availability of some major brands is a tad limited. Maybe it's because I don't fall into the same tax bracket of the high end designer clientele. Let's be honest - it's both.  

Big name designer collaborations are great for all parties. The designer gets more mainstream exposure, the mass retailer gets to align with a luxury brand and the consumer gets the high dollar look for less. Win-win-win. 

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Jonathan Adler for JCPenney

I'm addicted to Target (shocking, I know). That bullseye just draws me right in with their regularly scheduled, amazing collabs. But lately another store has been KILLING IT in the collaboration department: JCPenney. Sephora, Martha Stewart, Joe Fresh, Jonathan Adler, giggleBABY, MNG by Mango, Nicole by Nicole Miller, Olsenboye, Marchesa, Betsey Johnson and more (more!) have joined forces with the retailer over the last few seasons. The stores have also been given a huge makeover. The housewares department of my local JCP is gleaming white and super modern and I wish I could just move in.

These wonderful changes occurred under the supervision of former CEO Ron Johnson. It's a shame he was ousted but I hope those now in charge can keep his vision going because I'm having lots of fun shopping in a store I hadn't set foot in for...decades? I mean, I'm sure I had been in a JCP at least once during my childhood but I just can't recall the experience.

Visit your local JCP and prepare to be dazzled. 

The October List

This month's to do's (it involves a lot of pumpkins)... 

 * Whip up a pumpkin body scrub by mixing about 1/2 cup coconut oil and 1 cup of sugar, 2 tablespoons of pumpkin pie spice and a few shakes of ground cinnamon. Adjust the amount of oil and sugar until you achieve the desired consistency. I like it rough so I use less oil. 

* Visiting a pumpkin patch or apple orchard is a favorite activity of the season. To find a pumpkin patch in your state click here. For apples, click here. I can't wait to take my family to the Lincoln Ridge Pumpkin & Mum Festival in Ohio. 

* Need more pumpkin in your life? Follow Pumpkinita on Instagram. She posts super creative and mouthwatering ideas.  

* How did we survive without Pinterest? Falling for Fall, their latest seasonal board, highlights warm, cozy and inviting recipes and decor ideas.  

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My go-to ensemble for the season. The beanie hides the disaster that is my hair. 

* I like to dress in uniforms - it makes getting out the door each morning much easier. The blueprint for my Fall dressing relies on light layers in neutrals with a few pops of green. A light scarf keeps me cozy when it's crisp or stashes easily in my handbag when the sun is shining. Cool stud earrings (that tiny and slobbery hands can't pull on) and flat soled boots pull the look together.

So, how long until October is just renamed Pumpkin Spice? 

Beauty Sleep

When we sleep, our body naturally rejuvenates itself. Help it along with a few tricks:

* Help your skin cells turnover since they're naturally doing it anyway while you sleep. After cleansing your face, slather on  a serum or cream with ingredients meant to renew like vitamins A and K and alpha hydroxy acids. Try REN's Resurfacing AHA Concentrate or Clinique's Turnaround Overnight Radiance Moisturizer.

* Eyes tend to give us away so make sure to lightly pat an anti-aging cream onto that delicate skin before bed. If your eyes are a little red in the AM, a few tiny drops of Rohto Cooling eye drops will clear them up and make your peepers feel refreshed. 

* Try to sleep on your back to wake up without crease lines and to avoid premature lines and wrinkles.  A pillow underneath your knees as well as an extra one under your head can make this more comfortable.

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Branché Sleep Mask

* In the evening, swap your regular toothpaste with Crest Vivid White Night. The formula coats teeth and loosens stains while you sleep so they can be brushed away in the morning. Use nightly for at least two weeks to see a visible difference.

* Cover your hair with a satin scarf or rest your pretty head on a satin pillow case to reduce frizz causing friction for your locks.  Branché Beauty Sleep makes lovely satin pillow cases and sleep masks.

* Give your hair a moisture boost by sleeping in a deep conditioning mask (or any rich conditioner will do). Wrap hair in a turban or gather hair into a topknot and put a towel over your pillowcase to keep it from getting messy.  Rinse out in your morning shower then style as usual.

* Get your zzz's. A good night's rest makes you look and feel better. It's scientific. Duh... 

The September List

This month's to-do's...

 * Swap your bright or beachy tote for a structured bag or day clutch in a rich fall hue like navy or mustard. Perhaps the 3.1 Philip Lim collection for Target has what you seek.

* Summer wreaks havoc on skin and hair. Get funky with exfoliation (manual or chemical - I dig both) to fight all that pesky sun damage. Deep condition tresses with a nourishing mask. Repeat this process weekly for the rest. of. your. life.

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An old fave. Bold look yet so lightweight thanks to thin leather backing. No droopy ears for me.

* Bracelets and necklaces have reigned supreme the last few seasons so it's time for your earrings to have a moment. Bring yours out of hiding or pick up a new statement pair to switch things up. This lovely pair is temporarily part of my "Mumma Off Duty" collection - pieces I can only wear when my kids are being monitored by another adult. Babies are quite grabby...and slobbery.

* Remove the last dregs of neon nail polish and go for a ladylike lacquer in nudes and chocolates. Embellish a nail or two with metallic foil or tiny studs. 

* Embrace the Back to School spirit, even if you won't be cracking a textbook this year. A new notebook, tablet stylus or lunch bag will surely make you more productive at work. 

* Follow New York Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2014 trends via Pinterest and the live show feeds for a week long punch in the face of high style.

paint chip palettes...

When I'm feeling uninspired, I look for cues from various sources. Sometimes I find myself in the paint aisle, browsing the sample cards of Sherwin-Williams, Benjamin Moore and Ralph Lauren. These cards often give me some ideas to play around with which also helps me to imagine new ways to introduce various hues into my ensembles.

INSPIRATION: Tone on tone. Focus on textures to break up the monochromatic look and mix with neutral or metallic accessories for depth. ​Favorite tonal combos of mine are fuchsia with petal pink, burgundy with red or orange, violet with lilac or emerald with mint.

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INSPIRATION: Complementary colors. While choosing paint for my living room, I gathered cards that featured color schemes for entire rooms. I walked away with paint cans for my house and a color plan for my Spring/Summer wardrobe.

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INSPIRATION: Pattern play. I've now seen cards that feature patterns and the above and below combos look a little Proenza Schouler to me. Fun!

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top 10 style tips of all time...

Here's what I consider to be the basics of style --- learn them, know them, live them.

1. Always bet on accessories. This is where I tend to invest because I typically get the most mileage out of my accessories and jewels than I do with an individual piece of clothing.

2. Invest the time and money to have a proper bra fitting by a pro (not a high schooler at VS). No matter the size of your cans, the perfect bra can make all the difference. Trust!

3. Nude pumps are the absolute best footwear staple. The best, Jerry. The best. Splurge here for maximum comfort and wear.

4. Know the trends but ignore them if they aren't perfect for you. I can't and don't wear midriff bearing shirts, turtlenecks or gladiator sandals, even if they're the latest and greatest trends on the runways...you're welcome.

5. Become a master editor of your own closet. We all need help with this from time to time so ask a trusted (and stylish) friend for assistance in weeding out. Sell everything that doesn't work and use the profits for something your closet is missing.

6. Embrace color. Maybe not every color and certainly not all at once, but color is your friend.

7. Own at least one GREAT animal print piece, whether zebra or leopard. Animal prints can be tricky and tacky so look for a classic print in a timeless silhouette or go for a pair of shoes or a handbag instead.

8. Don't swoon over sales. Sometimes a low price is too hard to resist but resist you MUST if the item in question isn't already on your list of must haves. This is something I'm personally working on this year...

9. It's better to be overdressed than under...fo shizzle.

10. Stock up on high quality basics - they'll never let you down. Preach!

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My jewelry drawers!

Did I miss anything? Do you totally agree? Beg to differ? Let me know in the comments or tweet me @navigatewstyle!

xx JDF

fashion week faves...

I rawwwther enjoy New York Fashion Week, albeit from afar. Thanks to the internets, most shows are now live streamed via multiple channels online. While Fashion Week is jammed with loads of designers, looks, front row celebs and emerging trends, I always like to pick my personal faves. Whether or not these trends or pieces end up in stores is an entirely different story...

In no particular order:

* I have always loved long leather gloves because they make me feel way more glam than I am. A ton of designers showed them in all colors for next Fall. Thankfully, I already own quite a few pairs so I'm all set. Quite frankly, I'm not sure why long leather gloves would ever be out of style...

* While fur was flying on the runways, I like Marc Jacobs' take the best. A fur collar or cape (faux or real) will certainly take outerwear up a notch.

* I loved the banded heels at Michael Kors ...espesh the orange ones and ESPESH with camo!

* I am a J. Crew girl through and through so it's no surprise that I am in love with them season after season. While there are always so many pieces I adore, it's the styling that gets me. The mixing and matching is not something I'm naturally good at so I admire the cool pairings the J. Crew team comes up with. I especially dig an over sized, orange clutch that I. MUST. HAVE.

* I come from a family with a strong military background so I have an affinity for olive drab and navy blue (my paternal side is Army, my maternal side is Navy - no wonder my parents divorced). Prabal Garung showed lots of military-esque colors and silhouettes. The trick here is to keep your Army-Navy surplus gear from becoming too literal or costume-y...feminine embellishments are key! Just like the long leather glove trend, the military look isn't something I'll need to spend much money on to achieve thanks to my lifelong love for the look.