my fall list...

I always love flipping through fall magazine issues to determine what I need for the upcoming season.  I have whittled my list down to the essentials but I've decided to make my new pieces count.  I tend to go with a darker palette for the colder months and I'm not sure why.  It's the dreary months that need more pops of color!  Thus, I'm committing to more color this fall...poppy, mustard, cobalt, cranberry and hunter green are the hues I'll be looking for...

I discussed fall fashion trends and key pieces with my very stylish friend, Flo Bear, on a local TV show called INsight.  We listed the following pieces as our must haves:

A cozy poncho or cape - I personally have always loved this look and I have many already so I didn't need to splurge a ton on this category.  I did pick up a new one from H&M that is perfect for layering as part of my outfit but can do double duty as a sub for a light jacket.

Fur embellishment - a touch of fur, real or faux, can really enhance a sweater, jacket, hat or even handbag.  I have a furry vest from last winter that I'll use again but I'm still searching for an updated piece to add to my closet.

Chunky sweater - while this is on many lists "chunky" doesn't quite work for my body so I'll skip this one.  But if you can pull it off, do so!  It's a huge trend but can easily look dowdy if not accessorized correctly.  Add some sparkle in the form of pretty earrings or some bold bangles.

Colored denim - I'm all for this trend - in all colors.  You can also sub in colored corduroys - just make sure they are a thin wale to keep the look lean.

Statement jewelry - I mean...when is kick ass jewelry NOT in???  I guess this is just an excuse to load up on some new options.  I'll be looking for color, color, color when it comes to my new jewels!

uniforms...

I've been thinking of uniforms a bunch these days...Maybe it's because the school year is well underway.  Or maybe because my husband recently explained to me that genius Steve Jobs (bow down) wears the same thing every day: black, mock turtleneck/Levi's jeans/New Balance trainers.  Could it be that when you remove or limit sartorial choices you potentially become more productive? 

This may be true for certain individuals within most industries but for someone IN or AROUND the fashion/beauty/style realms this could be a hindrance.  On second thought, I tend to dress in a uniform style already.  In the colder months I'm all about leggings and cozy, over sized tops layered with scarves.  I tend to pair this look with motorcycle boots, ballet flats or wedge booties.  In warmer months I like thin dresses with flat sandals or wedge espadrilles.  I don't stray from these formulas too much as I rely on accessories to make each ensemble different but when the mood strikes I do love to switch it up.

I realize uniforms are utilized for many reasons.  Parochial schools use them to keep their students focused and to remove status (although status still makes its way through).  The Military uses them for conformity, control, intimidation and to signify rank, and companies use them for branding purposes.

I'm going to embrace my uniform concept this fall which I'm sure will make mornings at Chez Fox a bit more streamlined.  I'll organize my tops and hang the coordinating pair of leggings with them (I have a gazillion options) and my booties, boots and ballet flats will rest just underneath so that dressing is a snap.  The more time consuming portion of my morning will now be choosing what accessories to wear and making peanut butter & jelly sandwiches...  

INsight...

Well, last Thursday my very first episode of INsight debuted and while I hope to improve my media skills I'm pretty happy with how everything turned out.  I'm really critical of myself so admitting that I liked my performance is kind of a big deal...

Meet Flo & Jennifer

Fashion's Night Out

Flo and I will be on every Thursday on Indiana News Center but you can catch us online to boot!

And check out Symmetry for incredibly stylish clothing and accessories!

xx
JDF

hoo boy...

Alright...Since relocating to Indiana from Massachusetts I've been pursuing a freelance writing career.  I've made some cool strides in this regard and will hopefully have some published works to share on NWS soon.  In the meantime I've also joined a local women's interest television show on Indiana News Center called INsight. 

This is a turn of events I could not have predicted!  Being on camera has never been something I've thought to pursue, for many reasons.  However, I felt contributing to this show could help me secure more writing gigs so here I am.  Today at 9am in the Ft. Wayne viewing area I'll be making my television debut on INsight with my friend and fellow contributor, Flo Bear.  We'll be discussing fall fashion trends and highlighting the Fashions Night Out event we attended on September 8th at Symmetry (a super fabulous clothing store).

I'm excited and nervous to see and hear myself on camera...but I must admit this new project has been so much fun and I'm loving it!  The hosts of the show, Emilie & Charity have been so welcoming and I feel I've already learned a lot from them.  I'm still pretty green when it comes to this TV thing and I fear my frozen smile while looking into the camera is incredibly awkward...but we'll see I guess!  I've been helping to pre produce style segments for TV for awhile so I'm aware of the process but I was waaaaay behind the scenes.  It's very odd to me that I'm doing this same work but for myself...odd but gratifying!

Watch INsight on Indiana News Center on 21Alive, the ABC affiliate or catch archived shows online.

eeeee!

xx
JDF

today's obsession...

I'm digging red barns these days.  I'm SO ready for the change of seasons and barns just seem to go hand in hand with autumn (as do wooden Radio Flyer wagons and apple picking).  On a not so stylish trip to the hardware store I spied a row of backyard sheds and barns across the parking lot.  Below is my latest obsession - a red barn perfectly sized for an office and retreat.  I can also picture throwing an intimate (ahem, small) dinner party inside.

My backyard barn would be rustically glam: a parson's table desk, black watch plaid wool blanket over a well worn leather chair, faux fur sheepskin rug and wooden milk crates to store my files.  Suspended in the center of it all would be an over the top, shimmering chandelier.

This would be my Petit Trianon!


Now, I just need a few grand and a backyard...


{posted on the move}