The Five 3.2

{ The Five } 


Hello Giggles Podcast! I've been really into podcasts lately (listening to them, creating them, what have you). I downloaded Episode 1 of The Couch from Hello Giggles in late January but just got around to listening to it. The hosts Jensen Karp and Sophia Rossi are not licensed therapists but that isn't stopping them from analyzing themselves and celeb guests like Haylie Duff. If you're a fan of Hello Giggles, co founded by Zooey Deschanel, you'll love this hilarious show.


The Oscars! IMHO Michelle Williams was best dressed at the Academy Awards this year. The color and construction of her gown was stunning! Image via Pinterest

Song Quest! I heard a song ages ago but couldn't remember the name of the band or the song. It's been bothering me but I finally caught it on the radio! The King & All Of His Men by Wolf Gang has now been on repeat for a week straight...

Wannabe Artist! I absolutely SUCK at drawing. I'm not good but that doesn't stop me from doodling. I ran across these amazing LYRA colored pencils while at The Frist Museum in Nashville a few weeks ago. The colors are creamy and so brilliant. My drawings are still ugly but MAN OH MAN are they vibrant!

The NWS Makeup Shakeup Party! I was asked by a group of friends to join them for a wine & cheese party and to help them with skincare and makeup application tips and product recommendations. The host set out mirrors, cups of cotton swabs and white washcloths for each guest to use and then take home. Everyone arrived with makeup free faces and brought the products they currently use so I could asses their needs. It was a fun evening and so interesting for me to learn of some common fears about makeup applications and skincare regimens. I'd love to do more of these...

xx

JDF

And the Oscar goes to...

The Oscars are this Sunday and I'm anxiously awaiting the red carpet arrivals. Here's what I'd like to see:

* COLOR! I'm sick of the neutrals and red tends to be a standard choice for these formal events which makes the hue a tad boring and predictable...give me some pastels, some neons.
* LOTS of jewels please! I want stacks and stacks of diamond bracelets or giant earrings that can be seen from space. Let's throw "tasteful' out the window and get crazy with the gemstones!
* Forget matching your shoes to your dress. Pair blue platforms with a yellow dress, red with pink, green with purple...you get the idea. Less matchy matchy...make a statement!

Download the Oscars App for iPhone or iPad. The awards show coverage starts on ABC at 7pm Eastern but tune into E! for the most comprehensive (and sometimes exhaustive) red carpet coverage starting at 1:30pm Eastern (oy vey)!

cozy yet stylish NYE...

2012 is almost here! The big question is: what are you wearing on New Years Eve? I'll be comfy and cozy yet stylish...check out my NYE segments on INsight:

Style Resolutions - I mention red lips (what's new?) as a great style resolution for the new year but what I should I have said was EMBRACE COLOR! Classic neutrals are safe and timeless but can be a tad boring...go bold and incorporate more color into your makeup bag and your wardrobe.

Stylish NYE at Home - I'm sticking with a winter white, grey and metallic gold palette for my cozy celebration at home.

2011 was filled with many exciting changes in my life and I will cherish the memories from this past year forever. I cannot wait to see what 2012 has in store!!!

Happy New Year!!!

xx

JDF

holiday entertaining & gifts...

Last week on INsight:

Holiday Entertaining - Emilie, Charity and I discuss my article for Fort Wayne Monthly magazine, Making Magic. I had such fun writing the story and hope the readers enjoyed my tips for easy yet stylish holiday entertaining!

Last Minute Gift Ideas - The Monogram Shoppe here in Fort Wayne has the most amazing selection of gifts for everyone and anyone. I show Emilie and Charity just a tiny fraction of what the store has to offer!

Thanks for watching & reading!!

xx
JDF

from work to play...

Attending a mid week holiday party? Below are my tricks for taking your look from office to party in mere minutes:

Let's assume you're wearing a neutral suit (pants or skirt with tights) and neutral shoes, mmmkay?

LIP COLOR - Nothing perks up a face in seconds flat than a BOLD lip color. If a traditional red isn't your thing go for a darker plum or a bright pink.

ALL ABOUT EYES - The BIG difference between day and night makeup comes down to the eyes. A smokey cat eye is not office appropriate but as soon as 5pm hits (everyone is done working right at 5pm, right?) swipe on more shadow and liner.

HAIR UP, SPARKLY EARRINGS - For a festive look that can punch up neutral work garb in seconds, pull hair away from face to expose gorgeous and glimmering earrings...the bigger the better! If you have short hair your job is even easier.

SHOULDERS AND SHOES - Ditch your blazer for a plush wrap. Bonus points for wearing a colorful silk or satin shell under your blazer in the first place. As for shoes, plain black always works but if you can switch to something more glamorous with color or embellishments, do so!

CLUTCH - Only take your essentials into the party - cell phone, ID/credit card/cash, lip color - by using a clutch rather than your day bag. Nothing ruins a party look like a casual, hulking purse!

Extra tip: Pack a small bag with the essentials listed above to keep in your car or at your desk.  This way you'll be prepared if you forgot to consult your calendar before leaving home for the day!

Let's say you're reading this post in your office on the day of your forgotten party and you're unprepared (you know who you are)...Get thee to CVS or Walgreens! Pick up a new lip color, some inexpensive jewels and a wrap or scarf (most larger drugstores have these) and you're done!

If you don't have time for any of these tips, don't fret. Just be a good guest for your hostess by adding holiday cheer - smile and be charming!