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!

traveling for the holidays?

'Tis the season for snowy road trips and airport delays...which means it's time to pack! Here are my favorite, no fail tips for packing like a pro!

* Stick with neutral clothing pieces that can be mixed and matched for maximum mileage from all the items in your suitcase. Jersey and knit fabrics pack nicely but for silk or satin pieces use tissue paper for protection against wrinkles. I know people talk about rolling clothes instead of folding but I've not had much luck with that technique.

* Load up on the accessories and jewelry to make your outfits more interesting or colorful. You don't need a ton of space to accommodate jewels so over packing in this category is encouraged. Use velvet pouches to protect chunky necklaces and bracelets and stash delicate earrings and rings in a sturdy jewelry travel case.

* Wear your coat, boots and chunky sweater on the plane or in the car so as not to take up valuable space in your bag or suitcase. Pack folding leather ballet flats (many come with a coordinating pouch) and a pair of heels for your more festive ensembles. Yes, a total of 3 pairs of shoes...gasp!

* I am a sucker for vintage suitcases but airport travel demands modern gear. Invest in a durable neutral colored rolling suitcase that is appropriately sized for carry on requirements. Use ribbons to customize or add some colorful luggage tags. OR you could make a stencil out of cardboard and use fabric paints to emblazon your boring bag with your last name, your monogram or something cute like "MINE!" in neon orange, natch!

* Decant beauty products into smaller bottles and jars or use your stash of samples. Cream blush can double as lipstick and vice versa. Leave your blow dryer at home but take dry shampoo and your flat iron for touch ups. Keep your beauty needs in an easily wiped bag in the event of spillage. I go into more detail about packing cosmetics here.

* An extra tote, like the very lightweight and foldable Baggu, is great to stash in your suitcase to hold extra purchases or to corral dirty laundry. The zip pouches are awesome as well and have many uses!

* Make a list of everything you pack as a reference for when it's time to come home.

Happy Trails!

bonus tip: "Need" to travel with alcohol (like I do)? Check here first!

glittered poinsettias!

Poinsettia's are a boring holiday tradition ---  like fruitcake. BORING NO MORE!

What a lovely way to punch up the classics! Use these to decorate for your own holiday soiree or give as a hostess gift. I found these in my city at Fresh Market. While a quick search of the webz didn't offer much I'm assuming these won't be too hard to find at other retailers this season!

handmade gifts & knitting on INsight...

Have you ever received a handmade/homemade (is there a diff?) gift that you absolutely HATE? I have a hard time hiding my true feelings...my face speaks for me unfortunately. I caution anyone when giving homemade gifts since the recipient will feel obligated to use or wear or keep the gift for years to come. Don't saddle your loved ones with items that are not appropriate for them or aren't their taste...

That being said, some of my favorite gifts received have been handmade. I know many talented people who create beautiful and thoughtful items that I treasure.  We talk about this very thing on INsight  as well as discuss knitting for beginners and for stress relief.

Handmade Holiday Gifts

Knitting and Stress Relief 

Thanks for watching!

xx

JDF

festival of trees...

I love December, if for nothing else than the abundance of twinkle lights. I attended the Festival of Trees at the Embassy Theater in downtown Ft. Wayne this season and saw beautifully decorated trees by local companies and artists.

The decorated trees ranged from traditional to modern, many with a sense of humor. I loved the Star Wars tree embellished with Lightsabers as well as the Lego built tree adorned with colored lights!

I adore the Embassy for its grand beauty. It was a perfect backdrop for the event and is one of our city's jewels!