I haven't abandoned ship but boy #2 has been so much fun (and tiring) that I decided to really embrace my maternity leave. During my absence, I've had some new ideas for this little space. Changes are afoot...stay tuned!
xx JDF
that's all she wrote...
...for now! The nursery is done and we're totally moved in to our new home (not fully settled, but that's another story). I'm in the home stretch so I'm taking a smidge of a break to enjoy these last few days with my family and catch a few naps before boy #2 arrives!
Ciao, baby!
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.
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.
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!
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!
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.
