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Navigate with Style

Charting the style of daily life...with the mouth of a sailor.

Beauty

multi-use makeup...

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I was recently sent the latest and greatest in foundation from the geniuses at Make Up For Ever and I couldn't be more thrilled! Pro Finish Multi-Use Powder Foundation can be applied wet for a sheer finish or dry for matte coverage - both techniques offer flawless results. The texture is super lightweight and blends easily with the included applicator sponge, making this compact a perfect "on the run" option. Bonus: the formula is paraben free!

My shade is #117 Golden Ivory but there are 24 other shades to choose from!

Pick up what's sure to be your new fave foundation at Sephora, in store or online. $36

pregnancy is hard...

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I'm firmly in the third trimester of my second (and final) pregnancy. My first pregnancy was a dream - I felt so great and happy that I could have gone on being pregnant forever. This time? Oy...

This pregnancy has zapped my energy, my hair and skin are blah and my style has slowly been sucked away. I have massive lower back pain, can barely manage a quick trip to Target (sadness) and have hormones that make me quite crabby at times. I have been doing a bit of yoga and am trying to be as organic as possible with my food and beauty choices but I can't say I always succeed on that front.

In terms of style, I do have a little bit going for me this time around. I no longer work in an office so I don't have to worry about what's work appropriate. I've embraced a very easy uniform of black leggings and tanks under cozy cardigans and have been heavily relying on accessories and jewels to keep things as interesting as possible. As soon as I get home I throw on large men's sweatpants and a t shirt...the epitome of chic, right? 

my belly at 30 weeks...check out my outie!

priority parking for the expecting...so helpful!

I know there have been many pregnant women before me with the same feelings and I certainly won't be the last. In fact, I'm so thankful to have a cadre of friends that can relate. And, in the grand scheme of things, these issues of mine take a backseat to the more serious complications of other pregnancies.

The bottom line is...I don't know what the bottom line is. I'm just a little frustrated and needed to vent. I see a nap in my near future...

A few little things that have been bringing me joy during these last few weeks:

* peppermint tea

* Origins Ginger Body Gloss

* belly hugs and kisses from my 4 year old boy

* a kick ass Alexis Bittar ring that I want to wear 24 hours a day

* perusing Pinterest for nursery decor and baby announcement ideas

Happy 2013!

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Alright, my boy is back in school and I'm ready to tackle 2013. I have some major life events coming up so this year might shake out to be one of my most exciting yet!

I have some great ideas for NWS and hope to implement some of them before Baby Fox #2 arrives. At the same time, I'm also trying to simplify a few things before my life becomes a series of short naps in between diaper changes and feedings.

Besides the arrival of my babe, here's what I'm looking forward to in 2013:

* Emerald, Pantone's Color of the Year - I can't wait to see this brilliant color show up on accessories of all sorts, in makeup (espesh the Pantone-Sephora collab), home decor and clothing. Emerald will be the perfect punch of color this spring when we've all tired of the boring neutrals of winter.

* The Swinging Sixties - Marc Jacobs sent mod black and white stripes down his Spring 2013 runway along with winged eyeliner, nude lips, creamy nails and teased hair, deeply parted on the side (sexy swooping bangs). I'm excited to try some fun Edie Sedgwick style looks this spring.

* Colorful Eyeliner - This is a trend that comes and goes every few seasons that I normally eschew for my standbys of brown, black and deep purple. This spring I'll be trying turquoise, fuschia, emerald (natch) and possibly even yellow just to keep things interesting. This is a great trend to try without breaking the bank because eye pencils can be as inexpensive as $1 from brands like Wet n Wild and elf at Target.

Of course there are many more trends to try in the coming months...what are you looking forward to? Tweet me @navigatewstyle

style resolutions...

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As Christmas and the New Year approach, I have resolutions on the brain. Of course, I have some more meaningful changes to make in 2013 but let's just have fun with my style resolutions, 'kay?

* wear more color...It's easy to slide into a uniform of basic black so I'll be integrating more vibrant hues into my wardrobe this year. 

* embrace prints...I tend to have issues with prints due to my curves but I love to have fun with my clothing so I'll be pushing myself a bit out of my comfort zone here.

* ditch nail art...I'm just a little sick of the sloppy looking polish out there. Classic mani's are where it's at! 

* get back to more organic/natural products...I haven't been as strict with my beauty purchases in the last few months so I'll be returning to my organic faves and trying out some new launches --- because I'm worth it.

* work with what I've got...I need to make more of an effort to wear what I already own, remix my closet, jewelry box, accessories. Part of the challenge here is to re-organize so I can see it all in the first place!

What are your style resolutions for 2013? Tweet them to me at @navigatewstyle

ps - My boy is now on school vacation so I'm taking a bit of a break from blogging to fully maximize my time with him. See you in 2013!

Stylish Holiday Gifts on #INsight...

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holiday makeup...

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Sublte sheen and targeted sparkle is all you need to transform your everyday makeup into holiday worthy looks.

BECCA's Shimmering Skin Perfector is a hydrating illuminator that imparts a subtle, pearly glow and comes in a six different shades. Use over or under foundation all over the face or highlight one area such as the bridge of the nose, the orbital bone or under the brow. If your complexion is glowing, avoid sparkling lipstick and glitter eyeshadow to avoid overload (it can happen before you know it)!

If you usually keep your eyeliner pretty tame, now is the time to bust out a winged cat eye. Too Faced's 3*Way Lash Lining Tool makes achieving said wings super simple. The three pronged tool can also be pushed into the lash line for a natural, full lash look.

Feeling extra festive? LORAC's 3D Liquid Lustre is a shimmering liquid top coat for eyeshadow but can also be used to highlight cheeks. In silver or gold, this product offers mega watt sparkle!

Fashionable Friends...Lorin!

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I spotted Lorin before we ever met. We were in a college lecture hall with 46 other students and their parents for a London study abroad orientation. Lorin was asking all the right questions and sporting that season's colorful Gap sweater that was all the rage. You know, the striped one from Winter of 1999. Anyway, my mother told me I should make friends with this girl while I rolled my eyes. Once in London, I did in fact make friends with her and almost 13 years later, we're still close! 

Lorin is the kind of girl you'd be really jealous of (she's charming, insanely pretty, funny) if she wasn't so damn nice! She modeled and acted for years and after earning a degree in Marketing, is now a Registered Nurse, wife and mother. This girl does it all...including a killer Phoebe Buffay impression.

A candid shot from Lorin's wedding.

1. Three words to describe your style: classic, comfortable and covered in baby drool

2. Desert island beauty product: sunscreen

3. The outfit that never lets you down: jeans, white t shirt and fun jewelry 

4. Signature fragrance: Trish McAvoy Sexy #9 in the summer and Hanae Mori in the winter

5. Fashion Hero:  I wouldn't call her a hero, but I'm incredibly jealous of Gayle Spannaus, the Fashion Director of J.Crew.  Would love to have her closet! 

Thank you, Lorin!

xx JDF

holiday shopping challenge...

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I believe it's terribly important to shop small and local - not just during the holidays but over the entire year. I admit to being an online shopper but only when I can't find the desired item in my city. There are many benefits to shopping small biz --- see for yourself by clicking here.

This year I suggest challenging yourself to shop small and local by using the following ideas for stocking stuffers, gifts and holiday trimmings:

* Patronize local boutiques, holiday markets and pop up shops.

* Shop local farm markets not only for your fruits and veggies but also small batch soaps and baked goods for fab hostess gifts.

* Check etsy for sellers in your area for unique handmade or vintage items which will allow you to take advantage of all the greatness of the site without shipping fees or wait time. Even if what you want on etsy is not in your local area, rest assured you're still supporting an independent seller.

* Buy gift memberships to local CSA's for the gourmand in your life.

* Local restaurant gift cards are always much appreciated gifts, especially when paired with an IOU for babysitting, if appropriate.

* Buy gift certificates for local experiences like winery tastings and tours, independent movie house tickets or a membership to a local museum.

Online Resources (just a few)

* Small Business Saturday is November 24th - check out the website for shops in your zip code and surrounding areas.

* American Design Club is an online shop dedicated to promoting independent artisans and crafters with an inventory of really rad items.

* Indie Collective is a "showcase of independent artists, artisans and designers."

Think big, shop small.

chapped lips...

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I'm having a bout of dry, flaky lips...I know, so sexy! I figure if I'm experiencing this ugly side effect of the cold weather, others are too. I'm using a moisturizing lip scrub to fight my chapped pucker:

Sara Happ Lip Scrub is the gold standard for lip exfoliators. I'm using this delicious scrub nightly to sweep away the dead skin cells that stand in the way of the balms I apply all day.

You can also whip up your own in the kitchen - it just won't be as lovely as Sara Happ's.

Mix equal parts olive, jojoba or sweet almond oil, warmed honey and organic sugar. If you like or need more grit, just add in more sugar until you're satisfied with the scrubbing power. Apply in a circular motion on the lips and surrounding skin. Tissue off and apply a super rich balm. I love Reve de Miel by Nuxe.

'Tis the season for kissing under the mistletoe...better keep your kisser smooth & soft!

Trying TRIA...update!

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I started using the TRIA hair removal laser last year and was really digging the experience and the results. However, I had to halt my experiment once I became pregnant this summer (baby boy due in March). I will resume my trial, and the giveaway for one lucky reader, once this kid arrives.

In the meantime, peep the first few installments of my Trying TRIA series:

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

INsight segment

To learn more about the TRIA laser, click HERE!

Fashionable Friends...Jennie!

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A few years ago, my husband reconnected with an old friend who he'd not seen in almost 10 years and who had just moved with his new bride from LA to Boston (where we lived at the time).  After they settled into their new digs, we invited them over for pizza and beer...how chic and so, so original! Little did I know the girl I was about to meet would become a friend I would cherish forevermore. She is incredibly accomplished (ahem, a Doctorate from Harvard), has the most hilarious expressions and  slips into random voices during conversations. She is creative, compassionate and cultured. Plus, she's mother to ridiculously cute twin boys.

an American in Paris!

1. Three words to describe your style: eclectic, casual, off beat

2. Desert island beauty product: L'Occitane After Sun Lotion - I don't care how burned or dry your skin gets, this stuff is like magic potion for repair. I am worried it was discontinued as our supply comes mainly from pilfering it from the Four Seasons Hotel in Maui. Editor's note: I found it on the L'Occitane Middle Eastern website but not the US version.

3. The outfit that never lets you down: Ash high top sneakers in camo, dark wash skinny jeans, scoop neck black t shirt, a chunky black Theory cardigan and a besparkled pink cashmere beret. Throw on the right jewelry and I can go to work, out to dinner or grab my little ones and head to the playground.

4. Signature fragrance: My own funk. I am not a perfume person.

5. Fashion Hero (ES): Kate Moss - if only I could be so freaking cool. Bianca Jagger - she is so exotic and funky. My Mom - she was never afraid to wear what she liked (even if no one else did).

Thank you, Jennie!

xx JDF

nail rant...

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It's time for me to vent:

I am so disenchanted with the general offerings of the nail industry. In my opinion there are just two options available to the masses: pay an obscene amount of money for good customer service and a clean environment or a small amount of coin for rude or indifferent technicians and grimy facilities. In most cases, the results end up being the same - polish that looks better than what I can do myself.

Why is there no middle ground? The state of the nail industry is lacking in originality and modernity and I'm surprised no one has thought to address it. While beautiful and affordable makeup application spas, quickie day spas and blow dry only salons have cropped up, the nail world has completely stalled. I am tired of not being able to properly communicate with my service provider (and vice versa). I am tired of service providers that think talking on a cell phone while performing a service is ok! I am tired of seeing multiple health code violations occurring before my very eyes. I am tired of the goopy, cracking, years old polishes lining the racks. And I'm really tired of having to pay $60+ for a standard (NOT spectacular) pedicure at a high end salon. I am not satisfied with the status quo when it comes to my manicure and pedicure. I'd rather do my own nails (ugh...that's really saying something) than spend one more dime on another lackluster experience.

Here's what I want:

An attractive and clean facility with outstanding customer service. A fantastic manicure and pedicure performed with sanitary tools, updated and clean polishes with some affordable add ons like customized nail art or a pampering moisture mask. I want a nail technician that can understand my individual requests such as, "Please do not cut my cuticles."  I'd go a step further and ask that all products used be organic and non toxic but I'm afraid that might put the majority of the industry over the edge.

Whew! Thanks for letting me get this issue out of my brain. If I had the skill of a nail tech and the stomach to deal with strange feet, I would open my own nail spa. I'm guessing I'm not alone in this opinion and hope that someone, somewhere is already working on a solution that will spread nationwide, not just on the coasts.

Where do you stand on this issue? Dirty & Cheap OR Clean & Overpriced? If you've personally experienced a middle ground, I'd love to hear about it.  Tweet me: @navigatewstyle and use #nailrant to tag your tweet.

baby...

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...I'm having one!

While being pregnant the first time was awesome, this time around I'm a little more tired, emotional and achy. To combat the not so hot symptoms of pregnancy I'm relying on the following staples:

* Origins Ginger Gloss - the scent of ginger helps ease nausea and this moisturizing body oil keeps my growing body moisturized! 

* Target now carries a diffusion line from Ingrid & Isabel called BeMaternity. The seamless leggings and ruched tank are perfect foundations for cardis, dresses and long blouses.

* I've stopped my regularly scheduled facial peels until this kid arrives so I've stepped up my manual exfoliation to compensate. Pangea Organics Facial Scrub is organic and gentle yet effective. 

* As for my nutrition, Luna Bars, Emergen-C packets and bottles of water stashed in my handbag, car and at home save me constantly.

More to come!

xx JDF

brow basics...

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Eyebrows can make a big impact - either good or bad, depending on how you allow them to frame your face. The best advice I can share is to find and commit yourself to an expert who will handle the shaping and taming. Then, with the right tools you can easily maintain between appointments.

* I adore the Anastasia Brow Wiz tool because the tip is super fine and the spoolie at the other end means you don't have to use a separate brush. Apply using short strokes to define your brows and fill in any gaps then use the spoolie to blend the color for the most natural look.

* Clear mascara (no need to spend lots of money on this) is the best for taming unruly brows. Mine are a little curly so this is a must for me. Plus, I enjoy a little bit of shine for my brows. I've always been jealous by how Demi Moore's brows seem to glisten!

* Invest in a great pair of tweezers with a slant tip. I only advise grabbing obvious stray hairs and always plucking at a distance from the mirror to lessen the chance of over-harvesting. Tweezerman is my brand of choice because they offer free sharpening for the life of your tweezers.

There are brow "trends" from time to time but I say ignore those and stick with a classic, full and well groomed shape. No need to channel Brooke Shields but for crying out loud, stay far, far away from pencil thin Pamela Anderson brows!