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Navigate with Style

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

Fashion

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.

Thanksgiving, my favorite fall-iday...

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Thanksgiving just might be my favorite of all the holidays. Mashed potatoes, comfy clothes, lengthy naps with the sounds of football in the background and QT with loved ones makes for a pretty spectacular day.

My T Day always starts with the Macy's parade blasting while I pretend to work in the kitchen. I absolutely love watching the Rockettes kick those gams and last year, my son asked me why I wasn't dancing with them...sweet boy. The National Dog Show that runs after the parade is my cue to start consuming port wine cheese and crackers (and a cocktail when I'm not preg) while cheering for the English Springer Spaniel to take home Best In Show.

Dish

Mashed potatoes is always my favorite dish to make and eat for Thanksgiving but I can also whip up a mean cranberry relish. I saute one 12 ounce bag of fresh cranberries with 1/2 cup sugar and slices of about 6 clementines, peels on, 1/2 cup of orange juice and 1/2 cup of water, until the liquid is reduced. Feel free to play around with the measurements and some add ins like cinnamon or ginger...this recipe is almost goof proof and so much better than the canned ish.

Threads

My no fail Thanksgiving outfit is leggings or lounge pants with slippers, a roomy t shirt and an oversized cardigan. I keep jewels to a minimum for snag-free, spontaneous naps. These ballet flat style slippers are plush and cute, not sloppy or childish.

Give Thanks

Get creative with how you express your gratitude this year. Cut strips of pretty colored paper and place on an entryway table with metallic gold and silver pens. Ask guests to write down what they're thankful for this year. Using clear tape, create a chain garland with the completed strips to hang over a mantle or chandelier. After your meal is over, share the chain with the group and then keep it up for display throughout the holidays. You might even save the chain for some fun reminiscing the following year. 

Best wishes for a happy and healthy Thanksgiving celebration!

xx JDF

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

why don't you...

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...try a pair of Over the Knee boots this winter? OTK boots can be tricky to wear but here are some basic rules of thumb (ugh, I loathe that term) to keep the look chic, not cheap:

* a flat sole or low heel is always less slutty than spindly stilettos.

* stay far away from patent leather...I love Pretty Woman just as much as the next chick but that doesn't mean Viv's cheap looking, shiny boots are stylish.

* cognac leather or black suede tends to look more refined than black leather.

* a fold down style means you can go OTK when you're feeling sassy but UTK when you're feeling less so.

* a  more streamlined look is generally best...lots of buckles, rivets, straps or ruching is just too much for these tall suckers.

I really like these OTK boots by FRYE thanks to the subtle and casual Western details and low heel. For a cozy Autumn look, wear with leggings and a chunky, oversized sweater.

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

work with what you've got...

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I've always loved buying and wearings all sorts of jewelry but I've cut my shopping budget so I've been challenging myself to mix and match what I already own for new looks.  Sometimes I wear a few rings of different styles on the same hand or layer bunches of necklaces together. These days I've been really into bracelets more than anything.  Cast your eyes upon my new favorite, reworked combinations:

I have favored gold jewelry for quite a few years now but I'm slowly getting back to my silver pieces --- as evidenced by my one silvery combo.​

Fashionable Friends...Lyndsey!

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I met Lyndsey while enduring the cattle calls of sorority recruitment in college and then we both ended up pledging to Pi Beta Phi. That was, um...yeah, 15 years ago!?! Her cute and funky personal style is right in line with her cute and funky personality. Lyndsey is pint sized, her laugh is infectious, and she's a longtime Hillary Rodham Clinton admirer.

1. Three words to describe your style: classic, sporty, funky

2. Desert island beauty product: sunscreen

3. The outfit that never lets you down: swimsuit                                                                                Editor's note: uhhh...you know this chick is funky if this is her answer.

4. Signature fragrance: Dune by Dior

5. Fashion Hero: My best friend Morgan. She can make a slammin' look out of anything, at any time, with any amount of money.

​Thank you, Lyndsey! Pi Phi love forever...

xx JDF

You can't beat one of a kind...

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Earlier this week I had the thrill of being able to watch a one of kind piece of jewelry being made...for me...from scratch. Ron Ostlund, Jr. is a local talent that produces cool works of art like clocks, lamps and jewelry from scrap metal. Plus, he's completely self taught...

​Check out my pix below from the 3.5 hour session:

the sheet of copper is cut and buffed into shape...​

the collar starts to curl and take its shape once the hammering begins...​

the final, shining product...​

There were tons of little tweaks done to the piece as it started to take shape and it was interesting to see how each small change made a huge impact. Watching a flat sheet of metal transform into a wearable work of art was fascinating.

HUGE thanks to Ron for allowing me to help create my own piece and for letting me sit in on the making of...​

Casual dressing...

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As much as I like sky high heels and pretty dresses from time to time, I really just prefer to be comfortable. It's no easy feat to find pieces that are both comfy and stylish - not frumpy. I just purchased a sweatshirt (during #FNO) that just happens to be both!​ Check out the label WILT for soft tanks, floaty t shirts and anything but boxy sweatshirts.

​Just pile on the jewels and some dope kicks to take the look from casual to chic!

Bonus: These comfy and roomy tops will be perfect for Thanksgiving Day feasts!​

Fashionable Friends...

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I'm a lucky girl. I know many, many stylish ladies who posses fantastic personal style. While I love observing the high fashion looks from the runways and red carpets, ultimately I strive to make NWS a celebration of accessible and everyday style.

Models and celebs have access to the latest and greatest in fashion and beauty and a cadre of talented people who help them put it all together. I believe true  style can be found by looking on the streets, at friends, family members and neighbors. I like to see ensembles put together by women with limited clothing budgets (like me) and who don't have access to a wide array of boutiques and stores.  

This season I'll be introducing my fashionable friends who embody unique personal style and who inspire me daily. Stay tuned!

#FNO is here!

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It's here - tonight is Fashion's Night Out! I love FNO because it's a fun way to celebrate the world of style and beauty! There are tons of events happening tonight across the country and the rest of the world. Most events feature discounts and/or giveaways, hors d'oeuvres, celebs and great music - find your local or online event by clicking here.

​I'll be spending the evening with some friends at my favorite local boutique, Symmetry!

symmetry FNO 2.jpg