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Navigate with Style

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

desk set...

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I've uprooted my home office to make way for baby Fox #2. How am I coping with this? By dreaming up ways to accessorize the small desk that now lives in my bedroom. Whether your work area is in your home or at an office, here are some fun ways to add personality to your space:

* Repurpose old household items - A tea cup for paper clips, a vase for your writing utensils, pretty bowls for miscellaneous bits and bobs and a cool napkin holder for stashing note pads. Use a funky tray to hold the vessels to keep everything corralled.

* Bring some real life to the space - If you have a window, bring in a low maintenance plant or a small bouquet of fresh flowers. If you work in a cave, air plants are for you! Suspend them in open glass ornaments or in a few shallow dishes around your space. Give 'em a spritz of water every few days to keep them alive (though, I'm no green thumb).

* Standard office lighting is pretty harsh and unforgiving - Add an attractive desk lamp and turn off the overheads. Just make sure the lamp gives off enough light so you don't fall asleep on the job!

* Look for unique versions of basic office accessories - Instead of boring dry erase boards and cork boards go for colorful and interesting shapes. Hang notes and pictures on a suspended magnetic cord with bright magnets or on twine with clothespins.  

Shop the following sites for alternatives to the the boring old desk accessories from the approved office supply store. Say goodbye to the depressing and gloomy office from Joe vs the Volcano...

The Container Store

Crate and Barrel

Poppin

See Jane Work

Office Playground

My colorful mousepad makes me happy (I have a clear desk).

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

why don't you...

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...use two scarves to create one fab scarf?

Choose two scarves that are roughly the same size but with different textures, patterns or colors. Lay them flat on top of each other to line them up then twist or drape around your neck as you normally would. Voila! A new super scarf that didn't cost you a dime.

gifts that give back...

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Now that Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday have passed, you might have a few people left on your list that are a bit harder to buy for. Yes, sometimes I end a sentence with a preposition --- sue me.

Below is my tried and true list of gifts that give back and may speak to the passion or interest of those hard to buy for loved ones:

* Kiva is a rewarding and interactive way to help those who want to help themselves but need a little financial boost to get going. The money gets repaid and can be re-gifted to another person in need, making this a gift that truly keeps on giving.

* One of my dearest friends helped to start Drop in the Bucket, an organization that builds water wells in Africa. Every person on this planet deserves clean drinking water and giving a donation in someone's name will make everyone feel great. Give the gift card inside the sleek and attractive Drop in the Bucket glass bottle.

* I am super passionate about the rescue, protection and preservation of elephants and one of the best gifts I have ever received is the ongoing sponsorship of a sweet ele named Sities, through The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. A sponsorship of an ele or rhino would make a memorable and inspiring gift for an animal lover, especially when gifted with Dame Daphne Sheldrick's book, Love Life and Elephants, an African Love Story. Since I have your attention, please take a moment to read and sign the petition to halt the destructive ivory trade once and for all by visiting iWorry - Say NO to Ivory.

* Common Threadz is a non profit that focuses on helping children by supporting them and local communities in the developing world. The online shop has gobs of cool t shirts for sale that help fund their mission.

* Donors Choose is another fantastic and interactive way to give back because every single donation goes directly to a classroom project of your choosing. The recipient can narrow down the selection based on state, city, school, teacher and/or project. After the money is given to the project, the recipient will receive at least one letter from the teacher and classroom, expressing thanks or updating the progress or impact of their funded project.

The best Pin-tentions...

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After about a year on Pinterest, and then almost instantly forgetting about what I've pinned, I have decided to review my boards and start attempting the fab recipes, decor ideas and DIY crafts that always look so appealing.

I've zeroed in on my Food & Drink board first and here's what I've done so far:

Cinnamon, Sugar & Butter Crescent Rolls...So damn easy and fun to make. I think I'll try Nutella as a filling next time.

Caprese Lasagna Roll Ups...Again, super fun to make and awesomely delicious. I'm still perfecting my own marinara sauce so this time I used a jar from the market.

Crock Pot Mashed Potatoes...I started this on Thanksgiving morning and had the perfect side dish by the time we sat down for our meal. This is THE way to make mashed pots, fo shizzle. I added whipped cream cheese instead of milk for a creamier and thicker texture. Diets, be damned!

Hard Boiled Eggs, in the oven...Clearly, I can't call these hard boiled but hard baked just doesn't sound right. I don't think I'll ever go back to the boil - this is just too simple.

Cheddar Bay Biscuits...I passed this recipe off to my husband who was happy to attempt these savory biscuits from Red Lobster. He said the recipe was ridiculously easy and I'm here to say they were ridiculously delicious! Instead of the oregano, Mr. Fox used fresh parsley (curly or flat, doesn't matter) and added a little Old Bay seasoning to the finishing butter.

What have been your favorite pins to tackle thus far? I'd love some more Pin-spiration!

why don't you...

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...breathe new life into an aging piece of furniture?

Many moons ago I was given an antique slipper chair that once belonged to a glamorous ancestor.  While pretty, over the years the chair took on a sad, threadbare appearance.  I decided a makeover was in order and picked out a wild and bright fabric!

Before

The cream satin was once bright and elegant but had become dull. The lumpy and worn out springs would groan when sat upon (no fat jokes please) and the legs of the chair were uninspiring in color, shape and condition.

After

I tried for green leopard but couldn't find a cost effective option so I went with green zebra.  The springs were replaced, matching buttons and cording created and a box pleat skirt added to hide the legs. Now THIS would make my glamcestor proud (just made that up on the spot, thank you)!

ps - Isn't my porcelain, flea market kitty adorable? My husband doesn't quite think so...

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!

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

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.