Google+

Navigate with Style

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

Super Bowl Style

Fashion, Fun!Navigate with StyleComment

No matter your thoughts on #deflategate // #ballghazi // #Belicheat, most Americans will be watching the Super Bowl this coming Sunday. Even non football fanatics like moi. The barftastic snacks, uber expensive ads, each one trying (and occasionally succeeding) to be wittier than the next and Katy Perry are enough to lure me in...

More than likely, I'll be cuddled up in sweats on my favorite corner of the couch during the game, but let's pretend, for blogging's sake, that I'll be at a fun, lively party. 

What I'd wear: Seahawks blue, green and silver, natch! Even though I lived in Boston for over a decade, I could never get down with the Pats. Celtics? Mos def. Red Sox? F^ck Yeah! Pats? Hell to the NAW!

What I'd bring: A package of eye black stickers for fellow guests. Super Bowl Rings (Ring Pop lollies) for post-game celebrations!

What I'd do: Use my ref's whistle and penalty flag for anyone that double dips at the buffet. 

Happy Super Bowling! 

Happy New Year!

Fun!Navigate with StyleComment

Narrowing down color choices for the kitchen. 

Well, I finally unpacked and plugged in my computer after a hectic move right after Christmas. At long last, we've hung curtains, installed appliances and tackled the sea of laundry that piled up during the chaos. We still have lots to do in terms of unpacking, painting and some light renovating but that will happen...eventually. I'll be blogging the transformation of our 1954 Mid Century Modern ranch home in a series I'm calling #AtomicFox. 

I just know 2015 is going to be a great year but we've started off with a few illnesses and a semi-frightening career decision for me (have to remain cryptic for now). I'm accepting all good vibes sent my way...

So --- now that it's almost February --- Happy New Year!!!

Makeup Artist Stacey Frasca's Winter 2015 Beauty Tips

BeautyNavigate with StyleComment

Stacey Frasca is an expert makeup artist with over 20 years in the business, a beautiful person inside and out with a sparkling personality and my friend. A few years ago, Stacey opened up her own beauty studio and created her namesake line of richly pigmented colors and luxurious formulas (see my previous profile of Stacey here) and has been an indie smash success in a vast sea of beauty brands. 

I asked Stacey to share her latest beauty tips to kick off 2015 in style! 

* Winter 2015 all about what I'm calling Pure Drama. I'm giving lips a vinyl-like finish with deep, plum toned lip glosses like Bad Bessie or Squeeze Toy. Another way to achieve this sexy lip look is with my Plumberry lipstick topped with my deep and dramatic Venom lip gloss.

Model Lauren Fitzgerald, Maggie Inc. Photo by Joel Benjamin

* Give eyes a high intensity metallic finish with my  Playboy or Beachy eye shadows as base colors with Shiver or Sugar used as a highlighter under the brows. This combo gives eyes an amazing, instant lift.

* Brows have been trending big for a few seasons. Give yours lots of natural definition by layering brow pencils and shadows for a full, realistic look. I've been using my Brow Pencil in Taupe and Eye Shadow in Oyster Bar with my Angle Brow Brush No. 15.

* Contour and highlighting is a must-do combo, especially for evening looks. You can define and slim every facial feature - perfect for all those selfies! My contour kit is available exclusively on Amazon Luxury Beauty and the palette comes with detailed instructions for nailing the look. It may take a bit of practice, but it's worth it!

 

Follow Stacey Frasca on Instagram @StaceyFrasca and like Professional Makeup Artist Stacey Frasca at Studio 28 on Facebook. Learn more about Stacey and Studio 28 Cosmetics, view her portfolio and videos as well as shop online at www.staceyfrasca.com 

Happy Holidays!

Fun!Navigate with StyleComment

I'm so thankful for a wonderful ending to a year full of ups and downs. As we wrap up 2014, my family will be packing up and moving to a new house - a Mid Century Modern atomic ranch. We're incredibly thrilled to start the New Year in our new home.

Given that we'll be in full moving mode starting December 26th, I'm taking the rest of the year off (and then some). See you in 2015!


Holiday Gift Guide, Special Edition| Fort Wayne

Fun!, FashionNavigate with Style2 Comments

With only two days left to complete your holiday shopping, I've got some fantastic last minute ideas for those who reside in my fair city. Shake a leg, people!

* Subscription to Fort Wayne Monthly -- I hear they have some pretty kickass contributing writers in that gorgeously glossy mag. It's $18 a year and provides readers with all the fantastic things happening around town! Fill out and send in the subscription card or complete the online form and put a bow on the current issue (available at Kroger) for under the tree or in a stocking. Just go ahead and get one for every person on your list... You'll make at least one freelance writer very happy! 

* Opal & Ruby is a tasteful and fun gift shop for babies, kids, men, women and home --- essentially, everyone. Check out the selection of gourmet seasonings, Doodle tablecloths for creative kids, printed canvas wine flasks, chic zip code pillows, affordable sparkly earrings, books, stationery, greeting cards and cool men's grooming products. 

* The Monogram Shoppe always stocks the most current gifts and gadgets and the massive inventory is impressive. Go here for no-fail gifts for the kiddos --- or die-hard IU or Purdue fans, as the store stocks a wide selection of novelty gifts that represent both.

* If you need a gift for a girl of any age, you can find it at Essentials & Frosting. Think eco friendly cosmetics, candles, a vast array of jewelry and gobs of sweaters and denim.

* Symmetry stocks designer clothing and a well curated selection of cool jewels and accessories for the fashionistas (I hate that word but sometimes it's hard to find a good substitute --- someone help me) on your list.

* Bravas' new brick and mortar burger joint sells gift certificates - a slam dunk for all the bros on your list.

* Make a donation in someone's honor to Wunderkammer Company. Right next door to Brava's, this indie gallery churns out hit after hit, supporting the community and the regional scene with innovative events and a fresh, approachable take on the arts.

* A membership to Science Central or the Fort Wayne Museum of Art can be enjoyed all year long. One membership can serve an entire family and they'll think of you every time they visit.

Keep the change, ya filthy animal!

Holiday Gift Guide, Part 4 | For the Gourmand

Fun!Navigate with StyleComment

Luxurious kitchen and dining gifts are among my favorite to give and receive. For this installment, I've gathered cool sets and accessories for those who love to get funky in the kitchen, all under $80!

Tech Candy

Fun!Navigate with StyleComment

I love a good gadget. Our phones and tablets are our constant companions - at least mine are - so they might as well be properly accessorized, yes? There's nothing more boring than a dull grey power strip --- why not seek out one with a bit more personality? I love to mix cheeky, brightly colored accoutrements (rubberized, hot pink iPod boombox, anyone?) with chicly detailed items like rose gold embellished headphones and Vachetta leather envelope cases. Take a bite of this Tech Candy.

Holiday Gift Guide, Part 3 | For the Fine Fellas

Beauty, Fashion, Fun!Navigate with StyleComment

Whether yo man is a sports bro, a DIY dandy, a rocker, a fine fella or a man's man, I've got you covered with gifts $85 and under!

RIFD-blocking Steel Herringbone Wallet $75  | Whiskey and Rum Making Kit $75 | Beard Pack $40 
Baseball Game $48 | Ticket Stub Diary $12 | Stalk Tiebar $85

Miss the previous editions of this year's gift guides? Fear not: Part 1, For the Glamour Girls | Part 2, For the Kiddos

Pantone's Color of the Year

Fashion, BeautyNavigate with StyleComment

In case you haven't heard, Pantone recently announced their highly anticipated (at least by a certain demographic) Color of the Year. I'm always excited to see their take on the current color trends, even if I'm not all that thrilled by their selections. Tangerine Tango was a big hit with me, while Emerald was not (I prefer the gem to the textile color). This year, Pantone deems Marsala as the IT hue.

I'm a bit iffy on Marsala, only because it seems a little dull to my eyes. It reminds me of my wardrobe in the 90's... I doubt I'd wear the color on my body anymore (never say never), but I can dig on Marsala for interiors and, perhaps, for lipstick or nail colors. Perhaps.

MAC Party Line $16 | Butter London Tramp Stamp $15

What's your take on Pantone's Color of the Year? Will you be buying into this color trend?

Holiday Gift Guide, Part 2 | For the Kiddos

Fun!Navigate with StyleComment

There are standard gifts that most children always love to open (think Lego, Barbie) but I like to hunt around for more unique gifts for the littles in my life. I've gone a little too out there in the past (clip on unicorn horn for my 3 year old niece -- she was underwhelmed) but I'm confident in this year's list. Bonus: All items are $50 or less!

Warning: This list contains gifts adults will want to play with. I may or may not have had a long, intense session with Simon recently. 

>

Simon Memory Game $25 | Make Your Own Dream Catcher $45 | Snowball Launcher $25 |  
Perplexus Epic Ball $30 | Boogie Board LCD e-Writer $39 | Snow Castle $50

Miss the previous edition of this year's gift guides? Fear not: Part 1, For the Glamour Girls

In the Clutch

FashionNavigate with StyleComment

You need a chic and stylish clutch for all your holiday haunts - your day bag just won't do. The right clutch bag holds all your essentials (phone, keys, ID, money, lipstick, mints) but also acts as an additional piece of jewelry. Consider not only your dress style but also your carrying style. For example, a leather envelope style clutch is easy to tuck under your arm while a minaudière certainly is not. Will you be annoyed if you have to carry it in your hand all night? If yes, choose one with an included strap so you have options. Regardless, select something with a bit of pizzazz for the biggest impact - an evening clutch should be gorgeous and special and perhaps a little over the top. 

Party Shoes

FashionNavigate with StyleComment

'Tis the season for pretty party shoes! Embellished heels add interest to your party dresses, especially when it's your trusty LBD that everyone's seen a few times. You can't go wrong with a neutral embellished shoe since you'll get much more mileage out of them. However, I'm having a mint green-slash-seafoam moment and think that color is highly overlooked this time of year. Look for impactful details like lace, beading or satin bows for sweet, party ready feet. And if you're running from party to party, do yourself a favor and slip in a pair of cushy halter inserts to stay comfy all night long (no promises on that one).

Holiday Gift Guide, Part 1 | For the Glamour Girl

Beauty, FashionNavigate with Style2 Comments

I love giving (and getting) presents. I shop year round for my family and friends and use an excel spreadsheet to track my gifting from year to year - it's quite handy to see what I've previously given. But I realize many people labor over holiday shopping. If you're one of those, I'll be serving up gift ideas for every recipient on your list each Monday morning from now through Christmas (for you last minute Scrooges). Oh, and everything's under $100. This week it's all about the glamorous girls in your life.

 

Nordstrom Foil Paint Accent Pillow $38 | Kate Spade Bow Beanie $98 | Bobbi Brown Eyeshadow Palette $75 | Rebecca Minkoff Molly Metro Wallet $75 | Ugg Andi Slipper $90 | Ban.do Keychain $14

 

Want to thank me? Send me something from this list. I want it all.

Blissful Beauty + Cyber Monday Deal

BeautyNavigate with StyleComment

Once upon a time, I dreamed of owning a spa when I grew up. I was (and still am) obsessed with the spa industry and the business of beauty. I became enthralled with a marvelous and enterprising woman named Marcia Kilgore and ripped out magazine articles about her famed Bliss spa, a modern and youthful, fun-loving spa, an alternative to the traditional (and perhaps sometimes stuffy) business model I was always reading about. When I finally got my hands on my first Bliss products some years later I was hooked.

Bliss' signature lemon + sage scent is divine (reminds me of my first post-college apartment in Boston) and their product packaging and cheeky presentation is cheerful and bright. The Bliss spas (now owned by Starwood) are known for playing upbeat music in bright, clean yet still serene environments. Their delicious complementary brownies aren't too shabby, either. I've loved every single minute I've ever spent inside a Bliss location. My only sadness is that it doesn't happen nearly enough.

Here's how I create a little Bliss for myself at home:

Fabulous Foaming Face Wash $24 | The Youth As We Know It Serum $70 | Triple Oxygen Eye Gel $50

For today only, shop Bliss and take advantage of their incredible Cyber Monday deal!

Click the link below and use code BLISSFRIDAY at checkout.

Cyber Monday Offer: 40% off Bliss Pro Sizes + 20% off Almost Everything Else + Free $150 Beauty Bag + 
4 Free Travel-Size Treats + Free Shipping

 

Small Business Saturday

Fun!Navigate with StyleComment

I'm a big fan of Small Business Saturday! While I do very little Black Friday shopping, I always hit up my favorite local shops on SBS to pump dollars back into the community. I'm proud to say I do this as a regular practice all year long, but I definitely make a special push in December. This holiday season, make a personal pledge (if you haven't already) to buy the majority of your gifts at a locally owned store. From Mom & Pop restaurants to your favorite indie boutiques, you'll be giving twice when you purchase goods, gift cards or services from a local business -- once to the recipient and once to the business owner. 

* Be sure to use #ShopSmall on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to help spread the word!