Fashion.Music.Style.

Outfit:

Cable knit cardigan - Forever 21

Floral button front blouse - Urban Outfitters

Striped skirt - Forever 21

Tights - Mandee

Mary Janes - Office (UK)

Double-Breasted Jacket - The Gap

You may have noticed my new banner... Figured the place could use a little sprucing up. You like?

Aside from fashion, the other huge passion of mine is music. Since I was 13, I always clung to a music scene - which I give much credit for my love of writing as I used to read and dissect lyrics. I hold a huge admiration for song writers and musicians as I'm neither of the two... except for a short stint with piano lessons when I was 11. That didn't last long - my teacher would force me to play "Yellow Rose Of Texas", and I was more of a Green Day gal at the time.

Music and fashion go hand in hand. They are constantly changing, not everyone agrees with your taste or gets your opinion on why you like it, and both are an uber creative outfit of expression. And sometimes they don't conform to what everyone else likes... My taste in music is all over the place. Good fashion and music are the most similar because when you find a band/clothing you really love, you wear them out to the point that you'll eventually need a new one, but you'll still hold on to the old one.

My playlist of current favs includes:

Cake - Showroom of Compassion
The Black Keys - Brothers
Fiona Apple - When The Pawn
Fleetwood Mac - Rumours
Local Natives - Gorilla Mansion

Today, I was in a Two Door Cinema Club type of mood. I guess this meant that I'd go to the park and make an ass out of myself while jumping.

I did catch some good air, though.

In-betweeners

 Outfit:

Jacket - H&M

Chambray shirt - Old Navy

Pleather vest - Mandee 

Tights - Forever 21

Shoes - DSW 

Messenger Bag - Macys 

Yes, the In-Betweeners is a hysterical show on BBC (not sure if it's still on in the U.S), but it is also a reference to wardrobe items that can be worn in the winter and transition into spring. But not all items have this versatility.

Take, for instance, winter coats. I hate the bulky jackets. Most of em are not fashionable at all. I try to buy coats that don't make me look like Randy from A Christmas Story (Ralphy's brother). This happened to me as a child (thanks, Mom), and I'm definitely not trying to recreate looking like a line backer.

Plus, you get hot in em indoors. Finding that balance between practical coat and stylish outerwear can be hard. No wonder I like in-between coats - warm enough to wear when it's cold, but light enough for spring weather.

Trenches are good as long as they have lining. I'm constantly cold, so in order to off-set my shivering, I dress in layers under lighter jackets. Yesterday was a bit windy, but I was going to the mall with my hubby, and didn't feel like wearing a heavy coat that I'd more than likely take off and have to lug around. The trip itself was a little disappointing as retail is in the in-between phase where there's a lot of solids and knits... I'm waiting for prints and summer sandals. But in the meantime, this jacket suffices to cloak my bones.

Falling down the rabbit hole

Outfit:

Geisha tee - Zara

Skirt - Forever 21

Tights - Urban Outfitters

Mary Janes - Steve Madden

What's so great about these tights? The fact that they were $4 at Urban Outfitters, and if the Cheshire Cat happened to appear, I was ready to attend a Mad Hatter tea party with Alice. Metallic gold lurex stripes really don't go with anything, but I do love items that can be a bit challenging in my wardrobe.

I tend to impulse shop - and I see things that I think would look cool on me, and then I get it home and can't figure out what to pair it with. In this case it was something black... Uh, duh, winning.

I definitely don't feel 30, and don't dress my age either. Then again, I'm not sure what a 30 year old is supposed to look like. As long as I can fake not looking my age, I'll run like hell with it. I've already got my Botox reserve fund going - to "preserve my sexy" as Diddy would say.

Someone out there has to let me know when I'm too old to be handing out fashion advice - or shopping at Forever 21. Do I smell a Forever 31?  And if there was one, you bet your ass I'd be there.

This ain't no rodeo

I had planned on writing about spring and summer fashion trends, but then New Jersey got hit by a snow storm.... I figured it didn't make much sense putting up photos of girls in shorts and tees when it's 32 degrees outside, and I'm wearing a parka...

Luckily, I had taken some photos outside in February, when there was still snow on the ground from the snowpocalypse. This makes my segway into pleather and liquid leggings much easier.

I love the chine of leather, but not looking like a motorcycle enthusiast (but hey, if that's your bag, I dig, I dig... ) or the cost of real leather. It's no surprise that I like things with a slightly vinyl-esque shine to them, as I own multiple pairs of liquid leggings. To me, they elevate chunky sweaters into nighttime looks, but paired with a blazer and some stems, they're a great alternative to jeans... and I'm always trying not to wear denim as often as I do.

This look from Balmain's Spring/Summer 2011 is what I've dreamed of - but cropped? Never crossed my mind. Homegirl pulls this off perfectly.

Photo via http://theshows.blogspot.com/

There's a couple of rules to pleather leggings:

1. Don't pair them with dresses  -  You already have something quite noticeable going on, and throwing a dress on top of it tends to look a bit silly. Tunics are okay. I usually wear mine with plaid, my other wintertime weakness. 

2. Fit is key - I will say that you have to find the right liquid/pleather legging for you. If they aren't ass-tight, they'll look baggy - which is the problem I run into with trying to find pants that give off the impression that I painted them on myself.

3. Cost - You know me, I'm always on the hunt for a bargain. I've priced out this leggings at numerous stores - they go as high as $70, and for me, I don't feel right buying pants that are synthetic for that price. I got mine for a steal - $34!

Outfit:

Plaid shirt - Delia*s

Vest - Mandees

Pleather leggings - Zara

Boots - Steve Madden

Necklace - Urban Outfitters

Friday 5

1. Bloglovin'

You can now follow House Of Jeffers on Bloglovin! Click here! Go ahead... you know you want to...

2. Cupcakes that win

A great vegan cupcake shop in Rutherford, N.J., Sweet Avenue Bake Shop, not only makes amazing cupcakes that I'm obsessed with, but they are currently selling Tigerblood cupcakes in honor or Hollywood's favorite nut-job, Charlie Sheen. And the money collected goes to Big Cat Rescue in Tampa, FL.  I'd go to Sweet Avenue any day of the week, really. The variety of confectionery cupcakes they offer is ridiculous... and they taste amazing!

3. Jimmy Eat World touring this summer!

I already have my tickets for the show in June in Montclair, N.J. Oh yeah.

4. Mother Nature giving New Jersey a spring sneak preview.



http://www.flickr.com/photos/photofrenzay

This was the first day in months where I didn't have to wear a jacket, and wore flats comfortably, without freezing. I like the idea of not having to wear a parka till next year... and being able to drive with the windows down.

5. Possibly getting a shirt with this on it:

... that is, if my husband brings one back from his trip this weekend!

Don't fake the funk

Outfit:

Chunky knit sweater - Express

Striped three-quarter sleeve top - Forever21

Jeans - Mandee

Sunglasses and necklace - Mandee

Patent leather penny loafers - Zara

In my role as a blogger, I'm often wondering what other bloggers think of their own work and image. I would hope that no one makes pre-meditative moves to create an image of oneself that isn't true. Let me rephrase that...

While, yes, planning your outfits around your blog is a conscience decision, and organizing is certainly part of generating ideas and content for your blog, I can only speak for myself that I'm not putting on airs for the world to see. I think there may be people who do just that... who fake the funk and be what they think everyone wants them to be, wants to see... This lies in fashion choices, general bandwagon jumping in terms of changing their admiration for various designers as fast as Charlie Sheen says winning and casting oneself in a light individually deemed as pleasant, when in reality, the lighting captures all your bad sides... and I'm not talking about your physical appearance.

On the other hand, deeming yourself as a "fashion blogger" does come with pressure to look your best, but the best content you can together and stay true to yourself and your blog. When I attended the IFB Evolving Influence Conference in February, many panelists stressed the importance of thinking of yourself as a brand. At first, I thought the concept was a little weird.

"I'm not selling an image. "

Well, actually, if I'm putting up photos of myself in an attempt to display my own personal style views and looks, then I'm branding or "selling" my perceptual image in a particular way.

As a writer and blogger, I feel it's my duty to be bluntly and blatantly honest about myself and to my readers in terms of my style. I don't shop in certain stores just because I notice that everyone and their mother is doing it. I don't conform to style standards strictly - instead, I draw inspiration from them and make em my own. It might be weird, and you might think I'm nuts occasionally for wearing it, but at least it's genuine. All any blogger can be is themselves, and I think it's really whack when I see 10 bloggers rocking the same look all in the name of label dropping. Luckily, I don't come across that often, but it happens, and it's really tacky. 

I guess what I'm trying to say is: Do you, bro. 

Uncharted Territory

When it comes to shopping, there are stores I'm loyal to as I've spent years and time building my wardrobe with their apparel. H&M, Forever21, Zara, Urban Outfitters to name a few.

It's a comfort thing - familiar grounds, in a place you know like the back of your hand... and you're rarely disappointed because you have a general idea of what you'll encounter.

During a trip to the mall this weekend with a friend, I entered uncharted territory. Stores that in my eyes have a different style aesthetic than myself such as Banana Republic, Club Monaco and Loft.

I've been in these stores before, but never really put an effort into finding clothes in them. I usually walk through just to get a general idea of what they carry or just for accessories. I was shopping with blinders on as I had pigeonholed these stores as not being "me".  However, I was proven wrong.

"Oh gee, you don't carry black velvet leggings? Gotta go."  

I gotta stop doing that as I've evidently been missing out on floor displays that really inspire you to take a closer look at the clothes and perhaps try something different. And besides, displays are gearing up for summer - with warmer colors - which happens to be my favorite wardrobe season.

A display in Banana Republic. Loved the hourglasses... and this color scheme.

Admittingly, I felt a little foolish about my outfit in some of the stores, but I take it all in stride. Not everyone dresses like they are ready for battle or a motorcycle run.

Outfit:

Leather jacket - Zara

Scarf - H&M

Plaid tunic - Forever21

Knit tights - Mandee

Boots - Mandee

Friday 5

Perhaps my most random Friday 5 so far. This should be interesting.

Photo via http://www.rogueart.asia/ra/tag/exhibitions/

1. Jeff Koons

Jeff Koons' artwork is a bit kooky, but there's just something about a man who can make a metal balloon dog look cool and then call it art.  People have mixed views on his neo-pop art - some think it's gimmicky, some people think he's a genius. Personally, I want to know if this comes in a more lawn-friendly size for the house I don't own.

2. Reliant Robin

My hubby and I were watching Top Gear when a segment on the Reliant Robin, a three-wheeled car created in 1973, exposed me to one of the ugliest automobiles ever manufactured. You may be looking at it and thinking, "How do you not flip over in this car?" Um, you don't. For everything you never wanted to know about this car, check out Top Gear's hysterical feature on YouTube.com.

3. Maxi Dresses & Skirts

Cheetah Print Maxi Skirt - Forever21.com  

Farrah Maxi Dress - NastyGal.com

I'm not sure if I can pull off a maxi dress, but I'm willing to try. In the summer, they're perfect when it's not to hot and you need to look a little dressed up. My downfall might be my height - I'm only 5'4"... I'll probably end up looking like I'm floating, but if I as least look fashionable doing so, floating it is.

4. Gotham Magazine

Love the spread on spring technicolor. Up until this point, I never read Gotham, but I have to say I was surprised. This is one fashion magazine that doesn't make you feel stupid about fashion designers you may not know.

5. Keurig

I don't drink coffee very often... We're tea drinks in the House of Jeffers. In fact, the word "coffee" in a thick Jersey accent makes me shutter. But, after my husband's relentless nagging during a weekend shopping outing, we buckled and bought one. I have to say, I feel like I just earned some extra adult points. 

Spring stemwear

I can't lie... I have a problem. It's something I'm not proud of, but I'm not hurting anyone....

I can't stop buying shoes.

As winter starts to calm down, I turn to my closet and collection of shoes. If I had to guestimate, I probably have somewhere around 60 pairs. Average for a lady, right? Um, no.

Ok, so maybe that's a little obsessive, but I do get my money's worth out of all the shoes I buy. Spring and summer offers more versatile choices, and, the chance for me to wear color on my feet. Usually, I stick to boots and black for winter, but I revel in the opportunity to wear my favorite green heels from Urban Outfitters and other vibrant shades once the weather warms up.

Currenlty, these shoes are on my wishlist... and my birthday is November 6, by the way. Thanks for asking.

Oh, which one from this photo you ask? Um... all of em. Especially Foxy Wood (in the middle) - the official fashion blogger shoe. Haven't seen anyone wear these in pink... yet. Jeffrey Campbell is the god of making a. fashionable, eclectic shoes that are b. comfortable. I own a pair of heeled oxfords by him that are hands down, one of the most well made, comfortable shoes I own.

Irregular Choice has an amazing selection of funky footwear that you don't find very often. While I was in England, I came across this brand, and I'm glad that I can torture my husband stateside by heading to the Irregular Choice store in NYC!  The Bonny Bonnet (at left) can go with jeans, tights and pretty much anything, while the sparklers on the right I'd have to do some outfit planning.

Outfit:

Cut-away hem cropped sweatshirt - Mandee

Jeans - Zara

Shoes - Christian Louboutin

These bad boys are Christian Louboutin. One can dream... and that's all I'll be doing with these shoes as I'm going to have to find a less expensive alternative. The color yells "Wear me in spring!" For not planning my outfit around these shoes, they actually didn't look too bad what with I had on - minus the deer in headlines expression on my face in the photo.

Shopping-ologie

Sometimes I get bored and need to change something up. Usually, I'll go shopping but when I'm really in need of some refreshing, I'll get my hair glazed. It was a spur of the moment decision, as I called in the morning and had an appointment set for the afternoon.

The results: A darker brown with a tint of red.

The salon I go to, Bangz (no coincidence to my own) in Montclair, NJ is located near a slue of shops on Church Street, including Urban Outfitters, small jewelry and clothes boutiques, bakeries and the newest, Anthropologie. Going to the salon is just another excuse to shop since they are in close proximity to each other.

Anthropologie is all types of grand, but my three top reasons for going there:

1. It always smells good.

2. I'd live there. Whomever does their decor, I'd like to hire them to revamp my own digs. This particular store has two levels, all of which is decked out in chic housewares and of course, clothes in Anthropologie's signature aesthetic.

I never noticed the books they carry, but wishlist, here I come.

3. The sale rack

While I peruse the entire store, I never miss the sale section. I've had a lot of luck in this part of the store... everything I've ever purchased has been found there. Saturday was no exception. After shuffling through racks, I took my three potentials to the fitting room.

1. Blue cropped overcoat - $39. This color breaks my color barrier in that I don't own anything cobalt blue. The color and shape of the jacket was adorbs, and as you can see, goes well with what I wore that day. The coat's versatility factor was a plus.

2. Butterfly printed tank - $29. The print on this lightweight, cotton tank immediately caught my attention. I adore abstract prints, and being that I'm finished with buying winter clothes, this top also checked off a lot of pluses.

 3. Striped three-quarter sleeve blouse -  $39. Initially, I liked the color and the pintucked bib. But once I tried it on, not so much.

So, which one did I buy? Check back to find out which one made the cut!

Natured inspired looks for less

As much as I am an admirer of high-end fashion, my wallet won't let me buy everything I want. This is where thriftiness comes in handy. Many a women pride themselves on bargain shopping, most of which can be done online if you know where to look. I won't call finding a less-expensive alternative a knock-off... but just a happy medium between finding a piece you like, inspired by your favorite designers, for less money.

While my secret shopping place is probably no secret to many, Etsy.com is the spot for unique jewelry, accessories and clothing - and they support the hand-made movement.

Gearing up for spring, I'm turning toward earthy, nature and Native American-esque pieces that don't break the bank. These four make the cut - coming in at under $60 or less!

1. Asymmetrical Snowflake Stone Bullet and Pyrite Necklace by GATHERJEWELRY - This necklace, for $58, combines metal with a natural white howlite stone. Pamela Love revealed her new collection during New York Fashion Week, filled with raw and rough crystals against polished metals (http://www.refinery29.com/pamela-loves-spring-jewelry-collection-slays-us#), and I think this piece is very comparable in price and look. Also, I love how a bullet shell can make a stone look chic. 


2. Octopussy Octopus Lace Earrings by thissilk - Lightweight lace and chandelier earrings all in one - so versatile! And they only cost $25!


3. Zebra Print Racerback Tank by PrettyRaccoon - I'm a fan of anything with animals chillin' on cotton jersey for $30. Skinny jeans, I'd like you to meet zebra racerback tank. This shop houses a plethora of animal friendly printed tees!


4. Leggings with Black Birds by Malu7 - These $48 tights reek of spring.